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Science News for May 8, 2015


New method developed to assess cancer risk of pollutants

Researchers have developed a new method to assess cancer risk from certain common environmental pollutants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The study found that analyzing the genetic responses of skin cells exposed to these pollutants can predict their potential to cause cancer.

SourceOregon State University·JournalToxicological Sciences·DateMay 8, 2015

Moffitt researchers work to determine why some prostate cancer patients experience more hot flashes

A new study by Moffitt researchers found that younger men and those with a lower body mass index are more prone to experiencing hot flashes during androgen deprivation therapy. The study analyzed patient characteristics and DNA to identify genetic factors associated with an increased number of hot flashes.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateMay 8, 2015

Engineering bacteria to design vaccines

The EU-funded MycoSynVac project combines gene engineering and biotechnology to design a novel veterinary vaccine chassis based on Mycoplasma pneumoniae. This chassis will be used to create specific vaccines against two highly detrimental pathogens, as well as for cell therapy and infectious lung disease treatment.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·DateMay 8, 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.

Tropical Depression 07W expected to intensify to typhoon

Tropical Depression 07W is predicted to strengthen into a typhoon within the next five days as it moves eastward. The storm is currently located southeast of Micronesia and poses a threat to several islands, prompting tropical storm warnings and watches.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 8, 2015

Protein aggregates save cells during aging

A new study reveals that protein aggregates accumulate in the proteome of C. elegans as it ages, overwhelming the machinery of protein quality control and impairing cell function. However, long-lived worms deposit surplus proteins in insoluble aggregates enriched with molecular chaperones, which may help maintain healthy aging.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Biochemistry·JournalCell·DateMay 8, 2015

Post-traumatic stress disorder linked to accelerated aging

Research suggests that PTSD is associated with reduced telomere length, increased pro-inflammatory markers, and medical comorbidity, indicating potential for accelerated aging. This finding warrants a deeper look at the phenomenon and a more integrated medical-psychiatric approach to care.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateMay 8, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Chinhui Juhn named Visiting Scholar at Russell Sage Foundation

Chinhui Juhn, University of Houston economics professor and Women's Gender and Sexuality Studies Program director, will conduct research on fertility, workforce, and future policy. She is joined by co-principal investigator Elizabeth Gregory, author of book 'Ready', in this new book exploring work policy and fertility intersections.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateMay 8, 2015

River sediments, a dynamic reserve of pollutants

Research on River Deba sediment pollution reveals the impact of anthropogenic inputs and flooding events on metal distribution. The study found a clear increase in organic matter and metals between the headwater and mouth of the river, with highly polluted sediments reflecting upstream pollution.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateMay 8, 2015

Gynecologic oncologist earns prestigious research funding

A gynecologic oncologist has been awarded $2.7 million in research funding to study the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women undergoing surgery for endometrial cancer. The goal is to improve quality of life and reduce costs by combining two surgeries into one.

SourceCare New England·DateMay 8, 2015

New combination treatment strategy to 'checkmate' glioblastoma

Researchers developed a combinatorial approach to treating glioblastoma by combining three classes of anti-cancer drugs. The study found that a combination of EGFR inhibitor, PLK1 inhibitor and DNA-damaging agent effectively halted tumor growth in mouse models and human glioblastoma tissue.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateMay 8, 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.

Traces of flowers placed on a Palaeolithic tomb are found

Researchers have discovered traces of whole flowers placed on a Palaeolithic tomb in El Mirón cave, Spain. The finds suggest that the ancient humans may have used flowers for ritual or hygiene purposes.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateMay 8, 2015

Food and fuel: A model for bioenergy feedstock/vegetable double-cropping systems

Researchers explore using vegetable crops in bioenergy feedstock double-cropping systems, finding comparable yields and higher farm gate values than traditional pumpkin production. The study suggests potential for contributing to both food and fuel production goals.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalIndustrial Crops and Products·DateMay 8, 2015

Food industry achieved only baby steps to improve nutritional quality of foods advertised to kids

A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that the food industry's self-regulation program has achieved little improvement in the nutritional quality of foods advertised to children. Despite promises to promote healthier options, most advertised products still fall into the poorest nutritional category.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMay 8, 2015

GPM and Suomi-NPP fly above subtropical storm Ana

GPM and Suomi-NPP satellites observed subtropical storm Ana's development, with rainfall intensifying near the center as it moved towards the Southeast coastline. The storms transformation is under observation as ANA moves northwest, according to NHC.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 8, 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.

Enhanced dating site photos have mixed results for men and women

A study found that enhanced profile pictures of women increase their perceived attractiveness and trustworthiness for male viewers. However, the same effect does not apply to men, who find beautified profiles less trustworthy yet more attractive. This mixed result has implications for online dating and the risks associated with catfish...

SourceInternational Communication Association·DateMay 8, 2015

UM biologist advances cancer research with new data analysis techniques

Mark Grimes, a UM professor, used new data analysis techniques to study childhood cancer called neuroblastoma. He discovered functional compartmentalization of signaling proteins in cancer cells, which could lead to triggering cell death and improving therapeutic progress.

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMay 8, 2015

Danish discovery accelerates targeted cancer treatment

Researchers have discovered how to map more than one protein at a time when DNA is damaged, enabling the development of better and gentler cancer treatments. This new technique allows for a clearer picture of the reparatory process, facilitating the discovery of specific proteins involved in repairing damaged DNA.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalScience·DateMay 8, 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.

Will Mexico's aging population see cancer care as a priority?

A rapidly expanding elderly population is projected to face significant challenges accessing high-quality cancer care in Mexico due to diagnostic delays and financial burdens. The country's aging population is anticipated to experience a 75% rise in new cancer cases by 2030.

Sourceecancermedicalscience·Journalecancermedicalscience·DateMay 8, 2015

Object recognition for free

Researchers at MIT have created a system that can label visual scenes according to type and also detect particular objects. The system uses deep learning and achieved an accuracy of 50% in labeling scenes, outperforming human performance in some cases.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMay 8, 2015

'Make like a bat': Study finds high frequencies help us find objects using echoes

Researchers found that locating an object by listening to echoes requires good high-pitch hearing in both ears. The study's results suggest that individuals with high-frequency hearing loss or single-sided deafness would struggle to use this method, highlighting the need for bilateral hearing aids in some cases.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalHearing Research·DateMay 8, 2015

Moving to a depressed neighborhood linked to weight gain

A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that people who moved to more socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods gained additional weight. The study used data from over 3,000 Dallas County residents and found a significant association between moving to a higher-NDI neighborhood and increased weight gain.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMay 8, 2015

MIT engineers hand 'cognitive' control to underwater robots

MIT engineers have developed an autonomous mission-planning system that enables underwater robots to plan their own missions, execute, adapt, and re-plan them alone without human support. The system allows robots to make high-level decisions, prioritize tasks, and avoid collisions, freeing engineers to focus on overall strategy.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMay 8, 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.

AGA's Guide to Ground-Breaking GI Research at DDW® 2015

The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) highlights notable clinical practice data and basic science research presented at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2015. Notable abstracts include fecal microbiota transplantation donors, maximizing endoscopy utilization, and bile acid roles in obesity.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·DateMay 8, 2015

Chemistry student in sun harvest breakthrough

Chemistry student Anders Bo Skov has made a breakthrough in developing molecules capable of harnessing and storing substantial amounts of solar energy. His achievement doubles the energy density in a molecule that can hold its shape for a hundred years, offering potential for sustainable solar power.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateMay 8, 2015

Scientists at LSTM look at links between HAP and lung infections

A study by LSTM scientists found that household air pollution (HAP) can cause weaknesses in the immune function of the lung, leading to higher rates of pneumonia. Healthy volunteers exposed to HAP showed a weaker killing response from their macrophage cells.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology·DateMay 8, 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.

When do mothers need others?

Researchers found that early human families likely formed around cooperating groups of mothers and children, not just adult relatives. As mothers became more successful at producing children, they needed the cooperation of other adults to care for their dependents.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateMay 8, 2015

$2 million NSF grant supports research into emerging nanomaterials

The project aims to synthesize different atomically thin two-dimensional semiconducting layers, which possess novel properties. The team will investigate the electronic properties of transition metal dichalcogenides in various layer configurations, with potential applications in photovoltaics and photoelectronics.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·DateMay 8, 2015

New tool helps researchers, managers plan for sea scallop fishery in the future

A new computer model developed by NOAA and research institutions will help inform scallop management decisions. The integrated assessment model evaluates the impacts of ocean acidification on Atlantic sea scallops, predicting potential declines in harvest levels and landings over the next several decades.

SourceNOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 8, 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.

Carnegie Mellon researchers find more sex doesn't lead to increased happiness

Carnegie Mellon researchers found that having more sex did not increase happiness in couples, but rather led to a decrease in desire and enjoyment. The study suggests that couples may need to focus on creating an environment that sparks their desire for sex, rather than simply increasing frequency.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of Economic Behavior & Organization·DateMay 8, 2015

UH professor awarded fellowship to teach American history in China

Raúl A. Ramos, a UH associate professor of history, has been selected for the Organization of American Historians' 2015 China Residency to teach a one-week seminar on the American West in Beijing, China. This fellowship marks an opportunity for global academic collaboration and exchange between Chinese scholars and US faculty.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateMay 8, 2015

NuSTAR provides explosive evidence for supernova asymmetry

NuSTAR's observations confirm a highly asymmetric Supernova 1987A explosion, with X-ray emissions revealing explosive speeds of heavy elements. This study validates scientific assumptions about core collapse supernovae and challenges symmetrical explosion models.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateMay 8, 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.

New study analyzes 'thinspiration' images of women on social media sites

A recent study analyzed over 300 'thinspiration' images on Twitter and Pinterest, revealing that they often feature cropped body parts and promote extreme thinness. The research highlights the potential harm of such content on viewers, particularly young women who may feel pressure to achieve an unattainable ideal.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalBody Image·DateMay 8, 2015

Stan Yavno receives Arnold Berliner Award 2015

Stan Yavno's research on non-native pumpkinseed sunfish found high levels of morphological plasticity, facilitating their ecological adaptations in new areas. This finding is significant as it suggests that invasive species can outcompete native populations through phenotypic plasticity.

SourceSpringer·DateMay 8, 2015

Altering genes with the aid of light

University of Pittsburgh scientist Alexander Deiters has developed a new method for controlling gene editing using light, enabling more precise and controlled manipulation of genes. This approach may eliminate 'off-target effects' and enable genetic studies with unprecedented resolution.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 8, 2015