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Science News for August 19, 2014


San Antonio Life Sciences Institute awards $750,000 to innovators

The San Antonio Life Sciences Institute has awarded over $750,000 in grants to researchers studying the intersection of immunity, microorganisms, and cancer. These collaborations aim to address public health issues and diseases with global impact, such as diabetes and cancer.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateAug 19, 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.

NASA sees Depression 12-E become Tropical Storm Lowell

Tropical Storm Lowell has strengthened in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, with powerful thunderstorms surrounding its center and cloud top temperatures near -63F. The storm is expected to continue strengthening due to moderate shear, high moisture, and warm water conditions.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 19, 2014

NASA sees Tropical Storm Karina losing its punch

NASA's TRMM satellite detected an isolated area of heavy rain remaining in Tropical Storm Karina, indicating a weakening uplift in the storm. The storm is forecast to turn westward and slow down soon, with two computer models predicting it will weaken to a tropical depression in about 72 hours.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 19, 2014

Love makes sex better for most women

According to a Penn State Abington sociologist, most women believe love is necessary for maximum sexual satisfaction in both relationships and marriage. The study found that love makes sex physically more pleasurable and increases feelings of trust and agency.

SourcePenn State·DateAug 19, 2014

Researchers block plant hormone

Scientists identify a molecule that blocks the effect of jasmonic acid, a plant hormone involved in flower formation, root growth and defence against herbivores. The discovery was made using a biological selection process involving intact plants.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateAug 19, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

First indirect evidence of so-far undetected strange baryons

Researchers have discovered indirect evidence of higher-mass strange baryons in heavy-ion collisions, which lower the temperature at which other particles 'freeze out' from quark-gluon plasma. This finding provides crucial insights into nuclear physics and the formation of matter.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 19, 2014

Hartford/VA Geriatric Social Work Scholars Program selects new cohort

The prestigious Hartford/VA Scholars Program has selected three new researchers to focus on improving health outcomes for older veterans. The scholars will receive career development and mentorship support for their projects, which include examining physical activity among veterans and post-traumatic stress disorder in older veterans.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateAug 19, 2014

How steroid hormones enable plants to grow

Researchers at TUM have mapped a new signaling mode for brassinosteroids, which regulate cell elongation and division. The study shows that brassinosteroids trigger a multi-level cascade of reactions controlling the activity of the CESTA transcription factor.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 19, 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.

VCU Massey Cancer Center receives $4.4 million NCORP grant

The VCU Massey Cancer Center has been awarded a $4.4 million grant to establish a statewide cancer clinical trials network in Virginia, focusing on minority access and addressing cancer disparities. The network will provide cancer patients with opportunities to participate in clinical trials in their local communities.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·DateAug 19, 2014

Bubbling down: Discovery suggests surprising uses for common bubbles

Princeton researchers find that bursting bubbles inject tiny oil droplets into water when covered with a layer of oil. The discovery provides new insight into the mixture of non-soluble liquids and has potential applications in industries such as drug manufacturing and oil spill cleanups.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Physics·DateAug 19, 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.

Leave the car at home for a healthier daily commute, say experts

A UK study published in the BMJ Group reveals a significant association between active commuting methods (walking, cycling, or using public transport) and lower BMI scores. For men, this equates to a difference of nearly half a stone in weight, while for women, it's around 5.5lb, compared to those who used private transport.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateAug 19, 2014

Antibacterial soap exposes health workers to high triclosan levels

A study by UCSF researchers found that hospital workers exposed to antibacterial soap had significantly higher triclosan levels in their urine compared to those using plain soap and water. Washing with antibacterial soap accounted for even higher triclosan levels than brushing with toothpaste containing triclosan.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateAug 19, 2014

College education not always about what you have, but how you use it

Researchers found that black students from low-income backgrounds are more likely to attend college than their white counterparts, despite having fewer resources. The study highlights the importance of cultural capital and family involvement in promoting college enrollment.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalRace and Social Problems·DateAug 19, 2014

The difficult question of Clostridium difficile

Scientists have identified key regions of the Cwp84 enzyme that could be targeted by drugs to prevent Clostridium difficile colonization and toxin production. The research may lead to the development of a new type of anti-colonization inhibitor to treat C. difficile infection.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·DateAug 19, 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.

This week from AGU: Long-term ecological research, predicting cholera outbreaks

Researchers used a modeling study to identify environmental conditions that trigger cholera epidemics near Lake Kivu, predicting potential warning time for health managers. By analyzing satellite data and precipitation patterns, they found the El Niño–Southern Oscillation and human mobility are key factors.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalWater Resources Research·DateAug 19, 2014

Gene therapy protects mice from lethal heart condition, MU researchers find

Researchers at the University of Missouri School of Medicine have developed a gene therapy that protects mice from a life-threatening heart condition caused by muscular dystrophy. The therapy targets a different gene involved in the heart's response to stress and shows significant improvements in overall heart health.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateAug 19, 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.

Has the puzzle of rapid climate change in the last ice age been solved?

Researchers found that intermediate sea levels and ice volumes triggered abrupt climate swings, with temperatures changing dramatically over a few decades. This discovery can help explain the rapid climate changes known as Dansgaard-Oeschger events during the last ice age.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalNature·DateAug 19, 2014

'Tickling' your ear could be good for your heart

A team at the University of Leeds used a standard TENS machine to apply electrical pulses to the tragus, reducing nervous signals that can drive failing hearts too hard. The stimulation changed the influence of the nervous system on the heart by increasing heart rate variability and suppressing sympathetic nervous system activity.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalBrain Stimulation·DateAug 19, 2014

Novel gene predicts both breast cancer relapse and response to chemotherapy

Scientists have identified a novel gene that predicts both breast cancer relapse and response to chemotherapy, enabling doctors to classify patients for more effective treatment. The discovery could help reduce metastasis and increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy.

SourceBiomedical Sciences Institutes (BMSI)·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 19, 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.

Natural (born) killer cells battle pediatric leukemia

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles have developed a method to multiply natural killer cells from patients with leukemia in the lab. These autologous NK cells can be used to destroy cancer cells, potentially providing a less toxic and more effective treatment for pediatric leukemia.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalLeukemia·DateAug 19, 2014

Guiding stars

A new study by Cornell University researchers found that the Guiding Stars System brands items with zero, one, two or three star rating leads to a decline in sales of less healthy foods. Sales of healthy food purchases rose by 1.39% while 'junk food' sales fell by 8.31%. This trend may be due to consumers making healthier choices.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateAug 19, 2014

Targeted brain training may help you multitask better

A study published in PLOS ONE found that targeted cognitive training can improve attention and memory in healthy seniors and those with specific brain damage. The researchers developed a predictive model to map the effects of this training on brain function, suggesting potential for improving daily lives.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 19, 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.

Organic photovoltaic cells of the future

A team of researchers has developed a method to determine the absolute value of charge formation efficiency in organic photovoltaic cells, enabling high-throughput screening of materials. The technique, combining two types of spectroscopy, reveals a high charge formation efficiency even at low temperatures.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateAug 19, 2014

Engineering new bone growth

Researchers create implantable tissue scaffold coated with bone growth factors that induce rapid formation of new bone. The scaffold induces the body to rapidly form new bone that looks and behaves like original tissue.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 19, 2014

Laser optical tweezers reveal how malaria parasites infect red blood cells

Researchers used laser optical tweezers to study interactions between malaria parasites and red blood cells, revealing new insights into the disease process. The study found that attachment is mediated by multiple weak interactions, which could potentially be blocked by a combination of drugs or antibodies.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateAug 19, 2014
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.

Fish study links brain size to parental duties

A new study from the University of British Columbia found that male stickleback fish with bigger brains are more likely to care for their young. The research compared regular male sticklebacks to white sticklebacks, which do not care for offspring, and found a link between brain size and parental behavior.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateAug 19, 2014

Sequencing at sea

A team of researchers from San Diego State University overcame numerous challenges to successfully sequence DNA samples in real-time at sea. Despite equipment failures, space constraints, and shark encounters, they managed to collect and analyze data on the Line Islands, developing new research questions and hypotheses along the way.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalPeerJ·DateAug 19, 2014

Zebrafish help to unravel Alzheimer's disease

Scientists used zebrafish as a model to study the regulation of stem cells in nerve tissue, discovering a previously unknown process that may contribute to Alzheimer's disease. They found that reducing miRNA-132 levels in zebrafish impairs stem cell development and blocks further maturation into nerve cells.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateAug 19, 2014
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Biomarker in an aggressive breast cancer is identified

Researchers have identified a biomarker, STAT3 protein, strongly associated with basal-like breast cancer, a highly aggressive and resistant carcinoma. This finding suggests a potential target for new therapeutics designed to treat this deadly cancer subtype.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 19, 2014

Why global warming is taking a break

Researchers find that El Niño and La Niña events, as well as weakened solar activity and aerosol concentrations, contributed to the recent slowdown in global warming. The study suggests that short-term climate fluctuations can be explained by natural factors without contradicting long-term warming trends.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 19, 2014

Life on Mars? Implications of a newly discovered mineral-rich structure

A newly discovered ovoid structure in the Nakhla Martian meteorite contains a variety of minerals and shows evidence of shock events, sparking debate about its formation and potential for life on Mars. The study suggests that subsurface hydrothermal alteration could support niche environments conducive to life.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAstrobiology·DateAug 19, 2014

CU Denver researcher shows economic disparities impact infant health

A new study by CU Denver researcher Zaneta Thayer found that poor women experience higher cortisol levels during pregnancy, giving birth to infants with elevated cortisol responses to stress. These early life disparities can lead to serious disease later in life and highlight the need for stress reduction and social support.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·DateAug 19, 2014

Opioid users breathe easier with novel drug to treat respiratory depression

A study published in Anesthesiology found that GAL-021, a novel therapeutic drug, may reverse or prevent respiratory depression in patients taking opioid medication without compromising pain relief. Researchers also found that GAL-021 had no adverse effects on non-respiratory variables such as sedation or blood flow.

SourceAmerican Society of Anesthesiologists·JournalAnesthesiology·DateAug 19, 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.

Intervention helps smokers quit following hospital stay

A postdischarge intervention that included automated telephone calls and free medication resulted in higher sustained smoking cessation rates at six months than standard advice. The study found that more participants achieved biochemically confirmed past 7-day tobacco abstinence and reported continuous abstinence for 6 months.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateAug 19, 2014

Solar energy that doesn't block the view

Researchers at Michigan State University developed a transparent luminescent solar concentrator that can be used on buildings, cell phones, and other devices. This technology absorbs specific nonvisible wavelengths of sunlight and converts it to electricity.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateAug 19, 2014

Nurses driven mainly by a desire to help others are more likely to burn out

Researchers at the University of Akron discovered that nurses motivated primarily by personal satisfaction, lifestyle, and patient interaction experience lower stress levels, improved health, and increased job commitment. In contrast, those driven mainly by a desire to help others are more susceptible to burnout.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·DateAug 19, 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.

Nurse staffing and mortality in stroke centers

A study of 56,666 patients with stroke found that weekend nurse staffing was strongly associated with mortality outcomes, regardless of the day of admission. Patients admitted to hospitals with lower nurse-to-patient bed ratios had a higher risk of death, highlighting the importance of adequate staffing levels on weekends.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 19, 2014

Physically fit kids have beefier brain white matter than their less-fit peers

A new study found that physically fit children have more fibrous and compact white-matter tracts in the brain, linked to faster nerve activity. The researchers used diffusion tensor imaging to analyze water diffusion into tissues, revealing significant fitness-related differences in brain integrity.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateAug 19, 2014
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.

Evolution of marine crocodilians constrained by ocean temperatures

A new study reveals that marine crocodilian diversity is closely tied to sea temperature, with colonisation events occurring during global warming periods. The research suggests that environmental temperatures constrained the evolution and lifestyle of modern crocodilians.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 19, 2014

Exporting US coal to Asia could drop emissions 21 percent

A new study suggests that exporting US coal to power plants in South Korea could lead to a 21 percent drop in greenhouse gas emissions. However, the economic benefits of such exports would come with increased water use, land degradation, and potential harm to fish and wildlife habitats.

SourceDuke University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 19, 2014

Moving single cells around -- accurately and cheaply

Researchers at Houston Methodist have created a handheld single-cell pipette that can accurately pick up individual cells using a modified pipette. The technology, known as the hSCP, has potential to revolutionize single-cell research and make it more accessible to biologists worldwide.

SourceHouston Methodist·DateAug 19, 2014

VCU receives NIH grant to expand Alcohol Research Center

The VCU Alcohol Research Center will investigate the genetic systems contributing to alcoholism using advanced statistical and bioinformatic methods. Researchers will focus on gene networks influencing alcohol behaviors in humans and animals.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·DateAug 19, 2014
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.

Rates of heart disease and stroke continue to decline in Europe

Death rates from heart disease and stroke are declining overall in Europe, but at differing rates. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death among Europeans, accounting for close to half of all deaths. However, cancer is now causing more deaths than heart disease in some countries, particularly among men.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 19, 2014

Asian inventions dominate energy storage systems

A study by Technical University of Munich reveals that Asian companies are leading the charge in developing new electrochemical energy storage technologies. Lithium batteries have seen a significant increase in patent applications, making them the clear frontrunners in this field.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalApplied Energy·DateAug 19, 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.

Electrical engineers take major step toward photonic circuits

Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a non-metallic metamaterial that enables the compression and containment of light in smaller cables. This breakthrough could lead to radical increases in computing speeds and reduced energy use by electronic devices.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalOptica·DateAug 19, 2014

In-utero methadone, subutex exposure could alter gene expression, cause severe neonatal abstience syndrome

Researchers found that infants exposed to opioids in utero had more severe symptoms of neonatal abstinence syndrome, with higher DNA methylation levels. This study suggests a link between early exposure and lasting epigenetic changes, potentially affecting future sensitivity to addictive substances.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateAug 19, 2014

The ABC's of animal speech: Not so random after all

A recent study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B analyzed the vocal sequences of seven different species and found that they appear to be generated by complex statistical processes more akin to human language. The findings suggest an intermediate step on the evolutionary path between animal communication and human language.

SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·DateAug 19, 2014

Financial weight makes it trickier to lose pounds where it counts

A new study from Concordia University reveals that financial struggles significantly impact weight loss efforts, with lower-income individuals less likely to engage in healthy habits like exercise or reducing fat intake. Instead, they often turn to quick fixes like diet pills or skipping meals.

SourceConcordia University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 19, 2014

Intimacy a strong motivator for PrEP HIV prevention

A new study found that desire for intimacy is a strong predictor of whether gay and bisexual men will adopt PrEP. Men in steady same-sex relationships with HIV-negative partners who value intimacy are more likely to take antiretroviral medications to prevent HIV.

SourceBrown University·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateAug 19, 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.

Common antibiotic linked with heart deaths

A study found that clarithromycin, a widely used antibiotic, is associated with an increased risk of heart deaths in people over 40-74 years old. The absolute risk difference was 37 cardiac deaths per 1 million courses with clarithromycin.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateAug 19, 2014

Seafood substitutions can expose consumers to unexpectedly high mercury

New study finds that seafood mislabeling distorts true abundance of fish, defrauds consumers, and causes unwanted exposure to harmful pollutants like mercury. The researchers found that even MSC-certified fish can have high mercury levels if substituted with other species from the same geographic area.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 19, 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.