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Science News for June 12, 2009


Prostate cancer test improves prediction of disease course

A new risk assessment test, CAPRA, has been developed to predict long-term risks and pinpoint high-risk cases in prostate cancer. The test accurately predicted bone metastasis, prostate cancer-specific mortality, and all-cause mortality when localized prostate cancer is first diagnosed.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 12, 2009

Females are usually at higher risk than males in a maternal history of non-GCs

A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that females are at a higher risk of developing gastric cancer than males when their mothers have a history of non-gastric cancer. The research analyzed family histories of 2260 patients with gastric cancer and identified key genetic and environmental factors contributing...

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJun 12, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Flexible solar strips light up campus bus shelter

The new flexible solar cell technology installed at McMaster University's bus shelter generates up to 4.5 Watts of power from two solar strips with 720 one-centimetre square cells each. The system captures sunlight during the day and recharges batteries to light the shelter for a significant part of the night.

SourceMcMaster University·DateJun 12, 2009

DKK-3 and WIF-1: Proteins related to liver cancer development?

The study found that DKK-3 and WIF-1 proteins are associated with liver cancer development, suggesting potential as biomarkers for early detection. The research suggests blocking this pathway may improve treatment options for liver cancer through further study.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJun 12, 2009

Urban myth disproved: Fingerprints do not improve grip friction

Researchers Ennos and Warman found that fingerprints do not increase friction between the skin and objects, contrary to a long-held theory. In fact, the ridges in fingerprints can reduce skin contact and even loosen grip, making them less useful for grip than previously thought.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJun 12, 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.

Team effort needed to report on science, U of Alberta study says

A team of experts emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to science reporting, citing diminishing public trust in biomedicine and biotech research. The study proposes eight recommendations to enhance public understanding and confidence in scientific information.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 12, 2009

AIAA to present 5 awards at June conference

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics will present five awards at the 39th AIAA Fluid Dynamics Conference, recognizing outstanding contributions to various fields such as aerodynamics, fluid dynamics, plasmadynamics, thermophysics, and aerospace engineering. The honorees include Jubaraj Sahu, Parvis Moin, Charles Clend...

SourceAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics·DateJun 12, 2009

AMS June science highlights

The American Meteorological Society (AMS) is showcasing recent advancements in hurricane forecasting, climate trends, and the long-term impact of CO2 emissions. A new study reveals improved forecast capabilities, while another paper examines the causes of seasonal and regional climate trends over the United States.

SourceAmerican Meteorological Society·JournalJournal of Climate·DateJun 12, 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.

Multiple PVI: A poor prognostic factor for hepatocellular carcinoma

The presence of multiple portal vein invasion (PVI) is a significantly poor prognostic factor for hepatocellular carcinoma. Anatomical resection is recommended for patients with HCC and PVI-M, while non-anatomical resection may lead to poorer disease-free survival.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJun 12, 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.

New study reveals structure of the HIV protein shell

Scientists have revealed the structure of the HIV protein shell, providing a close-up look at its unique honeycomb arrangement. The discovery may help identify new ways to block HIV infection and develop novel therapeutic strategies.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalCell·DateJun 12, 2009

Manatees can probably hear which directions boats approach from

A study published in the Journal of Experimental Biology found that manatees can probably hear which directions boats approach from. The animals were able to pinpoint sound sources, including both high- and low-pitched sounds, using a combination of time difference and intensity cues.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJun 12, 2009

RA individuals from lower GDP countries keep working despite worse symptoms than richer countries

A new multinational study found that RA individuals in lower GDP countries are more likely to keep working despite higher disease activity and functional disability scores. The probability of individuals continuing work for 2 years was 80%, while the probability of continuing to work for 5 years was 68%. This highlights the significant...

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·DateJun 12, 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.

Caltech scientists predict greater longevity for planets with life

Researchers propose reducing atmospheric pressure to extend Earth's lifespan by 1.3 billion years, doubling the chances of finding intelligent life elsewhere. This mechanism could occur on any extrasolar planet with an atmosphere and biosphere.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 12, 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.

'Weather's Greatest Mysteries Solved!'

This book delves into the science of climate study and its impact on human societies, exploring how weather has influenced civilizations throughout history. The author uses a detective story approach to examine the role of weather in shaping human societies, from ancient Sahara to modern-day New York City.

SourcePrometheus Books·DateJun 12, 2009

Efficiency is poor at Spanish airports

Research at Spanish airports reveals poor efficiency levels, mainly caused by excessive decentralization of services, leading to missed opportunities for cost savings and increased production. The study suggests concentrating airport operations in a single site to achieve economies of scale.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Productivity Analysis·DateJun 12, 2009

Zebra mussels hang on while quagga mussels take over

Research by Suzanne Peyer reveals that zebra mussels' ability to produce strong 'byssal threads' enables them to attach securely in fast-moving waters, outperforming quagga mussels. This adaptation allows zebra mussels to thrive in rivers and streams, whereas quagga mussels are more commonly found in calm lake waters.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJun 12, 2009

Winter- and spring-onset RA patients have worse 6 month outcomes than those with summer onset

A new study found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) whose symptoms first appear in winter or spring tend to have worse radiographic outcomes at six months compared to those with summer onset. The study suggests environmental factors such as vitamin D deficiency and winter viruses may contribute to this effect.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·DateJun 12, 2009
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.

Over half of people with rheumatoid arthritis have periodontitis

Over half of people with rheumatoid arthritis also have periodontitis, displaying fewer teeth and higher disease activity. Anti-TNF therapy improves periodontal status in RA patients, suggesting a link between the two conditions. Periodontitis may be a risk factor for developing RA, especially in non-smokers.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·DateJun 12, 2009

An alternative treatment for hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma

Researchers evaluated percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (PAA) as an alternative to conventional RFA in treating hypervascular HCC. The study found that PAA significantly reduced post-RFA recurrence and improved treatment outcomes, making it a promising new approach for this patient population.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJun 12, 2009

Advances in liver surgery enable the prospect of curative treatment for more patients

A study published in World Journal of Gastroenterology found that patients with extrahepatic disease, high carcinoembriogenic antigen levels, or multiple nodules have poorer survival rates. Despite this, advances in surgical technique and complementary treatments are increasing the number of patients benefiting from curative treatment.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJun 12, 2009

Hear! Hear! Texas wines fight cancer growth

Research by Dr. Susanne Talcott found that extracts from Texas red wines decreased cancer cell growth in a comparable magnitude as other wines previously studied. The study suggests that moderate consumption of Texas wine may offer similar health benefits to those from other regions.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·DateJun 12, 2009

Dual role in breast tissue for a protein involved in leukemia

Researchers found that Stat5a protein has a mixed function in breast cancer development, promoting growth of certain precancerous lesions but also protecting mammary cells from carcinogenic exposure. The study highlights the importance of understanding breast cancer heterogeneity when testing new therapeutic targets.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·DateJun 12, 2009
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Early treatment of systemic onset JIA with anakinra restores the IL-18 response

Researchers found that anakinra treatment restored the deficient IL-18 response of natural killer cells and improved clinical parameters in patients with systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SoJIA). The study suggests a potential new treatment strategy for children with newly-diagnosed SoJIA.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·DateJun 12, 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.

INFORMS Management Insight contrasts online highbrow and lowbrow movie rentals

A study of online DVD rentals found that customers tend to hold highbrow films longer than lowbrow films, with a 1.3% increase in reversal probability if the first film is more attractive. As customers gain experience, they tend to favor want over should characteristics.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManagement Science·DateJun 12, 2009

E. Vincent Zoby wins 2009 AIAA Thermophysics Award

E. Vincent Zoby, a specialist in hypersonic aerothermodynamics, received the award for his work on accurate engineering codes and mentoring of aerospace engineers. He has served on numerous advisory boards and is an AIAA Fellow with over 100 technical papers published.

SourceAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics·DateJun 12, 2009

FibroTest attributes to generate decision trees in hepatitis C

Researchers used FibroTest attributes to create decision trees for patients with chronic hepatitis C, providing explicit rules to relate biomarker values to fibrosis scores. The study enhances understanding of fibrosis progression and improves classification of preclinical subgroups.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJun 12, 2009