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Science News for August 29, 2014


Ready for mating at the right time

Scientists at Max Planck Institute identified pheromone in male Mozambique tilapia urine that boosts hormone production and accelerates oocyte maturation in females, triggering spawning. The discovery may help optimize aquaculture of food fish and control invasive species behavior.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 29, 2014

Aging Africa

Researchers in southern Africa used beryllium-10 and aluminum-26 to measure erosion rates, finding five meters per million years in non-tectonically active regions. This rate is significantly lower than basin-average erosion rates, with stable upland surfaces remaining unchanged since the Pliocene.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGSA Today·DateAug 29, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mobile app on emergency cardiac care aids best decisions in seconds

A mobile app for emergency cardiac care has been developed by the Acute Cardiovascular Care Association (ACCA) of the European Society of Cardiology. The app provides instant access to diagnostics pathways, treatment algorithms, and guidelines for professionals to make quick decisions in acute cardiovascular emergencies.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 29, 2014

Intervention needed for survivors of childhood burns

A new research study by the University of Adelaide found that adults who were hospitalized for burns as children are at a higher risk of depression and suicidal thoughts. The study, which followed up with 272 people who were burned during childhood, found that 42% had suffered some form of mental illness and 30% experienced depression.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBurns·DateAug 29, 2014

Antidepressants show potential for postoperative pain

Researchers found that antidepressants reduced pain in over half of the trials examined, but cautioned that more definitive studies are necessary to recommend their use. The review aims to inform future research directions for this area of study.

SourceQueen's University·JournalAnesthesiology·DateAug 29, 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.

Preventing cancer from forming 'tentacles' stops dangerous spread

A new study confirms the role of invadopodia in cancer spread, showing that preventing their formation can stop cancer entirely. The study identifies a potential therapeutic target for drug development to prevent invadopodia formation.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 29, 2014

Mysteries of space dust revealed

Researchers analyzed space dust collected by NASA's Stardust mission, finding complex composition and structure, and potentially originating from beyond our solar system. The study provides a first glimpse into the diversity and complexity of interstellar dust.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateAug 29, 2014

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.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 29, 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.

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.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateAug 29, 2014

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 29, 2014

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.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateAug 29, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScience·DateAug 29, 2014

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 29, 2014

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.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 29, 2014

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.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalNature·DateAug 29, 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.

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.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Review·DateAug 29, 2014

'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.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalHeart Rhythm·DateAug 29, 2014

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.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 29, 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.

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.

SourceInternational Council for Science·DateAug 29, 2014

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-...

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalACM SIGSAM Bulletin·DateAug 29, 2014

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.

SourceWiley·JournalEmergency Medicine Australasia·DateAug 29, 2014

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.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 29, 2014

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.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalScience·DateAug 29, 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.

The early cost of HIV

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

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 29, 2014

$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.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateAug 29, 2014

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.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 29, 2014

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.

SourceCIFAR·DateAug 29, 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.

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.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 29, 2014

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.

SourceCity College of New York·DateAug 29, 2014

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.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalBone·DateAug 29, 2014

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.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·DateAug 29, 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.

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.

SourceThe Bawmann Group·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 29, 2014

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.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 29, 2014