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Science News for September 24, 2014


New EEG electrode set for fast and easy measurement of brain function abnormalities

A new, easy-to-use EEG electrode set was developed to quickly attach on patients, reducing electromagnetic interference and allowing rapid diagnosis of severe brain function abnormalities. The set consists of 16 hydrogel-coated electrodes placed on hair-free areas, making it suitable for emergency care and field conditions.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of Neuroscience Methods·DateSep 24, 2014

Customer experience matters more when economy is strong, research shows

Researchers found that when the economy is strong, customers focus more on past experiences with service firms and pay attention to aspects like satisfaction and effort made by the firm. The study recommends service managers to prioritize improving customer experience during good economic times to maximize revenue gains.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalMarketing Science·DateSep 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.

From rats to humans: Project NEUWalk closer to clinical trials

EPFL scientists have developed a therapy to help people with spinal cord injury walk again by controlling the limbs of a completely paralyzed rat in real-time. The technology uses electrical signals to stimulate nerves and restore movement control. Clinical trials may start as early as next summer using the new Gait Platform.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 24, 2014

Taking advantage of graphene defects

Researchers discovered graphene's ability to rectify electric current using artificial triangular holes, offering a new approach for security screening detectors. The study provides an analytical framework for estimating the ratchet effect, which could lead to terahertz radiation detection.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateSep 24, 2014

Sam Houston State study finds gang life is short-lived

A study at Sam Houston State University found that gang membership typically lasts around two years, with most youth joining between ages 10 and 16. The study also identified six pathways into and out of gangs, highlighting the need for targeted prevention and intervention programs.

SourceSam Houston State University·JournalJournal of Quantitative Criminology·DateSep 24, 2014

Wound healing response promotes breast cancer metastasis in postpartum mice

A study found that postpartum mice develop metastatic disease due to dying tumor cells triggering anti-inflammatory cytokines that promote wound healing. Mice lacking a receptor for macrophage clearance of dying cells did not develop metastasis, highlighting potential targets for limiting postpartum breast cancer severity.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 24, 2014
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.

Findings give hope to plant extract as possible lupus treatment

Researchers have found a promising plant-derived compound, CDDO, that may block both steps of lupus development and has no known side effects. The compound, originally derived from plants, could potentially eliminate the risks associated with current lupus treatments.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateSep 24, 2014

Memory slips may signal increased risk of dementia years later

Research suggests that people with memory issues without dementia are at higher risk of developing the disease. A 12-year study found nearly three times more likelihood of memory problems in those reporting changes, emphasizing the importance of taking such complaints seriously.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateSep 24, 2014

New milestone in the search for water on distant planets

Researchers have detected water vapor and hydrogen on the exoplanet HAT P-11b, a planet about four times bigger than Earth. This discovery supports astronomers' ideas about planetary formation and suggests that small planets may be rich in heavy elements like oxygen.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·DateSep 24, 2014

New linguistic tools can predict your dialect characteristics

A new study predicts dialect features based on demographic characteristics and location using statistical modeling techniques. The researchers examined how speakers of Italian and Tuscan dialects referred to 170 different concepts, finding that geography and social factors influence language use.

SourceLinguistic Society of America·JournalLanguage·DateSep 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.

Good news for young patients with a leukemia subtype associated with a poor prognosis

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that adjusting treatment based on early response to chemotherapy significantly boosts the survival of young patients with a poor-prognosis leukemia subtype associated with the Philadelphia chromosome-like acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The study included 344 children and adolesc...

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 24, 2014

Star Trekish, rafting scientists make bold discovery on Fraser River

A team of scientists led by Jeremy Venditti used oceanographic instruments to study flow through steep bedrock canyons on the Fraser River. They discovered a complicated flow field with high velocity flow plunging down canyon walls, resulting in greater flow force applied to the bed.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalNature·DateSep 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.

A look at Florida's charterboat-based recreational shark fishery

A University of Miami study found that most charter fishing captains in Florida have a strong conservation ethic towards sharks, with 82% practicing catch and release. However, hammerhead sharks are not suitable for catch-and-release methods and require immediate release to reduce mortality rates

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalFisheries·DateSep 24, 2014

Arabic tweets point to US influence as fuel for anti-Americanism

A study analyzing millions of Arabic-language tweets confirms high levels of anti-American sentiment, revealing that criticism of the US is consistent across various regions and issues. The research suggests a deep-seated dislike of American intervention and an unwillingness to give credit when US policies are beneficial.

SourcePrinceton University·DateSep 24, 2014

NCI/FDA lung cancer workshop leads to the innovatively designed clinical trials

The NCI/FDA workshop resulted in the development of two innovative clinical trials, Lung-MAP and ALCHEMIST, which employ a 'Master Protocol' approach to improve patient outcomes. These trials aim to accelerate the development of targeted therapies for lung cancer by integrating multiple sub-studies based on genomic profiles.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateSep 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.

A wriggly solution to a first-world problem

Australian researchers successfully treated 12 participants with celiac disease using hookworms, increasing gluten tolerance by a factor of 60. The study suggests a potential new treatment for inflammatory diseases, including asthma and Crohn's disease.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateSep 24, 2014

Modest acute changes in cardiac biomarkers and electrocardiogram findings following thoracic radiation therapy

Researchers found modest acute changes in cardiac biomarkers and electrocardiogram findings following thoracic radiation therapy, but no clinically significant cardiac events. The study suggests that longer follow-up and increased dose range may reveal the impact of radiation on late RT-related toxicity.

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

NASA sees the end of post-depression Fung-Wong

Tropical Depression Fung-Wong's clouds had cloud-top temperatures near -63F/-53C over Japan's northern Ryuku Islands. The depression moved to the northeast at 11 knots (12.6 mph/20.3 kph) before becoming an extra-tropical storm.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 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.

How a single, genetic change causes retinal tumors in young children

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles discovered the origin of retinoblastoma tumors in young children, revealing a single genetic change in the RB1 gene. This finding holds promise for developing novel therapies and advancing understanding of cancer development.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalNature·DateSep 24, 2014

Evolution of snake courtship and combat behavior

Researchers identified patterns in courtship and male-to-male combat behaviors across 70 snake species, revealing evolutionary relationships between behaviors. The study found that different clades developed unique behaviors, such as coiling without neck-raising and body-bridging, which replaced earlier toppling behavior.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 24, 2014

Better information about prenatal testing leads to fewer tests

A UCSF study found that educating pregnant women about their choices on prenatal genetic testing leads to a decrease in the number of tests. Women who received clear information and unbiased guidance were less likely to undergo diagnostic testing, scoring higher in knowledge of genetic testing.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA·DateSep 24, 2014

Clinical trial examined treatment for complicated grief in older individuals

A clinical trial found that a targeted treatment for complicated grief in older individuals was more effective than traditional depression therapy, with 70.5% symptom improvement compared to 32%. The new approach resolved grief complications and facilitated natural mourning, offering hope for millions of people affected by this debilit...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateSep 24, 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.

UTHealth researchers to assess asthma risk in health care workers

Researchers at UTHealth will assess the asthma risk in healthcare workers in Texas over the last 10 years. The study aims to determine if changes in hospital practices and awareness have affected the prevalence of asthma among healthcare professionals.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateSep 24, 2014

Clear skies on exo-Neptune

Astronomers have detected water vapour and other molecules on HAT-P-11b, the smallest exoplanet known to harbor these compounds. The discovery is significant for its potential implications on understanding the atmospheres of smaller planets.

SourceESA/Hubble Information Centre·JournalNature·DateSep 24, 2014

Are weak values quantum? Don't bet on it

Weak measurements aim to gain information from quantum systems by minimizing disturbance. However, researchers Joshua Combes and Christopher Ferrie found a classical analogy for the same process, casting doubt on its quantum nature.

SourcePerimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 24, 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.

Most metal-poor star hints at universe's first supernovae

Researchers found a star with extremely low iron content, which could be evidence of the universe's first supernovae. The star's unusual chemical composition supports the theory that massive stars formed in the early universe and exploded as supernovae.

SourceThe Kavli Foundation·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateSep 24, 2014

'Funnel' attracts bonding partners to biomolecule

A team of scientists has found that water molecules form a 'funnel' around proteins, guiding them to potential binding partners. This collective water movement assists binding and supports the mutual recognition of biomolecules, allowing them to select or reject certain partners.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 24, 2014

Fossil of multicellular life moves evolutionary needle back 60 million years

A team of researchers has found fossils indicating complex multicellularity in ancient organisms around 600 million years ago, contradicting previous interpretations. This discovery sheds new light on the evolution of multicellular life and could have significant implications for our understanding of the Cambrian Explosion.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature·DateSep 24, 2014
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Study: Biochar alters water flow to improve sand and clay

A new study by researchers at Rice University explains the hydrological mystery of biochar's effect on soil. Biochar makes clay soils drain faster due to its light and porous structure, increasing hydraulic conductivity, while sandy soils drain slower due to absorption and tortuous pathways for water movement.

SourceRice University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 24, 2014

'Skin-like' device monitors cardiovascular and skin health

A new wearable medical device can quickly alert a person to cardiovascular trouble or skin dryness, using thousands of liquid crystals to sense heat. The device provides sub-millimeter spatial resolution for accurate monitoring of temperature and thermal transport characteristics.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 24, 2014

First mouse model for ALS dementia

Researchers at Northwestern University have created the first mouse model for ALS dementia, allowing scientists to directly view the brains of living mice under anesthesia. This breakthrough enables rapid testing and real-time monitoring of test drugs, paving the way for accelerated development of effective therapies.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2014

The plus side of population aging

A new study finds that population aging can have positive impacts on society, including increased productivity due to higher education levels, reduced energy consumption, and improved health outcomes. The study suggests that these benefits may outweigh the challenges posed by demographic change.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 24, 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.

Think you have Alzheimer's? You just might be right, study says

A study published in Neurology found that people who notice their memory slipping may be on to something, with 56% of participants reporting changes in their memory. The study suggests a significant window of opportunity for intervention before diagnosable problems show up, approximately 12 years after initial complaints began.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalNeurology·DateSep 24, 2014

Cardiorespiratory fitness is often misdiagnosed

Researchers from University of Eastern Finland propose a new method for measuring cardiorespiratory fitness by scaling maximal oxygen uptake and maximal workload by lean mass. This approach can avoid confounding effects of body adiposity, leading to more accurate assessments of an individual's functional capacity.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalClinical Physiology and Functional Imaging·DateSep 24, 2014

Realizing the promise of education

The University of Miami's Linda Ray Intervention Program demonstrates positive outcomes for children with developmental delays, cognitive improvements, and reduced need for special education services. Children who received 25 hours of services per week made significant strides in cognitive, language, and behavior.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalJuvenile and Family Court Journal·DateSep 24, 2014

When David beats Goliath

Research by Queen's University biologist Paul Martin found that smaller bird species can overcome size disadvantages when interacting with distantly related species. The study examined 23,362 aggressive interactions among 246 bird species pairs and identified specific traits that enhance small species' abilities in conflicts.

SourceQueen's University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 24, 2014

Solar explosions inside a computer

Researchers have developed a model that uses self-organised criticality and fluid dynamics to predict the occurrence of solar flares. The model has shown to be consistent with observations in a quantitative sense, enabling scientists to better understand and prepare for these powerful events.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 24, 2014
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

States need to assume greater role in regulating dietary supplements

Dietary supplements can cause severe health issues and are often ineffective. States should increase regulation of these products to protect consumers, particularly adolescents. Recommended state actions include conducting laboratory testing, generating safety warnings, and instituting minimum age purchase limits.

SourceTemple University·JournalJournal of Public Health Management and Practice·DateSep 24, 2014

Family-based therapies can treat anorexia in teens, Stanford/Packard study finds

Two family-based therapies are found to be effective in treating anorexia nervosa in teenagers, with one approach producing faster weight gain and lower hospitalization rates. The study suggests that involving parents in treatment can lead to improved outcomes for adolescents struggling with the life-threatening eating disorder.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateSep 24, 2014

Enzyme discovery paves way to tackling deadly parasite diseases

Researchers have discovered an enzyme that can be targeted to kill parasites causing deadly diseases such as sleeping sickness and Chagas disease. The study found that a small sugar molecule activates the enzyme, providing an opportunity to design drugs that block its activity in specific species.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateSep 24, 2014

A way to kill chemo-resistant ovarian cancer cells: Cut down its protector

A recent study published in PNAS reveals the link between gelsolin protein and ovarian cancer resistance, providing a promising avenue for developing new therapies. By cutting down gelsolin levels, researchers found that chemo-resistant cells become susceptible to chemotherapy.

SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2014
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.

New dinosaur from New Mexico has relatives in Alberta

A new armoured dinosaur, Ziapelta sanjuanensis, discovered in New Mexico shares similarities with ankylosaurid dinosaurs found in Alberta. The species boasts unique features, such as tall spikes on its cervical half ring and distinctive scales on its snout.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 24, 2014

Interactive website helps lower-income smokers to stop smoking

A randomized controlled trial found that using StopAdvisor increased the likelihood of quitting among lower-income smokers by 36%. The website was designed to mimic the support provided by NHS stop-smoking advisors and improved quit rates among those with lower socioeconomic status.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateSep 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.

Many elite college athletes return to play after ACL surgery

A new study by UNC researchers found that younger elite athletes are more likely to suffer repeat ACL reinjuries than those who experienced their first injury during collegiate play. The study also showed significant differences in return-to-play and reinjury rates between precollegiate and intracollegiate groups.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·DateSep 24, 2014

NIH announces network to accelerate medicines for rheumatoid arthritis and lupus

The National Institutes of Health has established an Accelerating Medicines Partnership in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus (AMP RA/Lupus) Network to transform the current model for identifying promising biological targets for new drugs and diagnostics. The network will analyze interplay among biological pathways, including at the single...

SourceNIH/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases·DateSep 24, 2014

A single statistic can strengthen public support for traffic safety laws

A new study found that providing statistical information about injury risks can increase public support for road safety laws. The survey of 2,397 adults showed significant increases in support for laws aimed at drunk driving and red-light running after participants were given statistics on related injury risks.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateSep 24, 2014

Brain scans reveal 'gray matter' differences in media multitaskers

A new study reveals that frequent media multitasking is associated with lower grey-matter density in the anterior cingulate cortex, a region responsible for cognitive and emotional control. The research supports earlier findings on the link between multitasking and poor attention, depression, and anxiety.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 24, 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.

Scientists create new 'designer proteins' in fight against Alzheimer's and cancer

Researchers at the University of Leicester have developed a breakthrough technique to generate synthetic amino acids and designer proteins, which can be used to develop innovative new protein drugs for cancer and Alzheimer's disease treatment. The discovery opens up new avenues for drug discovery with potentially highly potent drugs an...

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalOrganic & Biomolecular Chemistry·DateSep 24, 2014

Most stars are born in clusters, some leave 'home'

New modeling studies show most stars were formed from unstable protostar clusters that broke up, leaving behind single or binary stars. These clusters, however, rarely form stable multi-star systems, instead ejecting stars to achieve stability.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateSep 24, 2014

NIH study supports camels as primary source of MERS-CoV transmission

Researchers found camels to be the primary reservoir of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), shedding the virus in their nasal secretions for up to 35 days. Vaccinating camels may reduce transmission risk to people and other camels.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateSep 24, 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.

Pitt drug discovery researchers receive $5.8 million federal grant to build 3-D liver model

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine are developing a state-of-the-art 3D liver model to better predict organ physiology, assess drug toxicity and build disease models. The project aims to improve ways of predicting drug safety and effectiveness through collaboration with researchers from 11 institutions.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·DateSep 24, 2014

Discovery may lead to better treatments for autoimmune diseases, bone loss

Researchers redesigned a molecule to control immune cell activity, changing its target and altering the effects of its signal. This new approach may let scientists selectively block the bad signals that cause or contribute to disease, enhancing good signals that defend against cancer and infections.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience Signaling·DateSep 24, 2014

Grant to help find why people reveal information online

Penn State researchers are teaming up to study how certain cues on mobile and web devices inspire mental shortcuts that predict user trust in online sites and social networks. The study aims to promote better interface design and educate users about mental shortcuts that compromise their privacy when online.

SourcePenn State·DateSep 24, 2014
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.

Buffet pricing surprise

A study by Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that lower buffet prices lead to less taste satisfaction. Diners who paid more for the same food rated it as being 11% tastier and enjoyed the experience more.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of Sensory Studies·DateSep 24, 2014

Indian scientists significantly more religious than UK scientists

A new study reveals significant differences in religiosity between Indian and UK scientists. While 65% of UK scientists identify as non-religious, only 6% of Indian scientists share this trait. The study also found that Indian scientists are more likely to attend religious services than their UK counterparts.

SourceRice University·DateSep 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.

King Fire in California still blazing

The King Fire in California has burned over 92,960 acres since its start in September 2014. The fire is currently 38% contained, with arson as the suspected cause, and is being battled by over 7,600 personnel. Extreme weather conditions, including strong winds and low humidity, are exacerbating the fire's behavior.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 24, 2014

Recreational activity a major pollutant on Canadian coast of Pacific Ocean

A recent study published in Applied Geography highlights the significant impact of oil discharges from human maritime activity on the Canadian coast. The research, led by University of Calgary geographer Stefania Bertazzon, shows that recreational activities such as boating and fishing are major contributors to ocean pollution.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalApplied Geography·DateSep 24, 2014

Identification of genetic risk factors for stroke

A new study has identified two genes, FOXC1 and PITX2, that underlie the development of cerebral small-vessel disease (CSVD), a risk factor for stroke. The study found that patients with mutations in these genes exhibited signs of CSVD, while zebrafish models with reduced Foxc1 levels mimicked symptoms of CSVD.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 24, 2014

New study shows increased risk of venous thromboembolism among NSAIDs users

A new study published in Rheumatology found that NSAID users have a higher risk of developing venous thromboembolism, which includes deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The study's lead author notes that physicians should be cautious when prescribing NSAIDs to patients already at high risk of VTE.

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalRheumatology·DateSep 24, 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.

Tonsil stem cells could someday help repair liver damage without surgery

Scientists have developed a method to inject tonsil-derived stem cells into damaged livers, potentially treating liver disease without surgery. The technique uses a heat-sensitive liquid to grow liver cells on a 3-D scaffold, showing promise as an injectable tissue engineering approach.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateSep 24, 2014

Less costly to screen for and treat early-stage lung than to treat late-stage lung cancer

A new study found that high-risk individuals screened for early-stage lung cancer using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) can reduce treatment costs by up to 85%, resulting in a significant reduction in mortality rates and improved patient outcomes. The average cost per-person for LDCT screening was $453, while the mean cost for diag...

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

Immune activity shortly after surgery holds big clue to recovery rate, Stanford team finds

A study published in Science Translational Medicine found that immune cell activity within the first 24 hours after surgery can predict a patient's recovery time. The researchers used single-cell mass cytometry to analyze blood samples from patients undergoing hip-replacement procedures, revealing a unique pattern of immune response.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 24, 2014

2-D materials' crystalline defects key to new properties

Scientists have found that defects in a 2D material called tungsten disulphide can create unusual characteristics, making it useful for electronic devices and hydrogen gas liberation. The researchers used an advanced microscope to visualize the defects, revealing a low-energy barrier that allows them to be easily displaced.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 24, 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.