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Science News for May 6, 2012


Study shows Avastin has similar effect to Lucentis

A one-year study has found that Avastin and Lucentis have similar effectiveness in treating the most common cause of blindness in developed countries. The treatment approach, where drugs are administered as needed rather than monthly, resulted in almost identical levels of vision improvement.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·JournalOphthalmology·DateMay 6, 2012

A new candidate pathway for treating visceral obesity

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified a new candidate pathway for treating visceral obesity by manipulating vitamin A metabolism. By inhibiting the enzyme Aldh1a1, white fat cells can take on characteristics of brown fat, leading to reduced fat storage and improved metabolic health.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 6, 2012
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.

Climatic effects of a solar minimum

Researchers found a direct solar-climate linkage on centennial timescales using sediment analysis from Lake Meerfelder Maar. The study suggests a mechanism explaining the relation between weak sun and climate change, with positive feedback effects.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 6, 2012

Diabetic retinopathy research could reduce screening costs

Research at Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry found that screening people with type 2 diabetes every two years is a safe and cost-effective strategy, reducing costs by around 25%. This approach could benefit 2.8m people in the UK who have diabetes.

SourceThe Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry·JournalDiabetes Care·DateMay 6, 2012

Robot reveals the inner workings of brain cells

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed an automated technique to record electrical activity from neurons in the living brain, offering insights into brain cell activities. The robotic system detects cells with 90% accuracy and can determine a cell's shape and genetic profile.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Methods·DateMay 6, 2012

Liver fat gets a wake-up call that maintains blood sugar levels

Research suggests that liver fat can be beneficial if stored in tiny coated droplets, reducing glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. Circadian rhythm regulation of histone deacetylase 3 may play a crucial role in metabolic management.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 6, 2012

LSU research finds orangutans host ancient jumping genes

Recent LSU research has found that orangutans are host to ancient Alu jumping genes more than 16 million years old, which can copy themselves using a method similar to retroviruses. This discovery represents only the second study to identify a driver Alu element and provides promising new evidence for Alu propagation in orangutans.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalMobile DNA·DateMay 6, 2012
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.

The energy efficient soldier

A five-year grant from the US Army will support research on multiscale modeling of electronic materials. The University of Utah-led consortium aims to design new materials that can reduce the weight and increase the energy efficiency of devices, enabling soldiers to carry more equipment without excessive battery weight.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateMay 6, 2012

First oral agent to quell invasive macular degeneration, restore lost vision

Researchers report a breakthrough treatment for invasive macular degeneration, using an oral nutriceutical that rapidly restores vision and improves overall eye health. In 16 successful cases, the treatment showed significant improvements in visual acuity, contrast vision, and circulatory health within 3-6 weeks.

SourceResveratrol Partners LLC, dba LONGEVINEX·DateMay 6, 2012

Trial launched into curry chemical's cancer-fighting properties

A new study launched by University of Leicester is exploring whether tablets containing curcumin can enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy for advanced bowel cancer. The trial aims to recruit 40 patients and investigate the safety and efficacy of adding curcumin to standard treatment.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·DateMay 6, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Eye color may indicate risk for serious skin conditions

A study published in Nature Genetics found a correlation between eye color and the risk of developing certain serious skin conditions. People with blue eyes were less likely to have vitiligo, while those with brown eyes may be at lower risk for melanoma.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 6, 2012