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Science News for October 20, 2013


Physical cues help mature cells revert into embryonic-like stem cells

Bioengineers at the University of California, Berkeley, have shown that physical cues can replace certain chemicals when nudging mature cells back to a pluripotent stage. The researchers found a four-fold increase in the number of cells that reverted back to an embryonic-like state compared with cells grown on a flat surface.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 20, 2013

New idea for targeting the common cancer protein KRAS

Researchers have discovered small molecules that attach to and disrupt the function of a KRAS-containing protein complex, potentially inhibiting cell growth and survival in cancer cells. These findings offer a new approach to targeting the common cancer protein KRAS.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateOct 20, 2013

2 genetic wrongs make a biochemical right

Scientists at UMass Chan Medical School discovered that knocking out a gene important for mRNA translation restores memory deficits and reduces behavioral symptoms in a mouse model of Fragile X syndrome. The study suggests that the prime cause of the disease may be a translational imbalance, and restoration of this balance may be neces...

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 20, 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.

Rats! Humans and rodents process their mistakes

Researchers tracked similarities in how human and rodent subjects adapted to errors in a simple time estimation task, finding that both species employed low-frequency brainwaves to synchronize neurons. This study suggests that rat models could be useful for studying psychiatric diseases.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateOct 20, 2013

Shining the soothing light

A Phase III trial found that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) significantly reduces the incidence of severe canker sores (grades 3 and 4) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy. LLLT also improves patient quality of life, reducing oral pain and opioid analgesic use.

SourcePublicase International·JournalRadiotherapy and Oncology·DateOct 20, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

'Random' cell movement is directed from within

Scientists discovered that cellular projections are initiated by a network of message-relaying proteins inside the cell, even in random movement. The findings have implications for understanding and manipulating biological processes, including cancer metastasis.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateOct 20, 2013

Delayed gratification hurts climate change cooperation

New research reveals that groups cooperate less for climate change mitigation when rewards are in the future, especially for future generations. Despite initial investment, none of the groups achieved the target due to instant gratification.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Climate Change·DateOct 20, 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.

NTU scientists make breakthrough solar technology

NTU scientists have made a breakthrough in solar technology by developing a new material that is five times cheaper to produce and generates almost as much power as current thin film solar cells. The material, called perovskite, converts up to 15% of sunlight to electricity, close to the efficiency of current solar cells.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalScience·DateOct 20, 2013

Mixing nanoparticles to make multifunctional materials

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have created a method for combining different types of nanoparticles to produce large-scale composite materials. By using DNA-based assembly methods, they can control and optimize the properties of newly formed materials.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateOct 20, 2013

Potential new drug for some patients with treatment-resistant lung cancer

The investigational drug AZD9291, a third-generation EGFR inhibitor, has shown substantial tumor shrinkage in mice with lung tumors harboring activating and resistance mutations. It is well-tolerated and its breakdown product, AZ5104, also inhibits both forms of EGFR, providing new treatment options for patients.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateOct 20, 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.

Topological light: Living on the edge

Researchers at Joint Quantum Institute report direct observation of topological effects for light in two dimensions, creating ultrastable quantum 'playgrounds.' Photonic edge states exhibit persistent flow and near immunity against defects, similar to quantum Hall effect for electrons.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 20, 2013

Cells' 'molecular muscles' help them sense and respond to their environments

Researchers discovered that individual molecular muscles within cells respond differently to various forces, shedding light on how cells 'feel' their environment. A computer model predicts cell behavior in response to altered levels of these molecules, with implications for understanding cellular disorders like cancer and neurodegenera...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 20, 2013