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Science News Archive August 2013 - Page 5


Page 5 of 29

Rim Fire update Aug. 27, 2013

Fire crews worked to contain the Rim Fire in California, spotting across the line near Duckwall Ridge and expanding evacuations along Highway 108. NASA's Terra satellite captured images of the fire's spread, highlighting the need for heavy aircraft support to slow its progress.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 27, 2013
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.

Dating violence impedes victims' earnings

A recent study by Michigan State University researchers found that dating violence in adolescence leads to lower education levels and reduced earnings. The study, which analyzed survey data from over 500 single mothers, suggests that victims of dating violence are more likely to drop out of school or have limited career opportunities.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·DateAug 27, 2013

Hearing loss associated with a lack of cell-cell junctions

A mutation in the TRIC gene disrupts tight cell junctions, creating a toxic environment that leads to cochlear hair cell loss. Researchers have created a mouse model to study human TRIC-associated deafness and explore potential treatments for restoring tight junction function.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 27, 2013
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.

Winter depression not as common as many think, OSU research shows

A recent study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that depressive symptoms are not as influenced by time of year or weather conditions as previously thought. Researchers analyzed data from over 800 participants and concluded that people may be exaggerating the impact of seasonal changes on their mood.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateAug 27, 2013

Low inflammation may explain healthy metabolic status in some obese people

A recent study found that reduced levels of inflammation may explain how some obese individuals remain metabolically healthy. Inflammation is associated with a higher risk of diabetes and heart disease, but some obese people do not develop high blood pressure or unfavorable cholesterol profiles.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateAug 27, 2013

Study identifies molecular process behind form of non-syndromic deafness

A new study identified an underlying molecular process causing DFNB49 non-syndromic hearing loss, which may also affect other organs. Researchers found that a mutation in the TRIC gene disrupts tricellulin production, leading to structural changes and potential cellular damage.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 27, 2013
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.

How quickly can a bacterium grow?

E. coli bacteria produce at most six times more heat than needed to meet thermodynamic constraints, suggesting they could grow faster and still obey the second law of thermodynamics. This finding has implications for synthetic biology applications and may support the hypothesis that RNA evolved before DNA.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateAug 27, 2013

Novel approach to gene regulation can activate multiple genes simultaneously

Researchers at Whitehead Institute developed a new gene regulation system called CRISPR-on, which can activate multiple genes concurrently and precisely control their expression levels. The system has been shown to be effective in both mouse and human cells as well as in mouse embryos.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalCell Research·DateAug 27, 2013

Anchoring ABL for a better fate

Researchers uncover how ABL regulatory unit controls cell fate in CML, with implications for cancer treatment. The study finds that anchoring ABL on the cell membrane is essential for apoptosis, highlighting a potential target for novel therapies.

SourcePublicase International·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 27, 2013
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.

Conspiracy theories not to blame for underrepresentation in HIV studies

A new study found no link between distrust in medical research and willingness to participate in related studies, contrary to popular belief. African Americans and Mexican Americans were more likely to endorse HIV conspiracy beliefs but significantly more willing to volunteer for HIV vaccine research.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateAug 27, 2013

New research shows benefit of interval training for women

A new study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is beneficial for women, with a significant effect on cardiovascular performance compared to men. Women worked at a higher percentage of their maximum heart rate and oxygen consumption during HIIT.

SourceBowling Green State University·JournalThe Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research·DateAug 27, 2013
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.

NASA sees Tropical Storm Kong-Rey battling wind shear

Tropical Storm Kong-Rey is experiencing strong thunderstorms in its southern and western quadrants, while the northern quadrant shows weaker development due to northeasterly wind shear. The storm is expected to pass east of Taiwan before weakening in the next couple of days.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 27, 2013

Scientists prevent preterm birth caused by gene-environment interactions

Researchers have identified a molecular signature in human tissue samples from women who experienced premature birth. A combinatory treatment strategy involving rapamycin and progesterone effectively prevented preterm birth in mice model, suggesting potential for reducing incidence in high-risk women.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 27, 2013

Origin of a hereditary east Texas bleeding disorder

A genetic mutation in coagulation factor 5 is identified as the cause of a severe hereditary bleeding disorder in East Texas. The mutation leads to the production of a truncated form of FV, which forms a complex with tissue factor pathway inhibitor-α that inhibits coagulation pathways.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 27, 2013
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.

European hunter-gatherers owned pigs as early as 4600 BC

New research shows that European hunter-gatherers acquired domesticated pigs from nearby farmers around 4600 BC. The interaction between the two groups led to the incorporation of farming and breeding of livestock into their culture.

SourceDurham University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 27, 2013
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

JCI early table of contents for Aug. 27, 2013

Researchers have identified a link between the tight junction protein TRIC and cochlear hair cell preservation, as well as a potential mechanism for combatting drug-resistant cancers. Additionally, studies have found that donor tissue can lead to cancer formation in transplant recipients, highlighting the importance of careful screening.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 27, 2013

Study finds tumor suppressor may actually fuel aggressive leukemia

Researchers from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that inhibiting RUNX1 protein could be a promising therapeutic strategy for acute myeloid leukemia. The study suggests that blocking this protein may stop the development of leukemia cells, offering potential new treatment options.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 27, 2013

Gene makes some HIV-infected patients more at risk for fungal disease

Researchers have identified a genetic link between HIV infection and increased susceptibility to cryptococcal disease, which can cause devastating fungal meningitis. Patients with the high-affinity Fc receptor gene are up to 20 times more likely to develop the disease, highlighting the need for a predictive test to save lives.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateAug 27, 2013

Do girls really experience more math anxiety?

Girls report higher levels of math anxiety in general surveys, but their actual math class performance reveals no significant difference from boys. Lower self-reported competence may be the underlying cause of this discrepancy.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 27, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

3 subtypes of gastric cancer suggest different treatment approaches

Researchers identified three distinct molecular classifications of gastric cancer that respond differently to therapies, offering a promising new approach to treatment. The study found that tumors can be grouped into proliferative, metabolic and mesenchymal subtypes, each with unique genomic and epigenomic properties.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateAug 27, 2013

Why are some cells more cancer prone?

Researchers discovered 10 specialized subregions within the midgut of fruit flies, each with unique stem cell functions. These regional differences may explain why some organs generate cancer frequently while others rarely. The study sheds light on the intricate relationships between tissue organization and stem cell function.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·DateAug 27, 2013

New treatments better than standard ones just over half the time

Researchers analyzed over 350,000 patients in 860 phase III trials and found that new treatments outperform existing ones around half the time. The study suggests the randomized controlled trial system is working as intended despite needing tweaks for better design and reporting.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalNature·DateAug 27, 2013
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.

Harmful particles in Icelandic volcanic ash fell first, says new research

New research by Dr Bernard Grobety reveals that crystalline particles in Icelandic volcanic ash are more harmful to jet engines and fall out of the cloud faster than glassy particles. The study aims to improve authorities' response to future eruptions by understanding the behavior of these particles.

SourceEuropean Association of Geochemistry·DateAug 27, 2013

Existence of new element confirmed

Researchers confirm existence of new element with atomic number 115, gaining insight into super-heavy atomic nuclei. The discovery was made using calcium ions to measure photons in connection with the element's alpha decay.

SourceLund University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 27, 2013

Combination drug regimen may benefit patients with hepatitis C

A combination of sofosbuvir and ribavirin achieved high sustained virologic response rates in patients with unfavorable treatment characteristics, including advanced liver disease and high baseline HCV RNA levels. The regimen was well-tolerated and safe, with a lower relapse rate compared to traditional interferon-based therapy.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateAug 27, 2013
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Grants help expand pharmacy services for the homeless

The University of Houston College of Pharmacy has received a national award for its work in providing essential health care services to Houston's homeless population. The clinic serves over 3,000 patients and will use the grant to expand its pharmacy supply.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateAug 27, 2013

T-cell targeted therapy tested in type 1 diabetes study

A phase II study tested thymoglobulin, an antithymocyte globulin treatment, in new-onset type 1 diabetic patients. While most younger patients showed decline in beta cell function, older patients experienced little change. The study did not meet its primary endpoint and may have identified biomarkers for safety and efficacy.

SourceBenaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateAug 27, 2013

Divorce elevates risk for depression, but only for some people

A new study published in Clinical Psychological Science found that divorce elevates the risk of future depressive episodes, but only for individuals who already have a history of depression. The study suggests that separation and divorce may exacerbate underlying risk rather than directly increasing rates of depression.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateAug 27, 2013
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Fractions gain traction with concrete models

A study by Concordia University found that students grasp math more easily when real-world examples are used. Teachers should continually make connections between abstract numbers and models, making the concept of fractions clearer.

SourceConcordia University·JournalTeaching Children Mathematics·DateAug 27, 2013

An alga stressed by the light

Excessive sunlight inhibits algae growth, leading to yellowish coloration and stress. The study found a direct relationship between solar radiation, antioxidant activity, and C:N ratio in the alga.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalJournal of Sea Research·DateAug 27, 2013

University of Tennessee lecturer investigates response to 'bad' art

A University of Tennessee study challenges the mere exposure effect by exposing students to repeatedly viewed 'bad' and 'good' artworks. The researchers found that repeated exposure did not increase liking for the poorly regarded pieces, while appreciation for the well-regarded works remained steady.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalThe British Journal of Aesthetics·DateAug 27, 2013

The extraordinary evolution of REVs

Researchers discover REVs originated in mammals and spread to birds through medical intervention, revealing an unusual evolutionary history. The study suggests REVs were introduced into poultry and subsequently into avian cell culture systems, impacting wild birds and domestic poultry.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 27, 2013
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.

Earthquakes and tectonics in Pamir Tien Shan

Researchers develop new tomographic approach to image shallow seismic velocity structure, revealing subducting continental crust for the first time. This allows for early detection of landslides and earthquakes in Central Asia.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateAug 27, 2013

New energy model offers transparency to let others replicate findings

Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a new open-source energy economy optimization (EEO) model called Temoa. The model provides transparency into its workings, allowing anyone to check its accuracy and replicate findings. With this advancement, policymakers can make more informed decisions about energy policy...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEnergy Economics·DateAug 27, 2013

Illegal fires set in Indonesia cause smog problem

Deliberate forest fires in Indonesia set by palm oil companies are causing severe smog that threatens public health. The fires result in a pollution index of over 400, making it life-threatening to vulnerable populations.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 27, 2013
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.

Patients leaving hospital against medical advice more likely to be readmitted or die

A new study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that patients who leave hospital against their doctors' orders are more likely to be readmitted or die. The research, which analyzed over 1.9 million adult admissions, shows that leaving hospital against medical advice is associated with a higher risk of readmission and deat...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 26, 2013