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Science News for July 25, 2014


Informed consent: False positives not a worry in lung cancer study

A new study of National Lung Screening Trial participants found that those who received false positive diagnoses did not report increased anxiety or lower quality of life compared to those with negative results. The study suggests that informed consent and understanding of the high likelihood of false positives can mitigate potential p...

SourceBrown University·JournalCancer·DateJul 25, 2014

Study shows epigenetic changes can drive cancer

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine created a mouse model showing that epigenetic alterations alone can cause cancer. DNA methylation changes led to a higher incidence of spontaneous cancers and reduced survival in the mice.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 25, 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.

Physicists create tool to foresee language destruction impact and thus prevent it

Researchers Neus Isern and Joaquim Fort developed a model to estimate the impact of language substitution and predict the speed of language expansion. Their study applies this tool to languages such as Welsh, Quechua, and Scottish Gaelic, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJul 25, 2014

Brain tumor causes and risk factors elude scientists

Researchers have yet to identify a specific cause or risk factor for brain tumors, but ionizing radiation is recognized as a risk factor in therapeutic doses. Recent studies have ruled out associations between brain tumors and cell phone use, cigarette smoking, or other environmental factors.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateJul 25, 2014

Tropical Storm Genevieve forms in Eastern Pacific

The seventh tropical depression of the Eastern Pacific Ocean formed on July 25, with maximum sustained winds near 40 mph. The storm is expected to continue moving westward, with NHC forecasting no strengthening due to increased wind shear.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 25, 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.

Climate change increases risk of crop slowdown in next 20 years

New research suggests that climate change increases the risk of a major slowdown in global crop yields over the next two decades. The odds of such an event are about 1 in 10 for corn and 1 in 20 for wheat, even with a warming climate.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 25, 2014

First national study finds trees saving lives, reducing respiratory problems

A new study reveals that trees are saving more than 850 human lives a year and preventing 670,000 instances of acute respiratory symptoms by removing pollutants. The study found that tree cover in urban areas has substantially greater impacts on human health due to their proximity to people.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Northern Research Station·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateJul 25, 2014

Vanderbilt study examines bacteria's ability to fight obesity

A Vanderbilt study finds that bacteria produce a therapeutic compound that inhibits weight gain, insulin resistance, and other adverse effects of a high-fat diet in mice. The researchers genetically modified E. coli to produce NAPE, which reduces food intake and weight gain, suggesting a potential new treatment for obesity.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 25, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Why do men prefer nice women?: Responsiveness and desire

Research finds that men perceive responsive women as more attractive, but women's perceptions of partner responsiveness are complex and context-dependent. A study by Gurit Birnbaum and colleagues explores how responsiveness sparks sexual desire in initial encounters.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateJul 25, 2014

Slow walking speed and memory complaints can predict dementia

A new test diagnoses motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR), which combines gait speed measurement with cognitive questions. People who test positive for MCR are twice as likely to develop dementia within 12 years, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and potential underlying cause identification.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalNeurology·DateJul 25, 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.

Anti-inflammatory drug can prevent neuron loss in Parkinson's model

Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine found that XPro1595 can protect vulnerable neurons and reduce motor deficits in a rat model of Parkinson's disease. The drug targets tumor necrosis factor, a critical inflammatory signaling molecule, and showed benefits when administered by subcutaneous injection.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·DateJul 25, 2014

Breakthrough laser experiment reveals liquid-like motion of atoms in an ultra-cold cluster

Researchers from the University of Leicester used a novel laser technique to study the structure and internal atomic motion of a small cluster containing an acetylene molecule and a single helium atom. The study found that the helium atom rotates and vibrates almost freely, occupying nearly the entire volume within the cluster.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 25, 2014

OU physicist receives $1 million Keck Foundation grant

A University of Oklahoma physicist has received a $1 million grant to develop a quantum enhanced plasmonic sensor that can detect diseases earlier, identify pathogens, and monitor atmospheric pollutants. The technology has the potential to revolutionize fields like chemistry, medicine, and atmospheric science.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateJul 25, 2014

Smoke from Canadian fires hover over Great Lakes

A swath of smoke from Canadian fires drifted across the Great Lakes region of the U.S., with visible paths taken by the smoke as it moved southeastward. The smoke originated in Manitoba and parts of Ontario before crossing the lakes.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 25, 2014

Collecting just the right data

Researchers develop technique to efficiently calculate mutual information between nodes in probabilistic graphical models, allowing for targeted data collection and reducing computational time. By leveraging Gaussian distributions, the algorithm can assess data usefulness before it becomes available.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJul 25, 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.

Bacteria manipulate salt to build shelters to hibernate

Researchers have discovered bacteria that create complex biomineralogical patterns in salt water, enabling them to survive and 'hibernate' when dry. This unique process may help scientists detect signs of life on other planets, such as Mars.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalAstrobiology·DateJul 25, 2014

Manipulating key protein in the brain holds potential against obesity and diabetes

Researchers found that over-expression of Xbp1s in mice protected them against obesity and diabetes, with improved body weight, decreased blood glucose levels, and enhanced insulin sensitivity. The study suggests the brain controls glucose production by the liver, paving the way for new therapies to treat these conditions.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 25, 2014

Diffuse axonal injury after traumatic cerebral microbleeds: An imaging evaluation

Cerebral microbleeds have been shown to be a significant marker for diffuse axonal injury, which can lead to severe neurological disorders. The study highlights the importance of using susceptibility-weighted imaging to detect these tiny changes and evaluate traumatic cerebral microbleeds with high sensitivity.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateJul 25, 2014

Exposure to dim light at night may make breast cancers resistant to tamoxifen

Research suggests that dim light exposure at night can suppress melatonin production in rats with human breast tumors, making them resistant to the breast cancer drug tamoxifen. However, giving these rats a melatonin supplement during the night restored their tumor sensitivity to the drug.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateJul 25, 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.

Heart attack patients could be treated more quickly after Manchester research

A new study published in the Emergency Medicine Journal suggests that combining clinical judgement with electrocardiogram and blood tests can effectively reduce unnecessary hospital admissions for chest pain. The findings could make a huge difference to a large number of patients, particularly in regions with high incidence rates of he...

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalEmergency Medicine Journal·DateJul 25, 2014

NASA maps Typhoon Matmo's Taiwan deluge

Typhoon Matmo brought heavy rainfall to eastern Taiwan, with TMPA analysis showing totals greater than 400 mm. The storm also contributed to a deadly airplane crash in the Penghu Islands.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 25, 2014

Magnets for fusion energy: A revolutionary manufacturing method developed

Researchers at NIFS have successfully fabricated a large-scale magnet conductor using a novel method that stacks yttrium-based high-temperature superconducting tapes. The conductor achieved an electrical current of 100,000 amperes and a current density exceeding 40 A/mm2.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPlasma and Fusion Research·DateJul 25, 2014

Fire ecology manipulation by California native cultures

Contemporary tribes continue to use fire to maintain desired habitat and natural resources. California native cultures burned patches of forest in deliberate sequence to diversify resources, creating a mosaic of different stages of soil and vegetation.

SourceEcological Society of America·DateJul 25, 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.

Scalping can raise ticket prices

A new study by USC Marshall professor Victor Bennett found that resale markets like Craigslist can add value to tickets sold by concert venues and Ticketmaster. This increase in price benefits both the artist and venue, particularly in high-demand shows.

SourceUSC Marshall School of Business·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateJul 25, 2014

Is Europe putting cancer research at risk?

The proposed EU General Data Protection Regulation may make cancer research impossible due to explicit patient consent requirements, hindering progress in finding cures. ESMO proposes a 'one-time consent' concept to empower patients and ensure the right balance between privacy and public health.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateJul 25, 2014

Test increases odds of correct surgery for thyroid cancer patients

A molecular testing panel developed at UPMC has improved the chances of correct initial surgery for thyroid cancer patients by 30 percent. The test, available at the UPMC/UPCI Multidisciplinary Thyroid Center, bypasses initial surgeries and allows for more efficient removal of cancerous tissue.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateJul 25, 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.

Burn scars in Eastern Russia

Satellite images from NASA's MODIS instrument reveal the extent of wildfires in Eastern Russia, showcasing burn scars as reddish-brown splotches amidst green landscapes. The fires have ravaged remote areas of the Sakha Republic, with smoke and flames visible even in false-color images.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 25, 2014

Clearing cells to prevent cervical cancer

Researchers found a significant reduction in cervical cancer risk after removing squamocolumnar junction (SCJ) cells, which are implicated as the origins of cervical cancer. The study showed that removal of SCJ cells altered recurrence patterns and may prevent precancerous growths.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateJul 25, 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.