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Science News for June 10, 2014


Moles linked to risk for breast cancer

Two studies published in PLOS Medicine found a link between moles and increased breast cancer risk. Women with more moles were more likely to develop breast cancer, particularly postmenopausal women. The findings suggest that nevi may be affected by hormone levels, which could be used as a marker for breast cancer risk.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 10, 2014

Penn research develops 'onion' vesicles for drug delivery

University of Pennsylvania researchers have developed a novel method to create stable, onion-like vesicles using dendrimers. By controlling the concentration of dendrimers, they can produce vesicles with multiple layers, allowing for sequential release of drugs and potential clinical applications.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 10, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The whole truth

Researchers found that children can tell when adults are telling the truth but not the whole truth, and compensate by exploring more on their own. This skill is crucial for learning from others, as much knowledge comes from other people. Children's ability to evaluate information helps them adjust their trust in teachers.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCognition·DateJun 10, 2014

Miriam Hospital study shows how to make statewide health campaigns more effective

Researchers found that adding evidence-based weight loss strategies to a statewide wellness campaign improves weight loss outcomes among participants, with the internet-based approach being the most cost-effective. The study involved 230 participants who received either the standard campaign or one of two evidence-based programs.

SourceLifespan·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJun 10, 2014

Technology using microwave heating may impact electronics manufacture

Researchers at Oregon State University have successfully produced high-quality nanoparticles using microwave-assisted heating in a continuous flow reactor. This technology has the potential to revolutionize electronics manufacturing by reducing costs and improving performance.

SourceOregon State University·JournalMaterials Letters·DateJun 10, 2014
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Obstetric malpractice claims dip when hospitals stress patient safety

A Yale University study found a 50% drop in obstetric malpractice liability claims and payments after implementing patient safety measures, including standardized care and teamwork training. The hospital's efforts reduced liability claims by 95%, saving over $47 million.

SourceYale University·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateJun 10, 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.

Funky ferroelectric properties probed with X-rays

Researchers have developed a powerful imaging tool to study electrically anomalous regions called domain walls in ferroelectric materials. The technique, X-PEEM, reveals enhanced electronic conduction properties in tail-to-tail domain walls, which are crucial for improving solar panels and other applications.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 10, 2014

The real risks of growing up with bipolar parents

Children of parents with bipolar disorder are more susceptible to psychosocial problems, including risky sexual behavior, suicidal ideation, and substance abuse. A new study reveals that family-based interventions can help mitigate these risks by teaching effective coping strategies and stress management techniques.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateJun 10, 2014

MRI shows brain abnormalities in late preterm infants

A new study published in Radiology found that moderate and late preterm birth is associated with smaller brain size and less developed myelination, suggesting a disruption in the expected trajectory of brain growth. The research provides insight into brain-behavior relationships in this group of children.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJun 10, 2014

Male dwarf spiders make sure offspring is their own

Male dwarf spiders use mating plugs made of a liquid material that hardens over time to block access to the female's sperm storage organ. Small plugs are less effective than large ones, but both size and age play important roles in their efficacy.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateJun 10, 2014
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.

'Trust hormone' oxytocin helps old muscle work like new, study finds

Researchers discovered oxytocin's indispensable role in healthy muscle maintenance and repair, finding that it declines with age in mice. Administering oxytocin improved muscle healing in old mice, while blocking its effects compromised their ability to repair tissue.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 10, 2014

Wolves in wolves' clothing not all the same

A study published in BMC Ecology found that British Columbia's mainland wolves and coastal wolves are more genetically distinct than previously thought. The researchers attribute this difference to the varying ecological environments of the two regions.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalBMC Ecology·DateJun 10, 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.

Inside the adult ADHD brain

Researchers discovered distinct patterns of brain activity in adults with and without childhood ADHD, finding that those who recovered from the disorder have restored normal synchrony in their brain's default mode network. However, both groups showed impaired executive function, a sign separate from ADHD.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalBrain·DateJun 10, 2014

Soldiers who kill in combat less likely to abuse alcohol

Researchers found that killing experiences may cause soldiers to become more aware of their own mortality, triggering a focus on self-preservation and reduced high-risk alcohol consumption. The study suggests that this increased sense of vulnerability leads to decreased alcohol abuse rates among soldiers who have killed in combat.

SourceAmerican University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateJun 10, 2014

Malaria: Blood cells behaving badly

Researchers discovered malaria-infected red blood cells exhibit altered motion patterns, affecting flow dynamics. This discovery may lead to better-targeted drug treatments for malaria.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJun 10, 2014

NASA's SDO sees a summer solar flare

A powerful solar flare with a peak intensity of an X2.2 classification was observed by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory on June 10, 2014. The flare caused disturbances in the atmosphere layer affecting GPS and communications signals.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 10, 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.

Telehealth improves forensic examinations for sexual abuse

Researchers found that telehealth consultations improve the quality of forensic examinations for sexual abuse, providing more thorough and nuanced exams. The study showed that clinicians with access to expert UC Davis nurses provided significantly better examination findings, overall assessments, completeness, and diagnostic accuracy.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·DateJun 10, 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.

The BMJ launches patient partnership strategy

The BMJ is implementing a patient partnership strategy to integrate patients' perspectives into its editorial processes, research, and healthcare advocacy. This initiative aims to advance shared decision-making, patient-centered care, and impact assessment of patient partnerships.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJun 10, 2014

A plan to share the carbon budget burden

A four-step compromise is proposed to share the burden of carbon reductions, reducing actors involved in initial efforts, switching to consumption-based carbon accounting, redistributing the burden based on responsibility and capability, and bringing changes back to the larger U.N. group for inclusive emissions management

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 10, 2014

A shot against heart attacks?

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a genome-editing approach that permanently reduces cholesterol levels in mice through a single injection. This approach could significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks in humans, translating to a potential 90% reduction in heart attack risk. The technique targets the PCSK9 gene and ...

SourceHarvard University·JournalCirculation Research·DateJun 10, 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.

Charging portable electronics in 10 minutes

UC Riverside researchers create three-dimensional silicon-decorated carbon-nanotube clusters architecture for high reversible capacity and excellent cycling stability. The innovative design enables rapid charging times, nearly 16 times faster than conventional graphite-based anodes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalSmall·DateJun 10, 2014

Magnetic cooling enables efficient, 'green' refrigeration

Researchers have developed a novel approach to magnetic cooling, utilizing solid magnetic substances as refrigerants in miniaturized magnetic refrigerators. The technology is more efficient and 'green' than traditional fluid-compression refrigeration, with potential applications in domestic and industrial settings.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 10, 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.

New study shows that oatmeal can help you feel full longer

A new study reveals that instant oatmeal provides greater satiety than equal calories of ready-to-eat oat cereal. The researchers found that eating a bowl of instant oatmeal for breakfast helps manage hunger better than the same amount of calories from a leading oat-based, cold cereal.

SourcePollock Communications·JournalNutrition Journal·DateJun 10, 2014

NYU Langone internist calls for VA system reform

A NYU Langone expert suggests reforms to improve the VA health system's administration, staffing, and management. Key proposals include changing the culture, creating new scheduling systems, and hiring more primary care physicians to meet the growing demand.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 10, 2014

Researchers use human stem cells to create light-sensitive retina in a dish

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully created a three-dimensional complement of human retinal tissue in the laboratory, including functioning photoreceptor cells that can respond to light. The achievement offers new opportunities for vision-saving research and may ultimately lead to technologies that restore vision in ...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 10, 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.

Experts unlock key to blood vessel repair

Scientists from the University of Leeds have found a way to restore the function of damaged blood vessel repair cells. A protein called Akt was identified as the reason for reduced effectiveness in South Asian men's cells, which were able to be restored through the addition of active Akt.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalStem Cells·DateJun 10, 2014

Study: Little evidence that No Child Left Behind has hurt teacher job satisfaction

Researchers analyzed a nationally representative sample of 140,000 teachers and found that NCLB's accountability pressures may have improved classroom autonomy and administrator support, rather than reducing job satisfaction. The study contradicts conventional wisdom on the law's impact on teacher morale.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·DateJun 10, 2014
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.

Women appear in only 5 percent of sports newsprint

A study by Universidad Carlos III de Madrid researcher Clara Sainz de Baranda found that women appear in just 5.11% of sports newsprint, with men making up 92.2%. This disparity is reflected in the types of stories covered, with soccer being the most prominent sport, and achievements in other sports often relegated to short news items.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalCuadernos de Psicología del Deporte·DateJun 10, 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.

Mayo Clinic researchers discover new form of cancer

Mayo Clinic researchers have identified a new form of cancer caused by a chromosomal chimera, characterized by a biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma. The rare tumor typically begins in the nose and may require disfiguring surgery to treat.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 10, 2014

How much testosterone is too much for women after menopause?

A recent study published in Menopause found that low doses of testosterone cream for women after menopause can bring their testosterone levels back to normal. The study tested two doses of the AndroFeme product, with the 5-mg dose being sufficient to restore premenopausal levels.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·DateJun 10, 2014

Guidelines address long-term needs of prostate cancer survivors

The American Cancer Society has released guidelines to support primary care of estimated 2.8 million men with a history of prostate cancer in the US. The guidelines outline posttreatment clinical follow-up care for long-term and late effects, including health promotion, surveillance for recurrence, and management of physical and psycho...

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·DateJun 10, 2014

Snowballs to soot: The clumping density of many things seems to be a standard

Research at NIST reveals that the clumping density of soot particles is a constant value of 0.36, regardless of size range. This finding has significant implications for climate researchers and may help develop new measurement standards for atmospheric aerosols.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 10, 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.

Bacteria help explain why stress, fear trigger heart attacks

Research published in mBio shows that stress and emotional shock can trigger heart attacks by dispersing bacterial biofilms on arterial walls. Bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa are found in atherosclerotic carotid arteries, and their dispersion can cause plaque deposits to rupture into the bloodstream.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateJun 10, 2014

Sopcawind, a multidisciplinary tool for designing wind farms

The Sopcawind project develops a multidisciplinary database to analyze the impact of wind farms on telecommunications systems, ensuring fluid design processes and minimizing potential interference. The tool facilitates wind farm development while preserving existing telecommunications systems.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·DateJun 10, 2014

Coho salmon: Pinks' and chums' eating cousin

Juvenile coho salmon thrive in streams with abundant pink and chum salmon carcasses and eggs, increasing abundance by up to three times. This nutrient legacy highlights the importance of understanding fish-ecosystem interactions for species close and distant.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 10, 2014

Salivary biomarkers highlight metabolic disease risk in children

Researchers discovered altered salivary biomarker levels in obese children, indicating a potential non-invasive method for identifying early Type 2 diabetes risk. The study's findings provide valuable insights into childhood obesity and metabolic syndrome, paving the way for development of prevention strategies.

SourceForsyth Institute·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 10, 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.

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.

Calls to end all violence against women and girls in conflict zones

Researchers from London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine urge officials to invest in prevention measures to keep women and girls safe from all forms of violence. A recent study found that 33% of women in Côte d'Ivoire reported an experience of sexual violence, with 29% reporting their husband or partner as the perpetrator.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 10, 2014

Public oversight improves test scores in voucher schools

A Michigan State University study found that requiring private schools to report student test scores improves math and reading scores in Milwaukee's voucher program. The study's results suggest that accountability measures can enhance school choice and promote better educational outcomes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·DateJun 10, 2014

A life well spent: Consume now (in case you die early)

A study published in the Journal of Mathematical Economics found that short lives result in big financial losses, comparable to socio-economic gaps. The researchers suggest that individuals who die prematurely may have been better off consuming more earlier in life.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalJournal of Mathematical Economics·DateJun 10, 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.

Syracuse University geologists confirm oxygen levels of ancient oceans

Researchers Zunli Lu and Xiaoli Zhou have confirmed the earliest appearance of dissolved oxygen in ocean surface waters, shedding light on the Great Oxidation Event. Their novel iodine geochemistry approach enables them to measure oxygen levels in ancient rocks, providing insights into marine ecology and global warming.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalGeology·DateJun 10, 2014

N.C. A&T signs agreement to commercialize hypoallergenic peanut

The patented process, developed by N.C. A&T researchers, reduces allergens in peanuts by 98%, making them safer for people with allergies. The technology can be used to create hypoallergenic peanut butter and other products, and has been demonstrated in human clinical trials.

SourceNorth Carolina A&T State University, School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences·DateJun 10, 2014

Temple launches national network to evaluate fatherhood programs

The Fatherhood Research and Practice Network (FRPN) aims to evaluate fatherhood programs and communicate information leading to effective practice and research. The project focuses on three areas: fathers' engagement, economic security, and co-parenting/healthy relationships to improve program delivery.

SourceTemple University·DateJun 10, 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.

$2.3 million NIH grant to UCF will help improve critical patient care

The University of Central Florida will use a $2.3 million NIH grant to study the effectiveness of regular fluid removal from patients' mouths while on ventilators, aiming to prevent complications and improve outcomes. The protocol developed by Dr. Mary Lou Sole aims to reduce the risk of pneumonia and associated costs.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·DateJun 10, 2014

From today, the Earth is around 60 million years older -- and so is the moon

Researchers Guillaume Avice and Bernard Marty found the Earth is approximately 60 million years older than previously thought. The team analyzed xenon gas sealed in quartz samples to refine dating techniques and estimate the Moon-forming impact timing, now believed to be around 40 million years after solar system formation.

SourceEuropean Association of Geochemistry·DateJun 10, 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.

Herpes infected humans before they were human

Researchers found that human herpes simplex virus (HSV) -1 and -2 originated in chimpanzees, with HSV-1 present in humans for over 6 million years. The study suggests that HSV-2 emerged from ancient chimps around 1.6 million years ago, prior to the rise of modern humans.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateJun 10, 2014

UK science trio called to Washington ocean summit

Environmental scientists Drs Carol Turley and Phil Williamson and Professor Richard Thompson will discuss ocean acidification and plastic pollution at the US Department of State conference. They emphasize the urgent need for a coordinated, global approach to address these pressing issues.

SourceNatural Environment Research Council·DateJun 10, 2014

'All systems go' for a paralyzed person to kick off the World Cup

A paralyzed person will attempt the first kick in the FIFA World Cup using a brain-controlled robotic exoskeleton, demonstrating the TUM Institute for Cognitive Systems' CellulARSkin technology. This technology provides a sense of touch, allowing patients to feel their feet touching the ground.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateJun 10, 2014
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

LSTM researchers identify the complex mechanisms controlling changes in snake venom

Researchers identified diverse mechanisms driving venom variation in closely related snake species, impacting venom-induced haemorrhage and coagulation pathologies. This study highlights challenges to developing broad-spectrum snakebite treatments due to conventional antivenom limitations.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 10, 2014

Researchers develop free online database for soybean studies

The Soybean Knowledge Base (SoyKB) is a free online database that allows researchers to collaborate and analyze large data sets related to soybean research. Key findings include the use of computational methods to help determine results, and the potential for drug design and cost-effective pharmaceutical development.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 10, 2014

Gene mutation discovery could explain brain disorders in children

Researchers have discovered a key gene mutation responsible for impaired mental function in children with intellectual disabilities. TUBB5 is essential for healthy brain development, and mutations can cause problems with normal fetal brain development.

SourceMonash University·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateJun 10, 2014

Game changer for leukemia therapy

Researchers have found that cancer cells decide whether to live or die after a short period of intense exposure to targeted therapy. This discovery presents a new treatment strategy with significant potential for reducing side effects in patients.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalLeukemia·DateJun 10, 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.