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Science News Archive January 2014 - Page 10


Page 10 of 28

Can personalized tumor vaccines improve interleukin-2 treated metastatic melanoma?

A new study found that combining high-dose interleukin-2 therapy with personalized tumor cell-based immunotherapy significantly improves patient survival rates. The treatment approach, which activates patients' immune systems using their own tumor cells, outperforms IL-2 alone in extending survival.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalCancer Biotherapy and Radiopharmaceuticals·DateJan 22, 2014

'Surveillance minimization' needed to restore trust

A law academic suggests surveillance minimisation as a way forward to rebuild public trust after revelations about personal data collection. The concept applies the principle of data minimisation to communications surveillance, targeting it rather than making it universal and warranting its use at data access points.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·DateJan 22, 2014

New study examines patterns of cancer screening in Appalachian women

A new study by University of Kentucky researchers identified four key barriers to cancer screening in Appalachian women, including embarrassment about Pap tests and lack of health insurance. These barriers contribute to higher mortality rates for invasive cervical cancer in the region, with a 67% increase compared to national averages.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalWomen & Health·DateJan 22, 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.

The unexpected power of baby math

A Tel Aviv University study reveals that educated adults still think about numbers like kids, retaining a primal sense. The research found that adults' innate number sense influences their thinking on both one-digit and two-digit numbers.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalCognition·DateJan 22, 2014

Study identifies gene tied to motor neuron loss in ALS

A study by Columbia University Medical Center researchers identified matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) as a key factor contributing to motor neuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The findings suggest that MMP-9 inhibitors may offer a new therapeutic option for treating this incurable neurodegenerative disease.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNeuron·DateJan 22, 2014

New monitoring technique reveals endangered animals

A new recording system at the University of Southern Denmark has revealed two bat species not believed to live in the area, including Nathusius' pipistrelle and the Danish pond bat. The monitoring system also found that bats often fly in the rain and their activity slows down when weather is clear and cool.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalEcological Informatics·DateJan 22, 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.

Texting changes the way we walk

A study published in PLOS ONE found that texting alters posture and balance while walking, causing individuals to swerve and slow down. This behavior may impact the safety of people who text and walk at the same time, highlighting the need for greater awareness about phone use while navigating.

SourcePLOS·JournalPublication Library and Information Science·DateJan 22, 2014

HRT cuts risk of repeat knee/hip replacement surgery by 40 percent

A large population-based study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) taken regularly after knee or hip replacement reduces the risk of repeat surgery by around 40%. The research also showed that taking HRT for 12 months or more after surgery further decreases the risk, with those rec...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJan 22, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA-funded sounding rocket to catch aurora in the act

A NASA-funded sounding rocket will launch into the aurora borealis to gather data on its formation and behavior. The mission, GREECE, aims to understand the sun-Earth connection and how energy particles interact with Earth's magnetosphere.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 22, 2014

Suburban sprawl accounts for 50 percent of US household carbon footprint

A new study found that suburban households in the US account for approximately 50% of the country's total household carbon footprint. The researchers used an analytic model and national survey data to estimate average household carbon footprints for over 30,000 zip codes and 10,000 cities and towns across all 50 states.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJan 22, 2014

Hearing loss linked to accelerated brain tissue loss

A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that hearing loss accelerates brain tissue loss, particularly in regions processing sound and speech. This link highlights the importance of treating hearing loss early to reduce associated health risks.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateJan 22, 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.

Spider silk ties scientists up in knots

A team from the University of the Basque Country has repeated an experiment that previously found spider silk to be an excellent thermal conductor. Their results show a significant decrease in thermal diffusivity, with values up to 300 times smaller than those reported earlier.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalMaterials Letters·DateJan 22, 2014

A pill 'melts away' common form of leukemia

Scientists at Weill Cornell Medical College have found that a twice-daily pill, idelalisib, can turn deadly blood cancer into a highly treatable disease. The study suggests that patients with CLL may avoid debilitating chemotherapy, leading to significant side effects and death.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 22, 2014

Scripps Florida scientists offer new insight into neuron changes brought about by aging

Researchers at Scripps Florida Institute discovered significant changes in gene expression and neural circuitry as neurons age, shedding light on cognitive decline and potential therapeutic targets. The study, using the marine snail Aplysia californica, highlights the complex interplay between aging and neuron communication.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateJan 22, 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.

New program helps reduce HIV-risk in African-American women

A new community program, SHE PREVAILS, is helping African-American women reduce their risk of HIV infection by addressing substance abuse and mental health issues. The program provides six-month comprehensive treatment and support services to 280 women in the Augusta region.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateJan 22, 2014

Mass. Eye and Ear physician awarded RPB Career Development Award

Dr. Jason I. Comander has received a $250,000 Research to Prevent Blindness Career Development Award to study patients with inherited retinal degenerations, including retinitis pigmentosa. The award aims to develop techniques for high-throughput functional characterization of human genetic variation and mutation in retinitis pigmentosa.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·DateJan 22, 2014

Humans can use smell to detect levels of dietary fat

Researchers at Monell Center found humans can differentiate levels of dietary fat in food using the sense of smell. Innovative methods could make low-fat foods more palatable and aid in reducing excessive fat consumption.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 22, 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.

Modest familial risks for multiple sclerosis

A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that the risk of relatives developing multiple sclerosis is lower than previously thought. The study analyzed data from over 28,000 individuals diagnosed with MS in Sweden, revealing a seven-fold increased risk for siblings and a five-fold increased risk for children of MS patients.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalBrain·DateJan 22, 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.

Mount Sinai research underscores the genetic complexity in schizophrenia

Two large-scale exome studies found a significant role for rare genetic mutations in schizophrenia, contrary to previous assumptions of few 'faulty' genes. The studies established the world's largest database on schizophrenia, providing valuable resources for biomedical research.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateJan 22, 2014

Detecting chemicals, measuring strain with a pencil and paper

Three students from Northwestern University created a device using pencil traces on paper to measure strain, while also detecting hazardous chemical vapors. The technology uses the conductive properties of graphene, which is shed when drawing on paper, to create a rudimentary electrode.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 22, 2014

Can fish oil help preserve brain cells?

A recent study published in Neurology suggests that fish oil consumption may help preserve brain cells by increasing total brain volume and hippocampus area size. The study found that higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids were associated with larger brain volumes, equivalent to a delay of one to two years of brain health.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJan 22, 2014

Putting 'Adam' in his rightful place in evolutionary history

Researchers date the most common male ancestor 'Adam' to 209,000 years ago, contradicting a previous study that placed him 9,000 years earlier. The study also debunks the discovery of the Y chromosome that supposedly predated humanity, shedding light on human evolutionary history.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalEuropean Journal of Human Genetics·DateJan 22, 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.

More illness from synthetic marijuana likely

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found a wide range of dangers associated with synthetic marijuana use. The substance has been linked to altered mental status, irregular heartbeat, seizures, and breathing difficulties, resulting in over 263 emergency room visits in Colorado alone.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 22, 2014

Drug discovery potential of natural microbial genomes

Scientists at UC San Diego have developed a new genetic platform that enables efficient production of natural molecules, including a novel antibiotic compound called taromycin A. The study demonstrates the potential for this technology to unlock the drug discovery potential of countless new microbes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 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.

War on lionfish shows first promise of success

A new study confirms that reducing lionfish numbers by 75-95% can allow rapid recovery of native fish biomass and aid larger ecosystem recovery. Native species such as Nassau grouper and yellowtail snapper increased by 50-70% on reefs where lionfish were kept below threshold densities.

SourceOregon State University·JournalEcological Applications·DateJan 22, 2014

New studies show that many rare mutations contribute to schizophrenia risk

Two studies analyzed exomes of people with schizophrenia and healthy individuals, identifying patterns that suggest the disorder arises from combined effects of many genes. Genetic alterations tend to cluster in networks related to synaptic function, including calcium ion channels and cytoskeletal proteins.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature·DateJan 22, 2014

Malaria drug combo could help prevent pregnancy complications in lupus patients

Researchers at Yale University found that a combination of hydroxychloroquine may partially reverse the detrimental effects of antiphospholipid antibodies on human placental cell function, potentially benefiting pregnant women with lupus and/or antiphospholipid syndrome. This could lead to improved pregnancy outcomes for these patients.

SourceYale University·JournalAmerican Journal Of Reproductive Immunology·DateJan 22, 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 genetic mutations shed light on schizophrenia

Researchers have identified specific proteins disrupted by genetic mutations in people with schizophrenia, offering a new understanding of the disorder. The study also found an overlap between schizophrenia and other neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and intellectual disability.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature·DateJan 22, 2014

Deepwater Horizon: Identifying harmful elements of persisting oil

Researchers analyzed eight oil-soaked sand patties collected along Gulf shores, finding large amounts of water-repelling hydrocarbons that can harm wildlife. The study aimed to assess the environmental impact of persisting oil remnants and improve understanding of their toxicity.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJan 22, 2014

Toward fixing damaged hearts through tissue engineering

Researchers have created a novel scaffold for growing cardiac muscle cells using carbon nanofibers, which can conduct electricity and promote better metabolic activity. This breakthrough aims to repair damaged hearts through tissue engineering.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalBiomacromolecules·DateJan 22, 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.

New CU-Boulder study shows differences in mammal responses to climate change

A new CU-Boulder study analyzed over 1,000 scientific studies on North American mammal responses to human-caused climate change, finding that only 52% of species responded as expected. Large mammal body size and restricted times during a day were key traits tied to climate change responses.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJan 22, 2014

Study shows 1 in 5 women with ovarian cancer has inherited predisposition

A new study estimates that one in five women with ovarian cancer has an inherited genetic mutation that increases their risk of developing the disease. The research identified 222 inherited genetic variants associated with ovarian cancer, including major changes in genes critical for DNA repair and cell division.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 22, 2014

Cooling microprocessors with carbon nanotubes

Researchers at Berkeley Lab developed a process-friendly technique to cool microprocessor chips using carbon nanotubes, improving heat transport efficiency by six-fold. The method, suitable for manufacturing computer chips, reduces thermal interface resistance and enhances cooling performance.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 22, 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.

Vulvar condition causing painful sex strikes twice as many Hispanic women

New research reveals vulvodynia affects Hispanic women more frequently than black women, with higher incidence rates in younger women and those with pre-existing pain disorders. The study found that nearly 10 million women experience vulvodynia at any given time, highlighting the need for improved diagnosis and treatment.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateJan 22, 2014

UofL epidemiologist uncovers new genes linked to abdominal fat

A study of over 57,000 people identified five new genes associated with increased waist-to-hip ratio, a precursor to diseases like cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The research found that one gene, SHC1, is linked to abdominal fat and may play a role in metabolic imbalance.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateJan 22, 2014

Drug alternatives to antibiotics may not be perfect, study shows

Researchers developed a mathematical model to evaluate the effectiveness of drug alternatives to antibiotics in limiting disease spread. These treatments can prevent infections from evolving too quickly, but also increase the risk of disease transmission.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 22, 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.

HMS receives RPB Medical Student Eye Research Fellowship

Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital has awarded Christina Marsica Grassi a $30,000 fellowship to investigate sterile vitritis in patients with artificial corneal implants. The research project aims to improve understanding of immune responses to prosthetic devices and develop better treatments for this condition.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·DateJan 22, 2014

Heart attack survival far lower in UK than Sweden

A study found that UK patients diagnosed with heart attacks between 2004-2010 had higher death rates (10.5%) compared to Swedish patients (7.6%). The difference in mortality rates decreased over time, but the UK still lagged behind Sweden in terms of quality of care.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 22, 2014

World's dangerous neighborhoods produce aggressive children

A new study by Duke University finds that children growing up in dangerous neighborhoods exhibit more aggressive behavior across nine countries. The research suggests a link between perilous environments and harsh parenting practices, which may contribute to increased child aggression.

SourceDuke University·JournalSocieties·DateJan 22, 2014

Who's to blame for obesity? Policymakers, the food industry, or individuals?

A survey of over 800 US adults found that individuals are primarily blamed for obesity, while farmers and grocery stores are relatively blameless. The study challenges the assumption that policy solutions will work if people believe obesity is a personal problem.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAppetite·DateJan 22, 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.