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Science News for November 14, 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.

Research identifies potential new treatment for sepsis

Researchers suggest annexin A5 may have therapeutic potential for treating sepsis, improving cardiac function and survival rates in mice. The study's findings could apply to multiple organs affected by sepsis.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalCritical Care Medicine·DateNov 14, 2013

Protein interplay in muscle tied to life span

A study at Brown University found a connection between protein quality control in muscle tissue and lifespan in fruit flies. Suppressing the activity of activin, a protein complex involved in muscle performance, increased life span by up to 20%. The researchers also discovered a potential link between this protein interplay and human a...

SourceBrown University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateNov 14, 2013

Primary care key to management of patients with HIV infection

The updated HIV care guidelines recommend focusing on preventive care, including screening for high cholesterol, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Primary care physicians should also be familiar with HIV care recommendations to provide comprehensive care to patients with HIV infection.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateNov 14, 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.

1 in 7 students has dabbled in 'smart' drugs

A survey of 6,725 Swiss university students reveals that around 13.8% have tried neuroenhancement with prescription medication or drugs at least once during their degrees. The most commonly used substances were alcohol and methylphenidate.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 14, 2013

Researchers from IMIM describe a new function of 2 molecules involved in metastasis

Researchers at IMIM have discovered a new function for transcription factor Snail1 and enzyme LOXL2 in the process of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), enabling tumor cells to invade other tissues. LOXL2 is identified as a potential therapeutic target for cancers such as breast, lung, or skin cancer.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 14, 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.

Prize will expand use of life-saving neonatal device in Africa

A low-cost device invented by Rice University students to help premature babies breathe more easily will be expanded to teaching hospitals in three African nations. The technology, known as bubble CPAP, has been shown to increase survival rates of newborns with respiratory distress by 27 percent.

SourceRice University·DateNov 14, 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.

Toxicity database under development at Rutgers-Camden

A Rutgers-Camden professor is building a large-scale database of chemical toxicity information, combining in-vitro and computational methods to provide valuable data for scientists. The online database will aid in drug development by helping determine safe doses for patients.

SourceRutgers University·DateNov 14, 2013

Starting dialysis after -- not before -- conception may improve birth rates in women with advanced kidney disease

A recent study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that women with advanced kidney disease who start dialysis during pregnancy have a higher live birth rate compared to those already on dialysis. This discovery may help guide care for young women who need dialysis.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 14, 2013

JAMA Dermatology: Social media brings academic journals to general readers

A study found that top dermatology journals have strong social media followings, but lesser-known journals lag behind professional organizations and patient advocacy groups in disseminating information. The study suggests that leveraging social media can be an effective way for journals to educate the public.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateNov 14, 2013

Scientists nearing forecasts of long-lived wildfires

Researchers at NCAR and University of Maryland create a new model that combines weather simulations with satellite observations to predict wildfire growth. The model can produce accurate forecasts every 12 hours, improving prediction tools for large, intense wildfires.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 14, 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.

A*STAR scientists bring to light mechanism of drug for infections

Scientists at A*STAR's Singapore Immunology Network discovered the exact mode of action of plerixafor, a drug that stimulates immune responses in patients with neutropenia. The study found that the inhibition of CXCR4 by the drug plays a dual role, increasing neutrophil count in the blood and promoting retention in the bloodstream.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateNov 14, 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.

Anthrax toxin can lurk for days in cells as a lingering threat

Researchers discovered that anthrax toxin can hide out in human cells for days, avoiding detection by the immune system and cellular machinery. The findings explain why antibiotics are often ineffective against anthrax infections, making it a lingering threat.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 14, 2013

NASA experts showcase science, technology at supercomputing conference

NASA presents cutting-edge computational achievements, including insights into galaxy formation and climate modeling, as well as advancements in quantum computing and space launch system design. The agency's expertise is key to mission success, enabling research on oceanic climate change and space weather.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 14, 2013

New malaria vaccines roadmap targets next generation products by 2030

The updated 2013 Malaria Vaccine Technology Roadmap sets a new target for vaccines to reduce malaria cases by 75 percent and be licensed by 2030. The roadmap also aims for malaria elimination through the development of safe and effective vaccines that prevent disease, death, and transmission.

SourceBurness·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 14, 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.

More than $3 million awarded to MUHC clinician-researchers

The Research Institute of the MUHC presented more than $3 million in awards to clinician-researchers recognized for their exceptional promise in various fields. The recipients demonstrated potential to advance knowledge and improve patient care through laboratory research and innovative surgical techniques.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·DateNov 14, 2013

UC research brings a future of mind-reading robots ever closer

Researchers from University of Cincinnati develop a brain-computer interface to detect brain signals and interpret intent, paving the way for thought-controlled smart tech and robotic personal assistants. The university also announces its development of an interdisciplinary curriculum for human-centered robotics.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateNov 14, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New studies may explain fractures in some who take osteoporosis drugs

Research with baboons found that genetic differences may regulate bone remodeling, a natural process where mature bone tissue is removed and replaced. This could explain why older women taking bisphosphonates are at risk of atypical fractures in their femurs, due to slower bone growth and accumulation of bone tissue.

SourceTexas Biomedical Research Institute·JournalCalcified Tissue International·DateNov 14, 2013

A 6-minute journey to study Comet ISON

FORTIS will observe the comet's molecules and atoms by separating incoming light into its component wavelengths, gathering information from several areas at once. The comet's rate of sublimation increases as it approaches the sun, allowing FORTIS to capture observations of this material coming off the comet.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 14, 2013

Anthrax bacteria play hide and seek

Researchers at EPFL have discovered that the lethal factor of anthrax bacteria can travel undetected through the body for days using exosomes, evading the immune system and medical analysis. This mechanism explains why some organisms succumb to the disease up to two weeks after the disappearance of bacterial presence.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 14, 2013

SDSU launches InforMath collaborative

The InforMath Collaborative brings together university researchers and staff from local art and science museums to design new programs that connect visitors with mathematics in creative ways. The initiative aims to change the way communities perceive mathematics and establish a research center for informal mathematics learning.

SourceSan Diego State University·DateNov 14, 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.

New outdoor drone will aid disaster response monitoring of radiation

The University of Bristol has developed a large semi-autonomous drone called the ARM system to provide visual and thermal monitoring of radiation after nuclear material releases. The system can detect radiation and prevent exposure to response crews, improving safety in disaster response scenarios.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·DateNov 14, 2013

Biologists ID new cancer weakness

A new study from MIT biologists found that tumor cells with mutated p53 can be made more vulnerable to chemotherapy by blocking the MK2 gene. In a study of mice, tumors lacking both p53 and MK2 shrank dramatically when treated with the drug cisplatin.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 14, 2013

Penguin-inspired propulsion system

Researchers develop penguin-inspired propulsion system using a novel spherical joint mechanism, enabling three degrees of freedom and unlimited rotational range. The system aims to shed light on the swimming mysteries of penguins, which can accelerate from 0 to 7 m/s in under a second.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 14, 2013

A question for Jupiter

Scientists Pedram Hassanzadeh and Philip Marcus present a new model explaining the Great Red Spot's persistence, suggesting vertical flow plays a key role. The model also predicts radial flow pumping energy into the vortex, enabling it to last longer.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 14, 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.

Potential drug target in sight for rare genetic disease

Medical researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a potential drug target for a rare genetic disease, paving the way for an alternative treatment. The discovery links specific defects in the enzyme to specific symptoms and could lead to the development of drugs to treat less severe forms of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateNov 14, 2013

Surprising image provides new tool for studying galaxy

Astronomers observed a spiral galaxy with a strongly-emitting background galaxy nearly directly behind it. The alignment provides valuable data about the nearer galaxy, revealing it is not forming stars as rapidly as thought. Additional analysis also revealed detailed features of the galaxy's gas halo.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·DateNov 14, 2013

Are probiotics a promising treatment strategy for depression?

A new review article suggests that certain probiotics have the potential to exert behavioral and immunological effects in patients with depression. These psychobiotics can alter the intestinal microbial balance and regulate inflammatory responses, which may be involved in the modulation of mood and behavior.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateNov 14, 2013

Nano magnets arise at 2-D boundaries

Researchers at Rice University discovered that imperfections in two-dimensional materials can create nanoscale magnetic fields. The study suggests a new degree of freedom for electronics, allowing for enhanced efficiency and enriched functions.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 14, 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.

High marks for Columbia's new public health curriculum

The new curriculum emphasizes a life-course approach, global perspective, and leadership skills, with an integrated core semester and novel courses. Students also complete a practicum and can choose from over 20 certificate programs for further specialization.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateNov 14, 2013

Study finds social networks are key to city violence

A Yale University study reveals that a person's social network is a key predictor of becoming a victim of gun homicide, even more so than race, age, gender, or poverty. The research found that individuals within the same social network are more likely to engage in similar risky behaviors.

SourceYale University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateNov 14, 2013
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Late afternoon and early evening caffeine can disrupt sleep at night

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that consuming 400mg of caffeine six hours before bedtime can significantly reduce total sleep time by over one hour. Participants remained unaware of this disruption.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateNov 14, 2013

Glowing worms illuminate the roots of behavior

A research team at Worcester Polytechnic Institute has developed a novel system to image brain activity in worms. The technology can be used to study the genetics and neural circuitry associated with animal behavior and screen early stage compounds aimed at treating autism, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and other brain disorders.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 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.

New technique for developing drugs to treat serious illnesses

Researchers at the University of Leicester have developed a new technique to create protein-based drugs using evolutionary engineering. The method involves generating millions of variants of a protein, selecting those with improved properties, and repeating the cycle until the desired function is achieved.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 14, 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.

Probiotics reduce piglet pathogens

Researchers found that probiotic Enterococcus faecium reduced pathogenic E. coli strains in piglets' intestines, promoting gut balance and reducing antibiotic use. The study suggests probiotics could substitute for antibiotics as growth promoters.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateNov 14, 2013

Evolution can select for evolvability, Penn biologists find

Researchers found that natural selection acts on evolvability, favoring traits that enable rapid adaptation and evolution in pathogens like Lyme disease bacteria. This is evident through increased genetic diversity among unexpressed cassettes, which offer a window into past natural selection for more evolvable VlsE protein.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 14, 2013

No peak in sight for evolving bacteria

Despite a quarter century of evolution, bacteria in Richard Lenski's lab continue to adapt and become more fit. Researchers used a 'frozen fossil record' of bacteria samples from different generations to measure their trajectory, finding that they never reach a fitness peak but instead follow a power law function.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScience·DateNov 14, 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.

Your brain 'sees' things even when you don't

Researchers found that the brain processes visual input at a level of understanding its meaning, even if we never consciously perceive it. The study used EEG monitoring to show that participants' brainwaves showed a signature, or N400 waveform, when viewing objects hidden in silhouettes.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 14, 2013

Copper intake makes tumors breathe

EPFL researchers found that copper is essential for malignant cell energy production and that reducing its intake can slow down tumor growth. Copper deficiency resulted in lower respiration enzyme activity and increased glycolysis in tumors.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2013

Analysis of alcohol ads in magazines finds current codes and regulations do not protect consumers from risky content and messages

A new report from the Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth reveals that current codes and regulations do not protect consumers from risky content and messages in alcohol ads. The study found numerous ads promoting unhealthy consumption, objectification of women, and associating alcohol with active lifestyles.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateNov 14, 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.

ARC Future Fellows awarded $2.2M for immune and inflammation studies

Three researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have been awarded ARC Future Fellowships to study how the body controls errant immune cells causing type 1 diabetes and coeliac disease. They aim to develop new treatments using cell signalling pathways and targeted vaccines or drugs.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·DateNov 14, 2013

Deciphering genetic echoes from the past: Illuminating human history

Scientists have used genetics to analyze DNA and discover an influx of European genes into Caribbean populations after Columbus' arrival. The results demonstrate how deciphering genetic echoes can illuminate human history, highlighting differences in susceptibility to diseases among populations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateNov 14, 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.

Understanding a protein's role in familial Alzheimer's disease

Researchers used genetic engineering to precisely study a key protein's role in familial Alzheimer's disease, discovering that simple loss-of-function doesn't contribute to the inherited form. The findings could help elucidate Alzheimer's mechanisms and inform drug development.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 14, 2013

Accidental discovery dramatically improves electrical conductivity

Washington State University researchers discovered a 400-fold increase in electrical conductivity of strontium titanate when exposed to light. This phenomenon, known as persistent photoconductivity, could lead to significant improvements in electronic device performance and capacity, especially with the development of holographic memory.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 14, 2013

Quantum world record smashed

A team has achieved a world record 39 minutes for a fragile quantum state to survive at room temperature, paving the way for ultrafast quantum computers. The discovery demonstrates robust and long-lived qubits that could enable efficient quantum calculations.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience·DateNov 14, 2013

New approach advances wireless power transfer for electric vehicles

Researchers at NC State University developed a new technology to transmit power wirelessly from a stationary source to a mobile receiver, overcoming previous limitations in efficiency and safety. The system can now efficiently recharge electric vehicles as they drive by, with the goal of increasing power transmission to 50 kW.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Power Electronics·DateNov 14, 2013
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Mass. General study identifies genes uniquely expressed by the brain's immune cells

A new sequencing method identified a set of genes used by microglia to sense their environment, called the 'sensome'. As aging increases, microglia's expression of neuroprotective genes becomes more active while toxic actions are downregulated. This discovery may lead to better understanding and treatments for neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 14, 2013

Has the idea of 'zero deforestation' lost its meaning

Researchers argue that separate targets for gross deforestation and reforestation would increase progress toward forest conservation and climate change goals. Monitoring changes in forest cover using satellite data is now technically feasible, but resource allocation remains a challenge.

SourceWinrock International·JournalScience·DateNov 14, 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.

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.

New genetic cause of Warburg Micro syndrome identified

A team of researchers identified the TBC1D20 gene as responsible for Warburg Micro syndrome, a rare genetic disorder characterized by severe physical and mental impairments. The study found that five distinct mutations in the gene cause the disease, with implications for understanding human development and related disorders.

SourceMedical College of Wisconsin·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateNov 14, 2013

New statistical tools being developed for mining cancer data

Researchers are creating new statistical tools to analyze massive amounts of cancer data and identify hidden relationships between biomarkers. The goal is to develop a framework that can combine continuous and noncontinuous variables, allowing for more accurate insights into the complex nature of cancer.

SourceRice University·DateNov 14, 2013

Low-dose treatment may block malaria transmission

Researchers found that lower doses of primaquine are as effective as higher doses in reducing malaria transmission, and may play a crucial role in malaria elimination. The study suggests that low-dose primaquine is safe in G6PD-normal individuals and could be used to block malaria transmission.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateNov 14, 2013

Baby boys at higher risk of death and disability due to preterm birth

A groundbreaking global study on preterm birth and disability has found baby boys are at a higher risk of death and disability due to preterm birth than baby girls. The study reveals that boys are 14% more likely to be born preterm than girls, with disabilities ranging from learning problems and blindness to deafness and motor problems.

SourceMarch of Dimes Foundation·JournalPediatric Research·DateNov 14, 2013