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Science News Archive September 2014 - Page 2


Page 2 of 34

Expect 6,000 more Australian deaths if pollution rises to 'safe' threshold

A study by Queensland University of Technology found that increasing pollution levels just below the current 'safe' standards would cause an estimated 6,000 extra deaths annually in Australia. The health statistician calls for thorough cost-benefit analyses to inform decision-making on new infrastructure projects.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health·DateSep 30, 2014

Genetic test would help 'cut bowel cancer spread'

A genetic test for Lynch Syndrome could help reduce the risk of bowel, womb, and ovarian cancers in families. The test would identify individuals who are at higher risk and provide them with risk-reducing measures such as more intensive surveillance to spot recurrences and new cancers early.

SourceCardiff University·JournalHealth Technology Assessment·DateSep 30, 2014

Entanglement made tangible

Researchers at EPFL propose a feasible experiment to show entanglement in the macroscopic realm, leveraging optomechanics and nanostructures. The experiment involves converting light into mechanical vibrations, which exhibit entangled behavior.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 30, 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.

US aims for traumatic brain injury clinical trial success

A public-private partnership aims to develop better-run clinical trials and identify effective measures of brain injury and recovery. The collaboration will analyze data from thousands of patients using biomarkers, imaging equipment, and software.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateSep 30, 2014

UMD receives inaugural BRAIN Initiative award

A UMD-led research team will investigate how large networks of neurons process sensory information, focusing on the auditory cortex. The goal is to identify key groups of neurons that change over time and develop new imaging technologies and data analysis techniques.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·DateSep 30, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Adolescent exposure to thc may cause immune systems to go up in smoke

New research suggests that early exposure to THC may cause long-term damage to the immune system, leading to increased risk of autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammatory conditions. Studies involving adolescent mice found that THC treatment resulted in severe alterations of immune responses in adulthood.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateSep 30, 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.

$18 million NSF investment aims to take flat materials to new heights

The National Science Foundation has awarded $18 million in grants to research nine teams of scientists working on 2-D atomic-layer research and engineering. These researchers aim to create new devices for photonics, electronics, sensors and energy harvesting by exploring the properties of two-dimensional materials.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateSep 30, 2014

BioMed Central to publish open-access journal in collaboration with the University of Michigan

BioMed Central partners with the University of Michigan to launch an open-access journal focused on clinical research surrounding diabetes and endocrine diseases. The new journal aims to promote better care for patients by sharing new knowledge, both research and clinical, on various aspects of endocrine disorders.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalClinical Diabetes and Endocrinology·DateSep 30, 2014

New discovery approach accelerates identification of potential cancer treatments

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new approach to discovering potential cancer treatments, replicating the native environment of cancer cells. They identified an antibody, 4C3, that stops breast cancer tumor growth in animal models and are investigating its potential as a treatment for human patients.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 30, 2014

Low social support linked to poor health in young heart attack survivors

Research reveals that young men and women who had a heart attack have poorer health and quality of life if they have limited social support, including friends, family, and emotional connections. This study provides new insights into the importance of social support for younger patients after a heart attack.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateSep 30, 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.

Developing countries should enroll medical and nursing students from rural areas

A new study suggests that targeted admission of medical and nursing students from rural areas could provide a solution to the current Ebola outbreak in western Africa. The study found that students from rural areas are more likely to want to pursue rural careers, making them ideal candidates for recruitment.

SourceBulletin of the World Health Organization·JournalBulletin of the World Health Organization·DateSep 30, 2014

Healthy lifestyle could prevent nearly half of all diabetic pregnancies

A recent study found that adhering to healthy lifestyle habits such as a healthy weight, regular physical activity, and not smoking can significantly reduce the risk of gestational diabetes. The study estimated that nearly half of all diabetic pregnancies could be prevented through these low-risk lifestyle factors.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateSep 30, 2014

A new dimension for integrated circuits: 3-D nanomagnetic logic

Researchers at Technical University of Munich have demonstrated a new kind of building block for digital integrated circuits using 3D arrangements of nanometer-scale magnets. The 'majority logic gate' can serve as a programmable switch in a digital circuit, with potential applications in ultralow-power and high-density computing.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNanotechnology·DateSep 30, 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.

The cultural side of science communication

A new Northwestern University study highlights the importance of considering cultural differences in science communication, finding that media often reflects cultural orientations and assumptions. The research reveals that Native Americans tend to see themselves as part of nature, while European-Americans view humans as apart from it.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 30, 2014

First mapping that reveals the molecular pathway for MDSC cancer progression

A team of researchers from InSilico Medicine has successfully mapped the molecular pathway for myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) cancer progression. The study identifies several proliferation and invasion-related pathways that are key to MDSC's immune-suppressive effects, opening up new avenues for therapy targeting these cells.

SourceInSilico Medicine·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateSep 30, 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.

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology: Genetic study casts further doubt that vitamin D prevents the development of type 2 diabetes

A large genetic study has found no evidence of a causal link between vitamin D levels and the development of type 2 diabetes. The study, conducted by scientists at the University of Cambridge, examined the genes that control blood levels of vitamin D and found no association with the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateSep 30, 2014

High-speed drug screen

Researchers use zebrafish and rodents to identify efficient RNA delivery vehicles, a major breakthrough in disease treatment development. The technology enables the rapid testing of hundreds of drug-delivery systems, overcoming a significant bottleneck in biotech research.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalIntegrative Biology·DateSep 30, 2014

Grouse moor burning causes widespread environmental changes

A study published in the University of Leeds has shown that heather burning on moorland has negative impacts on peat hydrology, river water chemistry, and ecology. The findings indicate a deeper water table, increased carbon release, and decreased diversity and population sizes of invertebrates in rivers draining from burned areas.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·DateSep 30, 2014

This week from AGU: Measuring Antarctic ice loss, Indian Ocean program, Oregon landslides

Researchers used fiber-optic cables to measure Antarctic ice loss in real-time, with potential implications for global sea levels. In another study, scientists explored the Indian Ocean's legacy and future research efforts. Meanwhile, Oregon landslides were found to be more susceptible to catastrophic failure during earthquakes.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 30, 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.

Rehospitalization in younger patients

A large cohort study found that younger patients (18-64) have higher readmission rates for heart failure than older adults, but lower rates for myocardial infarction and pneumonia. After adjusting for confounding factors, the study suggests a post-hospital syndrome in both age groups, with similar timing and reasons for readmission

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 30, 2014

New material steals oxygen from the air

Researchers have synthesized a material that can absorb large quantities of oxygen from the air and store it, potentially revolutionizing medical devices and artificial photosynthesis. The material, containing cobalt, can be used to bind, transport, and release oxygen in various scenarios.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalChemical Science·DateSep 30, 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.

Ultrafast remote switching of light emission

Scientists have created a method to switch on and off the spontaneous emission of light by quantum dots at will, with pulses as short as 200 picoseconds. This technique has potential applications in quantum information transmission and control.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 30, 2014

NASA's HS3 looks Hurricane Edouard in the eye

The HS3 mission provided a detailed view of the storm's winds, temperature, and pressure throughout its depth. The data revealed that Eduoard was still a strong Category 2 hurricane, possibly Category 3, as it weakened over cooler Atlantic waters.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 30, 2014

Pollution linked to lethal sea turtle tumors

A new study published in PeerJ found that pollution in urban and farm runoff in Hawaii causes tumors in endangered sea turtles. The researchers discovered that high levels of nitrogen in the runoff promote the formation of tumors on the animals' eyes, flippers, and internal organs.

SourceDuke University·JournalPeerJ·DateSep 30, 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.

How to make a 'perfect' solar absorber

The researchers created a two-dimensional metallic dielectric photonic crystal that absorbs virtually all wavelengths of light from the sun, but not much of the rest. The material can withstand extremely high temperatures and is made at large scales with cheaply manufactured technology.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 30, 2014

Blades of grass inspire advance in organic solar cells

A research team led by Alejandro Briseno has developed a new polymer architecture that mimics the structure of blades of grass to improve the efficiency of organic solar cells. The breakthrough solves a major problem with energy transfer and has widespread applications for solar cells, batteries, and transistors.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 30, 2014

Cancer therapy: Driving cancer cells to suicide

Researchers have identified a class of chemical compounds that make cancer cells more sensitive to chemotherapeutic drugs. The compounds, referred to as T8, specifically target the protein disulfide isomerase enzyme and induce programmed cell death in rapidly dividing cancer cells.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 30, 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.

Slim cigarette smokers not exposed to more harmful chemicals

A new study by British American Tobacco found that slim cigarette smokers experience lower exposure to toxic chemicals like carbon monoxide and acetaldehyde. The researchers attribute this reduction to the smaller size of slim cigarettes, making it harder for smokers to draw on.

SourceR&D at British American Tobacco·JournalRegulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology·DateSep 30, 2014

Expect 6,000 more Australian deaths if pollution rises to 'safe' threshold

A QUT expert warns Australian governments that increasing pollution to just below existing standards would cause thousands of additional deaths each year. The health statistician's analysis reveals the devastating impact of pollution on human life, highlighting the need for thorough cost-benefit analyses in environmental studies.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health·DateSep 30, 2014

New blood test determines whether you have or are likely to get cancer

Researchers developed a new blood test called the lymphocyte genome sensitivity (LGS) test, which can detect some cancers earlier than ever before. The test analyzes white blood cells exposed to UVA light and measures their DNA damage, allowing for early cancer detection and identifying those at risk of developing cancer.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateSep 30, 2014

Damaging legacy: Mothers who smoke affect the fertility of their sons

Research in mice suggests that maternal cigarette smoking can affect the fertility of male offspring, causing reduced sperm counts, poor sperm shape, and impaired fertility. The study's findings have implications for human health, particularly for men who were exposed to cigarette toxins in the womb.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateSep 30, 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.

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 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.

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
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.

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