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Science News for January 1, 2014


Novel noninvasive therapy prevents breast cancer formation in mice

A novel breast-cancer therapy has been developed that partially reverses the cancerous state in cultured breast tumor cells and prevents cancer development in mice. The therapy uses a sophisticated method to identify genes that drive cancer and blocks them using RNA interference, offering new hope for early-stage treatment without surg...

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 1, 2014

Insight into likelihood of retinal detachment following open globe injury

A study published in Ophthalmology found that open globe injuries increase the risk of retinal detachment, particularly among older patients with poorer visual acuity. Researchers developed a new scoring system to predict which patients are at higher risk, which may help prevent or identify and repair retinal detachment more quickly.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalJournal of Ophthalmology·DateJan 1, 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.

Research into fruit fly cells could lead to cancer insights

Scientists at the University of Exeter have identified four distinct routes for cell division, which could lead to errors in cell division and increase cancer risk. The study also found a central molecular complex, Augmin, essential for all these pathways.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJan 1, 2014

How best to go about getting seed money through crowdfunding

A study of over 20,000 Kickstarter campaigns found that entrepreneurs who emphasized their own projects were more likely to succeed than those who focused on themselves. The research also suggests that this approach is particularly effective for artistic ventures.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·DateJan 1, 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.

Alcohol, tobacco, drug use far higher in severely mentally ill

Researchers analyzed nearly 20,000 people with severe psychiatric illness, finding that 30% engaged in binge drinking, 75% were regular smokers, and 50% used marijuana regularly. These findings are concerning because individuals with severe mental illness tend to die younger due to health problems caused by chronic substance use.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJan 1, 2014

Drivers engaged in other tasks about 10 percent of the time

A recent NIH study using video technology and in-vehicle sensors found that drivers engage in distracting activities about 10% of the time, with risks being greatest for newly licensed teen drivers who are eight times more likely to crash or have a near miss while texting.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 1, 2014

US global share of research spending declines

The US has lost its lead in global biomedical research spending, with Asia's share increasing from 18% to 24%, while the US dropped from 51% to 45%. Industry funding cuts drove this decline, not public sector reductions. Increased support from governments and lower labor costs in Asia are key factors.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 1, 2014