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Science News for January 8, 2014


Many small exoplanets found to be covered in gas

New measurements of mass reveal that planets smaller than Neptune have low density due to extensive gas coverage, while larger ones have higher density. This suggests these planets formed quickly after their star's birth, contrasting with Earth's late formation.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateJan 8, 2014

Study identifies risk factors for non-fatal overdoses

Researchers analyzed data from 294 participants with HIV and injection drug use history to identify risk factors for non-fatal overdoses. Injection frequency and anti-retroviral therapy were found to be associated with a higher risk of non-fatal overdose within the previous three months.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAIDS Care·DateJan 8, 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.

Lower fat content and exercise for the diet of adolescents

A study by UPV/EHU links high dietary fat content with increased abdominal fat in adolescents, regardless of physical activity levels. The findings highlight the importance of monitoring dietary fat intake for preventing obesity and related health issues in this vulnerable age group.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalClinical Nutrition·DateJan 8, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Drought and downing equal vulture supermarkets

A study found that African vultures focus on areas with high prey mortality, rather than abundance, to locate food sources. Vultures travel vast distances throughout the year in search of food, covering regions larger than New Jersey and New York State combined.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 8, 2014

New device can reduce sleep apnea episodes by 70 percent, Pitt-UPMC study shows

A new device called Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation (UAS) therapy has been shown to significantly reduce obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) episodes by approximately 70 percent in patients. The device targets the muscle tone of the throat, leading to improved control of breathing and reduced daytime fatigue.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 8, 2014

BOSS measures the universe to 1-percent accuracy

The Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS) has made the most precise calibration yet of the universe's 'standard ruler', measuring its scale to an accuracy of one percent. This precision is crucial for determining the nature of dark energy and understanding the expansion history of the universe.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 8, 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.

Scientists find a new mechanism underlying depression

Researchers at Hebrew University find that chronic stress activates microglia cells, leading to depressive-like behavior and reduced neurogenesis. Blocking or stimulating microglia cells with specific drugs can reverse these effects, offering new avenues for antidepressant treatment.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJan 8, 2014

Medicine protects against strokes

A large Danish study found that anticoagulant medicine significantly reduces the risk of serious brain damage or death due to a stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study, which followed over 11,000 patients, also showed that mortality within 30 days is lower for those receiving treatment.

SourceAarhus University·JournalStroke·DateJan 8, 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.

Infants show ability to tell friends from foes

Nine-month-old infants can infer whether people are friends or not based on their reactions to shared evaluations, such as eating the same food. This suggests that infants track social relationships from an early age and make inferences about others' behavior.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·DateJan 8, 2014

Heart attacks hit poor the hardest

Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that socioeconomic status is a strong predictor of higher risk of disease and death after a heart attack. Poor patients are more likely to become frail, have lower socioeconomic status, and experience poorer access to healthcare.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalInternational Journal of Cardiology·DateJan 8, 2014

Cardiologists urged to reduce inappropriate radiation exposure

The European Society of Cardiology recommends reducing patient radiation exposure in cardiology procedures, which amount to over 50 chest X-rays per person each year. This can be achieved by implementing measures such as auditing and optimizing doses, educating patients, and encouraging industry competition.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJan 8, 2014

Newly discovered celestial object defies categories

A newly discovered celestial object, ROXs 42Bb, located nine times the mass of Jupiter and 30 times further away from its star than Jupiter, defies easy categorization as a planet or brown dwarf. This finding blurs the distinction between planets and brown dwarfs, prompting researchers to re-examine formation theories.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJan 8, 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.

First shark genome decoded

Researchers have sequenced and analyzed the elephant shark genome, comparing it with human and other vertebrate genomes. The study found that sharks lack certain types of immune cells and exhibit robust immune defences despite this, and also revealed why cartilage prevails in their skeleton over bone.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateJan 8, 2014

Climate change: How does soil store CO2?

Researchers at TUM discovered that carbon binds to small mineral particles with rough surfaces, leading to preferential spots for sequestration. The study used a mass spectrometer to visualize and compare soil structures, revealing areas with high carbon content.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 8, 2014

Radiocarbon dating suggests white sharks can live 70 years and longer

A new study suggests that adult white sharks in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean may live for up to 70 years or longer. Researchers used radiocarbon dating to determine age estimates and found that growth rates slow down as sharks age, leading to underestimated ages.

SourceNOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 8, 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.

The Lancet research series

The Lancet research series aims to increase value and reduce waste in biomedical research by setting clear priorities, improving research design and conduct, and enhancing regulation and management. The series proposes metrics for stakeholders to monitor the implementation of recommendations.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 8, 2014

Nutrition guidelines needed for full-service restaurant chains

A study of over 2,600 menu items found that full-service restaurants in Philadelphia exceed daily recommended values for calories, fat, and sodium. Nutrition education can help consumers make informed choices, but policy changes are necessary to promote healthier options.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateJan 8, 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.

Neolithic mural may depict ancient eruption

Scientists analyzed volcanic rock samples from Turkey's Hasan Dagi volcano and found ages that overlap with the estimated time of a Çatalhöyük Neolithic site mural. The mural is believed to depict an explosive eruption of the volcano, which closely matches the dated timeline.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 8, 2014

Tracking the deep sea paths of tiger sharks

A four-year study tracked the migratory patterns of 33 tiger sharks across the Coral Sea. Coastal marine parks offer limited protection to these apex predators, whereas oceanic reefs are crucial for their ecology and require prioritization in conservation efforts.

SourceGriffith University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 8, 2014

Researchers grapple with UK's nuclear legacy

A £8 million project at the University of Leeds is developing new technologies to handle different types of spent fuels, packaging and storing waste, and dealing with nuclear sludges. The research consortium brings together academics, industry experts, and government advisors to tackle Britain's nuclear legacy.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·DateJan 8, 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.

Older firefighters may be more resilient to working in heat

A recent study found that older firefighters who are chronically exposed to heat stress on the job may be able to tolerate more challenging work environments before feeling affected by the heat. This increased heat resilience could enable them to perform tasks without stopping due to thermal strain, thereby reducing the risk of injurie...

SourceAmerican Industrial Hygiene Association·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene·DateJan 8, 2014

Study finds that information is as important as medication in reducing migraine pain

A study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that patients' expectations, whether positive, negative, or neutral, significantly influence the effects of both medications and placebos on migraine pain. The researchers discovered that a positive message and powerful medication are essential for effective clinical care.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 8, 2014

Molecular engines star in new model of DNA repair

Researchers at NYU Langone Health discover how RNA polymerase patrols the genome for DNA damage and recruits partners to repair it, leading to fewer mutations and less disease. The study's findings have major implications for our understanding of DNA repair and its role in cancer and aging.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateJan 8, 2014

Columbia Engineering wins $3 million ARPA-E grant to raise efficiency, lower cost of power grid

A research team led by Ken Shepard has won a $3 million grant from the US Energy Department's ARPA-E program to develop next-generation power conversion devices. The goal is to lower costs and improve energy efficiency in power electronics, enabling applications like data centers, electric vehicles, and photovoltaics.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateJan 8, 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.

Marine bacteria to fight tough infections

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have identified marine bacteria that can effectively inhibit the ability of staphylococci to form toxins and camouflage proteins. These compounds, known as antivirulence therapy, may offer a new solution for treating resistant bacterial infections.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 8, 2014

Elephant shark genome decoded

Researchers have sequenced the elephant shark genome, providing new insights into bone formation and adaptive immunity. The study reveals a family of genes essential for bone development and identifies a lack of immune cells in sharks, despite robust immune responses.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateJan 8, 2014

Discovery brings scientists 1 step closer to understanding tendon injury

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London uncovered a critical mechanism in tendon function, revealing why older individuals are more prone to tendon injuries. The study found that fascicle helices are essential for tendon elasticity and that ageing alters this structure, increasing the risk of injury.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJan 8, 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.

UCLA life scientists, colleagues differentiate microbial good and evil

Researchers have identified a group of bacteria from the genus Burkholderia that can be used to fertilize crops without harming humans. These beneficial strains fix atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, which helps plants thrive. The discovery has significant implications for sustainable agriculture in less productive areas.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 8, 2014

Quasars illuminate swiftly swirling clouds around galaxies

Researchers used data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey to discover measurable shifts in giant gas clouds around galaxies in a span of just five years. The findings suggest that these clouds are much smaller than previously thought, with implications for how galaxies form and evolve over time.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 8, 2014

On-field blood test can diagnose sports concussions

A new on-field blood test can accurately diagnose sports concussions, distinguishing them from physical exertion. S100B levels rise significantly after a concussion, making it a promising biomarker for head injuries.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 8, 2014

Literary mood reflects the economic mood of past 10 years, study finds

A recent study found a strong correlation between literary misery and economic conditions over the past decade. The researchers analyzed millions of books published in English to develop a 'literary misery index,' which reflected the relative abundance of sadness words minus happiness words.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 8, 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.

Researchers unveil rich world of fish biofluorescence

A team of researchers has identified more than 180 species of fish that exhibit biofluorescence, a phenomenon where organisms absorb and emit light of different colors. The study reveals the widespread distribution of biofluorescence across marine fish species, indicating its potential use in communication and mating.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 8, 2014

Higher risk of birth problems after assisted conception

A comprehensive study of over 300,000 births in South Australia found that babies conceived through assisted reproductive therapies had a higher risk of stillbirth, preterm birth, low birth weight, and neonatal death compared to naturally conceived babies. The risks varied depending on the type of assisted conception used.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 8, 2014

Does the body's immune response to viral vector delivery systems affect the safety or efficacy of gene therapy?

A recent study published in Human Gene Therapy evaluated the immune response to viral vector delivery systems and their impact on gene therapy's safety and efficacy. The researchers found that the systemic and local immune reactions induced by AAV-based gene therapy did not affect the safety of gene therapy or expression of the replace...

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateJan 8, 2014

AML score that combines genetic and epigenetic changes might help guide therapy

Researchers at Ohio State University discovered a seven-gene panel associated with DNA methylation that can identify patients with the best or poorest outcomes in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treatment. Patients with low scores, indicating few highly expressed genes, had better complete-remission rates and longer survival rates.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJan 8, 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.

Organic mega flow battery promises breakthrough for renewable energy

A new type of battery that could transform grid-scale energy storage, making power from renewables more economical and reliable. The innovative technology relies on naturally abundant, inexpensive quinone molecules, which are similar to those found in plants and animals.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature·DateJan 8, 2014

Scientists make your stomach turn bright green if you have an ulcer

Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark have developed a new, safer, and noninvasive diagnostic technique for stomach ulcers. The technique makes the ulcer-causing bacteria in the gut light up in fluorescent green, allowing doctors to detect ulcers instantly without taking tissue samples.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 8, 2014

Researchers propose alternative way to allocate science funding

Researchers propose an alternative way to allocate science funding by distributing funds collectively among the scientific community. This approach could save time, money, and encourage innovation, while also allowing for more flexible funding and potentially changing publication practices.

SourceEMBO·JournalEMBO Reports·DateJan 8, 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.

Bio-inspired glue keeps hearts securely sealed

Researchers developed a bio-inspired adhesive that rapidly attaches biodegradable patches in a beating heart, addressing drawbacks of previous systems. The adhesive maintains strong sticking power in the presence of blood and remains attached even at increased heart rates and blood pressure.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 8, 2014

Penn biologists establish new method for studying RNA's regulatory 'footprint'

Researchers have created a technique called PIP-seq to map all interactions between RNA and proteins. The study identifies potential disease-causing genetic mutations in regions of RNAs where RNA-binding proteins bind, providing new insights into neurological diseases like Parkinson's. The data is publicly available online.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalGenome Biology·DateJan 8, 2014

New study finds upper-airway electronic stimulation effective for obstructive sleep apnea

Researchers found that mild electronic stimulation therapy to the upper airway during sleep is effective in reducing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by restoring muscle tone and preventing tongue collapse. The study's results showed significant improvements in symptoms, quality of life, and daytime sleepiness.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 8, 2014

Bacteria linked to water breaking prematurely during pregnancy

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found a high presence of bacteria at the site where fetal membranes rupture may be associated with premature water breaking. The study suggests that bacterial presence is linked to thinning of the fetal membranes, which can lead to preterm births.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 8, 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.

A 1-percent measure of galaxies half the universe away

Researchers from the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS) have measured galaxy distances over six billion light-years away to an unprecedented one-percent accuracy. This achievement places new constraints on dark energy and provides valuable insights into the mysterious force driving the universe's accelerating expansion.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·DateJan 8, 2014

2 million years ago, human relative 'Nutcracker Man' lived on tiger nuts

A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that early hominins like Paranthropus boisei ate a diet of tiger nuts, fruits, and insects, providing enough nutrients for their large brains. The research calculates that a hominin could extract sufficient calories from tiger nuts in just two to three hours per day.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 8, 2014

Laundering money -- literally -- could save billions of dollars

Researchers have created a way to clean dirty banknotes, removing accumulated sebum and motor oil without damaging security features. This process could save nearly $10 billion annually and minimize the environmental impact of currency disposal.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·DateJan 8, 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.

Massive exoplanets may be more Earth-like than thought

Researchers challenge conventional wisdom that super-Earths are waterworlds, proposing they can have exposed continents and an Earth-like climate. The model suggests most tectonically active super-Earths store water in the mantle, enabling a stable climate.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateJan 8, 2014

The ironic (and surprising) effects of weight stigma

UCSB psychology professor Brenda Major found that weight-stigmatizing messages can actually lead to increased eating and reduced self-control in overweight women. The study suggests that these messages can exacerbate feelings of helplessness, causing individuals to engage in unhealthy eating habits.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateJan 8, 2014

Bed bugs grow faster in groups

A recent study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology found that bed bug nymphs develop 2.2 days faster when living in groups than as solitary individuals. This significant difference suggests that social interaction plays a key role in accelerating bed bug development.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateJan 8, 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.

New study finds extreme longevity in white sharks

Researchers analyzed vertebrae from four females and four males in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean, determining ages of up to 40 years for females and 73 years for males. The study used radiocarbon analysis to pinpoint age in the vertebra layers, providing irrefutable evidence of white shark longevity.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 8, 2014

Stopping tumors in their path

Researchers from McGill University have identified two transcription factors controlling the expression of genes involved in GBM tumourigenesis. Impairing these proteins could significantly reduce the ability of brain tumour-initiating cells to give rise to brain tumors.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 8, 2014

Fungi may determine the future of soil carbon

Research by Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute scientist Benjamin Turner and colleagues reveals that fungi are a key driver of soil carbon storage. Fungi can lead to 70% more carbon in the soil by accessing organic forms of nitrogen, limiting the activity of microorganisms that break down dead organic matter.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalNature·DateJan 8, 2014

Negative feedback makes cells 'sensitive'

Cells lacking negative feedback loops become insensitive to growth stimuli, similar to cancerous cells. Researchers used automated imaging and mathematical analysis to show that mutant cells cannot detect growth factor levels.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 8, 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.

Seniors moving to HCBS face more hospital risk

A new study found that seniors transitioning from nursing homes to home and community-based care (HCBS) face a 40% greater risk of preventable hospitalizations. The practice resulted in more hospitalizations among seniors dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare due to inadequate medical support services in community settings.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 8, 2014

Chemical imaging brings cancer tissue analysis into the digital age

A new method for analyzing biological samples based on their chemical makeup is set to transform the way medical scientists examine diseased tissue. The technology uses mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) to identify tissue types, providing more detailed information than standard histological tests.

SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 8, 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.

Study discovers natural hybridization produced dolphin species

A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals that the clymene dolphin, a small marine mammal, arose through natural hybridization between two closely related dolphin species. The research provides insights into the mechanisms of evolution and highlights the importance of continued monitoring for this threatened species.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 8, 2014

Controlling blood sugar levels in critically ill children could save NHS £12 million per year

A major UK-wide study found that controlling blood sugar levels in critically ill children can reduce hospital stay length and save the NHS around £12 million a year. Tight glycaemic control resulted in an average length of hospital stay 13.5 days less for children who had not undergone heart surgery.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 8, 2014

Discovery leads to patent for novel method of treating traumatic brain injury

Researchers have discovered a novel method of treating traumatic brain injury by stimulating 'caretaker cells' to reduce swelling. The treatment, using compounds like 2-methylthio-ADP and MRS2365, has shown promise in reducing edema and prolonging the life of neurons.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalJournal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism·DateJan 8, 2014
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Study explains origins of giant underwater waves

Giant underwater waves, invisible to the eye, are produced by temperature and salinity differences in ocean water. These internal waves, resembling surface waves in shape, play a key role in mixing ocean waters, driving warm surface waters downward and drawing heat from the atmosphere.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 8, 2014

Research reveals new therapeutic target for Huntington's disease

Research reveals Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 5 (mGluR5) as a potential therapeutic target for treating movement disorders like Huntington's disease. The study found that blocking mGluR5 improved motor behaviors in a mouse model, suggesting its potential for treating Parkinson's disease as well.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateJan 8, 2014

Study shows women continue to outlive men as numbers of centenarians on the rise

A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that centenarian numbers increased by 72.3% in Ontario over 15 years, with women making up 85.3% of centenarians. The majority lived independently or received publicly funded home care, highlighting the need for tailored health and social care.

SourceWomen's College Hospital·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 8, 2014

Nociceptin: Nature's balm for the stressed brain

Researchers have confirmed the importance of the nociceptin system in modulating the effects of stress. The study found that this system can prevent and even reverse some cellular effects of acute stress in an animal model.

SourceScripps Research Institute·DateJan 8, 2014
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Study shows 'readability' scores are largely inaccurate

A new study from North Carolina State University reveals that technical 'readability' formulas used by teachers and textbook companies to determine reading difficulty are frequently incorrect. Researchers found that only one formula was accurate more than 49% of the time, highlighting a need for caution when using these metrics.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPsychology in the Schools·DateJan 8, 2014

Emperor Penguins breeding on ice shelves

Researchers found that penguin colonies moved from sea ice to thicker floating ice shelves due to changing environmental conditions. This surprising adaptation may help the species survive, but more research is needed to understand its extent and implications for other penguin populations.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 8, 2014

Mental disorders in mid-life and older adulthood more prevalent than previously reported

A new study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reveals substantial discrepancies among mid-life and late-life adults in reporting past mental health disorders compared to physical disorders. The study found that lifetime estimates of mental disorders ascertained by retrospective versus cumulative evaluations were sign...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJan 8, 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.

Top chemical advances and more from the year 2013

The American Chemical Society's year-in-review issue highlights key developments in organic chemistry, sustainability, and spectroscopy. Researchers made progress in creating biomedical compounds and developing solar-powered sterilizers for safe water and medical instruments.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJan 8, 2014

Nano-capsules show potential for more potent chemoprevention

Researchers have discovered a new drug delivery system that uses nanotechnology to effectively inhibit the growth of lung and head and neck cancer cells. The study found that nano-luteolin, a water-soluble polymer encapsulated form of the antioxidant luteolin, is highly effective in chemoprevention.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateJan 8, 2014

Geography has impact on grapevine moth's success in French vineyards

A study found that the European grapevine moth is better adapted to certain French wine-growing regions due to regional differences in grape variety and natural enemies. The research showed a geographical variation in immune defense among wild populations, with larvae from southern areas having higher levels of antimicrobial activity.

SourceSpringer·DateJan 8, 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.

An improved, cost-effective catalyst for water-splitting devices

Researchers at EPFL have developed a high-efficiency, scalable method for creating solar-powered water splitting devices using molybdenum sulfide and copper(I) oxide. The new catalyst preserves optical transparency, stability under acidic conditions, and reduces maintenance costs.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 8, 2014

Simple test can indicate cervical cancer

A new plasma thermogram test has been developed by researchers at the University of Louisville, indicating the presence or absence of cervical cancer. The test measures unique protein signatures in blood plasma, providing a non-invasive alternative to traditional Pap smear screening.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 8, 2014