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Science News for August 13, 2012


Diabetes drugs taken by over 15 million Americans raises risk of bladder cancer

A new study has found that patients taking thiazolidinedione (TZD) diabetes drugs are two to three times more likely to develop bladder cancer than those who took sulfonylurea drugs. The risk is especially high among Type 2 diabetes patients, with 170 expected cases per 100,000 treated with TZDs.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 13, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

BUSM researchers part of multi-center study on cardiac amyloidosis

A multicenter observational study found that Black patients with the V122I mutation have a median survival time of 26 months after diagnosis, with declining heart function and quality of life. The study establishes an increased risk of death from cardiac amyloidosis among carriers of this mutation, particularly after age 60.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Heart Journal·DateAug 13, 2012

Scientists use light to 'tag and track' genetic processes

Researchers at UT Dallas developed a novel method to visualize and study DNA looping, a biological process involved in rearranging genetic material. The 'tag and track' technique sheds light on the intermediate steps of DNA loop formation and may lead to more efficient drug screening methods for HIV.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateAug 13, 2012

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for Aug. 14, 2012 online issue

The American College of Physicians recommends against routine screening for age-related hearing loss due to insufficient evidence on benefits and harms. For schizophrenia, there is little research to support the use of second-generation antipsychotics over first-generation drugs.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 13, 2012
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Hurricanes can be 50 percent stronger if passing over fresh water, says Texas A&M study

A recent Texas A&M University study reveals that hurricanes can intensify by 50% faster when passing over large areas of fresh water, making them more devastating. The research analyzed Tropical Cyclones for the decade 1998-2007 and found a significant correlation between freshwater regions and increased storm intensity.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 2012

Fresh water breathes fresh life into hurricanes

Researchers found that when hurricanes blow over ocean regions swamped by fresh water, the conditions can intensify the storm. This results in a 50 percent increase in intensity, which can lead to much larger destruction and death.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 2012

Research shows how computation can predict group conflict

A study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison uses computational approach to determine individual predictability in group conflict. The research proposes a novel estimate of 'cognitive burden,' or minimal amount of information needed to make predictions, using sparse coding principles.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 2012
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.

Fruity science halves fat in chocolate

University of Warwick scientists have discovered a way to replace up to 50% of chocolate's fat content with fruit juice without compromising its texture or taste. The new method, known as Pickering emulsion, uses tiny droplets of juice measuring under 30 microns in diameter to create a lower-fat chocolate product.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry·DateAug 13, 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.

Graphene's behavior depends on where it sits

New experiments show graphene reacts chemically and electrically differently depending on the substrate material, allowing for patterned surfaces with varying chemical behavior. This discovery enables the creation of microarrays of sensors and potential protective coatings for materials.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Chemistry·DateAug 13, 2012

The scent of love: Decomposition and male sex pheromones

A new study found that female hide beetles (Dermestes maculatus) are attracted to cadavers by a combination of cadaver odour and male sex pheromones. The females only respond when both the odor and pheromones are present, optimizing their chances of reproductive success.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalFrontiers in Zoology·DateAug 13, 2012

Why are people overconfident so often?

Researchers found that people's overconfidence is driven by their desire for social status, which leads to better performance in groups and more admiration from peers. In organizational settings, this can result in incompetent individuals being promoted due to displays of confidence.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateAug 13, 2012

Pioneering research into rare neonatal diseases

Research led by the University of Sheffield aims to improve treatment for babies lacking cortisol, a critical stress hormone. A new hydrocortisone preparation is being developed specifically for neonates and infants, addressing current challenges in administering medication.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·DateAug 13, 2012

Clemson researchers make optical fibers from common materials

Researchers at Clemson University have developed optical fibers using highly purified silica and sapphire, pushing the limits of current fiber technology. The goal is to create stronger and more durable fiber material for telecommunications and high-energy applications.

SourceClemson University·JournalNature Photonics·DateAug 13, 2012
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.

Bringing style home

Researchers studied Apartment Therapy website for insights into consumer behavior, finding that reading and imitating decor can shape personal style and boundaries. Through a tripartite process of problematization, instrumentalization, and ritualization, consumers develop standards for cool design choices.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 13, 2012

'Harmless' condition shown to alter brain function in elderly

Researchers at Mayo Clinic discover leukoaraiosis is a disease that alters brain function, affecting language processing and network activity. Moderate levels of the condition lead to decreased activation in key areas, while high blood pressure may also play a role.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateAug 13, 2012

Stepping stones to the north

A new study reveals that protected areas are crucial habitats for animal species to colonize and thrive as they migrate towards the poles. The research analyzed millions of records from citizen scientists and found that nature reserves are 4 times more likely to be colonized than expected, providing vital refuges against climate change.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 2012
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

NASA STEREO observes 1 of the fastest CMEs on record

Scientists at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center recorded a coronal mass ejection traveling at unprecedented speeds using data from the STEREO spacecraft. The event produced a strong magnetic field and intense solar radiation, offering insights into the causes of space weather events.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 13, 2012

Egg yolk consumption almost as bad as smoking when it comes to atherosclerosis

Regular egg yolk consumption accelerates atherosclerosis in a manner similar to smoking cigarettes, according to a new study published in the journal Atherosclerosis. The research found that those eating three or more yolks per week had significantly more plaque area than those who ate two or fewer yolks per week.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalAtherosclerosis·DateAug 13, 2012

New bacteria-resistant materials discovered

Scientists at the University of Nottingham have developed new polymers resistant to bacterial attachment, reducing biofilm formation and infection rates. The breakthrough could lead to a significant reduction in hospital infections and medical device failures, with initial results showing up to 96.7% reduction in bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateAug 13, 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 ins and outs of building the sperm tail

Researchers from Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência describe the steps involved in making a motile flagellum in fruit fly sperm cells. The process involves the formation of a critical protein structure called the central microtubule pair, essential for coordinated movement.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateAug 13, 2012

UD partner in NIH research project to produce artificial salivary glands

The University of Delaware is part of a $2.5 million NIH-funded project to create artificial salivary glands. Researchers hope to develop new solutions for Xerostomia, a side effect of radiation treatment for head and neck cancers. The project involves developing hydrogels that can guide salivary cells to form functional glands.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateAug 13, 2012

Australia creates world's first continental-scale mineral maps

The Australian government has created the world's first continent-wide mineral maps using Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection (ASTER) data. These maps provide highly accurate information on rock and soil mineral components, revolutionizing the search for mineral deposits.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateAug 13, 2012

Study links persistent and loud snoring in young children with problem behaviors

A study published in Pediatrics found a strong association between persistent and loud snoring in young children and problem behaviors such as hyperactivity, depression, and inattention. The study suggests that doctors should routinely screen for and track snoring in children from poorer families to prevent preschool behavior problems.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateAug 13, 2012
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.

Modification of tumor suppressor affects sensitivity to potential GBM treatment

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that a modification of the tumor suppressor gene PTEN is associated with resistance to glioblastoma treatments. The research suggests that targeting PTEN modification could lead to improved treatment outcomes for patients with glioblastoma.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 2012

NIST's speedy ions could add zip to quantum computers

Researchers at NIST have accelerated beryllium ions to 100 miles per hour and controlled their deceleration, demonstrating precision control of fast acceleration and sudden stops. This breakthrough enables faster transport of ions, a crucial step in quantum computing, reducing processing overhead and improving overall performance.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 13, 2012

Wolters Kluwer Health and the American Academy of Neurology renew partnership

Wolters Kluwer Health has renewed its partnership with the American Academy of Neurology to publish Neurology, Continuum: Lifelong Learning in Neurology, Neurology Today, Neurology Now, and Neurology Clinical Practice. The AAN journals have won multiple publishing awards and are widely recognized for their value in the field.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalNeurology·DateAug 13, 2012

Research raises doubts about whether modern humans and Neanderthals interbred

A study by researchers at the University of Cambridge suggests that common ancestry, not hybridisation, better explains the average 1-4 per cent DNA shared between Eurasians and Neanderthals. Genetic evidence shows that Africans have almost none of the Neanderthal genome.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 2012
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.

New system could predict solar flares, give advance warning

Researchers have discovered a new method to predict solar flares by measuring gamma radiation emitted when atoms decay. The system could provide up to 2-day advance warning, allowing operators to minimize impact and astronauts to shield themselves from lethal radiation.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAstroparticle Physics·DateAug 13, 2012

NIMBioS study finds bullies squelched when bystanders intervene

Researchers found that intervening on behalf of a victim can reduce bullying rates in humans' evolutionary past, leading to greater cooperation, empathy, and egalitarian moral values. This finding supports prior studies showing lower bullying rates in Scandinavian countries.

SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 2012

Consuming flavanol-rich cocoa may enhance brain function

Consuming cocoa flavanol-rich products daily may improve memory and cognition in elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment. Researchers found significant improvements in cognitive scores, insulin resistance, blood pressure, and oxidative stress for those drinking high and intermediate levels of flavanols.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateAug 13, 2012

Strategy appears to help rule-in, rule-out heart attack within 1 hour

A new algorithm using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T values can quickly classify patients as either likely to have a heart attack or not, reducing the need for prolonged monitoring. The strategy has been shown to be safe and accurate, ruling-out or ruling-in heart attacks within one hour in 77% of patients with acute chest pain.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateAug 13, 2012
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

New oncogene identified for breast cancer

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have identified a new oncogene, FAM83B, which contributes to the development of breast cancer. Elevated expression of this gene is associated with the more aggressive triple-negative subgroup, highlighting the need for new therapeutic options.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 13, 2012

New technology delivers sustained release of drugs for up to 6 months

Researchers from the University of Cambridge have developed injectable hydrogels that can deliver therapeutics for up to six months, doubling current maximum release time. These hydrogels contain proteins or other therapeutics and are capable of controlled release rate according to material ratio.

SourceCambridge Enterprise University of Cambridge·JournalBiomaterials·DateAug 13, 2012
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Mount Sinai researchers identify new drug target for schizophrenia

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine discovered that an enzyme called HDAC2 is involved in reducing the efficacy of antipsychotic drugs in schizophrenic patients. The team found that inhibiting HDAC2 can improve therapeutic effects of antipsychotics and prevent drug resistance.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 13, 2012

Existing drugs offer new treatment options for high-risk childhood leukemia subtype

Scientists have identified genetic alterations underlying a high-risk subtype of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) that can be effectively targeted with existing leukemia therapies. The study suggests patients with Ph-like ALL may benefit from the addition of imatinib and dasatinib to current chemotherapy regimens.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalCancer Cell·DateAug 13, 2012

Antisense approach promising for treatment of parasitic infections

Researchers developed a targeted antisense approach to treat toxoplasmosis, reducing viable parasites by over 90% in mice. The therapy combines short nucleic acid strands with peptides to disrupt genetic signals, with potential applications in non-parasitic diseases.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 2012

Blood test could guide treatment for kidney cancer

A blood test detecting high levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) may guide treatment for advanced kidney cancer, extending survival and improving outcomes for patients. Researchers found that LDH levels can predict the effectiveness of mTOR inhibitor temsirolimus in treating late-stage kidney cancer.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateAug 13, 2012
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.

Common antibiotics pose a rare risk of severe liver injury in older patients

A study published in CMAJ found that fluoroquinolone antibiotics, particularly moxifloxacin and levofloxacin, are linked to a higher risk of acute liver injury in older adults. The research suggests these drugs should be subject to regulatory warnings due to their potential harm.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 13, 2012

Supercomputers solve riddle of congenital heart defects

An international research team used supercomputers to analyze millions of data points and identified a complex pattern of genetic and environmental risk factors influencing congenital heart development. The findings could lead to more efficient diagnosis and treatment of the condition.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 2012
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.

Poor oral health can mean missed school, lower grades

A USC study found that poor oral health is connected to lower academic performance and more absences from school for disadvantaged kids. Children with tooth pain were four times more likely to have a low GPA, and dental problems caused an average of 2.1 days of missed school per year.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateAug 13, 2012

Rejected drug may protect against toxic substance common to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases

Latrepirdine, a compound initially rejected for Alzheimer's treatment, shows promise in animal models by reducing neurodegeneration-related proteins and activating autophagy. The study suggests potential benefits in treating or preventing disorders associated with high levels of alpha-synuclein.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateAug 13, 2012

UC Davis researchers identify cellular basis for how anti-aging costmetics work

Researchers have identified a cellular pathway for the effects of alpha hydroxyl acids on keratinocytes, leading to skin exfoliation. The study reveals that glycolic acid triggers an acidic environment within cells, activating the TRPV3 ion channel and causing calcium ion overload, resulting in cell death.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 13, 2012
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.

New method may allow personalized clinical trial for cancer therapies

A new method allows for personalized clinical trial predictions by analyzing cell behavior, offering ways to improve cancer treatment outcomes and predict tumor response. The approach may enable oncologists to test combinations of targeted therapies in individual patient tumors.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNature Methods·DateAug 13, 2012

Chemical widely used in antibacterial hand soaps may impair muscle function

A study found that triclosan impairs muscle contractions at a cellular level, slowing swimming in fish and reducing muscular strength in mice. The researchers also observed significant reductions in heart function measures and grip strength in mice exposed to the chemical.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 2012

Researchers identify key culprit causing muscle atrophy

A team of researchers from the University of Iowa has identified Gadd45a as a key culprit causing muscle atrophy, reprogramming hundreds of genes that ultimately lead to muscle deterioration. The protein affects muscles in two main ways: instructing cells to produce fewer proteins and causing existing proteins to break down.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 13, 2012

Gamma rays from galactic center could be evidence of dark matter

UCI astrophysicists analyze NASA data suggesting gamma rays could be evidence of dark matter particles annihilating each other. The observation is consistent with leading theories for dark matter and its presumed presence at galactic centers.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalPhysical Review D·DateAug 13, 2012
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.

Gene discovery could improve treatment for acute myeloid leukemia

Scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have discovered a gene called HLX that is over-expressed in leukemia stem cells, leading to the development of abnormal white blood cells. Targeting elevated HLX expression may be a promising novel strategy for treating acute myeloid leukemia.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalCancer Cell·DateAug 13, 2012