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Science News for June 22, 2014


Unlocking milk's formula could save lives, say scientists

A Monash University study reveals the detailed structure of milk during digestion, providing insights into its interaction with the human digestive system. The research could lead to the development of new milk products and a new system for drug delivery.

SourceMonash University·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 22, 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.

Architecture of signaling proteins enhances knowledge of key receptors

Researchers at Duke University, University of Michigan, and Stanford University have determined the underlying architecture of a cellular signaling complex involved in responding to stimuli such as light and pain. The findings reveal a two-step mechanism that has been hypothesized previously but not directly documented.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNature·DateJun 22, 2014

Vitamin D can lower weight, blood sugar via the brain

A study found that vitamin D treatment improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in obese rats, reducing food intake and weight. The findings suggest a potential role of vitamin D in the onset of obesity and Type 2 diabetes through its action in the brain.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateJun 22, 2014

Denosumab treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis increases bone density

A multinational study found that long-term denosumab treatment in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis leads to significant increases in bone density and sustained low rates of fractures. The treatment also shows a favorable benefit/risk profile, with no increase in overall risk of cancer, infection, or cardiovascular disease.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateJun 22, 2014

University scientists unraveling nature of Higgs boson

Researchers at Kansas State University have found evidence that the Higgs boson is responsible for generating mass in fundamental particles, such as electrons. This discovery reinforces existing theories and provides new insights into how the universe works.

SourceKansas State University·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 22, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cancer by remote-control

Scientists at EMBL and DKFZ identified two sister genes, GFI1B and GFI1, as major drivers of Group 3 medulloblastoma. Large-scale DNA rearrangements relocate these genes, activating them and driving tumour formation.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJun 22, 2014

Gestational diabetes is associated with declining cognitive function

A new study from Turkey finds that women with gestational diabetes perform worse on cognitive function tests, including a 30-point test for mild cognitive impairment and visual memory tests. The researchers suggest that early interventions and therapies may delay cognitive impairment in diabetes.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateJun 22, 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.

Researchers discover new genes that promote brain cancer

A collaborative study has identified two oncogenes, GFI1 and GFI1B, that drive the development of medulloblastoma, the most common malignant brain tumor in children. The findings suggest these genes are worthy candidates for molecular-targeted therapy.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature·DateJun 22, 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.

Family of proteins plays key role in cellular pump dynamics

Case Western Reserve scientists pinpoint the channeling of cell's energy flow in moving metal ions using advanced imaging technologies. This finding has the potential to inform future research on treating diseases such as Parkinson's, chronic liver disease, and heart disease.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature·DateJun 22, 2014

The brain's balancing act

Scientists have found a constant ratio between excitatory and inhibitory neurons that maintains the brain's internal balance. This E/I ratio allows for subtle control over response to stimuli, preventing runaway firing or permanent quiescence.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateJun 22, 2014

Hypothyroidism may lead to impaired driving

A recent study has found that hypothyroidism can cause impaired driving abilities, comparable to the effects of drinking alcohol. The research suggests that patients with significant hypothyroidism should avoid driving until they have been treated with thyroid hormone.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateJun 22, 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.

Regional weather extremes linked to atmospheric variations

A new study reveals that regional weather extremes are strongly related to large-scale wave patterns in the atmosphere. The research found that certain regions of Europe, Asia, and the US are more prone to prolonged bouts of unseasonal weather, including hot and cold spells, droughts, and wet periods.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 22, 2014

Protons power protein portal to push zinc out of cells

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University deciphered the inner workings of YiiP, a protein that prevents zinc toxicity in bacteria. The study reveals how protons drive the transport of zinc ions across cell membranes, shedding light on potential targets for modulating ZnT proteins and treating type 2 diabetes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature·DateJun 22, 2014

Mysterious 'Magic Island' appears on Saturn moon

Scientists observe a mysterious geologic object on Ligeia Mare, the second-largest sea on Saturn's moon Titan, which may be the first observation of dynamic geological processes. The 'Magic Island' is thought to result from changing seasons and could provide insights into Titan's liquid environments.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 22, 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.

Evidence found for the Higgs boson direct decay into fermions

Researchers have successfully detected the Higgs boson decaying directly into fermions, a discovery that confirms theoretical predictions. The analysis of data gathered at the Large Hadron Collider reveals an accumulation of decays near 125 GeV and with a significance of 3.8 sigma.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 22, 2014

Molecular footballs could revolutionize your next World Cup experience!

A team of international researchers has created 'molecular tadpoles' with unique properties, allowing for improved detergent performance and potential applications in flexible electronics. These molecules are formed by modifying 'bucky balls' with long chains, enabling them to assemble into extended structures.

SourceInstitut Laue-Langevin·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 22, 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.

Study shows greater potential for solar power

A new study suggests that concentrating solar power (CSP) can provide a substantial amount of current energy demand, particularly in the Mediterranean region. CSP systems can store energy as heat and convert it to electricity only when needed, making them more viable for large-scale energy production. The study also found that CSP coul...

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 22, 2014

Soy supplements appear to be safe, beneficial in diabetic men

A new study found that soy protein supplements containing phytoestrogens do not reduce testosterone levels in men with Type 2 diabetes. Instead, they improve diabetes control and cardiovascular risk factors. The supplements also show promise in reducing the risk of heart disease.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateJun 22, 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.

The Lancet: Midwifery matters 'more than ever'

A major new Series in The Lancet emphasizes the critical role of midwifery in saving millions of women and children worldwide. Effective midwifery can prevent up to three-quarters of stillbirths and maternal deaths, and even modest improvements in coverage could halve current rates by 2030.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 22, 2014

Low testosterone raises risk of age-related functional disability

A study published by the Endocrine Society found that low testosterone levels are linked to a higher risk of declining physical function in older men. The researchers also discovered that muscle weakness, possibly caused by decreased testosterone levels, may explain most of this relationship.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateJun 22, 2014