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Science News for December 10, 2010


FReD can help explain how a bee sees!

Bees perceive the world differently than humans, with variations in hue that are invisible to us. The Floral Reflectance Database (FReD) provides data on flower colours as seen by bees, addressing existing gaps in records.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 10, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Combination therapy reduced HER2-positive breast cancers

A combination of lapatinib, trastuzumab, and paclitaxel significantly improved tumor response rates compared to single-agent treatments in patients with HER2-positive breast cancers, according to early data from the NeoALTTO Trial. The study suggests that dual blockade against HER2 is an efficient way to target HER2-positive tumors.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateDec 10, 2010

High CTC levels predicted poor outcome in metastatic breast cancer

A study found that high circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are an independent prognostic marker for poor overall survival in metastatic breast cancer patients undergoing first-line chemotherapy. Persistence of high CTC levels during therapy was also an early marker of poor outcome.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateDec 10, 2010
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.

Iron legacy leaves soil high in manganese

Researchers found elevated manganese levels in 20 of 21 soil samples from a ridge at Shale Hills Critical Zone Observatory, with 53% attributed to atmospheric deposition from industrial sources. The excess manganese can be toxic to trees and other vegetation, highlighting the legacy of past iron furnaces.

SourcePenn State·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 10, 2010

UVic biomedical engineer 'outsmarts' HIV

Stephanie Willerth's research on HIV has significantly advanced understanding of the virus and its resistance to medications. Her study of over 15,000 different versions of the virus has led to the identification of specific genes resistant to drugs, paving the way for more effective treatments.

SourceUniversity of Victoria·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 10, 2010
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.

Pregnancy may be impetus for degenerative back disease

Researchers from Michigan State University are investigating the relationship between cesarean-section deliveries and degenerative spondylolisthesis, a condition causing lower back pain and nerve damage in women. The study aims to quantify muscle function objectively and document variables in women with and without the disease.

SourceMichigan State University·DateDec 10, 2010

Denosumab delayed time to first skeletal-related side effect

Denosumab was found to delay the time to first skeletal-related event by 18% and the time to first and subsequent event by 22%, while overall survival and disease progression were similar between groups. The treatment also showed a lower rate of jaw osteonecrosis compared to zoledronic acid.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateDec 10, 2010

Researchers establish new rule to predict risk of stroke, death from surgery that prevents it

Researchers developed a clinical risk prediction rule using factors such as sex, race, and health history to assess the danger of carotid surgery. The CEA-8 rule found that one-fourth of asymptomatic patients were at higher risk than recommended national guidelines, highlighting the importance of weighing individual benefits and risks.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalStroke·DateDec 10, 2010

Lowering the drinking age is unlikely to curb college binge drinking

A new study suggests that lowering the minimum legal drinking age may not effectively reduce college binge drinking, as it relies on poor enforcement and student misperceptions of normal drinking habits. The research found that campuses with lax underage drinking laws and high levels of misperception were more likely to see a decline i...

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateDec 10, 2010
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.

Beyond bars

The latest issue of Index on Censorship highlights the vital role writers can play in supporting their colleagues facing persecution. Contributors, including Margaret Atwood and Lydia Cacho, share their experiences and emphasize the importance of protecting free expression.

SourceSAGE Publications UK·JournalIndex on Censorship·DateDec 10, 2010

A few steps could lead to big gains for hospitalized seniors

A new study by the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that hospitalized elderly patients who take even short walks around their unit tend to leave the hospital sooner than those who are less mobile. This correlation was observed after adjusting for varying severities of illness, suggesting a potential 'standard of ca...

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateDec 10, 2010

News tips from the Quarterly Review of Biology

Researchers challenge traditional views of individuality, proposing an evolutionary perspective that considers the fitness interests of component parts. Meanwhile, a surge in play research reveals its diverse causal mechanisms and evolutionary histories across animal species.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalThe Quarterly Review of Biology·DateDec 10, 2010
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 way found of monitoring volcanic ash cloud

Scientists have discovered a new method to estimate volcanic plume properties by detecting lightning in ash clouds. This approach allows for remote monitoring of plume height and is detectable over thousands of kilometers away.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateDec 10, 2010

HOXB7 gene promotes tamoxifen resistance

Researchers found that overexpression of HOXB7 gene leads to tamoxifen resistance by interacting with estrogen-activated genes and proteins, including HER2. Knocking out HOXB7 gene increased responsiveness to tamoxifen in breast cancer cells.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateDec 10, 2010

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's 2010 AGU tip sheet

Scientists developed an instrument that measures individual particle sizes and compositions, revealing a complex landscape of aerosol particles. The research improved computer models of the atmosphere by accounting for the varying effects of different chemistries on climate.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateDec 10, 2010

Twin study helps scientists link relationship among ADHD, reading, math

A new twin study links ADHD behaviors, reading achievement, and math skills in children, suggesting a common genetic and environmental influence. The researchers found that identical twins were more alike on these traits than fraternal twins, indicating a strong genetic component.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 10, 2010
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.

Drugs are safe, active in patients normally ineligible for clinical trial

Researchers have found a two-drug combination to be safe and active in newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome patients with additional diseases or poor performance status. The combination of 5-azacitidine and vorinostat has shown promising results, with 83% survival rate after 60 days.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateDec 10, 2010

WHO Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) newly released for Singapore

The WHO Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) has been released for Singapore, enabling health professionals to accurately assess the absolute risk of osteoporotic fractures. The online calculator, available in 27 country models, provides a 10-year probability of hip fracture and major osteoporotic fractures based on clinical risk factors.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·DateDec 10, 2010

Trio of drugs may combat 'triple negative' breast cancer

Researchers have tested a cocktail of three drugs that targets gene regulation and cancer cell growth in triple negative breast cancers. The combination therapy halted tumor growth in laboratory-cultured cells and rejuvenated RARbeta expression in mice engrafted with breast tumor cells.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateDec 10, 2010

Poor breast cancer prognosis associated with presence of circulating tumor, cancer stem cells

A new study by researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center found that metastatic breast cancer patients with circulating tumor cells (CTCs) before or after treatment have shorter survival periods. Patients with higher percentages of epithelial cells or specific cellular transitions had higher chances for relapse. The study suggests that u...

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateDec 10, 2010
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.

Sign languages help us understand the nature of metaphors

Research shows that certain types of metaphors are difficult to convey in sign language due to the iconicity of a form constraining possible metaphorical extensions. Sign languages exhibit rich metaphorical use, but clashes between form and meaning components can render some metaphors impossible.

SourceLinguistic Society of America·JournalLanguage·DateDec 10, 2010