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Science News for September 30, 2012


Are too few women being offered breast-conserving treatment?

A new study suggests that not enough women with breast cancer are being offered the chance to undergo treatments that may conserve their breasts. Despite high response rates to neoadjuvant therapy, only around 40% of patients receive breast-conserving surgery. The studies call for a clear consensus on the role of breast conserving surg...

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateSep 30, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Feature sensitive re-sampling of point set surfaces with Gaussian spheres

The proposed algorithm generates feature sensitive non-uniformly distributed discrete sample points for underlying point sets. It uses a Gaussian sphere-based sampling scheme to simplify the point set surfaces, and then applies an adaptive re-sampling framework to generate the desired samples.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Information Sciences·DateSep 30, 2012

Fish getting smaller as the oceans warm: UBC research

A new study projects a 14-20% decline in maximum fish body weight by 2050, with the tropics being most impacted. The research highlights the need to curb greenhouse gas emissions and monitor changes to ocean ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Climate Change·DateSep 30, 2012

Myths and misunderstandings hamper efforts to prevent cancer

Studies presented at ESMO 2012 Congress reveal that a large proportion of people overestimate the cancer risk attributable to genetics and underestimate the risks associated with obesity, alcohol, and sunlight exposure. Increasing awareness of primary cancer prevention is crucial to reduce incidence rates.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateSep 30, 2012

Breast cancer recurrence defined by hormone receptor status

New research reveals that women with HER2 positive breast cancer that is also hormone (estrogen and progesterone) receptor negative have an increased risk of early death and less likely to recur in bone compared to those with hormone-sensitive cancer. The study suggests HR status defines two different subsets of HER2 positive cancers.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBreast Cancer Research·DateSep 30, 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.

The genetics of white finger disease

A study published in Clinical Epigenetics found that individuals with a specific genetic variation in SIRT1 are more likely to develop vibration-induced white finger disease. The research suggests that testing for this variant before starting work with vibrating machinery could prevent years of pain and disability.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalClinical Epigenetics·DateSep 30, 2012

New weapons in the fight against cancer

Several new first-in-human studies for drugs targeting a range of cancers have shown promising results, including the development of MEK-, MET- and HSP90 inhibitors as well as immunotherapeutic strategies. Studies have demonstrated significant activity in ALK-positive lung cancer resistant to crizotinib and other targeted therapies.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateSep 30, 2012

Common RNA pathway found in ALS and dementia

A recent study reveals a common RNA pathway that contributes to the degeneration of motor neurons in both ALS and dementia. The discovery provides a potential target for developing new treatments and offers insights into the normal function of key proteins involved in these diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateSep 30, 2012

New pathogen epidemic identified in sub-Saharan Africa

A new study reveals the emergence and spread of invasive non-Typhoidal Salmonella disease in sub-Saharan Africa, which has a significant mortality rate of up to 45% in infected people. The disease is caused by a rapidly evolving form of Salmonella Typhimurium that acquired resistance to multiple front-line drugs.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 30, 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.

Researchers discover gene that causes deafness

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have identified a genetic mutation responsible for deafness and hearing loss associated with Usher syndrome type 1. The discovery of the CIB2 protein provides new insights into the mechanism of mechano-electrical transduction, which converts mechanical energy into sound.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 30, 2012

Climate change could cripple southwestern forests

The study reveals that southwestern forests face significant challenges due to climate change, including increased drought stress and mortality. The researchers developed a Forest Drought-Stress Index that shows a strong correlation with tree growth, death from drought, and area burned by forest fires.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Climate Change·DateSep 30, 2012

Scientists find missing link between players in the epigenetic code

Researchers from the University of North Carolina School have established a connection between histone H3 lysine 9 methylation and DNA methylation, implicating protein UHRF1 in their maintenance. This finding may provide clues to the underlying causes of disease and cancer.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateSep 30, 2012