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Science News for November 25, 2014


Vegetable oil ingredient key to destroying gastric disease bacteria

Researchers developed LipoLLA, a therapeutic nanoparticle containing linolenic acid that effectively kills Helicobacter pylori bacteria in mice. The treatment also reduced inflammation and was non-toxic, making it a promising alternative to standard antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2014

UTMB part of national research group awarded $20 million HIV grant

A multidisciplinary team from UTMB will lead projects to determine the drug safety and efficacy of an antiretroviral-releasing intravaginal ring. The project aims to develop a device that can deliver multiple-drug combinations of HIV antiretroviral drugs, which is crucial for preventing the spread of sexually transmitted HIV in women.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·DateNov 25, 2014

Study examines FDA influence on design of pivotal drug studies

A study found that pharmaceutical companies failed to comply with FDA recommendations for pivotal drug study design and primary outcomes in nearly a quarter of cases. The researchers suggested that mandatory FDA review of pivotal trial protocols could optimize study quality.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateNov 25, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers find way to turn sawdust into gasoline

Scientists at KU Leuven successfully converted cellulose in sawdust into hydrocarbon chains, which can be used as an additive in gasoline or component in plastics. The conversion process is a new type of bio-refining and has potential economic benefits, offering an alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateNov 25, 2014

Missing gene linked to autism

Researchers at the University of Leeds have identified a missing gene mutation linked to autistic traits in mice. The study found behavioural features similar to autism symptoms, including sociability issues and impaired neurotransmitter release.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateNov 25, 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.

Why cancer cells grow despite a lack of oxygen

Researchers discover PHD3 controls EGFR uptake, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor proliferation. PHD3 loss is crucial for human malignant brain tumour growth under hypoxia.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 25, 2014

A link between DNA transcription and disease-causing expansions

Researchers at Tufts University found that active transcription promotes DNA repeat expansions, leading to human diseases like Freidreich's ataxia and Huntington's disease. The study used baker's yeast to monitor the effects of transcription on repeat expansions.

SourceTufts University·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 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.

Few operations for epilepsy despite their safety and efficacy

A Swedish study found that only 3% of epilepsy surgery patients suffered lasting complications, with a downward trend over time. Despite the encouraging data, only 50-60 procedures are performed annually, highlighting the need for awareness and increase in availability throughout Europe.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateNov 25, 2014

Another reason to be thankful: Turkeys may be lifesavers

Researchers at Brigham Young University have identified a potentially life-saving antibiotic produced by good bacteria found in turkeys. The MP1 antibiotic has shown promise in targeting staph infections, strep throat, and severe gastrointestinal diseases.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateNov 25, 2014

Mere expectation of treatment can improve brain activity in Parkinson's patients

A new study found that Parkinson's patients' brain activity improves equally in response to real medication and placebo treatment, highlighting the power of expectations to drive changes in the brain. The research suggests that dopamine-rich areas in the brain are activated when patients believe they have received medication, offering ...

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 25, 2014

Endangered species success: Idaho salmon regaining fitness advantage

Naturally spawned juvenile sockeye are migrating to the ocean and returning as adults at a much higher rate than others released from hatcheries. The analysis indicates that the program to save the species has succeeded in rebuilding populations in the wild, with the species regaining fitness.

SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·JournalFisheries·DateNov 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.

A warming world may spell bad news for honey bees

A new study links climate change to the spread of an exotic honey bee parasite, which could lead to increased colony losses in Britain. The research suggests that warmer temperatures will allow the parasite to become more prevalent, negatively impacting native species.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·DateNov 25, 2014

Obstructive sleep apnea treatments may reduce depressive symptoms

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 22 trials found that treatment for obstructive sleep apnea with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or mandibular advancement devices (MADs) can lead to modest improvements in depressive symptoms. The benefits were more pronounced in those with higher baseline depression scores.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 25, 2014

Problem gambling, personality disorders often go hand in hand

Research highlights connection between problem gambling and various personality disorders, including Borderline Personality Disorder. Screening for personality disorders can aid in successful treatment, with Dialectical Behavior Therapy showing promise for a subset of problem gamblers.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Gambling Studies·DateNov 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.

Study maps how city neighborhoods affect diabetes risk

A new Drexel study finds that neighborhood and community-level factors play a significant role in diabetes risk, with areas of poverty, low education and high obesity rates having higher diabetes rates. The researchers report that improving the physical and social environment can reduce diabetes risk by up to 12%.

SourceDrexel University·JournalAdvances in Preventive Medicine·DateNov 25, 2014

Sweet-smelling breath to help diabetes diagnosis in children

A new study links a sweet-smelling chemical marker in the breath of children with type 1 diabetes to a build-up of potentially harmful chemicals in the blood. The researchers hope to develop a diagnostic device to identify children with the disease before serious illness sets in.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Breath Research·DateNov 25, 2014

Powdered measles vaccine found safe in early clinical trials

A new powdered measles vaccine has been found safe and effective in early human testing, with no clinically relevant side effects reported. The dry powder vaccine was delivered through a puff of air and showed promise as an alternative to traditional injectable vaccines.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalVaccine·DateNov 25, 2014

Entrepreneurs to venture capitalists: Don't be a Scrooge

A Baylor University study reveals that entrepreneurs prefer to partner with venture capitalists who have a history of ethical behavior. The researchers found that an investor's reputation can trump their investment track record, and venturing capitalists should prioritize ethics to build trust with high-quality entrepreneurs.

SourceBaylor University·JournalJournal of Business Venturing·DateNov 25, 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.

Why do people with autism see faces differently?

Researchers found that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) make mixed judgments when presented with neutral facial expressions in photographic images, unlike control group participants. However, the results remained consistent when synthetic images were used, suggesting that it's not the judgment process itself that differs.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateNov 25, 2014

Long-term testosterone therapy does not increase the risk of prostate cancer

A new study published in The Journal of Urology analyzed data from three independent registries and found no increase in prostate cancer incidence among men treated with long-term testosterone therapy. The study followed over 1,000 men for up to 17 years, with a median follow-up of approximately 5 years.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateNov 25, 2014

Feeling -- not being -- wealthy drives opposition to wealth redistribution

New research published in Psychological Science finds that people's subjective feelings of wealth or poverty motivate their attitudes toward redistributive policies. Feeling relatively wealthy leads participants to oppose redistribution and view others as biased by self-interest. This study suggests a mechanism by which inequality may ...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 25, 2014

Researchers identify new ways to drain cancer's 'fuel tank'

Researchers discovered that mitochondria are crucial for the survival of cancer stem cells and found sixty-two mitochondrial-related proteins showing increased levels. The study suggests new avenues for treatment by restricting cancer's ability to come back after treatment using MCT inhibitors.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateNov 25, 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.

Emmanuel Candès to receive 2015 AMS-SIAM Birkhoff Prize

Candès will be awarded the 2015 AMS-SIAM George David Birkhoff Prize for his groundbreaking work on compressed sensing, a mathematical technique that has revolutionized signal processing and medical imaging. His research has led to dramatic advances in data collection and analysis, with applications in MRI machines and digital cameras.

SourceAmerican Mathematical Society·DateNov 25, 2014

International collaboration completes genome sequence of centipede

The first myriapod genome sequence has been completed, revealing new insights into the biological evolution and unique characteristics of venomous centipedes. The genome sequence uncovered clues about their absence of vision and circadian rhythm, as well as their ability to detect chemicals in air.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 25, 2014

Blu-ray disc can be used to improve solar cell performance

Researchers at Northwestern University found that Blu-ray discs' quasi-random patterns enhance solar cells' light absorption and performance by up to 21.8%. The discovery could lead to new manufacturing methods for efficient solar cells.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 25, 2014

Body size requires hormones under control

A research team from Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia found that the timing of ecdysone synthesis is sensitive to nutrition in fruit flies, regulating final body size. Environmental conditions such as starvation and temperature control ecdysone production, affecting development and growth.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·DateNov 25, 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.

Diagnosing deafness early will help teenagers' reading development

Research from the University of Southampton shows that identifying deafness early can significantly improve teenagers' reading development. The study found that children who were screened for hearing impairment at birth had better language skills and reading abilities than those not screened.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateNov 25, 2014

Female color perception affects evolution of male plumage in birds

A new study from the University of Chicago found that female birds' color vision is essential for mate selection and sexual dimorphism. The research, published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B, suggests that the expression of a specific opsin gene is linked to the evolution of colorful plumage in males.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·DateNov 25, 2014

Carnegie's Marnie Halpern named AAAS Fellow

Marnie Halpern has made significant contributions to understanding the patterning of the nervous system using novel genetic approaches. Her research focuses on regional specializations within the neural tube, with a particular emphasis on brain asymmetry.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·DateNov 25, 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.

Researchers shed new light on the genetics of memory performance

A large international study has discovered two common genetic variants associated with memory performance. The findings, published in Biological Psychiatry, suggest that these genetic variants may play a role in the development of age-related memory decline and dementia.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateNov 25, 2014

Mining can damage fish habitats far downstream, study shows

A Michigan State University study found that mining can damage fish habitats miles downstream and even in streams not directly connected to the mine. The research suggests that mines are a regional stress on stream fish assemblages, affecting downstream communities.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEcological Indicators·DateNov 25, 2014

Study supports free 'super Wi-Fi'

Researchers propose extending free 'super Wi-Fi' range to lower frequency bands, enabling communication partners at distances of several kilometers. The approach could relieve mobile communications networks and trigger innovations in fields such as stage microphones and digital disaster relief services.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalTelecommunications Policy·DateNov 25, 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.

Using wash cloths in jails shows promise for reducing costly infections

A randomized, controlled trial showed that providing detainees with wash cloths treated with chlorhexidine gluconate significantly decreased S. aureus colonization. The use of plain water wash cloths also effectively reduced S. aureus hand and/or nose carriage.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateNov 25, 2014

Heat-conducting plastic developed at U-Michigan

A team of University of Michigan researchers has created a novel plastic blend that conducts heat exceptionally well, up to 10 times better than traditional plastics. This breakthrough could lead to the development of light, versatile materials for electronics and vehicles.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 25, 2014

Therapy found effective in older, African-American lung cancer patients

Researchers at University of Cincinnati have found a Food and Drug Administration-approved therapy effective in treating older and African American patients with non-small cell lung cancer. The study suggests that gefitinib improves quality of life and outcomes for this subgroup of patients, who often face limited treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateNov 25, 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.

One-two punch of drugs better than either alone against colorectal cancer

Researchers have discovered a combination of two drugs that target both the MAPK and PI3K signaling pathways, resulting in more effective killing of colorectal cancer cells. The dual approach overcomes the limitations of individual drug treatments, showing promise for treating laboratory models of colorectal cancer.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 25, 2014

Scientists could save thousands of pounds with student's DIY microscope

A PhD student at Brunel University London created a low-cost inverted microscope by adapting a cheap instrument to measure cell motility and study the immune system of snails. The instrument, costing around £160, is significantly cheaper than high-quality equipment that can stretch to hundreds of thousands of pounds.

SourceBrunel University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 25, 2014

Blind Scottish centipede unlocks clues to the origins of creepy crawlies

The genome of Strigamia maritima, a blind Scottish centipede, has been sequenced, providing insights into the genetic basis of centipede biology and the diversification of arthropods. The study reveals that these animals have lost genes encoding light receptors and circadian rhythm, suggesting alternative detection mechanisms.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 25, 2014
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Trojan horse tactic gives parasites edge over immune systems

A study by researchers at the University of Edinburgh reveals that parasites can hide their genetic material inside 'vesicles' that mimic natural cellular functions, suppressing the immune response. This discovery could inform new strategies for treating diseases caused by parasitic worms, as well as allergies like hayfever.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 25, 2014

Endangered hammerhead shark found migrating into unprotected waters

A young female hammerhead shark was tracked for 10 months, revealing its 3,350 km journey and important insights into habitat use. The research suggests that juvenile hammerheads are trading off risks to get offshore quickly, maximizing growth and reproductive potential.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalAnimal Biotelemetry·DateNov 25, 2014

Breakthrough in flexible electronics enabled by inorganic-based laser lift-off

A breakthrough in flexible electronics has been achieved using Inorganic-based Laser Lift-off (ILLO), which overcomes material and processing limitations. ILLO allows for the fabrication of ultrathin inorganic electronic devices on flexible substrates, enabling high temperature processes previously restricted by polymer materials.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 25, 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.

New evidence of ancient rock art across Southeast Asia

Researchers have discovered that the region's first people brought a rich art practice to Southeast Asia, resulting in naturalistic images of wild animals and hand stencils. The oldest paintings, dating back 35,000-40,000 years, have been found in rock shelters across several countries.

SourceGriffith University·JournalAntiquity·DateNov 25, 2014

New device may ease mammography discomfort

Researchers developed a device to display average pressure during compression, reducing pain and variability associated with current force-based protocol. The study found that standardizing pressure, not force, leads to more comfortable mammography without sacrificing image quality.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 25, 2014

NASA's Webb Telescope mirror tripod in action

Engineers at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center tested a 'tripod' supporting the James Webb Space Telescope's secondary mirror in a successful deployment. The system was designed to unfurl in space to 8 meters long and was tested using the Pathfinder backplane structure.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 25, 2014

Superbug in SE Michigan shows recent decline

A recent study found a significant decrease in vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) infections in southeastern Michigan. The prevalence of VRSA precursor organisms decreased by 2009, coinciding with the last reported case in Michigan.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateNov 25, 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.

Vultures evolved an extreme gut to cope with disgusting dietary habits

Vultures have developed a tough digestive system to destroy most bacteria ingested, but also appear tolerant of deadly species that flourish in their lower intestine. This adaptation may confer dietary benefits, highlighting the importance of the avian microbiome in evolution.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 25, 2014

A hybrid vehicle that delivers DNA

A new hybrid vehicle has been developed to deliver DNA vaccines that can fight HIV, cancer, influenza, and other diseases. The technology improves the delivery of genes to the immune system, increasing its effectiveness in treating major illnesses.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2014

Homeless, mentally ill women face vicious cycle in India

A study by Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine researcher Anita Rao found that homeless, mentally ill women in India suffer from a vicious cycle of homelessness and mental illness relapse. The study highlights the need for a balance between reintegrating women with their families and achieving psychiatric remission.

SourceLoyola Medicine·DateNov 25, 2014

New insights into breast cancer spread could yield better tests and treatments

Researchers have found that specific cells are required for the spread of breast cancer, which could lead to new anti-cancer therapies and improve predictive tests. The study combined tumor cells from patients with breast cancer with laboratory models and found a correlation between high MenaINV levels and metastasis.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalScience Signaling·DateNov 25, 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.

Vanderbilt team uses e-health records to search for hidden drug benefits

Researchers found that metformin use was associated with a 23% decrease in mortality compared to other treatments, and may have therapeutic benefits for certain types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancers.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateNov 25, 2014

Lawrence Livermore researchers develop efficient method to produce nanoporous metals

Nanoporous metals with superior qualities have numerous applications due to their high surface area for electron transfer and increased sites for analyte adsorption. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory researchers developed a cost-effective method to manufacture nanoporous metals over various scales, from nanoscale to macroscale.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateNov 25, 2014