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Science News for January 3, 2011


Parallels between immunity and cancer reported

Research reveals parallels between immunity and cancer, with acute inflammation compared to chronic inflammation in mammals. The immune system that counters parasitoid wasp infections is highly restrained, but goes haywire when regulating mechanism fails, leading to cancer development.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJan 3, 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.

ATS issues statement on the treatment of pulmonary fungal infections

The American Thoracic Society has released a new statement on the treatment of fungal infections in adult pulmonary and critical care patients, taking into account new medications and treatment approaches. The guidelines cover traditional antifungal agents, newer agents, and rare and emerging fungi.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 3, 2011

CHOP-led study detects dozens of genes for adult height

A meta-analysis of over 100,000 DNA samples identified variants in two dozen previously unknown height genes, as well as confirmed associations with 30 known height genes. The study used a dense gene chip to discover genetic variants linked to complex traits and diseases.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJan 3, 2011

Child and youth victimization less hidden from authorities

A national survey found that 58.3% of children and teens reported at least one direct victimization in the past year, with 45.7% known to authorities. School authorities were more likely to be aware than police or medical authorities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJan 3, 2011
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.

Experimental drug more potent, longer lasting than morphine

A new experimental drug, morphine-6-0-sulfate, has been found to be more potent and longer-lasting than standard morphine, with less likelihood of causing constipation. The study, led by Dr. Joseph Holtman Jr., tested the drug on rats and demonstrated its potential clinical advantages compared to morphine.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalEuropean Journal of Pharmacology·DateJan 3, 2011

Call for truth in trans fats labeling by the FDA

A recent study by Case Western Reserve University reveals that misleading food labels can lead to excessive trans fat consumption and increased risk of deadly diseases. The FDA's current labeling protocol allows for 'zero grams' of trans fat, masking significant amounts that exceed recommended limits.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Promotion·DateJan 3, 2011

January 2011 Geology and GSA Today highlights

Researchers studied ancient rain, microbial life, and ocean islands to understand uplift and climate change. They found that the North American Cordillera was uplifted by ancient rain, while microbial life existed inside fluid inclusions in modern and ancient salt crystals.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateJan 3, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Resurrecting the so-called 'depression gene'

Researchers at University of Michigan have found that an individual's genetic make-up determines their susceptibility to depression and response to stress. The analysis included nearly 41,000 participants and supported previous findings on the serotonin gene's relationship to depression.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateJan 3, 2011

Wastewater treatment lowers pathogen levels

A recent study found that the implementation of federal regulations on treating sewage has significantly lowered pathogen levels in biosolids. The study analyzed data from 18 wastewater treatment plants and found that pathogens have dropped by 94-99% since 1993.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateJan 3, 2011

Large-scale study reveals major decline in bumble bees in the US

A large-scale study has found major declines in US bumble bee populations, with four species experiencing a 96% drop in relative abundance and a 23-87% loss of geographic range. The researchers attributed the decline to low genetic diversity, high infection rates with the parasite pathogen, and climate change.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 3, 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.

Peptide delivers 1-2 punch to breast cancer in pre-clinical study

Researchers discovered that the peptide angiotensin-(1-7) inhibits both the growth of human breast tumors and the growth of cancer-associated fibroblasts, reducing tumor size by 40% and fibrosis by 64-75%. This finding offers a potential new treatment option for breast cancer.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalCancer Research·DateJan 3, 2011

A body temperature sensor, TRPM2, promotes insulin secretion

A research team led by Makoto Tominaga found that TRPM2, a body temperature sensor, plays a crucial role in regulating insulin secretion. In TRPM2-deficient mice, impaired insulin secretion and elevated blood glucose levels were observed.

SourceNational Institute for Physiological Sciences·JournalDiabetes·DateJan 3, 2011

Hair color of unknown offenders is no longer a secret

Researchers have discovered that DNA can accurately predict a person's hair color, including red, black, blond, and brown, with accuracy rates of over 90%, 80% and 70-80%. The new DNA approach allows for differentiation between similar hair colors.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Genetics·DateJan 3, 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.

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Colonoscopy significantly reduces the risk of colorectal cancer by up to 90% in both the left and right sides, according to a new study. However, the effectiveness of colonoscopy in preventing cancers on the right side may be limited to older patients.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 3, 2011

Use of amniotic membrane may cause complications in strabismus surgery

Researchers found extensive adhesions and inelastic muscles after using amniotic membrane to prevent postoperative scarring. The use of dried amniotic membrane, rather than frozen, may be the culprit behind these complications.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus·DateJan 3, 2011

Research demonstrates that education programs can increase parent-child interactions

Researchers found that parent education programs delivered through pediatric primary care offices increased verbal interactions between parents and children, leading to improved school readiness. The Video Interaction Project (VIP) and Building Blocks interventions showed significant benefits, including reduced infant television exposure.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJan 3, 2011

Authorities often aware of previous incidents of victimization among children and adolescents

A national survey of over 4,500 children found that nearly half of U.S. youth who experience violence or abuse have at least one incident known to school, police, or medical authorities. The study suggests that authorities are more aware of severe incidents like sexual abuse, but still underestimate many cases.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJan 3, 2011
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.

Protein wields phosphate group to inhibit cancer metastasis

A protein called CDK1 deactivates the cancer-causing enzyme EZH2 by attaching a phosphate group, preventing cancer cell migration and invasion. This process also plays a crucial role in bone formation.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJan 3, 2011

Clostridium bacteria infecting increasing numbers of hospitalized children

Hospitalized children in the US are experiencing a rise in Clostridium difficile infections, with increased risks of death, longer hospital stays and colectomy. Certain groups, such as white children and those with private insurance, are more susceptible to infection.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJan 3, 2011

Risk of breast cancer recurrence may depend on treating surgeon

A study published in Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that breast cancer recurrence rates can vary significantly based on the treating surgeon. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,000 women with ductal carcinoma in situ and discovered that positive or close margins following surgery substantially compromised disease...

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 3, 2011

Mothers key to college-age women receiving HPV vaccine

A study found that mothers who discussed the HPV vaccine with their daughters were more likely to be vaccinated themselves. The key factor was mothers believing the vaccine was safe and effective, not fear or cost concerns.

SourceOhio State University·JournalHuman Communication Research·DateJan 3, 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.

The ecosystem engineer: Research looks at beavers' role in river restoration

A recent study by Kansas State University professor Melinda Daniels suggests that beaver dams can create diverse river landscapes, turning single-thread channels into meadows or multichannel streams. The researchers recommend only partially removing old dams to mimic the role of beavers and restore ecosystem diversity.

SourceKansas State University·JournalBioScience·DateJan 3, 2011

Anti-bullying program reduces malicious gossip on school playgrounds

A three-month anti-bullying program implemented in six elementary schools in Seattle showed a significant reduction in malicious gossip among students. The program, Steps to Respect, teaches empathy and assertiveness to curb gossip and bullying behavior.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalSchool Psychology Review·DateJan 3, 2011

Education programs could increase parent-child interactions in at-risk families

A randomized controlled trial found that parent education programs increased parent-child interactions and reduced media exposure in infants in at-risk families. The Video Interaction Project and Building Blocks interventions improved verbal interactions and reading activities, while also decreasing TV time.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJan 3, 2011
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

PET scans provide insight into fever-induced epilepsy in children

Researchers used PET scans to evaluate cognitive dysfunction in children with fever-induced refractory epileptic encephalopathy (FIRES), finding significant brain impairment. The study identified frontotemporal dysfunction as the cause of cognitive deterioration, paving the way for more accurate diagnosis and treatment.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJan 3, 2011

New research reveals unexpected biological pathway in glaucoma

Researchers discovered a unique class of cells called astrocytes that contribute to visual blinding in glaucoma, as well as abnormal forms of gamma synuclein. The study's findings suggest a biological process similar to Parkinson's disease unfolds at the optic nerve head.

SourceKennedy Krieger Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 3, 2011