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Science News for April 19, 2009


Penn's online survivorship care plans empower cancer survivors, caregivers

The online tool provides a roadmap for managing health after treatment, addressing late effects of cancer therapies and promoting informed discussions with healthcare teams. Researchers surveyed 3,343 individuals who created OncoLife plans, reporting high user satisfaction and encouragement to share their plans with providers.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateApr 19, 2009

Experimental agents may prevent radiation-induced leukemia

Researchers have discovered that biphosphonates can prevent radiation-induced leukemia in laboratory mice, with 75% of treated mice developing the disease compared to 100% in untreated mice. The study suggests that these compounds may have a general effect on leukemia associated with causes other than radiation.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateApr 19, 2009

Bridging the gap in nanoantennas

Researchers control light at nanoscale by adopting tuning concepts from radio-frequency technology, enabling targeted design of biosensors and photodetectors. The discovery bridges the gap between optical and radio frequencies, opening doors for compact and integrated nanophotonic devices.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 19, 2009
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.

New drug achieves pancreatic cancer tumor remission and prevents recurrence

Researchers found a novel combination therapy using tigatuzumab and gemcitabine that reduces pancreatic cancer stem cells, achieving tumor remission and preventing recurrence. The treatment significantly increased time-to-tumor progression in treated cases, offering new hope for patients with this deadly disease.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateApr 19, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The genetic X-factor

A study of over 200 families with learning disabilities has discovered nine new genes on the X chromosome associated with the condition. The research highlights the challenges of identifying genetic causes and cautions against assuming that a knocked-out gene is causing a disease.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 19, 2009

Bench to bedside: What's on the horizon

Researchers have made significant advancements in cancer treatment, with studies on combined PI3K and MEK inhibition showing anti-tumor activity. Another study found that combining a histone deacetylase inhibitor with an mTOR inhibitor may provide a new therapeutic approach for pancreatic cancer.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateApr 19, 2009
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.

Urine test may determine if a smoker is at risk for lung cancer

Researchers found that a urine metabolite called NNAL predicts risk of lung cancer in smokers, with higher levels associated with increased risk. The study, published by the American Association for Cancer Research, analyzed data from over 50,000 patients.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateApr 19, 2009

An herbal extract inhibits the development of pancreatic cancer

The study found that thymoquinone from Nigella sativa inhibited the expression of inflammatory cytokines and NF-kappaB in pancreatic cancer cells, reducing tumor growth and inflammation. The herb has been used for centuries to treat various diseases, including immune disorders.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·DateApr 19, 2009

New imaging analysis predicts brain tumor survival

Researchers at the University of Michigan developed a method to analyze changes in a tumor's blood flow and volume, allowing for early prediction of patient survival. The 'parametric response map' approach showed promising results in predicting treatment response earlier than traditional methods.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Medicine·DateApr 19, 2009
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Clouds: Lighter than air but laden with lead

Lead from human activities causes clouds to form at warmer temperatures with less water, altering rain and snow patterns. The presence of lead also changes the distribution and density of clouds, affecting the amount of earth's heat that escapes into space.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 19, 2009

Keeping slim is good for the planet, say scientists

A study found that a lean population would consume 20% less food and produce fewer greenhouse gases than an obese one. Staying slim also leads to lower transport-related emissions.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateApr 19, 2009

New biomarker may predict leukemia aggressiveness

Scientists discovered a potential new biomarker, PDE7B, to predict the aggressiveness of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). High levels of PDE7B in white blood cells indicate aggressive CLL and need immediate treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateApr 19, 2009
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Personalized medicine helps cancer patients survive

A nationwide study by TGen and Scottsdale Healthcare shows that molecular profiling can identify specific treatments for individuals, helping keep their cancer in check for significantly longer periods. The study included 66 patients who experienced significant periods of time when their tumors did not progress.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·DateApr 19, 2009

New human study reinforces antioxidant benefits of tart cherries

A new human study confirms that eating tart cherries increases antioxidant levels in the body, with benefits potentially including reduced heart disease risk. Researchers found increased antioxidant activity for up to 12 hours after consuming one and a half cups of frozen tart cherries.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·DateApr 19, 2009
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.