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Science News Archive February 2014 - Page 9


Page 9 of 30

Dismantling pancreas cancer's armor

Researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center have found that removing immune suppressor cells from pancreas tumors triggers a spontaneous anti-tumor immune response, providing hope for future immunotherapy strategies. The study showed that these cells, called granulocyte-myeloid-derived suppressor cells (Gr-MDSCs), actively work ag...

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalGut·DateFeb 20, 2014

Cell behavior in low oxygen conditions mapped

A new study at the University of Liverpool explains how cells adapt to low oxygen environments, potentially controlling cell survival signals. By monitoring protein levels and gene expression, researchers discovered optimal conditions for keeping cells alive, which could lead to cancer treatment advancements.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 20, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Chemical chaperones have helped proteins do their jobs for billions of years

Scientists discovered that polyphosphate, an ancient chemical present in all living creatures, plays a crucial role in protein folding and can substitute for complex chaperone proteins. This breakthrough could lead to new strategies for treating protein folding diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 20, 2014

New research shows the way a room is lit can affect the way you make decisions

A new study from the University of Toronto Scarborough finds that human emotion is felt more intensely under bright light, affecting decision-making. Participants rated stimuli under different lighting conditions, showing a preference for brighter lights to amplify positive and negative emotions.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateFeb 20, 2014

Forest model predicts canopy competition

A new mathematical model developed by Brown University scientists can predict how trees compete for space in the canopy, revealing that incumbent trees dominate 97.9% of a given square meter two years later.

SourceBrown University·JournalEcology Letters·DateFeb 20, 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.

Multilevel approach to coping with stigmas identified

Researchers found that a two-way approach can be more effective in reducing health disparities due to social stigma. Interventions at the individual level, such as educational approaches, can be combined with structural changes, like legislative reforms, to achieve better outcomes.

SourcePenn State·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateFeb 20, 2014

With friends like these, who needs democracy?

A new study by Michigan State University's Michael Colaresi suggests that foreign aid from rival nations can create mistrust among citizens and hinder the establishment of democratic governments after civil wars. Only one country, Algeria, bucked this trend by becoming more democratic in the following decade.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Peace Research·DateFeb 20, 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 shows that premature infants benefit from adult talk

Research published in Pediatrics shows that premature babies who hear more adult talk in the NICU have higher language and cognitive scores at 18 months. The study found that every increase in adult word count per hour during the recording period was associated with a two-point increase in the language score.

SourceCare New England·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateFeb 20, 2014

Sequencing hundreds of nuclear genes in the sunflower family now possible

A new approach allows for the sequencing of hundreds of nuclear genes across members of the Compositae, enabling better-resolution phylogenetic relationships and addressing evolutionary questions about the family. The method, termed target sequence capture, has been successfully tested using 14 species from the sunflower family.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateFeb 20, 2014

Extreme weather decides distribution of insects

Researchers found that insect distribution is primarily defined by their tolerance to extreme temperatures, not average temperature changes. This knowledge helped model the expected shift in distributions due to climate change, with some species predicted to disappear entirely in a few decades.

SourceAarhus University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateFeb 20, 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.

Rural primary care physicians are committed to professionalism, quality improvement

A new study finds that rural primary care physicians are committed to professionalism and quality improvement, contrary to common perceptions. They were more likely to participate in quality improvement activities, discuss costs of care with patients, and report having added Medicaid or uninsured patients to their patient panels.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Rural Health·DateFeb 20, 2014

Scientists discover 11 new genes affecting blood pressure

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have identified 11 new genetic variants associated with high blood pressure and heart disease. These findings provide valuable insight into the body's regulation of blood pressure, potentially leading to the development of new treatments for hypertension.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateFeb 20, 2014

Roots to shoots: Hormone transport in plants deciphered

A new study identifies a protein essential for relocating cytokinins from roots to shoots, regulating plant growth and development. The research has implications for increasing biomass yield and stress tolerance of plants grown for biofuels or agriculture.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 20, 2014

Clinical opinion published on use of maternal oxygen during labor

A clinical opinion published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology suggests that maternal oxygen supplementation during labor may not benefit the fetus and could be harmful. The authors recommend reserving oxygen for mothers with hypoxia only, pending further research.

SourceCare New England·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateFeb 20, 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.

Mauritius kestrels show long-term legacy of man-made habitat change

A study on Mauritius kestrels reveals that the birds have adopted a faster reproductive strategy due to habitat loss, allowing them to maintain population numbers despite reduced survival rates as young adults. The researchers warn that human activities can have long-lasting impacts on wild species' life histories.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 20, 2014

A changing view of bone marrow cells

Researchers at Caltech have shown that bone marrow cells are sensitive to infection-related molecules and respond rapidly. They detect invasion and mount an inflammatory response, producing cytokines that stimulate the differentiation of immune cells.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateFeb 20, 2014

Greece's deepening health crisis

A new study reveals that Greece's health system is deteriorating due to severe austerity measures, leading to a rise in infectious diseases and mental health issues. The country has experienced significant cuts to its healthcare budget, resulting in reduced access to medical care for many patients.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 20, 2014

Better broccoli, enhanced anti-cancer benefits with longer shelf life

Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered a method to increase broccoli's anti-cancer properties while prolonging its shelf life. The combined application of methyl jasmonate and 1-methylcyclopropene increased the presence of cancer-fighting agents in broccoli, while reducing ethylene levels that cause decay.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 20, 2014

Long-term daily multivitamin supplement use decreases cataract risk in men

Researchers found a significant decrease in cataract risk among male physicians taking a daily multivitamin supplement, with a 9% lower risk compared to the placebo group. However, the study also found a slight increase in age-related macular degeneration risk among multivitamin users.

SourceAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology·JournalOphthalmology·DateFeb 20, 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.

Enhancement of chemotherapy by prevention of tumor cell repair

Researchers discovered a new drug, spironolactone, that inhibits DNA repair mechanisms, making cancer cells more susceptible to chemotherapy. This finding has the potential to enhance cancer treatment protocols and improve patient outcomes.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalChemistry & Biology·DateFeb 20, 2014

Crime Lab receives $1 million MacArthur Foundation award

The University of Chicago Crime Lab has received a $1 million MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions to study interventions preventing violence. Researchers have found targeted tutoring programs improve school outcomes and reduce violence among high school students.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·DateFeb 20, 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.

Study examines correctional officer stress

A new study by Sam Houston State University found that conflicts between work and family life were the most significant issues affecting correctional officers' stress and job satisfaction. The study identified demands from work, incompatibility between work and home roles, and family circumstances as major contributors to job stress.

SourceSam Houston State University·DateFeb 20, 2014

Turning back the clock on aging muscles?

Researchers have discovered a method for restoring strength to damaged skeletal muscles in the elderly using stem cell therapy. The treatment involves treating cells outside the body with a drug that prevents protein modification and culturing them on soft biomaterials, allowing aged cells to grow and self-renew.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 20, 2014

Biopsies before transplantation do not determine success of donated kidneys

Studies found that biopsied kidney injuries were modestly associated with delay in organ function, but only for donor kidneys already at high risk. However, there was a large degree of overlap between discarded and transplanted kidneys, suggesting low-quality biopsies may be used to make acceptance decisions.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 20, 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.

What has happened to the tsunami debris from Japan?

The IPRC Ocean Drift Model has been charting the possible paths of tsunami driftage for nearly 3 years, improving its accuracy by accounting for different shapes and buoyancies. The model predicts the type and timing of material that washes up along windward shores, including oyster buoys, crates, and wood pieces from Japan.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii ‑ SOEST·DateFeb 20, 2014

Scientists create powerful artificial muscle with fishing line

Researchers have created artificial muscles that generate far more force and power than human muscles of the same size, using fibres from fishing lines and sewing threads. These inexpensive muscles can quickly lift weights up to 100 times heavier than humans can, with applications in medical devices, humanoid robots, and prosthetic limbs.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScience·DateFeb 20, 2014

New calibration confirms LUX dark matter results

The LUX detector demonstrates its high sensitivity to potential signals in the search for low-mass dark matter particles. The new calibration confirms that no evidence of such particles was found during the detector's initial run.

SourceBrown University·DateFeb 20, 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.

Why are some children more resilient to post-traumatic stress?

A study comparing post-traumatic stress symptoms among children exposed to disasters and identifying risk factors for resiliency. The article discusses the importance of recognizing similarities and differences in how children and adults react to traumatic events.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology·DateFeb 20, 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.

Elsevier announces the launch of a new journal: TrEAC

Elsevier has launched a new journal, TrEAC, which will publish concise and critical overviews of the rapid changes and development in environmental analytical chemistry. The journal aims to enhance understanding of the environment through analysis and detection of new contaminants.

SourceElsevier·JournalTrends in Environmental Analytical Chemistry·DateFeb 20, 2014

Bioengineered growth factors lead to better wound healing

Researchers at EPFL have developed bioengineered growth factors that significantly enhance wound healing, bone repair, and new blood vessel formation. The engineered growth factors display improved binding affinity to extracellular matrix proteins, leading to faster tissue closure and granulation tissue production.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience·DateFeb 20, 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.

Molecular 'cocktail' transforms skin cells into beating heart cells

Researchers at the Gladstone Institutes have devised a method to reprogram skin cells into cells that closely resemble beating heart cells, exhibiting twitching and contracting patterns. The addition of one genetic factor, Oct4, accelerated the transformation, revealing promising results for pharmaceutical-based therapies.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 20, 2014

New apps may help detect seizures, treat strokes

Two new smartphone applications have been developed to aid in diagnosing epileptic seizures and managing acute stroke care. The epilepsy app was found to be informative in 87% of tested individuals, agreeing with medical diagnoses in 96% of cases.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateFeb 20, 2014

Stress hormone linked to frailty

A new study found that individuals with frailty have lower morning cortisol levels and higher evening levels, associated with reduced grip strength and walking speed. This study suggests a link between disrupted cortisol regulation and loss of muscle mass and strength in frail adults.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 20, 2014

MD Anderson researcher uncovers some of the ancient mysteries of leprosy

A new hypothesis suggests that leprosy has existed for millions of years, with roots dating back to around 10 million years ago. The disease is believed to have evolved from a common ancestor of two known leprosy bacteria, which underwent reductive evolution resulting in a lean genome and loss of free-living ability.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateFeb 20, 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.

Human and dog brains both have dedicated 'voice areas'

A recent study has revealed that human and dog brains share dedicated 'voice areas', suggesting a long evolutionary history of this neural mechanism. The research used fMRI scans to compare brain activity between humans and dogs in response to voice and emotional sounds.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 20, 2014

Genetic screening can identify men with advanced prostate cancer

Scientists at The Institute of Cancer Research have discovered that screening for certain genetic mutations in men with a family history of prostate cancer can predict the development of aggressive forms of the disease. The study identified 13 'loss of function' mutations in eight DNA repair genes, which significantly increase the risk...

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateFeb 20, 2014

From a distance: New technique for repair work

A novel platform connects engineers in their offices with production locations, enabling real-time video transmission and interactive 3D model views. This approach facilitates remote maintenance by showing operators multiple views of the machine on screen.

SourceSaarland University·DateFeb 20, 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.

Smaller meals more times per day may curb obesity in cats

A study found that feeding cats smaller meals more frequently increased their physical activity, particularly when anticipating meal times. This approach can be a practical solution for pet owners to manage feline obesity and diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateFeb 20, 2014