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Science News Archive May 2014 - Page 7


Page 7 of 31

Relaxation helps pack DNA into a virus

Researchers discovered that DNA relaxes to pack into virus heads at speeds determined by physics. The process counteracts the molecule's tendency to repel itself due to its negative charge.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 26, 2014

From chaos to order: How ants optimize food search

Researchers found that individual ants' experiences contribute to their foraging success and lead to an optimization of the path. The collective behavior of ants forms a highly efficient complex network, applicable not only to animals with homes but also to human behavioral patterns.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 26, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Immunologists discover immune system precursor cells that fight infection

A team of scientists has identified a previously unknown form of lymphocyte that protects against intracellular infection, providing important insights into the human immune system. The discovery of these 'precursor cells' could lead to the development of new vaccination strategies to prevent intracellular infections.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalCell·DateMay 26, 2014

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for May 27, 2014

The USPSTF recommends screening for hepatitis B virus (HBV) in nonpregnant high-risk adolescents and adults, as well as postnatal immunoprophylaxis to prevent maternal transmission. Studies have shown that these interventions can reduce mortality and hospital readmissions related to heart failure.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 26, 2014

Team validates potentially powerful new way to treat HER2-positive breast cancer

A team at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has validated a potentially powerful new approach to treating HER2-positive breast cancer by inhibiting the protein PTP1B. The discovery may lead to improved treatments for the disease, which affects one in four patients and is often resistant to existing therapies.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMay 25, 2014

Researchers map the epic evolution of a 'ring species'

Researchers mapped the epic evolution of a 'ring species' using genomic analysis, revealing complex divergence and hybridization. The Greenish Warbler's range expansion involved periods of geographic separation and interbreeding.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature·DateMay 25, 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.

Gene mutation found for aggressive form of pancreatic cancer

Researchers have discovered a unique molecular signature for adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC), a rare and virulent form of pancreatic cancer. The identification of somatic mutations in the UPF1 gene may lead to the development of novel diagnostic approaches and therapeutic strategies, offering new hope for patients with ASC.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 25, 2014

Study identifies how signals trigger cancer cells to spread

A new fluorescent protein biosensor reveals the activation of Rac1 inside cancer cells during invadopodia formation, showing its role in controlling the invasion and spread of cancer cells. The study provides insights into the signaling mechanism that regulates cancer cell invasion and offers potential targets for developing treatments.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMay 25, 2014

A new molecule for high-resolution cell imaging

Researchers at EPFL create two powerful probes for the imaging of cytoskeletal proteins with unprecedented resolution. These probes provide a significant improvement over existing techniques, enabling easier and higher quality imaging of cells with minimal toxicity.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Methods·DateMay 25, 2014

DNA nanotechnology places enzyme catalysis within an arm's length

Researchers develop 3-D artificial enzyme cascade using DNA nanotechnology, mimicking a crucial biochemical pathway that could lead to future biomedical and energy applications. The system consists of multiple enzymes attached to a DNA scaffold, with each arm serving as a 'swinging' catalyst, speeding up chemical reactions.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 25, 2014

Buried fossil soils found to be awash in carbon

Deeply buried fossil soils in the Great Plains have been found to be rich in carbon, potentially grossly underestimating carbon storage capacity. The study's findings suggest that these ancient soils could contribute significantly to global climate change as they are disturbed.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 25, 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.

Stanford discovery could pave way to new treatment for rare jaw tumor

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified the genetic mutations underlying ameloblastoma, a rare type of jaw tumor. They found that drugs already approved for other cancers can be effective in treating this disease, and are planning a pilot study to assess their efficacy.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 25, 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.

Advanced light

Researchers at Joint Quantum Institute investigate entangled beams in fast-light materials, where anomalous dispersion causes faster-than-light-like behavior. The findings reveal potential applications in ultrafast data processing and secure communication.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 25, 2014

Scientists discover potential new target for cancer immunotherapy

Scientists have discovered a potential new target for cancer immunotherapy, peptide antibodies that deplete immune-suppressing MDSCs without harming other vital cells. The treatment showed promising results in preclinical experiments, shrinking tumors and improving outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 25, 2014

Novel drug target linked to insulin secretion and type 2 diabetes treatment

Researchers at the University of Montreal have identified a novel enzyme, ABHD6, that breaks down a fat-like signal involved in insulin release. Inhibiting this enzyme may increase insulin levels in blood and improve sensitivity to insulin, providing a potential new target for type 2 diabetes treatment.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 25, 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.

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.

Rising star uses paper to tackle food-borne diseases

A University of Alberta researcher has developed a paper-based diagnostic tool to detect deadly food-borne pathogens such as E. coli. The device, slightly larger than a postage stamp, is designed to be extremely portable and self-contained, allowing for daily testing on farms in developing countries.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·DateMay 23, 2014

Slide Fire update May 23, 2014

The Slide Fire has burned 7,500 acres in Oak Creek Canyon, threatening 300 structures, including private homes and a Forest Service lookout tower. Over 840 personnel are fighting the fire, which is 5% contained, with crews conducting burnout operations along the north and east flanks.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 23, 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.

Nature inspires drones of the future

Drones have been developed with flight control mechanisms inspired by birds, bats, insects, and snakes to navigate through urban environments. Researchers have made significant advancements in drone technology, enabling them to perform complex tasks such as obstacle avoidance, pick-up and delivery, and landing on tricky surfaces.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·DateMay 23, 2014

Personal judgments are swayed by group opinion, but only for 3 days

Researchers found that people's private opinions are influenced by group norms, but this effect only lasts for three days. The study controlled for methodological issues and suggests a neurological explanation for the short-lived impact of social influence.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 23, 2014

SLU virologists harness adenovirus to kill breast cancer cells

Researchers at SLU's Institute for Molecular Virology have discovered a small fragment of adenovirus that can repress HER2 cell growth and kill breast cancer cells. The discovery offers a promising new therapy for the deadly disease, which affects 20-30% of breast cancers.

SourceSaint Louis University·DateMay 23, 2014

Rapid evolution aids spread of exotic plant species

Researchers at KU Leuven found that the Pyrenean rocket, a plant from southern Europe, genetically adapted rapidly to its new environment in Belgium, allowing it to spread quickly. This study provides evidence that rapid evolution can aid the spread of non-native plant species.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateMay 23, 2014

A new way to make sheets of graphene

Researchers at MIT have developed a method to produce graphene directly on materials like large sheets of glass, enabling scalable manufacturing. This breakthrough could lead to advances in display screens, solar cells, and other electronic devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 23, 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.

Straw from oilseed as a new source of biofuels

Researchers at Norwich BioScience Institutes have found ways to improve the efficiency of turning straw into biofuel. By varying pre-treatment stages, they increased cellulose conversion and sugar yield.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalBioresource Technology·DateMay 23, 2014

Flatland optics with graphene

Researchers successfully trapped and controlled light using graphene-based optical antennas, demonstrating the fundamental principles of conventional optics. The discovery paves the way for the development of compact and faster photonic devices and circuits, which could revolutionize signal processing and computing.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalScience·DateMay 23, 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.

The protective milk shot

Researchers discovered that pigs from infected mothers suffer less from the infection than those from non-infected mothers. The study found that maternal antibodies in the sow's milk protect piglets from infections in the first few weeks of life, leading to fewer cases of severe diarrhoea and faster recovery.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalVeterinary Parasitology·DateMay 23, 2014

Breakthrough method for making Janus or patchy capsules

Researchers have developed a new method for creating Janus and patchy capsules using electro-coalescence and electro-hydrodynamic flow. These capsules can be used to transport substances and release them in specific environments, making them useful for biomedical applications.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 23, 2014

Risk is much more than a game

Researchers develop a new framework for risk assessment that incorporates sociological perspective and human risk perception, leading to more effective mitigation plans. The framework helps decision-makers understand public perception of natural hazards, resulting in better policy decisions.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Risk Assessment and Management·DateMay 23, 2014

New sensor could light the way forward in low-cost medical imaging

A new multispectral light sensor can detect ultra-violet to near infrared light, enabling non-invasive medical procedures like oxygen level measurement and tumor detection. The sensor's low cost and flexibility make it suitable for various applications, including security cameras and consumer products.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 23, 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.

Untangling whole genomes of individual species from a microbial mix

A new approach enables researchers to distinguish between different microbial species in complex communities, allowing for the discovery of previously unknown species and a better understanding of their genomic content. This breakthrough has significant implications for studying the human microbiome and its impact on individual health.

SourceGenetics Society of America·DateMay 23, 2014

Failed dwarf galaxy survives galactic collision thanks to full dark-matter jacket

Researchers believe a high-velocity hydrogen cloud, known as the Smith Cloud, contains and is wrapped in a substantial halo of dark matter, allowing it to survive a collision with the Milky Way. The discovery could provide insights into the formation of galaxies and the earliest star formation in our galaxy.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 23, 2014

Lack of plant diversity spurs cankerworm damage in cities

A recent study published in Urban Ecosystems found that a lack of plant diversity is a significant contributor to the widespread defoliation caused by cankerworms in cities. Increasing plant diversity can help limit future damage. Native plants were particularly hard hit, while nonnative species were largely ignored.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalUrban Ecosystems·DateMay 23, 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.

An infrared NASA eye sees a weaker System 92B

Tropical System 92B has weakened due to persistent easterly vertical wind shear, according to NASA's infrared data. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center downgraded the potential for significant tropical cyclone development within the next 24 hours to medium.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 23, 2014

Social marketing at the movies

Research by Chong Oh found that Twitter activity has a direct positive effect on movie attendance and online word-of-mouth chatter. Engaging with followers on social media increases the likelihood of higher box office performance.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Information Systems and Change Management·DateMay 23, 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.

Mapping atherosclerotic arteries: Combined approach developed

Researchers develop protocol combining hard X-ray tomography and histology to visualize constricted vessels, enabling simulation of blood flow and targeted drug delivery. The method also characterizes soft tissues in the vicinity of calcified arteries with high precision.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Protocols·DateMay 23, 2014

Poor diet before pregnancy is linked with preterm birth

A study by the University of Adelaide found that women who eat a poor diet before becoming pregnant are around 50% more likely to have a preterm birth than those on a healthy diet. Women who consistently ate high protein and fruit prior to conception were less likely to have a preterm birth.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateMay 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.

Tiny muscles help bats fine-tune flight, stiffen wing skin

Researchers at Brown University discovered that tiny muscles called plagiopatagiales embedded in a bat's wing membrane can adjust stiffness and curvature during flight, fine-tuning aerodynamic performance. The muscles tense on the downstroke and relax on the upstroke, working in synchrony to stiffen the wing.

SourceBrown University·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·DateMay 23, 2014

First broadband wireless connection ... to the moon?!

A team of MIT researchers has successfully demonstrated a broadband wireless connection to the moon using a laser-based communication system, transmitting data at a rate of 622 megabits per second. The system, which uses multiple telescopes and amplification techniques to overcome atmospheric challenges, has the potential to enable lar...

SourceOptica·DateMay 22, 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.

Lower mantle chemistry breakthrough

Scientists have discovered a significant difference in lower mantle chemistry, shifting from a single ferromagnesian silicate mineral to two distinct phases, including an iron-rich and hexagonal structure called H-phase. This finding challenges geodynamic models and may lead to new discoveries about the deep Earth.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience·DateMay 22, 2014