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Science News for October 11, 2013


Targeted treatment plus chemotherapy could benefit women with ovarian cancer

A new study found that targeted treatment and conventional chemotherapy can be effective in treating ovarian cancer, particularly in women with BRCA gene mutations. The treatment combination showed promising results in patients who had previously developed resistance to PARP inhibitor drugs.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateOct 11, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Healthier diets possible in low-income, rural communities in America

A two-year study found that low-income, rural children in America consumed significantly more fruits and vegetables after being exposed to a healthier school food environment and educational curriculum. The intervention resulted in improved diet quality, including lower glycemic index and increased consumption of legumes.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateOct 11, 2013

Behavioral therapy provided during dialysis sessions may combat depression among kidney failure patients

A study found that behavioral therapy provided chair-side to kidney failure patients during dialysis significantly reduces depression scores and improves quality of life. The treatment group experienced greater improvements in fluid intake between sessions, making subsequent treatments more efficient.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 11, 2013

Scientists identify protein linking exercise to brain health

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified a protein that increases with endurance exercise and boosts brain health by promoting the growth of new nerves involved in learning and memory. The discovery provides a molecular pathway for exercise's effects on cognitive function, particularly in older adults.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 11, 2013

New technology can prevent cellular overload, dropped calls

A University of British Columbia graduate student developed a solution to prevent cellular overload and dropped calls by using TV channels. She used smart antennas to transmit signals in a single direction, avoiding interference with radio and television signals.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalIEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications·DateOct 11, 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.

Well-child visits more likely when parents use online health tools

A Kaiser Permanente study found that children whose parents used an integrated personal health record were twice as likely to attend all recommended well-child care visits. The study also found a positive correlation between PHR use and immunization receipt, although the results in Hawaii were statistically non-significant.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateOct 11, 2013

Fish genital shape linked to predation

Male Bahamas mosquitofish develop longer, more elongated gonopodium tips when living with predators, suggesting an adaptation for efficient sperm transfer during rapid copulations. This study highlights the importance of ecological variation in generating genital diversity.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateOct 11, 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.

Innovation in renewable-energy technologies is booming

A new study from MIT and SFI reveals a significant rise in renewable-energy patents, driven by research investments and market growth. Patents for solar and wind energy increased dramatically between 2004 and 2009, while fossil-fuel technologies showed modest growth.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 11, 2013

UC Irvine scientists help identify possible botulism blocker

UC Irvine scientists have identified a key molecular gateway for the botulinum neurotoxin, which can be blocked by inhibitor molecules to prevent the toxin from entering the bloodstream. The discovery provides a vital first step toward a pharmaceutical intervention and could lead to preventive treatments for botulism.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateOct 11, 2013

UC Davis joins cybersecurity research alliance

UC Davis is part of a five-year collaboration to develop real-time cyberattack detection and response systems without human intervention, leveraging industry partners and joint research programs. The $48.2 million alliance aims to enhance cybersecurity in Army networks and address complex challenges in cyberspace.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateOct 11, 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.

UTHealth's Cesar Arias earns infectious diseases award

Cesar Arias has received the Oswald Avery Award for Early Achievement from the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) for his groundbreaking work on superbugs and antibiotic resistance. His research aims to combat the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and has been recognized globally.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateOct 11, 2013

New approach urged for 'abysmal' K-12 writing instruction

A Michigan State University scholar argues that U.S. classrooms lack effective writing instruction, with only about a quarter of students meeting proficient levels. Research calls for a fresh approach to teacher professional development, emphasizing the need for comprehensive and sustained support in the classroom.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalSchool Psychology Review·DateOct 11, 2013

Study: Herbal products omit ingredients, contain fillers

A study published in BMC Medicine found that nearly 60% of herbal products contained plant species not listed on the label, while 32% showed product substitution. This can lead to health risks due to toxicity and interactions with other herbs, supplements, and medications.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalBMC Medicine·DateOct 11, 2013

Packaging stem cells in capsules for heart therapy

Cardiology researchers at Emory have developed a solution to improve the impact of stem cell therapy on heart function. By packaging mesenchymal stem cells in alginate capsules, they can increase cell retention and survival, promoting healing factors that encourage regeneration of blood vessels.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateOct 11, 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.

CNIO researchers discover a new regulator of drug detoxification

Researchers at CNIO discovered that Fra-1 protein protects the liver from drug-induced damage and neutralizes toxins. This new regulatory mechanism could lead to future studies on new drugs for diseases related to toxic compound accumulation.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalHepatology·DateOct 11, 2013

New analysis of US elementary school mathematics finds half-century of problematic 'strands' structure

A new analysis by Liping Ma reveals that the 'strands' structure in US elementary school mathematics has significantly weakened its effectiveness, with instability and discontinuity in curricular content and instruction. The structure was introduced in the 1960s as a replacement for traditional school arithmetic, but has persisted desp...

SourceAmerican Mathematical Society·JournalNotices of the American Mathematical Society·DateOct 11, 2013

Can thermodynamics help us better understand human cancers?

A new study identifies cancer-specific gene signatures for breast, lung, prostate, and ovarian cancers using surprisal analysis, a thermodynamics-based approach. This method allows researchers to understand how cellular energy is expended in cancer cells and identify potential biomarkers for early detection and therapy.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 2013

Turning vapors into foam-like polymer coatings

A new process allows for the growth of highly customizable coatings of foam-like polymers from gases, enabling adjustable density and pore structure. This development has potential applications in medical, manufacturing, and high-tech research fields.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalMacromolecular Rapid Communications·DateOct 11, 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.

Video captions improve comprehension, professor finds

A study by San Francisco State University Professor Robert Keith Collins found that using video captions improves student comprehension, test scores, and class discussions. The results showed a significant improvement in students' grades, with many transitioning from Cs to As, Bs, and Cs.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalAmerican Indian Culture and Research Journal·DateOct 11, 2013

Outside influence: Genes outside nucleus have disproportionate effect

A study using Arabidopsis model found that 80% of metabolites were directly affected by organellar genes, which regulate energy production and sugar synthesis in cells. The discovery may have implications for future treatments for inherited diseases in humans, including in vitro fertilization therapies.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateOct 11, 2013

Uniformity: The secret of better fusion ignition

Theoretical physicists use numerical simulations to analyze the uniformity of irradiation at thermonuclear fusion reaction, with potential applications to the Orion facility's high-power laser beams. The approach demonstrates a reduction in non-uniformity by 50% and 35% for elliptical and circular intensity profiles respectively.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateOct 11, 2013

How research ecologists can benefit urban design projects

Researchers can influence design and implementation, improving environmental benefits in urban areas. By involving themselves early in the process, ecologist researchers can establish viable long-term sites and improve project outcomes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateOct 11, 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.

The perils of texting while driving

A recent US study reveals that male drivers are more likely to engage in texting while driving, yet consider themselves more proficient. The study suggests that 'texting impulsiveness' is positively associated with frequent texters and those who multitask, highlighting the risks of this behavior on the road.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Sustainable Strategic Management·DateOct 11, 2013

Researchers find rust can power up artificial photosynthesis

Boston College chemists develop unique photoanodes and photocathodes using hematite and nickel iron oxide to achieve a 50% increase in photovoltage. This breakthrough brings researchers closer to harnessing artificial photosynthesis for efficient solar energy storage.

SourceBoston College·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateOct 11, 2013