Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive February 2015


Page 2 of 31

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Undocumented Mexican immigrants' kids have higher risk of behavior problems

A recent study by Penn State researchers found that children of undocumented Mexican immigrants have a significantly higher risk of internalizing and externalizing behavior problems compared to their co-ethnic counterparts with documented or naturalized citizen mothers. The study used data from over 2,500 children ages three to 17 in L...

Cancer drug first tested in pet dogs begins human trials

A new cancer drug called PAC-1, which targets cancer cells by restoring an enzyme's activity, is now entering phase I clinical trials in humans. The drug was first tested in pet dogs with spontaneously occurring cancers and showed promising results.

Looking into the light

Jon Schuller, UCSB assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, is studying how light interacts with complex materials like plastics, which have unique optical properties. The research could lead to the development of new organic photonic devices with enhanced performance and low-cost semiconductors.

Skeleton of cells controls cell multiplication

Researchers at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia discovered that proteins controlling cellular rigidity can induce the activation of factors promoting tumor growth. The study found that changes in the cell's skeleton dynamics lead to rearrangements in filaments, resulting in faster cell proliferation and tissue overgrowth.

Patient perceptions of physician compassion measured

A study published in JAMA Oncology found that patients with advanced cancer perceived a higher level of compassion from physicians when presented with an optimistically framed message about future treatment options. The results suggest the need for extra support and care for delivering bad news while preserving hope.

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.

Urine test could lead to better treatment of bladder cancer

Researchers have identified two urinary biomarkers that can predict bladder cancer-specific survival and guide treatment. The study validated the biomarkers in over 400 clinical samples, showing they are independent predictors of cancer prognosis.

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.

Scaffold-free iPS cell-based hyaline cartilage for joint repair

Researchers have developed a scaffold-free method to generate hyaline cartilage from iPS cells, offering a promising alternative to traditional autologous chondrocyte transplantation. The new protocol avoids fibrous tissue formation and allows for the direct transplantation of chondrocytes with high purity.

A taxi ride to starch granules

The discovery of Protein Targeting to Starch (PTST) reveals the crucial role of a molecule in transporting Granular Bound Starch Synthase (GBSS) to starch granules, necessary for normal amylose synthesis. The research found that PTST is essential for GBSS stability and function.

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.

Better genes for better (more adaptable) beans

The study identified nearly 3,000 genetic markers that will help researchers investigate the genetic variation within and between different species. The new data will enable scientists to uncover why certain legume crops succeed where others fail.

Urine test predicts heart failure patients' risk of kidney injury

A urine test can predict the risk of kidney injury in heart failure patients, allowing clinicians to identify those at high risk and take preventive measures. The study found that urinary angiotensinogen levels can accurately predict acute kidney injury and patient rehospitalization or death within one year.

Economic models provide insights into global sustainability challenges

Using holistic frameworks to model many components of both human and natural systems can shed insights on how activities in one part of the world affect distant regions. Economic models, such as those provided by the Global Trade Analysis Project, help policymakers make informed decisions about sustainability.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Could squirmy livestock dent Africa's protein deficit?

Researchers Valerie Stull and Rachel Bergmans are introducing insect farming kits to sub-Saharan Africa, aiming to address the region's protein deficiency. The kits, developed in partnership with Tiny Farms, provide a sustainable and culturally appropriate way for rural women's cooperatives to produce mealworms as a source of protein.

The building blocks of the future defy logic

Researchers at University of Malta develop a mathematical model to explain the unusual behavior of auxetic materials, which grow wider when stretched. The model has potential applications in biomedicine, catalysis, and smart materials for healthcare and beyond.

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.

Why debunked autism treatment fads persist

Despite being discredited, interventions like Facilitated Communication remain widely used in the autism community due to emotional appeal and a desire for quick fixes. Experts emphasize the need for better education on effective treatments and caution against false hope.

Thinking of God makes people bigger risk-takers

Research suggests that people are willing to take risks because they believe God will protect them from negative outcomes. The study found that participants who were reminded of God were more likely to engage in nonmoral risky behaviors, such as skydiving, and perceived less danger in these activities.

Interaction of estrogen receptor and coactivators seen for first time

For the first time, researchers have visualized the molecular machine made up of the estrogen receptor, its coactivator SRC-3, another coactivator called p300, and DNA. This 3-D image revealed the spatial relationships among these molecules, suggesting how the receptor recruits the co-activators and activates genes.

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 screening concerns

Research reveals that adults in Ontario with IDD are nearly twice as likely not to be up-to-date on colorectal tests compared to their non-IDD counterparts. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to make cancer screening more equitable in this population, where chronic conditions like cancer increase with age.

Amphibian chytrid fungus reaches Madagascar

Researchers detect deadly chytrid fungus in Madagascar, threatening its unique amphibian population. The discovery highlights the global pandemic's impact on biodiversity and calls for continued monitoring and breeding programs.

Growth signal can influence cancer cells' vulnerability to drugs, study suggests

Researchers at Rockefeller University found that exposure to TGF-beta prompts changes in mouse tumor stem cells, making them more vulnerable to drugs. The study suggests that this environmental factor contributes to the unpredictable behavior of cancer cells and may lead to better treatment strategies for life-threatening cancers.

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.

Social circles

A new study by MIT researchers uses anonymized phone data to infer that around one-fifth of urban movement is strictly social, distinguishing it from work-oriented activity. The study's findings have implications for planners and policymakers seeking estimates of city movement.

Top-precision optical atomic clock starts ticking

The newly developed optical atomic clock boasts extraordinary precision, with an error of less than one second in tens of millions of years. The clock's stability is ensured by advanced physical mechanisms, allowing it to maintain accuracy over extended periods.

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.

Ultrasound lags behind MRI for supplemental breast cancer screening

The use of ultrasound for supplemental breast cancer screening is hindered by the lack of intensive training programs for physicians and interpreters. This limitation is attributed to MRI's restricted use due to pacemaker and claustrophobia concerns, making it an alternative option.

Blood samples as surrogates for tumor biopsies in patients with lung cancer

A study found that circulating free DNA (cfDNA) from blood samples of patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer can detect EGFR mutations, which are associated with expected patient outcomes. The presence of these mutations in cfDNA was linked to shorter overall survival and reduced disease progression-free survival.

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.

New research predicts when, how materials will act

A Florida State University researcher developed a theory to explain why certain materials behave, using quantum simulations and statistical methods. The study provides confidence levels in material predictions, enabling faster engineering design.

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.

'Blue-green algae' proliferating in lakes

A global study reveals a rapid increase in cyanobacteria levels in lakes over the past two centuries, with alarming acceleration since the mid-20th century. The research highlights the potential for toxic algal blooms to contaminate drinking water and pose serious health risks.

A mollusk of a different stripe

Researchers identified two optical structures in a mollusk's shell that reflect blue light, producing its bright stripes. The team believes this natural phenomenon could lead to the development of color-selective, controllable displays for windows and glasses.

New research signals big future for quantum radar

Researchers have developed a hybrid quantum radar system that uses microwave-optical entanglement to detect cancer cells and stealth aircraft. The device operates at lower energies than conventional systems, enabling long-term potential for non-invasive medical applications such as NMR scans.

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.

Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D may control brain serotonin

Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D can regulate brain serotonin production, influencing behavior and psychiatric disorders. Serotonin affects cognitive functions and behaviors, with low levels linked to conditions such as autism and ADHD.

Marshaling the body's own weapons against psoriasis

Scientists have identified Interleukin 4 (IL-4) as a promising treatment for psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune disease. By inhibiting specific immune cells, IL-4 reduces inflammation and improves skin conditions in patients.

Novel precision medicine tool could help personalize cancer treatments

A new laboratory test, called Dynamic BH3 Profiling, can predict which cancer treatment will be most effective against a particular type of cancer within less than 24 hours. The test measures how vigorously tumor cells respond to different cancer drugs and has been shown to consistently predict the best treatment in clinical trials.

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 cicada species discovered in Switzerland and Italy

Researchers at the University of Basel have discovered a new singing cicada species in Italy and southern Switzerland with a four-centimeter wingspan and high-pitched song. The 'Italian Mountain Cicada' has been identified through its distinctive song pattern, which includes slow phrases alternating with fast and rhythmic ones.