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Science News for July 18, 2014


Getting a grip on robotic grasp

Researchers at MIT developed a robot that augments the grasping motion of the human hand, working in sync with the wearer's fingers to grasp objects of various shapes and sizes. The device aims to assist people with limited dexterity in performing routine household tasks.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJul 18, 2014

A new measure of biodiversity

Scientists applied a new method to Australia's Acacia genus, revealing biologically important but currently unprotected areas. The study confirmed the Wet Tropics rainforests' importance and identified places of 'super-endemism', where old and new species co-exist.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 18, 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.

Scientists find new clues to brain's wiring

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have identified a group of proteins that program common type of brain nerve cell to connect with another type of nerve cell. This finding is an important step forward in understanding the causes of intellectual disability and autism by learning how developing brain is built.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateJul 18, 2014

Using a novel scaffold to repair spinal cord injury

Researchers developed a novel scaffold for repairing spinal cord injuries, utilizing a double-layer collagen membrane with unequal pore sizes. This innovative approach enhanced the delivery of neural stem cells to the target site, promoting improved repair and recovery outcomes.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateJul 18, 2014

Measuring the number of protein molecules inside cells

Researchers at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia have developed new methodologies to quantify protein molecules in living human cells. They measured approximately 400 CENP-A proteins present on centromeres, essential structures that drive chromosome segregation during cell division.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·DateJul 18, 2014

The bend in the Appalachian mountain chain is finally explained

Scientists discovered a dense underground block of volcanic rock caused the Appalachian mountain chain to shift eastward, forming a distinctive bend. The findings provide valuable insights into the Earth's underlying structures and could inform decisions on hydraulic fracturing in New York State.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateJul 18, 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.

Adults with eosinophilic esophagitis should consider a diet change

A new study found that dietary elimination therapy is an effective treatment for adults with eosinophilic esophagitis, with 71 percent of patients experiencing symptom improvement. The most common triggers were dairy and eggs, and adding them back to the diet after a six-week period showed promising results.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateJul 18, 2014

UM-led research team contributes to the management of South Florida coastal environments

A collaborative research team published findings in Ecological Indicators on a new marine ecosystem support tool to improve decision-making by natural resource managers. The MARES project integrates ecosystem science and societal benefits into a management framework, providing exportable technology for other coastal ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalEcological Indicators·DateJul 18, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Autophagy protects insulin-secreting cells of the pancreas

Researchers found that a functional autophagy system prevents the accumulation of toxic islet amyloid polypeptide, which can lead to diabetes. In animal models, autophagy-deficient beta cells developed overt diabetes, highlighting the protective role of autophagy in pancreatic beta cell function.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 18, 2014

Researchers characterize neurologic response associated with placebo effect

Researchers have identified a distinct neurological profile associated with patients who respond favorably to sham surgery, but not those who are part of the placebo group. This new finding may help better identify efficacious treatments and limit the impact of placebo effects in clinical trials.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 18, 2014

MCG/VA psychology training program gets federal funding for fifth consecutive time

The Medical College of Georgia's psychology residency training program has received federal funding for five consecutive cycles, focusing on interdisciplinary training and care for the underserved. The program trains nine psychologists annually, with plans to expand to ten next year, and provides special emphasis areas in working with ...

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateJul 18, 2014

Catastrophic debris avalanches -- a second volcanic hazard

Debris avalanche landslides can drastically modify the shape and nature of surrounding landscapes, changing water drainage systems. Researchers studied the Pungarehu debris avalanche deposit at Taranaki volcano, New Zealand, to gain insights into transport and emplacement mechanisms.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalACM SIGSAM Bulletin·DateJul 18, 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.

NASA sees powerful thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Matmo

NASA's Aqua satellite captured infrared data showing strong thunderstorms around Tropical Storm Matmo's center and southwestern quadrant. The storm's maximum sustained winds were near 40 knots on July 18, with forecasters predicting it will reach typhoon intensity by July 20.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 18, 2014

Motoneuron-like cell transplantation and GDNF delivery for repair of SCI

Researchers developed a therapy combining motoneuron-like cell transplantation with GDNF delivery, reducing cavity formations and increasing cell density. This treatment exhibited superior promoting effects on motor function recovery compared to individual therapies.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateJul 18, 2014

Genetic variations may modify cardiovascular benefit of aspirin

A new study suggests that genetic variation in the COMT gene may modify the cardiovascular benefit of aspirin, with val/val women experiencing more cardiovascular events when assigned to aspirin. In contrast, met/met women showed reduced rates of cardiovascular disease when assigned to either aspirin or vitamin E.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·DateJul 18, 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 trigger for ovulation could make IVF safer

Researchers have successfully used kisspeptin to stimulate ovulation in women undergoing IVF treatment, reducing the risk of OHSS. Twelve babies were born after their mothers received the hormone injection, with 12 becoming pregnant and nine having healthy embryos transferred.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 18, 2014

Antipsychotic drugs linked to slight decrease in brain volume

Researchers found a link between antipsychotic medication and reduced brain volume in schizophrenia patients, but no impact on cognitive function or symptoms over a nine-year follow-up. The study suggests that both older and newer antipsychotics may be associated with similar declines in brain volume.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 18, 2014

Bowel cancer breakthrough may benefit thousands of patients

Researchers at Queen's University have made a significant breakthrough that may benefit patients with bowel cancer. The team discovered how two genes cause bowel cancer cells to become resistant to treatments, leading to the development of a new approach to target these genes in aggressive forms of the disease.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 18, 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.

'Support' cells in brain play important role in Down syndrome

Scientists identify astroglial cells as crucial players in Down syndrome's abnormal neuron development and find that an inexpensive antibiotic can correct many abnormalities. They also show that minocycline, a commonly used tetracycline antibiotic, promotes healthy interactions between astroglia and neurons.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 18, 2014

Revealed: The mystery behind starling flocks

Researchers found that flocking starlings aim to maintain an optimum density to gather data on surroundings, creating a dynamic pattern of light and dark. This pattern is crucial for individual birds within the flock to gather vital information.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 2014

Tea Party support linked to educational segregation, new study shows

A new study published in the American Sociological Review finds that counties with high levels of residential segregation based on education levels are more likely to have Tea Party organizations. The research also shows that college graduates living in these segregated areas are more likely to support the Tea Party. These findings hig...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateJul 18, 2014

New material puts a twist in light

Researchers have developed a new breed of metamaterials that can twist light's polarization, orders of magnitude stronger than natural materials. The breakthrough could lead to the creation of compact opto-electronic devices, such as light-based computer chips.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 18, 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.

National Psoriasis Foundation awards 13 psoriasis research fellowships

The National Psoriasis Foundation has awarded 13 fellowships to early-career physicians to study psoriasis and its impact on patients. The fellowships aim to increase the number of scientists studying and treating psoriasis, with a focus on developing new treatments and improving patient outcomes.

SourceNational Psoriasis Foundation·DateJul 18, 2014

Highly charged ions

A new theoretical study by Marianna Safronova and colleagues identifies 10 highly charged ions, including samarium-14+ and neodymium-10+, suitable for atomic timekeeping and quantum information schemes. The researchers provide estimates of ion properties needed for experiments, enabling the development of more accurate clocks and qubits.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 18, 2014
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

High-dose fluticasone effective against eosinophilic esophagitis

A clinical trial found that high-dose fluticasone induced remission in 65% of patients with eosinophilic esophagitis, while 25% remained resistant to steroid treatment. Gene expression analysis identified a cluster of genes associated with steroid responsiveness.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateJul 18, 2014

Scientists enlist big data to guide conservation efforts

A new big data model developed by UC Berkeley biologist Brent Mishler and colleagues leverages digitized museum data to help pinpoint best areas for preservation and understand evolutionary history. The model considers variation among species, geographic rarity, and endemism to identify areas worthy of conservation.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 18, 2014

Feinstein Institute researchers identify brain network

Researchers at The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research have identified a brain network that measures placebo effects in Parkinson's disease patients. This breakthrough discovery has the potential to improve the accuracy of clinical trials by excluding subjects who are more likely to experience placebo effects.

SourceNorthwell Health·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 18, 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.

Novel mechanism for invasion of EV71 virus demonstrated

A new study determines glycosylation and pH-dependent conformational changes of virus receptor SCARB2 as crucial for EV71 attachment and entry. Researchers found that SCARB2 opens a lipid-transfer tunnel to trigger viral uncoating at acidic conditions, releasing the viral genome into host cells.

SourceSpringer·JournalProtein & Cell·DateJul 18, 2014