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Science News for December 11, 2013


Toxic substances in banana plants kill root pests

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute discovered that banana plants accumulate specific toxins in infected root tissues to resist parasitic nematode Radopholus similis. The localized accumulation of defense substances inhibits further propagation of the pest, leading to its death.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2013
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.

UNL-led team finds less is more with adding graphene to nanofibers

A UNL-led team discovered that using small amounts of graphene oxide as a template improves carbon nanomaterials, leading to enhanced strength and other properties. The process could lower the cost of making composites significantly by requiring only small quantities of expensive nanoparticles.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateDec 11, 2013

East Antarctica is sliding sideways

Researchers have recorded GPS measurements showing West Antarctic bedrock being pushed sideways by East Antarctica's harder mantle. The movement is significant for understanding current and future ice loss on the continent. The discovery highlights extreme differences in mantle properties between East and West Antarctica.

SourceOhio State University·DateDec 11, 2013

Older mice fed wolfberries show reduced risk for flu virus with vaccine

Researchers at Tufts University found that wolfberries can increase immune system activity and protect against the flu virus in older mice who received the flu vaccine. The study suggests potential benefits for humans as well, where age-related weakening of the immune system reduces vaccine effectiveness.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateDec 11, 2013

Pregnant job applicants can act to dispel discriminatory stereotypes

A study from Rice University found that pregnant women face more interpersonal hostility in the job search process than non-pregnant women. Addressing stereotypes, particularly inflexibility and commitment levels, can nearly triple their chances of avoiding such treatment.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateDec 11, 2013
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.

Researchers named to National Academy of Inventors

Three University of Utah Health Sciences faculty members, Carl Wittwer, Lisa Cannon-Albright, and Glenn Prestwich, have been elected as fellows of the National Academy of Inventors for their groundbreaking research and inventions. Their work has resulted in major disease-related discoveries, numerous patents, and biomedical inventions ...

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·DateDec 11, 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.

ASU researchers discover chameleons use colorful language to communicate

Researchers at Arizona State University discovered that chameleons change colors to convey important information during social interactions, such as territory disputes and mating. The study found that the intensity and speed of color changes can predict which chameleon will win a fight or approach an opponent.

SourceArizona State University·JournalBiology Letters·DateDec 11, 2013

Cancer 'avalanche effect' refuted

A research group at Lund University has shown that the 'avalanche effect' theory of cancer development is not correct. Cancer cells can have over 100 chromosomes, but a single initial change does not lead to unstoppable further mutations.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2013

Queen's leads 6-million-euro European study to combat bowel cancer

A €6 million European study led by Queen's University aims to develop new diagnostics and therapies for bowel cancer. The research will investigate two major genetic factors contributing to the aggressive spread of colorectal cancer, with the goal of improving patient survival rates.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·DateDec 11, 2013

Picturing pain could help unlock its mysteries and lead to better treatments

Researchers have developed a new imaging method to visualize high concentrations of a sodium channel protein associated with pain, potentially leading to improved pain management and treatment monitoring. The technique uses a small molecule attached to saxitoxin, which accumulates at sites of nerve damage in rats.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 11, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Gender identity and single-sex schools

Research from Concordia University shows that girls in single-sex schools report feeling more pressure to act like typical girls, while those in mixed-sex schools are less likely to be victimized by their peers. This highlights the negative repercussions of not conforming to gender roles in all-girls schools.

SourceConcordia University·JournalSex Roles·DateDec 11, 2013

Is peer-review systemically misogynist?

A study analyzing 5.4 million peer-reviewed articles found that women are significantly under-represented in authorship and citations, with men dominating fields like engineering and computer science. Regional and disciplinary differences were also observed, highlighting the need to address gender disparities in science research.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature·DateDec 11, 2013

Diabetes link with dementia to be examined

Researchers at Lund University are studying the connection between type 2 diabetes and dementia, specifically focusing on insulin resistance and pericyte cells in the brain. They hope to discover new biomarkers that can signal early stages of dementia in diabetes patients, allowing for potential treatment targets.

SourceLund University·DateDec 11, 2013

Even when test scores go up, some cognitive abilities don't

A new study found that schools with high test scores do not necessarily improve fluid intelligence skills in students. Despite raising knowledge and boosting test scores, educational practices have little impact on fluid cognitive skills such as working memory capacity and problem-solving.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 11, 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.

Mothers that have a vaginal birth without epidural anesthesia are happier

A University of Granada study found that early breast-feeding and natural deliveries contribute to higher maternal satisfaction. The researchers monitored 60 mothers and discovered a strong correlation between positive birth experiences and continued breastfeeding, reducing the risk of postpartum depression.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalNutrición Hospitalaria·DateDec 11, 2013

CCS issues guidelines to improve early diagnosis & effective treatment of heart failure in children

The Canadian Cardiovascular Society has developed new guidelines to assist practitioners in recognizing and managing heart failure in children with undiagnosed heart disease. The guidelines highlight the importance of early diagnosis and effective treatment, which can improve heart function and increase survival rates.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·DateDec 11, 2013

NYU student cybersecurity researchers take honors at computer conferences

A team of NYU students, led by Jeyavijayan Rajendran and Michael Sam, won the Best Student Paper award at the ACM Conference on Computer and Communications Security. Their research developed original techniques to improve integrated circuit security through camouflaging, making it harder for attackers to reverse-engineer chips.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·DateDec 11, 2013

Researchers uncover mechanism controlling Tourette syndrome tics

Scientists at the University of Nottingham have discovered a mechanism controlling tics in children with Tourette Syndrome. The study found that brain changes can alter excitability ahead of voluntary movements, suggesting a potential therapy to help young people overcome tics.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalJournal of Neuropsychology·DateDec 11, 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.

IceBridge wraps up successful Antarctic campaign

IceBridge collected data on many facets of Antarctic land and sea ice, including ice elevation and thickness. The mission also took measurements of sea ice in the Ross Sea, an area with comparatively little attention compared to other parts of the Southern Ocean.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 11, 2013
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.

Variety of genetic risk behind bone cancer in dogs

Researchers identify diverse genetic risk factors for osteosarcoma in dogs, including known human cancer genes and novel findings. The study sheds light on the disease's mechanisms and potential connections to human bone cancer.

SourceUppsala University·JournalGenome Biology·DateDec 11, 2013

Avoiding radiotherapy is an option for some older patients with breast cancer

Researchers have found that omitting radiotherapy in older patients with hormone-receptor positive breast cancer who undergo surgery and hormone therapy is a viable option, resulting in a lower rate of unnecessary treatment. The study suggests that these patients are at low risk of recurrence, making radiotherapy optional.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateDec 11, 2013

Skip the balloon after placing carotid stent, surgeons suggest

A small study found that inflating a balloon inside the artery after placing the stent increases patients' risk of low blood pressure, slow heart rate, stroke, or heart attack. Skipping this step may be beneficial in preventing these complications.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Vascular Surgery·DateDec 11, 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.

Staph can lurk deep within nose, Stanford study finds

Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine have found that the nose is a reservoir for Staphylococcus aureus, a major cause of disease. The study suggests that targeting these hidden sites may be more effective in preventing infections.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateDec 11, 2013

Turning a blind eye

A recent study by USC Marshall faculty explores the influence of moral preferences on ethical behavior, finding that considering others' ethics can reduce dishonesty. The research suggests that people with formalist and utilitarian moral backgrounds respond differently to third-party beneficiaries' perspectives, with formalists being l...

SourceUSC Marshall School of Business·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateDec 11, 2013

Half of psychiatrists reject private and federal insurance, preferring cash

A study found that psychiatrists are increasingly refusing to accept Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance, leaving many patients without affordable mental health care options. The number of psychiatrists is also dwindling due to retirement and a lack of new medical students choosing the specialty.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateDec 11, 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.

AGU honors outstanding journalists

The American Geophysical Union (AGU) has honored four journalists for their outstanding coverage of Earth and space sciences. Geoffrey Haines-Stiles and Erna Akuginow have won the Robert C. Cowen Award for Sustained Achievement in Science Journalism, while freelance writer Tim Folger received the Walter Sullivan Award for Excellence in...

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·DateDec 11, 2013

Maternal health program in India failing to deliver, study shows

A new study from Duke University finds that the Chiranjeevi Yojana program in Gujarat, India, has failed to deliver on its promise of reducing infant and maternal deaths. The program, which aimed to provide free childbirth care at private hospitals, saw no statistically significant change in birth outcomes or healthcare utilization.

SourceDuke University·JournalBulletin of the World Health Organization·DateDec 11, 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.

Trained airport checkpoint screeners miss rare targets

A study suggests that trained airport checkpoint screeners are less effective at detecting rare targets, a phenomenon known as the prevalence effect. The researchers found that screeners performed better when searching for frequent targets or with feedback on correct answers.

SourceAssociation for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology·JournalJournal of Vision·DateDec 11, 2013

Professor Len Harrison wins JDRF Australia Lifetime Achievement Award

Professor Len Harrison has been awarded the JDRF Australia Lifetime Research Achievement Award for his groundbreaking work on improving treatments for people with type 1 diabetes. His research aims to prevent or delay the onset of the disease, bringing hope for better therapies and treatments.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·DateDec 11, 2013

1 protein, 2 personalities: Penn team identifies new mechanism of cancer spread

A team of University of Pennsylvania scientists has discovered a new mechanism of cancer spread by identifying the split personalities of a protein called Exo70. The research found that one form of Exo70 promotes cell movement and invasion, while the other helps maintain cellular structure and organization.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateDec 11, 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.

Orbital samples with sight-saving potential

Two studies examine the effects of spaceflight on mouse eyes, revealing oxidative stress as a key mechanism behind eye damage. Researchers found genes involved in response to oxidative stress and potential indicators of optic nerve damage, highlighting the need for countermeasures to protect astronauts' vision.

SourceNASA/Johnson Space Center·JournalGravitational and Space Research·DateDec 11, 2013

Poverty influences children's early brain development

Researchers found that children from low-income families have less gray matter in the parietal and frontal regions of the brain by age 4. This can lead to behavioral, learning, and attention problems. Providing an enriched environment with normal interactions may help alleviate this issue.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 11, 2013

UK Biobank study shows dad's influence on birth weight linked to diabetes genes

A UK Biobank study has found a strong link between fathers' diabetes and their child's low birth weight, with genetic variations potentially explaining this effect. The research used data from 250,000 adults and suggests that treatments aimed at increasing birth weight may not be effective in preventing type 2 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateDec 11, 2013

Arctic cyclones more common than previously thought

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that there were approximately 1,900 cyclones per year in the Arctic region from 2000 to 2010, 40% more than initially estimated. This increased detection rate has significant implications for understanding regional weather patterns and potential climate change.

SourceOhio State University·DateDec 11, 2013
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Hydrogen-powered invasion

Researchers discovered that Salmonella Typhimurium obtains energy for its attack by stealing hydrogen from the microbiota. This 'theft-based hydrogen economy' allows the pathogen to find an energy source in any new animal host.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateDec 11, 2013

The garden microbe with a sense of touch

A study by Dr James Stratford and Dr Simon Park found that Bacillus mycoides responds to subtle changes in its environment, producing whirlpool-shaped structures in response to curved surfaces. The microbe's ability to respond to force could signal potential useful scientific applications.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 11, 2013

Mounting challenges undermine parenting

A long-running study of nearly 1300 rural children found that parenting deteriorates when families face multiple risk factors, leading to poor intellectual, emotional, and social development. The study's findings highlight the importance of supporting parenting and social context in bolstering child development.

SourceFrank Porter Graham Child Development Institute·DateDec 11, 2013
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.

Dietary amino acids relieve sleep problems after traumatic brain injury in animals

Researchers found that feeding mice with branched chain amino acids improved sleep disturbances and restored orexin neurons to normal activity levels, suggesting a dietary treatment for TBI patients. The study provides a proof-of-principle for investigating this intervention as a potential public health benefit.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 11, 2013

The mystery of lizard breath

A study by University of Utah researchers found that monitor lizards have a mostly one-way, looping air flow in their lungs, challenging previous notions about the function of this breathing pattern. The discovery raises questions about the evolutionary origins of this unique pattern, which may be as old as 270 million years.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·DateDec 11, 2013

Is Israel's influence on US policy waning?

A recent study by Theodore Sasson suggests that Israel's influence on US policy is diminishing due to the fragmentation of the Jewish community. The once-unified voice among American Jews is now fractured, with individual preferences driving political advocacy and philanthropic support.

SourceBrandeis University·DateDec 11, 2013
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.

Magpie parents know a baby cuckoo when they see one

Research by Manuel Soler and team found that magpie foster parents are more likely to feed cuckoo fledglings in nests with only cuckoos, compared to those with magpie nestlings. This ability allows magpies to discriminate between host and parasite chicks.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateDec 11, 2013

Differences in educational achievement owe more to genetics than environment

A new study from King's College London found that genetic differences between students explain on average 58% of the differences in GCSE scores, while environmental factors account for 29%. The research used identical and non-identical twins to compare the impact of genetics versus environment on educational achievement.

SourceKing's College London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 11, 2013

Pilot program study finds that pediatric obesity patients like telehealth services

A pilot program using telehealth technology found that pediatric patients were satisfied with their virtual appointments, considering them just as good as in-person visits. The program also showed positive outcomes in BMI scores and blood pressure normalization, making it a promising tool for overcoming barriers to care.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·DateDec 11, 2013

Carbon capture technology could be vital for climate targets

A new study highlights the importance of carbon capture and storage (CCS) and bioenergy in reaching ambitious climate targets. Without policies to cut greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuels will remain the major energy source by 2100, with resulting increases in emissions.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalClimatic Change·DateDec 11, 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.

A new material for solar panels could make them cheaper, more efficient

Researchers have created a new ceramic material that can harness energy from visible and infrared light, not just ultraviolet light. The material has shown significant improvement over today's classic ferroelectric material, absorbing six times more energy and transferring a photocurrent 50 times denser.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateDec 11, 2013

Not all species age the same; humans may be outliers

A study comparing human aging to that of 45 other species found that mortality rates increase with age for some species like humans and birds, while others decline. This challenges the traditional view of aging based on life span alone.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNature·DateDec 11, 2013

University of Houston physicist honored as rising star in Texas research

Zhifeng Ren, a University of Houston physicist, has been honored with the Edith and Peter O'Donnell Award in Science from The Academy of Medicine, Engineering & Science of Texas. He is recognized for his seminal contributions to carbon nanotubes, thermoelectrics, hierarchical zinc oxide nanowires, high temperature superconductivity, an...

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateDec 11, 2013

Brain trauma raises risk of later PTSD in active-duty Marines

A study of U.S. Marines found that traumatic brain injury (TBI) during deployment was a significant predictor of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) over time. Pre-deployment PTSD symptoms and combat intensity also played a role in the development of PTSD.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateDec 11, 2013
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.

Musical myth

A study by Harvard researchers found no effect of music training on the cognitive abilities of young children. Despite popular belief, studying music does not enhance intelligence or improve academic performance. However, the study did find some small differences in spatial task performance between music and visual arts groups.

SourceHarvard University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 11, 2013
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

NASA's TRMM satellite sees powerful storms in Tropical Cyclone Madi

The TRMM satellite spotted powerful storms in Tropical Cyclone Madi, with rain falling at a rate of over 81 mm/hour. The storm's maximum sustained winds dropped to 40 knots after the observation, and it is expected to weaken further as it approaches landfall in southeastern India.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 11, 2013

Staying ahead of Huntington's disease

Researchers have discovered that naturally occurring gatekeeper sequences on either side of a key protein mutation in Huntington's disease can prevent the formation of toxic structures. This breakthrough offers new hope for understanding and treating the devastating neurodegenerative disorder.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2013
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.

Alpine glacier, unchanged for thousands of years, now melting

Scientists have discovered new evidence that the Italian Alps are warming at an unprecedented rate. A team of glaciologists drilling ice cores found a 2,600-year-old larch tree leaf that suggests the glacier was once below-freezing but now has layers at the melting point throughout the year.

SourceOhio State University·DateDec 11, 2013

Leaner Fourier transforms

MIT researchers have developed an algorithm that can perform Fourier transforms using close to the theoretical minimum number of samples. This could significantly reduce the time it takes for medical devices like MRI machines to scan patients, or allow astronomers to take more detailed images of the universe.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateDec 11, 2013

Choreographed stages of Salmonella infection revealed by Liverpool scientists

Researchers have mapped every salmonella gene's response to human body environments, providing a detailed picture of the bacterium's choreographed infection process. This knowledge could lead to targeted therapies and vaccines specifically designed to combat salmonella's strategies for survival within the human body.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateDec 11, 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.

Online tool aids clinicians' efforts to treat injured workers

Researchers developed a web-based tool using machine learning to analyze injury records from Alberta's workers' compensation database. The tool recommends an appropriate course of rehabilitation, outperforming clinicians in early testing.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Occupational Rehabilitation·DateDec 11, 2013

HIV causes structural heart disease

Research presented at EuroEcho-Imaging 2013 found that HIV patients with a positive blood viral load have a significantly higher incidence of structural heart disease. The study suggests that HIV itself might be an independent causal agent, and having a detectable blood viral load nearly doubles the prevalence of heart disease.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateDec 11, 2013

New gene therapy proves promising as hemophilia treatment

A new gene therapy has led to a dramatic decline in bleeding events in dogs with naturally occurring hemophilia A. The treatment involves packaging specialized blood platelets with genes that express clotting factor, resulting in significantly fewer serious bleeding events over three years.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 11, 2013

Precise docking sites for cells

A new method allows researchers to design and create three-dimensional structures with precise cell docking sites, enabling the study of individual cells in a close-to-reality environment. The technique uses direct laser writing and photoactive molecules to control the adhesion points for cells.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 11, 2013

Liquid to gel to bone

Researchers have developed a hydrogel scaffold that solidifies into a gel at body temperature, providing a platform for functional and aesthetic tissue regeneration. The material is intended as an alternative to prefabricated implantable scaffolds and can be injected to the point of need.

SourceRice University·JournalBiomacromolecules·DateDec 11, 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.

Exercise protects against aggressive breast cancer in black women

A nearly 20-year observational study found that regular vigorous exercise reduces the risk of developing estrogen receptor-negative (ER-) breast cancer in black women. The study, which involved over 44,700 black women nationwide, showed a significant protection against this aggressive subtype of breast cancer.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·DateDec 11, 2013

Rare gene variants double risk for Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have identified two rare gene variants in the phospholipase-D 3 gene (PLD3) that double an individual's risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer's disease. The study found that these variants were present in affected family members but not in healthy elderly relatives, suggesting a significant role in disease development.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateDec 11, 2013

NASA reveals new results from inside the ozone hole

New research by NASA scientists shows that signs of ozone hole recovery are not yet present, and temperature and winds continue to drive annual changes. The decline in chlorine levels has not yet led to a reduction in the size of the ozone hole.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 11, 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.

In search of a treatment for a rare bone cancer

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that erlotinib, a drug approved to treat lung cancer, substantially shrunk chordoma tumors in mice. The study offers new hope for chordoma patients who have exhausted traditional treatments and have limited financial incentives for pharmaceutical companies to develop new drugs.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 11, 2013

Eating burgers from restaurants associated with higher obesity risk in in African-American women

A recent study found that eating burgers from restaurants at least twice a week was associated with a 26% increased risk of obesity in young African American women. Higher sugar-sweetened soft drink consumption also significantly contributed to obesity risk, with a 10% increase seen in those who drank two or more per day.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalEthnicity & Disease·DateDec 11, 2013

New way to fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria: Target human cells instead

Researchers have identified phosphatases in human cells that are involved in bacterial survival and found small molecules that can stop them from working. This approach jams the host cell machinery rather than directly attacking the bacteria, potentially reducing the risk of resistance development.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateDec 11, 2013

Overcoming linguistic taboos: Lessons from Australia

Researchers found that kinship inflections evolved as a means to avoid restricted personal names, providing a practical solution for person recognition. The study provides insight into language evolution by examining the use of linguistic structures in social interaction.

SourceLinguistic Society of America·JournalLanguage·DateDec 11, 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.

Each food fish can cause specific allergies

Studies by Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research and University of Leipzig reveal species-specific allergens in Nile perch and shellfish, potentially allowing diagnosis and treatment tailored to individual allergies. Researchers identify parvalbumin as a common allergen, but also discover new proteins with low allergenic potential.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalJournal of Investigational Allergology and Clinical Immunology·DateDec 11, 2013

Post-Sandy, Long Island barrier systems appear surprisingly sound

Scientists found that Hurricane Sandy did not significantly damage the offshore barrier system controlling erosion on Long Island. However, the storm churned up new pollutants in the waters off the island, which could exacerbate long-term problems if continued sea-level rise occurs.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateDec 11, 2013
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.

Robot representatives open doors for the isolated

Researchers are using an advanced humanoid robot called Nao to measure human interaction with robots in public spaces. The project aims to enhance the public realm as a space where people can interact under conditions of privacy and equality.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·DateDec 11, 2013

Targeted antibody, immune checkpoint blocker rein in follicular lymphoma

A phase II clinical trial at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center showed that a combination of rituximab and pidilizumab sparked complete responses in 19 out of 29 patients with relapsed follicular lymphoma, with a response rate of 66%. The treatment had a mild side effect profile, with no grade 3 or 4 adverse events.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateDec 11, 2013

LSUHSC's Honore earns national public health excellence award

Peggy A. Honoré, DHA, has been awarded the 2013 Excellence in Health Administration Award for her outstanding leadership and contributions to public health finance and systems research. She is also Director of the Public Health System, Finance, and Quality Program at the US Department of Health and Human Services.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·DateDec 11, 2013
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Researchers at Penn show optimal framework for heartbeats

Researchers at Penn have found that the optimal amount of strain for a beating heart depends on the stiffness of its collagen framework. The study showed that as the embryo develops, the stiffening of collagen leads to an increase in myosin motor proteins to maintain the optimal heartbeat.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 11, 2013

Incarceration has no effect on nonresident fathers' parenting

A recent study by University of California, Irvine sociologist Kristin Turney and Yale University's Christopher Wildeman found that the incarceration of nonresident fathers does not have a detrimental effect on their parenting. When fathers were not living with their children prior to incarceration, their time behind bars had no signif...

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateDec 11, 2013

Hemophilia and long-term HIV infection -- is there a protective link?

Researchers found that people with hemophilia infected with HIV for decades have increased levels of immune cells targeting HIV. This cellular response, combined with antiretroviral therapy, enables patients to long-term survive despite HIV activity. The study provides new insights into the reasons behind clinical stability in these pa...

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBioResearch Open Access·DateDec 11, 2013
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.

Keeping growth in check

Researchers found that loss of RPL5 or RPL11 prevents cell cycle arrest but impairs proliferation due to reduced ribosome content and translation capacity. This discovery highlights a new mechanism for controlling cell growth, relying on the essential role of these ribosomal proteins in biogenesis.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalMolecular and Cellular Biology·DateDec 11, 2013

6 Installation Grants awarded

Six life science researchers from the UK, France, and US will receive EMBO Installation Grants to establish their research groups in the Czech Republic, Poland, Portugal, and Turkey. The grants aim to strengthen science in selected member states and facilitate collaboration with European centers of research and education.

SourceEMBO·DateDec 11, 2013

Bacterium infecting cystic fibrosis patients genetically evolves to live in lungs and evade antibiotic treatments

Scientists from the University of Ottawa and University of Calgary have shown that the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa has genetically evolved to survive in CF-infected lungs and evade antibiotic treatments. The study provides new insights into the evolution of the pathogen, which is a major driver of cystic fibrosis mortality.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2013