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Science News for December 8, 2013


Diabetes identified as risk factor for liver cancer across ethnic groups

A new study has found a significant association between diabetes and an increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma, also known as liver cancer, in various ethnic groups. The study revealed that people with diabetes have a two- to threefold higher risk for liver cancer compared to those without the condition.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateDec 8, 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.

Does zinc supplementation reduce aluminum-induced neurotoxicity?

Researchers found that zinc supplementation exhibited an antioxidant capacity, potentially reducing neurotoxic effects of aluminum on learning and memory function. The optimal dose of zinc for preventing aluminum-induced neurotoxicity was also identified.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateDec 8, 2013

Air pollution kills well below European Union air quality limits

A recent study published in The Lancet found that long-term exposure to fine particles poses the greatest threat to health even within concentration ranges well below EU limits. Annual exposure to PM2•5 increases the risk of dying from natural causes by 7%.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 8, 2013

3D printing used as a tool to explain theoretical physics

Researchers have successfully demonstrated how complex theoretical physics can be transformed into a physical object using a 3D printer. They created an 8 cm3 object based on a mathematical model describing forest fires, which could be used to produce works of art or transform scientific discussions.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEPL (Europhysics Letters)·DateDec 8, 2013

Concussion secrets unveiled in mice and people

A newly developed mouse trauma model reveals that the brain's protective coverings feel the brunt of even mild traumatic brain injuries. Researchers discovered a similar immune response in patients with mild head injury, suggesting a new potential treatment approach.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature·DateDec 8, 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.

Optimal parameter of Neiguan acupuncture for cerebral infarction

The study found that stimulation at Neiguan with a frequency of 1 Hz and long duration of 180 seconds significantly increased cerebral blood flow and decreased the ratio of infarct volume. A frequency of 2/3 Hz and short duration of 5/60 seconds also showed positive effects.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateDec 8, 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.

Prion protein can trigger spongiform encephalopathy and neurodegeneration

Researchers found that prion protein misfolding is a key trigger for spongiform encephalopathy and neurodegeneration. The study proposes an effective model and testing method for cytosolic forms of prion protein, highlighting the complex intracellular environment as a contributing factor.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateDec 8, 2013

New rearing method may help control of the western bean cutworm

A new laboratory rearing method has been developed to study the western bean cutworm's susceptibility to Bacillus thuringiensis toxins. This allows for the evaluation of toxin efficacy and potential resistance development.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·DateDec 8, 2013

rTMS for hallucination in schizophrenia spectrum disorders

A meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials found rTMS to be a safe and effective treatment for auditory hallucinations in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Active rTMS may cause headaches and facial muscle twitching, but has no significant impact on cognitive function.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateDec 8, 2013

Biomarker linked to aggressive breast cancers, poor outcomes in African-Americans

African-American women with high levels of HSET protein were three times more likely to have shorter overall survival, progression-free survival, and metastasis-free survival compared to those with lower levels. The study found that HSET represents a potential new biomarker for poor breast cancer outcomes in African-American women.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateDec 8, 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.

Cockroach never seen before in US is identified in New York

Rutgers researchers confirm presence of Periplaneta japonica, a species well-documented in Asia, which can survive freezing temperatures and outdoor conditions. The new species was first spotted in New York in 2012 and is not expected to pose an alarm, but may compete with existing cockroach species for space and food.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·DateDec 8, 2013

Novel drug regimen can improve stem cell transplantation outcomes

A novel drug regimen featuring bortezomib has been shown to improve outcomes for patients receiving stem-cell transplants from mismatched and unrelated donors. The regimen reduced severe acute GVHD rates and treatment-related mortality, leading to better overall survival and relapse-free survival.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·DateDec 8, 2013

Boosting the immune system to treat brain cancer

A team of researchers has discovered a mechanism that boosts the immune system and reduces brain tumor growth, paving the way for new treatment options. The study identified a commercially available drug, amphotericin B, as a potential novel treatment for patients with glioblastoma, a frequently lethal form of brain cancer.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 8, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Novel method could help bring cancer biomarkers to clinic

A new method developed by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center researchers can measure hundreds of proteins in a single assay, paving the way for standardized quantification of the human proteome. This breakthrough could lead to more accurate cancer biomarkers and personalized treatments.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalNature Methods·DateDec 8, 2013

Extensive variability in olfactory receptors influences human odor perception

A new study by the Monell Center found that humans have a unique array of olfactory receptors, which encode both intensity and quality of odors. The researchers discovered considerable variation within the genes for discrete receptors, with approximately 140 receptors differing in response to odor molecules between any two individuals.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 8, 2013

Potential biological factor contributing to racial disparities in prostate cancer

Researchers have identified a potential biological factor contributing to racial disparities in prostate cancer incidence and mortality. Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) accumulate in African-American men with prostate cancer, promoting inflammation and cancer progression. AGE levels correlated with receptor for AGE (RAGE), sugge...

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateDec 8, 2013

Gene promotes 1 in 100 of tumors

Researchers identified CUX1 as a driver of tumour growth in over 3,000 cancer patients worldwide. Inactivating CUX1 leads to increased tumour progression and activation of PIK3IP1, mobilising phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) for cell growth.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 8, 2013

Targeted treatment can significantly reduce relapse in children with AML leukemia

A nationwide study led by Children's Mercy researcher found that adding a monoclonal antibody called gemtuzumab to standard chemotherapy significantly reduced the risk of relapse and increased disease-free survival rates in children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The treatment was most effective in patients at high risk of relapse.

SourceChildren's Mercy Hospital·DateDec 8, 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.

Peer-review science is taking off on Twitter, but who is tweeting what and why?

A recent study analyzed 1.4 million peer-reviewed articles on Twitter and found that high tweet counts do not necessarily correlate with high citation rates. Many articles from prestigious journals like PNAS and Science received significant mentions, but quality control is lacking in social networks.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of the Association for Information Science and Technology·DateDec 8, 2013

Electrical control of single atom magnets

Scientists at UCL and international partners discovered a new mechanism controlling magnetic anisotropy at the atomic scale, enabled by electrical coupling between metal substrate and magnetic atoms. This discovery opens up new avenues for designing smallest devices for information processing, data storage, and sensing.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 8, 2013

Surprising diversity in aging revealed in nature

Researchers found diverse aging patterns in 46 species, including those that weaken and strengthen with age, and remain unaffected by the process. Some species experience high mortality early on in life, while others become more fertile with age. The study reveals no correlation between aging patterns and typical lifespan.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalNature·DateDec 8, 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.

Economic factors may affect getting guideline-recommended breast cancer treatment

A study of 1,344 women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2004 and 2011 found that those with interruptions in health insurance coverage or low income levels were significantly more likely to receive non-concordant treatment. Women with lower incomes had a higher likelihood of nonconcordance with National Comprehensive Cancer Network...

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateDec 8, 2013