Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive February 2015 - Page 2


Page 2 of 31

TSRI team shows how rare antibody targets Ebola and Marburg virus

A Scripps Research Institute team has discovered an antibody that can target both Marburg and Ebola viruses, paving the way for new treatment options. The antibody works by binding to a vulnerable site on the virus's surface, preventing it from entering human cells.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalCell·DateFeb 26, 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.

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...

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateFeb 26, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateFeb 26, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateFeb 26, 2015

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.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 26, 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.

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateFeb 26, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateFeb 26, 2015

Children of undocumented Mexican immigrants have heightened risk of behavior problems

A new study reveals that children of undocumented Mexican immigrants are more likely to experience internalizing and externalizing behavior problems, such as sadness and aggressiveness. The researchers rule out explanations based on socioeconomic status or maternal mental health, highlighting the need for culturally-sensitive services.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateFeb 26, 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.

Malaria transmission linked to mosquitoes' sexual biology

Researchers found that male mosquitoes' reproductive traits evolved with their capacity to transmit malaria, leading to new targets for control. The study reveals key factors driving mosquito ability to spread the Plasmodium parasite.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalScience·DateFeb 26, 2015

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.

SourceCenter for iPS Cell Research and Application - Kyoto University·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateFeb 26, 2015

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.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 26, 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.

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.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateFeb 26, 2015

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.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 26, 2015

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.

SourcePurdue University·JournalScience·DateFeb 26, 2015

Moffitt researchers identify protein pathway involved in brain tumor stem cell growth

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have identified a key protein signaling pathway involved in the growth and survival of brain tumor stem cells. The neurotrophin pathway controls nerve growth, survival and specialization, and inhibiting TrkB and TrkC receptors can decrease stem cell survival.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 26, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateFeb 26, 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.

Online education tool helps bridge gaps in therapeutic decision-making for advanced NSCLC

An interactive online education tool has been developed to help practicing oncologists with therapeutic decision-making for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by providing feedback from an expert panel. The tool integrates clinical, histological, and molecular features into treatment plans, leading to a change in treatment cho...

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateFeb 26, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Malta·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 26, 2015

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.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalEvidence-Based Communication Assessment and Intervention·DateFeb 26, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 26, 2015

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.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 26, 2015

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.

SourceQueen's University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 26, 2015

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.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 26, 2015
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.

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.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCell·DateFeb 26, 2015

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalInterface·DateFeb 26, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·DateFeb 26, 2015

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.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateFeb 26, 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.

Better insurance access leads to more hip, knee replacements among minorities

Researchers found that expansion of insurance coverage in Massachusetts increased elective knee and hip replacement procedures by 4.7 percent, with greater increases among black and Hispanic patients. The study suggests improved access to healthcare for racial/ethnic minorities, leading to better health outcomes.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateFeb 26, 2015

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateFeb 26, 2015
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.

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.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalSmart Materials and Structures·DateFeb 26, 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.

'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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalEcology Letters·DateFeb 26, 2015

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 26, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 26, 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.

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.

SourceChildren's Hospital & Research Center Oakland·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateFeb 26, 2015

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.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 26, 2015

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.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalCell·DateFeb 26, 2015

Studies find emergency doctors and paramedics commonly misinterpret documents for end-of-life care choices, reports Journal of Patient Safety

Studies found significant confusion among emergency physicians and prehospital care providers in interpreting POLST orders. Only when specifying CPR and full treatment did consensus rates reach 95%. The studies call for continued research, standards, and education to ensure patient autonomy and appropriate care.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Patient Safety·DateFeb 26, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateFeb 26, 2015