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Science News Archive March 2014


Page 6 of 34

Significant progress toward creating 'benchtop human' reported

Scientists have developed a liver organ construct that responds to toxins like real human livers, paving the way for more accurate drug screening. The project aims to create interconnected human organ constructs using a miniaturized platform, potentially reducing costs and increasing efficiency in toxicology testing.

AGU: New study shows major increase in West Antarctic glacial loss

A new study has found that six massive glaciers in West Antarctica are losing ice at an unprecedented rate, causing global sea levels to rise. The amount of ice draining from these glaciers increased by 77 percent between 1973 and 2013, with Pine Island Glacier accelerating by 75 percent over the same period.

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.

Natural history must reclaim its place

The study of natural history provides essential knowledge for various fields, including human health, food security, and conservation. However, support for this field has declined in developed countries, resulting in costly mistakes such as the collapse of fisheries and forest fire suppression.

Stag beetle males give nasty nips despite massive jaws

Male stag beetles have enlarged heads and muscles to compensate for their oversized mandibles, allowing them to generate powerful bites. Their male bites are six times stronger than females', with a recorded strength of 7N.

Reproducible research, dynamic documents, and push-button publishing

Researchers from UK institutions released a treasure trove of data on the developing retina, pushing the boundaries of neuroscience publishing. The dataset includes 366 recordings from 12 studies and is made available in a standardized and interoperable manner, allowing for reproducibility and further analysis.

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.

Immunotherapy data heralds new era of lung cancer treatment

Immunotherapy has shown huge potential in treating lung cancer by preventing tumour cells from escaping the immune system. New data on immunocheckpoint regulators such as PD-1 and PD-L1 have resulted in impressive global overall response rates of 20% to 25%.

Diabetes: Good self-management helps to reduce mortality

A study published by Helmholtz Munich researchers found that patients with good diabetes self-management have a significantly lower mortality risk than those with poor self-management. The study, which analyzed data from 340 participants, showed that active participation in treatment and lifestyle modifications can lead to better healt...

Rice U. study: Don't shop for travel at work

A study from Rice University found that consumers who shop for leisure travel during business hours tend to select higher quality hotels but are less satisfied with their stay. Consumers who book earlier and pay in advance also tend to be more satisfied.

Decline of natural history troubling for science, society

Support for natural history study appears to be in decline in developed countries, despite its importance for human health, food security, and conservation. Experts are now calling for a revival of the practice to reclaim its role in understanding organisms and their interactions with the environment.

Canal between ears helps alligators pinpoint sound

Researchers discovered that alligators use air-filled channels in their ear canal to amplify pressure differences, allowing them to pinpoint the source of sounds. This mechanism is similar to birds' interaural canals and may be an evolutionary adaptation from dinosaur ancestors.

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.

Cereal flake size influences calorie intake

A study by Penn State researchers found that when cereal flakes are reduced in size, participants pour a smaller volume but still consume more calories. The researchers tested the influence of food volume on calorie intake and found that subjects underestimated their calorie consumption despite consuming larger volumes.

Eat a peach

Researchers at Washington State University have found that peach extracts can inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells and their ability to spread. The study suggests that these compounds could be a novel addition to therapies reducing metastasis risk in various cancers, potentially available as an extract or dietary supplement.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cuvier's beaked whales set new breath-hold diving records

Researchers monitored Cuvier's beaked whales' record-breaking dives to depths of nearly two miles below the ocean surface and some dives lasted for over two hours. The dives captured by this study exceed previous records, including the mammalian dive record previously set by southern elephant seals.

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.

Research: Less invasive technique possible in vulvar cancer treatment

Researchers discovered a less invasive technique for treating vulvar cancer, removing only the sentinel lymph node to decrease complications while maintaining low recurrence rates. The study, published at the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists meeting, included 73 women and found a 5.2% recurrence rate.

Penn Dental Medicine-NIH team reverses bone loss in immune disorder

A new study led by Penn Dental Medicine researchers has reversed bone loss and inflammation in patients with leukocyte adhesion deficiency, a rare immune disorder. The breakthrough discovery identifies IL-17 as the key driver of periodontitis and bone loss in these patients.

Keeping secrets in a world of spies and mistrust

Researchers Artur Ekert and Renato Renner propose a way to use quantum properties of particles of light to share secret keys for secure communication. They found that certain correlations can protect us against adversaries with superior technology, even if our choices are not completely predictable.

Cosmic collision creates mini-planet with rings

Astronomers have observed a miniature planet, Chariklo, with two rings of ice and pebbles located between Saturn and Uranus. The discovery was made using a new camera at the Danish telescope in Chile, which revealed two thin rings separated by 14 km.

Resistance is not futile

Researchers at Joint BioEnergy Institute have successfully introduced a pair of genes into E. coli bacteria to confer tolerance to ionic liquids, enhancing the production of terpene-based biofuels. This breakthrough could eliminate a bottleneck in biofuels production and pave the way for more economical fermentation conditions.

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.

First comprehensive atlas of human gene activity released

A comprehensive atlas of human gene activity has been released, revealing complex networks that govern gene expression. The new findings could lead to a better understanding of the genetic causes of diseases and improve disease diagnosis.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Scientists identify core skin bacterial community in humpback whales

Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution identified a core skin bacterial community shared by humpback whales across populations, suggesting a way to assess their overall health. The study's findings could aid in population health monitoring and conservation status of threatened or endangered marine mammals.

Ancient sea creatures filtered food like modern whales

Researchers discovered fossils of Tamisiocaris, an early arthropod that evolved from large predators to gentle suspension feeders. This finding highlights the productivity of the Cambrian period and provides insight into ancient ecosystems.

Parental addictions associated with adult children's arthritis

A new study by University of Toronto researchers found that adult children with arthritis are more likely to have had a parent addicted to drugs or alcohol during childhood. The study associated parental addictions with a 58% higher odds of developing arthritis, despite controlling for other factors.

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.

The altruistic side of aggressive greed

A mathematical model explains how high-rank individuals in hierarchical groups engage in seemingly altruistic behavior by competing with peers in other groups, leading to increased total group effort towards conflict. This behavior is linked to within-group hierarchy and inequality, observed in nature across various species.

Using PET scanning to evaluate therapies of Menkes disease

Scientists used PET imaging to visualize copper distribution in the body of mice with Menkes disease, laying groundwork for human studies. The study found that combining copper injections with disulfiram enhances copper accumulation in the brain without kidney damage.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Phloem production in Huanglongbing-affected citrus trees

A study recommends management practices to address citrus greening disease by monitoring phloem production in affected trees. The researchers found that new phloem tissue supports growth for a limited time, making the weeks before and after spring flush critical for management.

Smartphone app helps support recovery after treatment for alcoholism

A new smartphone application appears to help patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) reduce risky drinking days and promote abstinence. The Addiction-Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System (A-CHESS) app provides audio-guided relaxation and alerts when a patient nears a high-risk location, leading to a significant decrease in ...

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Should whole-genome sequencing become part of newborn screening?

The integration of whole-genome sequencing into newborn screening programs is a topic of debate among researchers. Key considerations include what information to report, impact on healthcare systems, mandatory vs voluntary participation, educating health professionals and parents, communicating results over time, ensuring treatment and...

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.

Sunday driver gene headed the wrong way in inherited muscle diseases

The Sunday Driver gene is implicated in regulating muscle tissue formation and maintenance, with mutations leading to inherited muscle diseases such as Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy. Researchers found that the gene's product interacts with cortical factors to enable the motor protein Dynein to transport muscle nuclei into place.

Researchers present comprehensive 'roadmap' of blood cells

A comprehensive 'roadmap' of blood cells has been presented by researchers, pinpointing the location of key genetic regulators that determine cell development and function. This robust genetic catalog will enable hematologists to trace the development of blood cells and identify potential triggers for malignancies.

How size splits cells

Researchers discovered that cells use the cdr2p protein to probe their surface area and determine when to divide. The study challenges previous models suggesting that another protein senses cell length.

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.

Engineered bacteria produce biofuel alternative for high-energy rocket fuel

Researchers have engineered a bacterium to synthesize pinene, a hydrocarbon produced by trees that could replace high-energy fuels like JP-10. Boosting production six-fold over earlier efforts, the scientists believe they've identified major obstacles to overcome before pinene dimers can compete with petroleum-based JP-10.

Natural plant compounds may assist chemotherapy

Researchers at Plant & Food Research identified falcarinol-type compounds that inhibit transport mechanisms interfering with cancer chemotherapy. These compounds, found in carrots and parsley, may complement conventional treatments to deliver better results for patients.

NHS data on patient experience is often ignored

Researchers argue that NHS patients' experiences are frequently overlooked and suggest a national institute of patient experience is needed to draw data together and implement improvements. The lack of evidence that collected data has led to better healthcare quality highlights the need for effective leadership changes.

New maps for navigating the genome unveiled by scientists

Researchers have mapped the human genome's regulatory network, identifying promoters and enhancers that control gene expression in different cell types. This breakthrough provides insights into human evolution and the diversity of cell types, paving the way for new technologies and applications.

Bamboo-loving giant pandas also have a sweet tooth

Researchers found that giant pandas possess functional sweet taste receptors and show a strong preference for natural sweeteners. The study used behavioral and molecular genetic studies to investigate the giant panda's taste preferences and diet selection.

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.