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Science News Archive August 2013


Page 2 of 29

Collagen clue reveals new drug target for untreatable form of lung cancer

Researchers have identified a new potential treatment for squamous cell lung cancer by targeting a specific protein called DDR2, which interacts with collagen to protect against cancer growth. The findings could lead to the development of targeted therapies for this previously untreatable form of lung cancer.

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.

Compounds point the way to cancer's dependencies

The Broad Institute's Cancer Therapeutics Response Portal (CTRP) has launched to match patients with potentially effective drugs. Researchers can use the portal to find therapeutically exploitable vulnerabilities in different cancer types, identifying genes that may provide new therapeutic targets.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Your spouse's voice is easier to hear -- and easier to ignore

Research suggests that familiar voices sharpen auditory perception and help individuals focus on one voice at a time. Middle-aged adults can use familiarity to ignore their spouse's voice and better understand unfamiliar voices, while older adults struggle with this task.

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.

Young whoopers stay the course when they follow a wise old bird

A University of Maryland-led research team found that young whooping cranes learn their migration route from older birds and get better at it with age. The study shows that individual birds' ability to stick to the route increases steadily each year up to about age 5, and remains roughly constant from that point on.

Rim Fire update Aug. 29, 2013

The Rim Fire in California has burned over 192,000 acres, with 30% containment achieved through aircraft and water/chemical dumping. Large burnout operations are planned for the southeastern edge of the fire in Yosemite National Park, hampered by remote terrain and extreme fire behavior.

Spider venom reveals new secret

University of Arizona researchers have discovered a new secret in spider venom, finding that the venom produces a different chemical product in the human body than previously thought. This discovery has implications for understanding how brown recluse spider bites affect humans and developing possible treatments.

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.

Tracking Huntington's disease through brain metabolism

A study has identified a metabolic network associated with Huntington's disease progression, allowing for predictive assessment of time to symptom onset. This discovery provides biomarkers for evaluating disease progression in carriers and supports the incorporation of this assessment into clinical trials.

Human heart disease recently found in chimpanzees

A new study finds Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy, a human heart disease, in chimpanzees. The condition was detected in two half-brother chimps who died suddenly during physical exertion at a UK zoo.

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.

Sea-level rise drives shoreline retreat in Hawaii

A study from the University of Hawaii – SOEST found that sea-level rise is a primary driver of shoreline change in Hawaii, with historical rates of erosion being about two orders of magnitude greater than SLR. The research highlights the importance of targeting SLR impacts in coastal zone decision-making and planning.

NAMS issues new guidance on vulvovaginal atrophy

The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) has published new guidance for diagnosing and treating vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA), a condition affecting up to 45% of women after menopause. The guidance emphasizes the importance of effective treatments, including simple vaginal lubricants, estrogen therapy, and nonhormonal options.

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.

Cell study offers more diabetic patients chance of transplant

Researchers developed a way to change pancreatic cells to produce insulin, reducing the need for two pancreas donations for successful islet cell transplants. This breakthrough could save months of waiting time for Type 1 diabetes patients and make more organs available.

New PRA gene identified in Phalenes and Papillons

A new PRA gene has been identified in the Phalene and Papillon dog breeds, causing progressive blindness in dogs. The CNGB1 mutation is linked to human retinitis pigmentosa, highlighting the shared genetic etiology of canine and human diseases. Genetic testing can help breeders avoid affected puppies and provide a diagnostic tool.

Transparent artificial muscle plays Grieg to prove a point

A transparent disk using a saltwater gel and ionic conductor produces sounds across the entire audible spectrum, demonstrating capabilities of ionic conductors. This technology has potential applications in biomedical devices, fast-moving robotics, and adaptive optics.

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.

2013 Avant-Garde Awards explore HIV without AIDS, protective genes

Three NIH scientists, Drs. Warner Greene, Richard Sutton, and Timothy Cardozo, receive $500,000 each to support groundbreaking HIV/AIDS research. Their projects focus on modifying the immune response to prevent further CD4 T-cell loss, identifying protective genes against HIV infection, and developing a combined cocaine/HIV vaccine.

Adding blood pressure drug to standard antibiotics speeds up TB treatment

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that a blood pressure medication speeds up TB treatment in mice, potentially making it easier for infected people to complete their therapy. The study suggests verapamil, commonly used to treat high blood pressure and headaches, could be an effective add-on therapy when combined with standard...

Alcohol breaks brain connections needed to process social cues

Researchers found that alcohol intoxication reduces coupling between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, impairing ability to accurately appraise environment and respond to social signals. This study provides insight into maladaptive behaviors seen in alcohol intoxication, including social disinhibition and aggression.

Where can coral reefs relocate to escape the heat?

Computer models predict coral reef ecosystem shifts due to warming and acidification, with the Western Pacific becoming less suitable by 2070. Coral Triangle biodiversity is also at risk, while some areas like the eastern Pacific may remain suitable.

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.

Digesting milk in Ethiopia: A case of multiple genetic adaptations

A team of geneticists identified five different alleles in the Ethiopian population that cause adult lactase production, highlighting a soft selective sweep. This phenomenon allows individuals to digest milk via different mutations, increasing their chances of survival under scarce food conditions.

Single gene change increases mouse lifespan by 20 percent

Researchers extended mouse lifespan by 20% through gene manipulation, with some organs aging better than others. This increase is equivalent to a 16-year boost in human lifespan, offering insights into aging and potential therapies for age-related diseases.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

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.

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.

Study identifies better blood glucose monitor for burn care

A pilot study by UC Davis researchers found that glucose monitoring systems with an autocorrect feature can produce more accurate blood glucose measurements, improving insulin dosing and glucose control for burn patients. This technology can help reduce mortality and morbidity in these patients.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

The price of poverty

Researcher Sendhil Mullainathan discovers that poverty's financial constraints can lead to significant cognitive deficits, affecting IQ and impulse control. The 'cognitive tax' caused by poverty can result in reduced adherence to medication regimens, among other behaviors.

Bad to the bone: some breast cancer cells are primed to thrive

Researchers found that certain genes, such as CXCL12 and IGF1, make breast cancer cells more likely to survive in bone tissue by mimicking the environment of their preferred organ. This discovery could lead to new drugs that prevent cancer spread to bone or other organs.

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.

Hydrogen fuel from sunlight

Researchers at the Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis have developed a method to interface molecular hydrogen-producing catalysts with a semiconductor that absorbs visible light. This breakthrough enables the production of hydrogen fuel from sunlight without external electrical potential.