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Science News Archive September 2014


Page 12 of 34

Cancer cells adapt energy needs to spread illness to other organs

A new study by MD Anderson Cancer Center researchers found that cancer cells traveling to other sites have different energy needs from their original tumor site counterparts. The study suggests that targeting the protein PGC-1  may be a potential therapeutic approach for breast cancer patients.

Smallest possible diamonds form ultra-thin nanothreads

Researchers at Penn State University have discovered a method to produce ultra-thin diamond nanothreads with exceptional strength and stiffness. The discovery is based on compressing benzene molecules under high pressure, allowing them to form a strong tetrahedral core linked by hydrogen atoms.

Dry roasting could help trigger peanut allergy

Researchers at Oxford University found that dry roasting peanuts causes chemical modifications that activate the immune system, leading to an allergic response. This discovery may explain the higher prevalence of peanut allergies in Western countries compared to East Asia.

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.

Engineered proteins stick like glue -- even in water

Researchers at MIT engineered bacteria to produce hybrid materials combining naturally sticky mussel proteins with bacterial curli fibers, creating stronger underwater adhesives. These adhesives were found to bind strongly to various surfaces and are the strongest biologically inspired protein-based adhesives reported to date.

From light into matter, nothing seems to stop quantum teleportation

Researchers at Université de Genève have successfully teleported the quantum state of a photon to a crystal over 25 kilometers of optical fibre, surpassing their previous record of 6 kilometers. This experiment demonstrates that quantum state can exist independently of material composition.

Narrow focus on physical activity could be ruining kids' playtime

A new study from the University of Montreal found that playing has no goal for children, it's an end in itself, promoting emotional and social well-being. The research highlighted four dimensions of play: play as fun, sedentary games, free time, and risk-taking, which contradict public health's focus on physical activity.

New 'star' shaped molecule breakthrough

Scientists at The University of Manchester have created a new star-shaped molecule consisting of two molecular triangles entwined about each other three times into a hexagram. This complex structure is the most advanced of its kind ever produced and has potential applications in creating light, flexible, and strong materials.

Uncovering the forbidden side of molecules

Scientists have successfully observed the 'forbidden' infrared spectrum of a charged molecule for the first time. This achievement enables precise measurements of molecular properties with unprecedented accuracy. The research has significant implications for the development of molecular clocks, quantum technology, and fundamental physics.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Graphene sensor tracks down cancer biomarkers

A graphene biosensor has been developed to detect cancer risk biomarkers, such as 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), with high sensitivity and speed. The sensor is capable of detecting concentrations as low as 0.1 ng mL-1, outperforming conventional detection methods.

Milestone in chemical studies of superheavy elements

For the first time, a chemical bond was established between seaborgium and a carbon atom, opening perspectives for detailed investigations of chemical behavior at the end of the periodic table. The study focused on gaseous properties and adsorption to a silicon dioxide surface, comparing with similar compounds of neighboring elements.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Patients with advanced, incurable cancer denied palliative care

A new research study reveals that many patients with advanced, incurable cancer do not receive palliative care, despite the presence of designated centres promoting integrated oncology and care. The study found significant gaps in palliative care delivery, highlighting the need for increased budget allocation.

Even without kids, couples eat frequent family meals

A new study found that couples and adult-only households eat family meals on most days of the week, mirroring patterns seen in families with children. The research analyzed data from over 14,000 Ohio adults, suggesting that frequent family meal consumption may have health benefits for all adults, not just those with minors.

NASA sees Tropical Storm playing polo with western Mexico

Tropical Storm Polo is moving northwest towards western Mexico with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph and slow weakening expected. The storm is expected to pass south of the Baja California peninsula on Saturday, but a deviation to the north could bring stronger winds to southern Baja California.

For legume plants, a new route from shoot to root

Researchers discovered a new route for legume plants to communicate with their symbiotic bacteria. The study found that cytokinins, signaling molecules, are transmitted from leaves to roots to control the number of bacterial-holding nodules. This innovation allows legumes to balance energy production and nodule development.

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.

Monster galaxies gain weight by eating smaller neighbors

Research by Australian scientists reveals massive galaxies are eating smaller ones to gain weight, but their star-formation process is inefficient. Dr. Aaron Robotham explains that gravity allows larger galaxies to pull in smaller neighbors, and the Milky Way will follow suit, eventually merging with Andromeda.

Dwindling wind may tip predator-prey balance

Research by Brandon Barton suggests that slower natural wind speeds could reduce the number of soybean aphids on plants, allowing lady beetles to hunt more effectively. This could lead to a decrease in pesticide required for crop protection.

Fingertip sensor gives robot unprecedented dexterity

Researchers equipped a robot with a novel tactile sensor, allowing it to grasp and manipulate objects in unprecedented ways. The sensor uses optics and computer-vision algorithms to infer the three-dimensional structure of surfaces, giving the robot feedback in real-time.

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.

Scientists discover an on-off switch for aging cells

Researchers at the Salk Institute have discovered a 'switch' in cells that can be turned on and off to control telomerase activity. This switch could help keep telomerase levels low, potentially slowing aging and regenerating vital organs.

NASA, NOAA satellites show Odile's remnant romp through southern US

The TRMM satellite detected heavy rainfall rates over 111 mm/h near El Paso, Texas, with thunderstorm tops reaching up to 13 km. The GOES-West infrared image showed a large area of clouds associated with the remnants over New Mexico and Texas, posing a flash flood threat for parts of the region.

Soft robotics 'toolkit' features everything a robot-maker needs

The Soft Robotics Toolkit offers downloadable plans, how-to videos, and case studies to assist users in designing, fabricating, modeling, characterizing, and controlling soft robotic devices. The toolkit aims to stimulate innovation and learning in the field of soft robotics.

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.

Mayo researchers reveal pathway that contributes to Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have discovered a defect in the Wnt signaling pathway that contributes to both overproduction of toxic protein and loss of communication between neurons in Alzheimer's patients. Targeting this specific defect with drugs may rejuvenate or rescue the pathway, potentially preventing or treating Alzheimer's disease.

Reflected smartphone transmissions enable gesture control

University of Washington researchers create a system that uses reflected smartphone signals to recognize and respond to hand gestures, enabling users to interact with their phones beyond touchscreens. The technology has an accuracy rate of 87% and could improve battery life.

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.

A better way to track emerging cell therapies using MRIs

A new technique uses perfluorocarbon tracers in combination with MRI to track therapeutic immune cells injected into patients with colorectal cancer. The study found that only half of the delivered cell vaccine remained at the inoculation site after 24 hours, but the technology shows promise for tracking other cell types and diseases.

New hadrosaur noses into spotlight

A new hadrosaur species, Rhinorex condrupus, with a unique nasal profile has been discovered in Utah. The species lived approximately 75 million years ago and is believed to have weighed over 8,500 lbs., helping fill gaps about habitat segregation during the Late Cretaceous period.

Quick-change materials break the silicon speed limit for computers

Researchers have developed phase-change materials that can switch between crystalline and glassy phases to enable fast logic-processing operations. These new devices could process speeds up to 500-1,000 times faster than current silicon-based computers while using less energy.

Lymphatic fluid used for first time to detect bovine paratuberculosis

Researchers have developed a new method for detecting bovine paratuberculosis using lymphatic fluid, which yields more positive results than traditional methods. The test has shown to be effective in identifying infected animals, with about 70% of tested animals being culled from their herds after one year.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Long-distance communication from leaves to roots

Cytokinins, produced in legume leaves, play a crucial role in regulating root nodule numbers by signaling from the roots to the leaves. This discovery sheds new light on the symbiotic balance between rhizobia and legumes.

Environmental pollutants make worms susceptible to cold

Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark have found that nonylphenol inhibits earthworms' ability to protect cells from cold damage, making them more vulnerable. The study also revealed that phenanthrene has an opposite effect, increasing cell membrane fluidity and resistance to cold in both earthworms and springtails.

A refined approach to proteins at low resolution

Advances in X-ray technology enabled refinement of previously intractable proteins like the ribosome and viruses. The Deformable Elastic Network (DEN) approach optimizes protein structure prediction by adjusting features to fit diffraction data, reducing ambiguities.

NASA catches a weaker Edouard, headed toward Azores

Tropical Storm Edouard is weakening, with maximum sustained winds at near 60 mph, and expected to become post-tropical later on Sept. 19. It will then head east and impact the western Azores Islands over the weekend of Sept. 20-21 before turning south.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Domestic violence likely more frequent for same-sex couples

A review of literature suggests that same-sex couples are more likely to experience domestic violence, affecting 25-75% of lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals. The additional stress of being a sexual minority exacerbates the issue, leading to reluctance in addressing domestic violence.

New cancer drug target involving lipid chemical messengers

Researchers have discovered a new cancer drug target, TIPE3, which promotes tumor growth by hijacking lipid signaling pathways. Abnormal expression of TIPE3 has been linked to various types of cancer, including lung, colon, and ovarian cancers, making it a potential therapeutic target for treating malignant diseases.

Single dose of antidepressant changes the brain

Researchers discovered that a single dose of antidepressant can dramatically change the human brain's functional architecture within three hours. The study found increased connectivity in two specific brain regions, while reducing intrinsic connectivity elsewhere.

Study shows how epigenetic memory is passed across generations

Researchers at UC Santa Cruz found that both sperm and eggs transmit a memory of gene repression to embryos, which is then transmitted through multiple cell divisions. This epigenetic memory plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression and development.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

New insights into the world of quantum materials

Researchers have discovered a deformation of the Fermi surface in ultracold quantum gases due to anisotropic particle interactions. This deformation leads to an ellipsoidal shape, which is not spherical as predicted for isotropic interactions.

Scientists discover 'dimmer switch' for mood disorders

Scientists have identified a control mechanism for the brain's processing of disappointment, which may be a key to treating depression. In experiments with rodents, researchers found that a small region above the thalamus secretes both excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, allowing for a more subtle control of signaling.

Withdrawal from the evolutionary race

Researchers found that certain individuals with HIV are more tolerant of the virus than others, with factors including age and HLA-B gene variants playing a role. The study suggests that tolerance-based treatments could be an alternative to traditional resistance-based strategies.

Microplastic pollution discovered in St. Lawrence River sediments

Researchers discovered microplastic particles in the form of polyethylene microbeads in St. Lawrence River sediments, with concentrations exceeding 1000 per liter. The findings raise concerns about fish and other animals consuming these particles, potentially transferring chemicals to the ecosystem.

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.

Survey: Fortune 500 employees can expect to pay more for health insurance

A survey of Fortune 500 chief human resource officers found that nearly 80% of companies have raised or plan to raise employee contributions to health insurance. The Affordable Care Act has led to a significant increase in healthcare costs, with 38% of respondents reporting a rise in health insurance costs.

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.

A second look at glaucoma surgery

A study led by Queen's University professor Robert Campbell revealed that using anti-inflammatory medicines after common eye surgery isn't helpful or necessary. The research found that steroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs do not affect the ability of laser treatment to lower eye pressure.

NASA marks Polo for a hurricane

Hurricane Polo is expected to strengthen before weakening due to northeasterly wind shear on Sept 19. The storm is currently located about 150 miles southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico, with maximum sustained winds near 75 mph.

Benefits of telecommuting greater for some workers, study finds

A new study by University of Illinois professor Ravi S. Gajendran found that telecommuting yields positive effects on task- and context-based performance for employees with good relationships with their bosses. However, for workers without a strong employer relationship, telecommuting actually improves performance.

Agricultural fires in the Ukraine

Numerous agricultural fires are burning in Eastern Europe, primarily in Ukraine. These fires were likely intentionally set to manage land and return nutrients to the soil, but also produce smoke that degrades air quality.

Toward optical chips

Researchers at MIT have developed a new method to build MoS2 light emitters that can be tuned to different frequencies, essential for optoelectronic chips. This breakthrough could lead to more energy-efficient and flexible displays.

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.

World breakthrough: A new molecule allows for an increase in stem cell transplants

A new molecule, UM171, has been discovered that can multiply stem cells in a unit of cord blood, increasing the number of units available for transplant. This breakthrough could revolutionize the treatment of leukemia and other blood-related diseases, particularly for non-Caucasian patients who often have limited access to transplants.