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Science News for June 19, 2015


MARCO applauds fishery council move to protect deep sea corals

The Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO) supports the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's approval of an amendment protecting deep sea corals. The areas proposed for designation encompass over 38,000 square miles and will safeguard these ecosystems' long-term health.

SourceMid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean·DateJun 19, 2015

Highly educated women stop smoking if the cost goes up

A study published in Addictive Behaviors found that cigarette prices and pictorial labels are effective in reducing smoking rates among women. Highly educated women were more responsive to price increases, while less educated women were more influenced by pictorial labels.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalAddictive Behaviors·DateJun 19, 2015

Carrying a table together with a robot

Researchers aim to teach robots to understand forces during object movement and react to changes, enabling human-robot collaboration. The goal is to develop robots that can work together with humans on tasks like lifting objects, such as tables.

SourceBielefeld University·DateJun 19, 2015

First solar cell made of highly ordered molecular frameworks

Researchers at KIT have created a novel solar cell using metal-organic framework compounds, demonstrating high efficiency in producing charge carriers and mobility. The material's photophysical properties are attributed to the formation of indirect band gaps, playing a crucial role in photovoltaics.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 19, 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.

Thick cortex could be key in Down syndrome

New brain-imaging research has found that the cortex is thicker on average in youth with Down Syndrome than in typically developing youth, despite lower overall cortical volume. This finding may provide new insights into early onset Alzheimer's disease susceptibility in individuals with Down Syndrome.

SourceDrexel University·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateJun 19, 2015

How to wipe out polio and prevent its reemergence

A new study using disease-transmission models shows that silent transmission of poliovirus could continue for more than three years with no reported cases. To ensure eradication, aggressive surveillance and vaccination campaigns must continue in endemic countries after the last reported case.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 19, 2015

Study links heartbeat to female libido

Researchers found that women with below-average heart rate variability were more likely to experience difficulties with sexual arousal, highlighting the link between physiological and psychological factors in female sexuality. The study's findings could lead to the development of new treatments for female sexual dysfunction.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalApplied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback·DateJun 19, 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.

NNI publishes workshop report and launches web portal on nanosensors

The National Nanotechnology Coordination Office (NNCO) has published a workshop report and launched a web portal on nanosensors, addressing challenges in sensor development and commercialization. The NSI Sensors web portal provides information on funding agencies, facilities, regulatory guidance, and standards.

SourceNational Nanotechnology Coordination Office·DateJun 19, 2015

Study shows global warming is unlikely to reduce winter deaths

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found no evidence that warmer winters lead to reduced winter mortality rates. Instead, other seasonal factors such as lack of exercise and respiratory infections may drive winter excess mortality.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 19, 2015

Autism: The value of an integrated approach to diagnosis

A study combining clinical assessment, genomic analysis, and electroencephalography identified specific gene combinations in autistic patients that distinguished them from those with intellectual disabilities. This integrated approach provides new prospects for diagnosis and understanding of autism's physiological mechanisms.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJun 19, 2015

INFORMS journal study: Brands, patents can protect firms from bankruptcy

A new INFORMS journal study reveals that strong advertising and Research and Development can help protect firms from bankruptcy during unstable market conditions. The study found that brands are more effective at protecting firms when the market is stable, while patents are more effective in turbulent markets.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·DateJun 19, 2015

Tuberculosis bacteria hide in the low oxygen niches of bone marrow stem cells

A new study reveals that Mycobacterium tuberculosis hijack protective hypoxic zones in bone marrow stem cells to hide and survive. The research found that these stem cells exhibit strong binding to pimonidazole, indicating hypoxia localization, and express a key gene involved in regulating oxygen levels.

SourceForsyth Institute·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJun 19, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Taking control of cancer -- from your mobile phone

A consortium of healthcare professionals, game developers, and oncology educators is developing intelligent 'games' to help cancer patients manage their illness through mobile phones. The iManageCancer project aims to provide psychological benefits, greater wellbeing, quality of life, and social support for young cancer patients.

Sourceecancermedicalscience·Journalecancermedicalscience·DateJun 19, 2015

PrEP is not linked to greater risk for depression

A randomized trial of daily oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in men and transgender women who have sex with men found no link between Truvada use and depression. Half of participants reported clinically significant depression, highlighting the need for further research on PrEP's impact during vulnerable times.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalAIDS and Behavior·DateJun 19, 2015

Patients give high marks to prepping for surgery online

A new study found that a web-based tutorial can increase patients' understanding of knee surgery and enhance their experience. Patients who completed the tutorial reported higher levels of knowledge, satisfaction, and an improved surgical experience.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateJun 19, 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.

Professor Andreas Peter Ruediger made an honorary Fellow of the MUAS

Professor Andreas Peter Ruediger, a leading expert in nanophotonics and nanoelectronics, has been awarded an honorary Fellowship of the Munich University of Applied Sciences (MUAS). He will collaborate with the university on a research project exploring multifunctional materials for new applications in nanotechnology.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·DateJun 19, 2015

Supercomputers surprisingly link DNA crosses to cancer

Researchers at UT Austin found a surprising link between cross-shaped DNA structures and human cancer, with small cruciforms enabling mutations that increase cancer risk. High-performance computing helped identify hotspots of genetic instability in cancer genomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 19, 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.

Could we one day control the path of lightning?

Researchers at INRS have successfully guided electric discharges using lasers, achieving smooth paths along straight or parabolic trajectories. The study's findings hold significant potential for various applications, including combustion engines and pollution control.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 19, 2015

ACE pilot study takes cancer rehab to the community

The Alberta Cancer Exercise (ACE) pilot study explores a community-based approach to support cancer survivors in regaining their strength and energy levels. Participants receive either standard care or supervised group exercise training, showing promising results for improved physical fitness and mental well-being.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·DateJun 19, 2015

Discovery promises new treatments to thwart colon cancer

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have found a way to prevent or slow progression of colorectal cancer by boosting the activity of a protective gene called AIM2 and giving patients healthy donor bacteria.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalCell·DateJun 19, 2015

TGen study identifies first genetic mutation associated with Aicardi syndrome

A genetic mutation in the TEAD1 gene has been identified as the first associated with Aicardi syndrome, a debilitating childhood neurological condition. The study found that children with this disorder experience severe symptoms, including seizures, retina damage, and brain abnormalities, and that boys may also be affected.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateJun 19, 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.

The successful ovulation of 100 eggs from 1 female mouse

Researchers developed an ultra-superovulation method to increase the number of eggs obtained from genetically modified mice, reducing the need for multiple females and improving efficiency in IVF and embryo transfers. The breakthrough could lead to a significant reduction in the number of experimental animals used in research.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 19, 2015

NASA sees Tropical Depression Bill tracking through US

NASA's Aqua satellite captured a visible image of Tropical Depression Bill's remnants over the central United States on June 18. The storm is expected to bring significant rainfall and flash flooding to the eastern two-thirds of the US, including sections of Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Louisiana, and Texas.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 19, 2015

Access to electricity is linked to reduced sleep

Research comparing traditional hunter-gatherer communities with and without access to electricity reveals that those with electricity sleep an average of one hour less per night than those without. The study suggests that artificial light disrupts humans' natural circadian clock and sleep-wake cycle, leading to shorter nights.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Biological Rhythms·DateJun 19, 2015
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.

BUSM researcher receives $1.6 million NIH grant for pneumonia research

A Boston University School of Medicine researcher has been awarded a four-year, $1.6 million NIH grant to investigate how immunity to pneumonia develops and protects certain individuals. The study aims to understand the role of resident memory T cells in preventing pneumonia and identify who is most likely to get the disease.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateJun 19, 2015

Scientists identify amino acid that stops seizures in mice

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine identified a potent seizure inhibitor in mice using D-leucine, an amino acid found in many foods and certain bacteria. The amino acid interrupts prolonged seizures effectively without sedative side effects, paving the way for new treatments for drug-resistant epilepsy.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·DateJun 19, 2015

Lake fire in California burns over 11,000 acres

A California lake fire has burned over 11,000 acres in the San Bernardino National Forest, with 150 structures threatened. The fire's proximity to hiking trails and high-pressure weather conditions are hindering containment efforts.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 19, 2015

How to wipe out polio and prevent its re-emergence

A new study by University of Michigan graduate research fellow Micaela Martinez-Bakker reveals that silent transmission of poliovirus could continue for more than three years with no reported cases. To ensure eradication, aggressive surveillance programs and vaccination campaigns must continue in endemic countries.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 19, 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.

Engineer develops real-time listeria biosensor prototype

Engineers have created a prototype for real-time listeria bacterial contamination detection, aiming to detect levels as low as one bacteria in a 25-gram sample. The device utilizes nanobrushes that select and capture specific bacteria, mimicking the mechanism used by the Hawaiian bobtail squid's cilia.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·DateJun 19, 2015

Culturing the connectome

Researchers at OIST developed a method to recreate connections between neurons from two different brain areas in a dish, allowing for the study of brain function and potential treatments for neurological disorders. The breakthrough used neurons from embryos of mice and created a working corticostriatal network.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalFrontiers in Systems Neuroscience·DateJun 19, 2015

Children with good memories are better liars, research shows

Research found that children with strong verbal working memory skills can more effectively cover up lies, while those with weaker verbal memory struggle. This link suggests that verbal working memory plays a crucial role in lying.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·DateJun 19, 2015

Olfactory cells transplanted to treat spinal cord injury

Researchers found modest improvements in patients with spinal cord injury treated with olfactory mucosa transplants, showing 'promising and safe' results. The study demonstrated benefits in ASIA sensory scores, bladder compliance, sensation, and daily life activities.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateJun 19, 2015

EMBL scientists solve decades-old cell biology puzzle

Researchers at EMBL Heidelberg solved a decades-old cell biology puzzle by clarifying the behavior of clathrin proteins, crucial for endocytosis. The team used new imaging techniques to demonstrate that the surface area of the clathrin coat remains constant during endocytosis, only changing its curvature as it draws the cell membrane i...

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalScience·DateJun 19, 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.

Stanford researcher declares that the sixth mass extinction is here

A new study confirms that humans are causing a rapid pace of species loss, with extinction rates up to 100 times faster than normal, threatening ecosystem services and human survival. The researchers warn that inaction will lead to irreversible damage, but call for urgent conservation efforts to avoid a sixth mass extinction event.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 19, 2015

New biomarker identified in women with mental illness

Researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have identified a biological marker for mental illness in female patients. The study found that specific genes, including XIST, are over-produced in women with mental illnesses like bipolar disorder, major depression, and schizophrenia.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalEBioMedicine·DateJun 19, 2015

Seniors don't bounce back fast from car crashes

A study found that over half of seniors injured in motor vehicle crashes were still taking pain medication six months later. The results highlighted the need for effective management of acute pain in older adults to prevent negative consequences on function and quality of life.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateJun 19, 2015