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Science News for April 2, 2011


Earth's oldest records of sea-floor spreading

New research reveals striking similarities between ancient and modern oceanic crust, shedding light on early Earth's heat loss and tectonic settings. The study extends the record of oceanic crust generation back to at least 3.8 billion years ago.

SourceScience China Press·DateApr 2, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The AACR increases focus on clinical trials

The American Association for Cancer Research is prioritizing clinical trials to advance cancer treatment and prevention. Researchers presented findings on basal cell cancer and lung cancer, highlighting the potential of biomarkers and hedgehog pathway inhibitors. New discoveries aim to improve patient outcomes and reduce side effects.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateApr 2, 2011

Antidepressants linked to thicker arteries

A study of twin veterans found that antidepressant use is linked to thicker arteries, contributing to the risk of heart disease and stroke. The data suggests that antidepressants may combine with depression for a negative effect on blood vessels.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·DateApr 2, 2011

New inhibitor prevented lesions, reduced tumor size in basal cell cancer

A new hedgehog pathway inhibitor, GDC-0449, demonstrated efficacy in preventing and treating basal cell cancer among patients with basal cell nevus syndrome. The drug reduced the development of new lesions and decreased tumor size, offering a promising treatment option for these patients.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateApr 2, 2011
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.

DNA of 50 breast cancer patients decoded

Researchers sequenced whole genomes of tumors from 50 breast cancer patients and compared them to healthy cells, finding over 1,700 unique mutations. The study identified three significant mutations that may be common in ER-positive breast cancers, offering new avenues for personalized treatment.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateApr 2, 2011

In vitro infection and replication of hepatitis E virus in human hepatocytes

Researchers have successfully infected and replicated swine hepatitis E virus in human hepatocytes, confirming its zoonotic potential. This breakthrough verifies the infectious disease can be transmitted from animals to humans., Hepatitis E is a major cause of epidemic and acute sporadic hepatitis worldwide.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·DateApr 2, 2011

Target for lung cancer chemoprevention identified

Researchers have identified a biomarker for measuring the success of lung cancer chemoprevention, using abnormal cell development (endobronchial dysplasia). The study found that measurements of endobronchial dysplasia can predict how well a chemoprevention agent is working in former smokers.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateApr 2, 2011

Investigational compound PEG-interferon lambda achieved higher response rates with fewer flu-like and musculoskeletal symptoms and cytopenias than PEG-interferon alfa in Phase IIb study of 526 treatment-naive hepatitis C patients

In a Phase IIb study of 526 treatment-naive hepatitis C patients, PEG-Interferon lambda achieved higher rates of rapid virologic response and complete early virologic response compared to PEG-Interferon alfa. The study also showed fewer flu-like symptoms and cytopenias in the PEG-Interferon lambda arms.

SourceTogoRun·DateApr 2, 2011
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.

Engineers create vibrant colors in vertical silicon nanowires

Engineers at Harvard University have discovered that individual, vertical silicon nanowires can display vibrant colors of the spectrum, dependent on their diameter. The finding has potential applications in increasing efficiency and detecting color without filters in nanoscale image sensor devices.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 2, 2011

2 sets of genes predict response to lung cancer drug

Researchers at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center developed two sets of gene expression profiles that predict response to erlotinib treatment for patients with no guiding indicators. The biomarkers, which cover 88% of patients without EGFR mutations, may have a broad impact on identifying patients who benefit from the drug.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateApr 2, 2011

BATTLE researchers identify new biomarkers for EGFR inhibition

Researchers at the BATTLE trial have identified two novel gene markers, including an EMT signature and LCN2, that predict response to EGFR inhibition in patients with wild-type EGFR. These biomarkers may help identify patients who can benefit from erlotinib treatment.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateApr 2, 2011
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.

Chronic stress of cancer causes accelerated telomere shortening

A study found that improved quality of life and reduced stress response were associated with changes in telomere length in cancer patients. Psychological counseling had a potential impact on modulating telomere length, but the findings require further exploration.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateApr 2, 2011

Genetic variation cuts bladder cancer risk, protects chromosome tips

Researchers discovered a single genetic variation associated with a 19% decrease in bladder cancer risk and longer telomeres, which guard against chromosomal damage. The finding provides new clues for understanding the causes of bladder cancer and developing therapies to reduce cancer risk.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateApr 2, 2011

DNA of 50 breast cancer patients decoded

Researchers sequenced whole genomes of tumors from 50 breast cancer patients and compared them to healthy cells, finding over 1,700 unique mutations. The study highlights the complexity of cancer genomes and offers new insights into personalized medicine.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateApr 2, 2011
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.

Amphiphilic dendronized homopolymers

Researchers have synthesized a novel class of amphiphilic dendronized homopolymers with variable amphiphilicity, showing thermoresponsiveness and forming ordered porous films. These polymers adopt helical conformations in solution and can be used to develop new amphiphilic polymer structures.

SourceScience China Press·DateApr 2, 2011

Mum’s the word when it comes to children’s happiness

Young people aged 10-15 report being happier with family situations when mothers are happy, but only 55% of unhappy mothers' kids are 'completely happy'. The happiest children live with two parents without younger siblings and have a positive relationship with their mother.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateApr 2, 2011

Investigational direct-acting antiviral BMS-790052 plus PEG-interferon alfa and ribavirin achieved up to 92 percent sustained virologic response in Phase II dose-ranging study of treatment-naïve hepatitis C patients

A Phase II dose-ranging study of BMS-790052 plus PEG-interferon alfa and ribavirin showed higher rates of sustained virologic response compared to PEG-interferon alfa and ribavirin alone. The regimen achieved up to 92% SVR12 in treatment-naïve patients with hepatitis C genotype 1.

SourceTogoRun·DateApr 2, 2011
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.