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Science News Archive November 2013


Page 1 of 30

New family of proteins linked to major role in cancer

Researchers have identified a new family of proteins called glutamate intramembrane proteases, with the founding member Rce1 playing a key role in transforming healthy cells into cancer cells. This discovery could help lead to new targets for precision drug treatment and potentially develop new ways to stop Ras in its tracks in patients.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalNature·DateNov 30, 2013

WSF RIO Declaration goes forward to UN

The WSF RIO Declaration advocates for harmonization of global and national efforts, education to reduce inequalities, and sustainable funding mechanisms. It also emphasizes the importance of responsible research conduct and improved dialogue with governments and society.

SourceRichard Hayhurst Associates·DateNov 30, 2013

Octocopter to monitor crops

The institute will utilize the UAV to monitor thousands of crop plots, enabling detailed evaluations of growth and functionality. The technology will substantially increase throughput and precision in analysis, contributing to various crop improvement projects.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·DateNov 29, 2013

Cyclin D1 governs microRNA processing in breast cancer

Researchers found that cyclin D1 induces the processing of mature microRNA through Dicer, leading to reduced levels of miRNAs in certain cancers. This mechanism may contribute to the initiation and progression of aggressive basal-like breast cancer subtypes.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 29, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The more the better!

Researchers from Bielefeld University and TU Braunschweig found that female fire salamanders can store sperm from multiple males, leading to increased offspring numbers and fitness. Polyandry appears to be a key mechanism for reproductive success in this species, contradicting the long-held assumption of monogamy.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateNov 29, 2013

Valproic acid promotes neuronal regeneration after brachial plexus avulsion

A recent study found that valproic acid significantly increased Bcl-2 and growth associated protein 43 expression, and reduced c-Jun expression after brachial plexus avulsion in Wistar rats. This suggests that valproic acid can protect neurons and enhance neuronal regeneration following the injury.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateNov 29, 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.

Strong dollar means cross-border shopping heavily influenced by exchange rate

A new study from University of Toronto researchers found that a strong dollar significantly influences Canadian cross-border shopping habits, with distance to the border also playing a crucial role. The research suggests that Canadians are more likely to shop in the US due to the favorable exchange rate and proximity to the border.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalThe Review of Economics and Statistics·DateNov 29, 2013

Treatment of malignant glioma using hyperthermia

Researchers found that hyperthermia treatment completely destroyed the blood-brain barrier surrounding tumors, allowing chemotherapy drugs to target and kill cancer cells. Additionally, hyperthermia combined with radiotherapy showed synergistic benefits in treating brain gliomas.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateNov 29, 2013

Maternal mortality: A reduction in deaths from haemorrhage

Maternal deaths from haemorrhage have decreased, but still account for the majority of maternal mortality in France. The French National Expert Committee on Maternal Mortality has made recommendations to improve care and reduce avoidable deaths.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalJournal de Gynécologie Obstétrique et Biologie de la Reproduction·DateNov 29, 2013
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.

Snapshots differentiate molecules from their mirror image

Physicists and chemists from Max Planck Institute and Heidelberg University develop method to directly image molecular structure of chiral molecules, revealing their absolute configuration and handedness. This breakthrough enables investigation of individual chiral molecules in the gaseous state.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateNov 28, 2013

Researchers identify genetic fingerprints of endangered conifers

Biologists at Ruhr-University Bochum have developed a DNA barcode for Podocarpaceae, the second-largest conifer family, to facilitate species identification. The project helps protect endangered populations by assigning unknown individuals to their respective species, promoting conservation efforts.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 28, 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.

How a legless, leaping fish that lives on land avoids predators

A legless, leaping fish that lives on land avoids predators by using camouflage to match its rocky environment, reducing attacks from birds, lizards, and crabs. The researchers found that the fish's unique colouration helped it survive in its new habitat, suggesting an evolutionary advantage.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateNov 28, 2013

The heart's own stem cells play their part in regeneration

Researchers have identified Sca1 stem cells as the key players in the regeneration of heart muscle cells in mammals. These stem cells increase their activity in response to heart damage, leading to the formation of new heart muscle cells.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateNov 28, 2013

Using moving cars to measure rainfall

The project utilizes GPS-equipped cars with varying wiper systems to measure rainfall intensity, offering a promising alternative to traditional rain gauges. By analyzing sensor readings, researchers can create a more extensive network of measurement points, leading to improved flood prediction and prevention.

SourceEuropean Geosciences Union·JournalHydrology and Earth System Sciences·DateNov 28, 2013

Bone grafting improvements with the help of sea coral

Researchers have developed a new sea coral-based material that considerably improves the outcome of bone grafts in 16 patients. The material, called coralline hydroxyapatite/calcium carbonate (CHACC), has been shown to biodegrade after two years and promote natural bone healing.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBiomedical Materials·DateNov 28, 2013

Quantitative approaches provide new perspective on development of antibiotic resistance

Researchers at UC San Diego used quantitative models and microfluidic devices to study bacterial growth and evolution of drug resistance. They found that the expression of resistance genes depends on the bacterial colony's growth status and the effectiveness of the resistance mechanism. The interaction between drug and resistance is co...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateNov 28, 2013
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Scientists stitch up photosynthetic megacomplex

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a new technique to isolate and examine a photosynthetic megacomplex in its complete functioning state. This breakthrough provides a deeper understanding of the organization of these complex membranes, which are essential for plant growth and movement.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScience·DateNov 28, 2013

Researchers pinpoint superbug resistance protein

A study led by the University of Leeds has identified a resistance protein in bacteria that allows them to survive chlorhexidine, an antiseptic commonly used in hospitals. The discovery is critical for developing new chemicals to combat superbugs, which pose a catastrophic threat to the medical system.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 28, 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.

Follow your gut down the aisle, new study says

A new study found that newlyweds' gut-level negative evaluations of their partners predict future marital happiness. The study, led by Florida State University researcher James K. McNulty, involved 135 heterosexual couples and found that conscious attitudes did not always reflect automatic feelings about the marriage.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalScience·DateNov 28, 2013

Methylation signaling controls angiogenesis and cancer growth

A study led by Boston University School of Medicine researchers reveals that methylation signaling regulates VEGFR-2, leading to angiogenesis and tumor growth. This finding provides a promising new approach to blocking cancer growth by targeting this biochemical process.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalScience Signaling·DateNov 28, 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.

Why tumors become resistant to chemotherapy?

Researchers discovered epigenetic differences in colon cancer cells that render them resistant to chemotherapy drugs. The findings suggest that the inactivation of a specific gene may be responsible for this phenomenon.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 28, 2013

Crossing continents -- where we drive affects how we drive

A study by University of Nottingham researchers found that Malaysian drivers are less likely to identify situations as dangerous and react to them later than British drivers. The study suggests that hazard perception tests may need to be adapted for developing countries where road safety is a primary concern.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalTransportation Research Part F Traffic Psychology and Behaviour·DateNov 28, 2013

High cholesterol fuels the growth and spread of breast cancer

Researchers found that high cholesterol's metabolite, 27HC, mimics estrogen to drive breast cancer growth. Statins appear to reduce this effect, suggesting a link between dietary changes and breast cancer prevention. Human breast tumors express the enzyme making 27HC, which can promote tumor growth.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalScience·DateNov 28, 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.

Fruit flies with better sex lives live longer

Male fruit flies that expect sex but don't receive it experience rapid decreases in fat stores, resistance to starvation, and more stress. Mating partially reverses the negative effects on health and aging. The study provides new insights into how sensory perception and physiological state are integrated in the brain.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScience·DateNov 28, 2013

Junk food and poor oral health increase risk of premature heart disease

A recent study highlights the association between poor oral health and increased risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly among those consuming high amounts of sugar in junk foods. Experts recommend reducing fizzy drink intake and improving oral hygiene to prevent heart problems later in life.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateNov 28, 2013

Mediterranean diet without breakfast the best choice for diabetics

A new study published in PLOS ONE suggests that a Mediterranean diet without breakfast, but with a large meal at lunch, may be the most beneficial for patients with diabetes. The study found that this diet approach reduced blood glucose levels and triglycerides compared to low-fat and low-carbohydrate diets.

SourceLinköping University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 28, 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.

Cryptic new species of wild cat identified in Brazil

Scientists have identified a new species of wild cat living in northeastern and southern Brazil, with distinct habitats and evolutionary histories. The discovery highlights the need for targeted conservation efforts to protect these endangered species.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 27, 2013

World population mapping helps combat poverty and poor health

The WorldPop website provides open access to global demographic data, helping charities, policy-makers, and researchers tackle challenges like poverty and public health. The project combines country-specific data with satellite imagery to create detailed population distribution maps.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·DateNov 27, 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.

Sorting good germs from bad, in the bacterial world

Researchers create handheld, battery-operated device that can rapidly identify harmful bacteria like E. coli O157:H7, which causes 2,000 hospitalizations and 60 deaths in the US each year. The device uses dielectrophoresis to sort microbes based on their unique electrical properties.

SourceArizona State University·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·DateNov 27, 2013

New effect couples electricity and magnetism in materials

Scientists at Vienna University of Technology have discovered a way to couple electricity and magnetism in materials, opening up possibilities for new electronic devices such as amplifiers, transistors and data storage devices. The breakthrough involves switching magnetic excitations with an electric field in a material called DyMnO3.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 27, 2013

Lakes discovered beneath Greenland ice sheet

Researchers have identified two subglacial lakes beneath the Greenland Ice Sheet, which could influence global sea level rise and the future of the ice sheet. The lakes are part of an open system connected to the surface, unlike isolated Antarctic lakes, and their existence has significant implications for understanding ice flow speeds.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 27, 2013

SOHO shows new images of Comet ISON

Researchers carefully measure Comet ISON's brightness to infer its current state, as it approaches perihelion on November 28, 2013. The comet's behavior over several days suggests it may be disintegrating or intact.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 27, 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.

NASA watches as India braces for Tropical Cyclone Lehar

Tropical Cyclone Lehar is expected to bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and a storm surge of up to 3 meters to northern Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center predicts the storm will strengthen before making landfall on November 27.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 27, 2013

Chinese medicines that tonify the kidney inhibit dopaminergic neuron apoptosis

Recent study published in Neural Regeneration Research shows that Chinese medicines used for tonifying the kidney can protect nerve cells by regulating apoptosis-related factors and neurotrophic factors. Herba Epimedii and Herba Cistanches were found to be effective in inhibiting dopaminergic neuron apoptosis.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateNov 27, 2013

Fast, furious, refined: Smaller black holes can eat plenty

A team of astronomers has made a surprising finding about smaller black holes, discovering they can eat matter in an orderly fashion. The black hole in question is surprisingly lightweight and swallows its material at close to its theoretical limits, producing high-energy X-rays.

SourceGemini Observatory·JournalNature·DateNov 27, 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.

Genetic mutation increases risk of Parkinson's disease from pesticides

Researchers used patient-derived stem cells to show that a genetic mutation in the alpha-synuclein gene increases vulnerability to pesticides, leading to Parkinson's disease. The study identified a molecule that protects neurons from pesticide damage and may have potential clinical implications for treating the disease.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell·DateNov 27, 2013

Glaciers sizzle as they disappear into warmer water

Scientists recorded and identified the sizzling sound of glacier ice as it melts, a phenomenon caused by trapped air bubbles escaping from the disappearing ice. This discovery could help researchers better monitor polar environments and track changes in glacier melt rates using underwater hydrophone recordings.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 27, 2013

Lasers deemed highly effective treatment for excessive scars

Studies have shown that laser treatment is effective in reducing scar height and redness, with a high success rate of 70% in treating both hypertrophic scarring and keloids. The use of specific lasers, such as the 585/595 nm pulsed-dye laser, has also been found to be particularly effective.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateNov 27, 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.

What's the sound of a hundred thousand soccer fans?

Brazilian researchers assessed caxirola sound levels and found them comparable to a normal conversation, with only slight differences from vuvuzela noise. They also analyzed instrument vibrations, finding variations in frequency and intensity over time.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 27, 2013

Penn study shows automated prediction alert helps identify patients at risk for 30-day readmission

A Penn Medicine study found that an automated prediction tool can accurately identify patients at risk of being readmitted within 30 days of discharge. The tool, developed by researchers, uses prior hospital admissions as a key predictor, and has been shown to reduce readmissions by 31% compared to those without the flag.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Hospital Medicine·DateNov 27, 2013

The good news about the global epidemic of dementia

Research suggests that age-adjusted rates of dementia have declined for people born later, particularly those at higher risk. Lifestyle factors such as exercise and diet are being studied as potential contributors to this trend.

SourceGroup Health Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 27, 2013

Pills of the future: Nanoparticles

Researchers have developed nanoparticles that can be delivered orally and absorbed through the digestive tract, allowing patients to take a pill instead of receiving injections. The particles are coated with antibodies that act as a key to unlock receptors found on cells lining the intestine.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 27, 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.