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Science News for August 10, 2014


Physicists create water tractor beam

Scientists at ANU have created a technique to control water flow patterns with simple wave generators, enabling them to move floating objects. The team discovered complex three-dimensional waves generate flow patterns on the surface of the water.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Physics·DateAug 10, 2014

Bioengineers: Matrix stiffness is an essential tool in stem cell differentiation

Research by bioengineers at UC San Diego reveals that the stiffness of the extracellular matrix is a key factor in guiding stem cells towards specific cell types. The study found that varying the stiffness of the hydrogel had no effect on the differentiation process, ruling out protein binding as a crucial factor.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 10, 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.

On the frontiers of cyborg science

Scientists are working on seamless marriage between electronics and brain signaling to treat devastating diseases. They're developing ultraflexible circuits and injecting tiny electronics into the brain to integrate with existing biological networks.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 10, 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.

Scientists unlock key to blood vessel formation

Researchers at the University of Leeds have identified a key gene involved in blood vessel formation, which may help understand how complex life begins. The discovery could lead to new possibilities for treating cardiovascular disease and cancer by targeting changes in blood flow.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature·DateAug 10, 2014

2010 Chilean earthquake causes icequakes in Antarctica

A 2010 Chilean earthquake caused icequakes in Antarctica due to the continent's sensitive response to seismic waves. Researchers detected high-frequency signals at 30% of seismic stations, indicating repeated failure and fracturing of ice near the surface.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 10, 2014

Neuroprotective effects of Asiaticoside

Researchers found that Asiaticoside pretreatment decreased neuronal cell loss and restored apoptotic-related protein expressions. It also inhibited Ca2+ influx induced by N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, providing new insights into its neuroprotective effects.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateAug 10, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Target identified for rare inherited neurological disease in men

Researchers have identified the mechanism by which Kennedy's disease causes muscle weakness and reduced fertility, impairing autophagy pathway function. The study suggests that targeting the bad androgen receptor protein could prevent the disease and other neurological disorders from progressing.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 10, 2014

Pairing old technologies with new for next-generation electronic devices

Researchers have discovered a way to efficiently generate and control currents using the magnetic nature of electrons in semi-conducting materials, which could lead to the development of new electronic devices. This approach, known as spintronics, has the potential to outperform traditional technologies with lower power consumption.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 10, 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.

'Worm pill' could ease autoimmune disease symptoms

Researchers have identified a peptide from parasitic worms that suppresses the immune response and may provide relief for multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus patients. The study paves the way for a new drug containing the peptide to be developed.

SourceMonash University·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateAug 10, 2014

'Dimmer switch' drug idea could tackle schizophrenia without side effects

Researchers have discovered a mechanism to develop drugs that can control schizophrenia symptoms without causing common anti-psychotic side effects. By targeting the dopamine D2 receptor, the 'dimmer switch' approach aims to subtly dial down dopamine's effect, potentially treating the disease and avoiding side-effects.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateAug 10, 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.