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Science News Archive January 2014 - Page 26


Page 26 of 28

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
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.

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
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

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
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

Population stability 'hope' in species' response to climate change

A new study finds that butterflies can expand their ranges in northern England and Scotland as the climate warms. However, this expansion is only possible for species with stable or increasing population trends, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts to boost abundances within current ranges.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 5, 2014

After a 49-million-year hiatus, a cockroach reappears in North America

A new species of cockroach discovered in Colorado's Green River Formation reveals that the genus Ectobius originated in the New World over 49 million years ago. The finding challenges a long-held assumption about the cockroach's evolutionary history, instead suggesting a complex migration history between the Old and New Worlds.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalAnnals of the Entomological Society of America·DateJan 5, 2014

Yeast's lifestyle couples mating with meiosis

Researchers found that Candida lusitaniae fuses its mating and meiosis programs, expressing genes associated with both processes during each. This 'coupling' offers the yeast an efficient way to split diploid products of mating, maintaining its haploid lifestyle. The discovery challenges understanding of fungal reproduction and evolution.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature·DateJan 5, 2014

Supervolcano eruptions are triggered by melt buoyancy

Researchers at ETH Zurich and ESRF have identified a trigger for supereruptions, finding that the overpressure generated by density differences in the magma chamber alone can trigger an eruption. The study suggests that supervolcanos are not triggered solely by overpressure due to magma recharge.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 5, 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.

Mine landslide triggered quakes

Researchers discovered that a record-breaking landslide at a Utah copper mine triggered 16 small earthquakes due to two massive rock avalanches. The slide was the largest nonvolcanic landslide in modern North American history, covering New York's Central Park with about 20 meters of debris.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalGSA Today·DateJan 5, 2014

Ground-breaking work sheds new light on volcanic activity

An international team of experts has identified conditions for various-sized volcanic eruptions using numerical modelling and statistical techniques. Small, frequent eruptions are triggered by magma replenishment, while larger, less frequent eruptions are driven by magma buoyancy.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 5, 2014

Pulsar in stellar triple system makes unique gravitational laboratory

Astronomers have found a rare stellar system featuring a neutron star, two white dwarf stars, in an incredibly close orbit. By measuring the gravitational perturbations in this system, scientists can gain insights into the nature of gravity and potentially detect problems with General Relativity.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalNature·DateJan 5, 2014

New study may aid rearing of stink bugs for biological control

A new study published in Annals of the Entomological Society of America has found that low temperatures can be used to store eggs of the predatory stink bug Podisus nigrispinus. This allows for greater flexibility in mass rearing and storage, increasing the availability of insects for release in the field at an early opportunity.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalAnnals of the Entomological Society of America·DateJan 4, 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.

Novel exfoliation method developed by NUS chemists paves the way for 2-dimensional materials to be used in printable photonics and electronics

A team of NUS scientists developed a new method to exfoliate molybdenum disulfide crystals into high-quality monolayer flakes with higher yield and larger flake size than current methods. The breakthrough method can be made into a printable solution, which can be applied in printable photonics and electronics.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 3, 2014

Mannotriose promotes survival of hippocampal neurons

Researchers found that mannotriose improves hippocampal neuron survival rates after corticosterone-induced injury. Mannotriose also restored protein levels of glucocorticoid receptor, serum and glucocorticoid-regulated protein kinase, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateJan 3, 2014

A novel look at how stories may change the brain

Researchers found that reading a novel can cause changes in the brain's resting-state connectivity that persist for days after reading. The study, published in Brain Connectivity, used fMRI to examine the neural effects of reading a narrative.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalBrain Connectivity·DateJan 3, 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.