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Science News for May 7, 2014


rAAV/ABAD-DP-6His attenuates oxidative stress induced injury of PC12 cells

The study found that rAAV/ABAD-DP-6His increases superoxide dismutase activity and decreases malondialdehyde content, reducing oxidative stress-induced injury in PC12 cells. The treatment also maintains mitochondrial membrane potential and reduces apoptosis, indicating its neuroprotective effects.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateMay 7, 2014

NASA watching year's first tropical low headed for southwestern Mexico

A tropical low pressure area is developing in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, with a 50% chance of becoming a tropical depression within two days. The system is expected to move northeastward towards the southwestern coast of Mexico, bringing heavy rainfall and potentially strong thunderstorms.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 7, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

Statistical test increases power of genetic studies of complex disease

A new framework increases the ability to detect genetic associations and interactions by utilizing data from existing genomic studies. The approach improves performance over standard methods and identifies promising candidates for genetic interactions affecting various diseases.

SourceGenetics Society of America·JournalGenetics·DateMay 7, 2014

A lab in your pocket

Researchers at Michigan Technological University have developed software to design lab-on-a-chip hardware, enabling the simultaneous testing of dozens of medical conditions with a single drop of blood. The technology could revolutionize medical diagnostics by providing fast and accurate results miles from the nearest clinic.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalIEEE Transactions on NanoBioscience·DateMay 7, 2014

Malaria severity not determined solely by parasite levels in blood

A recent NIH-funded study tracked Tanzanian children's risk of severe malaria over time, finding no simple relationship between parasite density and disease severity. The research suggests that even mild episodes of malaria may pose a significant risk of severe illness, contrary to previous mathematical models.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 7, 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.

New order of marine creatures discovered among sea anemones

Researchers have identified a new order of marine creatures among sea anemones, revealing a giant species that is actually an imposter. The study, published in PLOS ONE, presents the first tree of life for sea anemones and reshapes scientists' understanding of these poorly understood animals.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 7, 2014

Early depression, anger may taint love life even 20 years later, study shows

A University of Alberta study found that negative emotions experienced as young adults can persistently affect couple relationships well into middle age. Recognizing the importance of early mental health is crucial to future happiness and may help prevent social costs like divorce and domestic violence.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateMay 7, 2014

Greenland melting due equally to global warming, natural variations

Researchers at University of Washington estimate up to half of recent Greenland warming is caused by tropical Pacific climate variations rather than global warming. This finding highlights the complexity of regional climate changes and the need for more accurate long-range projections.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature·DateMay 7, 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.

Kaiser Permanente study finds radiation best treatment for a rare skin cancer

A Kaiser Permanente study found that radiation treatment significantly reduced the risk of Merkel cell carcinoma recurrence, with no impact on survival rates. The study's results also showed associations between immunosuppression and advanced tumors, as well as lymph node evaluation, and worse survival outcomes.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateMay 7, 2014

New study sheds light on survivors of the Black Death

A new study by University of South Carolina anthropologist Sharon DeWitte provides insights into how the plague shaped population demographics and health for generations. The findings suggest that survivors of the Black Death experienced improvements in health and longevity, with many people living to ages of 70 or 80 years.

SourceUniversity of South Carolina·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 7, 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.

NASA telescopes coordinate best-ever flare observations

A record-breaking X-class flare was observed by four NASA spacecraft and one ground-based observatory on March 29, 2014. The coordinated efforts provided the most comprehensive data set ever collected, shedding light on the origins of solar eruptions and their effects on space weather near Earth.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 7, 2014

New care approach eases depression among women

Women who received collaborative care for depression at an obstetrics and gynecology clinic showed significant reduction in symptoms, with more than half experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder as well. The approach, called Depression Attention for Women Now, improved patient engagement, treatment recommendations, and follow-up care.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateMay 7, 2014

A new tool to measure the speed of aging

A new study published in PLOS ONE finds that hand-grip strength is a reliable indicator of aging, corresponding to future mortality, disability, and cognitive decline. The researchers analyzed data from over 50 studies worldwide, revealing significant differences in aging rates among various population groups.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 7, 2014

Clues about black hole formation

Researchers have detected circularly polarized light from a recently formed black hole, confirming a theoretical model. The discovery was made using the VLT telescope and is considered an extraordinary event due to its high degree of polarization.

SourceUniversidad del País Vasco·JournalNature·DateMay 7, 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.

Study urges caution in stem cell clinical trials for heart attack patients

A new study challenges the use of stem cells in heart attack patients, finding that they do not regenerate damaged heart tissue at high enough rates. The study suggests that any potential benefit from injecting c-kit-positive cells into the hearts of patients may come from improving circulation rather than generating new cardiomyocytes.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature·DateMay 7, 2014
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.

Argentina yields 3 new tarantula species

Three new species of tarantulas were discovered in northern Argentina, shedding light on the region's unique arachnid diversity. The newly identified species belong to the subfamily Theraphosinae and are named after local locations and cultural figures.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateMay 7, 2014

Brain noise found to nurture synapses

A study by Columbia University Medical Center researchers found that miniature neurotransmission regulates synapse development and contributes to the growth of synapses. The findings suggest that abnormalities in this process may contribute to neurodevelopmental diseases.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNeuron·DateMay 7, 2014

Vascular simulation research reveals new mechanism that switches in disease

Researchers have made an unexpected discovery about endothelial cell behavior during angiogenesis, revealing a continuum of migratory states regulated by differential cell-cell adhesions. This new mechanism may contribute to disease progression, including cancer, where blood vessel formation is critical for tumor growth.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMay 7, 2014
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Community doulas can be a big help for mother-baby relationships

Research at the University of Chicago found that community doulas significantly improved breastfeeding rates and infant development in young mothers from low-income African American families. The study showed that doulas who were similar to the mothers they supported had a more positive impact on their relationships with their babies.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMay 7, 2014

Nanoscale heat flow predictions

Researchers developed a predictive theoretical model for heat flux in novel nanomaterials using atom-scale calculations. This could help optimize thermal budget of nanoelectronic devices and produce energy through thermoelectric effects.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateMay 7, 2014

Neural states affect learning

A study found that theta-band activity in the hippocampus is crucial for learning, with training in its absence facilitating learning. Uniform neural states also act as a context for learning.

SourceAcademy of Finland·DateMay 7, 2014

TAG-1 induces apoptosisrelated gene expression without triggering glioma apoptosis

Researchers found that TAG-1 enhances proliferation and induces apoptosis-related gene expression without triggering apoptosis in U251 glioma cells. This study provides novel insight into the mechanisms of glial tumorigenesis by revealing the effects of transient axonal glycoprotein-1 on cell viability and signaling pathways.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateMay 7, 2014

Athletes' fear of failure likely to lead to 'choke,' study shows

A new study by Coventry University and Staffordshire University found that anxiety about a competitive situation makes athletes more likely to slip-up. The research tested 18 active young adults during identical physical tests, with participants experiencing worse coordination and higher mental anxiety in competitive trials.

SourceCoventry University·DateMay 7, 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.

Rising CO2 poses significant threat to human nutrition

A new study led by Harvard School of Public Health finds that elevated CO2 concentrations will significantly reduce zinc and iron concentrations in crops providing a large share of the global population's dietary intake. The reduction poses a major health threat, with an estimated loss of 63 million life years annually from malnutrition.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNature·DateMay 7, 2014

Airborne measurements confirm leaks from oil and gas operations

Oil and gas operations in Colorado's Front Range leaked nearly three times as much methane, a greenhouse gas, as predicted based on inventory estimates. The new study found seven times as much benzene, a regulated air toxic, and about twice as high emissions of other chemicals that contribute to summertime ozone pollution.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateMay 7, 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.

Pushing the boundaries of stem cells

Researchers at Mount Sinai identified a new technique to expand hematopoietic stem cells in cord blood, making them more useful for adult patients. This study has important implications for patients battling blood cancers and the success of life-saving stem cell transplants.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 7, 2014

Today's offenders are tomorrow's victims in gangs

A new study by Sam Houston State University found that gang members are twice as likely to become both victims and offenders of a crime than non-gang members. The study suggests that gang membership is a common source of both forms of violence, with group processes and norms facilitating trading places between victim and offender.

SourceSam Houston State University·JournalJournal of Research in Crime and Delinquency·DateMay 7, 2014
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Ancient crater points to massive meteorite strike

An eight-kilometre-wide crater was formed in southern Alberta, producing a massive explosion that destroyed present-day Calgary, according to researchers. The impact site, dated within the last 70 million years, had devastating consequences for life in the area, with global implications.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalMeteoritics and Planetary Science·DateMay 7, 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.

NASA sees system 91B making landfall in southwestern India

System 91B brought heavy rainfall to southern India and Sri Lanka on May 6, with TRMM's Precipitation Radar revealing rates of up to 66 mm per hour. The system has since moved inland over southwestern India, weakening and becoming less organized.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 7, 2014

Mapping the spider genome

Researchers at Aarhus University have sequenced the spider genome, providing a genetic map for future studies. The study reveals genes specific to spiders and sheds light on their incredible abilities, such as making silk and producing venom.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 7, 2014

Recent Ebola outbreak highlights need for better global response

The Ebola outbreak in West Africa underscores the importance of real-time data sharing among scientists to improve public health responses. Implementing a regional diagnostic approach can enhance laboratory capabilities, reduce waiting times for test results, and help determine whether established test methods will work or fail.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 7, 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.

As CO2 levels rise, some crop nutrients will fall

Researchers found that high CO2 levels reduce zinc and iron content in key crops like wheat, rice, and soybeans. Nutrient deficiencies affect at least 2 billion people worldwide, highlighting the need for more research on crop responses to elevated atmospheric CO2.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature·DateMay 7, 2014

Repeated preschool wheeze may set the stage for long-term damage in lung function

A new study found that repeated preschool wheezing can lead to long-term damage in lung function by the age of 6 years. Children with recurrent symptoms are particularly at risk, even if asthma symptoms seem to disappear temporarily. The study suggests that early intervention and treatment with inhaled corticosteroids may prevent this ...

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 7, 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.

Shuganjieyu capsule increases neurotrophic factor expression in a rat model of depression

The study found that Shuganjieyu capsule increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor and phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein expression levels, which may be one of the anti-depressant mechanisms. This increase in expression reverses depressive-like behaviors in rat models of depression.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateMay 7, 2014

Matching the expertise of perfumers to create new scents

Researchers developed a model called Perfumery Radar 2.0 to quantify perfumes' nuances, matching expert descriptions without biases. The tool helps perfumers create new scents by classifying fragrances into families and identifying their characteristics, such as spicy or sweet.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·DateMay 7, 2014

Blogosphere exerts new consumer influence on food industry

Consumers' curiosity and outrage over food ingredients have fueled online petitions targeting 'pink slime,' synthetic dyes, and brominated oil. The American Chemical Society notes the food industry is taking notice of consumer distrust, shifting towards alternative ingredients.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMay 7, 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.

Arctic study sheds light on tree-ring divergence problem

Researchers found that changes in light intensity affect tree ring density in the Arctic, resolving the divergence problem. The study suggests regional variations in cloud cover and light availability impact tree growth.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 7, 2014

Energy device for flexible electronics packs a lot of power

Scientists have developed a new flexible thin film device that stores enough energy to provide critical back-up power for portable electronics. The device is made from nickel and fluoride, with tiny holes allowing ions to flow easily, and can bend and fold thousands of times with little loss in performance.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 7, 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.

Emerald ash borers were in US long before first detection

Research reveals EABs were feeding on ash trees in southeast Michigan by the early 1990s, well before their discovery in 2002. The study used tree ring analysis to track the spread of the invasive species across over 5,800 square miles.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalDiversity and Distributions·DateMay 7, 2014

Astronomers create first realistic virtual universe

The Illustris simulation recreates the evolution of the universe with unprecedented resolution, including spiral galaxies, elliptical galaxies, and large-scale structures. It also accurately models chemistries of individual galaxies, offering a realistic view of cosmic evolution.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalNature·DateMay 7, 2014

A hydrogel that knows when to go

Researchers created a thermogelling hydrogel that turns from liquid to semisolid at body temperature and then degrades as new bone forms, filling the space left by the original gel.

SourceRice University·JournalBiomacromolecules·DateMay 7, 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.

Berkeley Lab develops nanoscope to probe chemistry on the molecular scale

Researchers developed a broadband imaging technique combining atomic force microscopy and infrared synchrotron light to study complex systems at the nanoscale. The new technique, SINS, enables in-depth investigation of liquid batteries, living cells, and novel materials.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 7, 2014

Sprites form at plasma irregularities in the lower ionosphere

Sprites form at plasma irregularities in the lower ionosphere, a phenomenon that can be useful for remote sensing of the region. The researchers used high-speed videos and fluid models to study sprite dynamics and determine the origin of the irregularities.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 7, 2014

UTMB awarded $4.4 million to develop universal flu vaccine

Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch are working on a universal flu vaccine that could eliminate the need for annual flu shots. With a $4.4 million grant, they plan to test a vaccine containing antigens from A and B strains of influenza, aiming for approval within five years.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·DateMay 7, 2014

How businesses can maximize revenue when introducing new products

A study by researchers at the University at Buffalo found that introducing new products as brand extensions can lead to increased revenue. Sub-branding was also shown to be effective in generating greater revenues for these extensions, such as Gillette Mach3.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalManagement Science·DateMay 7, 2014

Newly found dinosaur is long-nosed cousin of Tyrannosaurus rex

Scientists have discovered a new species of long-snouted tyrannosaur, Qianzhousaurus sinensis, which lived alongside deep-snouted tyrannosaurs but hunted different prey. The discovery confirms the existence of tyrannosaur species with long snouts and provides insights into the diversity of these fearsome carnivores.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 7, 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.

Breastfeeding promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut

A new study found that breastfeeding promotes the development of beneficial bacteria in babies' guts, which may help prevent obesity, allergies, and other diseases later in life. The study, led by Professor Kim F. Michaelsen, examined gut microbiota in 330 Danish children over three years.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMay 7, 2014

Starting signal for antiviral defense

A team of scientists has discovered Rad50's crucial role in detecting and responding to foreign DNA from viruses. The protein interacts with a specific signal protein CARD9, forming a complex that activates the immune system's alarm mechanism, leading to the production of interleukin-1β.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Immunology·DateMay 7, 2014

Third US National Climate Assessment reports our ecosystems are already changing

The US National Climate Assessment reports that nearly all natural and managed ecosystems are experiencing climate change impacts, threatening biodiversity and ecosystem services. The assessment provides guidelines for responding and adapting to these changes, highlighting the urgent need for policy development.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateMay 7, 2014

Common drug may help treat effects of muscle disease in boys

Researchers discovered that tadalafil improves blood flow in the muscles of boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, allowing for improved exercise performance. The study found that blood flow abnormalities were present even in boys taking corticosteroids, highlighting a potential new therapeutic strategy for treating the disease.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMay 7, 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.

Study finds genetic patterns in preeclampsia

Researchers identified distinct genetic underpinnings for different manifestations of preeclampsia, including early vs. late timing and high severity levels. The study found unique sets of genes involved from both mother and fetus, suggesting specific biological contributions to the condition.

SourceBrown University·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateMay 7, 2014