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Science News Archive June 2014 - Page 12


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.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateJun 19, 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.

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.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 19, 2014

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.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJun 19, 2014

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.

SourceSAGE·JournalSAGE Open·DateJun 19, 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.

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.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalNucleic Acid Therapeutics·DateJun 19, 2014

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.

SourceSt. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJun 19, 2014

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.

SourceNew York Stem Cell Foundation·DateJun 19, 2014

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.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJun 19, 2014

Kids with strong bonds to parents make better friends, can adapt in relationships

A new study found that securely attached children are more responsive to peer partners, adapting their behavior to meet expectations. Children's temperament also plays a role, but it's essential to distinguish between attachment security and temperament.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateJun 19, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience·DateJun 19, 2014

New digital fabrication technique creates interlocking 3D-printed ceramic PolyBricks

A new digital fabrication technique enables the construction of mortar-less brick building assemblies at greater scales using 3D-printed ceramic PolyBricks. The PolyBrick system allows for customized, prefabricated ceramic building blocks to interlock and assemble easily into larger units.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·Journal3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing·DateJun 19, 2014

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.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalCell·DateJun 19, 2014

NASA and NAU researchers welcome unexpected asteroid findings

Researchers David Trilling and Michael Mommert found asteroid 2011 MD to be 65% empty, consisting of a cloud of rocks or dust with a solid rock at its nucleus. This challenges long-held assumptions about the nature of small asteroids.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 19, 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.

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.

SourceESA/Hubble Information Centre·JournalScience·DateJun 19, 2014

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.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateJun 19, 2014

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.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateJun 19, 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.

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.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Drug Issues·DateJun 19, 2014

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.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateJun 19, 2014

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJun 19, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 19, 2014

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.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateJun 19, 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.

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.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 19, 2014

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.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScience·DateJun 19, 2014

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalInsect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·DateJun 19, 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.

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 19, 2014

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalGynecologic Oncology·DateJun 19, 2014

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.

SourceDOE/US Department of Energy·DateJun 19, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·DateJun 19, 2014

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.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalCell·DateJun 19, 2014

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJun 19, 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.

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.

SourceRice University·DateJun 19, 2014

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCell·DateJun 19, 2014

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.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateJun 19, 2014

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.

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalPublication Library and Information Science·DateJun 19, 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.

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.

SourceNew York University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 19, 2014

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.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateJun 19, 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.

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.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalCell·DateJun 19, 2014

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.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJun 19, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·DateJun 19, 2014

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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania Annenberg School for Communication·JournalSocial Psychology·DateJun 19, 2014

A shorter time to the first cigarette of the day is associated with risk of lung cancer

A study published in JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that a shorter time to first cigarette (TTFC) is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer in both heavy and light smokers. The researchers analyzed data from over 3,200 current and former smokers, revealing that TTFC was statistically significantly higher...

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 19, 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.

Study offers evidence that sunscreen use in childhood prevents melanoma in adults

Research conducted at Texas Biomedical Research Institute found that sunscreen use in infancy and childhood reduces malignant melanoma incidence in adulthood by 10-fold. The study used a natural animal model, gray short-tailed opossums, to test the effectiveness of sunscreen against UV-induced melanoma.

SourceTexas Biomedical Research Institute·JournalPigment Cell & Melanoma Research·DateJun 19, 2014