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Science News Archive March 2014 - Page 11


Page 11 of 34

Dab2: How to attenuate brain injury due to Alzheimer's disease?

Researchers found that Dab2 overexpression significantly increased TβRII and p-SMAD2/3 levels, reducing amyloid-beta deposition, microglia activation, and neuronal loss in APP/PS1 mouse brain tissue. This suggests a neuroprotective role of Dab2 in Alzheimer's disease.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateMar 24, 2014

Obamacare: 42 percent of Americans can't explain a deductible

A survey by USC researchers found that those who could benefit most from the Affordable Care Act, including low-income earners, are also the most uninformed about health care policies. The study showed that 42% of Americans couldn't describe a deductible and 62% didn't know the difference between HMO and PPO plans.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 24, 2014

Researcher: Study on element could change ballgame on radioactive waste

A team of chemists, led by Professor Thomas Albrecht-Schmitt at Florida State University, has made significant discoveries about the element californium. The findings suggest that californium can bond and separate other materials with remarkable abilities, making it resistant to radiation damage.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMar 23, 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.

Heparin might be the key to prevent prion conversion and disease

Researchers found that heparin interactions with the terminal domains of murine prion protein stabilize the protein, preventing aggregation. This stabilization prevents prion conversion and disease. Heparin may establish groundwork for therapeutic use against prion diseases.

SourcePublicase International·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateMar 23, 2014

Off-rift volcanoes explained

Researchers used a numerical model to demonstrate the link between crustal unloading and magma transport in rift valleys. In broad, shallow rifts, magma ascends vertically, while in deep, narrow rifts, it's strongly deviated, resulting in off-rift volcanoes forming at distances from the rift axis.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 23, 2014

TGen-led study discovers genetic cause of rare type of ovarian cancer

A groundbreaking study led by TGen has identified a genetic mutation in the SMARCA4 gene as the primary driver of small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcemic type (SCCOHT), a rare and aggressive form of ovarian cancer. This discovery holds promise for developing targeted therapies and improving diagnosis.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 23, 2014

Experiment opens the door to multi-party quantum communication

Physicists demonstrate distribution of three entangled photons at three different locations, proving quantum nonlocality and opening possibilities for multi-party quantum communication. The experiment overcomes the locality loophole, allowing for faster-than-light information transfer.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalNature Photonics·DateMar 23, 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.

'MaMTH' advance: New technology sheds light on protein interactions

Researchers developed a new technology called MaMTH to study human proteins, particularly membrane proteins that contribute to disease. The technology identifies a protein, CRKII, that plays a role in non-small cell lung cancer and suggests a potential therapeutic approach.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 23, 2014

Could diamonds be a computer's best friend?

Researchers at Ohio State University demonstrated that diamond wires can transmit spin, a magnetic effect that could revolutionize computing. The discovery challenges conventional methods of measuring spin dynamics and has the potential to make computers faster and more powerful.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 23, 2014

Unavoidable disorder used to build nanolaser

Researchers at the Niels Bohr Institute discovered that imperfect nanostructures can be used to produce 'nanolasers', which is an ultimately compact and energy-efficient light source. The imperfections in photonic crystal membranes result in controlled reflections, amplifying light and enabling efficient laser production.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 23, 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.

Mass. General study identifies path to safer drugs for heart disease, cancer

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified a path to safer drugs for heart disease and cancer. By analyzing the structure of an extracellular matrix protein and its interaction with an integrin, they have discovered a high-affinity version that can bind strongly without inducing unintended receptor activation.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMar 23, 2014

Fast and reliable: New mechanism for speedy transmission in basket cells discovered

Basket cells convert excitatory signals into inhibitory outputs within milliseconds; researchers identify controlled increase in Na+ channels and conductance for fast transmission. Signal processing is made possible by high density of Na+ channels and increased conductance, compensating for small axon diameter and lack of myelination.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 23, 2014

Shifting evolution into reverse promises cheaper, greener way to make new drugs

Scientists have successfully used a novel approach called bioretrosynthesis to produce the HIV drug didanosine. This method leverages natural selection to create specialized enzymes that can manufacture complex molecules from simple sugars, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional chemistry.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 23, 2014

The Lancet journals: World TB Day media alert

The Lancet journals publish a special collection on tuberculosis, highlighting emerging challenges like drug-resistant strains and poor treatment outcomes. New anti-tuberculosis drugs and host-directed therapies are being developed to improve treatment efficacy.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 23, 2014

MIT engineers design 'living materials'

Researchers at MIT have successfully designed and created living materials that incorporate non-living components, such as gold nanoparticles and quantum dots. These hybrid materials exhibit unique properties, including the ability to conduct electricity and emit light, making them suitable for various energy applications.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 23, 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.

Drugs fail to reawaken dormant HIV infection

Scientists at Johns Hopkins report that compounds designed to 'wake up' dormant HIV reservoirs have failed to work in laboratory tests of infected cells taken directly from patients. The failure challenges the idea that a single latency-reversing agent can uncover the hidden virus.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 23, 2014

Leukemia caused by chromosome catastrophe

Researchers found that people with a rare chromosome abnormality have a 2,700-fold increased risk of a rare childhood leukemia. The fusion of chromosomes 15 and 21 led to chromothripsis, which shattered the chromosome and created an optimised genome for leukaemia.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature·DateMar 23, 2014

Interventional radiologists receive honors from SIR Foundation

SIR Foundation honors Ziv J Haskal with the Leaders in Innovation Award for his groundbreaking research in TIPS, dialysis access, and embolization procedures. The foundation also recognizes outstanding achievements in research and innovation among young investigators and residents.

SourceSociety of Interventional Radiology·DateMar 22, 2014

Bariatric surgery decreases risk of uterine cancer

A retrospective cohort study of 7,431,858 patients found that bariatric surgery significantly reduces the risk of endometrial cancer. Bariatric surgery can lead to normal hormone levels, decreased inflammation, and improved overall health.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalGynecologic Oncology·DateMar 22, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Society of Interventional Radiology presents highest honors

The Society of Interventional Radiology is recognizing three exceptional interventional radiologists, Michael D. Dake, Matthew A. Mauro, and Lenny K. Tan, for their outstanding contributions to the field. These physicians have demonstrated remarkable expertise in endovascular device development, vascular biology, and molecular imaging.

SourceSociety of Interventional Radiology·DateMar 22, 2014

Obesity and depression linked in teen girls says new Rutgers-Camden study

A new study by Rutgers University–Camden professor Naomi Marmorstein found that depression in early adolescence predicts obesity in late adolescence among female participants. Conversely, obesity in late adolescence predicts the onset of depression in early adulthood. The study suggests a reciprocal relationship between the two disorde...

SourceRutgers University·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateMar 21, 2014

Pathogens in cheese

Researchers sequenced and analyzed genomes of listeriosis outbreak strains to reveal two distinct bacterial strains with different virulence profiles. The study highlights the importance of cleanliness in production and recalls for food safety.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 21, 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.

GDNF transfection promotes neuronal differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

Researchers from Sichuan University found that glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) transfection promotes the neuronal differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. This enhancement is associated with increased expression of GDNF, nerve growth factor, and growth-associated protein-43. The study suggests a therape...

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateMar 21, 2014

Playing as black: Avatar race affects white video game players

A new study suggests that playing as a black character in violent video games can lead to stronger explicit negative attitudes toward blacks and display stronger implicit attitudes linking blacks to weapons. White players who played as black avatars showed more aggressive behavior against partners, with 115% more hot sauce forced on them.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateMar 21, 2014

It looks like rubber but isn't

Researchers develop efficient method to study ring polymers, finding they behave differently from linear polymers due to lack of free ends. The method significantly reduces analysis time, revealing these materials are more fragile than expected.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 21, 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.

Dust in the wind drove iron fertilization during ice age

During the last ice age, wind-borne dust carried iron to the Southern Ocean, driving plankton growth and removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This process, known as iron fertilization, is believed to have played a key role in amplifying the ice ages.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScience·DateMar 21, 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.

Electroacupuncture effect on depression and variation of polygenes expression

Researchers used a rat genomic gene-chip to profile hippocampal gene expression changes after electroacupuncture therapy. The results showed that electroacupuncture regulates the expression of specific genes involved in depression, including Vgf and Igf2. These findings suggest that electroacupuncture may be a useful treatment for depr...

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateMar 21, 2014

Critical illness polyneuropathy and myopathy: Nerve injury and regeneration

Critical illness polyneuropathy and myopathy involve sensorimotor axons and skeletal muscles, respectively, differing from Guillain-Barré syndrome in clinical manifestations. The study highlights the importance of differentiating critical illness polyneuropathy/myopathy from Guillain-Barré syndrome.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateMar 21, 2014

Computers spot false faces better than people

A computer system has been developed that can detect real or faked expressions of pain more accurately than people, with an 85% accuracy rate. The system uses pattern-recognition abilities to identify subtle differences between involuntary and voluntary facial movements.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 21, 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.

Cholesterol transporter structure decoded

Scientists have solved the high-resolution structure of the molecular transporter TSPO, which introduces cholesterol into mitochondria. The detailed knowledge of its three-dimensional shape and function opens up new diagnostic and therapeutic perspectives.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalScience·DateMar 21, 2014

Unique chromosomes preserved in Swedish fossil

Researchers at Lund University have discovered undestroyed cell nuclei and individual chromosomes in a well-preserved fern fossil from the Jurassic period. The unique preservation is attributed to the sudden burial of the plant in a volcanic eruption, providing valuable insights into ancient evolutionary stability.

SourceLund University·JournalScience·DateMar 21, 2014

Adeno-associated virus serotype-5 delivery to the rat trigeminal ganglion

Researchers successfully delivered adeno-associated virus serotype-5 (AAV-5) to the rat trigeminal ganglion, demonstrating transduction efficiency in sensory neurons. The study's findings support the use of AAV-5 based gene therapy approaches for evaluating target proteins and potential treatments for trigeminal pain disorders.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·DateMar 21, 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.

Novel pro-resolving-medicines in periodontal regeneration

Researchers developed polymorphonuclear leukocyte-derived novel pro-resolving medicines (NPRMs) to deliver a lipoxin A4 analog to the site of surgery, controlling inflammation and promoting tissue and bone growth. The mini-pig model revealed significant pocket depth reductions and new bone formation in NPRM+LXA4-treated sites.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·DateMar 21, 2014

A third of women might benefit from more frequent mammograms

A UK study found that approximately one third of women are at higher risk of developing breast cancer and may require more frequent mammograms. Women with dense breast tissue were 2.9-fold more likely to develop breast cancer, highlighting the importance of personalized screening frequency.

SourceECCO-the European CanCer Organisation·DateMar 21, 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.

Lessons offered by emerging carbon trading markets

Carbon markets are emerging at the state and global levels, teaching valuable lessons on what works and what doesn't in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Despite challenges, these markets have expanded to cover a substantial share of global emissions and encouraged modest reductions.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateMar 21, 2014

Body's fatty folds may help fight kidney failure

Researchers discovered that stem cells from a fatty fold of tissue, called the omentum, can help heal diseased kidneys when fused to the organs. This innovative approach uses the patient's own stem cells to treat chronic kidney disease, potentially alleviating the need for external cell sources.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 21, 2014

Cold snare polypectomy effective for removal of small colorectal polyps in patients on anticoagulants

A study published in GIE: Gastrointestinal Endoscopy found that cold snare polypectomy significantly reduces the risk of delayed bleeding in patients taking anticoagulants. The procedure outperformed conventional polypectomy in removing small colorectal polyps without causing significant harm to submucosal vessels.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateMar 21, 2014

Genetic factor contributes to forgetfulness

Researchers found a connection between the DRD2 gene variant and everyday lapses in attention, including forgetfulness. The study suggests that individuals with this genetic variation are more likely to experience short-term memory lapses and distraction, which can have consequences in daily life.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNeuroscience Letters·DateMar 21, 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.

Stem cell findings may offer answers for some bladder defects and disease

Researchers at UC Davis successfully coax laboratory cultures of human stem cells into the specialized, unique cells needed to repair a patient's defective or diseased bladder. The breakthrough provides a pathway to regenerate replacement bladder tissue for patients whose bladders are too small or do not function properly.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·DateMar 21, 2014

Forests crucial to green growth

A new report promotes REDD+ and Green Economy as a pathway to sustainable development, benefiting all nations. Forests are the foundation of sustainable societies, storing carbon, supporting biodiversity, regulating water flows, and reducing soil erosion.

SourceWorld Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF)·DateMar 21, 2014

Preterm children at increased risk of having maths problems

Researchers have found that preterm children are at an increased risk of general cognitive and math problems, particularly if born small-for-gestational-age. The study of 922 children aged 7-9 showed a significantly higher odds ratio for math impairment compared to term-born children.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateMar 21, 2014