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Science News for September 29, 2014


University of Alberta researchers explain 38-year-old mystery of the heart

Researchers at the University of Alberta have explained how a key protein in the heart changes in heart failure, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms behind this complex condition. By studying troponin I, they discovered that increased calcium sensitivity actually helps trigger contraction, despite slower relaxation.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2014

Tree killers, yes, fire starters, no: Mountain pine beetles get a bad rap, study says

A recent study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that mountain pine beetles contribute little to the ecological severity of fires in the Northern Rocky Mountains. The researchers tested six wildfires that affected over 75,000 acres and found no significant link between beetle outbreaks and fire severity.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A safer approach for diagnostic medical imaging

Scientists have developed a new generation of hyperpolarizing agents that can be used to dramatically enhance the signal intensity of imaged body tissues without presenting any danger to the patient. The HYPSOs are made from a fine, white, porous powder containing tracking molecules, which act as markers for imaging.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2014

Genetic modifier affects colon tumor formation

Researchers discovered that a genetic modifier called Pla2g2a can protect against colon tumors in mice, which could have significant implications for cancer research and treatment. The study found that mice with the resistant allele of Pla2g2a had fewer tumors than those with the sensitive allele.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalGenetics·DateSep 29, 2014

New VCU center to target cocaine addiction

The VCU Center for Medication Development for Cocaine Use Disorder aims to develop safe and effective treatments for cocaine addiction. The center will conduct preclinical and early clinical trials, and provide educational resources to train the next generation of translational scientists.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·DateSep 29, 2014

Study holds hope of a treatment for deadly genetic disease, MPS IIIB

Scientists at LA BioMed have discovered a way to bypass the blood-brain barrier and deliver an enzyme replacement therapy to treat MPS IIIB, a devastating genetic disease. The treatment has shown promising results by reducing the accumulation of waste products in brain cells.

SourceLA BioMed·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 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.

Landmark Medicare law had little impact on reducing chemotherapy cost

A study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology found that the 2005 Medicare law had no significant impact on reducing chemotherapy drug costs, contradicting economists' expectations. Instead, cancer care costs skyrocketed during the decade after the law passed.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 29, 2014

Cells from placentas safe for patients with multiple sclerosis

Researchers found that patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can safely tolerate treatment with cells cultured from human placental tissue. Early signals also suggest the potential for repairing damaged nerve tissues, offering a new frontier in treatment for the disease.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalMultiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders·DateSep 29, 2014

Recessions result in lower birth rates in the long run

New research from Princeton University shows that recessions have a profound impact on fertility, leading to lower birth rates in the short and long term. Women who experience high unemployment during their 20s are more likely to remain childless by age 40, with the effects increasing exponentially over time.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2014

New data on combination treatments for melanoma

Combination therapy with vemurafenib and cobimetinib achieves greater progression-free survival and response rates than vemurafenib alone in BRAF-mutation positive melanoma. The study also shows a reduced incidence of skin-related side-effects with combination therapy.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateSep 29, 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.

Patrick F. Sullivan, M.D., awarded 2014 Lieber Prize

Dr. Patrick F. Sullivan, a psychiatric geneticist, received the 2014 Lieber Prize for his distinguished work on schizophrenia. He heads large international projects and directs mega-analyses involving 90,000 participants.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·DateSep 29, 2014

Ocean acidification could lead to collapse of coral reefs

A recent study found that ocean acidification caused a significant decrease in calcification rates of the Great Barrier Reef, threatening its ecosystem. The research suggests that coral reefs are now producing less dense and fragile skeletons, making them more susceptible to erosion.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·DateSep 29, 2014

Hand size appears to stay constant, providing natural 'ruler'

Researchers found that people consistently estimate their dominant hand to be less magnified than other objects under the same degree of magnification. This finding suggests that our bodies are used as perceptual metrics, allowing us to attribute changes in perceived size to changes in the world rather than our own body.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 29, 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.

Project to develop depression care for older adults

The Archstone Foundation's Depression in Late Life Initiative aims to improve depression care for older adults through collaboration among primary care clinics, family members, friends, and community-based organizations. Depression affects 2-5% of older adults in the community and 50% in nursing homes.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·DateSep 29, 2014

How things coil

A team of researchers combined precision model experiments with computer simulations to study coiling patterns, discovering that natural curvature dramatically affects the process. The study has practical impacts on everyday life, including understanding transoceanic communication cables and rodlike structures.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2014

UCSF funded to provide PrEP consultations for clinicians

The UCSF Clinician Consultation Center has been funded by the CDC to provide a telephone consultation service for healthcare providers prescribing PrEP. The service will guide clinicians on identifying patients at risk, evaluating their ability to take PrEP regularly and ensuring safe prescribing practices.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateSep 29, 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.

Use of broad-spectrum antibiotics before age 2 associated with obesity risk

A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found a significant association between the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics before age 2 and an increased risk of obesity. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,000 children and found that greater antibiotic exposure was linked to higher rates of obesity and being overweight or obese.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateSep 29, 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.

DNA signature found in ice storm babies

Researchers detected a distinctive DNA signature in children born after the massive Quebec ice storm, linked to maternal hardship and stress. The study found that objective stress exposure, not emotional distress, caused long-lasting changes in the epigenome of their babies.

SourceDouglas Mental Health University Institute·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 29, 2014

NIH awards 7 new vaccine adjuvant discovery contracts

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded seven research contracts to discover novel vaccine adjuvants that safely boost immune responses. The goal is to improve current vaccines, extend the vaccine supply, or enhance efficacy in people with immature or weakened immune systems.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateSep 29, 2014

Predicting landslides with light

Researchers in Italy have developed a new technology using distributed optical fiber sensors to monitor soil slopes and detect the onset of landslides. This innovation can help mitigate devastating losses of life and property by providing early warnings, making it an entirely new tool for landslide risk monitoring.

SourceOptica·DateSep 29, 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.

Studies report new findings on treatment options for mesothelioma

A recent study found that high-dose radiotherapy did not improve survival rates or delay local relapse in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma who had undergone chemotherapy and surgery. However, researchers discovered that about 20% of patients expressed the PD-L1 protein, which could be targeted with immunotherapy treatments.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateSep 29, 2014

Scientists identify the signature of aging in the brain

Researchers found a unique signature of aging in the choroid plexus, which separates blood from cerebrospinal fluid, and discovered that interferon beta has a negative effect on the brain. Blocking this protein's activity restored cognitive abilities in older mice.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScience·DateSep 29, 2014

Sweat-eating bacteria may improve skin health

Researchers found that using sweat-eating bacteria to metabolize ammonia improved skin condition and appearance in human volunteers. The study showed significant improvements, especially when the levels of AOB on the skin were high, suggesting potential modulation of the skin microbiota.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateSep 29, 2014

Study reveals new clues to help understand brain stimulation

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center identified brain networks that can help guide site selection for brain stimulation therapies. The findings suggest that stimulating sites in the same connected brain network can improve treatment outcomes across multiple neurological and psychiatric disorders.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2014
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Investigating the 'underground' habitat of Listeria bacteria

A study found that 30% of soil and 6% of water samples were contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a potentially dangerous species. The bacteria were more common near rivers and in areas with high concentrations of agricultural land and urban environments.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateSep 29, 2014

Glaciers in the Grand Canyon of Mars?

Researchers identify jarosite minerals in Ius Chasma canyon wall, suggesting atmospheric sulfur trapped in ice formed glaciers. The discovery provides evidence of past glaciation in the Valles Marineris on Mars.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateSep 29, 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.

Decision to reintroduce aprotinin in cardiac surgery may put patients at risk

The Canadian Medical Association Journal refutes criticisms of the BART trial that showed a substantially increased risk of death associated with aprotinin. The authors argue that regulatory bodies should have mandated a second large trial to confirm or refute the results.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 29, 2014

Climate detectives reveal handprint of human caused climate change in Australia

Research from ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate System Science highlights Australia's climate as heavily influenced by global warming. Global warming doubled the chance of intense heat waves, tripled the likelihood of heatwave events and increased extreme summer temperatures across the country.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateSep 29, 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.

New ways to treat anemia could evolve from acetate supplement research

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that acetate supplements stimulate the formation of new red blood cells in mice with anemia. This could lead to alternative treatments for anemia, potentially reducing side effects associated with current therapies.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateSep 29, 2014

Higher nurse-to-patient standard improves staff safety

A California law mandating specific nurse-to-patient staffing standards significantly lowers job-related injuries and illnesses for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses. The study found a 32% reduction in injuries for registered nurses and a 34% reduction for licensed practical nurses.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalInternational Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health·DateSep 29, 2014

Myriad presents tumor BRACAnalysis CDx study at ESMO

A study by Myriad Genetics presented at the 2014 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) annual meeting shows that its Tumor BRACAnalysis CDx test identifies cancer-causing BRCA1/2 mutations in 44% more patients than germline blood testing. This could expand treatment options for ovarian cancer patients with these genetic mutations.

SourceMyriad Genetics, Inc.·DateSep 29, 2014
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.

2015 DOE JGI's science portfolio delves deeper into the Earth's data mine

The DOE JGI Community Science Program selected 32 projects to study microbial communities in various environments, including those affected by hydraulic fracturing and coral reefs. The research will help understand the impact of environmental changes on these ecosystems and develop solutions for major energy and environmental problems.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·DateSep 29, 2014

At the interface of math and science

Atzberger's research focuses on the intersection of math and science, exploring how proteins move within lipid bilayer membranes. He developed a statistical mechanics description that captures essential features of membrane-protein dynamics, allowing for simple yet reliable calculations and simulations.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalSoft Matter·DateSep 29, 2014

Scientists make droplets move on their own

Researchers from University of Southern Denmark and Institute of Chemical Technology in Prague have successfully created moving alcohol droplets in water, guided by salt concentration gradients. The system displays sophisticated behavior and can be controlled by external temperature stimulus.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalLangmuir·DateSep 29, 2014

How career dreams are born

A new study at Ohio State University reveals that people with low self-confidence need a vivid picture of their future success to pursue their career goals. The researchers found that students who were given detailed information about the benefits of becoming a business psychologist were more likely to apply for the program and showed ...

SourceOhio State University·JournalBasic and Applied Social Psychology·DateSep 29, 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.

New method to motivate students to reduce energy consumption

Researchers found a 37% reduction in energy consumption when using the Persuasive Technology and Energy Delegate (IPTED) method, which combined real-time feedback with peer social influence. The study showed that this approach can significantly reduce energy use among students if implemented in residential halls.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalEnergy·DateSep 29, 2014

NASA ocean data shows 'climate dance' of plankton

Phytoplankton are crucial for fish populations and Earth's carbon cycle, with a perpetual dance between predators and prey affecting their growth cycles. Tiny imbalances in this relationship cause massive phytoplankton blooms, impacting ocean productivity, fisheries, and carbon cycling.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature Climate Change·DateSep 29, 2014

Adding uncertainty to improve mathematical models

Researchers from Brown University have introduced a new element of uncertainty into Burgers' equation to describe turbulence and shocks in fluid flows. This formulation aims to make mathematical models more realistic by accounting for external influences such as terrain, which was previously ignored in standard equations.

SourceBrown University·DateSep 29, 2014

After-school exercise program enhances cognition in 7-, 8- and 9-year-olds

A nine-month study found that children who engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity after school showed substantial improvements in attention, distraction avoidance, and cognitive flexibility. Brain imaging revealed widespread changes in brain function related to attention allocation and processing speed.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateSep 29, 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.

Causes of California drought linked to climate change

A Stanford University study links California's ongoing drought to human-caused climate change, finding that a persistent high atmospheric pressure region over the Pacific Ocean is three times more likely to form in the present climate. This blocking ridge prevented winter storms from reaching California during the 2013 and 2014 rainy s...

SourceStanford University·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateSep 29, 2014

NASA support key to glacier mapping efforts

Researchers have produced detailed maps of bedrock beneath glaciers in Greenland and Antarctica with NASA's support, helping to project future changes to ice sheets and sea level. The data will aid computer models used for glacier projection.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalJournal of Glaciology·DateSep 29, 2014

A molecular mechanism involved in cellular proliferation characterized

Researchers from CNIO have characterized a key protein interaction that regulates cellular proliferation; this discovery may aid in developing new anti-microtubule drugs to combat cancer. The study's findings provide insights into the molecular basis of microtubule assembly during cell division.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 29, 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.

Climate change appears a mixed bag for a common frog

A study found that warmer winters lead to earlier breeding in wood frogs, resulting in fewer eggs and delayed tadpole development. However, more rain and snow appear to increase egg production, potentially counteracting the negative effects of warming.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateSep 29, 2014

An apple a day could keep obesity away

Granny Smith apples contain high amounts of non-digestible compounds that promote the growth of friendly bacteria in the colon. This can help stabilize metabolic processes and reduce inflammation associated with obesity.

SourceWashington State University·JournalFood Chemistry·DateSep 29, 2014

Single-neuron 'hub' orchestrates activity of an entire brain circuit

New Tel Aviv University research reveals a single-neuron 'hub' orchestrates the activity of an entire brain circuit. The study finds that timely activation of cells is fundamental for proper operation of hub neurons, which orchestrate entire network dynamics.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateSep 29, 2014

Cause of California drought linked to climate change

A study by researchers links California's ongoing drought to human-caused climate change, showing a persistent region of high atmospheric pressure over the Pacific Ocean is more likely to form in modern greenhouse gas concentrations. The extreme conditions led to unusually low precipitation and triggered wildfires and air pollution.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateSep 29, 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.

Viral infection might just be a phase... transition

Carnegie Mellon researchers show viral DNA transforms from solid to fluid-like state at infection temperature, facilitating infection. This phase transition could be a promising new target for antiviral therapies, which may avoid drug resistance.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2014

Sleep twitches light up the brain

A University of Iowa study found that sleep twitches activate the brains of mammals differently than movements made while awake. Twitches during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep comprise a different class of movement and provide evidence that sleep twitches teach newborns about their limbs.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 29, 2014

Scientists discover a new role for estrogen in the pathology of breast cancer

Researchers found that estrogen pre-activates the unfolded-protein response (UPR), a pathway that prepares cells to divide and grow. UPR activation is linked to cell proliferation and poor survival in estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer, making it a potential prognostic marker.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalOncogene·DateSep 29, 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.

Plants prepackage beneficial microbes in their seeds

Researchers found that plant seeds can be pre-colonized with beneficial bacteria, providing enhanced microbial protection. This discovery has significant implications for creating food-safe antimicrobials and understanding the importance of early colonization in establishing a healthy microbiome.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateSep 29, 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.

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for Sept. 30, 2014

Commentaries in Annals of Internal Medicine argue that Proposition 46's mandatory physician drug testing could deter help-seeking and reporting, potentially harming patients. The authors instead advocate for addressing physician impairment through more nuanced solutions.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 29, 2014

Healthy fats help diseased heart muscle process and use fuel

Researchers found that oleate, a common dietary fat, restored proper metabolism of fuel in an animal model of heart failure. This improvement enabled the heart muscle to access energy more efficiently and reduced toxic fatty byproducts.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalCirculation·DateSep 29, 2014

Dolphins are attracted to magnets

A study by French researchers has found that dolphins are able to discriminate between objects based on their magnetic properties, indicating a magenetic sense. The findings provide new evidence for magnetoreception in cetaceans and suggest they may use this ability to navigate themselves.

SourceSpringer·JournalZeitschrift für Didaktik der Naturwissenschaften·DateSep 29, 2014

Self-compassion key to positive body image and coping

Research suggests that self-compassion is crucial for maintaining a positive body image, despite weight fluctuations. Women with higher levels of self-compassion exhibit better eating habits and fewer concerns about weight, body shape or eating.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalBody Image·DateSep 29, 2014
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.

Fires in Papua, Indonesia and New Guinea

Human activities, particularly palm oil production, have led to significant fire emissions in Papua and New Guinea. The cleared land, often drained peatlands, dries out during the dry season, catching fire and releasing substantial amounts of greenhouse gases.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 29, 2014

Liver gene therapy corrects heart symptoms in model of rare enzyme disorder

Researchers describe a novel liver-directed gene therapy approach that corrects heart symptoms in a model of rare enzyme disorder MPS I. The treatment, using an AAV vector, achieves sustained serum enzyme activity and reduces glycosaminoglycan storage in tissues.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2014

Brain & Behavior Research Foundation honors 8 scientists

The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation recognized eight scientists with Outstanding Achievement Prizes for their work on psychiatric disorders, affecting one in four people. Recipients include Drs. David Braff and Patrick Sullivan, who pioneered schizophrenia and mood disorder research.

SourceBrain & Behavior Research Foundation·DateSep 29, 2014

Growers Nation brings citizen science to the farm

The Growers Nation app offers information on optimal planting times and connects local growers to share tips. It aims to reduce food insecurity by encouraging diverse crops and adaptation to climate change.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·DateSep 29, 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.

Simulations reveal an unusual death for ancient stars

Researchers used simulations to study primordial supermassive stars that may have exploded as supernovae, leaving no black hole behind. This process could create a distinct observational signature detectable by upcoming telescopes and enrich their host galaxy with heavy elements.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateSep 29, 2014

Montefiore and Einstein receive $3.4 million NIH grant for cancer clinical trials

Montefiore Einstein Center for Cancer Care and Albert Einstein Cancer Center have been awarded a $3.4 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to conduct multi-site cancer clinical trials and research focused on reducing healthcare disparities in cancer care. The award will help change the burden of cancer, which is disproporti...

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·DateSep 29, 2014

Yorkshire Cancer Research announces £5 million investment

The charity will focus on understanding the root causes of cancer problems in Yorkshire and developing strategies to reduce cancer incidence and mortality rates. The investment will also support research into improving screening methods and increasing access to clinical trials.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·DateSep 29, 2014

2013 Colorado front range flood: Debris-flow a major hazard

In September 2013, Colorado experienced massive flooding triggering over 1,100 debris flows across a 3,400 square kilometer area. The floods were initiated on steep slopes with high areal concentrations of colluvial soils on sedimentary rocks.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGSA Today·DateSep 29, 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.

A 'frenemy' in Parkinson's disease takes to crowdsourcing

Alpha-synuclein regulates neuronal communication by self-association, clustering synaptic vesicles and restricting neurotransmission to manage communication. This newfound understanding may be critical for therapeutic interventions targeting alpha-synuclein levels and activity in Parkinson's disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 29, 2014

Modeling shockwaves through the brain

MIT researchers develop a scaling law to estimate the risk of brain injury for humans and animals, revealing that humans are more vulnerable due to thinner skulls. The method may aid in diagnosing traumatic brain injury and developing protective helmets.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2014

Experts from CNIO discover shining cells responsible for developing tumors

Researchers from CNIO have identified a new marker for cancer stem cells using riboflavin, a pigment that emits green fluorescence. This discovery enables the tracking of cancer stem cells in tumors, which are responsible for chemical resistance and tumor growth.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Methods·DateSep 29, 2014
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.

How do lawyers matter? Study explores the question for low-income litigants

A study at the University of Wisconsin-Madison examines how attorney representation and limited legal assistance shape access to justice for low-income civil litigants. The research aims to inform policy and intervention strategies to address the 'justice gap' faced by three-quarters of unrepresented individuals in the US.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateSep 29, 2014

Nitrogen fingerprint in biomolecules could be from early sun

Scientists at UC San Diego and Hebrew University found that nitrogen fingerprints in biomolecules can be explained by chemistry within the solar system. By generating ammonia with skewed ratios of nitrogen-15, they recreated the conditions that produce life's fundamental molecules.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2014

NASA sees Tropical Storm Kammuri winding down over open ocean

Tropical Storm Kammuri is transitioning into an extra-tropical storm, characterized by a cold core and elongated strong storms moving from southwest to northeast. The storm's maximum sustained winds were near 45 knots on Sept. 29, and it is expected to continue weakening over the open ocean.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 29, 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.

Study finds information lacking from FDA on implanted medical devices

A study found that most FDA-clearanced implanted medical devices lack publicly available scientific evidence of substantial equivalence, safety, or effectiveness. The FDA has a process requiring companies to submit evidence, but it is often not publicly available, hindering independent judgment and public health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateSep 29, 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.

Greenland Ice Sheet more vulnerable to climate change than previously thought

The Greenland Ice Sheet is more sensitive to climate change due to the role of soft ground beneath it, which affects its dynamics and leads to increased ice loss. This study reveals that the ice sheet is vulnerable not only to warming temperatures but also to extreme meteorological events like heavy rainfall and heat waves.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 29, 2014

New way to detox? 'Gold of Pleasure' oilseed boosts liver detoxification enzymes

Researchers found compounds in Camelina sativa seed that increase liver detoxification enzymes fivefold, showcasing its potential as a nutritional supplement and anti-cancer agent. The bioactive ingredients work synergistically when combined, similar to sulforaphane in broccoli.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateSep 29, 2014

Research suggests new strategies for killing TB bacterium

Scientists from Brown University and MIT have discovered new details on how ADEPs bind to the ClpP complex in Mtb, a crucial step towards optimizing these compounds for TB treatment. Novel ADEP analogs show improved binding and activation of ClpP, paving the way for designing new drugs.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2014

MaxBin: Automated sorting through metagenomes

MaxBin facilitates genomic analysis of uncultivated microbial populations by automatically sorting their genomes from metagenomic sequences. The software uses an expectation-maximization algorithm to classify metagenomic sequences into discrete bins representing individual microbial species.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalMicrobiome·DateSep 29, 2014

'Deadly diarrhea' rates nearly doubled in 10 years: Study

Rates of intestinal superbug C. difficile infections rose from 4.5 to 8.2 discharges per 1,000 hospitalizations between 2001 and 2010, despite no improvement in patient mortality rates. Antibiotic exposure remains the leading risk factor for CDI incidence.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateSep 29, 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.