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Science News for December 6, 2013


EPA awards $1 million grant to NJIT's Brownfield program

NJIT's Technical Assistance to Brownfield Communities Program will continue to provide scientific, planning, and engineering expertise to communities in the New England and Mid-Atlantic region. The program aims to transform underutilized properties into productive use, improving environmental conditions and strengthening communities.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·DateDec 6, 2013

Decreased diversity of bacteria microbiome in the gut is associated with risk of colorectal cancer

A new study found that decreased bacterial diversity in the gut is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. The research, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, suggests that a reduced variety of gut microbiota may contribute to the development of CRC.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 6, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Surprising discovery: The skin communicates with the liver

Researchers discovered that skin can communicate with the liver, affecting metabolism and fat accumulation. Covering skin with a substance like vaseline or latex prevents heat loss, which leads to reduced fat accumulation in the liver.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 6, 2013

Linguists to gather in Minneapolis for national conference

The 88th Annual Meeting of the Linguistic Society of America will take place in Minneapolis, featuring cutting-edge research on various aspects of language. Researchers will present papers and posters on topics such as dialect features in social media, differences in Black and White American Sign Language, and changes in accent over time.

SourceLinguistic Society of America·DateDec 6, 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.

Graphene: Growing giants

Researchers have developed a new recipe for growing graphene, using a thin film of copper with massive crystalline grains. The large grains enable the material to survive high temperatures needed for graphene growth.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateDec 6, 2013

Cigarette smoking after cancer diagnosis increases risk of death

A new study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that men who continued to smoke after a cancer diagnosis had a 59% increased risk of death compared to those who quit. Quitting smoking can also significantly reduce the risk of death for specific types of cancer, such as bladder, lung, and colorectal cancers.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateDec 6, 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.

Study reveals gene expression changes with meditation

A new study reveals specific molecular changes in the body following mindfulness meditation, including altered levels of gene-regulating machinery and reduced pro-inflammatory genes. The findings provide a possible biological mechanism for therapeutic effects and suggest that meditation can lead to epigenetic alterations of the genome.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·DateDec 6, 2013

Atlantic Ocean's system 90L gets an infrared NASA look

Scientists used NASA's AIRS instrument to observe System 90L, a non-tropical low-pressure area in the Atlantic Ocean. The system struggled to organize into a subtropical or tropical cyclone, with only a 20% chance of development over the next five days.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 6, 2013

Human stem cells predict efficacy of Alzheimer drugs

Scientists transform skin cells into nerve cells from patients with Alzheimer's disease and test several non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The results show that these compounds have no effect on the harmful beta-amyloid aggregates in human neurons, unlike in animal models.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateDec 6, 2013

Study finds parental stress linked to obesity in children

A study by St. Michael's Hospital found that parental stress is associated with weight gain in children, particularly those of Hispanic descent. Children whose parents experience high levels of stress have a higher BMI and increased rate of weight gain compared to those with low stress levels.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalPediatric Obesity·DateDec 6, 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.

1 percent of the population is responsible for 63 percent of violent crime convictions

A recent study published in Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology found that 1 percent of the Swedish population is responsible for 63 percent of violent crime convictions. The study analyzed data from 2.5 million individuals and found that those with psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, are more li...

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalSocial Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology·DateDec 6, 2013

To improve foster care, add a psychiatric nurse to treatment team

A psychiatric nurse brings a fresh perspective to caring for troubled teens in foster care with mental health issues. Research found that adding a mental health nurse can address high rates of psychotropic medication use and improve continuity of care.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalArchives of Psychiatric Nursing·DateDec 6, 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.

Coal yields plenty of graphene quantum dots

Rice University scientists have discovered a simple method for producing graphene quantum dots in bulk from coal, opening up new opportunities for medical imaging, sensing, and electronic applications. The process allows for control over the size of the dots, which can be tuned to produce different fluorescent wavelengths.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 6, 2013

Quantum effects help cells capture light, but the details are obscure

Researchers used ultrashort laser pulses to study how bacteria and algae efficiently gather light, suggesting that quantum interactions play a subtle role in energy transfers. The exact mechanism remains unclear, but understanding the role of quantum coherence may help develop more efficient solar technologies.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateDec 6, 2013

H7N9 influenza virus not adapted to efficient human-to-human transmission

The H7N9 influenza virus is poorly adapted for sustained human-to-human transmission, suggesting a low risk of pandemic. The study's findings indicate that the current form of the virus would need significant mutations to become transmissible between humans.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience·DateDec 6, 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.

Penn researcher traces the history of the American urban squirrel

Etienne Benson's research reveals that squirrels were intentionally introduced to cities in the 19th century as part of a parks movement aimed at beautifying urban landscapes. The presence of squirrels in cities is linked to the idea that nature in the city is essential for human health and sanity.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of American History·DateDec 6, 2013

Promising results for Swedish cancer drug candidate

A new study published in Blood journal presents a Swedish cancer drug candidate that inhibits tumour growth and prolongs survival in preclinical multiple myeloma models. The substance also kills multiple myeloma cells from cancer patients and overcomes resistance to clinically used drugs.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalBlood·DateDec 6, 2013

NIST calibration tools to encourage use of novel medical imaging technique

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed prototype calibration tools for ultra-low field magnetic resonance imaging (ULF-MRI), a technique that provides new contrast mechanisms and practical advantages. The ULF-MRI phantoms are designed to allow direct comparison of performance between ULF-MRI and clinica...

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalMagnetic Resonance in Medicine·DateDec 6, 2013

Gut microbes may be a risk factor for colorectal cancer

A large epidemiological study discovered a clear association between gut bacteria and colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer patients had fewer beneficial bacteria and more harmful bacteria than healthy individuals.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 6, 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.

At AGU: Shale sequestration, water for energy & soil microbes

Researchers from PNNL present studies on carbon sequestration in shale reservoirs, water consumption for future energy production, and how climate change affects soil microbes. Early results show clay minerals can absorb emissions under certain conditions.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateDec 6, 2013

The heat is on...or off

Researchers use existing IT infrastructure to monitor office occupancy and adjust temperature controls, reducing energy waste. The approach involves analyzing network addresses and device activity to estimate user locations, enabling more efficient heating and cooling systems.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Communication Networks and Distributed Systems·DateDec 6, 2013

Quality of biodiversity, not just quantity, is key

A new study by Duke University and University of Massachusetts at Boston found that preserving the right mix of species is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems. The research showed that removing key species can have profound impacts on ecosystem health, highlighting the importance of biodiversity quality over quantity.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 6, 2013

Who's patenting whose genome?

A new public resource, The Lens, brings transparency to gene patenting by analyzing over 120 million DNA sequences and 10 million protein sequences from global patent documents. Researchers can explore who has sought patents on genes and proteins in any organism, promoting a transparent and fair society.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateDec 6, 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.

CU researchers may have discovered a plan to disable Meniere's disease

Meniere's disease affects 3-5 million people in the US, causing dizziness, ringing, and hearing loss. Researchers suggest a new theory linking the disorder to low blood flow in the brain and inner ear, offering a potential treatment avenue by addressing vascular risk factors.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalMedical Hypotheses·DateDec 6, 2013

Counting the cost of infertility treatment

Couples undergoing fertility treatment face significant out-of-pocket expenses, with IVF cycles costing up to $19,234, while medication-only treatments cost around $912. The study's findings aim to inform couples and physicians about the true costs of infertility care.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateDec 6, 2013

NASA satellite catches birth of Tropical Cyclone 06B

Tropical Cyclone 06B, also known as Madi, has organized from low pressure System 92B, with maximum sustained winds near 45 knots/51.7 mph/83.3 kph and a diameter of approximately 100 nautical miles. The cyclone is expected to continue strengthening due to warm waters and is predicted to reach cyclone/hurricane strength by December 9.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 6, 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.

The gene sequencing that everyone can afford in future

Researchers found that long chain DNA with low salt concentration is more conducive to nanopore sequencing, enabling longer reads and potentially reducing costs. This breakthrough has the potential to make gene sequencing more accessible and efficient.

SourceScience China Press·DateDec 6, 2013