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Science News for April 7, 2009


New medications show promise in treating drug-resistant prostate cancer

Researchers have developed two new drugs, RD162 and MDV3100, that prevent male hormones from stimulating growth of prostate cancer cells. These compounds appear to work well even in prostate cells with heightened sensitivity to hormones, which makes them effective against drug-resistant prostate cancer.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateApr 7, 2009

Multifocal lung cancers appear to originate from single cancer clone

A retrospective analysis found that multiple lung tumors in patients often arise from a single cancer cell, suggesting multifocal lung cancers should be classified as advanced-stage cancers. The study analyzed 70 tumor samples and concluded that 77% of patients had multiple tumors originating from a single clone.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 7, 2009
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Gates charity backs bid to cut 2 million pneumonia death toll

Researchers at University of Edinburgh partner with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to develop low-cost strategies to combat childhood pneumonia. The three-year project aims to predict effective treatment solutions and prioritize investments that save most lives.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·DateApr 7, 2009
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 love at first sight real? Geneticists offer tantalizing clues

Research published in Genetics reveals genetic priming in females, making them more likely to choose certain males over others, influencing mating outcomes and future reproductive behaviors. The study's findings suggest that genetic compatibility is key to understanding love at first sight.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalGenetics·DateApr 7, 2009

Acupuncture 'probably ineffective' in treatment of hot flushes

A systematic review of 106 studies found that acupuncture is not effective in reducing the frequency and severity of hot flushes during menopause. While one study suggested favorable effects of acupuncture on symptom severity, the overall evidence does not support its use as a treatment option.

SourceInternational Menopause Society·JournalClimacteric·DateApr 7, 2009

New drug shows promising results for psoriatic arthritis

A new phase III trial found that golimumab significantly improved active psoriatic arthritis and associated skin and nail psoriasis. The study also showed improved physical function, health-related quality of life, and enthesitis symptoms.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateApr 7, 2009
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Growth factor TGF-B helps maintain health of retinal blood vessels

Scientists at Schepens Eye Research Institute found that TGF-β helps maintain the health of blood vessels in the retina. The study's results suggest that blocking TGF-β can cause retinal dysfunction and lead to diseases like diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.

SourceSchepens Eye Research Institute·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 7, 2009

Scientists discover pentagonal ice

Researchers discovered a five-sided ice chain structure, building from pentagon-shaped rings, which challenges the commonly seen hexagonal structures of ice formations. This finding could lead to new materials for seeding clouds and causing rain, improving weather modification techniques.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 7, 2009

Also in the April 7 JNCI

A large cohort study found that long-term survivors of hereditary retinoblastoma are at a significantly increased risk of death due to subsequent cancers. Hereditary retinoblastoma survivors had a 35-fold higher mortality rate compared to the general population.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 7, 2009

Waist size found to be predictor of heart failure in both men and women

A new study published in Circulation: Heart Failure found that a larger waist circumference is associated with an increased risk of heart failure in both men and women. The research examined two Swedish population-based studies and found that excess body weight was linked to higher rates of heart failure, regardless of BMI.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·DateApr 7, 2009
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.

Altered gene can increase risk of schizophrenia

A specific DNA change has been identified as a potential mechanism for developing schizophrenia. The research found that the altered gene increases expression in cells grown in culture, echoing findings in postmortem brain samples from individuals with schizophrenia.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateApr 7, 2009

Fat-derived inflammatory factor may explain diseases that come with obesity

A new study published in Cell Metabolism suggests that a fat-derived inflammatory factor, CXCL5, plays a key role in insulin resistance and obesity-related diseases. The researchers found that CXCL5 is produced by fat tissue and is linked to the development of various conditions, including pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and arthritis.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateApr 7, 2009

NIH Clinical and Translational Science Consortium grows to 39 members

The NIH Clinical and Translational Science Consortium has grown to 39 members, including the University of Cincinnati, which will receive $22.7 million over five years. The new Center for Clinical and Translational Science and Training will focus on pediatric research and increase outreach into local communities.

SourceNIH/National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)·DateApr 7, 2009

Joslin study pinpoints role of insulin on glucagon levels

Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center have identified a crucial link between insulin and glucagon levels. The study suggests that targeting insulin receptors or proteins in alpha cells could lead to the development of a new treatment for diabetes, particularly for type 1 patients who are at risk of hypoglycemia.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalCell Metabolism·DateApr 7, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

MSU researchers help lead international carbon assessment project

MSU researchers are leading an international project to develop systems to measure, monitor, and manage carbon in landscapes worldwide. The goal is to help growers around the world better protect their land, improve productivity, and fight global climate change by providing a tool to assess their carbon and climate impact.

SourceMichigan State University·DateApr 7, 2009

Intervention reduces children's viewing of violent TV

A study published in the Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology found a classroom-based intervention reduced violent TV viewing among first- through fourth-grade children by 18%. The intervention, called The REViEW Project Curriculum, also decreased students' identification with violent superheroes.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Applied Developmental Psychology·DateApr 7, 2009
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.

Wild chimpanzees exchange meat for sex

Researchers found that females copulate more frequently with males who share meat with them, compared to those who never share. This suggests that sharing meat with females improves males' mating success and may be a long-term strategy for securing mates.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 7, 2009

Gene therapy appears safe to regenerate gum tissue

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a gene therapy approach that safely regenerates gum tissue. The method uses a localized application of adenovirus to deliver genes directly to the affected area, reducing the risk of systemic reactions.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateApr 7, 2009

Has HIV become more virulent?

A recent study found that HIV-positive patients are entering care with lower initial CD4 cell counts and often require antiretroviral therapy soon after diagnosis. The trend suggests the virus has become more virulent, with a significant increase in patients requiring treatment before reaching the threshold of 350 CD4 cells/mm³.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateApr 7, 2009

New, simple method identifies preterm infants at risk of eye disease

A new study from the University of Gothenburg suggests that tracking a preterm infant's weekly weight gain can identify those at risk of developing eye disease ROP. The simple method could save money and allow for earlier detection, reducing the need for costly ophthalmological exams.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateApr 7, 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.

Climate change to spur rapid shifts in wildfire hotspots

A new study reveals that climate change will bring about major shifts in worldwide fire patterns, with some regions experiencing large increases in fire activity and others decreasing. The research uses thermal-infrared sensor data to identify hotspots of fire invasion forming in parts of the western US and the Tibetan plateau.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 7, 2009

Exercise is safe, improves quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure

A clinical trial found that regular exercise significantly improved the quality of life for patients with chronic heart failure, reducing the risk of death and hospitalization. The study also revealed that exercise was well-tolerated and safe, with participants reporting fewer physical and social limitations.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJAMA·DateApr 7, 2009
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

From three to four: A quantum leap in few-body physics

Researchers at the University of Innsbruck experimentally prove the existence of four-body loss resonances closely tied to Efimov trimer states, providing strong evidence for these new universal states. This achievement marks an important step towards simplifying laws for complex interactions in few-body physics.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 7, 2009
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Digital album puts focus on kids' health

A new tool, Baby Steps, combines photo and video recording with medical record-keeping to track children's developmental milestones. This system led to a three-fold increase in parents recording medically relevant information.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateApr 7, 2009

UIC biologists use DNA to study migration of threatened whale sharks

A new study found that whale sharks from different oceans are genetically similar, indicating migration and interbreeding among far-flung populations. This suggests that conservation efforts must consider the sharks' global habitat usage to effectively protect them.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 7, 2009

Exercise is safe, improves outcomes for patients with heart failure

Patients with moderate to severe heart failure who exercised regularly had a 11% lower risk of hospitalization or death compared to those who didn't exercise. Exercise also reduced the risk of death from cardiovascular disease and complications related to heart failure.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateApr 7, 2009

Better living through chemistry

Scientists discovered dynamic microbial communities in deep-sea mud volcanoes and brine pools with harsh conditions, supporting life processes on early Earth, Mars, and moons like Jupiter's Europa. These findings provide new insights into microbial adaptation and the potential for life beyond Earth.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 7, 2009

A woman's nose knows body odor

Women outperform men in detecting body odors, particularly those from the opposite sex. The study suggests that human sweat conveys information of particular importance to females, explaining why it is challenging to block women's perception of sweat odors.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalFlavour and Fragrance Journal·DateApr 7, 2009
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Owls' dawn and dusk concerts promote visual communication

Research found that eagle owls utilize vocal displays during dawn and dusk to convey visual signals, with a white throat badge providing better contrast in low light conditions. This challenges the assumption that diurnal species are the primary users of visual signalling.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 7, 2009

Violent video games can improve vision

A Tel Aviv University study found that playing violent video games can enhance the ability of teenagers to discriminate between subtle contrasts in color or shades of gray. After playing 50 hours of violent action games, players showed a significant improvement in contrast sensitivity, with some even experiencing up to 58% enhancement.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 7, 2009

Rhythmic genomics -- the yeast metronome and the walk of life

Scientists discovered variable ribosomal RNA genes in yeast, which are essential to all Earth's organisms. The genes show surprise variation despite being vital for cell function, and hybridization of two yeasts re-set their clocks, providing clues on evolutionary history.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalGenome Research·DateApr 7, 2009
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.

Too much protein, eaten along with fat, may lead to insulin resistance

A new study from Duke University Medical Center suggests that high protein intake with fat consumption may contribute to insulin resistance in obese individuals. The research found that the combination of branched-chain amino acids and high-fat diets caused changes at the cellular level that can lead to insulin resistance.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalCell Metabolism·DateApr 7, 2009

Rice-led project aims to boost performance on every chip

The Rice-led PACE project aims to improve compiler performance for various microprocessors, including PCs, cell phones, and game systems. Researchers hope to develop tools that can optimize compilers in real-time, enabling faster application execution and reduced power consumption.

SourceRice University·DateApr 7, 2009

Cigarette smoke may alter immune response in COPD exacerbations

Researchers found that cigarette smoke exposure alters the immune response to bacteria in mice, leading to increased inflammation and weight loss. This shift in inflammatory markers may impact treatment efficacy with corticosteroids for COPD patients.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 7, 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.

Teaching autistic teens to make friends

A special class at UCLA helps high-functioning teens with autism spectrum disorders learn social etiquette and interact with peers. The program, PEERS, focuses on teaching rules of social behavior and provides parents with guidance to support their child's development.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateApr 7, 2009

Exercise improves quality of life for heart failure patients

A clinical trial found that exercise significantly improves the lives of heart failure patients by improving physical limitations, symptoms, and overall quality of life. The study, which enrolled over 2,300 patients, showed a five-point gain on quality-of-life measures for those who exercised, compared to those who received standard care.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateApr 7, 2009

High-fat diets plus extra protein make for bad mix

A new study reveals that high-fat diets supplemented with extra branched chain amino acids can lead to insulin resistance and diabetes in rats. The researchers found that BCAA tend to climb along with insulin resistance, and its effects are exacerbated when combined with high fat consumption.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateApr 7, 2009
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.

Oral contraceptives associated with increased risk of lupus

A large observational study found that combined oral contraceptives are associated with an increased risk of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), particularly among women who started using them recently. The study suggests a possible dose-response effect of estrogen on SLE onset.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateApr 7, 2009

Weight gain early in life leads to physical disabilities in older adults

A new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that carrying extra weight earlier in life significantly increases the risk of developing problems with mobility in old age. Even if weight is eventually lost, the longer an individual was overweight or obese, the greater the risk.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateApr 7, 2009
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Mexican health care program successful at reducing crippling health care costs

A Mexican health care program created in 2003 has been found effective in reducing crippling health care costs among poorer households. The Seguro Popular program was developed to provide health care to 50 million Mexicans who otherwise would lack coverage, and its success could provide lessons for other countries.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 7, 2009

VA/UAB study looks at functional decline in older patients after hospitalization

Researchers found that patients hospitalized for surgery returned to normal baseline function more quickly than those hospitalized for illness, suggesting increased expectations of recovery may be a key factor. The study highlights the importance of promoting physical and cognitive activity during hospitalization to prevent functional ...

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 7, 2009