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Science News for January 6, 2014


The loving touch is critical for premature infants

A decade-long study shows that providing maternal-newborn skin-to-skin contact enhances child physiologic organization and cognitive control, leading to better neuroendocrine response to stress. The intervention, called Kangaroo Care, also improves children's functioning in systems sensitive to early maternal deprivation.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJan 6, 2014

Development of a novel dual JAK/Src kinase inhibitor

A new compound, MLS-2384, has been developed as a potential anti-tumor therapeutic agent targeting JAK and Src kinases. It exhibits dual inhibitory activity against these kinases and blocks downstream signaling into the STAT3 pathway.

SourceLandes Bioscience·JournalCancer Biology & Therapy·DateJan 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.

Study: Half of black males, 40 percent of white males arrested by age 23

A new study finds that nearly half of black males and almost 40 percent of white males are arrested by age 23, affecting their ability to find work, attend school, and fully participate in their communities. The study also reveals little race variation in arrest rates among females.

SourceUniversity of South Carolina·JournalCrime & Delinquency·DateJan 6, 2014

New technique targets specific areas of cancer cells with different drugs

Researchers at North Carolina State University developed nanoparticles that deliver two different cancer-killing drugs to separate parts of the cell. The technique, tested on laboratory mice, resulted in significant tumor reduction compared to conventional treatments.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJan 6, 2014

Nomogram to determine individualized estimates of screen-detected prostate cancer overdiagnosis

A new nomogram developed by Roman Gulati et al. estimates the likelihood of overdiagnosis for screen-detected prostate cancers, considering patient age, Gleason score, and PSA level at diagnosis. The model predicts risks ranging from 2.9% to 88.1% depending on individual characteristics.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 6, 2014

When danger is in the eye of the beholder

Researchers found that people, especially men, tend to perceive risk-seekers as taller and stronger than cautious individuals. The study used fictional characters and real-life scenarios to demonstrate this phenomenon.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalEvolution and Human Behavior·DateJan 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.

MRSA infection rates drop in Veterans Affairs long-term care facilities

A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found a significant decrease in MRSA infections in Veterans Affairs long-term care facilities over a 42-month period. The MRSA Prevention Initiative, which included screening, hand hygiene, and institutional culture change, led to a 36% overall decline in MRSA infections.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateJan 6, 2014

79 years of monitoring demonstrates dramatic forest change

A study of forest changes reveals a 2.4 times increase in tree density since 1929, with fewer pine trees and more fir and cedar, leading to reduced biodiversity and increased susceptibility to severe fires. The findings highlight the importance of restoring fire resilience and improving biodiversity in forests.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Southwest Research Station·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateJan 6, 2014

1 'villain' of the housing crisis played only a small role

A new study from Ohio State University found that despite high mortgage default rates contributing to the 2008 housing meltdown, predatory lenders may have had a smaller impact. The research suggests that even without predatory lending, the subprime crisis would still occur due to other factors.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Financial Economics·DateJan 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.

No 'brakes' -- Study finds mechanism for increased activity of oncogene in certain cancers

Researchers found that mutations in phosphatases lead to dysfunction of regulatory proteins that keep the oncogene in check, causing it to stay activated and promote cancer growth. This discovery suggests a new target for drugs to treat head and neck tumors and other cancers.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2014

Meditation for anxiety and depression?

A daily meditation practice of 30 to 40 minutes can improve symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with various medical conditions. The study found moderate evidence of improvement in symptoms after an eight-week training program in mindfulness meditation.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 6, 2014

Costs for complications from cancer surgical care extremely high

Researchers from Rice University and MD Anderson Cancer Center analyzed cancer patients' statistics, finding higher costs associated with complications. The study found that even small increases in hospitalization costs could be substantial, with respiratory failure resulting in a cost increase of over 50% for all cancer resections.

SourceRice University·JournalCancer·DateJan 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.

Workplace wellness programs can cut chronic illness costs

A RAND Corporation study found that workplace wellness programs can save $3.78 in healthcare costs for every dollar invested in managing chronic illnesses. However, lifestyle management components were found to have smaller savings or no significant effect on health care costs.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJan 6, 2014

Personal health record associated with improved medication adherence

A new study found that using an online patient portal to refill medications increased medication adherence and improved cholesterol levels in patients with diabetes. The study, conducted by Kaiser Permanente, involved 17,760 patients with diabetes who used the online portal to order prescription refills.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalMedical Care·DateJan 6, 2014

Vedran Lekic honored with Richter Early Career Award

Lekic's work has improved the understanding of Earth's large-scale inner structure, revealing key features such as a low-velocity layer internal to continental plates. His research also explores neutrino geoscience and seismic attenuation, providing new insights into plate tectonics and continental evolution

SourceSeismological Society of America·DateJan 6, 2014

Erythropoietin and the regulation of cancer stem cell growth and survival

Researchers found that EPO promotes tumor cell invasion and migration via stimulating a small percentage of stem-like cancer cells. The study provides evidence for a novel paradigm in which EPO regulates tumorigenesis through autocrine/paracrine action, potentially explaining inconsistent results in previous studies.

SourceLandes Bioscience·JournalCancer Biology & Therapy·DateJan 6, 2014
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

NASA's Fermi makes first gamma-ray study of a gravitational lens

The team detected a series of bright gamma-ray flares from a source known as B0218+357, located in a gravitational lens system. The gamma-ray delay is about a day longer than radio observations report for this system, and the region emitting gamma rays is very small compared to those emitting at lower energies.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 6, 2014

Babbling babies -- responding to one-on-one 'baby talk' -- master more words

Researchers found that parents' use of exaggerated vowels and animated baby talk in one-on-one conversations with children is linked to better language development. Infants who heard more baby talk knew more words at 2 years old, on average, compared to those in families with less baby talk.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateJan 6, 2014

Reactivation of the AKT survival pathway by ERK1/2

Researchers found that long-term PI3K inhibitor treatment reactivates Akt through an unknown ERK1/2 regulatory loop. This limits the effectiveness of anti-PI3K strategies against K-Ras mutant or overexpressed tumor cells. Combining MEK-ERK1/2 and PI3K inhibitors may overcome resistance in these tumors.

SourceLandes Bioscience·JournalCancer Biology & Therapy·DateJan 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.

Tiny proteins have outsized influence on nerve health

Researchers found auxiliary proteins play crucial role in sodium channels, affecting disease treatment and pain syndromes. The discovery could lead to more focused treatments for epilepsy, neurological diseases, and muscular disorders.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2014

Supernova's super dust factory imaged with ALMA

Astronomers have captured the remains of a recent supernova brimming with freshly formed dust, which could explain how many galaxies acquired their dusty appearance. The ALMA telescope's unprecedented resolution and sensitivity revealed a large dust mass concentrated in the central part of the ejecta.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJan 6, 2014

To curb China's haze and air pollution, use water

Researchers propose using water spray from tall buildings to remove aerosol pollutants, reducing fine particle load in the atmosphere. This geoengineering technique is environmentally safe, technologically feasible, efficient, and low-cost.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalEnvironmental Chemistry Letters·DateJan 6, 2014

Autism Speaks awards nearly $2.7 million for new research projects

The grants will focus on reducing the average age of diagnosis, increasing access to high-quality early intervention and understanding environmental risk factors for autism. Researchers will also develop effective treatments and assess the benefits of early interventions in urban settings.

SourceAutism Speaks·DateJan 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.

Jumping snails left grounded in future oceans

A study found that conch snails that use a strong foot to leap away from predators either stop jumping or take longer when exposed to high levels of carbon dioxide projected for the end of this century. This disruption affects vital decision-making, making snails more vulnerable to their slow-moving nemesis.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·DateJan 6, 2014

1 in, 1 out: Oxford study shows how people put a limit on their social networks

A new Oxford study reveals that individuals tend to maintain a limited number of close relationships and allocate their communication efforts accordingly. Despite advances in mobile technology and social networking, people's capacity for emotionally close relationships remains finite.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2014

Nanoplasmonics: Towards efficient light harvesting

Transformation optics tackles challenges in plasmonic devices by transforming complex structures into canonical ones, facilitating accurate modeling and design. This enables the development of efficient light-harvesting nanostructures with strong near-field enhancements.

SourceScience China Press·DateJan 6, 2014

Technology 1 step ahead of war laws

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists explores the impact of emerging military technologies on the laws of war, highlighting the need for new legal thinking and institutions to address asymmetric warfare. The article argues that current international law is no longer sufficient to handle the complexity of modern warfare.

SourceSAGE·JournalBulletin of the Atomic Scientists·DateJan 6, 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.

RAMBO a small but powerful magnet

RAMBO allows researchers to run spectroscopy-based experiments in pulsed magnetic fields of up to 30 tesla on a tabletop. The device enables direct optical access to the sample and combines ultrastrong magnetic fields with short and intense optical pulses.

SourceRice University·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateJan 6, 2014

'Ardi' skull reveals links to human lineage

New research confirms Ardi's close evolutionary relationship to humans, revealing a pattern of similarity linking it to Australopithecus and modern humans. The study shows that the human cranial base pattern is at least a million years older than previously thought, with implications for our understanding of human evolution.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2014

BIDMC researcher looks at race and bariatric surgery

A study by BIDMC researchers found that African Americans are less likely to consider weight loss surgery due to lower quality of life concerns, not economic barriers. Patients' reported quality of life was a significant motivator for their decision-making process.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJan 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.

People lacking insurance not likely to migrate to obtain Medicaid coverage

A Harvard School of Public Health study found little evidence that low-income adults in non-expanding states will migrate to expand their coverage. Instead, Medicaid enrollment occurred gradually over time, with participation increasing among previously eligible parents and certain young people.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJan 6, 2014

Laying money on the line leads to healthier food choices over time

A new study published in Psychological Science found that people who use the risk of losing their monthly healthy food discount as a motivational tool are more likely to make healthier choices at the grocery store. By precommitting to increase their healthy food purchases, participants increased their healthy food intake by an average ...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 6, 2014

Suburban sprawl cancels carbon footprint savings of dense urban cores

A new study by UC Berkeley researchers finds that suburban sprawl cancels out the carbon footprint savings of densely populated cities, with suburbs accounting for 50% of household emissions. Interactive maps show striking differences between urban cores and surrounding suburbs, highlighting the need for tailored climate action plans.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateJan 6, 2014

Ear tubes vs. watchful waiting: Tubes do not improve long-term development

A systematic review of 40 studies found that ear tube surgery has no significant impact on hearing, speech, or other functional outcomes beyond a short period. Adenoidectomy also showed limited benefits in reducing time with ear infections and improving hearing up to two years.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJan 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.

Establishing guides for molecular counting using fluorescent proteins

Researchers at ICFO have developed a framework to quantify photoactivation efficiency of fluorescent proteins, enabling accurate protein stoichiometry measurement. This breakthrough enhances our ability to study protein function and disease mechanisms.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Methods·DateJan 6, 2014

CWRU researcher finds released inmates need programs to meet basic and mental health needs

A new study from Case Western Reserve University finds that released inmates with severe mental illness prioritize basic needs like housing and food over mental health services. The study suggests that social workers and policymakers must ensure that both basic and treatment needs are met during the transition from jail to community.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalQualitative Health Research·DateJan 6, 2014

Tiny acts of microbe justice help reveal how nature fights freeloaders

Researchers at Princeton University discovered that bacteria like Vibrio cholerae have a system to prevent freeloaders from enjoying the fruit of others' hard work. By producing a thick coating or using natural fluid flow, these microbes deny access to nutrients generated by productive community members.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 6, 2014
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Imaging technology to improve survival of ischemic disease patients

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are developing imaging technology to improve treatment and survival rates for ischemic heart disease patients. The new technology uses high-speed computer analysis to help doctors determine if stents are restoring circulation as designed, reducing the risk of failure.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateJan 6, 2014

Discovery spotlights key role of mystery RNA modification in cells

A recent study by UChicago scientists reveals how the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification on mRNA affects the half-life of mRNA, regulating cellular protein quantities. This discovery could provide fundamental insights into healthy functioning and disorders such as obesity, diabetes, and infertility.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature·DateJan 6, 2014

Newfound planet is Earth-mass but gassy

The discovery of KOI-314c reveals a planet weighing as much as Earth but 60% larger in diameter, indicating a thick, gaseous atmosphere. The planet's mass was measured using transit timing variations (TTV), a young method for studying low-mass planets.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·DateJan 6, 2014

New fossils shed light on the origins of lions, and tigers, and bears (oh my!)

New fossils from Belgium have revealed the earliest known ancestor of modern carnivores, with species such as lions, tigers and bears tracing their ancestry to primitive carnivorous mammals. The new specimens, including over 250 teeth and ankle bones, provide valuable insights into the evolutionary history of these iconic animals.

SourceSociety of Vertebrate Paleontology·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateJan 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.

Study examines meditation programs of psychological well-being

A study found moderate evidence that mindfulness meditation programs show small improvements in anxiety, depression, and pain. However, there was low evidence of benefits for stress/distress and mental health component of health-related quality of life.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 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.

Improper use of biocides in food production may endanger public health

A study found that sublethal doses of biocides can enhance antibiotic resistance in bacteria, forming harmful biofilms and increasing survival rates. This poses a risk to public health and highlights the need for proper guidelines on biocide use in food production.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJan 6, 2014

Green spaces deliver lasting mental health benefits

A new study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that moving to a greener area improves mental health and the effect continues long after the move. The research team analyzed data from over 1,000 participants and found significant and sustained improvements in mental health for those who relocated to greener areas.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJan 6, 2014

Stimulating brain cells stops binge drinking, animal study finds

Researchers at the University at Buffalo used optogenetics to stimulate dopamine neurons, reducing binge drinking behavior in rats. The technique has potential applications for treating alcoholism, mental illnesses, and neurological diseases.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateJan 6, 2014

Regional variation in Medicare imaging utilization is considerably less than regional variation in imaging costs

A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology reveals that there is minimal change in regional variation of imaging utilization between 2007 and 2011. In contrast, regional variation in imaging costs and other major health services categories remains significant.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology·DateJan 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.

Biomaterials get stem cells to commit to a bony future

A research team at the University of California, San Diego has discovered how calcium phosphate-based materials encourage stem cells to differentiate into bone-forming cells. The findings could lead to the development of new biomaterials that can be used to treat bone defects and diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2014

Worker wasps grow visual brains, queens stay in the dark

A new study reveals that queen paperwasps have smaller visual processing brain regions than workers, suggesting environmental factors shape caste differences. The research highlights the importance of considering individual brain differences within insect colonies for studying neuroecology.

SourceDrexel University·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateJan 6, 2014

Novel 'attract-and-kill' approach could help tackle Argentine ants

Entomologists at UC Riverside have created a novel technique that combines synthetic pheromone with insecticide sprays to effectively control Argentine ant colonies. The 'attract-and-kill' approach resulted in a 57-142% increase in kill rate, making it an economically viable alternative for urban pest management.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·DateJan 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.

Mediterranean diet without weight loss helps prevent diabetes

A Mediterranean diet rich in extra-virgin olive oil reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes by up to 50% without calorie restriction, exercise, or weight loss. The study published in Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that a Mediterranean diet may have public health implications for diabetes prevention.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 6, 2014

Inverse design: New route to design a practical invisibility cloak

The article reviews alternative target-oriented invisibility strategy, referred to as an 'inverse design', which integrates the technical advantages of forward strategies. This approach uses anisotropic materials and non-superluminal propagation to provide cloaking performance with a relatively broad bandwidth.

SourceScience China Press·DateJan 6, 2014

Piggy-backing proteins ride white blood cells to wipe out metastasizing cancer

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a new way to destroy metastasizing cancer cells by hitching killer proteins to white blood cells. The treatment, which uses E-selectin and TRAIL proteins, was found to be nearly 100% effective in killing cancer cells in laboratory tests.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2014

New compounds discovered that are hundreds of times more mutagenic

Scientists have discovered novel compounds produced by chemical reactions that are hundreds of times more mutagenic than their parent compounds. These newly found NPAHs were not previously known to exist and raise concerns about the health impacts of heavily-polluted urban air or dietary exposure.

SourceOregon State University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJan 6, 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.

ALMA spots supernova dust factory

Astronomers have observed a recently formed dust factory in the remnant of Supernova 1987A using ALMA. The findings suggest that significant amounts of dust are being created by supernovae explosions, which could explain the dusty appearance of many galaxies in the early Universe.

SourceESO·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJan 6, 2014