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Science News for November 3, 2014


March of Dimes calls for 50 percent reduction in preterm births by 2030

The March of Dimes aims to reduce US preterm birth rates to 5.5% by 2030 through evidence-based interventions such as eliminating early elective deliveries and optimizing birth spacing. The organization is also funding research to discover unknown causes of premature birth and identify new interventions.

SourceMarch of Dimes Foundation·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateNov 3, 2014

Coenzyme Q10 helps veterans battle Gulf War illness symptoms

A recent study published in Neural Computation found that CoQ10 supplements improved physical function in 80% of treated veterans with Gulf War illness. The study suggests that CoQ10 may be beneficial for those suffering from this chronic condition, which is linked to chemical exposures and mitochondrial damage.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNeural Computation·DateNov 3, 2014

Thirdhand smoke: Toxic airborne pollutants linger long after the smoke clears

A new study by Berkeley Lab researchers found that thirdhand smoke continues to have harmful health effects for many hours after a cigarette has been extinguished. The study, which assessed levels of volatile organic compounds and airborne particles, found that particulate matter accounted for 90% of the health damage.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 3, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How a giant impact formed asteroid Vesta's 'belt'

Researchers used super high-speed cannon to simulate collisions on celestial bodies. They found that damage from the impact starts where one would expect, but fails in opposite direction and propagates outward like a blooming flower. The study suggests Vesta's 'belt' formed by an oblique impact.

SourceBrown University·JournalIcarus·DateNov 3, 2014

Massey researchers develop the first cancer health literacy tool

The Cancer Health Literacy Study developed an evaluation tool called the Cancer Health Literacy Test (CHLT)-30 to measure cancer health literacy along a continuum. The study found that 18% of cancer patients have limited CHL, with an overrepresentation of African-American, undereducated and low-income patients.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateNov 3, 2014

Telephone counseling leads more adult childhood cancer survivors to get heart screenings

A national study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that telephone counseling from advanced-practice nurses more than doubled the likelihood of adult childhood cancer survivors receiving recommended heart screenings. The study showed a significant increase in cardiomyopathy screening rates among participants who received bo...

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateNov 3, 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.

UCLA astronomers solve puzzle about bizarre object at the center of our galaxy

A team led by Andrea Ghez determined that G2 is most likely a pair of binary stars that had been orbiting the black hole in tandem and merged together into an extremely large star. The research suggests that many of the stars at the center of the galaxy are massive and mostly binaries.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateNov 3, 2014

On the throne with the flu

Researchers discovered flu infection prompts immune cells to migrate to gut, altering bacterial composition and causing inflammation that promotes tissue injury. Blocking inflammatory molecules or antibiotics attenuates intestinal injury, suggesting relief options for flu-induced gastrointestinal symptoms.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateNov 3, 2014

School environment affects teacher expectations of their students

A new study by researchers at the University of Montreal found that school environment plays a determining role in teacher expectations of students. The study showed that school academic composition is the most influential factor, followed by socioeconomic and ethnic composition of students.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalTeaching and Teacher Education·DateNov 3, 2014

Report: Performance measures should include patient actions

Shared accountability between patients and clinicians can improve patient-centered outcomes and reduce morbidity and mortality. The report proposes incorporating patient actions into performance measures, tracking lifestyle changes, medication adherence, and follow-up appointments.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 3, 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.

Western retailers in China boost Chinese manufacturing supremacy

A new study by the University of British Columbia's Sauder School of Business finds that Western retailers like Walmart enhance Chinese suppliers' export capabilities through improved productivity, efficiency, and quality. The study reveals a significant boost in exports from Chinese cities when foreign retail outlets increase.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia - Sauder School of Business·JournalJournal of Development Economics·DateNov 3, 2014

Improving memory deficits following anesthesia

A new study found that general anesthesia impairs memory in mice by increasing the activation of α5GABA(A) receptors, leading to reduced synaptic plasticity. Inhibition of these receptors reversed memory defects in animals given anesthesia, suggesting a potential treatment for post-anesthesia cognitive impairment.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 3, 2014

PNAS: From HIV to cancer, IL-37 regulates immune system

The study reveals IL-37's role in regulating the adaptive immune system by inhibiting antigen recognition. This allows for potential manipulation of IL-37 levels to sensitize or desensitize the immune system in various diseases.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2014

News from Nov. 4, 2014 Annals of Internal Medicine

The American College of Physicians recommends increasing fluid intake to at least two liters per day to prevent kidney stone recurrence. A new guideline also suggests dietary changes, including reducing oxalate and animal protein consumption, to help prevent stone formation. Sofosbuvir plus ledipasvir has shown promise in re-treating H...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 3, 2014

Food allergy development linked to skin exposure

A new study suggests that skin sensitization to food proteins, triggered by pro-inflammatory molecules like TSLP and IL-25, can lead to food allergy development. The research found that mice exposed to food antigens through the skin developed severe allergic reactions when ingested.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 3, 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.

New tool could help reshape the limits of synthetic biology

A novel tool called 'telomerator' enables the creation of linear yeast chromosomes with precise telomere endings, improving gene study and engineering. This advancement allows researchers to test how genes interact with their chromosomes, promoting more realistic synthetic biology.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2014

Diet affects pesticide resistance in honey bees

Researchers found that pesticide exposure causes changes in gene expression that are sensitive to diet and nutrition. Feeding bees a complex diet of pollen improves their resistance to lethal doses of pesticides.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Insect Physiology·DateNov 3, 2014

New test shows promise in identifying new drugs to treat Lyme disease

Researchers have developed a new test that can analyze thousands of FDA-approved drugs to find effective treatments for Lyme disease. The test, called the SYBR Green I/PI assay, enables the measurement of bacterial viability after drug treatment, making it more accurate and efficient than existing methods.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 3, 2014

MRSA bugs linked to livestock are found in hospitals, study finds

A study by the University of Edinburgh found that MRSA bacteria from farm animals has been detected in UK hospitals, highlighting the need for strict biosecurity practices and responsible antibiotic use. The strain, CC398, is resistant to some common antibiotic drugs and can be transmitted to humans through contact with livestock.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateNov 3, 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.

Brain anatomy differences between autistic and typically developing individuals are indistinguishable

Researchers found that brain anatomy in MRI scans of people with autism above age six is mostly indistinguishable from that of typically developing individuals. The study's findings suggest that anatomical measures alone are likely to be of low scientific and clinical significance for identifying children, adolescents and adults with A...

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateNov 3, 2014

Study: Maple syrup production declines after big seed year

New research suggests that maple syrup production is linked to mast seeding events, where trees produce more seeds than usual. Following every mast seed year, syrup production declined in Vermont. The study's findings could help producers plan ahead for the upcoming season.

SourceHarvard University·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateNov 3, 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.

ACP releases new recommendations to prevent recurrent kidney stones

The American College of Physicians recommends increasing daily fluid intake to at least two liters to reduce kidney stone recurrence. Additionally, medication with a thiazide diuretic, citrate, or allopurinol can effectively reduce stone recurrence in patients with calcium stones.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 3, 2014

No quick fix for global warming

A new study published in PNAS suggests that eliminating short-lived climate pollutants (SLCF) has a minor effect on slowing down global warming. The research found that these gases have a measurable impact but are short-lived and quickly disappear from the atmosphere, making them less effective in mitigating climate change.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2014

New way to make batteries safer

Researchers at MIT have developed a new way to coat batteries with a special material that prevents them from conducting electricity after being swallowed. The QTC-coated batteries were found to not damage the gastrointestinal tract in animal tests, showing promise as a safer alternative.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 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.

Study shows clear new evidence for mind-body connection

A study has demonstrated a clear new evidence for mind-body connection in breast cancer survivors, showing that mindfulness meditation and support groups can influence telomere length. This suggests potential health benefits beyond the initial three-month period studied.

SourceAlberta Health Services·JournalCancer·DateNov 3, 2014

Hurricane Vance dwarfs developing low pressure area

Hurricane Vance's tropical-storm force winds stretched over northwestern Mexico, producing rainfall totals of 4-8 inches with isolated amounts up to 12 inches. The storm is expected to rapidly weaken due to increasing vertical wind shear.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 3, 2014

Study recommends integrating housing data with health data to improve patient medical care

Researchers found that children hospitalized for asthma are nearly twice as likely to be rehospitalized if they live in areas with high housing code violations. Integrating housing data with health data can help target patients for medical interventions and improve healthcare delivery at the population and patient level.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalHealth Affairs·DateNov 3, 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.

Lung cancer diagnosed before it is detected by imaging

A team of researchers has made a breakthrough in early diagnosis of invasive cancers, detecting lung cancer in patients at risk through circulating cancer cells in their bloodstream. This method could enable early surgical intervention and potentially improve patient survival.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 3, 2014

Nanotubes could serve as 'universal scaffolding' for cell membrane channels

Researchers have discovered that single-wall carbon nanotubes can form channels in artificial membranes and living cell membranes with comparable transport properties to protein channels. These structures are stable in solution and can transport ions and even DNA, offering a promising approach for membrane transportation mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalNature·DateNov 3, 2014

Preterm, low birth-weight babies may need new hips in adulthood

Researchers found a significant association between low birth weight and preterm birth with an increased incidence of hip arthroplasty independent of age, sex, BMI, education level, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and physical activity. No significant association was found with knee replacement surgery.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateNov 3, 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.

Putting batteries in a kidsafe coat of armor

Researchers developed a simple coating to render small batteries harmless if ingested, reducing esophagus damage and potentially eliminating deaths. The cost-effective solution uses a quantum tunneling composite to conduct electricity only under pressure.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2014

String field theory could be the foundation of quantum mechanics

Researchers propose a connection between string field theory and quantum mechanics, suggesting that string field theory could be the basis of all physics. They showed that fundamental quantum mechanical principles can be derived from the geometry of strings joining and splitting in string field theory.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPhysics Letters B·DateNov 3, 2014

How bile acids could fight diabetes

Researchers have discovered a receptor that can be activated by bile acids to reduce inflammation in fat tissue, which is associated with type-2 diabetes. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new anti-diabetes drugs.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 3, 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.

Gender fairness prevails in most fields of academic science

Despite early differences and biases, women's participation in math-intensive sciences levels out after earning a PhD, but disparities persist in certain fields. Interventions targeting early education and work-life balance are needed to increase representation in STEM fields.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science in the Public Interest·DateNov 3, 2014

Outsmarting thermodynamics in self-assembly of nanostructures

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a novel method for creating symmetry-breaking optical metamaterials by using a feedback mechanism to self-assemble colloidal nanorods in solution. This breakthrough solves the problem of achieving large-scale symmetric breaking, allowing for new properties and applications.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 3, 2014

Grant success for Monash economists

Researchers will study past interventions and decision-making processes at the household level to understand what works and what doesn't. The project aims to identify drivers of food security status and constraints on improvements at the household level.

SourceMonash University·DateNov 3, 2014

UT Dallas neuroscientists offer novel insight on brain networks

Researchers at UT Dallas' Center for Vital Longevity found that brain networks become less segregated and specialized as we age, leading to poor long-term memory. This study may lead to new clinical diagnostic criteria for age-related memory disorders.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 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.

Plasma: Casimir and Yukawa mesons

Researchers discovered a connection between nuclear particles and electromagnetic theories via plasmas, suggesting an equivalence between generalized Casimir forces and weak nuclear interactions. The study found that long-range electromagnetic fluctuations differ from those in vacuum conditions.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateNov 3, 2014

Immunotherapy for cancer toxic with obesity

Researchers at UC Davis found that immunotherapy regimens can be lethal to obese mice due to increased body fat, which affects the immune system's response. The study suggests a link between obesity and toxicity in cancer treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateNov 3, 2014

Biosimilar drugs could create billions in health care savings, study finds

A new study by the RAND Corporation estimates that biosimilar drugs could save the US healthcare system $44.2 billion over 10 years by reducing costs and increasing competition. The introduction of biosimilars is expected to drive down prices for complex biologic drugs used to treat illnesses such as cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceRAND Corporation·DateNov 3, 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.

Preclinical oncology coursework could help with practitioner shortage

A study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that preclinical oncology courses increased students' interest in specializing in oncology and empathy for cancer patients. The research suggests a need for medical schools to include such curriculum to develop communication skills and sensitivity towards death and dying.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateNov 3, 2014

NASA lining up ICESat-2's laser-catching telescope

The ICESat-2 satellite will measure the elevation of Earth from space to track changes in ice-covered poles, forests and ocean surfaces. The Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System (ATLAS) instrument will time how long light travels from the satellite's lasers to Earth's surface.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 3, 2014

Smoking is a pain in the back

A Northwestern University study found that smokers are three times more likely to develop chronic back pain and that quitting the habit may reduce vulnerability to this condition. The research also identified a key brain region involved in addictive behavior and motivated learning.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateNov 3, 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.

Climate change: Limiting short-lived pollutants cannot buy time on CO2 mitigation

A new integrated study suggests that targeting emissions of non-CO2 gases and air pollutants may not produce the desired long-term climate change benefits. The research highlights the importance of considering linkages between short-lived climate forcers and CO2 in climate stabilization scenarios, finding that near-term action on short...

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2014

NYU study points to perception divide in abortion: Whom we think we know

A New York University study reveals a significant perception divide on the abortion issue, where Americans who oppose abortion are less likely to hear about their friends or family members having had an abortion. This disparity affects public opinion and may contribute to the relative stability of opinions on abortion over time.

SourceNew York University·JournalSociological Science·DateNov 3, 2014

Obesity a liability in cancer immunotherapy

A recent study published in The Journal of Experimental Medicine found that obesity can lead to lethal inflammation in response to certain anti-cancer therapies. This suggests that preclinical studies on young mice may not accurately predict outcomes in older patients, who are more likely to be overweight and develop cancer.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateNov 3, 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.

Variations in ice sheet height influence global climate

Researchers found that changing ice sheet height affects global climate differently from freshwater influx alone, with warming sea surfaces and regional changes observed. The study suggests that the role of topography in Heinrich events may be more significant than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2014

The effects of poor eating habits persist even after diet is improved

Research published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology suggests that poor eating habits alter gene expression, leading to persistent effects on the immune system and increased risk of cardiovascular disorders. Even after successful treatment of atherosclerosis, the immune system's function remains altered.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateNov 3, 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.

Same pieces, different picture

Scientists have obtained the first high-resolution structure of HIV's immature form, revealing a surprising arrangement of its building blocks. This breakthrough enables researchers to probe further into potential drug targets and understand how mutations influence virus assembly.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature·DateNov 3, 2014

NASA sees Super Typhoon Nuri's eye open in 2 days

NASA's Aqua satellite observed Super Typhoon Nuri strengthen into a Category 5 hurricane over two days, with its eye developing on November 3. The storm's maximum sustained winds reached 155 knots, causing significant damage and disruption in the region.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 3, 2014
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New study shows women have higher risk of injury than men

A new study published in Addiction found that women are at a higher risk of injury from acute alcohol consumption compared to men. The risk increases more rapidly for women, becoming twice the risk to men around 15 drinks and three times the risk around 30 drinks.

SourceWiley·JournalAddiction·DateNov 3, 2014

Texas A&M awarded grant to help reduce obesity, chronic disease

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has received a $783,000 grant to support national efforts to reduce chronic diseases and promote healthier lifestyles. The program will focus on improving access to healthy foods and safe locations for physical activity in Hidalgo County.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·DateNov 3, 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.

Carnegie Mellon's Anna V. Fisher wins James S. McDonnell Foundation award

Anna V. Fisher, Carnegie Mellon University associate professor of psychology, receives a $600,000 award to study the emergence of higher-order cognition in children. Her work explores how individual differences and developmental changes contribute to children's ability to make inferences based on non-obvious commonalities.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateNov 3, 2014

Increased prevalence in autism diagnoses linked to reporting in Denmark

A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that changes in reporting practices in Denmark contributed significantly to the rise in autism diagnoses. The researchers analyzed data from 677,915 children born between 1980 and 1991, concluding that 60% of the increase was due to changes in diagnostic criteria and the inclusion of outpatien...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateNov 3, 2014

Even when you're older you need chaperones

Researchers found that the quality of protective molecular chaperones declines dramatically with age, accelerating decline in those with neurodegenerative diseases. A subnetwork of 28 critical genes provides a basis for biomarkers and new therapeutics to prevent protein damage and cell dysfunction.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 3, 2014

Compared with apes, people's gut bacteria lack diversity, study finds

Researchers found that humans have less diverse gut microbiomes than African apes, with a possible link to modern diets and lifestyle changes. The rate of change in microbial diversity accelerated in humans from some parts of the world, potentially leading to negative health effects.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2014

Berkeley Lab scientists ID new driver behind Arctic warming

Researchers discovered that open oceans are less efficient at emitting far-infrared energy than sea ice, leading to warmer oceans and melting sea ice. This phenomenon contributes significantly to the polar climate's warming trend, with simulations predicting a 2-degree Celsius increase in the Arctic climate after just 25 years.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 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.

Most mental health disorders not increasing in children and youth: Large Canadian study

A large Canadian study published in CMAJ found that symptoms of mental illness in children and adolescents are not increasing, contrary to popular media perceptions. The study suggests a decline in depression and anxiety, as well as suicidal behavior among youth, while hyperactivity increased in younger age groups.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 3, 2014

NSAIDs prevent colon cancer by inducing death of intestinal stem cells that have mutation

NSAIDs protect against colorectal cancer by inducing cell suicide pathways in intestinal stem cells carrying a mutated gene. The research team found that NSAIDs activate the so-called death receptor pathway, selectively triggering a suicide program in dysfunctional cells. This mechanism could help design new drugs to prevent colon cancer.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2014

Inhaled Ebola vaccine may offer long-term protection from virus

A non-injectable vaccine has been shown to provide long-term protection for non-human primates against the Ebola virus. The breathable vaccine overcomes logistical obstacles of storing and administering injectable vaccines in affected areas.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalMolecular Pharmaceutics·DateNov 3, 2014

What is a species? It could be difficult to reply if you work with aphids

Recent study published in Comparative Cytogenetics reveals that green peach aphids (Myzus persicae) can have unusual karyotypes due to chromosomal fragmentations and rearrangements. This challenges the conventional view of species stability, as observed karyotype variations often result in reduced fertility or sterility.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalComparative Cytogenetics·DateNov 3, 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.

Forests lose essential nitrogen in surprising way, find scientists

Researchers found that patches of waterlogged soil in forested watersheds act as hotspots for microbial activity, removing nitrogen from groundwater and returning it to the atmosphere. This process, known as denitrification, can improve water quality by reducing nitrate levels in streams.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2014

Research partnership is key to biodiversity conservation

A new policy paper emphasizes the importance of collaboration between scientists and policymakers for effective biodiversity conservation. The paper highlights the HCV approach's potential in protecting tropical biodiversity through sustainable land management schemes.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalConservation Letters·DateNov 3, 2014

Dance choreography improves girls' computational skills

Researchers at Clemson University found that dance choreography enhances girls' computational thinking skills by blending movement and computer programming. The Virtual Environment Interactions (VEnvI) software and curriculum engages fifth- and sixth-grade girls in coding and computational thinking.

SourceClemson University·DateNov 3, 2014

Beliefs about the soul and afterlife that we acquire as children stick with us

A Rutgers study of 348 undergraduate students found that childhood beliefs about the soul and afterlife remain strong and often contradict adult beliefs. Implicit beliefs, gauged using the Implicit Association Test, were closely tied to childhood memories, regardless of religious affiliation.

SourceRutgers University·JournalBritish Journal of Social Psychology·DateNov 3, 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.

New research reveals what to discuss near life's end

A study published in CMAJ found that hospitalized patients and families prioritize discussing preferences for care, patient values, prognosis of illness, fears or concerns, and additional questions regarding care. However, these elements are infrequently discussed, leading to low concordance between preferred and prescribed goals of care.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 3, 2014