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Science News Archive July 2013 - Page 24


Page 24 of 31

Tumor-suppressor Protein Gives Up Its Secrets

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have discovered that reversible chemical tags attached to the PTEN protein can regulate its activity. When these phosphate groups are bound, PTEN becomes inactive, suppressing cell division and migration. This finding may lead to new options for drug design to keep PTEN working.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateJul 9, 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.

Graphene on its way to conquer Silicon Valley

Scientists from the University of Vienna have successfully integrated graphene into metal silicide technology, preserving its unique properties. The new structure shows promising results for applications in semiconductor devices, spintronics, photovoltaics, and thermoelectrics.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 9, 2013

Women working shifts are at greater risk of miscarriage, menstrual disruption and subfertility

A meta-analysis of studies found that women working shifts experience a higher rate of menstrual disruption (33% increase) and subfertility (80% increase), while night shift work only increases the risk of miscarriage. The study suggests that altering circadian rhythms can lead to short- and long-term biological disturbances.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJul 9, 2013

NIH scientists assess history, pandemic potential of H7 influenza viruses

Researchers evaluated past H7 subtype influenza viruses among mammals and birds, comparing them to other avian influenza viruses. While none have caused a human pandemic since 1918, some adapted to infect horses, raising concerns about potential adaptation to humans.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalmBio·DateJul 9, 2013

Contaminated ultrasound gel tied to outbreak of healthcare-associated infections

A 2011 outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections at Beaumont Health System was attributed to contaminated ultrasound gel. The investigation highlighted the need for increased scrutiny of medical products and led to proposed guidelines for sterile ultrasound gel usage.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateJul 9, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study investigates whether improving sleep reduces heart disease risk in caregivers

A new University of South Florida study explores the relationship between caregiver sleep and heart disease, testing an innovative night monitoring system to improve sleep quality and overall health. The research seeks to determine if better sleep can lower the risk of heart disease in caregivers caring for people with dementia.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·DateJul 9, 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.

UC Davis MIND Institute researchers identify specific fetal antigens attacked by maternal antibodies

Researchers have identified a specific risk factor for autism, known as MAR autism, linked to maternal antibodies attacking fetal brain proteins. The study found that mothers of children with autism were more than 21 times likely to have these antibodies, offering a potential biomarker for drug development and early diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateJul 9, 2013

Infants' food linked to higher, lower Type 1 diabetes risk

Researchers found that introducing solid foods before 4 months increases Type 1 diabetes risk, while breast-feeding reduces it. The study suggests parents wait until after 4 months and introduce solid foods by 6 months or soon after with breastfeeding to lower the risk.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJul 9, 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.

Birds outpace climate change to avoid extinction

A new study found that birds can survive climate change through phenotypic plasticity, a flexibility in behavior. This adaptation enables them to track environmental changes, increasing their chances of survival. However, slow-reproducing species are more vulnerable to extinction due to the need for precise adaptations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 9, 2013

Consuming soy peptide may reduce colon cancer metastasis

Researchers found that consuming soy peptide lunasin orally reduced the number of metastatic tumors in mice with human colon cancer cells. The highest dose of 20 mg/kg of lunasin achieved a 94% reduction in tumors, showing promise for new cancer treatment approaches.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Cancer Therapy·DateJul 8, 2013

Robot mom would beat robot butler in popularity contest

A recent study published in Computers in Human Behavior found that people express more positive feelings towards a robot that takes care of them than one that needs care. Researchers observed 60 interactions between college students and a social robot, Nao, to determine how human perception of robots changed based on their role.

SourcePenn State·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateJul 8, 2013

Medical safety innovation gets a boost from systematic analysis

Researchers from Drexel University analyzed hospital discharge data in Pennsylvania to identify patient safety events, which resulted in non-fatal adverse events for 9% of patients. These events added an average of $35,000 to hospital stays and 3 days in length.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Healthcare Risk Management·DateJul 8, 2013

Melody modulates choir members' heart rate

Researchers found that choir members' heart rates synchronize when singing in unison, with a direct link between melody and cardiac activity. This effect is similar to controlled breathing exercises, which regulate vagus nerve activity.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateJul 8, 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.

JCI early table of contents for July 8, 2013

Researchers found that macrophages are essential for embryo implantation in the uterus. The absence of these cells leads to reduced hormone levels, causing embryos to fail to implant. Restoration of macrophage function or hormone replacement therapy can revive pregnancy, shedding new light on a potential cause of infertility.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 8, 2013

Corals cozy up with bacterial buddies

A new study reveals that healthy Red Sea corals harbor bacterial communities deep within their tissues, including the previously unknown species Endozoicomonas. This symbiotic relationship is believed to aid the coral's nutrient recycling, contributing to its overall health and survival.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJul 8, 2013

Not-weak knots bolster carbon fiber

Researchers at Rice University developed a new type of carbon fiber with unique properties, achieving '100% knot efficiency' where the fiber is equally likely to break anywhere along its length. The fibers were created by spinning large graphene oxide flakes into fibers, resulting in enhanced strength and flexibility.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 8, 2013

Getting to the root of the matter

Scientists identified a network of genes that promote root growth in low-nitrogen conditions, making them suitable for sustainable biofuel production. The discovery provides new insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying plant development and could lead to the creation of nitrogen-efficient crop varieties.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalNew Phytologist·DateJul 8, 2013

Temperature increases causing tropical forests to blossom, according to study

A recent study by Florida State University researcher Stephanie Pau found that tropical forests produce more flowers in response to only slight increases in temperature. This is the first study to combine long-term flower production data with direct estimates of cloud cover based on satellite information.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJul 8, 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.

Salk researchers identify potential biomarker for cancer diagnosis

A team of scientists at the Salk Institute found that disrupted micronuclei, which can trigger massive DNA damage on chromosomes, might play an active role in carcinogenesis. They also identified biomarkers to detect these structures, suggesting a new tool for cancer diagnosis.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateJul 8, 2013

TU Vienna develops light transistor

The TU Vienna has successfully developed a light transistor that can be controlled by an electrical potential, enabling efficient miniaturization and use in optical computers. This breakthrough utilizes terahertz radiation and the Faraday effect to rotate the polarization direction of light.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 8, 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.

Buckling up to turn

Researchers at MIT used high-speed video to record individual marine bacteria and found that a small flexible rod called the hook bucks during forward swims, causing the cell to tumble and reorient. This unusual mechanism helps bacteria navigate toward food in nutrient-sparse ocean waters.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 8, 2013

Finding the Goldilocks sites to store CO2 underground

Scientists compare results from three commercial-scale carbon capture and storage projects, revealing that not all sites are equal and successful implementation requires careful appraisal. The study's findings highlight the importance of long-term monitoring at CCS storage sites to ensure secure storage.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 2013

New metallic bubble wrap offers big benefits over other protective materials

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new metallic bubble wrap that provides improved protection, lightness, and flexibility compared to traditional materials. The material has been shown to be strong enough to protect contents in areas as thin as a few millimeters, while also being heat- and chemical-resistant.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateJul 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.

Rhode Island Hospital successfully manages case of severe EEE

The hospital's aggressive approach helped manage brain swelling, stop seizures, and minimize brain injury in the patient. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that EEE is one of the most severe mosquito-transmitted diseases in the U.S., with a mortality rate of approximately 33%.

SourceLifespan·JournalNeurocritical Care·DateJul 8, 2013

Cosmochemist discovers potential solution to meteorite mystery

Researchers suggest that chondrules may have formed from high-pressure collisions between planetesimals, which would explain their composition and origin. This theory resolves a long-standing puzzle in cosmochemistry and provides a potential solution to the mystery of how these glassy spherules were embedded within meteorites.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·DateJul 8, 2013

Sleepless nights can turn lovers into fighters

UC Berkeley psychologists found that people are more likely to lash out at their romantic partners over relationship tensions after a bad night's sleep. Couples who fight more are less happy and less healthy.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJul 8, 2013

Cancer research brief: Targeting pancreatic cancer drug resistance

A team of scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has discovered a way to prevent pancreatic tumor cells from responding to chemotherapy. The antibody FG-3019 targets survival cues inside the tumor mass, increasing the effectiveness of treatment and reducing drug resistance.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 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.

'Scent device' could help detect bladder cancer

Researchers from the University of Liverpool and University of the West of England have developed a device that can detect bladder cancer through urine scent analysis. The ODOREADER device analyzes chemicals in gas emitted from urine to produce a 'profile' that can be used to diagnose cancer cells in the bladder.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 8, 2013

July/August 2013 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

Researchers found that most men report little shared decision making in PSA screening, with only 8% reporting full shared decision making. Coupling physician education with patient activation improves rates of shared decision making and influences physicians' attitudes about screening.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 8, 2013

NASA sees Tropical Storm Chantal develop quickly in Atlantic

Tropical Storm Chantal is expected to bring significant rainfall to the Leeward and Windward islands with isolated totals reaching up to 6 inches. The storm developed from an unseasonally strong easterly wave that moved off the African coast on July 3.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 8, 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.

2 blood pressure drugs linked to lower risk of heart disease in diabetics

Two angiotensin-receptor blockers, telmisartan and valsartan, have been shown to reduce hospitalization for heart attack, stroke, or heart failure in people with type 2 diabetes. Researchers found a lower risk of cardiovascular illnesses associated with these drugs compared to other treatments.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 8, 2013

Glimpse into the future of acidic oceans shows ecosystems transformed

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that ocean acidification can have a profound impact on marine ecosystems, causing a loss of functional diversity and resulting in a homogenized community dominated by turf algae. This can lead to cascading effects throughout the ecosystem, making calc...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 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.

Denormalizing smoking: Making the case for banning cigarettes in parks and on beaches

Denormalizing smoking is fostering lower smoking rates by banning cigarettes in public settings, according to researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health. The paper analyzed the evidence for bans and found that government acting in the name of public health can restrict smoking to protect smokers themselves.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJul 8, 2013

NASA's TRMM satellite sees Tropical Storm Erick along Mexican coast

Tropical Storm Erick brought heavy rain and strong winds to the Mexican coast, with NASA's TRMM satellite tracking its movement. The storm weakened over the next two days, but not before causing rough surf and ocean swells that posed a life-threatening risk to southern Baja California.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 8, 2013

Nanomaterial to help reduce CO2 emissions

Researchers have developed a new nanomaterial that can separate carbon dioxide from nitrogen in flue gas mixtures, reducing CO2 emissions from coal-fired power stations. This material has remarkable selectivity and is energy-efficient, allowing for easy regeneration and reuse.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 8, 2013

Nurse practitioners provide more primary care in states with least restrictive regulations

A study by the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that states with fewer nurse practitioner regulations had more patients receiving primary care from nurse practitioners. States with less restrictive regulations saw a 2.5 times increase in primary care patients, compared to the most restrictive states.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJul 8, 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.

Inhibiting macrophage MerTK signaling creates an innate immune response against cancer

Research by a University of North Carolina-led team shows that inhibiting MerTK signaling in macrophages can activate the immune system to kill cancer cells, slowing tumor growth and metastasis. The study's findings suggest combining this approach with existing therapies may offer a new avenue for activating anti-tumor immunity.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 8, 2013

Earthworms could help scientists 'dig' into past climates

Researchers found that earthworms retain a memory of temperature in calcite granules, offering a new method to reconstruct past climates. This discovery has the potential to enhance and benchmark climate change models.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·DateJul 8, 2013

Targeting errant immune system enzyme kills myelodysplastic cells

Scientists have successfully targeted a malfunctioning immune system enzyme to eliminate diseased cells from patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a blood disorder and precursor to leukemia. The research provides a molecular target for designing new drugs, offering a promising treatment option.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalCancer Cell·DateJul 8, 2013

NASA satellite sees 2 views of Tropical Storm Soulik over Marianas Islands

Tropical Storm Soulik has become more organized and is expected to intensify rapidly, potentially reaching typhoon strength by July 9. The storm's eastern quadrant covered the Marianas Islands in NASA's Aqua satellite images, showing a brilliant visible image of the storm's center near the northern islands.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 8, 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.

Immune cells play a role in early pregnancy

Researchers found that macrophages help regulate corpus luteum development during embryo implantation, which is essential for successful pregnancy. The absence of macrophages can lead to infertility due to disrupted hormone levels, but restoring them or administering hormones can correct this issue.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 8, 2013

Using the sun to illuminate a basic mystery of matter

Scientists have detected relativistic antiparticles, specifically positrons, produced in nuclear interactions of accelerated ions in solar flares. This remote detection using microwave and magnetic-field data has significant implications for understanding the basic structure of matter and high-energy processes.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·DateJul 8, 2013

Ethical quandary about vaccinations sparked by tension between parental rights and protecting public health

A study by NYU Langone researchers found that states with simpler vaccination exemption processes have higher non-medical exemption rates, contributing to outbreaks of childhood infections. States with looser requirements are more likely to see parents opt-out of vaccinating their children, putting others at risk.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJul 8, 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's polar robotic ranger passes first Greenland test

GROVER successfully demonstrated autonomous operation in Greenland's harshest environment, collecting radar data and transmitting information in real-time. The robot's performance was affected by extreme polar conditions, but the results promise potential for future autonomous robotic platforms to support scientific research.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 8, 2013

Improved interpretation of volcanic traces in ice

Researchers at GEOMAR have developed a model to track the global distribution of sulfur particles following large eruptions, providing more accurate estimates of eruption strength and tracing previously undetermined volcanic activities. The study improves the interpretation of volcanic traces in ice cores from Greenland and Antarctica.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·DateJul 8, 2013

Tailoring diabetes treatment to older patients yields dramatic results

A study led by the University of Exeter found that 27% of over-70s with type 2 diabetes achieved better glycaemic control through individualized care alone. Researchers introduced a 'one-size-fits-all' approach for older patients, which proved ineffective due to multiple complications.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 8, 2013