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Science News Archive July 2015


Page 23 of 34

New drug combo could make cancer more sensitive to chemo

Researchers at Cancer Research UK have identified a protein called Bcl-xL that helps cancer cells survive chemotherapy. Combining drugs targeting Bcl-xL with taxanes showed increased killing of cancer cells in the lab. This combination could improve treatment for patients receiving taxanes and reduce side effects.

Lynchpin molecule for the spread of cancer found

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University discovered DNA-PKcs as a central regulator of metastatic processes in prostate cancer. The kinase modulates signaling networks that turn on metastatic processes, and its levels can predict poor outcomes in patients. A potential drug inhibitor, CC-115, is currently being tested in clinical trials.

Scientists gain new insights into 'antenna' of human cells

Researchers have identified a group of genes implicated in common inherited diseases, known as ciliopathies, which can be diagnosed more quickly and could lead to new treatments for patients. The study, published in Nature Cell Biology, found that defects in cilia, microscopic 'antennae' on cells, are responsible for the disorders.

Gene fuels age-related obesity and diabetes

A gene mutation called ankyrin-B has been found to cause cells to absorb glucose faster, leading to fat storage and type 2 diabetes. The mutations are common among certain populations, including African Americans and Caucasians, and may provide a genetic link to modern diet-related diseases.

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.

What happens when cosmic giants meet galactic dwarfs?

A study of over 20,000 merging galaxies found that when two galaxies collide, the larger one can stop the smaller one from forming new stars. However, when two galaxies of similar mass collide, they both increase their stellar birth rate.

Ultrasound accelerates skin healing -- especially for diabetics and the elderly

Researchers have discovered that low-intensity ultrasound can stimulate and accelerate wound healing in individuals with chronic wounds, particularly those with diabetes or age-related circulatory issues. This breakthrough has the potential to save the NHS £3.1 billion annually and improve treatment outcomes for over 200,000 patients.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

How clouds get their brightness

Ocean organisms produce aerosols that nearly double cloud droplet numbers in summer, boosting sunlight reflection. The study estimates the equivalent solar energy impact over the whole Southern Ocean.

Group Health and UW get $13 million to study aging and the brain

The Group Health-University of Washington Adult Changes in Thought (ACT) study has been awarded nearly $13 million to continue tracking the aging process, particularly in the brain. The study aims to identify risk factors for conditions like dementia and promote healthy aging through data-driven insights.

Worms hitch rides on slugs when traveling to far flung places

Researchers found that nematode worms commonly inhabit slugs, woodlice, and centipedes, using them as public transport to find new food sources. The worms survive inside slug intestines and are excreted alive, suggesting a potentially harmless but also possibly parasitic association.

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.

Tommy John surgeries increasing for youth athletes

Research found that 15-19 year-olds accounted for 56.7% of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction surgeries performed in the US between 2007-2011. This represents a notable increase in incidence, with an average annual growth rate of 4.2%.

Study finds donor funds fall short for key global health functions

A new analysis finds that only a fifth of global health aid went toward research on diseases disproportionately affecting the poor and outbreak preparedness. The study recommends increasing funding for these critical global health functions to address growing threats like drug-resistant tuberculosis.

Surgery a better treatment option for some hamstring injuries

A new study presents evidence that surgical treatment is more effective than non-surgical therapy for patients with certain types of hamstring injuries. Patients treated surgically showed significant improvements in lower extremity function, as well as a higher likelihood of returning to athletic activities without re-injury.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Older athletes able to return to sport after rotator cuff repair

Researchers found that 77% of older athletes (average age 73) who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair could return to their sport at similar intensity. The surgery effectively reduced pain and improved function, with patients over 70 showing significant improvement.

Spotting the elephant not in the room

Researchers developed a clustering-based image segmentation approach for accurate elephant recognition in infrared images, achieving a 95% recognition rate. The algorithm could serve as the basis for detecting and preventing wild elephants from crossing forest borders and entering villages.

Could hormone-related cancers start before birth?

Researcher Laura Vandenberg is studying the role of BPS, an estrogen-mimicking chemical found in plastics and food packaging, on breast cancer risk. Exposure to these chemicals in the womb may increase breast cancer risk decades later.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Ancestral diets determine vulnerability to type 2 diabetes

Research published in Cell Metabolism reveals that ancestral undernutrition can lead to obesity and metabolic disorders, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes. A study on rats found that descendants of undernourished ancestors were eight times more likely to develop diabetes when switched to a normal diet.

Neuroscience and technology come together to support people with disabilities

Researchers at the Centre for Genomic Regulation have developed Brain Polyphony, a device that produces sounds from brain signals, allowing people with cerebral palsy to communicate their emotions. The system uses real-time analysis of brain waves to translate into code words, providing an alternative communication method.

Men may feel more threatened by female bosses, research finds

Research published by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology finds that men may feel threatened by female supervisors, acting more assertively towards them. This could disrupt workplace dynamics, stifle team cohesiveness, and negatively affect team performance if not addressed.

Obesity drug has no effect on baby birthweights, study finds

A recent study published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology found that treating obese pregnant women with the diabetes drug metformin does not reduce their babies' birth weights. Despite this, the treatment did help lower blood sugar levels in mothers-to-be and markers linked to pre-eclampsia and premature births.

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.

Cutting cost and power consumption for big data

Researchers at MIT developed a new system that makes servers using flash memory as efficient as those using conventional RAM while preserving power and cost savings. The system uses preprocessed data on flash drives to improve distributed computation efficiency.

To avoid dangerous shark encounters, information trumps culling

Researchers found that the risk of white shark attack for individual ocean users in California has fallen strikingly by over 91 percent since 1950. Information on coastal population growth, seasonal and weekly beach going, surfing, scuba diving, and swimming empowers ocean users to avoid large predators.

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.

UB to study dangers of diver dehydration for US Navy

Researchers at the University at Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions will examine diver physiology during and after underwater activities. The study aims to develop Navy diving protocols to prolong endurance and make missions safer for divers.

The rhythm cells must go by

Researchers investigated daily fluctuations in human buccal mucosa cells over a year, revealing significant daily rhythms in eleven fatty acids. The study suggests that the cellular changes may be linked to environmental conditions and could have implications for human health.

Neutrons find 'missing' magnetism of plutonium

Researchers have confirmed plutonium's magnetism using neutron scattering, resolving a scientific mystery that had gone unsolved for seven decades. The discovery provides insight into plutonium's unique electronic properties and suggests new avenues for materials science applications.

Cell structure discovery advances understanding of cancer development

Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered a new cell structure called the mesh, which helps hold together cells and is partly made of protein TACC3 found to change in certain cancers. The finding provides crucial insight into why cancer cells develop incorrectly during division.

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.

Farming is driving force drying soil in Northern China

A 30-year study found Northern China's soil moisture decreased by 6% since 1983, with optimal levels now below 40%. The researchers attribute this decline to increased fertilizer use and crop types with high water demands, posing a risk to agriculture and the fresh water supply.

Cell machinery wears complex coat

Researchers at EMBL Heidelberg have produced detailed images of the COPI coat surrounding vesicles that transport molecules within cells. The intricate protein structure is composed of repeating building blocks called triads, which organize functional elements in a precise 3D structure.

Graphene-based film can be used for efficient cooling of electronics

Researchers developed a graphene-based film that efficiently cools electronics by increasing thermal conductivity to four times that of copper. The film can be attached to silicon components, overcoming previous adhesion issues, and has been tested with an additive creating stronger silane bonds, resulting in improved heat transfer.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

USC Stem Cell researchers poke around for blood genes

Researchers at USC's Stem Cell labs have discovered new genes affecting blood stem cell development and function. The study found that certain genetic regulators, such as Hopx, play a crucial role in the formation of red and white blood cells in adults.

Improved sperm diagnostic test may pinpoint best fertility treatment for couples

Researchers developed a diagnostic test for sperm RNA based on next-generation sequencing, which may help determine the best infertility treatment for couples having difficulty conceiving. The test can identify those who benefit from assisted reproductive technologies and those who may be successful with minimal intervention.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to help small 'green' businesses

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has been selected as one of five national laboratories to lead the Department of Energy's new Small Business Vouchers Pilot. The lab will provide technology assistance to small clean energy firms in three sectors: bioenergy, water power, and buildings.

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.

The role of the microbiota in preventing allergies

The study demonstrates how the microbiota acts on the balance of the immune system, specifically blocking type 2 immune responses that lead to allergic reactions. By stimulating type 3 cells, which coordinate phagocytosis and killing of microbes, the researchers provide an innovative therapeutic approach for allergy treatment.

Study identifies factors affecting prescription pain reliever misuse

A nationwide study found that individuals of any age who used illicit drugs had a higher likelihood of misusing prescription pain relievers. Adults aged 50 and above were more likely to acquire pain relievers through multiple doctors, while younger individuals relied on friends, relatives, or drug dealers.

Blood stem cells in a rush -- velocity determines quality

Accelerating the G1 phase transit of human blood stem cells significantly improves their function and promotes prolonged continuous production of mature blood cells. This study reveals a crucial regulator of hematopoietic stem cell function, which may contribute to functional defects in aged mice or elderly humans.

Scientists simulate the space environment during NASA's New Horizons flyby

Researchers created a simulation of Pluto's space environment to estimate solar wind densities and understand how they affect the dwarf planet's atmosphere. The models, which take into account coronal mass ejections and other factors, suggest that Pluto may experience low solar wind densities for about a month before being compressed.

NASA looks at Typhoon Chan-Hom's strongest winds on approach to China

Typhoon Chan-Hom was monitored by NASA using RapidScat, which detected the storm's strongest winds stretching from northwest to southeast at over 30 meters per second. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 100 knots and is expected to weaken as it approaches the Chinese mainland.

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.

NASA sees Typhoon Nangka leaving the Marianas

Typhoon Nangka weakened to typhoon status after reaching maximum sustained winds of 126.6 mph, with its strongest winds observed on the western side at over 67 mph. The storm is expected to move west-northwest while steadily weakening before re-strengthening.

New research allows doctors to image dangerous 'hardening' of the arteries

New imaging technique using radioactive sodium fluoride allows doctors to visualize unstable calcium deposits in arteries, enabling early diagnosis and development of new medicines. The technique non-invasively detects calcification in atherosclerosis, potentially revolutionizing treatment for patients at risk.

Risk of COPD may already occur in adolescence

A groundbreaking study reveals that COPD can develop without accelerated lung function decline. The research indicates two major trajectories of lung function leading to COPD: a fast decline trajectory and an alternative trajectory where suboptimal lung function development in childhood and adolescence is the primary determinant.

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.

Diet and exercise does not prevent gestational diabetes in obese women

A large-scale trial found that an intensive diet and exercise regime does not prevent gestational diabetes in obese pregnant women. However, the intervention led to reductions in pregnancy weight gain, lower glycaemic load, and higher activity levels, which were associated with healthier outcomes for mothers and children.

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.