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Science News for September 5, 2014


Disease in a dish approach could aid Huntington's disease discovery

Scientists applied iPS cell technology to a transgenic nonhuman primate model of Huntington's disease, developing cellular features of the condition and discovering potential therapies for oxidative stress. This approach could aid in the discovery and evaluation of other treatments for the disorder.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateSep 5, 2014

Near-extinct African amphibians 'invisible' under climate change

A study found that modern methods for predicting species distributions under climate change often leave out rare and threatened species. In Africa, over 90% of listed species are missed by popular tools, despite these species being critical to conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalDiversity and Distributions·DateSep 5, 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.

IBD patients: Consider giving infliximab a second try

A retrospective single-center study found that restarting infliximab therapy after a drug holiday is safe and effective for IBD patients. The average duration of infliximab holiday was 15 months. Patients who were in remission at the time infliximab was discontinued showed a 78 percent response rate at one year.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateSep 5, 2014

Three Clemson startups get funding to grow

Three Clemson startup companies, VRM Labs, ConnectTiss LLC, and Addictive Drug Delivery LLC, have received $25,000 in seed money from the University Sponsored Application Program. The companies are commercializing technologies developed at Clemson to address various industries such as pet food, aging skin, and surgical meshes.

SourceClemson University·DateSep 5, 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.

E-cigarettes: Studies presented at the ERS Congress

Research on e-cigarettes reveals potential links to asthma and emphysema, as well as a successful quitting aid, but also raises concerns about long-term effects and lack of consensus among doctors. The ERS Congress emphasizes the need for strong regulation to protect vulnerable populations.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·DateSep 5, 2014

Synthetic messenger boosts immune system

Researchers at Technical University of Munich have discovered a new site where T lymphocytes can be programmed to attack pathogens. The liver plays a key role in this process, and synthetic messenger Hyper-IL-6 has been found to efficiently activate T cells, offering a promising new adjuvant for vaccine formulations.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 5, 2014

NASA adds up heavy rainfall from Hurricane Norbert

The TRMM satellite calculated heavy rainfall generated by Hurricane Norbert and Tropical Storm Dolly. Rainfall totals were greater than 300 mm, affecting the open waters of the Pacific Ocean and near Mexico's western and Gulf coasts.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 5, 2014

Social support: How to thrive through close relationships

Researchers Brooke Feeney and Nancy L. Collins identify two support functions that help individuals thrive through close relationships: source of strength (SOS) support and relational catalyst (RC) support. SOS support enables individuals to cope with stress, while RC support fosters opportunities for growth and positive well-being.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Review·DateSep 5, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UT Southwestern researchers find new gene mutations for Wilms Tumor

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified several new genetic causes of Wilms tumor, a type of kidney cancer found only in children. The most common mutations were found in genes called DROSHA and DICER1, which affect the production of microRNAs that control cell growth.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 5, 2014

New blood test could offer more tailored treatment of ovarian cancer

A new blood test developed by researchers at the University of Manchester and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust may soon be used to tailor treatment for ovarian cancer patients. The test predicts patient response to targeted therapies such as bevacizumab, allowing for personalized treatment plans while sparing those unlikely to benefit.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateSep 5, 2014

Thousands of nuclear loci via target enrichment and genome skimming

A team of scientists used the Hyb-Seq method to sequence hundreds of nuclear loci and plastomes from milkweeds, providing a significant advance over previous methods. This approach combines target enrichment and genome skimming to reduce genomic complexity and increase sequencing efficiency.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateSep 5, 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.

Syracuse University physicists explore biomimetic clocks

Researchers at Syracuse University have created biomimetic sacs that undergo spontaneous oscillations and tunable frequency, mimicking the behavior of living cells. The discovery has significant implications for the development of artificial cells and clocks.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalScience·DateSep 5, 2014

Banked blood grows stiffer with age, study finds

Researchers found that banked blood membranes become stiffer over time, decreasing the cells' functionality and ability to carry oxygen into tiny microcapillaries. This decrease in functionality can lead to major clinical problems, such as impaired oxygen transport in the brain.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 5, 2014

Research finds no association between wearing a bra and breast cancer

A population-based case-control study found no evidence that wearing a bra increases the risk of breast cancer among postmenopausal women. The study analyzed bra-wearing habits in relation to breast cancer risk using a rigorous epidemiological study design, providing reassurance to women about their bra-wearing habits.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateSep 5, 2014

It's the pits: Ancient peach stones offer clues to fruit's origins

A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that domesticated peaches can be traced back to the lower Yangtze River Valley in Southern China around 7,500 years ago. The researchers analyzed ancient peach stones and found significant growth in size over time, indicating intentional breeding and selection.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPublication Library and Information Science·DateSep 5, 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.

Glanville fritillary genome sequenced at the University of Helsinki

The Glanville fritillary genome, approximately 390 million base pairs long, has been fully sequenced at the University of Helsinki. The study confirms a key hypothesis about the ancestral lepidopteran species' chromosome count, revealing stability over 140 million years.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 5, 2014

New study reveals strong link between higher levels of pollution and lung health of European citizen

A new study confirms a strong link between air pollution and lung health in European adults, with people suffering from obesity particularly vulnerable. The findings emphasize the importance of educating about clean air and urge policymakers to update guidelines to meet WHO-recommended air quality standards.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateSep 5, 2014

Dietary recommendations may be tied to increased greenhouse gas emissions

Researchers found that adopting the USDA's 'Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010' would lead to a 12% increase in diet-related greenhouse gas emissions due to increased consumption of dairy products and seafood. In contrast, reducing daily caloric intake while shifting to a healthier diet would result in only a 1% decrease in emissions.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·DateSep 5, 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.

Stigma as a barrier to mental health care

The report highlights how stigma, including public and structural forms, prevents individuals from seeking mental health care. Effective approaches to addressing stigma, such as promoting personal stories of recovery and enhancing support systems, are identified.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science in the Public Interest·DateSep 5, 2014

Past sexual assault triples risk of future assault for college women

A new study from the University at Buffalo Research Institute on Addictions found that female college students who experienced severe sexual assault were three times more likely to experience severe sexual assault the following year. The researchers also discovered that women who have been victims may need to be followed for months to ...

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPsychology of Addictive Behaviors·DateSep 5, 2014

Caffeine therapy for apnea of prematurity does not have long-term harmful effects on sleep

A new study found that caffeine therapy for apnea of prematurity does not have long-term harmful effects on sleep or control of breathing in children. The study, which assessed 201 preterm children at ages 5-12, showed no evidence of long-term detrimental effects of caffeine treatment on sleep duration or sleep apnea during childhood.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 5, 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.

Study: Viral infection in nose can trigger middle ear infection

Researchers found that a flu virus can inflame nasal tissue and increase bacterial growth, leading to middle ear infections. The study suggests that the flu virus modifies the immune system's response to certain bacteria, enabling them to infect the middle ear.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalInfection and Immunity·DateSep 5, 2014