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Science News for October 11, 2010


JCI online early table of contents: Oct. 11, 2010

Research suggests a potential viral link between HCMV and intestinal cancer in mice, where infected cells develop tumors. Meanwhile, scientists identify a key protein regulating breathing in mice and explore survivin as an anticancer target.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 11, 2010
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.

Landing lights for bumblebees

Growing plants with red flowers or striped blooms can significantly increase the number of visits from bumblebees, according to a study by Norwich BioScience Institutes. The research found that stripes following the veins of flowers provide a visual guide for pollinators, directing them to nectar and pollen.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·DateOct 11, 2010

UF research provides new understanding of bizarre extinct mammal

Researchers have found that Labidolemur kayi shares similarities in bone features with other mammals, indicating its living relatives are rodents, rabbits, flying lemurs, tree shrews and primates. The study provides valuable information for understanding the origin of primates.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateOct 11, 2010

New Phase II study shows first-line promise of lung cancer drug PF-299

A Phase II study of the new-generation lung cancer drug PF-299 has shown impressive results in preventing disease progression when administered as a first-line treatment in patients with advanced disease. The study found that 85% of patients with EGFR mutations remained progression-free for at least nine months.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateOct 11, 2010

Listen up: Ocean acidification poses little threat to whales' hearing

Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution found that ocean acidification would only affect whale hearing by a negligible 2 decibels by 2100. The impact on marine animals relies heavily on natural noise levels, not human-made noise from ships.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateOct 11, 2010

Is infertility more common in women with epilepsy?

A recent study found that women with epilepsy are more likely to experience infertility compared to the general population, particularly those taking multiple epilepsy drugs. The study also revealed that older women and those with less than 10 years of education were more likely to experience infertility.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateOct 11, 2010
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.

Sexual issues a major concern for cancer patients taking new targeted drugs

A recent study found that cancer patients taking targeted therapies have significantly decreased levels of sexual function and satisfaction. The researchers surveyed 51 patients and found that men's erectile function scores were just 53% of the maximum, while women's desire and arousal scores were also affected.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateOct 11, 2010

Genomic comparison of ocean microbes reveals East-West divide in populations

Scientists compare ocean microbe genomes to understand environmental adaptations and evolutionary changes. The study found significant differences in phosphorus-related genes between Atlantic and Pacific populations, revealing a strong selective force driving these adaptations.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 2010

Too much light at night at night may lead to obesity, study finds

Researchers found that mice exposed to dim light at night gained about 50% more body mass than those in a standard light-dark cycle. The study suggests that timing of eating is critical to weight gain and may be contributing to the obesity epidemic in Western countries.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Research reveals likely housing winners and losers

The study found that stricter limitations on land development lead to higher rental and purchase prices, while people saving for a house in markets with limited land availability need larger down payments and buy houses later in life. The research also suggests that relaxing borrowing constraints increases home ownership rates

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateOct 11, 2010

Chest pain drug put to test against arrhythmias

A nationwide clinical trial is underway to test the effectiveness of ranolazine in treating ventricular arrhythmias. The study aims to determine if ranolazine decreases death and cardiac arrhythmias, as well as hospitalizations from cardiac causes.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·DateOct 11, 2010

Microbial hair: It's electric

Researchers have discovered that specialized bacterial filaments, known as nanowires, can conduct electricity, allowing microbial colonies to thrive. The findings suggest a new way for bacteria to transfer electrons and support each other, potentially leading to breakthroughs in biofilm resistance and sustainable energy.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 2010

Physical symptoms prevalent no matter what stage of cancer including remission

Researchers found that cancer patients across all stages exhibit a high burden of somatic symptoms, including fatigue, pain, and insomnia. These symptoms significantly impair daily functioning and overall well-being, highlighting the need for comprehensive symptom management strategies.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateOct 11, 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.

Microchip technology rapidly identifies compounds for regrowing nerves in live animals

Scientists have developed a microchip technology that rapidly tests potential drugs on tiny worms, identifying promising chemicals for regenerating nerve cells. The technique has already found one class of neuronal regenerators and holds promise for treating Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 2010

Population trends: Another influence on climate change

A new study found that a slowing of population growth could contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with slower growth paths by 2050 accounting for 16-29% of necessary emissions reductions. Urbanization and aging also play significant roles in shaping future emissions.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 2010

Hormone therapy after menopause might increase risk of kidney stones

A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that hormone therapy after menopause increases the risk of developing kidney stones by approximately 20 percent. The research calls into question the long-held belief that estrogen protects women from the disease, and clinicians need to consider the risks and benefits of hormone ...

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateOct 11, 2010

Intriguing viral link to intestinal cancer in mice

Research by Sergio Lira at Mount Sinai School of Medicine found that HCMV-infected mice develop intestinal tumors as they age, with increased tumor growth compared to normal mice. The study suggests a potential viral link to intestinal cancer in humans, although further work is needed to confirm the association.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 11, 2010
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Modeling shows that factors beyond crowding affect how molecules interact within cells

Using large-scale computer simulations, researchers at Georgia Tech have identified hydrodynamic interactions as a dominant factor in intracellular diffusion, accounting for much of the reduction in molecular movement. This finding has significant implications for understanding disease states and developing therapeutic drugs.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 2010

Dogs may be pessimistic too

A new study by the University of Bristol has found that dogs with separation-related behaviors tend to make more pessimistic judgments, suggesting a cognitive bias. The research provides insight into animal emotions and highlights the importance of addressing underlying negative emotional states in dogs.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 11, 2010

Re-evaluating the time of your life

Prof. Dov Shmotkin's research investigates how people's well-being is tied to their concept of time trajectory, which encompasses past, present, and future. The study found that a stable time trajectory is associated with higher well-being in older adults, particularly those who can contrast their present with past traumatic experiences.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAging & Mental Health·DateOct 11, 2010
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

University of Illinois College of ACES receives $9 million to modernize Extension in poor countries

The University of Illinois College of ACES will strengthen rural farmers' livelihoods by modernizing agricultural Extension systems in 20 poorest developing countries. The five-year project aims to transform these systems to increase farm incomes and improve rural poverty, using sustainable natural resource management practices.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateOct 11, 2010

On the trail of the epigenetic code

Researchers develop test system to investigate histone modification function and its influence on gene expression and cellular division. The study reveals a complex interplay between histone modifications and the genetic code.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalEMBO Reports·DateOct 11, 2010

Young people with mental health problems at risk of falling through 'gap' in care services

A recent study found that only 58% of young people with mental health problems successfully transitioned to adult care services, highlighting a significant gap in provision. The research team identified key factors contributing to the poor transition experience, including inadequate information transfer and inconsistent documentation.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateOct 11, 2010
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Physical symptoms common, disabling among patients with cancer and pain or depression

Studies have found that patients with cancer who experience pain or depression also report a high rate of physical symptoms such as fatigue, dry mouth, and nausea. These somatic symptoms are associated with substantial functional impairment, disability, and healthcare use, even after controlling for medical and psychiatric comorbidity.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateOct 11, 2010

Insulin resistance may be associated with stroke risk

A study of 1,509 non-diabetic participants found that insulin resistance was associated with a 45% greater risk of any type of vascular event. Insulin resistance was also linked to an increased risk of ischemic stroke, particularly in men.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateOct 11, 2010

Screen time linked to psychological problems in children

A study of over 1,000 children found that excessive screen time is related to higher psychological difficulty scores, regardless of physical activity. Children who spent more than two hours per day on screens had better psychological scores, while those with moderate physical activity fared better in certain areas but worse in others.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 11, 2010

Whale poop pumps up ocean health

Scientists have discovered that whales' feces pump up ocean productivity, increasing phytoplankton growth and secondary productivity. This boost has a significant impact on fisheries, resulting in bigger fisheries and higher fish abundances.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 11, 2010
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.

Early research reveals new clues to origin of diabetes

Researchers have identified a potential target for diabetes drugs by discovering how certain insulin gene mutations cause proinsulin proteins to misfold in pancreatic beta cells. The study found that misfolding of normal proinsulin proteins occurs when mutant protein is present, leading to insulin deficiency and diabetes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 11, 2010

Smaller and cheaper but 300 times more intense

A team of scientists has demonstrated the feasibility of Raman amplification, compressing long laser pulses to 1000 times shorter with intensities 300 times greater. This method could replace current expensive systems with smaller and more cost-effective ones, making technologies like x-ray development more accessible.

SourceScience and Technology Facilities Council·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 11, 2010

Half the productivity, twice the carbon

The IT industry is on pace to grow its carbon emissions at twice the rate of its contributions to gross domestic product. The study found that green innovation will be essential for ICT profitability in a carbon-constrained economy.

SourceRice University·DateOct 11, 2010
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.

Global research effort leads to new findings on genes and obesity

Global research has identified new genes associated with body fat distribution and obesity, shedding light on biological processes involved. The studies found 13 new gene regions linked to waist-hip ratio and 18 genetic variations associated with increased susceptibility to obesity.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 11, 2010

Planar power

Researchers at PNNL have redesigned sodium-nickel chloride batteries to deliver 30% more power at lower temperatures, making them safer and cheaper to manufacture than lithium-ion batteries. The planar design enables compact stacking, improving the battery's performance for large-scale energy storage.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalECS Transactions·DateOct 11, 2010

Selective strategy could lead to new approaches against schizophrenia

Researchers identified a compound called CIQ that selectively enhances NMDA receptor function, targeting specific subunits believed to contribute to schizophrenia symptoms. This approach aims to compensate for deficits in patients with the condition by manipulating receptor signaling.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 11, 2010
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Wild 'teenage' galaxies booming with star births

Distant galaxies in the early Universe are creating 1,000 new stars per year, exceeding our galaxy's star formation rate. These galaxies contain enormous amounts of raw material for new stars, suggesting a higher gas content than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 11, 2010

Scientist develops new, innovative methods for characterizing proteins

A scientist at Florida State University has developed innovative techniques to characterize proteins, enabling faster and more accurate prediction of their structure and dynamics. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new drugs targeting specific proteins and designing new molecular machines.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateOct 11, 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.

Diabetes hospitalizations rise dramatically for young women

A study published in Journal of Women's Health reveals a rapid increase in diabetes hospitalizations for young adults, particularly young women, which echoes the dramatic rise in obesity rates across the US. The number of hospitalizations among younger adults more than doubled from 1993 to 2006.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateOct 11, 2010

Fertility concerns of cancer survivors inadequately addressed, study finds

A study of 25 cancer survivors found that fertility concerns were inadequately addressed by doctors, with many feeling guilty about their sexual function. Fertility was crucial to these patients' sense of identity and body image, highlighting the need for healthcare professionals to address these issues.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateOct 11, 2010

Adding topotecan to standard treatment for ovarian cancer does not improve progression-free survival

A randomized study found that adding topotecan to carboplatin and paclitaxel did not improve progression-free survival in patients with ovarian cancer, but increased toxicity. The standard regimen of carboplatin and paclitaxel remains the best care for epithelial ovarian cancer.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 11, 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.

Large study shows females are equal to males in math skills

A large-scale study of 1,286,350 participants across various studies confirms that female and male math skills are substantially equal. The findings challenge long-held stereotypes and emphasize the importance of promoting confidence in girls' math abilities to encourage them to pursue careers in STEM fields.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateOct 11, 2010

Meta-analysis shows no heart benefits for folic acid supplements

A meta-analysis of eight clinical trials found that folic acid supplements did not reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, cancer, or death over a five-year period. The study showed a significant reduction in homocysteine levels with folic acid supplementation but no corresponding benefit for cardiovascular health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateOct 11, 2010

Cartilage comeback

Materials scientists from Jena University have created a cellulose implant that can trigger the regeneration of cartilage produced naturally in the body. The implant, which consists of a sponge-like structure with two different surfaces, is designed to adhere to bone and stimulate cartilage growth.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·DateOct 11, 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.

AACR to honor leading researchers at breast cancer symposium

The AACR will honor two leading breast cancer researchers, Klaus Pantel and Alan Ashworth, for their groundbreaking work on detection and treatment of breast cancer. Pantel will receive the Outstanding Investigator Award for his pioneering research on minimal residual disease, while Ashworth will deliver the Distinguished Lectureship f...

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateOct 11, 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.

You don't have to go out into the woods anymore

A study found that invasive bush honeysuckle substantially increases the risk of human disease by providing a habitat for deer to congregate, allowing ticks to spread diseases. The research suggests that this effect may be seen with other invasive plants as well.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 2010

Major grant aims at breaking the habit of implicit bias

A University of Wisconsin-Madison doctor has won a $2 million grant to develop video games that uncover and neutralize implicit biases against women, minorities, and people with disabilities. The project aims to change attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors in academic institutions, ultimately increasing diversity in STEM fields.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateOct 11, 2010

When in Rome: Study-abroad students increase alcohol intake

A study by University of Washington researchers found that study-abroad students double their alcohol consumption while abroad, up to eight drinks per week. Drinking behavior differs according to country and age, with younger students and those in Europe and Australia drinking more heavily.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPsychology of Addictive Behaviors·DateOct 11, 2010
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.

Successful kidney transplantation despite tissue incompatibility

Researchers at Heidelberg University Hospital developed a therapy concept to treat high-risk patients with sensitized kidneys, achieving comparable transplant survival rates as non-immunized patients. After one year, 95% of transplanted kidneys were still functioning.

SourceHeidelberg University Hospital·JournalTransplantation·DateOct 11, 2010