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Science News Archive June 2014


Page 24 of 33

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Stem cells are a soft touch for nano-engineered biomaterials

Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have developed nanopatches to alter surface properties, enabling stem cells to differentiate and behave like those grown on soft surfaces. This breakthrough enhances the potential of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

Pathway between gut and liver regulates bone mass

Researchers have discovered a new pathway between the gut, liver, and bone that regulates bone mass. Vitamin B12 deficiency leads to stunted growth and osteoporosis in offspring of mice, but supplementation restores bone health.

Seeing how a lithium-ion battery works

Researchers at MIT have discovered a 'random solid solution' that affects how ions move through the material, explaining the unexpectedly high power and long cycle life of lithium-ion batteries. The study provides new insights into the dynamic processes within electrode materials.

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.

Tangled path of Alzheimer's-linked brain cells mapped in mice

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have plotted the complex paths of cholinergic neurons, which degenerate first in people with Alzheimer's. The study reveals that these neurons face significant challenges due to their thin pipeline and numerous branch points.

Did violence shape our faces?

Researchers propose that human faces developed robust features to protect against facial injuries during hand-to-hand combat, challenging the long-held hypothesis that these traits arose from eating hard foods. The study's findings support the idea that violence played a significant role in shaping human evolution.

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.

NASA's TRMM satellite analyzes Mexico's soaking tropical rains

The TRMM-based Multi-satellite Precipitation Analysis system monitored near-real time rainfall totals for May 29 to June 6, 2014, during Tropical Storm Boris and System 90L's impact on Mexico. The satellite recorded the highest rainfall totals of over 535 mm in southern Mexico.

Designing ion 'highway systems' for batteries

A Northwestern University team has developed a new understanding of plastics for battery applications by combining two traditional theories in materials science. This opens the door for a new class of batteries with improved safety and power efficiency. The researchers used block copolymers, which are self-assembling into nanostructure...

Molecular imaging finds novel way to knock down breast cancer

A new antibody-based molecular imaging agent has been developed to target the HER3 receptor in breast cancer, which may lead to better diagnosis and treatment of high-risk cases. This approach could also help identify patients who would benefit from additional therapies.

Radioluminescence tells the story of single cells

Researchers used a novel radioluminescence microscope to study single cells and found unexpected variation. The tool helps personalize radionuclide imaging by characterizing how radiotracers interact with cells.

Seafarers brought Neolithic culture to Europe, gene study indicates

A recent genetic study suggests that Neolithic people colonized Europe through a maritime route, with Crete serving as a major hub. The analysis confirms that the Neolithic migrants originated from the Levant and primarily traveled by sea, introducing their genes to European populations.

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.

Molecular imaging gets to the root of rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers used SPECT and PET systems to detect inflammation involved in osteoarthritis, giving doctors a clear read on chronic pain and possible joint destruction. Radiolabeled anti-FAP antibodies showed significantly increased imaging agent uptake in inflamed joints.

'Jekyll and Hyde' protein linked to type 1 diabetes

A new study published in PNAS reveals how the GAD65 protein changes shape when activated, potentially linking it to type 1 diabetes. The research found that antibodies interact with the protein differently depending on its state, which may affect vaccine development for the disease.

REM sleep disturbance signals future neurodegenerative disease

Scientists found a strong association between REM sleep disturbance and the development of progressive brain diseases like Parkinson's and dementia. Longitudinal imaging data showed decreased dopamine transporter density in patients with REM sleep disorder, which marked the first hints of Parkinson's disease.

Online marketing schemes can still lure in customers

Researchers found that over 40% of online shoppers buy additional products without extra value, influenced by pre-populated data and opt-in/opt-out tactics. The study highlights the effectiveness of post-transaction sales in luring consumers.

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.

A few circulating cancer cells could cue risk of metastases

Researchers used novel molecular imaging techniques to identify outlier cancer cells in the blood, which may indicate increased risk of metastases. The study found that less than 3% of circulating tumor cells showed abnormal glucose metabolism, suggesting potential aggressiveness.

Rates of prediabetes have tripled over past decade in England

Rates of prediabetes have tripled over the past decade in England, affecting over a third of adults. Those from disadvantaged backgrounds and black and minority ethnicities are disproportionately affected, with up to one in 10 progressing to diabetes annually.

Satellite sees System 90L dissipating over Mexico

System 90L, a tropical low pressure area, never formed into a tropical depression but dropped heavy rainfall on eastern and southeastern Mexico. The system eventually dissipated after making landfall, resulting in gusty winds and life-threatening flash flooding.

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.

Stem cell-stimulating therapy saves heart attack patients

A new study shows that administering G-CSF, a stem cell-stimulating therapy, early in the treatment of heart attack patients can improve their chances of survival and cardiac function. The therapy was found to increase blood flow, access to energy, and overall cardiac health.

Molecular breast imaging protocol unmasks more cancer

A new molecular breast imaging protocol using a higher dose of Tc-99m filtered sulfur colloid has been shown to improve the detection of advanced breast cancer. Imaging performed the day prior to surgery was more sensitive than imaging on the day of surgery, detecting 76% versus 49% of cases with metastasized lymph nodes.

Protein could put antibiotic-resistant bugs in handcuffs

Researchers at Duke University have identified a key protein that drives DNA copying in plasmids responsible for antibiotic resistance in staphylococcus bacteria. By understanding how this protein works, scientists may develop new ways to prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant plasmids.

Antiviral therapy may prevent liver cancer in hepatitis B patients

A study of over 2,600 adults with hepatitis B found that antiviral therapy significantly reduced the occurrence of liver cancer (HCC) by 60%. The therapy was more effective than treatment in preventing HCC than untreated patients. Results suggest a potential new approach to preventing a common and deadly form of cancer.

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.

Exercise boosts diversity of gut bacteria

A study of professional rugby players found that exercise increased the diversity of gut microbiota, which was positively correlated with a favourable metabolic profile and immune system response. Higher dietary protein intake also played a role in this association.

Lifetime cancer risk from heart imaging tests is low for most children

A new study published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation found that radiation from heart imaging tests is relatively low and doesn't significantly raise lifetime cancer risks for most young children. However, some children with complex heart disease can be exposed to large cumulative doses that increase estimated lif...

Faster, higher, stronger: A protein that enables powerful initial immune response

Researchers at The Wistar Institute discovered that the protein Foxp1 plays a critical role in antibody responses, enabling rapid and effective immune system activation. Manipulating Foxp1 activity could provide a useful tool for boosting antibody responses to treat infectious diseases or suppressing them to treat autoimmune disorders.

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.

Most breast cancer patients may not be getting enough exercise

Breast cancer patients often do not meet national physical activity guidelines after diagnosis, with African-American women being less likely to do so. A study found that only 35% of survivors met guidelines post-diagnosis, with a significant decrease in activity six months after diagnosis.

First atlas of Inuit Arctic trails launched

Researchers have mapped ancient Inuit trails using archival accounts, maps, and place names, providing a vital step in cultural preservation and understanding Inuit history. The 'pan-Inuit' world is being fragmented due to climate change, but the atlas shows the geographical extent and connectedness of Inuit occupancy.

Scientists may have identified echoes of ancient Earth

Researchers from Harvard University believe they've found signs of an ancient Earth within the Earth's mantle, challenging the theory of the Moon's formation. They analyzed noble gas isotopes and found significant differences between shallow and deep mantle regions.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

UF study: One-third of English adults have prediabetes

A University of Florida study found that nearly one-third of English adults have prediabetes, a condition characterized by higher than normal blood glucose levels. The study suggests that without intervention, England may experience a significant increase in diabetes cases in the coming years.

PET/MR is superior for verifying coronary arterial disease

A new study reveals that PET/MR imaging is highly effective in detecting coronary artery disease, outperforming traditional SPECT methods. The hybrid technique provides a comprehensive view of the heart, combining anatomical and functional information for more accurate diagnoses.

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.

New teaching approach touted for engineering education

Purdue researchers have developed a new approach to teach large numbers of engineering students, resulting in improved student performance and engagement. The Purdue Mechanics Freeform Classroom system allows students to interact online while accessing instructional videos and animations, reducing the number of students who receive a D...

How much fertilizer is too much for the climate?

Agriculture accounts for 80% of human-caused nitrous oxide emissions, which rise faster than expected when fertilizer rates exceed crop needs. Applying more precise amounts of nitrogen-based fertilizer can help combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Enzyme-inhibition could revolutionize molecular imaging

Researchers developed a new concept to improve molecular imaging by co-injecting an NEP inhibitor, resulting in up to 40 times increased circulating radiopeptides and improved tumor uptake. This approach could lead to higher diagnostic sensitivity and therapeutic efficacy for cancer patients.

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.

News from Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet -- June 10, 2014

Increasing cervical cancer screening rates can help prevent invasive cancer. Experts recommend focusing on population coverage rather than choosing a specific test. Meanwhile, the release of Medicare data provides insights into healthcare spending and quality, but lacks meaningful context for evaluation.

Opti-SPECT/PET/CT: 5 different imaging systems now combined

Researchers can conduct five different imaging studies in one scan with the Opti-SPECT/PET/CT system, providing comprehensive data on anatomy and physiological processes. The device allows for minimally invasive studies with a single dose of anesthesia, enabling scientists to develop new drug discovery methods.

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.