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Science News Archive 2013


Page 253 of 352

New drug combination therapy developed to treat leukemia

Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have developed a novel drug combination therapy that targets the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in leukemia cells, leading to profound cell death. The therapy combines ABT-737 and BEZ235, which inhibit pro-survival proteins and reduce apoptosis in cancer cells.

Quantum computing taps nucleus of single atom

A team of Australian engineers at the University of New South Wales has demonstrated a functional quantum bit based on the nucleus of a single atom in silicon. The device operates with high accuracy and could revolutionize data processing in ultra-powerful quantum computers.

Family history of Alzheimer's associated with abnormal brain pathology

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that close family members of people with Alzheimer's disease are more likely to develop silent buildup of brain plaques associated with the disease. The study suggests unidentified genetic factors may influence the development of Alzheimer's before dementia onset.

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.

Dr. Mary Bouxsein is awarded ESCEO-IOF Herbert Fleisch Medal

Dr. Mary Bouxsein has been recognized with the ESCEO-IOF Herbert Fleisch Medal for her outstanding contributions to understanding skeletal fragility through biomechanics. Her work focuses on predicting fracture risk using novel non-invasive imaging techniques.

Building a better capacitor with custom nanorods

Researchers at Michigan Technological University have developed a method to create manganese dioxide nanorods with the optimal crystal structure, enabling high-power and long-lasting capacitors. The nanorods can be used in various applications, including energy storage and solar cells.

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.

Strange new bursts of gamma rays point to a new way to destroy a star

A team of scientists has identified a new type of gamma-ray burst that lasts for several hours, challenging previous theories. The ultra-long bursts are thought to occur in the violent death throes of a supergiant star, with a massive explosion taking time to propagate through the star.

PPP meets mental health needs in northern Uganda

A public-private partnership (PPP) successfully addressed the mental health needs of people in post-conflict northern Uganda, establishing five psycho-trauma centers and increasing clinic attendance from 300 to over 3,000. The most common diagnoses were depression, PTSD, epilepsy, and substance use disorders.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New approaches to maximize the antitumor activity of interferon

Researchers propose strategies to enhance the therapeutic effects of interferon in cancer treatment. They explore mechanisms of interferon signaling that lead to tumor cell death and suggest directions for future research, such as alternative methods of delivering interferon-activated immune cells.

Anxious about life? Tylenol may do the trick

Researchers found Tylenol reduces psychological effects of fear and anxiety, suggesting the drug inhibits distress signals to the brain. The study built on previous research that acetaminophen can reduce social pain, advancing understanding of how the human brain processes different types of pain.

NREL survey shows dramatic improvement in B100 biodiesel quality

A recent NREL survey found that 95% of 100% biodiesel (B100) samples met ASTM International fuel quality specifications, representing a dramatic improvement from previous years. The increase is attributed to stricter quality requirements and the voluntary BQ-9000 quality management program.

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.

What really makes us fat?

Research argues that conventional wisdom on obesity causes may be incorrect and that a hormonal disorder could be the real culprit. The author of a new article calls for rigorous trials to determine the true cause of obesity.

How does acupuncture work? The science behind the therapy explored

A special issue of Medical Acupuncture explores the basic science and mechanisms of action underlying medical acupuncture. The study found associations between neurotransmitters in the brain and patient responses to traditional vs. sham acupuncture, suggesting improved outcomes with matched treatments.

Security holes in smartphone apps

Researchers at UC Davis found major security issues in popular Android apps like Handcent SMS, WeChat, and Weibo, which can be exploited by malicious code. These vulnerabilities allow attackers to access personal data and forge fake messages.

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.

How smart are your clothes?

Joanna Berzowska's project harnesses power from the human body to create garments with complex, surprising transformations. The technology is woven into the fibre itself, enabling innovative 'smart textiles' with potential applications in fashion and beyond.

Social media can support healthiness of older people

A new review from the University of Luxembourg suggests that social media can provide valuable additional support for older people with sickness and diseases. The study highlights the potential benefits of social media, including enhanced feelings of control and self-efficacy, as well as access to health-related information and social ...

Outcomes for treating heart failure with cell therapy, high-dose ultrasound

Researchers found that shock wave-facilitated cell therapy improved left ventricular ejection fraction and reduced major adverse cardiac events in patients with chronic postinfarction heart failure. The treatment used high-dose ultrasound to precondition the target heart tissue before administering bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells.

Bed of needles

Scientists developed an adhesive patch that uses swellable microneedle tips to secure skin grafts firmly in place over wounds. The invention offers a trauma- and infection-prone alternative to traditional staples and sutures.

Virginia Tech research team creates potential food source from non-food plants

A team of researchers at Virginia Tech has successfully transformed cellulose into starch, a process that could provide a previously untapped nutrient source from plants not traditionally thought of as food crops. This breakthrough opens the door to creating food from any plant, reducing land use and water consumption.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

College admission questions rarely identify criminal behavior

A new study found that criminal background checks and pre-admission screening questions are ineffective in predicting students who will commit crimes on college campuses. Only a small fraction of students with prior criminal records were identified as likely to engage in misconduct during college.

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.

NREL and partners demonstrate quantum dots that assemble themselves

Scientists have demonstrated a process where quantum dots can self-assemble at optimal locations in nanowires, improving the efficiency of solar cells, quantum computing, and lighting devices. The breakthrough enables precise positioning of quantum dots relative to the nanowire's center, leading to high optical properties.

Migraines in childhood and adolescence associated with having colic as an infant

A recent study found that children with migraines are more likely to have experienced infantile colic as infants. The researchers also discovered a correlation between pulsatile pain and infantile colic in migraine sufferers. Longitudinal studies are needed to further explore the association between colic and childhood migraines.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Love at first sniff: Male moths go by first impressions

Researchers found that male moths lose the ability to measure pheromone blend ratios as they fly upwind, leading them to rely on their initial impression. This allows males to mate with females of different strains, resulting in hybrid moth populations.

Layered '2-D nanocrystals' promising new semiconductor

Researchers have created a new type of semiconductor technology based on two-dimensional nanocrystals, which can be used to create smaller transistors. The material has a bandgap, allowing it to switch on and off, making it suitable for digital transistors.

Routine EKG finding could signal serious heart problem

A common EKG test may predict serious cardiovascular illness in people with left anterior fascicular block (LAFB), a previously thought benign condition. The study found those with LAFB had a higher risk of atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure and death.

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.

Impact of portion size on overeating is hard to overcome

A study published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that portion sizes significantly affect food intake, even with mindful eating education. Despite teaching participants about external factors influencing eating habits, they consumed more food when given larger portions.

Experiencing existential dread? Tylenol may do the trick

New research suggests that Tylenol can alleviate existential pain and anxiety by inhibiting brain signals associated with distress. The study found that participants who took Tylenol were less harsh in setting bail after writing about their own death, compared to those who took a sugar pill.

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.

This month in Ecology: Oysters, big rivers, biofuels

Biofuels have significant ecological impacts due to high-intensity agriculture practices that contribute to water pollution and loss of biodiversity. Cellulosic ethanol, made from grasses and perennial native crops, may offer a more sustainable alternative with reduced resource competition and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Gene study helps understand pulmonary fibrosis

A genome-wide association study identified a novel genetic locus linked to both the onset and mortality of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The study found that a variant in the TOLLIP gene was associated with an increased risk of death, suggesting an abnormal immune response may be central to the disease.

New study finds digoxin safe despite recent reports

A new study published in the European Heart Journal has found no evidence that digoxin increases mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study analyzed data from over 3,400 patients and found that digoxin was not associated with an increased risk of death or hospitalization.

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.

A look at the world explains 90 percent of changes in vegetation

A study by the University of Zurich found that climate variability accounts for 54% of global vegetation activity changes. Human activity caused over 30% of changes, with regions such as Tanzania and Zimbabwe experiencing declines in vegetation activity. The research team will further investigate interactions between humans and climate.

Experiment shows why some stress is good for you

New research by Daniela Kaufer and Elizabeth Kirby found that acute stress doubles the proliferation of new brain cells in the hippocampus, leading to improved mental performance two weeks later. The study suggests that moderate stress can help individuals perform better when alert, but excessive stress can be harmful.

Common pregnancy conditions risk future diabetes

A Canadian study of over 1 million women found that pre-eclampsia and gestational hypertension may double the chance of being diagnosed with diabetes years after pregnancy. Women with a history of these conditions, especially combined with gestational diabetes, are at a higher risk of developing future diabetes.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Dying supergiant stars implicated in hours-long gamma-ray bursts

Three unusually long-lasting stellar explosions discovered by NASA's Swift satellite represent a previously unrecognized class of gamma-ray bursts. Dying supergiant stars hundreds of times larger than the sun are likely the cause, producing powerful jets that propel matter at nearly the speed of light.

Women with HIV shown to have elevated resting energy expenditure

A study published in Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that women with HIV have an elevated resting energy expenditure compared to healthy women. The study also showed that this effect persists even among those on effective antiretroviral therapy, suggesting a direct impact of HIV infection on metabolism.

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.

Better coordination necessary to reduce hospital readmission rates

Achieving widespread reductions in preventable hospital readmissions among Medicare beneficiaries may take longer than anticipated. Fostering collaborative relationships among providers across care settings is key to reducing preventable readmissions, according to researchers analyzing the State Action on Avoidable Rehospitalizations i...