Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive July 2014 - Page 33


Page 33 of 34

Enlightening cancer cells

Researchers 'remote-controlled' cancer cell behavior with light, finding that activation can cause changes in morphology, proliferation, and gene expression. This breakthrough applies optogenetics to cancer research, offering a precise method for targeting specific cells.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateJul 1, 2014

Studies: Addiction starts with an overcorrection in the brain

A study by neuroscientists at Brigham Young University found that addiction starts with an overcorrection in the brain, triggering oxidative stress and a protein called BDNF. This process can lead to withdrawal symptoms like pain and anxiety.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalAddiction Biology·DateJul 1, 2014

New spawning reefs to boost native fish in St. Clair River

Two new fish-spawning reefs will be built in the St. Clair River to boost native species such as lake sturgeon, walleye, and lake whitefish. The $3.5 million project aims to restore habitat by providing river-bottom rock structures suitable for spawning.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateJul 1, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Locusts harness the sun to get their optimum diet

Scientists discovered that locusts prefer food sources with optimal protein/carbohydrate ratios at specific temperatures. The study found that locusts modify their behavior to get the maximum benefit from available nutrients.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJul 1, 2014

NIH study reveals gene critical to the early development of cilia

A recent NIH study has identified a crucial gene involved in the early development of cilia, which are essential for cell communication and sensory systems. Without this gene, mice failed to grow cilia, leading to embryonic death, highlighting the importance of Cc2d2a in cilia formation.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 1, 2014

Study examines neurological outcomes for TBI treatments

A randomized clinical trial of 200 patients with traumatic brain injury found that administering erythropoietin or maintaining a higher hemoglobin concentration did not improve neurological outcomes at 6 months. Transfusion thresholds also had no significant impact on recovery rates.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJul 1, 2014

Cancer risk: Aspirin and smoking affect aging of genes

Researchers have discovered that aspirin use slows down certain aging processes of the genome, while smoking accelerates them. The study found a significant correlation between aspirin use and reduced DNA methylation changes in healthy women over 50 years old, suggesting a possible mechanism for cancer prevention.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 1, 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.

Alcohol use disorders linked to decreased 'work trajectory'

A study found that alcohol use disorders are associated with a lower work trajectory, with women's careers more likely to be disrupted. The association is stronger for women than men, suggesting that AUDs may have a greater impact on women's career paths.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJul 1, 2014

Drink walkers do it because their mates think it's okay: QUT study

A QUT study found that friends are the strongest influence on young people's intentions to drink walk, a behavior linked to increased risk of injury and fatality. Young males were particularly at risk due to their perception of drink walking as a low-risk activity.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalTransportation Research Part F Traffic Psychology and Behaviour·DateJul 1, 2014

Campus showcases high-performance buildings

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has developed office and laboratory spaces that demonstrate high-performance, sustainable building designs and constructions. The campus features facilities with best-in-class energy efficiency and sustainability practices.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateJul 1, 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.

UH researchers identify one of world's thinnest piezoelectric materials

Researchers at the University of Houston have identified a semiconducting material called graphene nitride as one of the thinnest possible piezoelectric materials. The material is only one atomic layer thick and can be stacked on top of itself without losing its piezoelectric properties.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 1, 2014

Study finds online bullying creates off-line fear at school

A recent study by Sam Houston State University found that online bullying creates significant fear among students who have experienced traditional bullying or gang activity. Cyberbullying is most prominent in minority populations, leading to negative effects such as decreased academic performance and increased anxiety.

SourceSam Houston State University·JournalSecurity Journal·DateJul 1, 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.

Christof von Kalle, M.D., Ph.D. receives Pioneer Award

Dr. Christof von Kalle has received a Pioneer Award from Human Gene Therapy for his leadership and accomplishments in the field of cell and gene therapy. He is recognized for his seminal contribution to vector integration, a critical feature of retro- and lentivirus-based vectors.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateJul 1, 2014

Scientists discover how plastic solar panels work

Researchers have determined how light beams excite chemicals in solar panels, producing charge. The findings open avenues for future research into designing more efficient solar cells.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 1, 2014

EORTC presents European solution for effective cancer drug development

The EORTC presents a European solution for effective cancer drug development through collaborative molecular screening platforms. These platforms enable efficient access to new therapeutic agents and adapt clinical research to individual patient needs.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·JournalNature Reviews Clinical Oncology·DateJul 1, 2014

Tags reveal Chilean devil rays are among ocean's deepest divers

Researchers tracked Chilean devil rays using satellite tags, finding they dive as deep as 2,000 meters in search of food. The study reveals a new link between the surface and deep ocean, shedding light on these majestic creatures' habits.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 1, 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.

Separating finely mixed oil and water

MIT researchers have developed a new membrane that can separate finely mixed oil and water, including nanoemulsions. The membrane uses hierarchical pore structures to block the passage of unwanted material while providing strength sufficient to withstand high pressure.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 1, 2014

Stanford engineers envision an electronic switch just 3 atoms thick

The team created a crystal that can form a paper-like sheet just three atoms thick and exhibits remarkable ability to behave like a switch. It can be mechanically pulled and pushed, back and forth, between two different atomic structures.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 1, 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.

Predicting the outcome of hepatitis C virus treatment

Researchers have identified a type I interferon marker that can predict patients with an increased risk of HCV relapse after antiviral therapy. Patients who maintain a strong type I interferon response are more likely to remain HCV-free.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 1, 2014

Video games could provide venue for exploring sustainability concepts

Researchers from Oregon State University argue that video games can educate the public on complex problems like pollution, drought, and climate change. Video games encourage creative thinking, strategic problem-solving, and social collaboration, making them a potential tool for promoting sustainable practices.

SourceOregon State University·JournalFirst Monday·DateJul 1, 2014

Seeing your true colors: Standards for hyperspectral imaging

Researchers at NIST gather data on human skin's spectral signatures to develop calibration standards for hyperspectral imaging. The technology can detect oxygen levels and other factors in tissues, enabling non-invasive wound healing assessments.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateJul 1, 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.

Poor physical, financial health driven by same factors

Researchers found a strong correlation between retirement savings and health improvement behaviors, with 401(k) contributors improving their health by 27% more than non-contributors. The study controlled for initial health, demographics, and job type to find that financial planning predicts future health changes.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 1, 2014

NREL bolsters batteries with nanotubes

Researchers at NREL created high-performance, binder-free electrodes using carbon-nanotube-based materials to improve battery life and performance. The technology has attracted interest from industry and is being licensed for volume production.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateJul 1, 2014

Unsuspected aspect of immune regulation revealed

Researchers at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research have discovered that B cells participate in the development of regulatory T cells, which control how killer T cells behave. This finding has implications for treating autoimmunity and preventing transplant rejection.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateJul 1, 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.

Freeze-storage egg banking for egg donation treatment

A study by Dr Ana Cobo found that cumulative live birth rates increase progressively with the number of vitrified eggs used, reaching a plateau at 97.3% with 40 eggs. Egg banking can provide a large pool of donor eggs without synchronizing cycles, making it a more efficient and safer process.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJul 1, 2014

Deployment-related respiratory symptoms in returning veterans

A study of 50 returning veterans found that non-specific respiratory symptoms were common, with evidence of airway hyperreactivity in 36% of patients. Underlying mental health and sleep disorders were present in 66% of the patients. Airway hyperreactivity was seen in both asthma and nonspecific cases.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJul 1, 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.

Reducing deer populations may reduce risk of Lyme disease

A 13-year study in Connecticut found that reducing deer populations by ≥87% results in a significant reduction in tick abundance and resident-reported cases of Lyme disease. This suggests that managing deer populations could be an effective strategy for reducing human interactions with infected ticks.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateJul 1, 2014

UCLA awarded $7 million to unravel mystery genetic diseases

UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine has received a $7.2 million NIH grant to tackle rare genetic disorders through comprehensive bedside-to-bench clinical research. The program aims to provide answers to patients living with undiagnosed diseases by analyzing patients' genomes and identifying environmental factors that lead to disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·DateJul 1, 2014

Muscle-powered bio-bots walk on command

Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed a new class of walking 'bio-bots' powered by muscle cells, controlled with electrical pulses. The breakthrough allows for unprecedented control over their function, opening up possibilities for environmental and medical applications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 1, 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.

Finland to lead the way in developing the storage of solar and wind energy

Finland is developing a new energy system for storing solar and wind energy, targeting greenhouse gas reduction and energy self-sufficiency. The NEO-CARBON ENERGY project aims to create Finnish companies' international RÝ competitiveness and explore business opportunities in the global market.

SourceVTT Technical Research Centre of Finland·DateJul 1, 2014

A case study of manta rays and lagoons

Researchers used novel tools to examine how manta rays use Palmyra's lagoons as breeding grounds and feeding areas, finding that food is a key driver of their presence. The study highlights the importance of protecting lagoons from human disturbance and habitat degradation to conserve this vulnerable species.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalMarine Biology·DateJul 1, 2014

Fear, not data, motivates sunscreen users, research shows

A study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine found that fear and worry about skin cancer drive people's use of sunscreen, rather than information about the disease. The researchers suggest that addressing emotions may be crucial for designing effective public health interventions.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Behavioral Medicine·DateJul 1, 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.

The biology of addiction risk looks like addiction

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that individuals at high risk for addiction share similar neurobiological signatures with addicted individuals. The research suggests a common brain mechanism that promotes the use of addictive substances in vulnerable people and those with long-standing habitual substance use.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJul 1, 2014

New NIST metamaterial gives light a one-way ticket

Researchers at NIST have created a silver-glass metamaterial that enables one-way transmission of visible light, with around 30 times more light passing through in the forward direction than in reverse. The device has potential applications in optical information processing and biosensing devices.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 1, 2014

New study involving CU-Boulder tells the tale of a kangaroo's tail

A new study involving CU-Boulder reveals that red kangaroos use their tails as a powerful fifth leg to support and propel motion while grazing on all fours. The study, published in Biology Letters, shows that the kangaroo tail performs as much mechanical work as one of its legs.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalBiology Letters·DateJul 1, 2014

Catheter ablation a first-line treatment for atrial flutter

Researchers at UCSF found catheter ablation to be a highly effective first-line treatment for atrial flutter, reducing hospital visits by 12% and emergency department visits by 40%. The procedure also lowers the risk of atrial fibrillation by 11%.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 1, 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.

One in six adolescents in the ER has experienced dating violence

A study found that one in six adolescents who visited the emergency department experienced dating violence. Factors associated with dating violence included African-American race, alcohol misuse, and depression. The study highlights the need for screening and intervention among youth to prevent future adult intimate partner violence.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateJul 1, 2014

3D printer to aid the visually impaired students in their educational endeavors

A new method combining 3D printing and thermal reflow treatment creates tactile objects with detailed lines and curves, making books and teaching materials more accessible to the visually impaired. The technology reduces production time from months to hours, using eco-friendly and durable materials.

SourceKorea Institute of Science and Technology·JournalRSC Advances·DateJul 1, 2014

New approach identifies cancer mutations as targets of effective melanoma immunotherapy

A new approach identified two mutated tumor targets, KIF2C and POLA2, that play important roles in cell proliferation and may stimulate immune responses. This study provides a technical solution to identify mutated tumor targets for adoptive T-cell therapy, which has shown promise in treating metastatic melanoma.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJul 1, 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.

Mayo Clinic researchers reveal treasure trove of genes key to kidney cancer

Researchers have uncovered 31 genes crucial to the development, growth, and spread of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the most common form of kidney cancer. The study found eight previously unlinked genes and six unknown to any cancer type, highlighting potential new therapeutic targets.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateJul 1, 2014