Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for March 28, 2014


UNC researchers show cancer chemotherapy accelerates 'molecular aging'

Researchers measured p16 levels before, after and a year after chemotherapy to determine its impact on molecular aging. The study found that curative chemotherapy increased molecular age by an equivalent of 15 years in breast cancer patients. This suggests the p16 test may help evaluate treatment effects on long-term health and survival.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 28, 2014

Researchers develop technique to measure engineered nanomaterials delivered to cells

Scientists at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health have discovered a technique to accurately determine the amount of nanomaterials interacting with cells and tissues. The Volumetric Centrifugation Method (VCM) enables hazard rankings of engineered nanoparticles, enabling risk assessors to perform accurate assessments.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 28, 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.

Research clarifies health costs of air pollution from agriculture

Research clarifies that ammonia emissions from agricultural exports have a substantial impact on air quality, with the study estimating an annual health cost of $36 billion. The findings suggest that reducing ammonia emissions could lead to significant societal benefits, particularly in the Northeast and Great Lakes region.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 28, 2014

Ancient African cattle first domesticated in Middle East, MU study reveals

A team of University of Missouri researchers completed the genetic history of 134 cattle breeds worldwide, revealing that ancient domesticated African cattle originated in the Fertile Crescent region. This finding proves that cattle were brought to Africa as farmers migrated south and interbred with wild aurochs.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 28, 2014

Multimillion pound award supports 76 Ph.D.s in global risk

The University of Liverpool will fund 76 PhD students researching areas like financial crashes, nuclear disasters, and environmental crises over eight years. The Centre for Doctoral Training offers a multi-disciplinary approach with industrial partnerships and placements.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·DateMar 28, 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.

Drilling into the trends in genetics and epigenetics of aging and longevity

A comprehensive analysis of government grants and publications revealed that only a minor fraction of the funding was intended for aging research. Gerontogenes, which increase lifespan when overexpressed or mutated, are involved in stress response pathways that confirm the existence of a genetics-longevity program.

SourceLandes Bioscience·JournalCell Cycle·DateMar 28, 2014

Great earthquakes, water under pressure, high risk

Researchers analyzed the Chile earthquake of February 2010, finding that fluid pressure in rocks affects earthquake rupture processes. The study revealed that mechanical coupling between plates controls stress build-up and seismic energy release, with fluid pressure variations linked to subduction zone dynamics.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 28, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Underweight people at as high risk of dying as obese people, new study finds

A recent study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Public Health found that being underweight increases the risk of death for both adults and fetuses. Adults with a BMI under 18.5 are 1.8 times more likely to die than those with a normal BMI, while obesity is associated with a 1.2-1.3 times higher risk of mortality.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateMar 28, 2014

Erectile dysfunction can be reversed without medication

A new study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that 29% of men with erectile dysfunction were able to reverse their condition through lifestyle changes. The study highlights the importance of addressing risk factors such as obesity, alcohol intake, and sleep disorders to improve sexual health.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateMar 28, 2014

Revolutionary solar cells double as lasers

Researchers have developed perovskite solar cells that excel at absorbing and emitting light, with a remarkable 70% efficiency rate. These 'wonder cells' can also produce cheap lasers, opening up new applications in telecommunications and light-emitting devices.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMar 28, 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.

Eating fruits and vegetables linked to healthier arteries later in life

A study found that women who ate a diet high in fruits and vegetables as young adults were less likely to have plaque build-up in their arteries 20 years later. In contrast, men did not show the same benefit. The study's findings support the importance of developing healthy eating habits early in life.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 28, 2014

Married people less likely to have cardiovascular problems

A large-scale survey of 3.5 million Americans found that married people have a significantly lower risk of heart disease than singles, divorced, or widowed individuals. The study also revealed age-related differences in cardiovascular disease risk among married couples.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·DateMar 28, 2014

Gene may predict if further cancer treatments are needed

Researchers developed a predictive tool that analyzes gene expression changes to predict patient survival. The tool, based on mouse studies, has shown promise in predicting treatment risk for early-stage breast cancer and certain lung cancers.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateMar 28, 2014

Number of babies mom has may play role in future cardiovascular health

Research suggests that women with four or more children are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, with a two-fold higher risk of abnormal coronary artery calcium scores and aortic wall thickness. This association remains even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors, education, race, and known risk factors.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 28, 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.

Concerning number of kids have elevated cholesterol

A study of 12,712 children found that 30% had borderline or elevated total cholesterol, underscoring the importance of universal pediatric cholesterol screening. The findings suggest that adopting healthy lifestyle choices and regular screening can potentially stall vascular changes and reduce future disease risk.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 28, 2014

Fingerprint of dissolved glycine in the Terahertz range explained

Chemists at Ruhr-Universität Bochum have completely analyzed the Terahertz spectrum of dissolved glycine in water, revealing its motion and disproving a long-standing theory. The study used spectroscopy and molecular-dynamics simulations to track the amino acid's movement in an aqueous solution.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 28, 2014
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.

More male fish 'feminized' by pollution on the Basque coast

Research reveals endocrine disrupting chemicals cause feminization in male thick-lipped grey mullet; 60-91% of males show vitellogenin and Aromatase Cyp19a1b gene expression, indicating feminization. Estuaries across Basque coast show high levels of pollutants contributing to the phenomenon.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalMarine Environmental Research·DateMar 28, 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.

Research suggests autumn is ending later in the northern hemisphere

A study by the University of Southampton found that Autumn is becoming significantly later in the year, while Spring is arriving slightly earlier. The researchers analyzed satellite imagery and vegetation data to identify changes in vegetation growth cycles, finding a delay in Autumn's onset.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·DateMar 28, 2014

Rainbow-catching waveguide could revolutionize energy technologies

Engineers have developed a multilayered waveguide taper array that can absorb light across different frequencies, boosting the efficiency of solar power and thermal energy recycling. This technology has potential applications in stealth technology and waste heat recycling.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 28, 2014

Fabricating nanostructures with silk could make clean rooms green rooms

Researchers at Tufts University have demonstrated an environmentally friendly process to generate nanostructures from silk using water as a developing agent. This approach provides a green alternative to conventional synthetic polymers and delivers fabrication quality comparable to conventional methods.

SourceTufts University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 28, 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.