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Science News for March 5, 2014


Security tools for Industry 4.0

Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute for Secure Information Technology SIT showcase security tools to protect manufacturing data from unauthorized access. The software application encrypts data as it emerges, ensuring only licensed actions are executed.

SourceFraunhofer-Gesellschaft·DateMar 5, 2014

Human activity influences beach bacterial diversity

Bacterial community composition at two beaches shows distinct differences but also similarities, suggesting regional human impact variations. Higher bacterial diversity at one site indicates better ecological health and resiliency to sewage contamination.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 5, 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.

When art and science collide -- the masterpiece unmasked

Researchers have applied innovative approaches to art analysis, including infrared imaging, thermography, and spectroscopy, to uncover the origins of paintings and detect forgeries. These non-destructive techniques have proven valuable in conserving priceless works of art.

SourceCanadian Science Publishing·JournalCanadian Journal of Physics·DateMar 5, 2014

3-D scans map widespread fish disease

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have used 3D scans to map the widespread fish disease enteric redmouth disease. The study reveals that the bacteria infects fish through their ultra-thin gills, providing a new understanding of the infection pathway and potential solutions.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 5, 2014

New findings on neurogenesis in the spinal cord

Researchers from Karolinska Institutet found that the MYC gene promotes neural cell differentiation rather than proliferation in intact neural tissue. This discovery may lead to new approaches for treating spinal cord injuries and promoting nerve cell growth.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalEMBO Reports·DateMar 5, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Ultra-high-field MRI may allow earlier diagnosis of Parkinson's disease

Researchers used ultra-high-field MRI to identify abnormalities in the substantia nigra, a key region affected by Parkinson's disease. The study showed promising results for early detection and classification of the condition, with high sensitivity and specificity rates.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateMar 5, 2014

Genetic cause found for premature ovarian failure

Researchers have identified a genetic cause for premature ovarian failure, finding that mutations in the STAG3 gene lead to infertility. The study analyzed samples from a consanguineous family and confirmed that the mutation affects both males and females, making it a strong candidate for male infertility as well.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 5, 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.

Biomarkers of cell death in Alzheimer's reverse course after symptom onset

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found that biomarkers of neuronal injury in Alzheimer's disease decrease as symptoms of dementia appear, contrary to previous findings. This reversal suggests a slowing of cell death and may be an important criterion for assessing the success of treatment trials.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 5, 2014

Half of pregnant women are passive smokers, due above all to their partners

A study published in Science of the Total Environment found that over half of non-smoking pregnant women (55%) are passive smokers. Exposure to tobacco smoke increases the risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, and cognitive development issues. Researchers attributed this largely to their partners' smoking at home.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateMar 5, 2014

Eskitis Institute leading a renaissance in natural drug discovery

The Eskitis Institute is working with the Queensland Compound Library and Nature Bank to discover new natural compounds that could be developed into life-saving drugs. The collaboration has led to significant advancements in high-throughput screening of natural product fractions, resulting in the discovery of more useful compounds.

SourceGriffith University·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateMar 5, 2014

When disaster strikes: Safeguarding networks

New algorithm assesses risks and determines safest locations for cloud data refuge, mitigating impacts of disasters on networks. Integrated wireless-optical system enables temporary emergency networks with high-speed wireless technology.

SourceOptica·DateMar 5, 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.

Restless legs syndrome may signify bigger health problems

A study published in Neurology found that patients with restless legs syndrome had a higher mortality rate than similar men, and were more likely to be diagnosed with cardiovascular disease and hypertension. RLS screening may become more common as a tool for primary care providers to identify patients at risk of serious disease.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalNeurology·DateMar 5, 2014

Ultra sensitive detection of radio waves with lasers

Researchers at the Niels Bohr Institute developed a new optomechanical method that achieves extreme precision in measuring radio waves by avoiding noise with laser light. The detector can operate at room temperature, reducing the need for expensive cooling measures.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalNature·DateMar 5, 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.

New innovation could mean eye injections are a thing of the past

Researchers at UCL have developed a new technology that can deliver the AMD drug Avastin via eye drops, potentially replacing painful injections. The system uses nanoparticles to transport the drug across biological barriers and could be customized for different medications.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalSmall·DateMar 5, 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.

A small step toward discovering habitable earths

Researchers successfully captured an image of exoplanet Beta Pictoris b using a charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor in visible light, confirming its atmosphere is at 2600 degrees Fahrenheit. The achievement marks a significant step towards detecting habitable planets around other stars.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateMar 5, 2014

Novel cancer vaccine holds promise against ovarian cancer, mesothelioma

A new cancer vaccine has demonstrated prolonged survival in animal models of both tumors by stimulating the immune system to attack cancer cells. The vaccine combines a molecule targeting a tumor-cell-surface antigen with another protein that stimulates several immune functions.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Hematology & Oncology·DateMar 5, 2014

New molecules doom proteins with kiss of death

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a new type of antibody, called a ubiquibody, which can target specific proteins for destruction. This technology could provide a powerful way to fine-tune research on protein deletion or reduction, and may also prove useful for future drug therapies.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 5, 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.

Testis size matters for genome evolution

Correlation discovered between molecular evolutionary rates and testes weights, suggesting sperm competition fuels genetic variation. Testis size may be key factor in determining genome evolution rates among primate species.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateMar 5, 2014

Look back at US soybeans shows genetic improvement behind increased yields

Researchers found that new varieties have higher yields and accelerated gains, with traits like shorter plants, later maturation, and increased oil concentration. This study provides insights for future breeding efforts to maintain yield increases and address demand for soybeans.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Crop Science·DateMar 5, 2014

Save money and the planet: Turn your old milk jugs into 3-D printer filament

A study by Michigan Technological University reveals that making your own 3D printer filament from old milk jugs uses less energy than conventional recycling. This DIY approach can also lead to significant cost savings, with the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable practices.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateMar 5, 2014

B-cells aggravate autoimmune diseases

Scientists have discovered that B-lymphocytes lack the protein PTP1B, making them hyperactive and promoting an autoimmune attack. This study provides a new mechanism for how B-cells regulate an immune response, potentially playing a significant role in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMar 5, 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.

Study aims to define risk factors for falls in post-menopausal women

A study of 80 post-menopausal women found that those with distal radius fractures had decreased strength, particularly in chair stand and grip tests, compared to similar patients without fractures. This may indicate an early decrease in physical performance level.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateMar 5, 2014

Heart failure unknowns a roadblock to managing health

A systematic review of 49 studies found that patients with heart failure and their families often lack basic knowledge about the condition, leading to confusion, delays in seeking help, and uncertainty about long-term care. This lack of understanding can decimate quality of life and is a major reason seniors end up in emergency rooms.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalHeart·DateMar 5, 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.

Smart grid for electric vehicle fleet

The Fraunhofer Institute's micro smart grid demonstrator is designed to manage EV fleets efficiently, avoiding short circuits during peak load times. The system aims to provide electricity exclusively from renewable sources, reducing the country's reliance on imported electricity and mitigating power outages.

SourceFraunhofer-Gesellschaft·DateMar 5, 2014

Calcium and vitamin D improve cholesterol in postmenopausal women

A new study from the Women's Health Initiative found that calcium and vitamin D supplements can lower LDL cholesterol levels and raise HDL cholesterol in postmenopausal women. Vitamin D levels also played a significant role, with higher levels associated with improved cholesterol profiles.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·DateMar 5, 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.

Younger men benefit most from surgery for localized prostate cancer

A new study finds that radical prostatectomy reduces mortality in men under 65, while still benefiting older men by reducing metastases and treatment needs. The research used data from the Scandinavian Prostate Cancer Group Study Number 4, which randomized 695 men to surgery or watchful waiting with no initial treatment.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 5, 2014

Barbie could dampen a young girl's career dreams

A study published in Springer's journal Sex Roles found that playing with Barbie dolls can restrict girls' career aspirations compared to playing with more neutral toys. The researchers suggest that the doll's unrealistic appearance and objectification may contribute to this effect.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateMar 5, 2014

New terms used for trainee doctors stump nurses and patients

A survey of nurses and patients in a UK hospital found that many struggle to identify qualified doctors from their name badges, which use new terminology introduced since 2009. The researchers call for a national review of the current system, suggesting simpler terms that include 'doctor,' 'senior,' and 'junior' to improve identification.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Quality & Safety·DateMar 5, 2014
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

With flip of wrist, interventional radiologists treat uterine fibroids

Researchers find that a novel approach to accessing the uterus, using the wrist instead of the groin artery, can significantly reduce pain and trauma for women undergoing uterine fibroid embolization. The transradial access technique allows patients to walk immediately after treatment, improving their experience.

SourceSociety of Interventional Radiology·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·DateMar 5, 2014

New dinosaur found in Portugal, largest terrestrial predator from Europe

A new dinosaur species found in Portugal is estimated to be the largest land predator in Europe, with blade-shaped teeth up to 10 cm long. The dinosaur, Torvosaurus gurneyi, could reach 10 meters long and weigh around 4-5 tons, making it one of the largest terrestrial carnivores from the Jurassic period.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 5, 2014

An inventive new way to profile immune cells in blood

A new technique uses DNA methylation signatures to detect immune cell types in blood samples, showing high accuracy compared to existing methods. The approach counts specific chemical alterations that distinguish between cell types, enabling researchers to understand the unique signature of each cell type.

SourceBrown University·JournalGenome Biology·DateMar 5, 2014

NASA tests new robotic refueling technologies

NASA successfully tested remote robotic oxidizer transfer technology, enabling robots to replenish hazardous propellant in satellites. The technology has the potential to extend satellite life, mitigate orbital debris, and aid commercial satellite servicing.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 5, 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.

Changes in hospital orders increase pertussis immunization rates

A study found that changing hospital orders increased pertussis immunization rates by 69% among new mothers, providing protection for themselves and their newborns. Implementing a standing order led to the largest increase in vaccinations, raising the rate from zero to 69%.

SourceLA BioMed·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMar 5, 2014

A wristband for a different kind of cause -- environmental health

Scientists developed a wearable wristband that can detect and quantify a wide range of toxic substances, including pesticides and industrial chemicals. The silicone-based band can absorb over 1,000 chemicals, providing a valuable tool for determining individual exposure and risk.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 5, 2014

Patients' stories used to improve care on wards

Researchers at University of Oxford are using patient stories to stimulate change in healthcare. They've found that small changes, such as clocks on the wall for intensive care patients or more comfortable pillows, can greatly improve patient experience. This approach brings compassion and dignity back to the fore.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalHealth Services and Delivery Research·DateMar 5, 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.

Atypical development in the siblings of children with autism is detectable at 12 months

Researchers detected atypical development in nearly half of the younger siblings of children with autism by 12 months. The study found that many of these children showed delays in social, communication, cognitive, or motor development, particularly in social-communication domains.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateMar 5, 2014

OU study suggests non-uniform climate warming global

A recent University of Oklahoma study suggests that non-uniform climate warming affects global regions differently, impacting ecosystem functions such as food production and carbon sequestration. The effects of non-uniform warming on terrestrial ecosystems are a key challenge in carbon cycle research and future predictions.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 5, 2014

Darwin: It's not all sexual (selection)

A team of researchers found that 71% of surveyed birds had female song, contradicting the long-held assumption that bird song is an exclusively male trait resulting from sexual selection. The study suggests that social selection may have played a role in the evolution of bird song, with both males and females competing for resources.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 5, 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 fins evolve repeatedly in teleost fishes

A new study finds that adipose fins have evolved repeatedly and independently in multiple species of teleost fish, representing a unique example of convergent evolution. The research provides a new model for exploring the evolution of vertebrate appendages and challenges traditional views on how new fins and limbs develop.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·DateMar 5, 2014

Researchers identify key enzyme found in bacteria responsible for heart valve disease

Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University and MIT have identified a key enzyme necessary for a disease-causing bacterium to survive, which may lead to the development of new antibiotics. The study found that eliminating this enzyme or its manganese-attachment protein prevents the bacterium from causing heart valve disease.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 5, 2014

Long-lasting device protects against HIV and pregnancy

A Northwestern University-designed intravaginal ring provides both antiretroviral drug and contraceptive protection for months, addressing a significant need in women's reproductive health. The device, known as the tenofovir levonorgestrel IVR, has been engineered to deliver controlled doses of these medications over an extended period.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 5, 2014

Banana plant fights off crop's invisible nemesis: Roundworms

The Yangambi km5 banana variety produces toxic metabolites that kill the nematode Radopholus similis, a major roundworm pest. This discovery could lead to the development of edible and pest-resistant banana varieties, as well as new pesticides against nematodes.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 5, 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.

New program for students with autism offers hope after high school

A new program from UNC's Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute prepares students with autism for life after high school by focusing on emotions, friendships, and literacy skills. Early results show improved social interactions and confidence among participants.

SourceFrank Porter Graham Child Development Institute·JournalRemedial and Special Education·DateMar 5, 2014

New shrinking gel steers tooth tissue formation

Researchers develop a sponge-like gel that compresses and induces transplanted cells to form minerals and begin tooth development. The bioinspired material could one day help repair or replace damaged organs, such as teeth and bone.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 5, 2014

Are bilingual kids more open-minded?

New research from Concordia University suggests that bilingual children, like monolingual peers, prefer interactions with those speaking their mother tongue with a native accent. This bias may be related to children's preference for familiarity, according to the study.

SourceConcordia University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMar 5, 2014

First step towards 'programmable materials'

Scientists at Empa have developed a material that can adapt its vibration properties electronically, allowing for the precise control of wave propagation. This breakthrough enables the creation of mechanical components with freely programmable properties, revolutionizing fields like mechanical engineering and plant construction.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 5, 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.

Plumes in the sleeping avian brain

Researchers discovered 3D plumes of brain activity propagating through the avian brain, differing from mammalian slow-wave-sleep patterns. This finding suggests alternative computational properties and challenges the layered organization assumption.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalBMC Biology·DateMar 5, 2014

Pigment or bacteria? Researchers re-examine the idea of 'color' in fossil feathers

New research from North Carolina State University suggests that it is not yet possible to tell if microscopic structures in fossilized feathers are melanosomes, which contain pigment, or ancient bacteria. Researchers used various microscopy techniques to examine the structures and compared them to melanosomes found in living birds.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 5, 2014

Pumping iron: A hydrogel actuator with mussel tone

Researchers have created a hydrogel actuator that can change shape in response to changes in pH, using mussel protein-inspired chemistry. The device has the potential to be used for drug delivery and could be programmed to adopt various shapes by adjusting the placement of ions, composition, and voltage.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 5, 2014

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Faxai stretching out

Tropical Cyclone Faxai weakened as wind shear stretched it out, with maximum sustained winds dropping to 50 knots/57.5 mph. The storm was expected to become extra-tropical by the end of March 5 as it embedded into a westerly flow.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 5, 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.

Seeking quantum-ness: D-Wave chip passes rigorous tests

Researchers at USC have validated the quantum nature of D-Wave processors using elaborate tests on its functional qubits. The results consistently agree with quantum models but contradict classical models, indicating the presence of quantum effects.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 5, 2014

Your face says it all? Not so fast

A new study disputes the idea that humans experience six basic emotions universally, citing context-dependent expression recognition. Researchers found that facial expressions and vocalizations were not consistently labeled with emotion words across cultures, suggesting cultural categories may be at play.

SourceNortheastern University·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 5, 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.

AERA 2014 Fellows announced

The American Educational Research Association has selected 22 scholars as 2014 AERA Fellows, recognizing their significant contributions to education research. The new fellows join the ranks of 557 current AERA Fellows and will be inducted on April 4 during the AERA 2014 Annual Meeting.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·DateMar 5, 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.

Half the survivors in 1 Japanese town have PTSD symptoms

A new study conducted by Brigham Young University professor Niwako Yamawaki found that nearly half of Hirono's survivors experienced clinically concerning PTSD symptoms. Eating right and exercising regularly were identified as key factors in fostering resilience among disaster survivors.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalPsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences·DateMar 5, 2014

To avoid very high pension ages, enable more to work

A new study by IIASA researchers suggests that increasing labor force participation by as little as 1 or 2 percentage points could allow pension ages to be reduced by one year without increasing the burden on the working population. This approach is considered more palatable politically than raising retirement age, which has proven unp...

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalDemographic Research·DateMar 5, 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.

Going viral to target tumors

Researchers found that injecting a virus directly into one melanoma tumor can induce a potent anti-tumor immune response, destroying both infected and non-infected tumors. This combination therapy overcomes the limitations of oncolytic virotherapy and checkpoint blockade.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 5, 2014

Sulphur haunts the ghost wreck

Researchers found relatively low iron amounts and minimal sulphur compounds in the Ghost wreck, suggesting it might not face the same preservation issues as the Vasa. Three studied ships, including the Crown, display more aggressive sulphur compounds and higher iron concentrations.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 5, 2014

Study: Alzheimer's disease a much larger cause of death than reported

A new study suggests that Alzheimer's disease contributes to nearly as many deaths in the United States as heart disease or cancer. Researchers analyzed data from 2,566 participants aged 65 and older, finding a significant association between dementia diagnosis and increased mortality.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMar 5, 2014

A single gene, doublesex, controls wing mimicry in butterflies

A single gene, doublesex, regulates complex wing patterns and structures required for mimicry in swallowtail butterflies. This study reveals that the gene's known role in sexual differentiation has been co-opted to control wing pattern.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature·DateMar 5, 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.

Researchers identify target for shutting down growth of prostate cancer cells

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a key protein target for shutting down the growth of prostate cancer cells. ERG protein is transformed into cancer cells by an enzyme called USP9X, but a molecule called WP1130 can block this process.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 5, 2014

New guidance for preventative action against diabetes

A team of University of Leicester academics helped develop NICE guidelines to prevent diabetes in black, Asian and minority ethnic groups. The new guidance emphasizes the importance of body mass index as a signal for preventive action, aiming to reduce the incidence of diabetes by increasing physical activity and healthy diet.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 5, 2014

Fertility prospects following ectopic pregnancy

A new study from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found that preserving a fallopian tube following an ectopic pregnancy has no significant benefit for fertility prospects. The research, published in The Lancet, compared outcomes between two surgical treatments: salpingectomy and salpingotomy.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 5, 2014

Adolescent relationship violence has mental health implications for victims, perpetrators

A new study by Bowling Green State University researchers links adolescent relationship violence to increased symptoms of depression among both victims and perpetrators. The study found that high levels of discord within intimate relationships have a similar negative effect on the emotional well-being of young men and women.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateMar 5, 2014