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Science News Archive May 2013


Page 29 of 30

Making cancer less cancerous

A Johns Hopkins study found that suppressing a key gene, HMGA1, in tumor cells reduces their aggression and growth. The researchers hope to develop a new therapy based on this principle to treat tumors resistant to current drugs.

GOES-R EXIS instrument ready for integration

The Extreme Ultraviolet and X-ray Irradiance Sensors (EXIS) will monitor extreme solar energy output from the sun, disrupting telecommunications, air travel, and power grids. The GOES-R satellite is expected to launch in 2015, providing more advanced capabilities and frequent images.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How graphene and friends could harness the Sun's energy

Researchers have developed a new class of ultra-sensitive photovoltaic devices using graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides. The devices can potentially be used as ultrasensitive photodetectors or very efficient solar cells, generating electricity from sunlight absorbed by exposed walls.

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.

Ebola's secret weapon revealed

Scientists at UTMB discovered that Ebola short-circuits the immune system using proteins that shut down cellular signaling related to interferon, preventing dendritic cell maturation and generating an ineffective adaptive immune response. The researchers found that specific regions of two different proteins are crucial for this mechanism.

Benchtop NMR breakthrough

NMR spectrometer Pulsar offers affordable and accessible analysis of molecular structure and composition, enabling quality control labs and university teaching centers to utilize the technique.

Researchers plot locations where AEDs could save more lives

A new mathematical formula developed by researchers at St. Michael's Hospital and the University of Toronto identifies high-risk areas for cardiac arrests and suggests optimal locations for automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to maximize survival rates.

Mayo Clinic discovers why some don't respond to rubella vaccine

Researchers identified genetic differences in 27 genes responsible for antigen interactions, inflammation, and gene pathways involved between high and low responders. The study provides insights into developing alternative vaccines for individuals who do not respond effectively to the standard rubella vaccine.

Adderall abuse as finals study aid 'trending' on East Coast

A six-month study reveals Adderall mentions spike sharply during final exam periods, with peaks on Dec. 13 and April 30, and peak use among college and university clusters in the northeast and south regions of the US. Tweets also reveal co-ingestion with other substances like alcohol and stimulants.

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.

Endometrial and acute myeloid leukemia cancer genomes characterized

Two studies from The Cancer Genome Atlas program reveal genomic landscapes of AML and endometrial cancer, providing new insights into molecular underpinnings. The studies identify four novel tumor subtypes in endometrial cancer and show genomic similarities with other types of cancers.

JCI early table of contents for May 1, 2013

Researchers identified a specific pattern of DNA modifications dependent on HPV presence that correlates with improved survival in patients with OPSCC. A new combination therapy for PEL was found to reactivate virus-induced cell lysis and induce cancer cell death, increasing mouse lifespan.

Gentle touch and the bionic eye

Researchers suggest using haptic devices early in children fitted with visual prosthetics and for older congenitally blind and late-blind individuals. Haptics provide supplementary information that helps train the brain to understand electrical input from prosthetics, leading to improved outcomes.

Genetic cause for migraines found

A recent study published in Science Translational Medicine has identified a genetic mutation that makes people more susceptible to migraine headaches. This finding is significant because it represents the first demonstration of a genetic cause for migraines, which could lead to new research avenues and potential treatments.

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.

Riders take load off horses

A study by Patricia de Cocq and colleagues found that 'rising trot' reduces the force exerted on a horse's back, decreasing the risk of injury. By analyzing data from experienced dressage riders using both techniques, they showed that rising trot significantly reduced the load on horses' backs.

Study shows growing gap between teens' materialism and desire to work hard

Researchers found a growing gap between materialism and the desire to work hard among recent high school graduates. Materialism peaked in the 80s and 90s with Generation X, but has continued to stay high. In contrast, work ethic declined, with 39% of students admitting they didn't want to work hard in 2005-07 compared to 25% in 1976-78.

Storm study reveals a sting in the tail

University of Manchester scientists discover sting jets in storms, shedding light on violent windstorms like the Great Storm of 1987 and January 2012 gusts. Their findings provide added knowledge for forecasters.

The biology behind binge eating

A study by Michigan State University scientists discovered sex differences in binge eating rates among female and male rats, suggesting biological factors contribute to eating disorder prevalence. The study's findings have implications for understanding risk factors and mechanisms in humans.

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.

More food and greener farming with specialised transporters for plants

Plant scientists are exploring membrane transporters to enhance nutrient uptake and water retention in crops, reducing the need for fertilizers and promoting sustainable agriculture. This research aims to create crops that can thrive in challenging conditions, such as saline soils, to meet the world's growing food demands.

NASA rover prototype set to explore Greenland ice sheet

GROVER will collect measurements to study how snow accumulates on the ice sheet, adding layer upon layer over time. The robot carries a ground-penetrating radar to detect the layer of the ice sheet formed after an extreme melt event.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Proper cleat choice gives turf injuries the boot

A literature review highlights the evolution of synthetic playing surfaces and their association with injuries, particularly to the foot, ankle, toe, and knee. The study suggests that optimal shoe-playing surface conditions are level and sport-specific, and further research is needed to improve playing conditions for all athletes.

New evidence on how fluoride fights tooth decay

Researchers have found new evidence on how fluoride compounds reduce tooth decay risk by hardening enamel and reducing bacteria adhesion. This discovery lends credence to alternative theories on fluoride's mechanism of action.

Fire in Cape Cod

A prescribed burn is being conducted on the 22,000-acre Otis Air National Guard installation to manage habitat and reduce wildfire risk. The burn aims to eliminate dead wood and debris that can act as fuel for wildfires.

Searching for therapeutic synergy in primary effusion lymphoma

Researchers found that a Bortezomib/Vorinostat combination therapy reactivated virus-induced cell lysis and induced PEL cell death, increasing the lifespan of mice with PEL tumors. This treatment combination could potentially be beneficial for immunocompromised patients with KSHV-associated malignancies.

Study identifies genes, pathways altered during relaxation response practice

Researchers at MGH and BIDMC found changes in gene expression related to inflammation, energy metabolism, and insulin secretion during a single session of relaxation response practice. The study suggests that the relaxation response induces physiological hubs that may contribute to its benefits for stress reduction and wellness.

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.

A paradigm shift in endometrial cancer

Researchers found genetic mutations that could impact treatment plans and tumor classification for endometrial cancer patients. The study suggests reclassifying endometrial cancers into four categories based on copy number alterations and mutations.

Breast milk protein complex helps reverse antibiotic resistance

Researchers at University at Buffalo have found a breast milk protein complex, HAMLET, that can help restore sensitivity to antibiotics in drug-resistant bacteria. The study showed that HAMLET can lower the dose of antibiotics needed by a factor of eight or more, making it a promising treatment option for superbugs like MRSA.

Bug's eye inspires hemispherical digital camera

Researchers developed a hemispherical digital camera inspired by the fly eye, featuring nearly 200 tiny lenses for exceptional wide-angle views. The camera can capture images across nearly 180 degrees, offering powerful capabilities in surveillance and endoscopic procedures.

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.

Studying meteorites may reveal Mars' secrets of life

A team of scientists, including a Michigan State University professor, has examined a nakhlite meteorite formed on Mars over a billion years ago. The study found mineral and chemical signatures indicating terrestrial weathering, which could provide valuable clues about Mars' habitability conditions.

Inflammatory bowel disease detection enhanced with PET/CT

Researchers demonstrated PET/CT's ability to identify lesions along the complete intestinal wall, detecting advanced inflammatory changes and unmasking subepithelial disease activity. The technique showed promise in serially assessing IBD activity, potentially benefiting patients with chronic-remittent conditions.

New genetic clues to breast and ovarian cancer

A major international study has found that sequence differences in a gene crucial to chromosome integrity predispose individuals to certain cancers. The study, published in Nature Genetics, identified variations in the TERT gene as influencing telomere length and breast and ovarian cancer risk.

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.

Vitamin D: More may not be better

New research from Johns Hopkins finds that high doses of vitamin D supplements do not confer additional benefits on cardiovascular health or longevity in healthy adults. However, elderly individuals, postmenopausal women, and those with kidney disease may still benefit from higher blood levels of the sunshine vitamin.

Early intervention found cost effective through school years

The Early Start Denver Model has been shown to improve social skills and brain responses in toddlers with ASD, while minimizing therapies required through the school years. The study found that ESDM-receiving children required significantly fewer hours of special education services and individual therapies.

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.

Gastric bypass findings could lead to diabetes treatment

A recent study at Lund University has discovered a key factor behind gastric bypass surgery's ability to rapidly send type 2 diabetes into remission. The researchers found that insulin levels and intestinal hormones increase significantly after the procedure, suggesting a new potential treatment avenue for diabetes patients.

Brain region may hold key to aging

Scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have found that the hypothalamus controls aging throughout the body, opening up new avenues for treating age-related diseases. Activating specific pathways can accelerate or slow down aging, and blocking them may increase longevity by up to 20 percent.

Reflections on chevaline

A recent horse meat detection incident in European food products led to concerns in the US. The incident involved tiny amounts of horse meat mistakenly added to beef products due to equipment issues. The American Chemical Society discusses the issue and its implications for the US market.

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.

Traditional ranching practices enhance African savanna

A study by Yale University researchers found that traditional African ranching techniques create fertile glades that support high native animal populations. These glades persist for over a century after the initial use, influencing plant and animal growth across the entire savanna ecosystem.

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.

New federal investment could save millions of lives

The lab-on-a-chip (LOC) is a low-cost, microfluidic device that can quickly diagnose bacterial infections and recommend antibiotics for infantile diarrhea. The device's portability and affordability make it an attractive solution for remote areas with limited access to healthcare.

World-first study predicts epilepsy seizures in humans

A world-first study led by Professor Mark Cook has accurately predicted epilepsy seizures in humans using a device implanted between the skull and brain surface. The system correctly predicted seizures with a high warning rate of 65% of the time, offering new management strategies for epilepsy.

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.

Bug's view inspires new digital camera's unique imaging capabilities

Researchers have created a digital camera with a design inspired by the arthropod eye, offering exceptionally wide-angle fields of view and low aberrations. The camera uses large arrays of tiny focusing lenses and miniaturized detectors in hemispherical layouts, providing unmatched field of view and other powerful capabilities in imaging.