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Science News Archive April 2014 - Page 7


Page 7 of 32

Breast cancer replicates brain development process

Researchers at the University of York discovered that breast cancer cells use a process similar to brain development to metastasize. Blocking sodium channels inhibits migration and invasiveness, making them a potential therapeutic target.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateApr 24, 2014

'Double-duty' electrolyte enables new chemistry for longer-lived batteries

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a new battery design that incorporates an electrolyte with dual functions. This cooperative chemistry increases capacity and extends lifespan, enabling longer-lived disposable batteries for medical devices and other applications.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 24, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Breakthrough harnesses light for controlled chemical reaction

Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison develop a dual-catalyst technique using sunlight to control the 'handedness' of product molecules, overcoming UV's limitations. This breakthrough enables easier synthesis of complex chemicals with well-defined chirality.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience·DateApr 24, 2014

Amazon rainforest survey could improve carbon offset schemes

A new study reveals unprecedented detail of the Amazon Basin's trees, enabling researchers to accurately assess their carbon content. The findings will help administer carbon offsetting more effectively, improving our understanding of global forest carbon storage.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateApr 24, 2014
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Controlling brain waves to improve vision

Scientists at Beckman Institute use a new method to test brain waves and discover that alpha oscillations can inhibit visual processing, making it hard to see unexpected events. By targeting specific brain regions with electrical stimulation or feedback, they aim to improve attention and awareness in various situations.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Cognitive Neuroscience·DateApr 24, 2014

New type of protein action found to regulate development

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a novel mechanism by which the protein Botch regulates the Notch signaling pathway, crucial for healthy organ development. This discovery may lead to a better understanding of developmental biology and potential therapeutic applications for certain leukemias.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 24, 2014

Cosmic illusion revealed

Researchers have discovered a galaxy that magnified a background supernova thirtyfold through gravitational lensing, confirming their previous explanation for the anomaly. This discovery may significantly impact our understanding of cosmic expansion and the mysterious components of the Universe, including dark energy and dark matter.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience·DateApr 24, 2014

Computer program could help solve arson cases

A University of Alberta team developed a computer program to analyze chemical data from arson scenes, reducing the need for human analysis and speeding up investigations. The program can classify debris in seconds, helping investigators pinpoint the cause of fires more quickly.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalForensic Science International·DateApr 24, 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.

Researchers create comprehensive map of human B cell development

Scientists have created a detailed map of human B cell development at the single-cell level, improving research capabilities and identifying rare aberrations that lead to disease. The approach will guide regenerative medicine and help understand complex developmental processes.

SourceColumbia University·JournalCell·DateApr 24, 2014

Motor skill deficiencies linked to autism severity in new research

Researchers at Oregon State University have found a relationship between motor skill deficiencies and the severity of autism symptoms in very young children. Fine and gross motor skills development should be included in treatment plans for young children with autism.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAdapted Physical Activity Quarterly·DateApr 24, 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.

Study reaffirms soy-dairy protein blend increases muscle mass

A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that a soy-dairy protein blend prolongs amino acid delivery to muscles for an hour longer than whey alone. The blend also sustained a greater positive net amino acid balance, suggesting less muscle protein breakdown.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateApr 24, 2014

Large-scale identification and analysis of suppressive drug interactions

Researchers at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute used baker's yeast to study drug interactions, finding that one-fifth of combinations suppress each other's effectiveness and increasing the risk of adverse reactions. The study's findings have implications for personalized medicine and optimization of combination therapies.

SourceLunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute·JournalChemistry & Biology·DateApr 24, 2014

Droplet lens

Researchers from Australian National University developed a simple and cheap way to make high-powered lenses that can transform smartphones into high-resolution microscopes. The lenses are made by using the natural shape of liquid droplets, promising revolution in science and medicine in developing countries and remote areas.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateApr 24, 2014
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.

Solving the mystery of a superluminous supernova

A team of scientists observed a supernova in 2010 and proposed it was a new type of extra-bright supernova. However, further analysis revealed the presence of a lens that amplified the supernova's light, settling an important controversy. The discovery offers a means to test cosmic expansion using future lensed supernova events.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 24, 2014

Take the bat, leave the candy

Researchers found that high-calorie snacks and sugar-sweetened drinks dominate the youth baseball scene, contributing to weight problems among children. The study suggests that parents and sports leagues should plan ahead and advocate for policies addressing snack and drink options.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalChildhood Obesity·DateApr 24, 2014
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.

Children living with a lone parent are as happy as those with 2

A UK study of over 12,000 children aged seven and 11-15 found that family type had no significant impact on their happiness. Instead, factors such as relationships with siblings, friends, and parents, as well as experiences at school, played a stronger role in determining overall happiness.

SourceBritish Sociological Association·DateApr 24, 2014

Three-banded panther worm debuts as a new model in the study of regeneration

Researchers have successfully cultured and studied the three-banded panther worm, a new model organism for understanding regeneration. The worm's ability to regenerate any body part has been linked to Wnt and Bmp signaling pathways, offering potential clues for human regenerative therapies.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 24, 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.

Treatment for deadly yeast disease reduced to 3 days

A new study by University of Liverpool scientists has reduced the treatment for a brain infection caused by fungus to just three days. The research found that the commonly used drug amphotericin B deoxycholate (dAmB) is effective in clearing the fungus within three days, making it a game-changer for people with weakened immune systems ...

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalmBio·DateApr 24, 2014

Autism Genome Project delivers genetic discovery

The study found that copy number variant (CNV) genetic testing can help diagnose and treat autism more effectively. CNV testing uncovered dozens of cases where autism-linked gene changes were associated with additional health risks warranting medical attention.

SourceAutism Speaks·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 24, 2014

Study suggests targeting B cells may help with MS

A new study found that reducing B cell levels can significantly decrease brain lesions and disease activity in people with relapsing-remitting MS. The research showed that maintaining B cell levels below a threshold of 32-64 cells per microliter resulted in an annualized rate of less than one new brain lesion per year.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateApr 24, 2014

Scientists find way to target cells resistant to chemo

Researchers at the University of Manchester discovered a key role for protein Bid in mitosis-related cell death, which may help overcome chemotherapy resistance in colon cancer. By targeting Bid, resistant cells can be made more susceptible to treatment.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 24, 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.

Researchers discover new genetic brain disorder in humans

Researchers have identified a new genetic brain disorder associated with degeneration of the central and peripheral nervous systems, caused by a mutation in the CLP1 gene. The condition is characterized by reduced brain size, sensory and motor defects, seizures, brain atrophy, and neuronal death.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell·DateApr 24, 2014

Tsetse fly genome reveals weaknesses

Researchers have sequenced the tsetse fly genome, revealing genetic adaptations that enable it to transmit diseases such as sleeping sickness and Nagana. The study provides a valuable resource for developing prevention strategies to reduce deaths and illness associated with these diseases.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalScience·DateApr 24, 2014

Boring cells could hold the key to heart disease

Researchers found that cardiac fibroblasts are unique cells with organ-specific functions and can be used in replacement therapies for congenital heart disease and heart failure. They have specific genes that tell them to become heart cells, making them a promising alternative to heart transplants.

SourceMonash University·JournalCirculation Research·DateApr 24, 2014
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.

Two new US turtle species described

Researchers have discovered two new US turtle species, the Suwannee and Apalachicola alligator snapping turtles, which are found in the southeastern United States. These ancient reptiles were previously thought to be a single species, but genetic analysis reveals deep evolutionary divisions between them.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalZootaxa·DateApr 24, 2014

Measles commentary in Annals of Internal Medicine

A recent measles outbreak in the US highlights the need for physicians to be familiar with the deadly disease, particularly in return travelers with fever and rash. The author emphasizes the importance of measles vaccination and vigilance in healthcare facilities to prevent further spread.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 24, 2014

How a plant beckons the bacteria that will do it harm

A study found that certain plant acids invite bacterial infection by focusing the attackers on a specific target. This molecular signal can be used to protect plants and potentially lead to new biofuels and human health applications.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 2014

Parents of severely ill children see benefits as caregivers, says study

A recent study led by the University of Waterloo found that parents of children with life-limiting illnesses often report positive outcomes as well, known as posttraumatic growth. This phenomenon is characterized by growth in areas such as personal strength, appreciation for life, and spiritual change.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalAmerican Journal of Orthopsychiatry·DateApr 24, 2014
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.

Genetic alterations in shared biological pathways as major risk factor for ASD

A study of almost 2,500 families found that genetic alterations in shared biological pathways are a significant risk factor for autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Individuals with ASD had more CNVs affecting genes involved in brain development and synapse function.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 24, 2014

Surprising new insights into the PTEN tumor suppressor gene

Researchers discovered that PTEN mutations contribute to tumorigenesis by regulating different aspects of PTEN biology, and targeting Akt's pathway may be an effective treatment strategy for patients with PTEN mutations. The findings suggest that personalized cancer medicine is urgently needed.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalCell·DateApr 24, 2014

Researchers trace HIV adaptation to its human host

Researchers traced HIV's adaptation to its human host over time in North America, finding gradual changes that are unlikely to impact vaccine design. The study suggests that HIV's slow adaptation rate could have implications for host immunity and treatment efficacy.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateApr 24, 2014

Pregnancy complications may be more common in immigrants from certain regions

Research found that pregnant immigrants from Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Caribbean islands are at higher risk of preeclampsia and eclampsia compared to women from other regions. Obstetricians should consider these pregnancies as high-risk and provide enhanced surveillance and culturally sensitive care.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalBritish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·DateApr 24, 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.

Using antineutrinos to monitor nuclear reactors

Researchers have developed a method to detect antineutrinos emitted by nuclear reactors, allowing for the monitoring of reactor cores' status, performance, and composition. The detection method was tested using detectors with a volume of only one cubic meter, producing results that show promise for future reactor monitoring.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 24, 2014

'Horsing around' reduces stress hormones in youth

Research from Washington State University found that children who participate in horse-riding programs have lower stress hormone levels. The study, which measured cortisol levels in saliva samples, suggests a potential prevention strategy for young adolescents at risk of developing physical and mental health problems.

SourceWashington State University·DateApr 24, 2014

Small business owners not always worried about being treated fairly, researcher finds

A study by University of Missouri researchers found that small retailers are less concerned about being treated fairly by suppliers than other factors like cash flow and company survival. The research team surveyed businesses in 10 culturally diverse countries, revealing a significant variation in the importance placed on fairness.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of International Marketing·DateApr 24, 2014
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.

Untangling Brazil's controversial new forest code

A new study quantifies the implications of recent changes to Brazil's Forest Code, identifying opportunities and challenges for conservation. The law reduces the area to be reforested from 500,000 km2 to 210,000 km2, sparking concerns over environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity.

SourceWoodwell Climate Research Center·JournalScience·DateApr 24, 2014

Bake your own droplet lens

Researchers have developed a new process to create high-quality lenses at a low cost, making them suitable for various applications including disease detection, scientific research, and education. The lenses were created using a simple method involving the hanging and curing of droplets of transparent silicone polymer.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateApr 24, 2014

Ocean microbes display remarkable genetic diversity

Researchers found hundreds of distinct genetic subpopulations within a single species of ocean microbe, Prochlorococcus, and discovered that these subpopulations are finely tuned for specific ecological niches. The study suggests that the remarkable diversity of Prochlorococcus is not random but rather a result of natural selection.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateApr 24, 2014
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.

Take notes by hand for better long-term comprehension

A study published in Psychological Science found that taking notes by hand is more effective for remembering conceptual information over the long term than using laptops. Longhand note takers tend to engage in more processing and select more important information, leading to better study outcomes. In contrast, laptop note takers often ...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 24, 2014

Dartmouth awarded lead role in NCI clinical trials network

Dartmouth has been awarded a grant to serve as a Lead Academic Participating Site in the National Clinical Trials Network, aiming to streamline clinical trial operations and improve access to new treatments. The network's goals include faster trial design, optimal use of scientific innovations, and expanded patient participation.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·DateApr 24, 2014