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Science News for February 24, 2015


Previously unknown effect of vitamin A identified

Researchers discovered that increased levels of retinoic acid reduce blood cell production, while lower levels increase it by 300%. This finding supports the need for pregnant women to limit their vitamin A intake. The study also contributes to the development of artificial blood stem cells for patients with blood disorders.

SourceLund University·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateFeb 24, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UC Davis leads new effort in functional annotation of animal genomes

The UC Davis project, part of the FAANG Initiative, focuses on functional genomics of chicken, cow, and pig genomes to better understand gene regulation and complex traits. This research aims to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability by identifying key genetic elements influencing animal development and behavior.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateFeb 24, 2015

Mapping lizard venom makes it possible to develop new drugs

Researchers at Aarhus University have made a comprehensive description of the proteins in gila lizard venom, which could lead to the development of new types of drugs. The study identified nineteen new proteins with potential pharmaceutical applications, including treatments for blood clots and pain relief.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Proteomics·DateFeb 24, 2015

Clarithromycin as an anti-cancer agent

A common antibiotic, clarithromycin, has shown potential as an anti-cancer agent when used in combination with other drugs. Low- and middle-income countries may play a key role in developing this treatment, which could lead to improved patient outcomes.

Sourceecancermedicalscience·Journalecancermedicalscience·DateFeb 24, 2015

New fossil timeline database opens for the tree of life

A new open-source database, Fossil Calibration Database, has been launched to help researchers accurately estimate the origins of all species. The database synthesizes data from the fossil record with molecular evidence, enabling 'molecular dating' studies.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateFeb 24, 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.

Ocean acidification slows algae growth in the Southern Ocean

A study by Alfred Wegener Institute finds that ocean acidification negatively impacts diatom growth in the Southern Ocean, particularly under changing light conditions. Diatoms' biomass production could be drastically reduced in future scenarios with more acidic water.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalNew Phytologist·DateFeb 24, 2015

Undergraduate OSC researcher heading to UK

Jonathan Timcheck, an Ohio State Honors student, has been awarded a Churchill Scholarship to study applied math at the University of Cambridge. He will leverage his experience with GPUs on OSC's Oakley Cluster to explore cutting-edge mathematical methods for analyzing large datasets.

SourceOhio Supercomputer Center·DateFeb 24, 2015

Novel pretreatment could cut biofuel costs by 30 percent or more

A new pretreatment process called Co-solvent Enhanced Lignocellulosic Fractionation (CELF) reduces the need for enzymes in biofuel production by up to 90%, cutting costs by 30% or more. This technology also extracts up to 90% of lignin from biomass, paving the way for additional high-value chemicals and fuels.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalChemSusChem·DateFeb 24, 2015
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.

Do genes play a role in peanut allergies? New study suggests yes

Researchers have identified a region in the human genome associated with peanut allergy in U.S. children, suggesting that genes may contribute to its development. The study also found evidence of epigenetic changes that may influence whether those with genetic susceptibility develop the allergy.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 24, 2015

It's tough to shift that weight, McMaster studies show

Recent studies by McMaster University researchers found that preventing weight gain is challenging for all ages, while keeping lost weight off is also tough. Small weight losses, however, can have a positive impact on health.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalCMAJ Open·DateFeb 24, 2015

Amelotin molecule plays a critical role in tooth enamel maturation

A study by Bernhard Ganss and colleagues found that amelotin is essential for enamel mineralization and maturation. Ammelotin-deficient mice exhibited weak incisor-edge enamel that fractured and chipped, with delayed enamel mineralization and retention of organic matrix.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateFeb 24, 2015

Optical nanoantennas set the stage for a NEMS lab-on-a-chip revolution

Researchers develop cubic nanoantennas made of insulating materials, overcoming heating and fabrication challenges, enabling applications in biomedicine, nanolasers, and photovoltaics. The antennas have the potential to measure food safety, identify pollutants, diagnose cancer, and transmit data with ultrafast processing.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateFeb 24, 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.

A new look at culture and its influence on individuals and organizations

Polyculturalism rejects traditional models of cultural understanding, instead viewing cultures as networks. It offers new ways to select and train employees for culturally diverse roles and provides insight into how cultures change through intercultural knowledge and relationships.

SourceColumbia Business School·JournalAnnual Review of Psychology·DateFeb 24, 2015

Climate-change clues from the turtles of tropical Wyoming

The discovery of a new turtle genus in Wyoming provides insight into how animals may respond to future climate change. Modern-day turtles may struggle to migrate northward due to habitat loss and human pressures, leading to some species' potential extinction.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateFeb 24, 2015
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.

NIH-funded researchers identify genetic region associated with peanut allergy

A genome-wide association study identified a genetic risk area on chromosome 6 linked to peanut allergy in US children of European descent. The study found two closely linked genes, HLA-DR and HLA-DQ, associated with epigenetic changes that may contribute to the development of peanut allergy.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 24, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Quick test for Ebola

A new test from MIT researchers uses a simple paper strip to rapidly diagnose Ebola and other viral hemorrhagic fevers, such as yellow fever and dengue fever. The device takes about 10 minutes to produce results, allowing for quicker triage and isolation of patients.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalLab on a Chip·DateFeb 24, 2015

World's protected natural areas receive 8 billion visits a year

The study reveals that nature-based tourism in protected areas is a significant economic driver, with an estimated annual value of $600 billion. This far surpasses the current spending on safeguarding these sites, which amounts to less than $10 billion annually.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 24, 2015

Even low-androgen triple-negative breast cancer responds to anti-androgen therapy

A new study published in Molecular Cancer Therapeutics shows that a low percentage of androgen-receptor-positive cells in triple-negative breast cancer cells can benefit from anti-androgen therapies. This finding may lead to a larger pool of patients eligible for targeted cancer therapy.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalMolecular Cancer Therapeutics·DateFeb 24, 2015

Primary care residents unlikely to detect hazardous alcohol use

A study of 210 primary care resident physicians found they rarely perform alcohol screening and brief intervention, despite its effectiveness in detecting and reducing unhealthy alcohol use. The researchers suggest that medical school curricula focus on binge drinking rather than chronic dependence.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateFeb 24, 2015

An evolutionary approach reveals new clues toward understanding the roots of schizophrenia

Researchers found that schizophrenia gene loci are linked to regions called human accelerated regions (HARs) in the genome, which control gene expression. These HAR-associated loci play a key role in regulating genes linked to schizophrenia, particularly those related to neurotransmitter GABA and brain development.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateFeb 24, 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.

International team of scientists launches fossil database

A new open-source resource, Fossil Calibration Database, provides carefully vetted fossil data to calibrate molecular clocks and reveal the ages of plant and animal groups. The database addresses the issue of improper use of fossil record data in 'divergence dating,' a field crucial for understanding biodiversity origins.

SourceBruce Museum·JournalPalaeontologia Electronica·DateFeb 24, 2015

Scientists find cancer weak spots for new targeted drugs

Researchers have identified potential targets for precision drugs that exploit cancer cells' inherent weaknesses in DNA repair systems. This discovery could lead to personalized medicine and potentially save thousands of cancer patients from chemotherapy's horrible side effects.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalNature Reviews Cancer·DateFeb 24, 2015
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.

Cyberbystanders: Most don't try to stop online bullies

In a study, 221 college students observed bullying in an online chat room and often judged the abuser indirectly by giving them bad marks or reviews later. Only 10% of students directly intervened, but many expressed regret at not doing so afterwards.

SourceOhio State University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateFeb 24, 2015

Researchers clarify vasospasm incidence in children with moderate to severe TBI

A study published in Critical Care Medicine defines the prevalence, associated factors, and time course of vasospasm in children with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury. The study found that children with higher Injury Severity Scores, fever at admission, and lower Glasgow Coma scores were at increased risk of developing vasospasm.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalCritical Care Medicine·DateFeb 24, 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.

Cross-cultural communication -- much more than just a linguistic stretch

A study by McGill researchers found that Mandarin-speakers are more likely to interpret emotions through tone of voice, whereas English-language speakers rely on facial expressions. This cultural difference is rooted in the limited eye contact and restrained facial expressions typical of East Asian cultures.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNeuropsychologia·DateFeb 24, 2015

Women twice as likely to see pot as risky

A 10-year decline in perception of marijuana risk is reported in a study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health. Women over 50, non-white individuals, and those with lower incomes are more likely to perceive cannabis use as risky.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateFeb 24, 2015

Polio vaccination with microneedle patches receives funding

Researchers are developing dissolvable microneedle patches that can provide protection against the poliovirus in humans. The patches, about an inch square, contain 100 vaccine-filled needles and can be applied by minimally-trained personnel, facilitating their use in remote areas.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateFeb 24, 2015

Asphaltene analysis takes a giant step

Asphaltene analysis takes a giant step with the development of an indirect method that detects and measures particles as small as 100 nanometers. This technique can accurately quantify asphaltene precipitation and account for water presence, offering valuable insights into preventing clogs in oil production lines.

SourceRice University·JournalEnergy & Fuels·DateFeb 24, 2015
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.

NASA Terra satellite spots new Tropical Cyclone 14S

Tropical Cyclone 14S formed on February 21 in the Southern Indian Ocean, slowly organizing and consolidating. The storm intensified to 35 knots with strong thunderstorms circling its center, forecasters predict it will intensify further over the next three days

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 24, 2015

Marine oil supplement has positive effects on post-exercise muscle damage

A study found that taking a pre-exercise supplement of omega-3 PCSO-524, derived from the New Zealand green-lipped mussel, has significant positive effects on post-exercise muscle damage. The subjects experienced less muscle soreness, pain, strength loss, fatigue, and inflammatory proteins in their bloodstreams.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition·DateFeb 24, 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.

Tumor location in colorectal cancer may influence survival

A recent study published in JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that tumor location in colorectal cancer may influence survival. Patients with left-sided primary tumors had better survival outcomes than those with right-sided tumors, suggesting potential differences in gene expression patterns and cancer biology.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 24, 2015

Patients with mental illness less likely to receive diet, exercise advice

A study found that nearly half of patients with mental illness and a third of those with diabetes were not advised on dietary changes or physical activity. Health care providers may be missing opportunities to counsel high-risk patients about lifestyle modifications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalThe Diabetes Educator·DateFeb 24, 2015

Study finds hormone therapy in transgender adults safe

A comprehensive review of hormone therapy in transgender adults has found no significant increase in cancer risk despite previous concerns. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical and Translational Endocrinology, provides reassurance for individuals requiring hormone treatments, reducing anxiety and increasing access to care.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical & Translational Endocrinology·DateFeb 24, 2015
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.

Younger women delay seeking help for heart attacks, study finds

A new study by Yale University found that younger women with heart disease symptoms often delay seeking medical care, citing fears of false alarms. The research highlights the need for education and improved response strategies to empower these women to recognize early symptoms and seek prompt care.

SourceYale University·DateFeb 24, 2015

Renewable energy obtained from wastewater

Researchers at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona have developed a technology to recover energy from wastewater using MEC, producing hydrogen with high efficiency and low voltage. The system demonstrated excellent results in hydrogen production and energy recovery, opening up potential for industrial-scale development.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalWater Research·DateFeb 24, 2015

Boy or girl? Lemur scents have the answer

Researchers found that pregnant lemur moms carrying boys produce simpler scents with fewer odor compounds compared to those carrying girls. The change in scent patterns correlates with changes in blood hormone levels. The study provides the first evidence of a pregnant mother's scent differing depending on the sex of her baby.

SourceDuke University·JournalBiology Letters·DateFeb 24, 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.

NASA adds up Tropical Cyclone Marcia's Queensland area rainfall

Tropical Cyclone Marcia caused significant flooding and damage in eastern Queensland with rainfall totals reaching up to 300-350mm. The merged precipitation analysis from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center indicates heaviest rainfall areas were off-shore from Lismore, Byron Bay, and Mackay.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 24, 2015

Stellate cells in the liver control regeneration and fibrosis

A new molecule, endosialin, on hepatic stellate cells drives liver fibrosis by activating these cells. However, its absence improved the regenerative capacity of remaining liver cells without proliferating them. This finding helps understand how liver fibrosis develops and may lead to treatments for other diseases.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateFeb 24, 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.

Easy on the eyes: How eyelash length keeps your eyes healthy

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology found that animals and humans have similar lash lengths, which control airflow around the eye. The ideal ratio is one-third the eye width, reducing dust and increasing moisture retention.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateFeb 24, 2015

Pew names 5 new marine conservation fellows for 2015

The Pew Charitable Trusts has named five distinguished scientists and conservationists from Canada, Australia, Russia, and the UK as 2015 recipients of the Pew fellowship in marine conservation. They will conduct research projects addressing key ocean conservation challenges including bycatch reduction and coral reef protection.

SourcePew Charitable Trusts, Ocean Science·DateFeb 24, 2015

Geysers have loops in their plumbing

A recent study by UC Berkeley professor Michael Manga found that geysers erupt periodically due to underground loops and side-chambers that trap steam bubbles. The study suggests that these underground features heat the water column above, eventually leading to sudden boiling and pressure release.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalJournal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research·DateFeb 24, 2015

Crocs rocked pre-Amazonian Peru

A new study has uncovered seven different species of crocodiles co-existing in the same place and time, filling gaps in understanding the Amazon's rich biodiversity. The research suggests that a peak in mollusk diversity was correlated with the rise of 'durophagous' crocodiles, which went extinct when the mega-wetlands transformed.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·DateFeb 24, 2015
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.

Communicating emotions

Researchers at McGill University found that visual cues are crucial in recognizing emotions conveyed by music, whereas speech relies on acoustic cues. In their study, participants identified emotions better with video and audio combined compared to just audio or speech alone.

SourceMcGill University·JournalQuarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology·DateFeb 24, 2015

NASA satellite reveals how much Saharan dust feeds Amazon's plants

A NASA satellite has quantified in three dimensions how much dust makes its trans-Atlantic journey from the Sahara to the Amazon rain forest. An estimated 22,000 tons of phosphorus-rich Saharan dust are carried across the ocean each year, equivalent to about the same amount lost from rain and flooding.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 24, 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.

Ultra-thin nanowires can trap electron 'twisters' that disrupt superconductors

Scientists at Johns Hopkins University have developed a method to control individual vortices in nanowires, trapping them and maintaining resistance-free current in superconductors. This breakthrough has the potential to enhance the performance of devices such as MRI scanners, particle accelerators, and future quantum computers.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 24, 2015

New, useful feature of Moringa seeds revealed

Researchers at Uppsala University discovered that Moringa seed protein can be used to separate different materials from water, a process important in mining industries. The study found that the optimal amount of seeds needed varies depending on the material, allowing for more efficient separation.

SourceUppsala University·JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science·DateFeb 24, 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.

Financial incentives show no overall effect on viral suppression: May influence control of HIV in some clinical settings

A new study by the HIV Prevention Trials Network found that financial incentives had no significant overall impact on achieving viral suppression among HIV-positive patients. However, specific clinical settings such as hospital-based clinics and those with lower patient engagement saw enhanced viral suppression rates. The study also sh...

SourceHIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN)·DateFeb 24, 2015

SOHO sees something new near the sun

A unique comet, not part of a known family, survives its trip to within 2.2 million miles of the sun's surface. This is one of the few instances where a comet has been observed and recorded by SOHO in recent years.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 24, 2015

Detecting defects at the nanoscale will profit solar panel production

Researchers at the University of Huddersfield have developed a new metrology system to detect tiny defects in thin films, crucial for printed electronics and solar panels. The NanoMend project aims to reduce cost and increase reliability of flexible PV cells, paving the way for wider adoption of renewable energy.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalInternational Journal of Energy Optimization and Engineering·DateFeb 24, 2015

Garlic extract could help cystic fibrosis patients fight infection

Researchers found that garlic extract's allicin component inhibits bacterial growth and kills certain plant pathogens, potentially offering a new treatment option for people with cystic fibrosis. The study suggests using allicin-containing remedies in combination with existing antibiotics to treat life-threatening lung infections.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 24, 2015

Why a latte is less likely to spill than a coffee

Princeton scientists discovered that foam significantly dampens liquid sloshing by absorbing energy through friction with container walls. The team's research has applications beyond breakfast beverages, including safer transport of hazardous liquids.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateFeb 24, 2015
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.

'Patchwork' ovarian cancer more deadly

A Cancer Research UK study found that serous ovarian cancers with diverse genetic profiles are more likely to become resistant to chemotherapy and recur. This variability affects the prognosis of patients with these tumors, leading to earlier deaths compared to those with less varied tumors.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 24, 2015

Key genes for symbiosis between mycorrhiza fungi and trees evolved several times

An international team analyzed 49 fungal genomes, revealing that key genome adaptation enabling symbiosis evolved independently in numerous lines of fungi. The study provides crucial information on how symbiosis between fungi and trees evolved, enabling scientists to improve prediction of reaction to environmental modifications.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 24, 2015

Unexpected outcomes for elderly couples who stop driving

A University of Missouri researcher found that even if one spouse stops driving, the other is less likely to work or volunteer. This decline in activity can occur even when the other partner can still drive. Planning for alternative transportation options is crucial to minimize negative consequences.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalResearch on Aging·DateFeb 24, 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.

New Florida Tech study links coral disease to a warming Atlantic

A new study from Florida Institute of Technology finds that ocean warming has played a significant role in the decline of iconic elkhorn and staghorn corals. The research suggests that curbing greenhouse gas emissions could support the recovery of these critical reef-building corals.

SourceFlorida Institute of Technology·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 24, 2015

Sea level spiked for 2 years along northeastern North America

A team of researchers found that sea levels rose by an average of four inches along the Northeast Coast from New York to Newfoundland, causing flooding independent of hurricanes or winter storms. The extreme increase was linked to changes in ocean circulation and the North Atlantic Oscillation.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 24, 2015