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Science News for August 6, 2014


Curing arthritis in mice

A new fusion molecule has been developed to treat rheumatoid arthritis in mice, with promising results showing the animals' symptoms disappear completely. The therapy targets specific immune messengers and reduces side effects by concentrating the active substance at the site of disease, offering a potential long-term cure.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 6, 2014

A breath reveals a hidden image in anti-counterfeit drug labels

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new technology that uses nanpillars to hide images on labels, revealing them with a breath. This could help prevent counterfeit drugs from reaching consumers and is made possible through a cost-effective manufacturing process.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 6, 2014

Risks to penguin populations analyzed

A major study analyzing all penguin species highlights the need to mitigate effects of habitat degradation, food scarcity, and climate change. The authors recommend measures such as establishing marine protected areas and implementing ecosystem-based management methods to protect biodiversity.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalConservation Biology·DateAug 6, 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.

HSCI researchers identify another potential ALS treatment avenue

Researchers at Harvard University's H SCI have identified a promising new potential treatment for ALS, using compounds already in clinical trials. The study found that inhibiting a specific receptor in glial cells increased survival time in an animal model of the disease.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 6, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Discovery yields master regulator of toxin production in staph infections

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified a key enzyme that regulates toxin production in Staphylococcus aureus, a common cause of serious infections. The discovery provides a promising target for developing new antibiotics to combat multi-drug resistant staph and related bacteria.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 6, 2014

Boomers building muscle at the gym -- without passion

A study by Concordia University found that baby boomers' primary motivator for exercise is 'toned and fit,' followed by stress reduction. However, motivation declines with age, particularly in 'mental toughness' and 'fun and friends' categories.

SourceConcordia University·JournalInternational Journal of Wellbeing·DateAug 6, 2014

Man-made noise makes fish more susceptible to predators

A new study found that marine noise pollution, such as ship noise, compromises the anti-predator behaviour of European eels. The research, published in Global Change Biology, showed that exposed eels are 50% less likely to respond to predator threats and have slower reaction times.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateAug 6, 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.

Galápagos hawks hand down lice like family heirlooms

Research reveals that the population structure of feather lice matches that of Galápagos hawks across the archipelago, indicating a co-evolutionary relationship. This study provides evidence for the hypothesis of co-divergence between parasites and hosts as a major driver of biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalBiology Letters·DateAug 6, 2014

NREL uses industry best practices to add partners

NREL's commercialization strategy and partnering approach enable technology transfer to the market. The lab has more CRADAs than any other national laboratory, including a partnership with GeoSolarHeat to license its transpired solar collector technology for poultry farms.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateAug 6, 2014

Burrowing animals may have been key to stabilizing Earth's oxygen

A new study suggests that burrowing animals played a key role in stabilizing the Earth's oxygen reservoir around 540 million years ago. The research, published in Nature Geoscience, links data from the fossil record to established connections between the phosphorus and oxygen cycles.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 6, 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.

Studying muscle function to advance treatment of heart failure

A team led by Dr. Edward Debold is using a single molecule laser trap assay to directly observe muscle fatigue at the molecular level. They aim to understand how metabolites disrupt muscle contraction and develop new drug therapies to enhance function under fatigue-like conditions.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateAug 6, 2014

Study: Link between vitamin D and dementia risk confirmed

A study published in Neurology found that low vitamin D levels double the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease in older people. Researchers analyzed blood levels of vitamin D and found a significant association between low vitamin D levels and increased dementia risk.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateAug 6, 2014

Pyrocumulonibus cloud rises up from Canadian wildfires

A rare pyrocumulonimbus cloud has been spotted over Canadian wildfires, posing a risk to air quality. The cloud, which is an extreme manifestation of pyrocumulus clouds, can inject smoke and pollutants high into the atmosphere, affecting areas far from the fire site.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 6, 2014

Crime Victims' Institute tracks the state of stalking in Texas

According to a 2010 CDC survey, an estimated 1.4 million women in Texas experience stalking during their lifetimes, with nearly half reporting weekly unwanted contacts. The report emphasizes the need for increased data collection and reporting on stalking to improve laws and support services.

SourceSam Houston State University·DateAug 6, 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.

Skull shape risk factors could help in the welfare of toy dog breeds

Researchers have identified two significant risk factors for painful neurological diseases in toy breeds, including brachycephaly and skull doming. This study aims to provide guidance for breeders and veterinarians to select against these conditions and promote the welfare of affected breeds.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCanine Genetics and Epidemiology·DateAug 6, 2014

Wildlife corridors sometimes help invasive species spread, UF research finds

Research suggests that wildlife corridors can facilitate the spread of invasive species, such as one type of fire ant, by creating connected habitats. The study found that polygyne fire ants, which are poorly dispersing, benefited from corridors, increasing their abundance and negatively impacting native ant diversity.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalEcology·DateAug 6, 2014

Adult myelination -- Wrapping up neuronal plasticity

Researchers have found that adult myelination is crucial for regulating neural networks and supporting functions such as learning and memory. The study, published in Neural Regeneration Research, highlights the importance of myelin plasticity in coordinating with neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateAug 6, 2014
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.

New standards proposed for reporting spinal cord injury experiments

A new reporting standard has been proposed for spinal cord injury experiments to ensure uniformity in scientific reporting. The standard aims to facilitate the development of databases of experimental information, promoting the successful translation of treatments from laboratory to clinical settings.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateAug 6, 2014

Photon hunting in the twilight zone

A study found that bioluminescent sharks possess higher rod densities in their eyes compared to non-bioluminescent sharks. This adaptation allows them to capture and process bioluminescent light more efficiently, which is crucial for communication, prey detection, and camouflage.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 6, 2014

Stress during pregnancy can be passed down through generations

Research in rats reveals that stress experienced by mothers, grandmothers, or even great-grandmothers can lead to shorter pregnancies and higher glucose levels in their offspring. The study's findings suggest a potential link between inherited epigenetic effects and preterm birth risk.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateAug 6, 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.

Fipronil and imidacloprid reduce honeybee mitochondrial activity

The study found that fipronil and imidacloprid inhibit mitochondrial bioenergetics in honeybees, leading to depleted cell energy and impaired flight muscles. This effect can contribute to the inability of bees to forage and return to their hives.

SourceSociety of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateAug 6, 2014

NASA engineer set to complete first 3-D-printed space cameras

Jason Budinoff's project uses additive manufacturing to create fully functional imaging telescopes with a reduced number of components. The technology enables the production of complex geometries and mitigates risks associated with traditional manufacturing methods.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 6, 2014

Aggressive outreach increases organ donation among Hispanic Americans

A targeted outreach effort increased consent rates for organ donation by 27% among Hispanic Americans, compared to a 17% increase in the non-Hispanic population. The intervention resulted in over 25,000 contacts and led to a significant increase in organ donations from this demographic.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateAug 6, 2014

Single-cell analysis holds promise for stem cell and cancer research

Researchers at UCSF have developed a method for analyzing hundreds of cells individually using microfluidic technology, which reveals novel molecular features in diverse cell types. This approach holds promise for understanding how the human cortex arises from cells spun off from stem cells.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateAug 6, 2014

NIH and Italian scientists develop nasal test for human prion disease

Researchers have developed a new nasal test that can quickly and accurately diagnose Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, an incurable neurodegenerative disorder. The test was successfully tested in 97% of patients with the disease and showed 100% specificity for non-patients.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 6, 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: Arctic mammals can metabolize some pesticides, limits human exposure

Research from the University of Guelph reveals that arctic mammals like caribou can metabolize current-use pesticides ingested through vegetation, limiting their impact on humans who consume them. The study found significant biomagnification was not observed in this food chain.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateAug 6, 2014

Exposure to inflammatory bowel disease drugs could increase leukemia risk

A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that thiopurine therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may increase the risk of myeloid disorders, including acute myeloid leukemia. The study analyzed data from over 19,000 IBD patients and found a seven-fold increased risk among those taking thiopurines.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateAug 6, 2014

New material structures bend like microscopic hair

Researchers have developed an elastic material coated with microscopic, hairlike structures that tilt in response to a magnetic field. The microhairs can direct water upward and even control the flow of light.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 6, 2014

NREL research earns 2 prestigious R&D 100 Awards

NREL's breakthroughs in silicon solar cells and ultra-efficient supercomputers have been recognized by the R&D Magazine with two prestigious awards. The innovative growth system produces thin solar cells at half the cost and 100 times the speed of conventional epitaxial reactors.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateAug 6, 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.

Mercury in the global ocean

Researchers estimate mercury levels in global ocean, separating natural and human sources for the first time. The study found that ocean waters shallower than 100m have tripled in mercury concentration since the Industrial Revolution.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalNature·DateAug 6, 2014

NASA satellite paints a triple hurricane Pacific panorama

The NASA Terra satellite captured images of three tropical cyclones in the Pacific Ocean: Hurricane Genevieve, Hurricane Iselle, and Hurricane Julio. Satellite data shows that Genevieve has strengthened into a hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 75 mph.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 6, 2014

Brain tumors fly under the body's radar like stealth jets, new U-M research suggests

Brain tumors use a stealth approach to evade the body's defense forces by coating their cells with extra amounts of galectin-1, a protein that evades detection by the early-warning immune system. Blocking this protein could potentially help patients by enabling the innate immune system to recognize and attack early-stage cancer growth.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCancer Research·DateAug 6, 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.

Healthy diet set early in life

A new study published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health found that promoting a healthy diet from infancy can prevent childhood obesity and chronic disease. The research described food preferences developed at 12-16 months, persisting into adulthood.

SourceWiley·JournalAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health·DateAug 6, 2014

A new way to model cancer

Researchers have found an alternative way to model cancer using CRISPR, a gene-editing system that can introduce cancer-causing mutations into the livers of adult mice. This method enables scientists to screen these mutations much more quickly than traditional breeding methods.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateAug 6, 2014

Gene increases risk of breast cancer to 1 in 3 by age 70

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that women with mutations in the PALB2 gene have a one in three chance of developing breast cancer by age 70. The study analyzed data from 154 families and found that risks were higher for those with family history of breast cancer.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 6, 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.

Most kids with blunt torso trauma can skip the pelvic X-ray

A new study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine suggests that pelvic X-rays are not necessary for most children with blunt force trauma. The study found that abdominal/pelvic CT scans are a superior diagnostic test for diagnosing children with pelvic fractures or dislocations, increasing accuracy and reducing radiation exposure.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateAug 6, 2014

New hand-held device uses lasers, sound waves for deeper melanoma imaging

Researchers have developed a new hand-held device that uses photoacoustic microscopy to accurately measure the depth of melanoma tumors in living tissue. This technology has the potential to improve diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment planning for melanoma patients by providing valuable information on tumor volume.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateAug 6, 2014

Young loggerhead turtles not going with the flow

A study found that juvenile loggerhead turtles in the South Pacific Ocean swim against prevailing currents at a rate of 30 cm/sec. The turtles use multiple sensory cues to detect current flow and orient themselves for swimming.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 6, 2014

Older adults have morning brains!

A study published in Psychology and Aging found that older adults who were tested in the morning performed better on demanding cognitive tasks and showed greater activation of attentional control regions in their brains. This suggests that scheduling mentally challenging tasks for the morning can be beneficial for older adults.

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalPsychology and Aging·DateAug 6, 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.

Study: Many cancer survivors smoke years after diagnosis

A study of nearly 3,000 cancer survivors found that nearly one in ten continued to smoke many years after diagnosis. The highest rates were seen among bladder and lung cancer patients. Meanwhile, sociodemographic factors such as age, education, and income played a role in smoking status.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·DateAug 6, 2014

Racial makeup of private prisons shows disparities, new OSU study finds

A new study from Oregon State University found that private prisons have a disproportionate number of Hispanic inmates, while white inmates are underrepresented. The study suggests that racial disparities in inmate placement may lead to legal challenges for corrections officials.

SourceOregon State University·JournalRace and Justice·DateAug 6, 2014

Farm manager plays leading role in postharvest loss

A study in Mato Grosso, Brazil found that farm managers who are aware of factors contributing to postharvest loss actually experience less grain loss. The main causes of loss include harvest speed, lack of truck maintenance, bad weather, and poor road conditions. Despite identifying these issues, many farmers do not prioritize loss red...

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Agricultural Management·DateAug 6, 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.

Nutrition an issue for Indigenous Australians

A study published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health found that nutrition was not given enough priority in national Aboriginal health policy between 2000 and 2012. The research identified a significant gap in life expectancy, with Indigenous Australians living 11.5 years less than non-Aboriginal Australians.

SourceWiley·JournalAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health·DateAug 6, 2014

Discovery about wound healing key to understanding cell movement

A team of international researchers, led by Professor Wayne Brodland from the University of Waterloo, found that wounds knit together through a complex process involving cellular crawling and contraction. This discovery has potential applications in addressing major health issues such as birth defects and cancer

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalNature Physics·DateAug 6, 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.

Wiki ranking

Researchers develop AI-powered system to score Wikipedia entries based on quality, outperforming human users. The algorithm uses Bayesian statistics and multivariate Gaussian distribution modeling to analyze content and rank articles accordingly.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Information Quality·DateAug 6, 2014

Link between vitamin D and dementia risk confirmed

A recent study published in the medical journal Neurology has confirmed a substantial link between vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease in older adults. The research found that participants with severe vitamin D deficiency were more than twice as likely to develop dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNeurology·DateAug 6, 2014
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.

NIST ion duet offers tunable module for quantum simulator

Physicists at NIST demonstrated a pas de deux of atomic ions that combines precise control with entangled states. The ion duet enables scalable simulation and computing, with potential applications in logic operations and precision measurement tools.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature·DateAug 6, 2014

Aggressive behavior increases adolescent drinking, depression doesn't

A recent study found that adolescents with aggressive behavior are more prone to drinking alcohol, while depression and anxiety do not increase the risk of alcohol use. The study also linked smoking, attention problems, early menarche, and parental divorce to increased alcohol consumption.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of Adolescence·DateAug 6, 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.

New research links tornado strength, frequency to climate change

A Florida State University study reveals that while the number of tornado days per year has decreased, their density and strength have increased. This means that even though tornadoes are not occurring as frequently, they are having a more significant impact when they do occur.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalClimate Dynamics·DateAug 6, 2014

Typhoon Halong opens its eye again for NASA

Typhoon Halong has reopened its eye after going through eyewall replacement, a sign of weakening winds. The storm is still powerful, with maximum sustained winds of 85 knots and rough seas.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 6, 2014

Researchers seek 'safety lock' against tumor growth after stem cell transplantation

Researchers have discovered a way to induce immunorejection of tumors formed by stem cell transplantation, potentially eliminating cancer. The study used laboratory mice and found that withdrawal of immunosuppression led to rejection of tumors, creating a 'safety lock' against tumor growth.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateAug 6, 2014
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.