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Science News for July 15, 2012


Researchers develop new method for identifying lung nodules

Researchers at Kaiser Permanente Southern California identified 7,112 patients with lung nodules using existing medical records. They developed an automated method that classifies nodules with 96% sensitivity and 86% specificity compared to clinician review.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateJul 15, 2012

Elegant delivery

A new immunotherapy using nanolipogels (NLGs) delays tumor growth, sends tumors into remission, and increases survival rates in mice. The NLGs deliver two components: an inhibitor drug that counters TGF-β and interleukin-2 to boost the immune response.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 15, 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.

TV habits predict kids' waist size and sporting ability

A study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found that TV habits at age 2-4 predict waist size by grade 4 and sports ability by age 10. Excessive screen time is associated with increased waist circumference and decreased athletic performance, highlighting the need for policies targeting ...

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateJul 15, 2012

Funding boost for silicon carbide super chip

Researchers are developing silicon carbide microchips that can operate in harsh environments, enabling new applications like efficient lighting. The project aims to bring this technology closer to reality and engage with major international industry.

SourceGriffith University·DateJul 15, 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.

Copper's previously unknown exit strategy

Researchers identify molecule that sequesters copper and routes it through urine, providing a previously unknown escape route from the body. This discovery could lead to new treatments for Wilson's disease, a rare disorder that causes copper accumulation in the liver.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 15, 2012

Could a larger waistline be a result of too much TV as a child?

A new study found that young children who watched more hours of TV had worse muscular fitness and larger waist sizes by adolescence. This correlation could lead to increased risk of adult health problems if left unaddressed. Researchers recommend reducing screen time for toddlers to promote healthy physical development.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateJul 15, 2012

New gene mutations linked to ALS and nerve cell growth dysfunction

Researchers identified gene mutations in profilin that affect nerve cell structure and growth, shedding light on how ALS destroys cells. The study provides a new piece of the puzzle in understanding ALS mechanisms, supporting existing studies on cell cytoskeleton disruptions.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature·DateJul 15, 2012

La Jolla institute identifies critical cell in fighting E. coli infection

A study published in Nature reveals that the HVEM molecule plays a critical role in protecting against bacterial infections, including E. coli and pneumococcus, by acting as a border guard to signal the immune system to respond. The discovery provides a potential new therapeutic target for preventing and treating bacterial infections.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature·DateJul 15, 2012
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.

Unique properties of graphene lead to a new paradigm for low-power telecommunications

Researchers at Columbia Engineering demonstrate graphene's remarkable optical nonlinear behavior, enabling broad applications in optical interconnects and low-power photonic integrated circuits. The graphene-silicon hybrid device achieves radio frequency generation with a resonant quality factor more than 50 times lower than what other...

SourceColumbia University·JournalNature Photonics·DateJul 15, 2012