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Science News for October 19, 2014


Chinese power: Challenges and R&D opportunities of smart distribution grids

The Chinese power grid is facing significant challenges in modernization, including improving asset utilization rates and integrating distributed generation. According to a recent study, the annual average utilization rates of major 10kV equipment were below 40% in 40 Chinese cities, far below comparable levels in developed countries.

SourceScience China Press·DateOct 19, 2014

Metabolic genetics research paves way to treating diabetes and obesity

Research at ASHG 2014 Annual Meeting uses genetic analysis to break down complex conditions like Type 2 Diabetes and obesity into their underlying metabolic proteins. This approach enables the development of new drugs that directly target these processes, with potential treatments on the horizon.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·DateOct 19, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Viagra protects the heart beyond the bedroom

A recent study suggests that long-term daily treatment of Viagra can provide protection for the heart at different stages of heart disease, with few side effects. The phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor improved heart performance in all patients with various heart conditions and showed no negative effect on blood pressure.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateOct 19, 2014

Lab-developed intestinal organoids form mature human tissue in mice

Researchers have successfully transplanted human intestinal organoids into mice, creating a model to study intestinal diseases and potentially treat conditions like Crohn's disease. The findings could lead to bioengineering personalized human intestinal tissue for treatment.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 19, 2014

I have anxiety, why is my doctor prescribing an antipsychotic?

The new terminology is based on a classification developed in the 1960s, but has not evolved significantly since. The proposed system will have four components or axes: pharmacological target and mode of action, approved indications, efficacy, and neurobiological description.

SourceEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·DateOct 19, 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.

Improved electricity access has little impact on climate change

A new study found that expanding electricity access in India contributed only marginally to the nation's total carbon emissions growth between 1981 and 2011. However, low-carbon energy technologies would bring significant co-benefits beyond climate mitigation, including improved health and economic benefits.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Climate Change·DateOct 19, 2014

New insight that 'mega' cells control the growth of blood-producing cells

Scientists at the Stowers Institute discovered that megakaryocytes, a type of 'mega' cell in bone marrow, regulate stem cells to produce platelets and other blood cells. This finding could lead to new treatments for patients recovering from chemotherapy or organ transplantation.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 19, 2014

Head injury causes the immune system to attack the brain

Scientists have developed an immune-based treatment that reduces brain damage after head injuries by blocking the activation of immune cells. The treatment, called CAP, was tested on mice and found to be effective in reducing brain lesions.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalActa Neuropathologica Communications·DateOct 19, 2014

Panic attacks associated with fear of bright daylight

A study published at the ECNP congress found that individuals with photophobia (fear of bright light) experience medium to high levels of aversion to bright light. The research suggests a possible association between photophobia and panic disorder, but further studies are needed to confirm this relationship.

SourceEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·DateOct 19, 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.

Imaging electric charge propagating along microbial nanowires

Researchers use electrostatic force microscopy to visualize charge propagation in Geobacter's protein filaments, demonstrating metallic-like conductivity. The discovery has important environmental and practical implications for energy conversion and production.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateOct 19, 2014

Women more likely to develop anxiety and depression after heart attack

According to research presented at Acute Cardiovascular Care 2014, nearly one quarter of patients in the study were depressed and nearly a quarter had received treatment for depression. Women were more likely to develop anxiety and depression after a heart attack compared to men, with current smokers also showing higher levels of anxiety.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateOct 19, 2014

Children's genes affect their mothers' risk of rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers found that women with children carrying high-risk HLA genes are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis. The study suggests a possible link between fetal microchimerism and the disease, which may be mediated by interactions between immune system proteins encoded by these genes.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·DateOct 19, 2014

Aspirin shown to benefit schizophrenia treatment

A comprehensive meta-analysis of robust studies shows that anti-inflammatory medicines, such as aspirin, can add to the effective treatment of schizophrenia. The study suggests that selecting specific anti-inflammatory agents could lead to improved patient responses and new treatment approaches.

SourceEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·DateOct 19, 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.

Crystallizing the DNA nanotechnology dream

Scientists at Harvard's Wyss Institute have designed the first large DNA crystals with precise depth and complex 3D features, enabling the creation of revolutionary nanodevices. The breakthrough uses a modular 'DNA-brick self-assembly' method to build complex structures with nanometer precision.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Chemistry·DateOct 19, 2014

Group B streptococcus incidence rises significantly among newborns

The incidence of early-onset and late-onset group B streptococcal disease increased in the Netherlands after guidelines were introduced, mainly due to a rise in virulent clonal complex 17 strains. Universal screening and antibiotic prophylaxis for pregnant women may be necessary to prevent all infections.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateOct 19, 2014

Major breakthrough could help detoxify pollutants

Scientists at the University of Manchester have identified a novel process for lowering pollutant toxicity using vitamin B12, offering new hope for combating hazardous substances. The research builds on 15 years of investigation into natural organisms that can detoxify pollutants.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature·DateOct 19, 2014