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Science News Archive August 2014


Page 2 of 31

Plug n' play protein crystals

Scientists from Aalto University create ordered structures by mixing oppositely charged proteins and virus particles, enabling modular functionalization with various ligands. The method opens possibilities for biomedical and materials science research.

Options for weight loss your primary care doctor might not know about

Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center found that technology-assisted weight loss interventions, including web-based applications and software, can be an effective option for primary care patients. These interventions resulted in average weight losses of up to 5.4 kilograms (12 pounds) over a 36-month period.

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.

NASA animation shows Hurricane Marie winding down

Hurricane Marie has transitioned into a post-tropical storm, losing organized deep convection and thunderstorm development. The animation from NASA's GOES Project shows the storm's structure being blown apart, with clouds and showers north of the center.

Study reveals how Ebola blocks immune system

Researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine identified how Ebola dodges antiviral defenses by hijacking a host protein's ability to carry an important immune signal. This finding could lead to new therapies targeting the virus's deadliness.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Hydrogen powers important nitrogen-transforming bacteria

Scientists have discovered that nitrite-oxidizing bacteria can use hydrogen as a source of energy, enabling them to grow independently of nitrite and expand their ecological niche. This finding has significant implications for understanding the global nitrogen cycle and the ecology of these important microorganisms.

Reducing water scarcity possible by 2050

Researchers from McGill and Utrecht University outline six strategies to reduce water stress, including improving irrigation techniques, increasing water-recycling facilities, and limiting population growth. By applying these strategies simultaneously, significant reductions in water-stressed populations are possible by 2050.

New ESC registries launched on cardiac oncology and ACS

The European Society of Cardiology has launched newregistries for cardiac oncology and ACS, aiming to monitor treatment practices and outcomes. The registries will provide robust data on cardiovascular disease burden and treatment in Europe.

Astrophysicists report radioactive cobalt in supernova explosion

A group of Russian astrophysicists have detected the formation of radioactive cobalt during a supernova explosion, confirming a corresponding theory. The discovery was made using data from the INTEGRAL gamma-ray orbital telescope and indicates that about 60% of the Sun's mass was emitted as radioactive cobalt.

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.

Meaningful relationships can help you thrive

Research highlights two types of support in meaningful relationships: source of strength (SOS) support, which helps individuals thrive through adversity, and relational catalyst (RC) support, which fosters full participation in life opportunities. Effective support requires responsiveness and sensitivity.

'Face time' for the heart diagnoses cardiac disease

Researchers have developed a non-invasive technology that uses video monitoring to detect atrial fibrillation by analyzing subtle changes in skin color. The technology has an error rate of 20%, comparable to automated ECG measurements, and holds promise for diagnosing cardiac disease using contactless video monitoring.

Breakthrough in light sources for new quantum technology

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen's Niels Bohr Institute have successfully created a steady stream of photons emitted one at a time, enabling control over their direction. The breakthrough has significant implications for future quantum technologies, including encryption and complex calculations.

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.

Science advice to governments comes of age at Auckland conference

The summit marked a turning point in global awareness of the importance of credible science in public policy making. Key findings include the need for international collaboration, the role of early career scientists, and the value of involving policymakers and the public in shaping science advice.

Snails tell of the rise and fall of the Tibetan Plateau

Researchers used clumped isotope thermometry to reconstruct the Zhada basin's paleo-elevation history, finding a significant drop of over 1 km in elevation between three and nine million years ago. This suggests that the modern high elevations were not recently developed but rather a continuation of higher elevations prior to the Indo-...

Can YouTube save your life?

A new study found that only 11.5% of available YouTube videos on CPR and basic life support are compatible with recent health guidelines. Early recognition and treatment of sudden cardiac arrest are crucial for improving survival rates, emphasizing the importance of hands-on instruction from qualified health practitioners.

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.

Mice study shows efficacy of new gene therapy approach for toxin exposures

A new gene therapy approach has been shown to be effective in preventing and treating botulism exposure, with a single treatment leading to prolonged production of antitoxin proteins. The therapy, known as VNA gene therapy, can protect against toxin-mediated diseases such as C. difficile and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections.

China's reform of R&D budget management doesn't go far enough

Despite significant increases in R&D expenditure as a percentage of GDP, China has seen a decline in funding for applied research, with basic research funding plummeting from 5.2% to 4.7%. The authors argue that further reforms are needed to bring transparency and coordination to the country's R&D spending.

The early cost of HIV

Gut inflammation breaks down intestinal lining due to HIV viral invasion, but Lactobacillus plantarum helps protect barrier.

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.

$1.25 million NIH grant to aid research on impact of heroin use

The University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work has received a $1.25 million NIH grant to study the long-term impact of heroin use on health and behavior. The grant will support innovative virtual reality research, as well as programs to promote underrepresented researchers and provide prevention services.

MERS: Low transmissibility, dangerous illness

Researchers led by the University of Bonn have found that the MERS virus has a low transmission rate from person to person, but is still a deadly disease. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, also suggests that dromedaries may be an additional source of infection.

Not all phytoplankton in the ocean need to take their vitamins

Researchers discovered that E. huxleyi can grow without thiamine and prefers precursor chemical HMP instead, re-evaluating the importance of vitamin B1 in regulating algal communities. This finding has implications for understanding climate change's impact on marine ecosystems and predicting global carbon cycles.

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.

ESC launches journal on CV pharmacotherapy

The European Society of Cardiology has launched a new journal focused on cardiovascular pharmacotherapy, aiming to improve the treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease. The journal will publish original research, invited editorials, and reviews by prestigious authors, with the goal of becoming the leading journal in this field.

CCNY team defines new biodiversity metric

A CCNY team developed a new biodiversity metric to quantify phylogeographic endemism, which measures the restriction of genetic variation within species in geographical space. The research analyzed 25 vertebrates in the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest and found that current climatic heterogeneity explains endemism in southern forests.

Revealing a novel mode of action for an osteoporosis drug

Raloxifene increases bone toughness by altering the physical properties of the bone matrix, rather than just suppressing bone loss or altering cellular activity. This novel mechanism provides a new class of osteoporosis treatments that target bone's intrinsic strength.

Real tremors, or drug-seeking patient? New app can tell

Researchers developed an app that measures tremor strength using iPods, enabling clinicians to objectively assess patients' symptoms. The app's accuracy matches that of junior physicians and senior doctors, potentially improving treatment for alcohol withdrawal patients worldwide.

CU scientists' discovery could lead to new cancer treatment

Researchers from CU School of Medicine and Taiga Biotechnologies have discovered a way to expand production of stem cells used to treat cancer patients. This breakthrough technology could also be used to treat inborn immunodeficiency conditions, metabolic diseases, and autoimmune disorders.

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.

Argonne scientists pioneer strategy for creating new materials

Researchers developed a new approach combining in situ X-ray scattering with computational theory to design and synthesize new materials. They found that layer exchange is not unique to strontium and titanium, but expected for many different materials systems.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Yale study identifies possible bacterial drivers of IBD

Researchers at Yale University have identified a handful of bacteria that may drive inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The study found a correlation between high levels of an antibody coating on the surface of these bacteria and inflammatory responses in the human intestine.

Females ignored in basic medical research

A new study from Northwestern Medicine reveals that surgical researchers rarely use female animals or cells in their published studies, despite evidence showing sex differences play a crucial role in medical research. The five major surgical journals will now require authors to state the sex of animals and cells used in their studies.

Copper shines as flexible conductor

Researchers at Monash University have developed copper nanowire aerogels that combine conductivity with flexibility, enabling the creation of stretchable conductive rubbers. The addition of a small amount of poly(vinyl alcohol) improves mechanical strength without impairing conductivity.

NASA sees a weaker Tropical Storm Marie

Tropical Storm Marie has weakened significantly due to the presence of cooler waters, with its strongest thunderstorms located in the southern quadrant. The storm's cloud tops have warmed, indicating a decrease in its strength.

Flapping baby birds give clues to origin of flight

Researchers found baby birds can right themselves in midair by pumping their wings asymmetrically, a talent that could have helped early birds develop flying skills. This innate ability, present in 25% of day-old chicks, suggests that dinosaurs took flight from trees before developing flapping flight.

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.

Zombie bacteria are nothing to be afraid of

Researchers identify two critical controls that tie DNA replication to cell division in bacteria, enabling them to enter a 'zombie-like' state when blocked. This discovery opens doors to developing new drugs that target the bacterial cell cycle to combat infections.

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.

DeVincenzo study breakthrough in RSV research

A clinical trial has shown that the infection caused by RSV can be effectively reduced after it has started, paving the way for a new treatment. The study found that the oral drug GS-5806 reduced viral load and improved symptoms in healthy adult volunteers infected with RSV.

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.

Drug shows promise against Sudan strain of Ebola in mice

A new Ebola treatment has shown promise against the Sudan strain of the virus in mice, using synthetic antibodies designed to target a key molecule on the surface of the virus. The treatment is not effective against the Zaire ebolavirus, which is currently devastating West Africa.

Genomic sequencing reveals mutations, insights into 2014 Ebola outbreak

Researchers sequenced over 99 Ebola virus genomes from 78 patients in Sierra Leone, finding more than 300 genetic changes that make the 2014 Ebola virus distinct from previous outbreaks. The data provides insights into the outbreak's origin, transmission, and potential targets for diagnostics, vaccines, and therapies.

The Lancet: China-themed issue

China's rapid emergence as a global power has coincided with unprecedented challenges to its people's health, including rising chronic disease burdens and inefficient healthcare delivery. China must act now to tackle these time-bombs of illnesses or face the huge toll of largely preventable health loss suffered by high-income countries.

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.

High dietary salt may worsen multiple sclerosis symptoms

A study of 70 people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis found that high dietary salt intake was associated with more episodes of worsening symptoms and a higher likelihood of radiological signs of disease progression. Vitamin D levels also played a role, with low levels linked to the disease.

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.

TGen receives approval for patient enrollment in brain cancer clinical trial

The Translational Genomics Research Institute has received regulatory approval for a $5 million clinical trial study on glioblastoma. The pilot trial will test new drugs to extend GBM patient survival, while also analyzing genomic data from over 536 past cases and conducting lab tests to measure cell responses.

MARC travel awards announced for: 2014 ASBMR annual meeting

The FASEB MARC Program has announced the travel award recipients for the 2014 ASBMR annual meeting, promoting diversity in bone and mineral research. The program aims to increase the number of underrepresented groups engaged in biomedical research, with this year's awards totaling $3,200.

Quantum physics enables revolutionary imaging method

Researchers develop new quantum imaging technique that captures images without detecting light used to illuminate the object, using entangled photon pairs. This breakthrough enables imaging in low-light conditions and has potential applications in biological and medical imaging.