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Science News Archive June 2014


Page 12 of 33

Criminal profiling technique targets killer diseases

Researchers adapt mathematical tool for geographic profiling to target infectious disease breeding sites, reducing search areas from 300km to just 10.7km. The new model has the potential to identify sources of TB, cholera, and Legionnaires' disease, offering a promising solution for public health control.

New driver of atherosclerosis offers potential as therapeutic target

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a new driver of atherosclerosis, a molecule called 27-hydroxycholesterol (27HC), which exacerbates the condition and may be a promising therapeutic target. Blocking 27HC or inhibiting its actions could provide a complementary approach to preventing vascular disease.

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.

Strict diet suspends development, doubles lifespan of worms

Researchers found that restricting food to nematode worms triggers a state of arrested development, allowing them to live twice as long as normal. The study hints at an easier way to achieve human longevity and has implications for cancer research.

Report shows citizen-designed county redistricting worked

A California Lutheran University study found that citizen-designed redistricting in Ventura County led to fairer representation, with most incumbent supervisors re-elected based on their responsiveness to constituents. The new districts also strengthened support for environmental protections and liberal social policies.

RNA aptamers targeted to plasminogen activator inhibitor

Researchers have designed RNA aptamers that specifically target and inhibit PAI-1's anti-clot-busting activity. These aptamers demonstrate the potential for blocking PAI-1-associated vascular events, offering a novel therapeutic option for cardiovascular disease prevention.

Researcher discovers ovarian cancer treatment

Researchers at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center discovered a new treatment for ovarian cancer that improves response rates and prolongs time until cancer recurrence. Trebananib, a peptide-Fc fusion protein, targets angiogenesis by inhibiting angiopoietin 1 and 2 binding to the Tie2 receptor.

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.

NYSCF and eagle-i Network co-develop iPS cell database

The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) and the eagle-i Network will make NYSCF iPS cell lines and related information available on a user-friendly, web-based, searchable database. This database will help scientists find valuable resources, enabling collaboration and accelerating research.

Limb regeneration: Do salamanders hold the key?

Researchers have identified a critical molecular pathway, the ERK pathway, that determines whether an adult cell can be reprogrammed and aid in limb regeneration. Constantly active ERK pathway may unlock new therapies for human diseases.

Swiftly moving gas streamer eclipses supermassive black hole

An international team of astronomers discovered a clumpy gas stream flowing quickly outward and blocking 90 percent of the X-rays emitted by the supermassive black hole at the center of the galaxy NGC 5548. The researchers believe this activity provides new insights into the interaction of supermassive black holes and their host galaxies.

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.

Gene study points to novel pathway for diabetes treatment

A recent gene study has identified a novel biological pathway that affects insulin release in type 1 diabetes. The Clec16a gene plays a critical role in regulating insulin metabolism and acts upon a pathway crucial to insulin secretion.

Swiftly moving gas streamer eclipses supermassive black hole

Researchers detected a clumpy gas stream flowing quickly outwards and blocking X-rays emitted by the supermassive black hole. The discovery provides direct evidence for the shielding process that accelerates powerful gas streams, offering insights into how black holes interact with their host galaxies.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Humans have been changing Chinese environment for 3,000 years

Researchers link massive flooding in China to human-caused environmental degradation and flood-mitigation efforts dating back 3,000 years. The Yellow River's levee system was built over 2,900-700 years ago to control erosion, but it ultimately made periodic floods worse.

A better imager for identifying tumors

Researchers developed a small, lightweight device that combines near-infrared fluorescent imaging to detect marked cancer cells with visible light reflectance imaging to see tissue contours. This technology enhances surgeons' ability to precisely remove tumors and minimize healthy tissue damage.

New cocaine tracking system could lead to better drug enforcement

A new methodology tracks wholesale powdered cocaine prices in 112 cities to identify city-to-city links for the transit of the drug. Cities in the southern U.S. and along the west coast are source cities, while those in the north and northeast are destination cities.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

In hairless man, arthritis drug spurs hair growth -- lots

A 25-year-old patient with alopecia universalis has successfully regrown a full head of hair, including eyebrows and facial hair, after receiving the novel treatment. The patient's condition was previously untreatable, but the new treatment using FDA-approved drug tofacitinib citrate reversed his disease.

Feel-good hormones could cause UV addiction

Chronic UV radiation stimulates endorphin production, causing physical dependence and addiction-like behavior in mice. This finding could explain why people have an instinctive desire for sunlight despite its health risks. Researchers suggest that a conscious effort to limit sun exposure is needed to mitigate skin cancer risk.

Possible new combination treatment for cancer

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a new combination treatment for cancer using the molecules RVX2135 and HDAC inhibitors. The treatment has been shown to increase survival rates in mice with MYC-driven lymphoma by activating similar genes as existing cancer treatments.

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.

Football improves strength in men with prostate cancer

Men with prostate cancer who played football for 12 weeks experienced significant gains in muscle mass and strength despite undergoing androgen deprivation therapy. The study also highlighted the positive social experiences and desire to remain active that came from playing football.

The sweetest calculator in the world

Researchers at Jena University developed a molecular computer based on sugar molecules, enabling the processing of complex information through chemical reactions. The 'sugar computer' uses fluorescent dye and quencher to process signals, with a demonstrated ability to solve simple calculations within 40 minutes.

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.

The genes tell crows to choose partners that look alike

A study published in Science found that crows select mates with similar plumage colors due to genetic factors. The researchers identified a specific genomic region responsible for coloration and visual perception, suggesting a possible evolutionary mechanism behind species separation.

Researchers develop genetic control mechanism for major livestock pest

Scientists have developed a technique to control the population of the Australian sheep blowfly by genetically modifying female flies to require a common antibiotic to survive. This approach allows for the separation of male and female larvae, enabling the use of male-only genetic control programs to reduce blowfly populations.

Neurons get their neighbors to take out their trash

Researchers discover that retinal ganglion cells pass on worn-out mitochondria to astrocytes for disposal at the optic nerve head. This process challenges the common understanding of cellular trash management and has implications for diseases like glaucoma, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's.

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.

Finding the Achilles' Heel of ovarian tumor growth

Researchers have discovered a protein called focal adhesion kinase (FAK) that plays a crucial role in ovarian cancer cell growth. A network of signals generated by osteopontin and FAK controls spheroid growth, making it a potential target for new therapies.

DOE awards $100 million for innovative energy research

The US Department of Energy has awarded $100 million for Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRCs) to advance energy production, storage, and use. The selected projects will focus on solar energy, electrical energy storage, carbon capture and sequestration, materials and chemistry by design, biosciences, and extreme environments.

Who's your daddy? UCF team programs computer to find out

A UCF team has developed a facial recognition tool that can rapidly match pictures of children with their biological parents. The study found that children often resemble their parents in unseen ways, with 63% of sons resembling their fathers and 82% of daughters resembling their mothers.

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.

Can injuries to the skin be painless?

A study led by Priscille Brodin and Laurent Marsollier found that the toxin mycolactone from Mycobacterium ulcerans limits the transmission of pain signals to the brain. This mechanism may lead to the development of new analgesics.

Stem cell-based transplantation approach improves recovery from stroke

Researchers have discovered that simultaneous transplantation of neural and vascular progenitor cells reduces brain damage and improves behavioral recovery after ischemic stroke. The study suggests that cotransplantation of these two cell types is more effective than single-cell therapy in promoting recovery.

Rice's Thomann wins CAREER grant to study photocatalysis

Isabell Thomann's research focuses on improving photocatalysis, a process that uses light to drive chemical reactions, with a goal of reducing carbon dioxide using sunlight. She will use an ultrafast laser spectroscopy system to study short-lived chemical intermediates and optimize the efficiency and selectivity of chemical reactions.

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.

Genetic risk for type 1 diabetes driven by faulty cell recycling

A genetic risk component of type 1 diabetes has been shed light on by a study identifying the role of gene Clec16a in faulty cell recycling. Healthy mitochondria are crucial to insulin production and blood sugar control, making this finding a significant step towards treating or preventing both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

One step to solar-cell efficiency

Researchers have developed a simple way to etch nanoscale spikes into silicon, allowing more than 99% of sunlight to reach the cells' active elements. The new process reduces costs associated with solar cell production and increases efficiency.

Single tick bite can pack double pathogen punch

Researchers found that blacklegged ticks are almost twice as likely to be infected with two pathogens, Lyme disease and babesiosis. This increases the risk of exposure to multiple diseases, particularly in areas with high incidence of tick-borne illnesses.

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.

Humans & monkeys of one mind when it comes to changing it

Researchers tracked neural activity to discover covert changes of mind in monkeys and humans, finding they're more frequent in uncertain conditions. The study offers new insights into decision-making processes and innovative ways to study this complex behavior.

DOE renews Energy Frontier Research Center at PNNL

The Center for Molecular Electrocatalysis will receive $3.5 million annually to explore chemical reactions at the core of solar energy and fuel cells. Researchers from multiple disciplines will work to design faster catalysts, split molecular oxygen, and improve hydrogen reactions.

Stanford bioengineers invent a way to speed up drug discovery

Researchers have developed a new technique to observe and report on the behavior of kinase signaling proteins in living cells. This allows for the tracking of multiple kinases functioning in living cells, enabling the observation of healthy versus diseased cell comparison and experimental drug effects.

Improving academic performance with physical fitness

A new study found that cardiorespiratory capacity and motor ability are strongly related to academic performance, with motor ability being the most important factor. The study suggests that promoting physical activities that enhance these abilities can improve academic development and reduce the risk of school failure.

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.

Cleveland Clinic researchers discover protein that inhibits tumor growth

A new protein variant called VEGF-Ax discovered by Cleveland Clinic researchers slows the development of new blood vessels necessary for tumors to expand and metastasize. This discovery could lead to new diagnostic tools and improved treatments to reduce cancer spread, according to Dr. Paul Fox.

New graphene research centre to open at the University of Surrey

The University of Surrey has established a graphene centre to advance technologies such as electronic devices, supercapacitors, and solar cells through collaborative research with industry partners. The Centre will utilize the ATI's Photo Thermal deposition technology to produce high-quality graphene for various industrial applications.

Haters spend more time...hating?

A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that individuals with low dispositional attitudes (haters) spend more time on each activity than those with high dispositional attitudes (likers), despite doing fewer activities. This suggests that haters may be more focused and skilled in their chosen tasks.

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.