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Science News Archive November 2014


Page 14 of 31

The implications of new cholesterol guidelines on a rural Midwest community

A study in a rural Midwestern community found that the new cholesterol guidelines substantially increased the number of individuals who qualify for a statin. The biggest driver of this increase was that a larger number of older individuals without known heart disease qualified for a statin under the new guidelines.

Three popular daffodil varieties determined to be highly salt tolerant

A study found that 'Tete-a-Tete', 'Dutch Master', and 'Ice Follies' daffodils can tolerate high levels of salt without compromising their visual quality. The cultivars demonstrated ability to maintain K+:Na+ ratio above 1, helping them resist negative effects of Na+, making them suitable for cut flower production and landscapes.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Understanding adverse blood vessel remodeling following stenting

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation reveals that stenting can induce deleterious blood vessel remodeling due to a specific gene variant. The researchers identify the receptor tyrosine kinase ROS1 as a potential therapeutic target for treating flow-limiting atherosclerosis.

Anti-leukemia drug may also work against ovarian cancer

Researchers found that cirmtuzumab induces senescence in cancer stem cells, degrading their ability to grow and metastasize. Ovarian cancer patients with high levels of ROR1 experienced more aggressive forms of the disease, highlighting the potential of this antibody therapy as a targeted treatment.

The secret life of anti-cancer drugs

A new review reveals that anti-cancer drugs must obtain regulatory approval, change physician prescription habits and gain patient compliance before being incorporated into daily practice.

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.

Magic tricks created using artificial intelligence for the first time

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have created magic tricks using artificial intelligence, leveraging mathematical techniques to create new variants. The AI-generated tricks, such as a jigsaw puzzle and mind reading card trick, were well-received by audiences and are now available for download.

Novel basic science tip sheet

Researchers found that a diet rich in plant-based flavonoids can help regulate the body's immune system response to fine particles in polluted air, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease. Additionally, a low-cost vaccine targeting PCSK9 has been shown to safely lower bad cholesterol levels in animal studies.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Unveiling the effects of an important class of diabetes drugs

A study published in Nature found that thiazolidinediones, a class of diabetes drugs, work by targeting the CDK5 pathway, but unexpectedly led researchers to discover the ERK kinase instead. MEK inhibitors, initially developed for cancer treatment, have been shown to improve insulin resistance in mouse models of diabetes

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.

Age matters: Young larvae boost pollen foraging in honey bees

Research finds that young larvae emit specific pheromones influencing adult bee behavior, leading to increased pollen collection and reduced foragers returning empty. This discovery could benefit agricultural enterprises by optimizing pollination services through colony management.

First genetic-based tool to detect circulating cancer cells in blood

Scientists at Northwestern University have developed a genetic-based tool called NanoFlare that can detect live circulating tumor cells in the bloodstream. The technology has the potential to improve diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer by providing a more accurate and personalized approach.

New tools in fight against virus that attacks the brain

Researchers have created a new mouse model that allows them to study human glia in live animals, enabling the development of potential treatments for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). The study found that the JC virus targets astrocytes, leading to inflammation and cell death, which can trigger PML.

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.

Fatigue, irritability, and demoralization can affect your heart health

A Mount Sinai study found that vital exhaustion increases the risk of first-time cardiovascular disease by 36%, affecting otherwise healthy people. The researchers investigated 11 prospective studies involving 60,610 participants and found a significant association between vital exhaustion and cardiovascular disease.

Chlamydia knock out the body's own cancer defence

Research reveals Chlamydia trachomatis breaks down protective protein p53, allowing cells to mutate and develop into cancer. The bacterium exploits this mechanism to survive within host cells, posing a potential risk for cancer development.

Datasets used by policymakers, scientists for public health analyses inconsistent

Researchers found significant differences between two commercially available datasets used to analyze the relationship between neighborhood socioeconomic characteristics and food and alcohol establishments. The study highlights the need for accurate data to support policy decisions on issues like incentives for grocery stores in econom...

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Fat around the heart may cause irregular heartbeat

A study found that excess fat around the heart, measured by epicardial adipose tissue volume, is more closely associated with atrial fibrillation than BMI. The layer of fat was shown to correlate with scarring in the left atrium, increasing the risk of irregular heartbeat.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Young vessels rejuvenate aged insulin-producing beta cells

A recent study published in PNAS shows that young capillary vessels can rejuvenate aged pancreatic islets, suggesting a new way to treat age-dependent dysregulation of blood glucose levels. By replacing the islet vasculature with young capillaries, glucose homeostasis was fully restored.

Pulse oximetry screenings save lives of babies with congenital heart defects

A new screening method using pulse oximetry has detected 13 babies with previously unknown congenital heart defects in New Jersey. The screenings were mandated in licensed birthing facilities and resulted in the detection of undiagnosed critical congenital heart defects, which may have prevented significant disability or death.

Setting family rules promotes healthier behavior in children

A study by Indiana University found that setting specific family rules about healthy eating and sedentary behavior leads to healthier practices in children. Children from households with set guidelines were more likely to eat fruits and vegetables, limit screen time, and make healthier choices overall.

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.

Where will big neuroscience take us?

Several countries have launched brain research projects with big budgets and ambitious goals, aiming to make groundbreaking discoveries and develop new treatments for diseases. The initiatives are expected to drive rapid progress in the field of neuroscience, with a focus on global collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches.

Protecting forests alone would not halt land-use change emissions

A study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research found that forest protection policies alone will not reduce CO2 emissions from land-use change. Implementing comprehensive conservation schemes covering all land types is crucial, as intensifying agriculture can generate higher yields to compensate for reduced land availability.

Potential therapy found for incurable pediatric brain tumor

Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a potential drug therapy for a rare, incurable pediatric brain tumor by targeting a genetic mutation. The experimental drug GSKJ4 delayed tumor growth and prolonged survival in mice with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG).

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.

TopBP1 a sweet spot for treatment in multiple cancers

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered calcein inhibits TopBP1 activities, leading to anti-tumor effects. The study found calcein has potential as a treatment for multiple cancers, including breast and ovarian cancer.

Effects of hyperbaric oxygen on postconcussion symptoms in military members

A clinical trial found that hyperbaric oxygen treatment did not improve postconcussion symptoms in military members, but both the treatment and sham groups showed improvements compared to those who received no supplemental air chamber treatment. The study suggests that the observed improvements may be due to placebo effects.

Advances in electron microscopy reveal secrets of HIV and other viruses

UC Davis researchers use new techniques in electron microscopy to study HIV and other viruses. They find that the gp120 trimer associates with gp41 to form a structure that allows HIV to enter host cells. The study also reveals how viruses hijack cellular processes to enter cells, shedding light on potential vaccine targets.

New technique to help produce next-generation photonic chips

Researchers from the University of Southampton have developed a new technique, Ultrafast photomodulation spectroscopy (UPMS), to help produce more reliable and robust next-generation photonic chips. This method uses ultraviolet laser pulses to change the refractive index of silicon in a tiny area on the chip.

Small fraction of students attended schools with USDA nutrition components

According to a study, schools with all five USDA nutritional components were attended by only 1.8% and 0.3% of middle and high school students. The study found that having fruits or vegetables available, absence of higher-fat milk, and three or more standard components were associated with lower odds of overweight/obesity.

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.

Densovirus named top suspect in devastating sea star wasting disease

A genomic analysis of a newly discovered virus prevalent in symptomatic sea stars has linked Sea Star Associated Densovirus to the devastating wasting disease, potentially triggering an unprecedented ecological upheaval. The research lays the groundwork for understanding how the virus kills sea stars and what triggers outbreaks.

Tiny fish provides giant insight into how organisms adapt to changing environment

Researchers identify genes and networks that enable tiny Atlantic killifish to alter their body form in response to environmental changes, providing insight into phenotypic plasticity. The study's findings have substantial implications for understanding molecular evolution and its applications in climate change, medicine, and regenerat...

Climate capers of the past 600,000 years

The Lake Van drilling project provides a unique 600,000-year archive of climate fluctuations and natural hazards, including six cycles of warm and cold periods. The analysis reveals the region's high risk for earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

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.

Revolutionary solar-friendly form of silicon shines

A team of Carnegie scientists synthesized a novel form of silicon with a quasi-direct band gap, suitable for high-efficiency solar applications. The new allotrope, Si24, has an open framework structure and is stable at ambient pressure, making it potentially more effective than conventional diamond-structured silicon

Second protein associated with common cause of kidney failure identified

Researchers have identified a second protein, THSD7A, associated with membranous nephropathy, a common cause of kidney failure. This finding allows for the development of a new blood test to diagnose and monitor the disease, providing additional tools for clinicians to follow treatment response.

Ten ways remote sensing can contribute to conservation

The study highlights the top 10 ways remote sensing can be used in conservation, including species distribution, ecosystem processes, and climate change. The authors hope to jumpstart a new collaborative initiative that provides guidance for space agencies and partners on advancing wildlife protection and protected area management.

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.

British men who pay for sex have many (unpaid) sexual partners

A study of over 6,100 British men found that those who paid for sex had twice as many lifetime sexual partners as the general population, but few were paid for. Young professionals with a taste for binge drinking and recreational drugs were more likely to engage in this behavior.

Diarrhea and candidiasis associated with common antibiotic amoxicillin

A systematic review of controlled trials involving adults and children found that diarrhea was over three times as likely in people taking amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, while candidiasis was also associated with the use of this antibiotic combination. The study highlights under-reporting of harms in clinical trials.

UT Arlington to lead $1.6 million research project focused on digital learning

The University of Texas at Arlington has been chosen to lead a $1.6 million initiative to connect researchers across the country studying digital learning's impact on higher education. The Digital Learning Research Network will benefit universities making the transition to digital learning and learners from underrepresented groups.

Calorie-restricting diets slow aging, study finds

Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center found that calorie-restricted diets slowed the normal rise and fall of genes linked to aging and memory formation in the brain. The study used female mice fed food pellets with 30% fewer calories than controls, and tissue analyses showed a significant impact on gene expression.

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.

Researchers present highly anticipated IMPROVE-IT results

Adding ezetimibe to statin therapy lowered cholesterol levels and reduced cardiovascular events by 6.4% in patients following heart attack, according to the IMPROVE-IT trial. The study found that adding ezetimibe resulted in a significant reduction in cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes.

NASA's SDO sees returning sunspot produce mid-level flare

A mid-level solar flare was detected by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory on Nov 16, 2014, emerging from an active region that previously rotated across the front of the sun in October. The M5.7-class flare is a tenth the size of X-class flares and may disturb GPS and communications signals.

Side effects of possible anti-cancer strategy discovered

A promising anti-cancer approach targeting Malt1 protein's protease function in lymphoma cells may also cause destructive autoimmune inflammation when its other functions are preserved. Researchers discovered this unexpected side effect using an animal model, emphasizing the need for new alternatives to treat lymphomas.

New advance in cryopreservation could change management of world blood supplies

Researchers at Oregon State University have identified a method to rapidly prepare frozen red blood cells for transfusions, reducing the time-consuming process of thawing and removing glycerol from the blood. This breakthrough could make it feasible to use frozen blood in emergency situations, solving inefficiencies in the current system.

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.