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Science News Archive December 2013


Page 2 of 27

Toys, books, cribs harbor bacteria for long periods, study finds

A study published in Infection and Immunity found that Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria persist on surfaces for far longer than previously thought, posing a risk of infection to individuals in settings like schools and healthcare facilities.

Rock And Rho: Proteins that help cancer cells groove

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have discovered that low oxygen conditions inside tumors trigger the production of proteins RhoA and ROCK1, enabling breast cancer cells to become mobile and invasive. High levels of these proteins are associated with poorer patient outcomes and increased tumor spread.

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.

New drug candidates show promise for cure for Chagas disease

Researchers have developed two compounds that disrupt an enzyme used by the parasite causing Chagas disease, showing greater cure rates than existing treatments. The new compounds have significant potential as a safe and effective treatment for this life-threatening illness.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers point to digital gains in human recognition

New research by Dr Rob Jenkins and Christie Kerr uses high-resolution passport-style photographs to recover faces of bystanders from reflections in the eyes of photographic subjects. The recovered images can be identified accurately, even at low resolution, highlighting human face recognition's robustness.

Are concussions related to Alzheimer's disease?

A new study suggests that a history of concussion may be related to the buildup of Alzheimer's-associated plaques in the brain. In people with memory and thinking problems, higher levels of amyloid plaques were found compared to those without head trauma.

Building a better malaria vaccine: Mixing the right cocktail

A new malaria vaccine candidate, Quadvax, has shown promise in overcoming major limitations of earlier designs. By combining AMA1 proteins from multiple strains, scientists have created a more broadly protective vaccine that elicits antibodies against both variable and conserved epitopes on the AMA1 protein.

What does compassion sound like?

A study published in Health Expectations identified key markers of compassion in doctor-patient conversations, including recognition of suffering, emotional resonance, and movement towards addressing suffering. The researchers aim to create a behavioral taxonomy that will guide medical training and education.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Antioxidant drug knocks down multiple sclerosis-like disease in mice

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have discovered that an antioxidant called MitoQ can significantly reverse a multiple sclerosis-like disease in mice. The treatment reduced inflammation, demyelination, and neurological disabilities, showing promise for treating MS.

Batteries as they are meant to be seen

Scientists have developed a way to microscopically view battery electrodes in wet electrolytes, allowing for the study of the solid electrolyte interphase layer and its influence on battery performance. The new method, called an electrochemical liquid cell, provides more realistic conditions for studying battery materials.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Molecular markers used for assessment of early sciatic nerve injury

A study published in Neural Regeneration Research found that substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide expression increased significantly in dorsal root ganglia after sciatic nerve injury, peaking at 7 days post-injury. This increase suggests these neuropeptides may serve as an index for evaluating early peripheral nerve injury.

New genetic risk factor for type 2 diabetes revealed

Researchers have identified a new genetic risk factor for type 2 diabetes, found to be more common in Latin Americans than other populations. The variant, SLC16A11, is associated with a 25% increased risk of diabetes and is linked to Neanderthal ancestry.

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.

Epigenetics enigma resolved

Researchers have determined the molecular structure of a Tet family member from Naegleria gruberi, providing insights into its role in regulating gene expression and potential therapeutic targets for cancer. The study sheds light on how Tet enzymes interact with DNA, enabling scientists to design drugs that manipulate them.

Special topic: Airworthiness and fatigue

The International Conference on Airworthiness and Fatigue explored the importance of energy efficiency in aviation transport, focusing on mechanical, electrical, and chemical effects. Researchers emphasized the need for 'Multiscaling and Mesomechanics' to balance these effects and ensure system stability.

Widely-used anti-inflammatory drug shows success in treatment of amyloidosis

A recent study led by Boston University School of Medicine researchers found that diflunisal successfully reduced neurological decline and preserved quality of life in patients with familial transthyretin amyloidosis. This repurposed generic drug demonstrates an effective alternative to liver transplantation for this devastating disease.

NASA sees the last of Cyclone Bruce in Southern Indian Ocean

Tropical Cyclone Bruce is experiencing strong effects of wind shear and cooling ocean waters, leading to its rapid weakening. The NASA Aqua satellite captured images of the storm on December 24, showing a low-level center exposed to outside winds and rapidly decaying.

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.

Antidepressants for bipolar disorder

A recent meta-analysis suggests that antidepressants are not effective in treating bipolar disorder. The study found no significant difference in response rates or remission for patients using antidepressants compared to placebo.

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.

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.

Mongooses synchronize births to escape despotic females

In a study on banded mongooses, researchers found that older, dominant females kill entire litters if they did not contribute to them, but allow communal litters with their own young to survive. This coordination is crucial for the group's productivity.

Role of chronic medical conditions in readmissions

Researchers identify underlying chronic medical conditions as a key factor in reducing hospital readmission rates. The study found that patients with comorbidities such as cancer, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease are at higher risk of potentially avoidable readmissions.

Transient receptor potential channel A1 may contribute to hyperalgesia

Research by Yi Dai and team found that allyl isothiocyanate activates transient receptor potential channel A1, leading to calcitonin gene-related peptide release in sensory neurons. Knockdown of this channel prevents calcitonin gene-related peptide release, supporting the role of transient receptor potential channel A1 in hyperalgesia.

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.

1,000-year-old vineyards discovered

The terraced fields of Zaballa were used for intensive vine cultivation in the 10th century, according to archaeologists. The study provides material evidence of early vine cultivation and highlights the importance of considering abandoned settlements as part of archaeological heritage.

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.

Walking the walk: What sharks, honeybees and humans have in common

A study by University of Arizona anthropologist David Raichlen found that human hunter-gatherers use a Lévy walk pattern while searching for food, similar to sharks and honeybees. The pattern involves short movements in one area followed by longer treks to another area.

Researchers identify gene that influences the ability to remember faces

A study found that a single change in the oxytocin receptor gene structure affects face memory skills, suggesting an important role of oxytocin in social information processing. This discovery may lead to new strategies for improving social cognition in disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.

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.

Making sad sense of child abuse

A Tel Aviv University study analyzed allegations of child abuse, finding that children tend to accommodate physical abuse but fight or flee sexual abuse unless severe. The research may aid in prosecution and treatment, emphasizing the importance of understanding children's responses to abuse.

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for Dec. 24, 2013

The article discusses the use of unlicensed vaccine Bexsero to combat meningitis outbreaks in the US, as well as new guidelines for BRCA mutation screening in high-risk women. The American College of Physicians also explains how Medicaid expansion will benefit poor citizens and their physicians by increasing access to healthcare.

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.

Resistance makes waves

Scientists have found that charge-density waves destroy superconductivity at a maximum of minus 135 degrees Celsius. To develop high-temperature superconductors, researchers must search for substances not subject to these periodic fluctuations.

Infectious diarrhea germs stick to healthcare worker hands

A new study found that nearly one in four healthcare workers' hands were contaminated with C. difficile spores after routine care of patients infected with the bacteria. Effective hand hygiene is crucial to prevent the spread of this highly contagious bacteria.

Pregnant women need not avoid peanuts, evidence shows

A new study from Boston Children's Hospital found that pregnant mothers who consumed peanuts during pregnancy had a lower risk of their children developing peanut allergies. The research suggests that early exposure to peanuts may actually increase tolerance and reduce the risk of childhood food allergy.

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.

Testosterone-regulated genes may affect vaccine-induced immunity

A new study suggests that testosterone levels may affect the body's response to vaccines, with men often experiencing weaker antibody responses than women. Researchers found that men with high levels of testosterone had suppressed immune responses, which could be linked to their sex-specific differences in infections and vaccinations.