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Science News Archive July 2014


Page 25 of 34

BU researchers relate arrests with HIV risk environment

A study by BU researchers found that people arrested by police were more likely to share needles and overdose, increasing HIV transmission and mortality. The study suggests that policing practices contribute to the HIV risk environment and recommends prevention programs and policy changes to address this issue.

Lung cancer study hints at new treatments

Researchers have uncovered mutations in a cell-signaling pathway that plays a role in forming tumors. These genetic changes may expand treatments for patients, as drugs targeting some of these pathways are already available or in clinical trials.

Not at home on the range

Researchers found that Kellet's whelk hosts living beyond their historic Point Conception boundary have neither the amount nor diversity of parasites as those in southern counterparts. This suggests that the northern whelks may have escaped their parasites due to low host densities and limited parasite transmission.

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.

Controlling contamination in open algae ponds for biofuels

Researchers present integrated approach incorporating pest identification, tracking, and management to mitigate contamination in open pond algae systems suitable for producing biofuel. The solution illustrates its use in cultivating a strain of algae with potential for biofuel production.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Biologists link sexual selection and placenta formation

Researchers found that species with placentas tend to have smaller males with reduced bright colors and courtship displays. This discovery links sexual selection and placenta formation, suggesting that the evolution of complex organs like placentas is influenced by mating strategies.

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.

'Nano-pixels' promise thin, flexible, high resolution displays

Researchers at Oxford University have developed a new discovery of nano-pixels that can be electrically switched on and off to create high-resolution images. The tiny 'nano-pixels' are just 300 nanometres in size and can be used for applications such as smart glasses, synthetic retinas, and foldable screens.

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.

Cosmic grains of dust formed in supernova explosion

A team of researchers from the Niels Bohr Institute and Aarhus University discovered that cosmic dust grains can form through shock interaction during a supernova explosion. The grains can grow to sizes large enough to survive the violent shockwaves, providing insight into their origin.

Discovery of a new means to erase pain

Researchers at Université Laval developed a new method to alleviate chronic pain by rekindling pain and then erasing it. By injecting capsaicin and administering a protein synthesis inhibitor, they induced temporary pain hypersensitivity, which was subsequently reversed.

Postcards from the photosynthetic edge

Scientists at Berkeley Lab and SLAC have taken detailed snapshots of the four photon-step cycle of photosynthetic water oxidation in photosystem II. The study provides information that should be useful for designing artificial solar-energy based devices to split water, a crucial step towards clean energy.

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.

DARPA awards UCLA $15 million to restore lost memory

A team of experts at UCLA will collaborate to create, implant, and test a memory prosthesis to help restore lost memory functions in brain-injured individuals. The project aims to stimulate the entorhinal area, a key region involved in learning, memory, and Alzheimer's disease.

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.

The 'yin and yang' of malaria parasite development

Researchers have completed a comprehensive study on the role of protein phosphatases in malaria parasite development and differentiation. The study, published in Cell Host and Microbe, identifies 16 genes that are crucial for parasite growth and could be future drug targets.

Short circuit in the food web

Researchers discovered how viruses affect phytoplankton, like Emiliania huxleyi, altering global carbon cycle and marine food chain. Viruses rewire host lipid metabolism, diverting fixed carbon from traditional food web, with implications for ocean ecosystems.

No extra mutations in modified stem cells, study finds

Researchers have found that using gene-editing techniques on stem cells does not increase the overall occurrence of mutations, easing previous safety concerns. The study's results were published in the journal Cell Stem Cell and provide new hope for the development of therapies for genetic diseases.

Letrozole may help women with PCOS become pregnant

A nationwide study found that letrozole increased live births by 27.5% compared to clomiphene, and improved ovulation rates and reduced twin pregnancies. Fewer side effects were reported with letrozole, but further research is needed for safety clarification.

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.

Rehabilitation helps prevent depression from age-related vision loss

A new study led by Dr. Barry Rovner shows that a type of rehabilitation therapy can cut the risk of depression from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in half. The therapy, called behavior activation, helps people focus on activities they enjoy and maintain an active social life to reduce disability and prevent clinical depression.

Protein pushes breast cancer cells to metastasize

Researchers at Rockefeller University have identified a protein called TARBP2 that triggers breast cancer's spread by blocking other proteins linked to neurodegeneration. This finding suggests new cancer therapies targeting this 'master regulator' could be effective.

VLT clears up dusty mystery

Astronomers used the VLT to observe SN2010jl nine times soon after its explosion and found that dust grains form rapidly in the dense material surrounding the star. The observations revealed surprisingly large grain sizes that are resistant to destruction, answering a long-standing question about cosmic dust formation.

USF study: Amphibians can acquire resistance to deadly fungus

Researchers at the University of South Florida found that frogs can develop immunity against a deadly chytrid fungus by learning to avoid it after just one exposure. This acquired resistance could aid in conservation efforts and even offer protection for other animals threatened by fungal pathogens.

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.

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.

Even geckos can lose their grip

Researchers at Linköping University have demonstrated that geckos and spiders lose grip due to the effect of heat on van der Waals forces. This phenomenon has significant industrial benefits, particularly in the production of graphene, where detachment from the substrate is crucial.

Fun or exercise?

Researchers at Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that adults who viewed their exercise as fun ate less chocolate pudding and M&Ms afterwards. Viewing exercise as a chore led to overeating as a reward.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Penn mesothelioma program receives $8 million NCI grant

Researchers at Penn Medicine will conduct a clinical trial on patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma to test the efficacy of photodynamic light therapy (PDT). The study aims to understand how PDT works in the body and what can be done to improve its response.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Most prescription labels fail to meet guidelines, risking dosage errors

A recent study by the University of Waterloo found that most prescription labels in Canada do not follow recommended guidelines for legibility. The researchers suggest that improving label appearance can be achieved without new technologies or larger labels, and recommends a patient-centered approach to labelling standards.

Figuring out methane's role in the climate puzzle

Research casts doubt on methane's climate-friendliness, despite its potential for burning cleaner than coal. Methane emissions from oil and gas operations are estimated to be significant, with varying levels of release into the atmosphere.

Study identifies novel genomic changes in the most common type of lung cancer

Researchers have identified novel mutations in a well-known cancer-causing pathway in lung adenocarcinoma, expanding therapeutic targets and potentially identifying treatable mutations. The study found that 75% of patients with lung adenocarcinoma have actionable mutations that can be treated with existing or under-development drugs.

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.

Odor communication in wild gorillas

A study published in PLOS ONE found that silverback gorillas use odor to communicate socially, with extreme levels of emission linked to interactions between groups. This suggests that chemo-communication may play a crucial role in the social behaviors of non-human great apes.

Polar bears from space

A study published in PLOS ONE uses satellite images to estimate polar bear population sizes, finding similar results to aerial and ground surveys. The technology holds promise for tracking Arctic wildlife, despite logistical challenges.

Children on dairy farms less likely to develop allergies

A study by University of Gothenburg researchers found that children raised on dairy farms have a lower risk of developing allergies. The study suggests that delayed maturation of the immune system may be a risk factor for allergic disease. Researchers plan to examine specific factors on dairy farms that promote immune system maturity.

New technology illuminates colder objects in deep space

A Northwestern University team has developed a new technology using indium arsenide/indium arsenide antimonide (InAs/InAsSb) for stable infrared detection, enabling the observation of cooler objects in deep space. This advancement paves the way for enhanced exploration and unlocking the mysteries of these cooler objects.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

UC Riverside microbiologist receives national recognition

Jason Stajich, a UC Riverside microbiologist, has been awarded the 2014 Alexopoulos Prize for his groundbreaking research on fungal biology and evolution. His work focuses on building new methods for comparative and evolutionary genomics.

Adults with special needs see gains, challenges with long term oral care

A retrospective study found that adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities experienced a significant decrease in cavity rates as they received regular dental care. However, gum disease rates increased over time, highlighting the need for effective solutions to address these challenges.

Nearly 50 percent of grade 12 students in Ontario report texting while driving

The Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey found that over one-third of licensed drivers in grades 10 to 12 reported texting while driving, with 46% of grade 12 students admitting to this behavior. The survey also revealed alarming trends in risk behaviors, physical health, mental health, and home life among Ontario students.