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Science News for June 15, 2012


Cancer's next magic bullet may be magic shotgun

A new approach to drug design, called the magic shotgun method, promises to help identify future cancer drugs that are more effective and have fewer side effects. This approach sifting through the known universe of chemicals to find special molecules that broadly disrupt the whole disease process.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature·DateJun 15, 2012

AGU Journal highlights - June 15, 2012

Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in measuring ocean currents between North Atlantic and Nordic Seas, providing new insights into global ocean circulation. Additionally, a team has successfully observed the entire thermal infrared spectrum of atmospheric gases for the first time, shedding light on greenhouse gas absorption.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 15, 2012

Ionic liquid improves speed and efficiency of hydrogen-producing catalyst

Researchers have found a condition that creates hydrogen faster without losing efficiency. The results provide insights into making better materials for energy production. The team discovered that an acidic ionic liquid can improve the catalyst's performance by uncoupling speed and efficiency.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2012
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Genetic markers hope for new brain tumor treatments

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have discovered three sets of genetic markers that could improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes for children with a rare type of brain tumor. The study found distinct genetic signatures for each sub-type of tumor, which may lead to more effective tools for predicting patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJun 15, 2012

Bielefeld University still twice excellent

Bielefeld University has secured further five-year funding for its Cluster of Excellence on Cognitive Interaction Technology (CITEC) and Graduate School in History and Sociology. The grants total $40.3 million, supporting research on intelligent systems and social sciences.

SourceBielefeld University·DateJun 15, 2012

Scientists tie DNA repair to key cell signaling network

Researchers at University of Texas Medical Branch discover new connection between DNA-repair process and cellular signaling network linked to chronic conditions. The study found that a byproduct of DNA repair activates Ras pathways, potentially opening up new avenues for treatments.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJun 15, 2012

Vitamin D with calcium shown to reduce mortality in elderly

A study published by The Endocrine Society found that vitamin D and calcium supplements reduce mortality in seniors, but not when taken alone. Elderly patients showed a 9% reduced death rate during the three-year study.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 15, 2012
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.

Syracuse University researchers use nanotechnology to harness power of fireflies

Researchers at Syracuse University have developed a system that harnesses the natural light produced by fireflies using nanoscience, producing a system 20-30 times more efficient than previous experiments. The breakthrough uses custom quantum nanorods to transfer energy from a chemical reaction between luciferin and luciferase enzymes.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 15, 2012

Changes needed for oft-ignored prescription warning labels

A Michigan State University study found that only 50% of patients looked directly at the warning labels, highlighting the need for redesign. Researchers suggest moving warnings to the main label or repositioning them for better visibility, especially for older patients who take multiple medications daily.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 15, 2012

Further top level support for Kiel marine sciences

The Kiel Cluster of Excellence 'The Future Ocean' has secured funding for its second phase, focusing on natural resources, biological diversity, and gas exchange. This will enable the team to provide a scientific basis for sustainable ocean management and engage in dialogue with decision makers.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·DateJun 15, 2012

Scientists discover mechanism that promotes lung cancer growth and survival

Researchers discovered a new mechanism that promotes lung cancer growth and survival by regulating autophagy, a complex process initiated under stressful conditions. The protein BI-1 was found to protect lung cancer cells and suppress tumor growth by modulating intracellular signals.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalGenes & Development·DateJun 15, 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.

Researchers develop optical displays from water and air

Scientists create a surface that can display information using water, exploiting the unique behavior of trapped air layers on a lotus-inspired dual-structured surface. The surface is bistable and exhibits striking optical contrast between its two states.

SourceAalto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2012

Neutrons escaping to a parallel world?

Researchers suggest mirror particles could be responsible for the missing mass of the universe due to an anomaly in neutron behavior. The loss rate of slow neutrons appears to depend on magnetic field strength, which could indicate a parallel world with invisible mirror twins.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal C·DateJun 15, 2012

Graphic warning labels improve smokers' recall of warning and health risks related to smoking

Researchers found that graphic warning labels improved smokers' recall of the warning, with a 50% vs. 83% difference in percentage correct recall. The study suggests that drawing attention to the warning label can improve recall of health relevant information and may extend to improving risk perception of smoking.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJun 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.

Bugs have key role in farming approach to storing CO2 emissions

Researchers have found that when the Iroko tree is grown in dry, acidic soil and treated with natural fungus and bacteria, it produces mineral limestone that stores carbon. This technique has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions in tropical countries and improve farming conditions.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·DateJun 15, 2012

Predators have outsized influence over habitats

A study found that when grasshoppers change their diet to high-energy carbohydrates under stress from spiders, it affects the decomposition of organic matter in soil. This leads to a slower breakdown of uneaten plants, resulting in lower quality fertilizer and reduced microbial activity.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 2012

Quality of life study shows stereotactic ablative radiotherapy effective treatment; stage I NSCLC

A study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that stereotactic ablative radiotherapy is an effective treatment option for elderly patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer. The treatment did not negatively impact health-related quality of life, and functional and symptom outcomes remained stable after two years.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateJun 15, 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.

Graduated driving laws reduce teen drunk driving

A new study from Washington University School of Medicine found that state laws limiting teen driving privileges and imposing penalties for driving under the influence reduce risky drinking and driving behaviors. Teens living in states with strictest laws were least likely to drink and drive or ride with a driver who had been drinking.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateJun 15, 2012

'Jack Spratt' diabetes gene identified

A new study has identified a genetic factor associated with lean type 2 diabetes patients, indicating that genetic predisposition may vary depending on body type. The 'Jack Spratt' gene is linked to an increased risk of the disease in lean individuals, contrasting with obese patients where other factors are more influential.

SourceThe Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJun 15, 2012

Hospital volume and surgeon specialty influence patient outcomes

A study published by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer found that high-volume hospitals and thoracic surgeons have lower mortality rates compared to general surgeons. The researchers recommend a national audit program to evaluate institutions based on quality parameters, including hospital volume.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateJun 15, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA sees heavy rainfall around compact Typhoon Guchol's center

Typhoon Guchol is intensifying and expected to bring rough surf, heavy rainfall, and typhoon conditions to Okinawa and western Japan over the weekend. The storm has spawned alerts in the Philippines and has a compact diameter of approximately 110 nautical miles.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 15, 2012

Antioxidant shown to reduce blindness risk in extremely premature babies

Researchers found that rhSOD reduces ROP incidence and severity in newborns born earlier than 26 weeks, with a 22% reduction for those born earlier than 25 weeks. The study suggests that rhSOD could provide a preventive approach to ROP prevention, but further studies are needed to confirm the findings.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNeonatology·DateJun 15, 2012

Chemotherapy effective for patients with resected SCLC or large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma

Researchers found that perioperative chemotherapy improved overall survival in patients with limited large cell neuroendocrine tumors or small-cell lung cancer after surgery. The study of 74 patients showed a significant difference in overall survival between those who received chemotherapy and those who did not.

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

Quantum bar magnets in a transparent salt

Researchers from UCL and EPFL have successfully created a material that mimics the behavior of traditional bar magnets, but at the quantum level. By manipulating the spins of tiny atoms in a transparent salt, they achieved an antiferromagnetic configuration, similar to large bar magnets, without the usual complications.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 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.

More to facial perception than meets the eye

People's facial perception judgments go beyond simple racial or gender categorization, according to new research. The study found that people reject stereotypes when presented with contradictory information, highlighting the complexity of face perception.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateJun 15, 2012

BPA exposure effects may last for generations

A recent study found that gestational exposure to BPA leads to behavioral changes in mice for four generations, including increased anxiety and aggression. The study suggests that BPA exposure could have long-lasting impacts on human behavior if it generalizes to humans.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalEndocrinology·DateJun 15, 2012
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Persistence is learned from fathers, study shows

Research from Brigham Young University found that dads play a crucial role in teaching their children persistence, which leads to better outcomes in school and lower rates of delinquency. The study examined 325 families over several years and showed that dads who practice authoritative parenting are more likely to instill this trait in...

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalThe Journal of Early Adolescence·DateJun 15, 2012

Musical brain patterns could help predict epileptic seizures

Researchers at Newcastle University have identified a unique brain wave pattern, called glissando, that can predict epileptic seizures. The study found that this pattern is highly indicative of human epilepsy and cannot be easily reproduced in non-epileptic brain tissue.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalEpilepsia·DateJun 15, 2012

Studying soil to predict the future of earth's atmosphere

A new study by researchers at BYU, Duke, and USDA finds that soil interaction with plants controls how ecosystems respond to rising CO2 levels. The study highlights the importance of soils in predicting the future of the Earth's atmosphere.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 15, 2012

Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy

A new study finds that obstructive sleep apnea is independently associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes. The severity of DPN is correlated with OSA and nocturnal hypoxemia severity, suggesting a potential mechanism for the relationship between the two conditions.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJun 15, 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.

Immune system may protect against Alzheimer's changes

Researchers at the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry have identified a key player in the immune system that may protect against Alzheimer's changes. The CCR2 gene was found to be associated with memory in people, suggesting that strengthening this part of the immune system could slow the disease.

SourceThe Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry·JournalRejuvenation Research·DateJun 15, 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.