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Science News Archive June 2014 - Page 24


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.

SourceEuropean Association of Geochemistry·DateJun 10, 2014

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
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.

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
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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

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.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 9, 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.

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.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 9, 2014

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 9, 2014

Public gets first view of a live vampire squid and other deep-sea cephalopods

The public has its first view of a live vampire squid and other deep-sea cephalopods in the ongoing Tentacles special exhibition at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. A collaborative effort with the aquarium's partner institution, MBARI, this exhibit provides new scientific insights into these mysterious animals.

SourceMonterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute·DateJun 9, 2014
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.

Newly identified B-cell selection process adds to understanding of antibody diversity

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have identified a new B-cell selection process that influences antibody survival independent of antigen-binding regions. This discovery adds a surprising dimension to the understanding of antibody repertoires and may help shape them to better fight disease.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2014

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateJun 9, 2014

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.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalBiological Reviews·DateJun 9, 2014

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 9, 2014

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...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 9, 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.

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.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateJun 9, 2014

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.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateJun 9, 2014

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.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2014

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.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateJun 9, 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.

'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.

SourceMonash University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2014

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.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateJun 9, 2014

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.

SourcePenn State·DateJun 9, 2014

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.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateJun 9, 2014

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.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateJun 9, 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.

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 9, 2014

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.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateJun 9, 2014

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.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateJun 9, 2014

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.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 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.

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.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateJun 9, 2014

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.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalGut·DateJun 9, 2014

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...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJun 9, 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.

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.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalNature Immunology·DateJun 9, 2014

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.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateJun 9, 2014

What's the best test for cervical cancer? Pap, HPV or both?

Researchers recommend increasing cervical cancer screenings to reduce rates, regardless of test choice. Co-testing with Pap and HPV detects most pre-cancer, but improvement is small compared to repeat Pap testing every three years.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 9, 2014

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.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·DateJun 9, 2014

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.

SourceEuropean Association of Geochemistry·DateJun 9, 2014
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.

Women and health-care providers differ on what matters most about contraception

A study found that healthcare providers and women have different priorities when it comes to contraception. For women, safety and side effects are top concerns, while providers focus on method usage and effectiveness. The mismatch between these priorities underscores the need for shared decision-making processes.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalContraception·DateJun 9, 2014

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.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalBMJ Open·DateJun 9, 2014

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.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateJun 9, 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.

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...

SourcePurdue University·DateJun 9, 2014

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.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2014

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.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateJun 9, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 9, 2014

Berkeley Lab researchers create nanoparticle thin films that self-assemble in 1 minute

Researchers with the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have devised a technique to form highly ordered thin films over macroscopic distances in one minute. The technique uses supramolecules based on block copolymers to create nanocomposites that self-assemble into hierarchically-structured thin films.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 9, 2014

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.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateJun 9, 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.