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Science News Archive September 2013 - Page 23


Page 23 of 32

3 out of every 4 cases of bladder cancer display mutations in the same gene

Researchers discovered that over 70% of bladder tumours display somatic mutations in the TERT gene, a protector of genetic material involved in cellular ageing and cancer. The study suggests that these mutations may occur early in the carcinogenesis process, with potential implications for diagnosis and treatment.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalEuropean Urology·DateSep 10, 2013

Why does a fancy purse say 'stay away from my man'?

Researchers found that women's desire for luxury goods is linked to their motivation to guard relationships. Women perceive luxury products as signals of a partner's devotion and are less likely to pursue men who wear similar items. This phenomenon, known as 'mate guarding,' highlights the role of luxury consumption in relationships.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateSep 10, 2013

Health and environment data to be linked for the first time

A new £800,000 grant from the Medical Research Council will enable scientists to connect diverse databases and investigate links between climate, environment, and human health. The project aims to develop an IT system and database linking weather, climate, and environmental data with information on health and wellbeing.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·DateSep 10, 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 magnetic semiconductor material holds promise for 'spintronics'

Researchers at North Carolina State University have created a new compound, strontium tin oxide (Sr3SnO), that can be integrated into silicon chips and exhibits dilute magnetic semiconductor properties. This material could enable the development of spin-based devices, or spintronics, which rely on magnetic forces to operate.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 10, 2013

MSU lands first drone

MSU's UAV measures crop health, helping farmers pinpoint problem areas and apply precise treatments. The combination of drone and SALUS model allows for sustainable farming practices.

SourceMichigan State University·DateSep 10, 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.

Researchers find what's missing in teen health programs

Researchers found that adding a mental health component to school-based lifestyle programs for teens can lead to improved grades, lower obesity rates, and reduced substance use. The program, called COPE, emphasizes cognitive behavioral skills building and was found to sustain positive outcomes for six months.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateSep 10, 2013

American Chemical Society issues guidelines for safer research laboratories

The American Chemical Society has issued guidelines to enhance the safety of research laboratories, emphasizing the importance of hazard identification, evaluation, and mitigation. The report provides five methods for scientists and students to implement immediately, including Chemical Safety Levels and Job Hazards Analysis.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateSep 10, 2013

What do liberals and conservatives look for in a date?

A recent study by University of Miami political scientist Casey Klofstad found that liberals and conservatives are looking for partners who share their characteristics, regardless of ideology. The research team analyzed data from a popular online dating site and discovered that both groups prioritize similar traits in a potential partner.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalPolitical Behavior·DateSep 10, 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.

Does entering the lottery affect consumers' self-control?

A new study finds that entering lotteries can lead to a loss of self-control due to materialistic thoughts. Consumers who buy lottery tickets show stronger preferences for immediate rewards and exhibit poor impulse control.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateSep 10, 2013

Language change: From London's 'EastEnders' to Glasgow

A study found that active television viewing is linked to accelerated language change in Glasgow, using specific features of London English. The authors recommend further research on social interaction's role in influencing language change.

SourceLinguistic Society of America·JournalLanguage·DateSep 10, 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.

Study: Redefining the criteria for ALK positive lung cancer

A University of Colorado Cancer Center study found that current ALK-positive lung cancer criteria may miss patients who could benefit from crizotinib. The researchers suggest that doctors should re-evaluate borderline or atypical cases, potentially expanding treatment eligibility.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalCancer·DateSep 10, 2013

Tool created to avert future energy crisis

Researchers have developed a measurement tool to assess market power in deregulated electricity markets, taking into account emerging smart grid phenomena. The tool, called transmission constrained network flow, unifies existing measures and provides a unified view of market power potential under varying operating conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateSep 9, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Autoimmune disease strategy emerges from immune cell discovery

Researchers at UCSF have identified a new way to manipulate the immune system that may keep it from attacking the body's own molecules in autoimmune diseases. The study discovered a distinctive type of immune cell called eTAC, which puts a damper on immune responses and prevents autoimmune diabetes in mice.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalImmunity·DateSep 9, 2013

Testes size correlates with men's involvement in toddler care

A new study by Emory University researchers found that men with smaller testes tend to be more involved in hands-on childcare, while those with larger testes are less involved. The study suggests that the biology of human males reflects a trade-off between investments in mating and parenting effort.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 9, 2013

Amino acid with promising anti-diabetic effects

Researchers have demonstrated that the amino acid arginine significantly improves glucose metabolism in both lean and obese mice. The study found that arginine increases the body's production of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), an intestinal hormone that plays a key role in regulating appetite and glucose metabolism.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalEndocrinology·DateSep 9, 2013

Breath tests could be used to diagnose lung cancer

Researchers have developed a cheap and non-invasive breath test to diagnose lung cancer, which has been shown to correctly identify lung cancer patients with high sensitivity. The technique uses an electronic nose to detect volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath samples.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·DateSep 9, 2013

Early-onset Parkinson's disease linked to genetic deletion

A study found a link between early-onset Parkinson's disease and a genetic deletion on chromosome 22, shedding light on molecular changes that lead to the disease. The deletion is associated with abnormal protein accumulations in the brain and may delay diagnosis by up to 10 years.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateSep 9, 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.

Is bigger really better when it comes to size of labor wards?

New research reveals that large labor wards with 3,000 to 3,999 deliveries annually have lower obstetric injury claims and higher approval rates compared to smaller units. The study found that greater availability of in-house obstetricians and auxiliary specialists contributes to better patient outcomes.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateSep 9, 2013

Breakthrough in cryptography could result in more secure computing

Researchers at the University of Bristol have made a significant breakthrough in cryptography, developing a new protocol that enables fast and secure Multi-Party Computation. This allows for complex computations on secret data without revealing inputs, with potential applications in finance, pharmaceuticals, and other industries.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·DateSep 9, 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.

Detecting heartbeats in rubble

A new FINDER technology uses microwave radar to detect human breathing patterns and heartbeats in rubble. The system is sensitive enough to locate victims buried under 30 feet of debris, revolutionizing search and rescue operations.

SourceUS Department of Homeland Security - Science and Technology·DateSep 9, 2013

New muscular dystrophy treatment shows promise in early study

A preclinical study found that VBP15 decreases inflammation in mice with symptoms similar to those found in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The drug protects and strengthens muscle without the side effects linked to current treatments.

SourceEMBO·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateSep 9, 2013

Rainfall in South Pacific was more variable before 20th century

A new study reconstructs climate in the South Pacific over the past 446 years, revealing more dramatic rainfall variability before the start of the 20th century. The researchers found a roughly 50-year cycle of rainfall in Vanuatu, with significant differences between wet and dry periods.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalGeology·DateSep 9, 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.

Indy 500 race cars showcase green fuels

The Indy 500 has switched to a fuel containing 85% ethanol, which reduces air pollutants and releases mainly carbon dioxide and water vapor. Studies have shown that using fuels composed of more than 85% ethanol reduce sulfur emissions by 80%, carbon monoxide by 40%, particulate matter by 20%, VOCs by 15%, and nitrogen oxides by 10%.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateSep 9, 2013

Young adults reminisce about music from before their time

Researchers found young adults have strong emotional connections to the music popular during their parents' younger years. This phenomenon is linked to the prevalence of music in home environments and childhood experiences.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 9, 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.

More research urgently needed on caffeine

A comprehensive review of caffeine dependence highlights the prevalence of addiction and suggests an agenda for future research to improve understanding and treatment options. The study emphasizes the need for continued investigation into caffeine's impact on human health, particularly in relation to mental and physical well-being.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Caffeine Research·DateSep 9, 2013

Temperature in the quantum world

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology study a large cloud of atoms and find that disorder spreads with a certain velocity, leading to the loss of quantum properties. As the disorder grows, a temperature emerges in the system, mirroring classical behavior.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 9, 2013

The new allure of electric cars: Blazing-fast speeds

Recent advances have enabled electric vehicles (EVs) to achieve sustained speeds of over 180 miles per hour and establish world speed records above 300 mph. EVs have inherent advantages in efficiency and torque, with energy storage-to-torque being above 90 percent efficient compared to less than 35 percent for internal combustion engines.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateSep 9, 2013

Upgrade to Mars rovers could aid discovery on more distant worlds

A new camera system, TextureCam, allows future Mars rovers to prioritize their scientific objectives and explore more distant worlds. The system uses machine learning algorithms to recognize rocks, sand, and sky in photos, enabling autonomous decision-making and increased autonomy.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 9, 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.

The chemistry behind the character of bourbon, scotch and rye

Researchers found that whiskey samples can contain hundreds of nonvolatile compounds, resulting in complex molecular mingling during aging. The deliberate chemistry experiment revealed a treasure trove of information useful for whiskey-makers and regulators.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateSep 9, 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.

Children referred for chest pain rarely have cardiac disease

A multi-institutional study found that a unique quality improvement methodology can effectively evaluate chest pain in children using minimal resources. The Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plans (SCAMPs) algorithm identified cardiac causes of chest pain while reducing testing utilization, with only 1% of patients having...

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateSep 9, 2013

Microbes help beetles defeat plant defenses

Researchers discovered that symbiotic bacteria inside beetles suppress plant defenses against chewing insects, allowing beetles to thrive. The findings suggest a new way plants can be vulnerable to insect attacks.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 9, 2013

More than 100,000 Americans quit smoking due to national media campaign

A national ad campaign by the CDC's Tips From Former Smokers program more than doubled its original quit goal of 500,000 attempts, with over 1.6 million smokers attempting to quit after seeing the ads. The campaign resulted in over 100,000 Americans quitting smoking permanently, saving millions of years of life for the US population.

SourceGolinHarris DC·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 9, 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.

Blacks in U.S. may be at higher risk for health problems from insufficient sleep

A new study from Harvard School of Public Health found that blacks are more likely to sleep less than seven hours a night, increasing their risk of obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and death. Black professionals had the highest prevalence of short sleep, while white professionals had the lowest.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateSep 9, 2013

A tiny channel and a large vessel: A new clue for heart attack

Researchers at The University of Manchester and medical institutes in Italy have identified a gene variant associated with vasospasm, a rare cause of heart attacks. This discovery could lead to the development of new drugs to treat this condition.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalInternational Journal of Cardiology·DateSep 9, 2013

Artificial lung to remove carbon dioxide -- from smokestacks

Scientists have developed a new filtering system to remove carbon dioxide from electric power station smokestacks, inspired by the efficient lungs of birds and the swim bladders of fish. The technology uses an array of tubes with porous membranes, which can capture up to 50% more CO2 than existing methods.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateSep 9, 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.