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Science News Archive April 2015 - Page 15


Page 15 of 36

Messenger RNA-associated protein drives multiple paths in T-cell development

A new study found that an increase in CELF2 expression drives widespread changes in mRNA splicing during T-cell development, leading to physiologically important changes in proteins. The research provides unprecedented insight into the regulation of splicing during thymic development and reveals a biologic role for CELF2 in human T cells.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2015

Childhood cancer survivors more likely to claim social security support as adults

A recent study from Huntsman Cancer Institute found that childhood cancer survivors are more than five times as likely to be enrolled in federal social security disability assistance programs compared to individuals without a cancer history. The study identified survivor socio-demographic and treatment characteristics associated with a...

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 21, 2015
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Ability to identify 'killer' bees a boon to the honeybee industry

A genetic test has been developed to identify 'killer' bees, allowing for the safe import of Varroa-resistant honeybees from countries where killer bees are present. This technology is crucial for preventing losses in Australia's $4-6 billion crop industry relying on honeybee pollination.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalMolecular Ecology Resources·DateApr 21, 2015

How to approach your boss about a treadmill desk

New research from Brigham Young University suggests treadmill desks can increase physical activity in the workplace without significantly impacting cognitive performance. The study found that walkers showed slight decreases in processing speed and attention, but retained their learning and performed well on non-cognitive tasks.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 21, 2015

Immune system protein regulates sensitivity to bitter taste

Research from Monell Center reveals that tumor necrosis factor (TNF) helps regulate sensitivity to bitter taste. In normal mice, TNF makes foods taste more bitter during illness due to increased sensitivity. This finding may explain the decreased food intake associated with infections and chronic inflammatory diseases.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·DateApr 21, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Sex matters ... even for liver cells

A study found that female liver cells are more susceptible to adverse effects of drugs than male counterparts, particularly postmenopausal women. The findings highlight the need for a sex-specific approach in toxicology and suggest that current theories cannot explain why women are generally more sensitive to drug toxicity.

SourceEuropean Commission Joint Research Centre·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 21, 2015

Cost-efficiency of plug-in hybrids calculated a thousand times faster

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a new method to calculate the cost-efficiency of plug-in hybrids, significantly reducing calculation time. The convex optimisation algorithm allows for rapid feedback and consideration of various parameters affecting the overall cost.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·DateApr 21, 2015

New tabletop detector 'sees' single electrons

Physicists at MIT have developed a new tabletop particle detector that can identify single electrons in radioactive gas. The detector uses a magnet to trap and detect the weak signals emitted by the electrons, which are then used to map their precise activity over several milliseconds.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 21, 2015
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.

Rafts on the cell membrane

Researchers used advanced techniques to study single molecules and protein interactions on the cell membrane. The findings revealed that lipid rafts, previously thought to move within the membrane, do not exist. Instead, proteins may be anchored at specific positions on the surface, influencing cellular processes.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 21, 2015
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.

Children at risk for type 1 diabetes show immune response when given oral insulin

Researchers found that children given daily doses of oral insulin developed a protective immune response to the disease, which could lead to the development of a vaccine against type 1 diabetes. The study showed increased immunity with higher doses of oral insulin, suggesting a potential treatment strategy.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJAMA·DateApr 21, 2015

Early child care experiences play role in kids' future

A Queensland University of Technology study found that centre-based child care and multiple care arrangements in early years improve children's academic competencies. However, high-dose child care may lead to negative impacts on social-emotional, academic, and health outcomes.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateApr 21, 2015
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.

Rates of opioid dispensing, overdose drop following market changes

The study found a 19% decrease in opioid dispensing and a 20% drop in overdose rates following the introduction of abuse-deterrent extended-release oxycodone hydrochloride. However, heroin overdose rates increased by 23%. The findings suggest that regulatory mandates or voluntary company actions can help stem prescription abuse.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 20, 2015
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.

Dartmouth-led black hole hunters tackle a cosmic conundrum

Researchers have found conclusive evidence of a black hole in Henize 2-10, a small, starburst galaxy. The team analyzed X-ray observations from four space telescopes over 13 years, confirming the presence of a supermassive black hole with a mass one million times that of the sun.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 20, 2015
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.

OSU innovation boosts Wi-Fi bandwidth tenfold

Researchers at Oregon State University have invented a technology that can increase WiFi bandwidth by 10 times, reducing congestion in crowded locations and homes with multiple devices. The system uses inexpensive components and integrates with existing WiFi systems, enabling faster data transfer rates up to 100 megabits per second.

SourceOregon State University·DateApr 20, 2015

Falsified medicines taint global supply

A new report from UC San Diego highlights the scope of the problem, finding that only 1,510 counterfeit incidents were reported between 2009 and 2011, despite an estimated 100,000-1 million deaths per year. The study calls for improved detection, data collection, and analysis to combat falsified medicines.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateApr 20, 2015
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.

Big butts aren't everything to male baboons

A study of wild baboons in southern Kenya reveals that the size of a female's swollen rump doesn't matter as much as previously thought. Females with bigger backsides don't necessarily make better mothers, and males actually prefer females with more postpartum cycles over larger derriers.

SourceDuke University·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateApr 20, 2015

Insects inspire next generation of hearing aids

Researchers at University of Strathclyde develop miniature directional microphone to tackle sound localization challenges in hearing aids. The new design aims to improve the quality of support for those affected by hearing loss.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·DateApr 20, 2015
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.

Cancer-inflammation 'vicious cycle' detailed in new study

Researchers have identified a new mechanism linking chronic inflammation to cancer progression, revealing the role of MUC1 and p65 in driving pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression. This discovery offers potential therapeutic targets for developing drugs that can interrupt the cancer-inflammation process.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·DateApr 20, 2015
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 'cingular' strategy for attack and defense

The study found that two specific brain regions, the posterior cingulate cortex and rostral anterior cingulate cortex, are activated when making defensive or offensive strategies. This suggests that intuition plays a key role in rapid strategic decisions, rather than deliberate reasoning.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 20, 2015
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.

DNA abnormalities found in children with chronic kidney disease

A study at Columbia University Medical Center found significant DNA anomalies in 31% of children with CKD, linked to neurocognitive disorders. Routine genetic screening could lead to personalized care and earlier detection of complications like diabetes and seizures.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 20, 2015

Obesity intervention program results in some improvement of kids' BMI

A recent study found that an obesity intervention program with computerized clinical decision support and health coaching resulted in significant improvements in body mass index (BMI) among children. The greatest improvements were seen in children whose families and pediatricians were most faithful to the program.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateApr 20, 2015
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.

Advances in molecular electronics: Lights on -- molecule on

Researchers at HZDR and University of Konstanz successfully switch on a single molecule using light, enabling the creation of smallest possible components. The diarylethene compound exhibits unique physical behavior, rotating minimally when open and becoming conductive when closed.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalAdvanced Science·DateApr 20, 2015

Throwing light on how to conduct a personalized pancreas cancer clinical trial

Researchers identify ways to improve recruitment and efficiency of IMPaCT trial, a personalized pancreas cancer clinical trial that used genomic sequencing to guide treatment. The trial showed promise despite initial challenges, including slow technology adoption and complex administrative processes.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateApr 20, 2015

Long non-coding RNA modulates colorectal cancer metabolism

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center found that CCAT2, a long non-coding RNA, regulates cancer metabolism in both human samples and animal models. This regulation appears to be linked to an increased risk of colon cancer, suggesting potential new targets for cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateApr 20, 2015

Drugs that activate brain stem cells may reverse multiple sclerosis

Researchers discovered two drugs, miconazole and clobetasol, that stimulate stem cells to repair white matter and reverse paralysis in multiple sclerosis. The study found that these compounds activate oligodendrocyte progenitor cells to increase myelination, potentially leading to new treatments for the disease.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature·DateApr 20, 2015
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.

A better grasp of primate grip

A new study by Yale University reveals that early human ancestors may have had precision grip capabilities comparable to modern humans. The research team created a kinematic model of the thumb and index finger of living primates and fossil remains, finding that even ancient species like Australopithecus afarensis had impressive dexterity.

SourceYale University·JournalInterface·DateApr 20, 2015

Quantum model reveals surface structure of water

A new quantum model has been used to determine the molecular structure of water's liquid surface, revealing the intrinsic asymmetry of hydrogen bonds and their role in the surface's molecular orientation. The results accurately capture the properties of liquid water and offer a promising platform for molecular exploration.

SourceNational Physical Laboratory·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateApr 20, 2015

Telling the time by color

Research reveals color has a major impact on how our body clock measures time of day, outperforming brightness as a reliable method. The study found that changes in light color between blue and yellow are more sensitive to the body clock than changes in brightness.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 20, 2015
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Darwin, Wallace, and the overlooked third man

A new paper by Dr Michael Weale from King's College London argues that Patrick Matthew deserves recognition alongside Darwin and Wallace as an originator of evolution by natural selection. Matthew's work, published in 1831, captures a valuable aspect of the theory that wasn't clear in Darwin's version.

SourceKing's College London·JournalBiological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateApr 20, 2015

Pancreatic cancer loses viral defenses when talking with supporting cells

Researchers have discovered a way to make pancreatic cancer cells more susceptible to oncolytic viruses by exploiting the communication between cancer cells and supportive cells, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts. This weakness can be exploited to improve treatment outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer.

SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalNature Medicine·DateApr 20, 2015