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Science News for November 21, 2014


New model of follow up for breast cancer patients

Researchers developed a new approach to breast cancer follow-up that considers individual risk factors. For postmenopausal women with moderate prognosis early breast cancer, less frequent surveillance may be more cost-effective, especially for those older than 70 years.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalValue in Health·DateNov 21, 2014

When shareholders exacerbate their own banks' crisis

Researchers found that CoCo bonds can worsen financial crisis situations due to a 'convert to steal' mechanism. This construction shifts losses onto bondholders in times of need, encouraging banks to further escalate their crisis.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Financial Intermediation·DateNov 21, 2014

Research shows anti-HIV medicines can cause damage to fetal hearts

A study published in AIDS reveals that anti-HIV medications may cause significant long-term heart problems in non-HIV-infected children. The research found persistently impaired heart muscle development and reduced heart performance in these children, highlighting the need for further investigation into the long-term impact of HIV medi...

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalAIDS·DateNov 21, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Clipping proteins that package genes may limit abnormal cell growth in tumors

A study led by Mount Sinai researchers found that the clipping of histone protein H3.3 silences genes regulating cell division and duplication, potentially limiting abnormal cell growth in tumors. This discovery has implications for understanding cellular senescence and its role in cancer prevention.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 21, 2014

Not all baseball stars treated equally in TV steroid coverage, says study of network news

A study of network news coverage found that Barry Bonds received more negative stories about his alleged steroid use than Mark McGwire and Rafael Palmeiro. The research also showed that Bonds' stories were more likely to focus on his using steroids for a competitive edge, rather than rehabilitation from injury.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalCommunication Research·DateNov 21, 2014

Rare new species of plant: Stachys caroliniana

A rare new plant species, Stachys caroliniana, has been discovered in two locations near Charleston, S.C., with the discovery shedding light on its unique characteristics. The species was found to be different from its closest relatives, which are commonly known as hedge-nettles or woundworts.

SourceUniversity of South Carolina·JournalJournal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas·DateNov 21, 2014

Fiddler on the roof?

Climate change may be causing fiddler crabs to move further north in the US East Coast, with one scientist discovering a crab nearly 50 miles north of its usual range. This warming trend could lead to changes in ecosystems as new species are introduced.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalJournal of Crustacean Biology·DateNov 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.

Update on new treatments for liver diseases

Two new treatments for liver diseases are being explored. A probiotic, VSL#3, has been shown to improve liver function and reduce the risk of hospitalization in patients with cirrhosis. Meanwhile, a fatty acid conjugate called Aramchol has been found to significantly reduce liver fat content in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver di...

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateNov 21, 2014

New tool displays West Coast ocean acidification data

A new tool provides real-time ocean chemistry data along the West Coast, helping scientists understand changes in water chemistry and aid the shellfish industry. The IOOS Pacific Region Oean Acidification Data Portal offers valuable insights for adapting to ocean acidification.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateNov 21, 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.

Researchers get $1.25 million to advance carbon storage

Clemson University researchers are developing new instruments to measure ultra-high-resolution strain movements in underground CO2 storage sites. The goal is to improve the ability to monitor and safeguard geologic carbon storage, making it cheaper and safer.

SourceClemson University·DateNov 21, 2014

Researchers discover natural resistance gene against spruce budworm

Researchers have identified a natural resistance gene in white spruce trees that makes them resistant to the devastating spruce budworm. The gene, betaglucosidase-1, produces compounds toxic to the caterpillar, potentially allowing for replanting of forests affected by the pest.

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateNov 21, 2014

Theater arts research offers insight for designers, builders of robots

Researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington are exploring ways to create more human-like interactions between humans and robots. Julienne Greer, a theatre arts lecturer, is using her expertise in performance technique method acting to inform the design of robots like Pepper, which can understand and respond to human emotions.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateNov 21, 2014

Researchers study impact of power prosthetic failures on amputees

New research examines the effects of powered prosthetic leg errors on users, revealing some mistakes are insignificant, while others can cause noticeable instability. The team aims to improve decoding accuracy and minimize mechanical work changes to create more reliable prostheses.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·DateNov 21, 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.

Study finds that rejecting unsuitable suitors is easier said than done

A study found that people tend to accept dates from unattractive partners when faced with a potential date, rather than rejecting them due to concerns about hurting the other person's feelings. This bias was observed even when participants knew they would not meet in person, suggesting that social consideration can influence dating dec...

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 21, 2014

How the hummingbird achieves its aerobatic feats

A new simulation demonstrates that hummingbirds generate lift and thrust using unsteady airflow mechanisms, creating invisible vortices of air. This unique approach sets them apart from larger birds and is more closely aligned with insect flight.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateNov 21, 2014

Trouble with your boss? Own it

A recent study by Michigan State University found that employee motivation increases when workers and their supervisors share similar views on the quality of their relationship, even if the relationship is poor. This discovery suggests that being honest about one's feelings can lead to better work engagement and performance.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateNov 21, 2014

Vermicompost leachate improves tomato seedling growth

Vermicompost leachate enhances tomato seedling growth in temperature and water-stress conditions. Regular supply of VCL improves morphological characters, including leaf area and shoot/root biomass.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateNov 21, 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.

Developing a noninvasive test for endometriosis

Researchers at UCSF have identified patterns of genetic activity that can be used to diagnose endometriosis and its severity, offering a less invasive alternative to surgery. The test uses machine learning to analyze gene expression patterns in uterine lining cells.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalEndocrinology·DateNov 21, 2014

For important tumor-suppressing protein, context is key

Researchers mapped p53 binding sites in human cancer and normal cells, finding the protein binds selectively to repeat sequences in cancer cells. This suggests p53's role in maintaining genomic stability and tumor suppression is context-dependent.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 21, 2014

Obesity-attributable absenteeism among US workers costs the nation more than $8 billion annually

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health estimates that obesity-attributable absenteeism among US workers costs the nation more than $8 billion annually, with state-level costs ranging from $14.4 million in Wisconsin to $907 million in California.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateNov 21, 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.

More genetic clues found in a severe food allergy

Researchers have found four novel loci associated with eosinophilic esophagitis, a severe food allergy. The study suggests that genetic factors play key roles in the disease and may offer attractive targets for therapy. Understanding these biological networks could lead to tailored approaches for treatment.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 21, 2014

Possibilities for personalized vaccines revealed at ESMO symposium

Researchers have made breakthroughs in personalized vaccine technology for all types of cancer, using genes expressed in tumors to create tailored vaccines. The approach has shown promise in improving biological responses and disease control.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateNov 21, 2014

Polyethylene mulch, glazing create optimal conditions for soil solarization

Researchers found that using clear polyethylene mulch on well-irrigated beds under high tunnel glazing can achieve significant disinfestation of soil pathogens and pests within less than one week. This method requires a combination of daily solar radiation, high temperatures, and low relative humidity.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateNov 21, 2014

New terahertz device could strengthen security

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a compact terahertz radiation source that operates at room temperature, offering improved security detection capabilities. The device has a wide frequency coverage and can detect explosives, chemical agents, and biological substances from safe distances.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 21, 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.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors may work in brain cancers

Research shows that brain metastases have dense concentrations of tumour infiltrating lymphocytes, providing an immunoactive environment. High expression of PDL1 is common in both glioblastoma and brain metastases, making immune checkpoint inhibitors a promising treatment option.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateNov 21, 2014

Novel regulatory mechanism for cell division found

A study by MD Anderson Cancer Center researchers found that the enzyme PKM2 controls cell division, promoting tumor cell proliferation. PKM2's role in regulating cytokinesis was also identified as crucial for brain tumor development and malignant tumor progression.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 21, 2014