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Science News for October 24, 2014


Climate change impacts countered by stricter fisheries management

A new study by WCS found that implementing stricter fisheries management overcame the expected detrimental effects of climate change disturbances in coral reef fisheries. Rapid implementation of fisheries restrictions countered adverse climate effects and increased fisheries catches.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateOct 24, 2014

UTSW researchers receive CPRIT funding to expand genetic screening program

UT Southwestern Medical Center is expanding its genetic screening program to 22 North Texas counties, serving underserved populations with HBOC and Lynch syndrome risk. The new grant will connect patients with genetic specialists through telemedicine, increasing accessibility and reducing transportation costs.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·DateOct 24, 2014

Molecular beacons shine light on how cells 'crawl'

Researchers use DNA-based tension probes to measure the mechanical forces at the molecular level, revealing how cells sense and interact with their environment. The study provides a new understanding of cellular mechanics and its significance in various biological processes.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 24, 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.

NASA identifies ice cloud above cruising altitude on Titan

Scientists have discovered an unexpected high-altitude methane ice cloud on Saturn's moon Titan, similar to those found near Earth's poles. The cloud formed in the stratosphere, well above cruising altitude, due to temperature differences between latitudes, allowing methane ice to condense and form.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalIcarus·DateOct 24, 2014

Some like it loud

Researchers found that bright coloration preceded louder, more complex calls in certain species of poisonous frogs, which helped protect them from predators. This led to the development of unique vocalizations, with females preferring lower-pitch, pulsing calls.

SourceNational Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent)·DateOct 24, 2014

A new dent in HIV-1's armor

Researchers at the Salk Institute have discovered a new protein, Ssu72, that plays a critical role in HIV replication. The team found that Ssu72 binds to the Tat protein, revving up the engine of viral replication and potentially making it a target for drug therapy.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 24, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Shutting off blood supply to an extremity to protect the heart

Researchers found that shutting off blood supply to an arm or leg before cardiac surgery reduces heart muscle energy production and activates protective protein Akt. This technique, called RIPC, has the potential to protect the heart during future cardiac surgeries.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Cardiology·DateOct 24, 2014

Cat dentals fill you with dread?

A survey of UK veterinary students found that over 50% lacked confidence in discussing oral health with clients. To address this, a two-part special issue of the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery is dedicated to feline dentistry, featuring expert articles on examination techniques, periodontal disease, and anaesthetic protocols.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·DateOct 24, 2014

Growing a blood vessel in a week

Researchers at University of Gothenburg have successfully grown a functional blood vessel in just one week using autologous peripheral whole blood. The breakthrough procedure involves extracting stem cells from a patient's blood, which accelerates growth and enables the creation of a new vein. This technology has the potential to benef...

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEBioMedicine·DateOct 24, 2014

Powerful new software plug-in detects bugs in spreadsheets

CheckCell, a new data-debugging tool, automatically finds errors in spreadsheets and flags high-impact data points for review. The plug-in uses statistical analysis and data flow analysis to identify unusual inputs that have a significant impact on program output.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateOct 24, 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.

Scientists engineer toxin-secreting stem cells to treat brain tumors

Harvard Stem Cell Institute scientists have developed a way to use stem cells in the fight against brain cancer. They genetically engineered stem cells to produce and secrete tumor-killing toxins, which were shown to kill cancer cells in mouse brains. This method solves the delivery issue that led to previous clinical trial failures.

SourceHarvard University·JournalStem Cells·DateOct 24, 2014

Prognostic factors identified for peripheral squamous cell carcinomas of the lung

Low preoperative serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen levels and absence of tumor invasion into the pleura or blood vessels are independent prognostic factors for patients with peripheral squamous cell carcinomas of the lung. These factors are associated with longer overall survival and reduced disease recurrence.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateOct 24, 2014

Emergent behavior lets bubbles 'sense' environment

Tiny bubbles can adapt to changing conditions by reorganizing their membranes, allowing them to sense and react to their environment. This emergent behavior could help design microbubbles for targeted drug delivery and offer new ways to tap chemical energy in biological systems.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateOct 24, 2014

Climate change caused by ocean, not just atmosphere, new Rutgers study finds

A new Rutgers study published in Science found that ocean circulation plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate. The researchers discovered that changes in the deep ocean conveyor system around 2.7 million years ago led to global climate change, including the expansion of ice sheets and a significant drop in sea levels.

SourceRutgers University·JournalScience·DateOct 24, 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.

Three-dimensional metamaterials with a natural bent

Researchers at RIKEN have developed a method to manufacture highly symmetric, three-dimensional metamaterials with isotropic optical responses. The team created a large metamaterial, up to 4 mm x 4 mm2 in size, using a combination of top-down electron lithography and bottom-up self-folding mechanism.

SourceRIKEN·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateOct 24, 2014

New hope for drug discovery in African sleeping sickness

Researchers at Northeastern University have identified nearly 800 chemical compounds that could lead to a cure for African sleeping sickness, a deadly disease claiming thousands of lives annually. The discovery was made through screening and testing over 42,000 chemicals against the parasites that cause the disease.

SourceNortheastern University·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateOct 24, 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.

APIC Ebola readiness survey findings

Only 6% of US hospitals are well-prepared to receive a patient with the Ebola virus, highlighting inadequate personnel and resources. APIC urges facilities to assess their infection prevention programs to protect healthcare workers, patients, and the public.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·DateOct 24, 2014

New compounds reduce debilitating inflammation

Researchers have discovered two compounds, OD36 and OD38, that specifically target and block RIPK2, an enzyme that activates inflammation. These compounds show promise in decreasing inflammation and may pave the way for more effective drugs.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateOct 24, 2014

New study finds options for climate change policy are well characterized

A new study by the American Meteorological Society identifies four categories of climate change risk management: mitigation, adaptation, geoengineering, and knowledge-base expansion. The research provides a comprehensive framework for policymakers to develop effective strategies for managing climate change risks.

SourceAmerican Meteorological Society·DateOct 24, 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.

Receiving gossip about others promotes self-reflection and growth

Researchers found that receiving positive gossip increases self-improvement value, while negative gossip boosts self-promotion value and raises self-protection concerns. Gossip provides valuable indirect social comparison information, essential for self-evaluation.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateOct 24, 2014

Clues to genetics of congenital heart defects emerge from Down syndrome study

A study of individuals with Down syndrome has identified large rare deletions involving cilia genes as common causes of congenital heart defects. The research also suggests that these genetic alterations may impact other organs beyond the heart, leading to personalized healthcare approaches for affected individuals.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateOct 24, 2014

Volunteer guidelines for clinicians in the ebola epidemic

The article provides guidelines for humanitarian volunteers during the Ebola outbreak, emphasizing the importance of thorough training and preparation. It highlights the need for experienced physicians and organizations to prioritize volunteer well-being and safety.

SourceSociety for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc.·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·DateOct 24, 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.

Endurance athletes at risk of swimming-induced pulmonary edema

Swimming-induced pulmonary edema is a potentially life-threatening condition affecting highly fit individuals who engage in strenuous or competitive swims, particularly in cold water. The unique combination of factors can lead to an accumulation of fluid in the lungs, resulting in fatal consequences if not addressed.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateOct 24, 2014

Relationships benefit when parents and adult children use multiple communication channels

A study by Jennifer Schon found that adult children's relationship satisfaction with their parents is modestly influenced by the number of communication tools used, such as cell phones, email, and social networking sites. Adding another channel can lead to a modest increase in relationship quality and satisfaction, especially for paren...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalEmerging Adulthood·DateOct 24, 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.

NASA sees Tropical Storm Ana still vigorous

Tropical Storm Ana was still generating moderate rainfall when NASA's TRMM satellite observed it on October 22. The storm moved northward with a gradual increase in speed, and is expected to be absorbed by an extra-tropical low pressure area near British Columbia, Canada.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 24, 2014

New findings will improve the sex lives of women with back problems

A new study has documented how the spine moves during sex and recommends different positions for women with low-back pain. The atlas suggests that women who are extension-intolerant replace spooning with the missionary position to reduce nerve tension and load on tissues.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalEuropean Spine Journal·DateOct 24, 2014

Global boom in hydropower expected this decade

A new database has been developed to support sustainable modes of electricity production as hydropower dams are expected to double global electricity capacity by 2030. This boom may reduce the number of free-flowing rivers by 20% and threaten freshwater biodiversity, highlighting the need for a systematic management approach.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·DateOct 24, 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.

Startups should seek quality -- not quantity -- in partnerships, study finds

A study by the University at Buffalo School of Management found that startups reap the most benefits from partnering with a small number of established companies, gaining access to resources and markets. However, as more partners are added, internal capability weakens and costs exceed benefits, ultimately turning negative.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalOrganization Science·DateOct 24, 2014

Satellite catches lingering remnants of Tropical Depression 9

The remnants of Tropical Depression 9 are lingering in the southeastern Yucatan Peninsula and northwestern Caribbean Sea, according to NOAA's GOES-East satellite. The National Hurricane Center predicts a low chance of re-development, with only a 10% probability over the next couple of days.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 24, 2014

Icelandic volcano sits on massive magma hot spot

Research from UC Davis and Aarhus University reveals high mantle temperatures are essential for producing large amounts of magma at Bárðarbunga volcano in Iceland. This finding supports the critical role of mantle plumes in forming large igneous provinces.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Geoscience·DateOct 24, 2014