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Science News for September 6, 2010


These cells will self-destruct in 5 ... 4 ...

Researchers have created a new cancer treatment that uses conditional small RNA molecules to selectively kill cancer cells. The approach exploits characteristics of DNA and RNA to separate diagnosis and treatment steps, potentially eliminating unwanted side effects.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 6, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Backstabbing bacteria: A new treatment for infection?

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have found that bacteria that do not cooperate with their infection-causing colleagues can reduce infection severity. By exploiting this selfish behavior, QS-deficient bacteria can outnumber and outcompete other bacteria, leading to reduced toxin production and milder infections.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateSep 6, 2010

Memory problems more common in men?

A new study published in Neurology shows that mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is 1.5 times higher in men compared to women. MCI often leads to Alzheimer's disease and the study found nearly 14% of participants had MCI, with men being more likely to experience it.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateSep 6, 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.

Scientists shed light on process that shapes illness in later life

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh are studying proteins to understand how they clump together with age, a process linked to several conditions. The goal is to design drugs to prevent this aggregation, which causes brain plaques in Alzheimer's and cloudy vision in cataracts.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·DateSep 6, 2010

Parents at highest risk for depression in the 1st year after child's birth

A study of over 86,000 families in the UK found that parents are at high risk for depression in the first year after a child's birth, with mothers experiencing significantly higher rates than fathers. The findings highlight the need for better detection and support for parental depression to improve children's outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateSep 6, 2010

Insect brains are rich stores of new antibiotics

Scientists have identified powerful antibiotic properties in cockroach and locust brains, effective against MRSA and E. coli without harming human cells. These novel molecules could lead to new treatments for multi-drug resistant bacterial infections.

SourceMicrobiology Society·DateSep 6, 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.

With HMGB1's help, cells dine in

A team of researchers discovered HMGB1 as a critical pro-autophagic protein that enhances cell survival and limits programmed cell death. This finding suggests blocking HMGB1 could benefit cancer patients by preventing tumor cells from revving up autophagy to withstand chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation treatment

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateSep 6, 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.

Interrupting death messages to treat bone disease

Researchers have found a new potential treatment target for bone disease osteomyelitis by interrupting the bacterial death signal that instructs bone cells to die. Blocking this signal could prevent or treat painful bone infections resistant to antibiotics.

SourceMicrobiology Society·DateSep 6, 2010

Blood signatures to diagnose infection

A blood test analyzing individual immune responses to infection shows promise for quickly diagnosing respiratory viral illnesses, including flu. The test boasts over 95% accuracy in pinpointing the cause of disease.

SourceMicrobiology Society·DateSep 6, 2010

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers found that a low-carb diet based on animal protein may increase death risk compared to a vegetable-based diet. Additionally, patients often overestimate the benefits of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and radiation-free magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) offers an accurate diagnosis for peripheral arterial disease.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 6, 2010

Are white homosexual men still taking too many HIV risks?

Research found that young white homosexual men contribute significantly to local HIV spread, highlighting high-risk behavior as a major factor. The study's findings suggest targeted prevention programs focused on this group are needed to combat rising infections.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Infectious Diseases·DateSep 6, 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.

Is organic farming good for wildlife? It depends on the alternative

A study found that organic farms have more butterflies than conventional farms, but a combination of conventional farming and nature reserves could support even more butterflies. The research suggests that the trade-off between food production and wildlife conservation depends on the quality of the spare land.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalEcology Letters·DateSep 6, 2010

Melting rate of ice caps in Greenland and Western Antarctica lower than expected

Researchers have revised estimates of Greenland and West Antarctica ice cap melting rates using GRACE satellites, GPS measurements, and glacial isostatic adjustment data. The corrected estimate shows the ice caps are melting at approximately half the predicted speed, resulting in a lower average sea level rise.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 6, 2010
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.

Carbon mapping breakthrough

Researchers created high-resolution maps of carbon storage and emissions in the Peruvian Amazon, revealing patterns that differ among forest types and geology. The study's findings could inform the United Nations' REDD initiative and provide financial incentives to reduce deforestation and degradation.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 6, 2010

Primary care financial incentives cut heart disease deaths and admissions

Research finds that linking financial incentives to quality improvement has improved primary care in the UK, leading to reduced heart disease deaths and hospital admissions. Practices with higher quality scores had lower death rates and fewer hospital admissions, especially in deprived areas.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateSep 6, 2010

Researchers define role of CEP290 in maintaining ciliary function

A new study reveals that CEP290 is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of the ciliary gate, a key component of cilia. This discovery could lead to targeted gene therapy for cilia-related disorders, including Meckel syndrome and Joubert syndrome.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateSep 6, 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.

How German palliative care physicians act at the end of life

A new study published in Palliative Medicine reveals that German physicians do hasten death in some cases, against current ethical guidelines, and often without sufficient patient involvement. Physicians with extra qualifications in palliative care were less likely to report deliberate actions to hasten death.

SourceSAGE Publications UK·JournalPalliative Medicine·DateSep 6, 2010

Visual pattern preference may be indicator of autism in toddlers

A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that toddlers with autism spend more time examining dynamic geometric patterns than social images. This preference was observed as early as 14 months in infants at-risk for autism, and was associated with a higher risk of developing an autism spectrum disorder.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateSep 6, 2010

Gambling on breast scans

Researchers developed a Monte Carlo analysis tool to optimize X-ray mammography, improving image quality and reducing radiation dose. The algorithm may also detect cancerous tissue in breasts automatically.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Low Radiation·DateSep 6, 2010

Physical environment influences stem cell development

Researchers at Hebrew University develop theoretical model and conduct experiments to understand how stem cells differentiate based on their surroundings' rigidity. The study reveals elongated, muscle-like fibers in cells on rigid supports, differing from brain and bone cell structures on softer or harder substrates.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 6, 2010
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.

Largest ever epigenetics project launched

The Epitwin project will analyze methylation patterns of 20 million sites in DNA from 5,000 twins to identify differences that explain why identical twins don't develop the same diseases. This study has the potential to uncover key genes responsible for disease and accelerate research into human healthcare.

SourceKing's College London·DateSep 6, 2010

The brain speaks

Researchers translated brain signals into words using two grids of 16 microelectrodes implanted beneath the skull but atop the brain. The study showed that the method can distinguish between brain signals for each word, with an accuracy rate of 76-90%, demonstrating proof of concept.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateSep 6, 2010