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Science News Archive March 2012


Page 18 of 32

Bright future ahead for antibody cancer therapy

New monoclonal antibody drugs are being tested in most tumor types, allowing them to bind to multiple targets and stimulate the immune response. Researchers have developed advanced antibody engineering techniques to create more effective treatments, including bispecific antibodies and conjugates with toxic payloads.

Taking another shot at RAGE to tame Alzheimer's

Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have developed a compound that targets RAGE, a molecular actor involved in Alzheimer's disease. The compound, FPS-ZM1, reverses amyloid deposits, restores brain blood flow, and improves learning capabilities in mice.

Researchers create more efficient hydrogen fuel cells

A research team from UCF created a new structure that layers cheaper elements with gold and palladium to enhance energy conversion rates in hydrogen fuel cells. This approach could make the technology more cost-effective and practical for large-scale use.

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Biomarkers: New tools of modern medicine

Recent advances in biomarker discovery highlight the potential for personalized medicine, but also pose significant challenges. Biomarkers have been identified for various diseases, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Pleurectomy/decortication proposed preferred surgical procedure

A recent study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology suggests that pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) is a superior approach to extrapleural pnemonectomy (EPP) for patients with early-stage malignant pleural mesothelioma. P/D resulted in significantly better survival rates and lower mortality and morbidity compared to EPP.

With climate change, US could face risk from Chagas disease

Researchers found that 38% of kissing bugs in Arizona and California contained human blood, carrying the parasite that causes Chagas disease. The study raises awareness about the potential for transmission in the US, where the disease is currently rare.

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How does the order of choices affect consumer decisions?

A new study found that consumers' search for individual products is influenced by the order of choices, with larger choice sets being more daunting when presented first. By presenting smaller choice sets before larger ones, retailers may make large selections less intimidating.

Pants on fire: When consumers lie to service providers

A new study found that consumers who lie during a service encounter are more satisfied when they get what they want. Lying is perceived as hard work, resulting in fewer mental resources for other tasks, including updating expectations about the conversation's progress. This leads to stronger reactions to outcomes.

Menopausal hormone therapy and breast cancer risk

A recent review of large prospective cohort studies and WHI trials found that estrogen plus progestin increases breast cancer risk, while estrogen alone decreases risk in women with a previous hysterectomy. The study proposes that mammography screening differences may explain the observed effects.

Blood vessel disease of retina may be marker of cognitive decline

A study led by UCSF researchers found that women with mild retinopathy are more likely to experience cognitive decline and related brain changes. The findings suggest retinopathy could serve as a simple eye screening tool for detecting early stages of vascular disease.

Researchers demonstrate versatility of solid-state protein sensor

The new sensor uses nanometer-scale pores to selectively screen single molecules passing through a semiconductor membrane. The technology has the potential to detect and identify specific proteins in a single cell, with applications in medical research, pharmaceuticals, and fundamental biological studies.

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Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Suppressing feelings of compassion makes people feel less moral

A recent study published in Psychological Science found that suppressing compassionate feelings can lead to a decrease in morality. When participants were instructed not to feel sympathy or distress, they reported feeling less committed to following moral rules and being more flexible about morality.

Cancer cells send out the alarm on tumor-killing virus

Brain-tumor cells infected with a cancer-killing virus release CCN1, which initiates an antiviral response that reduces viral replication and limits its cytolytic efficacy. This mechanism may help control viral infections and improve oncolytic viral therapy for glioblastoma.

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Study looks at discrimination's impact on smoking

A new study by Jason Q. Purnell found that individuals who perceive discrimination are more likely to smoke, with workplace discrimination being a significant factor. The research highlights the importance of addressing discrimination in health care settings and workplaces to improve smoking cessation rates.

Scholars call for global governance overhaul to ensure Earth's sustainability

A group of environmental scholars recommends transforming national and international institutions into a more coherent planetary stewardship model. The proposal includes reforms to the UN system, integrating social and economic pillars of sustainable development, and closing regulatory gaps on emerging technologies.

Deprived of sex, jilted flies drink more alcohol

Researchers found that male fruit flies drink more alcohol after being rejected by females due to a molecular trigger called neuropeptide F. This discovery may help shed light on the brain mechanisms underlying social interaction and addiction in humans.

Designer lights from the physics lab

Researchers fabricated optically active, three-dimensional structures using DNA origami to tailor visible light properties. The study enables the preparation of self-assembling metamaterials and novel optical lens systems.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

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NIH brain imaging study finds evidence of basis for caregiving impulse

A recent NIH brain imaging study found that viewing images of infant faces activates specific brain circuits associated with care giving behavior. These findings suggest a biological impulse governing adults' interactions with small children, which may have implications for preventing child neglect and abuse.

Cell phone use in pregnancy may cause behavioral disorders in offspring

A study by Yale School of Medicine researchers found that exposure to cell phone radiation during pregnancy can cause hyperactivity and reduced memory capacity in adult mice. The findings suggest a potential link between fetal cellular telephone irradiation exposure and behavioral disorders in human children, such as ADHD.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

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Very few low-income moms meet breastfeeding recommendations

A recent study found that less than 2% of low-income mothers met breastfeeding recommendations, highlighting the need for increased support and resources. The research suggests that physicians can play a crucial role in removing barriers to breastfeeding by providing accessible information and assistance.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

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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.

Some NHS trusts consistently outperform others on patient experience

Research published in BMJ Quality & Safety found that some NHS trusts deliver a consistently better experience for patients, with a strong association between Foundation Trust status and improved performance. The study identified system-wide successes and failures, highlighting areas for improvement across the healthcare system.

Delivery of a small full-term infant puts mothers at risk for heart disease

A study published in PLOS One found that delivering a small full-term infant increases the mother's risk of ischemic heart disease by almost two-fold. The researchers suggest that this may be due to long-term cardiovascular changes triggered during pregnancy, which can lead to increased maternal risk for heart disease.

Loss of appetite deciphered in brain cell circuit

Researchers discovered a brain circuit that mediates loss of appetite in mice, revealing potential therapeutic targets for eating disorders. The study identified interventions that can restore normal appetite and prevent starvation by modulating signals from specific nerve cells.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

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Few genes control neuronal function

Researchers at Linköping University identified seven key transcription factors that specify the creation of 34 neuron groups in a fruit fly's antenna. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms that diversify neurons and keep them diverse, crucial for future nerve cell cultivation and replacement.

Corn insecticide linked to great die-off of beneficial honeybees

A study published in Environmental Science & Technology reveals that seeds coated with neonicotinoid insecticides cause widespread deaths of honeybees. The researchers found that even modified machines designed to reduce seed fragmentation still led to bee fatalities, highlighting the need for innovative solutions.

Epigenetic signatures direct the repair potential of reprogrammed cells

A study at Tufts University has identified specific epigenetic signatures that can predict the expression of a wound-healing protein in reprogrammed skin cells. This breakthrough brings researchers closer to developing personalized tissue regeneration strategies using stem cells from patients, eliminating the need for human embryonic s...

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

How cancer cells start new tumor sites

Researchers have identified a critical link in the signaling pathway that enables cancer cells to establish tumors in distant parts of the body. A new drug targeting this molecule may help prevent cancer from spreading, offering hope for improved treatment options.

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.

Study suggests link between H. pylori bacteria and adult Type 2 diabetes

A recent study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases found a significant association between H. pylori bacteria and elevated glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in adults, particularly those with obesity. This link suggests that the bacteria may play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes.

UN emission market needs urgent reform

A new study by the Economic & Social Research Council found that the UN's Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is skewed towards polluting corporations and people who earn a living from the market. The CDM is meant to finance investment projects that reduce emissions and bring development benefits to poorer countries.

An integrated pest management program for coffee berry borer in Colombia

In Colombia, an integrated pest management (IPM) program for coffee berry borer successfully reduced insect damage and improved quality. The program involved harvesting fewer berries per tree, increasing parchment coffee bean quality, and increasing the proportion of high-quality specialty coffee sold.

People in neighborhoods with healthy features have better heart health

Research at the American Heart Association's 2012 Scientific Sessions found that living in neighborhoods with favorable features, such as parks and healthy food options, is associated with better cardiovascular health. Participants with ideal health were more likely to be under age 55, male, and highly educated.

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.

CDC study shows outbreaks linked to imported foods increasing

A CDC study reveals a significant increase in foodborne disease outbreaks linked to imported foods between 2009 and 2010. Fish and spices were the most common sources of these outbreaks, with nearly half coming from Asia. The study highlights the growing global nature of the US food supply, exposing consumers to new pathogens.

Nano spiral staircases modify light

Researchers have successfully built nano spiral staircases with tailored optical material from DNA, modifying light in specific ways. The findings confirm predictions and show promise for developing novel optical lens systems with negative refractive index.

New study lowers estimate of ancient sea-level rise

A new study suggests that the seas rose 20 to 43 feet higher than today during an extremely warm period 400,000 years ago, contradicting previous estimates. The research provides a simple explanation for high beach deposits and infers that Greenland and West Antarctica ice sheets collapsed at that time.

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.