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Science News Archive September 2008 - Page 9


Page 9 of 24

Pitt research indicates new virus is culprit, not bystander, in deadly skin cancer

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have found that a virus, Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV), is the cause of Merkel cell carcinoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer. The virus infects normal cells before they turn into cancer cells, and its replication can lead to the death of cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 22, 2008

Inhibiting cholesterol-associated protein reduces high-risk blockages in arteries

Researchers have developed a new class of heart disease medication that reduces the development of high-risk blockages in arteries. The study found that darapladib, which specifically inhibits lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2, decreased the size and number of advanced plaques that cause heart attacks and strokes.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateSep 22, 2008
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Extinct may not be forever for some species of Galapagos tortoises

Yale scientists have found genetic traces of extinct Galapagos tortoise species in living populations, paving the way for potential breeding programs. The study reveals that some islands, including Volcano Wolf, are home to tortoises with DNA from both known and extinct species.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 22, 2008

Study: Facebook profiles can be used to detect narcissism

A University of Georgia study suggests that Facebook profiles can be used to detect narcissism, with individuals displaying self-promoting behavior and having shallow relationships. Untrained observers were also able to accurately identify narcissistic tendencies based on profile characteristics.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateSep 22, 2008

Proton therapy lowers chance of later cancers

A study presented at the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology's 50th Annual Meeting found that proton therapy decreases the risk of patients developing a secondary cancer. Proton therapy is a more targeted form of external beam radiation, which delivers less radiation to bordering normal structures.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·DateSep 22, 2008

Climate change, human activity and wildfires

A new study by the University of Oregon suggests that climate change has been the main driver of global biomass burning for the past two millennia. Human activities such as land clearance and fire suppression during the industrial era also contributed to a significant decline in wildfires worldwide between 1870 and 1970.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 21, 2008
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Surgery may help, but not cure, obese children with sleep disorders

New research suggests that surgical interventions for obese children with obstructive sleep apnea may alleviate symptoms but not eliminate the condition. The study found that removing tonsils and adenoids can reduce sleep apnea, but persistent cases require careful evaluation and treatment to prevent further complications.

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateSep 21, 2008

New options when an old enemy returns

Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found that CyberKnife radiosurgery is a safe treatment option for recurrent pancreatic cancer, allowing patients to resume systemic chemotherapy quickly. The study demonstrated acceptable safety and efficacy in delivering treatment within a week's time.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·DateSep 21, 2008

Quality assurance programs improve clinical trials

A quality assurance program improves the standard of care in cancer patients by ensuring valid and statistically significant data, enabling better treatment protocols. This program strengthens clinical trials conducted by cooperative groups and supported by the National Cancer Institute.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·DateSep 21, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Breast MRI scan could determine need for radiation therapy

A new study suggests that breast MRI scans can help determine if women scheduled to undergo surgery will later need radiation therapy. The research found that tumors' physiological information shown on MRI scans correlated with surgically based findings of cancer having spread to lymph nodes.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·DateSep 21, 2008

Olfactory stimuli may influence dreams

Researchers found that subjects under simulated pleasant smells had mostly positive-colored dreams, while those under unpleasant smells had predominantly negative dream colors. This study provides valuable insights into the impact of olfactory function on dreams and may open up new therapeutic possibilities.

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateSep 21, 2008

Children with hay fever more likely to experience headaches, facial pain

Researchers found that children with allergic rhinitis are more likely to experience headaches, facial pain, and ear aches. The study suggests that these symptoms may be under-appreciated sources of discomfort for many children, leading to reduced diagnoses and effective treatment.

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateSep 21, 2008
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

New HPV-DNA test for cervical precancerous disease has 90 percent success rate

A new rapid screening test for HPV has shown a 90% success rate in detecting precancerous cells in women in Shanxi province, eastern China. The careHPV test is designed to be simple, affordable and easy to use, making it an effective primary screening method for cervical-cancer prevention in rural and low-resource settings.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateSep 21, 2008

ENT/sleep apnea patients experience higher levels of depression

A new study presented at the American Academy of Otolaryngology meeting found that 30% of ENT patients suffer from a depressive illness and take antidepressants. Sleep apnea patients exhibit the highest levels of depression, with 21% diagnosed and 46% taking medication.

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateSep 21, 2008

Primordial fish had rudimentary fingers

Researchers at Uppsala University used medical x-rays to find rudimentary fingers in the fins of Panderichthys, a transitional animal between fish and tetrapods. This discovery indicates that fingers evolved earlier than previously thought, contradicting the long-held theory that they emerged in tetrapods.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature·DateSep 21, 2008

Cancer-causing gut bacteria exposed

A team of scientists has discovered that a molecule produced by a common gut bacterium activates signaling pathways associated with cancer cells. The research, published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology, sheds light on the way gut bacteria can cause colon cancer.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalJournal of Medical Microbiology·DateSep 21, 2008
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Reflux a possible factor in recurrent pediatric croup

A new study presented at the American Academy of Otolaryngology meeting found that 33% of children with recurrent croup had narrowing in their upper airways, which could indicate laryngopharyngeal reflux. Researchers believe that treating reflux may help prevent future episodes of croup.

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateSep 21, 2008

OptiNose presents data on highly effective nasal polyp treatment

A Phase II trial of OptiNose's novel nasal drug delivery device showed a significant reduction in nasal polyp size and associated symptoms, with almost 80% of patients experiencing overall improvement. The treatment achieved a 57.4% reduction in polyp size and improved sense of smell, nasal obstruction, and nasal comfort.

SourceWFD Ventures·DateSep 20, 2008
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

A case of false positive octreoscan in Crohn's disease

A case of false positive octreoscan in Crohn's disease was reported in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, highlighting a potential misdiagnosis. The study found that immunohistochemical studies did not reveal somatostatin receptors in the sample, and no explanation for the abnormal uptake was determined.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateSep 20, 2008

A rare case of inflammatory myoglandular polyp

A rare case of lobulated-type inflammatory myoglandular polyp (IMGP) in the ascending colon was reported. The patient experienced hematochezia and was successfully treated with endoscopic polypectomy, showcasing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateSep 19, 2008

What is sign for progressive of colorectal carcinoma?

Research found that high alpha-catenin expression is associated with increased lymph node involvement and progressive disease in colorectal cancer. Alpha-catenin also showed distinct patterns in tumors of different colon locations, highlighting differences in molecular pathways between proximal and distal colon cancers.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateSep 19, 2008
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Introducing the next generation of chemical reactors

Researchers are developing smart nanostructures that can regulate reactions, momentum, and heat transfer in chemical reactors. These responsive systems could make measurement systems redundant and eliminate the risk of runaway reactions.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·DateSep 19, 2008

Université de Montréal astrophysicists 'weigh' galaxy's most massive star

A team of astrophysicists from the University of Montreal has discovered and measured the most massive star ever found, a binary system with a total mass of over 100 solar masses. The star, located in the NGC 3603 cluster, has a rotation period of 3.77 days and emits X-rays at unprecedented levels.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateSep 19, 2008

What's the main risk factor of gallstone disease?

The study found that increasing age, BMI, and concomitant diseases are predictors of gallstone disease in males and females. Pain in the right hypocondrium or epigastrium is the only symptom associated with GD, and symptom severity increases as a function of the natural history of the disease.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateSep 19, 2008

University of Virginia lab micro-sizes genetics testing

The University of Virginia lab has created a hand-held device that can conduct DNA tests from a pin-prick-size droplet of blood in under an hour, reducing wait times and costs. This technology has far-reaching implications for personalized medicine, crime scene investigation, and agricultural biotechnology.

SourceUniversity of Virginia·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateSep 19, 2008
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

How to prevent liver damage induced by anti-tuberculosis treatment?

Researchers tested two Ayurvedic herbs, Curcuma longa and Tinospora cordifolia, in a clinical trial to evaluate their ability to prevent hepatotoxicity. The results showed that the formulation was safe and effective in preventing liver damage, with only 0.06% incidence of mild hepatotoxicity compared to 14% in the control group.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateSep 19, 2008

Bats pick up rustling sounds against highway background noise

Researchers found that bats can locate rustling mealworms in noisy environments with minimal distraction, but avoid areas with loud background noise. Foraging bats were more affected by white noise and traffic sounds than high wind rattling through vegetation.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateSep 19, 2008

FAS honors Raymond Jeanloz with the 2008 Hans Bethe Award

Raymond Jeanloz receives the 2008 Hans Bethe Award for demonstrating the reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile in the presence of a moratorium on nuclear testing. His work showcases the stability of nuclear materials, contradicting advocates for new nuclear weapons.

SourceFederation of American Scientists·DateSep 19, 2008

Research pushes back history of crop development 10,000 years

A new mathematical model developed by researchers at the University of Warwick suggests that plant agriculture began much earlier than previously thought, around 23,000 years ago. The study found that useful gene types took thousands of years to become stable and that crop development was a slow process.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 19, 2008
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

What contribute to the biological behaviors of gastric carcinomas?

Claudin-1 expression transformation is positively correlated with gastric carcinoma invasiveness and metastasis. The study found that the transformed rate of claudin-1 expression significantly relates to the degree of differentiation and depth of invasion in gastric carcinomas.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateSep 19, 2008

Can Taurine be a potent antioxidant drug in the future?

Researchers found taurine to significantly decrease organelle injury scores and improve hepatocyte recovery in experimental liver fibrosis. Taurine's ultrastructural changes were also correlated with light microscopy findings, suggesting its potential as an antioxidant drug.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateSep 19, 2008

Type 1 diabetes may result from good genes behaving badly

A study by Stanford University scientists reveals that type 1 diabetes may not be caused by bad genes but by how normal genes and gene variants are expressed. Researchers found differences in gene expression between two groups of mice, suggesting a role for environmental stimuli in triggering the disease.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalClinical Immunology·DateSep 19, 2008

October 2008 Biology of Reproduction highlights

A study by Maatouk et al. reveals that DICER1 is required for normal spermatogenesis in mice, with defects leading to functionally abnormal sperm. Meanwhile, Morgan et al.'s research on mouse embryos demonstrates the impact of culture conditions on epigenetic regulation and adult health.

SourceSociety for the Study of Reproduction·JournalBiology of Reproduction·DateSep 19, 2008
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

A new diagnostic tool for colorectal cancers prognosis

BAMBI overexpression is correlated with aggressive tumor phenotypes and predicts tumor recurrence in CRC. A new active monoclonal anti-BAMBI antibody may offer improved survival for CRC patients and serve as a diagnostic tool.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateSep 19, 2008

Estrogen reduces risk of fracture after menopause

A study found that estrogen therapy reduced the risk of fractures after menopause, particularly in women aged 50-64 years. The use of post-menopausal hormone replacement therapy increased greatly during this period and was estimated to cause nearly half of the decline in fracture rates among women.

SourceNorwegian Institute of Public Health·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateSep 19, 2008

CSHL team traces extensive networks regulating alternative RNA splicing

Scientists have identified intricate biochemical networks involving a class of proteins that enable genes to express themselves in specific tissues. The discovery sheds light on gene regulation and its relevance to human diseases, including developmental illnesses such as autism and heart disease.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateSep 19, 2008
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Is local anesthetic wound infusion following laparotomy effective for colorectal surgery?

A systematic review and meta-analysis found potential benefits of continuous wound infusions of local anaesthetics in reducing opioid consumption after laparotomy for major colorectal surgery. The study highlights the need for future research on this topic, including addressing methodological heterogeneity and cost-effectiveness analysis.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateSep 19, 2008

What induce local recurrence of rectal carcinoma?

Researchers found that family history, high CEA levels, cancerous perforation, tumor differentiation, and vessel cancerous emboli are significant risk factors for local recurrence. Patients with positive circumferential resection margins had a higher rate of local recurrence compared to those with negative margins.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateSep 19, 2008

How to diagnoses and treat biliary rhabdomyosarcoma efficiently?

A new case report reveals the successful use of ERCP to diagnose biliary rhabdomyosarcoma in a child, obviating the need for surgery. The treatment involves chemotherapy and radiotherapy, with ERCP providing an effective alternative for some patients.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateSep 19, 2008
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Fires regenerate African grassland

Research in Etosha National Park found periodic fires play a key role in regeneration, breaking up the old grass layer to create opportunities for regrowth. This discovery is significant for managing semi-arid nature reserves where fires are essential for renewing the grass canopy.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateSep 19, 2008

The effective chemoradiotherapy method for pancreatic cancer

Researchers found that a twice-weekly gemcitabine infusion schedule improved median survival time, disease-free survival time, and overall 1-year survival rate compared to previous studies. The study also showed that patients with reduced tumor markers had better prognosis.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateSep 19, 2008

How to prevent halothane hepatitis in Iran?

A recent study on halothane hepatitis in Iran found that a large percentage of cases could have been avoided by following strict guidelines. The researchers suggested avoiding halothane use in female patients with a history of surgery or delivery under general anesthesia to reduce the risk of HH.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateSep 19, 2008

A novel use of Nigella sativa on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury

A study found that Nigella sativa reduces liver enzyme levels and oxidative stress after ischemia-reperfusion injury. The treatment also showed improved histopathology in liver tissue, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateSep 19, 2008
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

How to treat steroid-naive ulcerative colits patients efficiently?

Researchers found 61.1% of steroid-naive UC patients entered remission after leukocytapheresis sessions, suggesting its efficacy as a second-line treatment. Endoscopic findings can predict the treatment's success, making LCAP a suitable option for moderately active UC patients.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateSep 19, 2008