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Science News Archive October 2014


Page 2 of 35

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.

Making lab-grown tissues stronger

Researchers at UC Davis have developed a method to toughen up engineered cartilage and keep natural tissues strong outside the body. By depriving native or engineered cartilage of oxygen and using an enzyme called lysyl oxidase, they found that cross-linking occurs, making the material stronger.

Doubt cast over air pollution link between childhood leukemia and power lines

A new study published in Journal of Radiological Protection found little evidence to support the 'corona-ion hypothesis', which suggests a possible link between air pollution from power lines and childhood leukemia. Researchers used data from over 7,000 children born near high-voltage overhead power lines and found no increased risk of...

Biology meets geometry

Researchers describe the Terasaki ramps in the endoplasmic reticulum as spiral structures that connect parallel sheets, allowing for high density of ribosomes. This geometry is stable and minimizes energy, consistent with the laminar structure of the stacks.

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.

Female frogs modify offspring development depending on reproduction date

A recent study by Germán Orizaola and colleagues found that female frogs can influence the growth rate and development of their offspring in response to changes in reproduction dates. By delaying breeding, females can accelerate larval growth, potentially helping species adapt to environmental uncertainty.

Independent safety investigation needed in the NHS

A new agency would investigate major failures and provide public explanation, improving system-wide learning. The NHS lacks a consistent approach to investigating safety issues, relying on costly one-off inquiries.

Unlocking the secrets of pulmonary hypertension

A UAlberta team discovered a protein linked to metabolic regulation is critical in pulmonary hypertension development. Lower levels of Sirtuin3 have been found in patients with the disease, and gene therapy approaches show promise for improving symptoms.

Could daylight saving time be a risk to diabetics?

Diabetic patients using insulin pumps are at risk of dosing errors if they forget to change the clock on their devices. This can lead to severe consequences, including hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Researchers call for increased awareness and education to ensure proper pump settings.

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.

Active, biodegradable packaging for oily products

The BIOMAT group has created a transparent, biodegradable container for oily products with enhanced barrier properties and natural antioxidant agents. This innovation aims to prolong the shelf life of packaged food while reducing environmental impact.

Nearly $1 million NSF grant will support UT Arlington doctoral students

The University of Texas at Arlington has received a $974,250 NSF grant to support doctoral students from underrepresented minority groups. The Bridge to the Doctorate Fellowships will provide full tuition, a $30,000 yearly stipend, and additional resources to help students succeed in STEM fields.

Patents for humanity: Special edition of Technology and Innovation

The Patents for Humanity Awards recognize innovators developing life-changing technologies, such as a malaria-resistant drug, an electric-free fracture treatment, and solar-powered light bulbs. The awards aim to bring modern technology to the world's most underserved populations.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

What do American babies eat? A lot depends on Mom's socioeconomic background

Researchers at the University at Buffalo found that infant dietary patterns are influenced by mothers' socioeconomic backgrounds and racial identities. Babies whose diet included more breastfeeding and solid foods adhering to international guidelines were associated with higher household income and mothers with higher education levels.

Model by NIH grantees explains why HIV prevention dosing differs by sex

A mathematical model developed by NIH grantees predicts that women need to take Truvada daily to prevent HIV infection via vaginal sex, while men can protect themselves with just two doses per week. The model helps explain why previous PrEP trials in women were unsuccessful due to poor adherence.

Genetic factors behind surviving or dying from Ebola shown in mouse study

A new mouse model reveals that genetic factors play a significant role in the severity of Ebola disease. Research suggests that certain genetic lines of mice are more resistant to the virus, while others are highly susceptible to severe illness and death. The findings could lead to rapid development of candidate therapeutics and vaccines.

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.

Four new dragon millipedes found in China

A team of speleobiologists has described four new species of dragon millipedes from southern China, highlighting their distinctive spiky bodies. The discovery sheds light on the genetic diversity of these bizarre creatures, with China holding the highest recorded number of species in the genus Desmoxytes.

Clock gene dysregulation may explain overactive bladder

Scientists discovered a link between the body's circadian clock and bladder function, finding that disruptions to the daily cycle can cause overactive bladder. The study suggests that altering peripheral clock genes through receptor activators can regulate bladder contractions.

Novel tinnitus therapy helps patients cope with phantom noise

A new therapy combining computer-based cognitive training and d-cycloserine has shown promise in helping patients with tinnitus better cope with the condition. The study found that patients who received the treatment experienced greater improvements in daily life compared to those who took a placebo.

Air quality and unconventional oil and gas sites

A community-based study found air pollutants released by unconventional oil and gas production exceed recommended levels in the US, with hazardous chemicals like benzene, hydrogen sulfide, and formaldehyde detected. The study highlights the need for improved air-quality monitoring programs near these sites.

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.

What's mighty about the mouse? For starters, its massive Y chromosome

The mouse Y chromosome is a surprisingly large and complex biological entity, with two categories of genes: ancestral and acquired. The mouse Y retains only 9 of its 639 ancestral genes, but has acquired and amplified over 700 new genes through intrachromosomal recombination and sex-linked meiotic drive.

Ion adsorption matter in biology

A new systematic study of lipid membrane-electrolyte interactions provides insights into biological cell function and potential applications in medical diagnostics. The research uses liposomes to model biological membranes and demonstrates the role of ion adsorption in modulating membrane electrical characteristics.

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.

Seeing dinosaur feathers in a new light

Dinosaurs had highly developed color vision, including the ability to see ultraviolet light, which likely contributed to the evolution of feathers. This discovery sheds new light on the origin of feathers and their role in dinosaur communication and mating.

Mediterranean diet may help protect kidney health

A Mediterranean-style diet is associated with a 17% decreased likelihood of developing chronic kidney disease, while dietary patterns resembling the diet reduce risk by 50%. More than 20 million US adults have chronic kidney disease.

High-intensity sound waves may aid regenerative medicine

Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a way to use high-intensity sound waves to create cellular scaffolding, a unique approach that could help overcome one of regenerative medicine's significant obstacles. The technique involves using boiling histotripsy to decellularize tissues, leaving behind a fibrous network t...

Why scratching makes you itch more

Research from scientists at Washington University School of Medicine found that scratching causes the brain to release serotonin, which intensifies itch sensation. Blocking serotonin's communication with nerve cells may help break the itch-scratch cycle.

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.

Together we are strong -- or insufferable

Researchers found that individuals can control cooperative behavior in large groups by acting generously or punishing egoistic behavior. However, the effectiveness of these strategies decreases with an increasing number of players.

Magma pancakes beneath Lake Toba

Researchers found a horizontally layered magma reservoir beneath the Toba caldera, composed of numerous intrusions with molten material. This discovery sheds light on the accumulation and eruption mechanisms of super-volcanoes, which occur every few hundred thousand years.

Frailty increases kidney transplant recipients' risk of dying prematurely

A new study published in the American Journal of Transplantation found that frailty significantly increases the risk of premature death in kidney transplant recipients. The study analyzed data from 537 patients and found that those who were classified as frail had a mortality rate twice that of non-frail patients.

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.

Eiman Azim wins 2014 Eppendorf & Science Prize

Eiman Azim won the 2014 Eppendorf & Science Prize for his research on neural circuits controlling skilled movement. He identified two separate spinal cord pathways that enable rapid updates and regulation of movements.

Science casts light on sex in the orchard

A team of scientists has discovered the genetic mechanism behind sex determination in a species of persimmon. The OGI-MeGI system involves an unusual gene that codes for a small piece of RNA acting as molecular scissors, cutting down expression of another gene, and regulating pollen formation.

Reef-builders with a sense of harmony

Researchers have discovered that cold-water corals can fuse the skeletons of genetically distinct individuals, creating stable reefs in the dark depths of the ocean. This adaptation allows them to conserve energy and strengthen their habitats, potentially aiding their survival under future climate changes.

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.

Hubble sees 'ghost light' from dead galaxies

The Hubble Space Telescope has observed the faint glow of stars ejected from ancient galaxies torn apart within the Pandora's Cluster. The scattered stars are estimated to contribute approximately 10% of the cluster's brightness and are rich in heavier elements.

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.

Identifying the source of stem cells

Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered that a specific gene, Sox2, plays a crucial role in determining the source of stem cells in mammals. By studying mouse embryos, the team found that Sox2 appears to be acting ahead of other genes traditionally identified as playing critical roles in stem cell formation.

How 'trained immunity' mediates BCG therapy of bladder cancer

Researchers found that autophagy plays a central role in mediating the non-specific immune effects of BCG, leading to trained immunity. Monocytes from individuals with specific variants of the ATG2B gene respond with trained immunity, supporting the hypothesis that autophagy is clinically relevant.

They know the drill: UW leads the league in boring through ice sheets

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is renowned for its expertise in drilling through ice sheets, playing a critical role in advancing astronomy and understanding climate change. Researchers have successfully extracted ancient climate data from cores, providing valuable insights into the Earth's past.

Lord of the microrings

Scientists at Berkeley Lab have developed a unique microring laser cavity that can produce single-mode lasing even from conventional multi-mode laser cavities. This breakthrough holds implications for optical metrology, interferometry, data storage, spectroscopy, and communications.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Is space tourism safe or do civilians risk health effects?

A series of articles published in New Space journal suggest that ordinary citizens can take short trips to the edge of space without significant health effects. The research also identifies potential challenges and risks associated with human commercial spaceflight.

Blocking a fork in the road to DNA replication

A Whitehead Institute team found that protein SUUR acts to control gene copy number by moving along with the engine of the train, acting like a brakeman to stall or derail it. This finding sheds light on fragile genomic regions associated with chromosomal abnormalities and raises questions about its function and regulation.

Toddlers copy their peers to fit in, but apes don't

Studies reveal human children as young as 2 years old conform to peer behavior to avoid social disadvantage, whereas apes prefer to stick with their own strategies. The research suggests that the motivation to fit in emerges early in humans and may be influenced by environmental factors.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Rewiring cell metabolism slows colorectal cancer growth

Researchers at the University of Utah have discovered that cancers select against a protein complex called the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC), which counteracts the Warburg effect and supports uncontrolled growth in cancer. Re-introducing MPC into colon cancer cells impairs several properties of cancer, including growth.