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Science News for December 30, 2014


Bats are a possible source of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa

A study published in EMBO Molecular Medicine suggests that contact between humans and virus-infected bats may have originated the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. The researchers found no evidence of larger wildlife being the source of infection, expanding the range of possible Ebola virus sources to insectivorous free-tailed bats.

SourceEMBO·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateDec 30, 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.

New liver cancer target is a protein that accelerates inflammation

Researchers have found a new potential target for liver cancer treatment in the protein TREM-1, which accelerates chronic inflammation. Studies suggest that blocking TREM-1 can block the conversion of healthy cells to cancerous ones and even stop progression of existing cancer.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateDec 30, 2014

Speeding up Ebola drug production

Researchers at UC Davis aim to produce Zmapp, an Ebola cocktail of antibodies, using plant cells grown in bioreactors instead of whole plants. This could enable rapid production and increase capacity for biotech companies.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateDec 30, 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.

Parental history of suicide attempt associated with increased risk in kids

A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that children whose parents have attempted suicide are nearly 5 times more likely to attempt suicide themselves. Researchers followed the children of 701 parents with mood disorders for an average of six years, and found a direct effect of parental suicide attempt on child suicide attempt.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateDec 30, 2014

Children with autism who live with pets are more assertive

Research by University of Missouri-Columbia reveals that children with autism living with pets display improved social skills, particularly in initiating interactions and responding to others. The presence of a pet serves as a catalyst for social interaction, facilitating greater assertiveness among these individuals.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateDec 30, 2014

Malaria combination drug therapy for children

Researchers found that a new malaria treatment combination of artemisinin-naphthoquine was non-inferior to existing therapy for uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, but more effective against another species. The study suggests this regimen could be considered for children in settings with multiple parasite species.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 30, 2014

New study links neurological disorders in captive felids to improper diet

A study published in Food and Nutrition Sciences found that neurological disorders among captive felids in the UAE are correlated with copper and Vitamin A deficiencies due to inadequate diets. Thirty percent of animals without supplements developed clinical signs such as ataxia and hind limb weakness.

SourceCheetah Conservation Fund·JournalFood and Nutrition Sciences·DateDec 30, 2014

Nature, nurture and time

A new study reveals that genetic factors influencing obesity vary depending on the era of birth and when the research is conducted. Researchers found a stronger association between the FTO gene variant and obesity for individuals born after 1942 compared to those born before 1942.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A simulation of the universe with realistic galaxies

A team of astronomers developed a simulation that produces galaxies with characteristics similar to observed ones, including mass, size, and age. The strong galactic winds in the EAGLE-simulation lead to lighter and younger galaxies with less star formation, mirroring real galaxy observations.

SourceDurham University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateDec 30, 2014

Cancer treatment potential discovered in gene repair mechanism

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University identified a way to increase the presence of the 53BP1 protein, which weakens cancer cells and makes them more susceptible to radiation and chemotherapy. The breakthrough could lead to improved cancer treatment outcomes if supported by animal model tests.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 2014

A repulsive material

Researchers develop new hydrogel with electrostatic repulsion properties, inspired by articular cartilage and maglev trains. The material easily deforms under shear forces but resists compressive forces.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·DateDec 30, 2014

Researchers use nanotechnology to engineer ACL replacements

A team of researchers from Northwestern University has developed a tri-component synthetic graft to replace torn ACLs, utilizing nanotechnology and biomaterials. The artificial ligament's bone-like ends have healed into native bone, anchoring it in place.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine·DateDec 30, 2014
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

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Neonatal HBV vaccine reduces liver cancer risk

A 30-year study found that neonatal HBV vaccination significantly reduced the risk of primary liver cancer and other liver diseases in young adults. The study's results show that vaccination led to a 84% reduction in liver cancer incidence, highlighting the importance of early intervention.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 30, 2014

New treatment strategy allows lower doses of toxic tuberculosis drug without compromising potency

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a new treatment strategy that allows lower doses of the toxic tuberculosis drug bedaquiline to retain potency while reducing side effects. This approach, which combines bedaquiline with verapamil, has shown promising results in mouse studies and is poised for clinical trials.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateDec 30, 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.

Molecules seen binding to HIV-1's protective capsule, blocking infection

Researchers have identified how PF74 and CPSF6 molecules bind to HIV-1's capsid, preventing its disassembly. This process can be targeted for therapeutic purposes in HIV-1 infections, potentially blocking viral replication.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 2014

Gift-wrapped gas molecules

Researchers have successfully created metal-organic frameworks that can stably store and slowly release nitric oxide, a key player in biological signaling pathways. This breakthrough could lead to new approaches for treating infections and heart conditions, as well as potential applications in medical therapies.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Materials·DateDec 30, 2014

NASA sees heaviest rainfall north of Tropical Cyclone Kate's eye

The TRMM satellite measured the heaviest rainfall rate of about 1.2 inches per hour north of Tropical Cyclone Kate's eye, with weaker rates around its center. The storm strengthened since Dec. 29 and developed an eye, moving southwest through the Southern Indian Ocean.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 30, 2014