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Science News for March 14, 2011


Early success of anti-HIV preventive oral drug regimen is promising, but questions remain

A new oral HIV preventive drug regimen has shown promising results with a near 50% reduction in HIV incidence in high-risk individuals. However, more research is necessary to address ongoing monitoring of side effects, adherence and counseling needs, physician attitudes, and the effectiveness of intermittent dosing.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAIDS Patient Care and STDs·DateMar 14, 2011

An inside look at how the elite control HIV

Research reveals T cells from elite controllers are resistant to HIV infection due to selective upregulation of p21, an enzyme inhibitor. Blocking p21 increases viral gene expression, highlighting potential treatment strategies for vulnerable patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 14, 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.

A seismograph for ancient earthquakes

A new tool, developed by Prof. Shmuel Marco, can analyze wave patterns in sediment to understand past earthquake intensity. The 'fossil seismograph' helps geophysicists predict future earthquakes in areas with bodies of water.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalGeology·DateMar 14, 2011

Virtual assistance is confirmed as an effective tool in monitoring HIV patients

A telemedicine program called Hospital VIHrtual has been shown to provide comprehensive control over HIV-infected patients in medical, pharmaceutical, psychological, and quality of life aspects. The virtual hospital allows for efficient management of stable HIV patients, reducing costs and time spent on travel and waiting for visits.

SourceIDIBAPS - Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 14, 2011

Tumor metastasis with a twist

Researchers at UCSD School of Medicine identified Twist1's role in promoting invadopodia formation and matrix degradation in tumor cells. This process facilitates the spread of cancer to surrounding tissues and other parts of the body.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCancer Cell·DateMar 14, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Neuro signals study gives new insight into brain disorders

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh identified a critical protein that maintains nerve fibre health, potentially improving understanding of neurodegenerative disorders. The discovery could lead to new insights into conditions like epilepsy, dementia, and stroke by unraveling the complexities of brain function.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNeuron·DateMar 14, 2011

Taking tamoxifen to prevent breast cancer can save lives and money

A study published in Cancer suggests that tamoxifen can significantly reduce breast cancer risk in post-menopausal women under 55 with a high risk of developing the disease. The medication not only saves lives but also reduces medical costs, preventing 29 breast cancer cases and 9 deaths per 1,000 treated women.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateMar 14, 2011

Study helps explain how pathogenic E. coli bacterium causes illness

Scientists at NIAID discovered how E. coli O157:H7 infects humans by altering the host's immune responses, allowing it to evade elimination and prolong survival. This mechanism could be relevant to other pathogens involved in foodborne diseases, such as Shigella and Salmonella.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature Immunology·DateMar 14, 2011

Study seeks to halt progression of diabetic nephropathy

A four-year study aims to develop drugs that inhibit the degradation of protective metabolites in the kidneys, which are damaged by diabetes. Researchers hope these inhibitors could halt the progression of diabetic nephropathy and slow the rise of end-stage renal disease.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateMar 14, 2011
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Combining 2 peptide inhibitors might block tumor growth

Researchers developed two peptide inhibitors targeting HER-2 and VEGF pathways, showing additive benefits in reducing tumor burdens with minimal side effects. The strategy aims to overcome acquired resistance and provide clinical benefit in several types of cancer.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 14, 2011

Osteoblasts are bone idle without Frizzled-9

Researchers found that Frizzled-9 upregulates during osteoblast differentiation and is essential for bone mineralization. Mice lacking Fzd9 have fragile bones due to low rates of bone formation, highlighting its potential as a drug target for treating osteoporosis.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateMar 14, 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.

Use of $4 generic drug programs could save society billions of dollars, study shows

A University of Pittsburgh study found that if eligible patients filled prescriptions through a $4 generic drug program, the societal savings could amount to nearly $6 billion. The study examined a large group of people who used generic medications or their brand-name counterparts and found that less than 6% used the discount programs.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 14, 2011

'Fly tree of life' mapped, adds big branch of evolutionary knowledge

Scientists have created a comprehensive framework for understanding fly evolution, revealing surprising relationships between species. The study provides new insights into the origins and diversification of flies, which comprise over 10% of all life on Earth.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2011

Mini disks for data storage

Researchers created mini magnetic disks with slanted edges, which favor the formation of tiny magnetic vortices. This allows for efficient data processing and reduced power consumption compared to traditional memory storage systems.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 14, 2011

Nauset Marsh Estuary red tide study begins next week

A three-year study on the Nauset Marsh Estuary's red tide problem begins next week. The researchers will collect water samples and analyze them for concentrations of toxic algae to better understand environmental factors influencing the incidence of red tides.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·DateMar 14, 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.

Silicon spin transistors heat up and spins last longer

University of Utah researchers built spintronic transistors that aligned magnetic spins of electrons for a record period of time at room temperature. The achievement is a significant step towards the development of faster and more power-efficient spintronic devices using silicon chips.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 14, 2011

Newer doesn't mean better when it comes to type 2 diabetes drugs

A new Johns Hopkins study suggests that older, less expensive medications like metformin can be just as effective in controlling type 2 diabetes as newer, more expensive options. The research also found that metformin was associated with fewer side effects, including weight gain and cholesterol level increases.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 14, 2011
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Brown biologist wins NSF's Waterman Award

Casey Dunn, a Brown University biologist, has been awarded the National Science Foundation's Alan T. Waterman Award for his groundbreaking research on the origins of diversity in life. The award recognizes his use of genomic and computational techniques to study complex multicellular organisms, including humans.

SourceBrown University·DateMar 14, 2011

Novel strategies target health care-associated infections

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine are developing new approaches to reduce health-care-associated infections. Investigating the use of probiotics to prevent pneumonia in ventilated patients and evaluating the effectiveness of a new antibiotic in preventing Clostridium difficile infection are two key areas of focus.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateMar 14, 2011

Omega-3 fatty acid intake linked with reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration in women

A large population study found that regular consumption of fish and omega-3 fatty acids was associated with a significantly reduced risk of developing age-related macular degeneration in women. The study, published in Archives of Ophthalmology, found that higher intake of DHA and EPA was linked to a 38% lower risk of the condition.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateMar 14, 2011

Water for an integrative climate paradigm

A new integrative climate model recognizes the significance of human-induced causes, such as deforestation and agro-industry, in addition to carbon dioxide emissions. This approach aims to achieve a more effective and socially democratic climate policy, responsive to local conditions.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Water·DateMar 14, 2011
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.

Gender stereotypes about math develop as early as second grade

Researchers found that American children as young as second grade adopt the cultural stereotype that math is for boys, leading to a lower association with math among girls. Parental and educational practices can help broaden interests and aspirations in elementary school.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalChild Development·DateMar 14, 2011

New mouse model explains common pediatric brain tumor

A new mouse model has been developed to study pilocytic astrocytoma (PA), a common pediatric brain tumor. The model uses expression of a mutant BRAF kinase domain in mice and shows that this is sufficient to induce the formation of PA, closely resembling human disease.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 14, 2011

Impact of a bad job on mental health as harmful as no job at all

A study of over 7,000 Australians found that poor-quality jobs have a significant impact on mental health, often worse than unemployment. Those in the poorest quality jobs experienced the sharpest decline in mental health, with each additional adverse condition lowering their score.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateMar 14, 2011

How the slime mold gets organized

Researchers discovered that slime mold cells organize into an epithelial layer with a structure and function similar to those in some animals. The layer secretes proteins, coating the fruiting body stalk with rigidity.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateMar 14, 2011
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.

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers found that hospitals with low AMI mortality rates shared an overall vision of excellence and had more senior management involvement, broad staff presence, and better communication among physicians. A new low-radiation alternative to CT angiography also shows promise in diagnosing coronary artery disease, with good specifici...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 14, 2011

NASA's Hubble rules out 1 alternative to dark energy

Astronomers using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope have recalculated the universe's expansion rate with unprecedented accuracy, ruling out an alternate theory on dark energy. The new measurement reduces uncertainty by 30% and solidifies understanding of cosmic ingredients.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 14, 2011

Teens and young adults with cancer face unique challenges and require targeted care

The article discusses the need for targeted care in adolescents and young adults with cancer, who require collaboration between pediatric and medical oncologists. Research has shown that AYA cancer patients often deal with ongoing developmental and psychosocial issues, making it essential to address these challenges.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology·DateMar 14, 2011

New research focuses on prion diseases

Researchers have discovered that polymers of amino acid lysine can block the propagation of prions, halting their spread in test tubes and cultured cells. In animal models, mice treated with polylysines showed improved symptoms, longer survival, and lower prion levels

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalBiomaterials·DateMar 14, 2011
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.

Peter Mumby to receive prestigious 2011 Rosenstiel Award from the University of Miami

Peter Mumby is recognized for his work on coral reef conservation strategies, influencing conservation policy and contributing to the implementation of marine park protections. His research has provided insight into the consequences of conserving herbivorous fishes, reducing nutrient runoff, and restoring urchin populations.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·DateMar 14, 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.

Why argue? Helping students see the point

A new curriculum aims to develop argumentative reasoning skills in students through discussion and debate. Students who participated in the program made more of the higher forms of arguments and listed more questions of substance than those taught in a conventional way.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 14, 2011

Lambs provide crucial link in understanding obesity

Research published in The Journal of Physiology found a link between maternal and offspring obesity in lambs, shedding light on the mechanisms of human obesity. Hormonal changes, including leptin and cortisol, were observed in lambs born to obese mothers, suggesting a predisposition to increased appetite and obesity.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateMar 14, 2011

Toxoplasmosis: The strain explains severity of infection

A new Johns Hopkins study shows that each strain of the cat-borne parasite Toxoplasma gondii triggers a unique reaction in human nerve cells, varying the severity of infection. The research found alterations triggered by the most virulent strain to be linked to brain development and central nervous system function.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalInfection and Immunity·DateMar 14, 2011

Is your child's hobby making him sick?

Research found that used woodwind and brass instruments are heavily contaminated with bacteria and fungi, including species of Staphylococcus and molds. Proper sanitation and regular cleaning are crucial to prevent the spread of illness and infection in children who play these instruments.

SourceAcademy of General Dentistry·JournalEuropean Journal of General Dentistry·DateMar 14, 2011
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.

March/April 2011 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

Patient-centered medical homes in Ontario's Family Health Team Model show high patient satisfaction and improved income for primary care physicians. Additionally, a novel approach to detecting white-coat hypertension using automated serial blood pressure measurements is found to be valid and useful.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 14, 2011

Research may lead to new and improved vaccines

Alum, a common vaccine adjuvant, interacts with dendritic cells to activate T cells that control antibody production. The breakthrough study uses single cell force spectroscopy to understand alum's properties, potentially leading to new vaccines for major diseases.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 14, 2011

Neanderthals were nifty at controlling fire, says CU-Boulder-led study

A new study reveals that Neanderthals consistently used fire for approximately 400,000 years in Europe, contrary to previous assumptions about their abilities. The findings, based on scores of ancient archaeological sites, show evidence of sustained fire control through the presence of charcoal, heated stone artifacts, and burned bones.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2011
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.

Study of 143,000 children shows reference heart rate and breathing rate ranges differ widely from published guidelines

A new analysis of 69 studies involving 143,000 healthy children has identified new reference ranges for heart rate and respiratory rate that differ significantly from existing guidelines. The study found a decline in respiratory rate from birth to early adolescence, with infants under 2 years showing the steepest fall.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 14, 2011

Antioxidants in pregnancy prevent obesity in animal offspring

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that feeding rats antioxidants during pregnancy prevented obesity and glucose intolerance in their offspring. The study suggests that preventing oxidative stress during pregnancy may lower the risk of childhood obesity.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalDiabetes·DateMar 14, 2011

Osteopathy 'of no benefit' to children with cerebral palsy

A large randomized control trial found no evidence that osteopathic therapy improves movement, quality of life, or pain in children with cerebral palsy. However, parents whose children received osteopathy reported a slightly better overall wellbeing for their child compared to those who did not receive treatment.

SourceThe Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateMar 14, 2011

Study puts notch on the jagged edge of lung cancer metastasis

Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have identified a new mechanism driving lung cancer metastasis, involving the suppression of microRNA miR-200 by Jagged2. The study found that low levels of miR-200 may indicate susceptibility to Notch inhibitors currently in clinical trial.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 14, 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.

Key mutations act cooperatively to fuel aggressive brain tumor

New research from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists shows that mutations in three pathways cooperate to launch glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor. Tumors develop in multiple regions of the brain, highlighting the complexity and cooperation of genetic changes driving cancer.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalCancer Cell·DateMar 14, 2011

New high-resolution carbon mapping techniques provide more accurate results

A team of scientists has developed new methods for mapping carbon in Hawaii's forests, resulting in more accurate estimates and a lower cost. The approach reveals fundamental ecological controls over carbon storage and provides valuable insights into the state and dynamics of the world's forests.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Southwest Research Station·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateMar 14, 2011

Study shows why people read magazines featuring envy-inspiring models

A study found that people who are dissatisfied with their appearance spend more time looking at ideal body images when the editorial content is about body improvement, compared to general interest articles. People satisfied with their bodies don't feel the need to avoid or seek inspiration from these images.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMedia Psychology·DateMar 14, 2011
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.

Collaborative care shown to be successful for patients with opioid addictions

A collaborative care approach with nurse care managers significantly improves treatment outcomes for patients with opioid addiction. The study found that 51% of patients achieved successful treatment at 12 months and 93% were no longer using illicit opioids after three months.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 14, 2011

Rock-paper-scissors tournaments explain ecological diversity

Researchers developed a mathematical model that proposes unlimited biodiversity in ecosystems with multiple competing species. The rock-paper-scissors tournament concept shows how species can co-exist without extinction, depending on the rarity of key species.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2011

Tumor suppressor blocks viral growth in natural HIV controllers

Elevated p21 protein levels in natural HIV controllers effectively suppress key viral life cycle steps. This ability is associated with increased p21 expression and may be linked to shared mechanisms of immune defense against cancer and HIV.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 14, 2011
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Surgical technique helps adult male survivors of childhood cancer regain fertility

A new study shows that a surgical technique called microdissection testicular sperm extraction (TESE) can effectively locate and extract viable sperm in over one-third of adult male childhood cancer survivors who were previously considered sterile. This technique enabled many men to father children with the help of in vitro fertilization.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 14, 2011

Seedless cherimoya, the next banana?

Researchers have identified a gene responsible for seedlessness in the sugar apple and its close relation, the cherimoya. This discovery could pave the way for producing seedless varieties of these fruits and potentially other fruit crops.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2011

Heavy drinking associated with increased risk of death from pancreatic cancer

A long-term study found that consuming three or more drinks a day is associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer death in both men and women. Heavy drinking, specifically liquor consumption, also shows a significant association with pancreatic cancer mortality, particularly among never smokers.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 14, 2011

TRMM maps flooding along US East Coast from massive storm

The TRMM satellite measured record rainfall totals of over 300 mm (~11 inches) in Alabama and Mississippi, with eastern US experiencing 50 mm (~2 inches) or more. Flooding was reported from Louisiana to northern New York, with some areas receiving daily records

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 14, 2011
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.

Zoo researchers provide African sanctuaries road map

Eleven Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA) member facilities are facing increased demand for chimpanzee care, with a projected 56 new arrivals annually. The study provides a roadmap for resource, infrastructure, and financial planning to support their growth and ensure long-term sustainability.

SourceLincoln Park Zoo·JournalInternational Journal of Primatology·DateMar 14, 2011

Vitamin D insufficiency high among patients with early Parkinson disease

A recent study published in Archives of Neurology reveals a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency among patients with early Parkinson's disease. Contrary to expectations, the researchers found that vitamin D concentrations remained stable over time, suggesting a potential role for long-term insufficiency in the pathogenesis of PD.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateMar 14, 2011
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.

JCI online early table of contents: March 14, 2011

Researchers have discovered that T cells from elite HIV controllers upregulate a protein called p21, which inhibits viral replication. This finding may inform the development of new treatments for patients susceptible to HIV's devastating effects. Meanwhile, two new studies shed light on pediatric brain tumors and lung cancer metastasis.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 14, 2011

Orchid wears the scent of death

Researchers have discovered that the orchid Satyrium pumilum uses carrion mimicry to attract specific species of flies for pollination. The study found that only female flesh-flies were attracted to the orchids, and that scent plays a crucial role in guiding them into the right position to pick up pollen.

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalAnnals of Botany·DateMar 14, 2011

The impact of sex selection and abortion in China, India and South Korea

The sex ratio at birth is skewed due to son preference and easy access to sex-selective abortions, leading to a significant imbalance between males and females in China, India, and South Korea. The number of males under 20 exceeds the number of females by around 32 million in China.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 14, 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.