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Science News for April 4, 2014


Scientists unmask the climate uncertainty monster

New research finds that increased scientific uncertainty in the climate system necessitates even greater action to mitigate climate change. The study shows that as uncertainty in temperature increase expected with a doubling of CO2 rises, so do economic damages and likelihood of exceeding safe temperature limits.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalClimatic Change·DateApr 4, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Common breast cancer subtype may benefit from personalized treatment approach

Researchers at UPCI discovered that a subset of patients with lobular carcinoma receive less benefit from adjuvant tamoxifen, indicating potential targets for drug therapy. The study suggests a unique signaling pathway regulated by estrogen in lobular carcinoma cells may be exploited in future clinical trials.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·DateApr 4, 2014

Does a junk food diet make you lazy? UCLA psychology study offers answer

A UCLA psychology study reveals that a diet high in processed foods leads to weight gain, fatigue, and cognitive impairments. The research suggests that junk food diets, not lack of exercise or discipline, are responsible for obesity and related health issues.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPhysiology & Behavior·DateApr 4, 2014
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.

Scientists generate 3-D structure for the malaria parasite genome

A research team led by Karine Le Roch generated a 3D model of the human malaria parasite genome at three stages of its life cycle. The study revealed one major repression center for virulence genes, which could lead to new anti-malaria strategies by disrupting the parasite's genome architecture.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalGenome Research·DateApr 4, 2014

Disease-free survival estimates for ovarian cancer improve over time

A new study found that ovarian cancer patients' disease-free survival rates significantly improved over time, particularly among those with poorer initial prognoses. The research suggests that considering the time elapsed since remission may provide a more accurate prognosis and inform better follow-up care decisions.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·DateApr 4, 2014

£800,000 grant to create the computers of the future

Researchers at the University of Huddersfield are developing molecular wires that could replace silicon chips, offering significant increases in computing power and data storage capacity. The project, led by Dr. Nathan Patmore, is backed by an £800,000 Royal Society Research Fellowship.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·DateApr 4, 2014
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.

Indoor tanning by teens linked to unhealthy weight control methods

A study in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics found a strong association between teen indoor tanning and unhealthy weight control behaviors. Females who used indoor tanning were more likely to report fasting, vomiting, or taking laxatives to lose weight.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateApr 4, 2014

IOF Medal of Achievement awarded to professor Rene Rizzoli

Professor René Rizzoli has made significant contributions to understanding osteoporosis, a disease that affects millions worldwide. Through his work with the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), he has helped promote medical innovation and improved care for patients.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·DateApr 4, 2014
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.

New study on the crime risk on London Underground

A new study published in Crime Science found that below ground offences are concentrated at particular stations, with the highest risk during morning and late afternoon peak travel periods. The research developed an algorithm to calculate the probability of where theft is most likely, helping authorities target resources more effectively.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalCrime Science·DateApr 4, 2014

Flipping the switch on scleroderma

Researchers at Michigan State University have identified the core signaling pathway that activates scleroderma and found chemical compounds that can turn it off. This discovery offers a new approach to treating the disease, which currently lacks effective treatments.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics·DateApr 4, 2014
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.

Light-activated neurons from stem cells restore function to paralyzed muscles

A team of scientists at UCL and King's College London has developed a technique to restore function to paralyzed muscles using light-activated neurons created from stem cells. The method involves transplanting these motor neurons into injured nerve branches, which can be controlled by adjusting blue light pulses.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience·DateApr 4, 2014

Bacterial gut biome may guide colon cancer progression

A study published at The Wistar Institute Cancer Center found that bacterial virulence proteins can suppress DNA repair proteins in epithelial cells, leading to genetic mutations that favor tumor development. This research opens the possibility of modifying colon cancer risk by altering gut bacteria populations.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·DateApr 4, 2014

Researchers empower parents to inspire first-generation college-goers

A new program at University of the Pacific empowers low-income parents to guide their children on the path to college. The approach includes family information meetings, themed activity packets, and individualized attention to help parents feel more engaged and confident in supporting their kids' educational pursuits.

SourceUniversity of the Pacific·DateApr 4, 2014
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.

EAGeR medical trial: Low-dose aspirin won't prevent pregnancy loss

A study of 1228 women found that low-dose aspirin did not improve live birth rates or reduce pregnancy loss, but showed benefits for those who had experienced a single pregnancy loss within the previous year. Women should consult their healthcare providers before taking any medication while trying to conceive.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 4, 2014

Swedish researchers show impact of long-term vitamin D insufficiency on fracture risk

A Swedish study found that long-term low levels of vitamin D intake are associated with higher 10-year fracture risk in elderly women. The study showed that vitamin D insufficiency sustained over 5 years contributed to increased 10-year fracture incidence, especially in those with consistently low vitamin D levels.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateApr 4, 2014

Major genetic study links liver disease gene to bladder cancer

A University of Colorado Cancer Center study identifies AGL as a key driver of bladder cancer growth, linked to hereditary liver disease glycogen storage disease 3. Low AGL levels correlate with poorer prognosis and increased tumor proliferation.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 4, 2014

Math modeling integral to synthetic biology research

Researchers from UH and Rice University collaborated to engineer a synthetic gene circuit that compensates for temperature changes. The team used mathematical modeling to design the plasmid and created a genetic clock with a stable period across various temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 4, 2014
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.

Panel issues exercise recommendations for people with osteoporosis and spine fractures

The Too Fit to Fracture Initiative presented exercise recommendations for individuals with osteoporosis and spine fractures. The panel recommends a multicomponent exercise program with resistance and balance training, and daily balance training and endurance training are recommended for all individuals with osteoporosis.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateApr 4, 2014
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

To bridge LEDs' green gap, scientists think small... really small

Researchers found that reducing indium nitride's dimensions can produce green light with higher energy, leading to more efficient LEDs. The nanostructures can be tailored to emit different colors of light, enabling the creation of natural-looking white lighting.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 4, 2014

New risk factors for avalanche trigger revealed

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have discovered that the amount of snow needed to trigger an avalanche in the Himalayas can be up to four times smaller than in the Alps. This finding has significant implications for mitigating natural hazards and safeguarding people on mountain villages, roads, and ski resorts.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalInternational Journal of Fracture·DateApr 4, 2014

Does too much time at the computer lead to lower bone mineral density in adolescents?

A Norwegian study found that higher screen time was associated with lower bone mineral density in boys, while girls who spent more time on computers had higher BMD than their peers. The findings suggest that sedentary lifestyles during adolescence can impact bone health and increase the risk of osteoporosis.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateApr 4, 2014

Analysis finds less research attention given to diseases of the poor

A new analysis finds that research on diseases of the poor is disproportionately underfunded, exacerbating global health disparities. The study suggests that boosting scientific research within poorer countries could help close this gap and increase studies on underserved diseases.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 4, 2014
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.

Loneliness impacts DNA repair

A study by Denise Aydinonat and Dustin Penn found that solitary African grey parrots have shorter telomeres than those housed with mates, regardless of age. This suggests that both extreme social conditions can accelerate cellular aging and may serve as a biomarker for chronic stress.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 4, 2014

Depression increases heart failure risk by 40 percent

A study of nearly 63,000 Norwegians found that moderate to severe depression increases the risk of heart failure by 40%. Depression triggers stress hormones and inflammation, which may accelerate heart diseases. Early detection and treatment can help improve outcomes.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateApr 4, 2014

Some long non-coding RNAs are conventional after all

Researchers have identified hundreds of open reading frames in long non-coding RNAs that may give rise to functional proteins using ribosome profiling. The method allowed direct quantification of messenger RNA fragments protected by the ribosome, revealing translated small open reading frames.

SourceEMBO·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateApr 4, 2014
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Genetic testing beneficial in melanoma treatment

A clinical trial found that genetic screening can help doctors customize treatments for patients with advanced melanoma, reducing cancer recurrence risk by 63%. The study used ipilimumab therapy and identified biomarker signatures to tailor treatment plans.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·DateApr 4, 2014

Toward a clearer diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome

Researchers used functional PET imaging to show that neuroinflammation is higher in CFS/ME patients compared to healthy people. The study found associations between inflammation in certain brain areas and symptoms such as impaired cognition.

SourceRIKEN·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateApr 4, 2014

Guelph researchers solve part of hagfish slime mystery

Researchers have solved part of the hagfish slime mystery, revealing how super-strong protein threads are organized at the cellular level. The discovery provides valuable insights into producing synthetic versions of the threads for commercial use.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 4, 2014
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.

Higher social class linked to fewer bone fractures among non-white women

A UCLA-led study found that higher education levels are associated with lower rates of bone fractures among non-white women. The study followed over 2,000 pre-menopausal women for nine years and found that those with at least some postgraduate education had an 87% lower non-traumatic fracture rate than those with less education.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateApr 4, 2014

'Like a giant elevator to the stratosphere'

A new study reveals a previously unknown atmospheric phenomenon over the South Seas, which boosts ozone depletion in polar regions and could have a significant influence on future climate. The discovery of the 'OH shield' layer allows long-lived chemical compounds to enter the stratosphere, contributing to global impact.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateApr 4, 2014

Tracking sperm whales' ecology through stomach contents

Researchers analyzed stomach contents of pygmy and dwarf sperm whales to better understand their feeding ecologies. The study found that while the two species share similar foraging parameters, pygmy sperm whales consume a greater diversity and size of prey.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalMarine Mammal Science·DateApr 4, 2014

Grandparents may worsen some moms' baby blues

A new study from Duke University suggests that living with grandparents can exacerbate the baby blues in some mothers. Married and single mothers who live in multi-generational households experience higher rates of depression, while cohabiting couples without marriage benefits from having one or more grandparents in the house. The find...

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Family Issues·DateApr 4, 2014
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 Trayvon Martin case: Lessons for education researchers

Researchers explore the implications of the highly politicized debate surrounding Trayvon Martin's fatal shooting on issues of race, gender, and economic status in education. The case highlights the devastating impact of gun violence on black women, who face a higher homicide rate than any other group.

SourceBoston College·DateApr 4, 2014