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Science News for November 19, 2010


Businessman-philanthropist assists TGen-VARI study of rare cancer

A new study aims to discover the genetic and molecular underpinnings of small cell carcinoma of the ovary (SCCO), a rare and aggressive cancer affecting young women. Researchers will collect tumor and blood samples using advanced genomic approaches to understand the disease's origins and develop effective treatments.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·DateNov 19, 2010

I2R Known-item-Search technology takes top honors at US standards annual TRECVID conference

The I2R team achieved high performance in both automatic and interactive search categories, showcasing the effectiveness of their Known-item-Search technology. With a mean inverted rank of 0.454 in automatic search and 0.727 in interactive search, they outperformed other teams and demonstrated the potential of their innovation.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·DateNov 19, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

COPD could be a problem with autoimmunity

Research suggests moderate to severe COPD may involve an auto-immune component, with 34% of patients having abnormal ANA and AT levels in their blood. The study found a significant association between these auto-antibodies and impairment of lung function.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 19, 2010

Reading the signs: Plants and animals found common ground in response to microbial threats

Researchers have discovered that plants and animals share remarkably similar mechanisms to detect molecular signatures of infectious organisms, which could lead to new treatments for human diseases. The study's findings highlight the potential for inter-specific transfer of engineered receptors to confer resistance to various pathogens.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateNov 19, 2010

Elderly can blame fractures and falls on low sodium

A study of over 5,200 adults found that those with mildly decreased sodium levels had a higher rate of fractures, despite no difference in bone mineral density. Screening for low sodium concentration may be an important new strategy to prevent fractures.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·DateNov 19, 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 path for colon cancer drug discovery

A Vanderbilt University Medical Center researcher has identified a new lead for compounds that block the Wnt signaling pathway, implicated in over 90% of sporadic colon cancers. The approved anti-parasite drug pyrvinium was found to inhibit Wnt signaling and cell proliferation in cultured colon cancer cells.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateNov 19, 2010

New research from Psychological Science

Studies examine how people perceive gaze direction, detect kinship, and identify objects in space. Researchers find that subordinates' perceptions are generally more accurate than those of their bosses, while firstborns may struggle with detecting kinship among strangers.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 19, 2010

Trained bacteria convert bio-wastes into plastic

Researchers have trained bacteria to efficiently convert sugars in agricultural bio-wastes into valuable chemicals for bioplastics. The optimized process enables the production of high-quality bioplastics from waste materials, reducing costs and increasing efficiency.

SourceDelft University of Technology·DateNov 19, 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.

Gene links to anorexia found by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers

Researchers found intriguing clues to genes associated with anorexia nervosa, including genes active in neuronal signaling and shaping interconnections among brain cells. The study also identified several rare CNVs that occurred only in AN cases, suggesting that both common SNPs and rare CNVs contribute to the disorder.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateNov 19, 2010

UH physicists study behavior of enzyme linked to Alzheimer's, cancer

Researchers used computer models to illuminate protein behavior in crowded cells, revealing enzyme activity was 15 times more active. This discovery can aid in designing efficient therapeutic means for diseases like Alzheimer's and cancer.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 19, 2010

Online map of maternal health to inform world leaders

The Atlas of Birth project provides a comprehensive picture of maternal health globally, highlighting high rates of death in sub-Saharan Africa and India. The interactive online map aims to inform policymakers and advocates on ways to reduce preventable deaths of girls and women in childbirth.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·DateNov 19, 2010

Designing more effective anti-HIV antibodies

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital discovered that some HIV antibodies target the protein in its final form, making them ineffective. The team proposes designing immunogens to trap the protein in an intermediate state, preventing further structural rearrangements and blocking membrane fusion.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateNov 19, 2010
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

New tests and interventions may help prevent future health problems

Researchers have identified a potential solution for preventing osteoporosis using potassium citrate supplements. Additionally, waist circumference measurements in children may be a better predictor of heart disease risk than body mass index. Early urine tests can also predict pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·DateNov 19, 2010

New microscope reveals ultrastructure of cells

Researchers have developed a new X-ray microscope that delivers immediate 3D images of entire living cells, closing the gap between conventional microscopic techniques. The new method allows for high-resolution imaging without chemical fixation or labelling, enabling detailed study of cellular ultrastructure.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Methods·DateNov 19, 2010
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.

Professor Zvi Ram presents phase III recurrent glioblastoma survival and quality of life data from the first pivotal study of the NovoTTF-100A at 15th Annual Society for Neuro-Oncology Scientific Meeting

Phase III trial data suggests Tumor Treating Fields (TTF) therapy increases median survival time and improves quality of life scores compared to standard chemotherapy. Younger patients and those with better functional status show an impressive survival advantage.

SourceEdelman Public Relations, New York·DateNov 19, 2010

Race impacts declining kidney function

Researchers analyzed data from a nationwide study of over 5,200 adults and found that African Americans have faster rates of decline in kidney function compared to white Americans. Hispanic participants also showed faster declines, but with varying effects by country of origin.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·DateNov 19, 2010
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 study into bladder regeneration heralds organ replacement treatment

Researchers have developed a medical model for regenerating bladders using stem cells, which could lead to new organ replacement therapies. The study used bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, which have been shown to retain their ability to populate and function in a grafted area.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalStem Cells·DateNov 19, 2010

Spain is leading the fight against rare anemias in Europe

The European Network for Rare and Congenital Anaemia (ENERCA) aims to disseminate latest developments in rare anemias through a network of close contacts. The project has been funded with €1.2 million Euros by the European Commission, and Spain is working on developing a Strategic plan for rare diseases.

SourceIDIBAPS - Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer·DateNov 19, 2010