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Science News for November 1, 2013


ASU researchers discover new path to address genetic muscular diseases

Researchers from Arizona State University and Stanford Universities have discovered that the key gene Numb plays a role in promoting muscle growth and suppressing Myostatin, which limits muscle growth. The findings provide a new avenue for developing treatments for muscle diseases such as muscular dystrophy and ALS.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 1, 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.

Study explains how a job-market system lands couples in the same city

A recent study by MIT economists provides justification for current rules in job-placement programs, which can accommodate married couples. The researchers found that a properly calibrated system can work well even with large job markets and specific constraints. In fact, data from the medical job market suggests that stable matching i...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Quarterly Journal of Economics·DateNov 1, 2013

Nationwide disparities of deaths reported to coroners

A nationwide study reveals huge disparities in death reporting to coroners, with inconsistent rates across jurisdictions. The research also exposes a significant gender disparity, where women's deaths are less likely to be reported and result in unnatural death verdicts.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalJournal of Clinical Pathology·DateNov 1, 2013

Congenital blindness results in lower thermal pain thresholds

A study found that congenitally blind subjects have lower heat pain thresholds and increased sensitivity to cold pain stimuli compared to sighted individuals. This suggests a permanent state of pain hypersensitivity due to the absence of visual cues, which allows for immediate detection and avoidance of potentially hazardous situations.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalPain·DateNov 1, 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.

NASA satellite catches a wide-eyed Typhoon Krosa

Typhoon Krosa strengthened after passing over northern Philippines and expanded its eye by 10 nautical miles. The storm's center moved into the South China Sea, where NASA's Aqua satellite captured a visible image revealing its 35-nautical-mile-wide eye.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 1, 2013

Double-pronged attack could treat common children's cancer

A new study published in Clinical Cancer Research has found a dual-pronged strategy of combining two experimental cancer drugs to be an effective treatment for childhood cancer rhabdomyosarcoma. The study showed that the combination of AZD8055 and AZD6244 reduced tumour growth and blocked off escape routes, leading to improved outcomes.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateNov 1, 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.

Bipolar and pregnant

A new Northwestern University study reveals that physiological changes during pregnancy reduce the effects of commonly used bipolar medications, making women more vulnerable to recurring episodes. Women with bipolar disorder may require higher doses to stay well during pregnancy.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateNov 1, 2013

Non-radiologists perform majority of ultrasound-guided invasive procedures, study suggests

A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology found that non-radiologists are increasingly performing ultrasound-guided invasive procedures. The study highlights the growing role of non-radiologists in these procedures, with significant increases noted between 2004 and 2010.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology·DateNov 1, 2013

Home visits lessen emergency care for infants

A new study from Duke University shows that nurse home visits can significantly reduce the need for emergency care in infants. The program, Durham Connects, costs an average of $700 per family and has been shown to decrease emergency care episodes by 50% in the first year of life.

SourceDuke University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateNov 1, 2013

Study finds a patchwork of genetic variation in the brain

Researchers at Salk Institute discovered a patchwork of genetic variation in individual brain neurons, contrary to the long-held belief that each cell possesses identical DNA code. The study found that up to 41% of neurons have unique, massive copy number variations (CNVs) that arose spontaneously.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateNov 1, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mindful individuals less affected by immediate rewards

A recent study published in Emotion journal found that mindful individuals show less neural response to positive feedback compared to their less mindful peers. This suggests that mindful individuals may be less affected by immediate rewards and exhibit improved self-control.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalEmotion·DateNov 1, 2013

2 satellites see new Eastern Pacific tropical depression form

A new tropical depression formed in the Eastern Pacific Ocean on November 1, with NASA's TRMM satellite detecting moderate rainfall and NOAA's GOES-West satellite capturing cloud extent. The depression is expected to strengthen and become a tropical storm by the weekend.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 1, 2013

JCI early table of contents for Nov. 1, 2013

Researchers found that liver Kupffer cells are essential for deleting B cells using anti-CD20 therapy. The interaction between the liver and the immune system also affects the progression of candidiasis, a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 1, 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.

Designing an acoustic diode

Researchers in China's Nanjing University have designed a novel acoustic diode that could provide brighter and clearer ultrasound images by eliminating acoustic disturbances. The device, which uses a near-Zero Index Metamaterial, achieves one-way transmission of sound waves, crucial for medical ultrasound applications.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 1, 2013

A new model for organ repair

Researchers at Harvard University have identified a novel mechanism of kidney repair, where mature cells reprogram themselves after injury. This finding challenges the long-held theory that kidney stem cell populations respond to damage.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 1, 2013

Brushing your teeth could prevent heart disease

A prospective study found that improved periodontal health slows atherosclerosis progression, while worsening infections parallel increased risk for coronary events. The study suggests a clear relationship between mouth bacteria and thickening of the carotid artery.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateNov 1, 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.

Synaptic transistor learns while it computes

Researchers created a synaptic transistor that mimics the behavior of a synapse, enabling continuous adaptation to changing signals. The device offers several advantages over traditional transistors, including non-volatile memory and inherent energy efficiency.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 1, 2013

Pitt treats gum disease by bringing needed immune cells to inflamed tissue

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh developed a system to attract regulatory T-cells to inflamed gums, reducing inflammation and improving periodontal disease symptoms. The treatment showed promise in animal studies, offering a new therapeutic paradigm for treating gum disease.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 1, 2013

International team identifies earliest galaxy ever detected

Astronomers at UMass Amherst and UT at Austin identify the most distant galaxy, with a redshift parameter of z = 7.51, indicating it is 700 million years old. The discovery challenges theories on galaxy formation and suggests intense star-forming galaxies may be more common than thought.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature·DateNov 1, 2013

Genetic rarity rules in wild guppy population, study finds

In a wild guppy population, female guppies mate with rare males who have unique color patterns, resulting in longer lifespan and more offspring. This study supports the theory that individuals within species are genetically diverse due to various factors.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalNature·DateNov 1, 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.

Liver tropism is key for B cell deletion immunotherapy

B cells circulating through the liver are first depleted after treatment with anti-CD20 antibodies. The study reveals a vital role of liver Kupffer cells in deleting B cells and provides techniques to improve the effectiveness of anti-CD20 therapy.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 1, 2013

US preterm birth rate drops to 15-year low

The US preterm birth rate has dropped to its lowest level in 15 years, but the country still earns a 'C' grade. Since 2006, about 176,000 fewer babies have been born too soon, potentially saving $9 billion in health and societal costs.

SourceMarch of Dimes Foundation·DateNov 1, 2013

Patients with heart failure need specialist care

A Swedish study reveals that many heart failure patients are undertreated, with high mortality rates associated with poor pump capacity, kidney function, blood count, and lack of ACE inhibitors and beta blockers. The study suggests referring these patients to heart failure specialists for evaluation and treatment.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 1, 2013

Sugar intake is not directly related to liver disease

A new study published in Gastroenterology found that high-calorie diets, regardless of sugar type, contribute to the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The study revealed comparable effects of fructose and glucose on the liver, highlighting calorie intake as a key factor in liver disease progression.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateNov 1, 2013

Global warming led to dwarfism in mammals -- twice

Researchers found that mammalian body size decreased during two ancient global warming events, the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) and Eocene Thermal Maximum 2 (ETM2). The study suggests that mammals may adapt to extreme warming by becoming smaller.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateNov 1, 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.

Dysfunctional chemokine receptor promotes candidiasis

A dysfunctional chemokine receptor, CXCR1, plays a crucial role in Candida infection progression. Mice lacking this receptor are prone to kidney failure due to Candida-induced injury. Additionally, patients with a mutation in the CXCR1 gene are at higher risk of developing candidiasis.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 1, 2013

New study: Rising temperatures challenge Salt Lake City's water supply

New research shows that rising temperatures could lead to a 1.8-6.5% drop in the annual flow of streams providing water to Salt Lake City, with some creeks and streams drying up weeks earlier in summer and fall. The study's findings can help regional planners make informed decisions on long-term investments and adapt to climate change.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalEarth Interactions·DateNov 1, 2013

Durbin, University of Illinois announce $25 million federal grant

The University of Illinois has received a $25 million federal grant to improve soybean yields in five African countries, increasing the continent's food supply. The project will focus on developing high-yielding soybean varieties and improving poultry nutrition.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateNov 1, 2013

LSUHSC simulation or team training improves performance & patient safety

A study by LSU Health Sciences Center found that simulation-based operating room team training improved attitudes, behaviors, and performance among medical and nursing students. The training resulted in better clinical outcomes and increased patient safety.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateNov 1, 2013

Going deep to study long-term climate evolution

A team of geoscientists is building a whole-Earth model to understand long-term climate change on Earth. They will examine how carbon moves between the planet's external and internal systems, including the oceans, atmosphere, and deep Earth.

SourceRice University·DateNov 1, 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.