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Science News for September 18, 2015


Maternal protein deficiency during pregnancy 'memorized' by fetal muscle cells

A study found that inadequate protein intake during pregnancy activates a genetic pathway leading to muscle atrophy and autophagy in the fetus. This can result in low birth weight and stunted growth in male offspring, increasing the risk of chronic health problems such as cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalBritish Journal Of Nutrition·DateSep 18, 2015

A new understanding of dengue virus

Researchers mapped antigenic differences in dengue virus strains, finding overlap among previously thought distinct groups. The findings suggest a continuum rather than separate groups, making vaccine development harder.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalScience·DateSep 18, 2015

'Living fossil' genome decoded

Scientists from OIST and Nagoya University have decoded the first lingulid brachiopod genome, showing that despite being referred to as 'living fossils', these animals are actively evolving. The study highlights significant changes in genomic structure and gene families, contradicting the idea of a genuine living fossil.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 18, 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.

Unexpected role for the IKK complex in protecting cells from death

The IKK complex plays an unexpected role in protecting cells from death by inactivating RIPK1. This discovery reveals a new mechanism of action for the IKK complex beyond its well-known NF-kB-dependent functions, providing potential therapeutic targets for inflammatory conditions.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalMolecular Cell·DateSep 18, 2015

Captain Trevor Greene partners with SFU to walk again

Trevor Greene, a former Canadian soldier who survived a debilitating brain injury in Afghanistan, has recovered his ability to walk again with the help of a customized exoskeleton. Dr. Ryan D'Arcy's research team discovered that physical functions can be recovered through rehabilitation even six years after an injury.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalJournal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation·DateSep 18, 2015

Study highlights possible knowledge gap over effects of some diabetes drugs

A new study reveals that GLP-1 agonists may activate glucagon receptors, potentially promoting high blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes. The researchers emphasize the need for a more comprehensive understanding of how these drugs interact with receptors in different parts of the body.

SourceSt. John's College, University of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 18, 2015

Repairing the brain

Research led by Duke-NUS scientists has linked abnormal behavior of BDNF and DTNBP1 genes to the underlying cause of schizophrenia. By understanding how these genes interact, researchers have identified potential treatments that could rescue signalling balance in the brain, offering new hope for schizophrenia patients.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateSep 18, 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.

Western University hopes to use artificial intelligence to improve breast cancer patient outcomes

Western University researchers have developed an artificial intelligence-powered tool that can predict a patient's response to paclitaxel and gemcitabine chemotherapy medications. The tool uses genetic analysis of tumours to identify the genetic signatures most important for determining resistance and remission for each medication. Wit...

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalMolecular Oncology·DateSep 18, 2015

Southern Ocean: Reconstructing environmental conditions over the past 30,000 years

Researchers reconstruct environmental conditions in the Southern Ocean over the past 30,000 years, showing that seasonal sea-ice zones had significant influences on ecosystems and carbon cycling. The study reveals that nutrient-rich waters allowed phytoplankton to store CO2, contributing to global cooling during ice ages.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 18, 2015

TSRI study identifies novel role of mitochondria in immune function

A recent study by TSRI researchers has uncovered a novel pathway between the cell's powerhouses (mitochondria) and the immune system. RIPK3, an enzyme involved in cell death, relays signals between mitochondria and NKT cells, regulating both cancer and inflammatory responses.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 18, 2015

Beetroot juice improves sprinting and decision-making during exercise

Researchers at the University of Exeter found that high nitrate beetroot juice improved both sprint performance and decision-making during prolonged intermittent exercise. The study showed a 3.5% increase in sprint performance and a 3% improvement in decision speed for athletes consuming the nitrate-rich version.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEuropean Journal of Applied Physiology·DateSep 18, 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.

A new analysis and approach to watershed management

Researchers at UMass Amherst propose a multivariate simulation approach to assess climate-land use effects on watersheds. The study recommends increased green infrastructure and best management practices to enhance watershed resilience.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateSep 18, 2015

AFL, NRL, and cricket promoting alcohol to children

New research from Monash University finds that Australian children and adolescents receive millions of exposures to alcohol advertising during daytime TV viewing of AFL, NRL, and Cricket. The study suggests removing a clause allowing alcohol advertising during daytime in sport could halve children's exposure.

SourceMonash University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Review·DateSep 18, 2015

58,046 fruit flies shed light on 100-year old evolutionary question

Researchers found that artificial breeding created extreme wing shape and size relationships in fruit flies, but natural selection corrected these changes within just 15 generations. This study suggests that evolution is constrained by fundamental biological processes, such as developmental links between traits.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2015

Imaging method has potential to stratify head and neck cancer patients

Researchers have identified a potential new way to predict which patients with head and neck cancer may benefit most from chemotherapy. The use of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI scans has shown that tumour blood flow can predict response to treatment, with patients having high blood flow more likely to respond.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalOral Oncology·DateSep 18, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Satellite shows Tropical Depression 9 weakening

Tropical Depression 9 is battling strong vertical wind shear and dry air, leading to its weakening. The depression is expected to degenerate into a remnant low pressure area in 24 hours or less due to persistent environmental conditions.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 18, 2015

Identifying typical patterns in the progression towards Alzheimer's disease

A recent study by Dr. Sylvie Belleville and her team has identified typical patterns of brain progression towards Alzheimer's disease, revealing a complex path characterized by periods of stability followed by accelerated decline. The study suggests that rapid memory decline is a key indicator of risk, allowing for earlier treatment.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·DateSep 18, 2015

Discovery of a triple barrier that prevents cells from becoming cancerous

UAB researchers discovered a triple mechanism that stops chromosome separation in response to DNA injuries, preventing cancerous transformation. The three control pathways, mediated by genes Wee1, Pds1/securina and Rad53/Chk2, must be eliminated simultaneously for damaged chromosomes to be segregated.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateSep 18, 2015

The structural memory of water persists on a picosecond timescale

Scientists have found that local structures in liquid water persist for longer than a picosecond, contradicting the general perception of water as a solvent. This discovery was made using ultrafast vibrational spectroscopies and has significant implications for understanding chemical and biological reactions on Earth.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Polymer Research·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 18, 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.

In-hospital nocturnal dialysis may be good for the heart

A new study suggests that in-hospital nocturnal dialysis may be beneficial for patients' hearts as well as their kidneys. The procedure was found to reduce left ventricular mass by a significant margin after one year, which is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure, heart attack, and stroke.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·DateSep 18, 2015

'Tree of life' for 2.3 million species released

The 'Tree of Life' for 2.3 million species has been released, depicting relationships among living things over time. The collaborative effort combines smaller trees from various sources, with the goal of creating a comprehensive and editable online resource.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2015

One size doesn't fit all

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that patients with metastatic cancer are at high risk of venous thromboembolism after surgery, and a personalized approach to anticoagulation therapy is needed. The study suggests that the primary type of cancer may play a role in determining the risk for blood clots.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateSep 18, 2015

Harvesting clues to GMO dilemmas from China's soybean fields

Researchers at Michigan State University found that Chinese farmers are adapting to shrinking domestic soybean fields by planting more profitable crops like corn, but this shift has environmental implications. Meanwhile, pockets of resilience in soybean cultivation suggest potential solutions for China's burgeoning food demand.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 18, 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.

Teens with bulimia recover faster when parents are included in treatment

Involving parents in the treatment of adolescents with bulimia nervosa is more effective than treating the patient individually. Family-based therapy achieved higher abstinence rates from bingeing and purging compared to cognitive behavioral therapy, according to a randomized clinical trial.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateSep 18, 2015

The precision of solar photovoltaic power measurements doubled

The European Commission Joint Research Centre has found that the uncertainty in solar photovoltaic power measurements can be reduced by more than half, allowing for tighter margins and increased accuracy. This breakthrough could lead to cheaper and faster calibration of secondary reference devices, benefiting both industry and research.

SourceEuropean Commission Joint Research Centre·JournalMetrologia·DateSep 18, 2015

Flowing electrons help ocean microbes gulp methane

Researchers at Caltech found that ocean microbes can consume large amounts of methane using electrons to share energy over long distances. The microbes use a symbiotic relationship to break down methane, which could help mitigate climate change.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateSep 18, 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.

Beef vs. bean meals: Both provide similar feeling of fullness

A study published by the Institute of Food Technologists found that a bean-based meal provided a similar feeling of fullness compared to a beef-based meal. The researchers discovered that plant-based proteins with high fiber content may offer similar appetite regulation as animal protein.

SourceInstitute of Food Technologists·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateSep 18, 2015

Researchers determine how groups make decisions

A de-centralized decision-making model shows how positive feedback during exploration proves useful for making good and quick decisions. The model explains how trends take off, such as the popularity of Beats headphones, and the success of word-of-mouth marketing tactics.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 18, 2015

University of Houston research offers clues about why people end therapy

New research by University of Houston researchers suggests that patients who improve quickly are more likely to drop out before completing treatment. Patients with high initial anxiety levels were also more likely to discontinue treatment. The study's findings highlight the importance of understanding how patients make decisions about ...

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychology·DateSep 18, 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.

Surfing over simulated ripples in graphene

Scientists from India developed a theory governing curved graphene using a quantum simulator based on an optical lattice. The findings could lead to novel graphene-based sensors with controlled deformation.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateSep 18, 2015

Personal profile, not neighborhood factors, determines who calls EMS for stroke

A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that neighborhood characteristics have a lesser impact on EMS activation for stroke than stroke severity or individual factors. Most patients arrived at the ER within 3 hours, but only about half used EMS, with lower stroke severity and younger age being key determinants.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateSep 18, 2015

3-D printed guide helps regrow complex nerves after injury

Researchers developed a custom silicone guide implanted with biochemical cues to promote both motor and sensory nerve regeneration. The study showed improved walking ability in rats within 10-12 weeks, paving the way for human trials.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateSep 18, 2015

Trinity researchers report major breakthrough in understanding Alzheimer's disease

Scientists at Trinity College Dublin have discovered a fundamental mechanism underlying Alzheimer's disease, which could lead to new forms of therapy. The research, published in Science Advances, highlights the importance of understanding diseases at the molecular level and finding ways to remove toxic amyloid-beta from the brain.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 18, 2015

Researchers propose new way to chart the cosmos in 3-D

UBC researchers propose a new way to calculate cosmological distances using fast radio bursts, allowing the positioning of distant galaxies in three dimensions and mapping out the cosmos. The method uses the delay between arrival times of different frequencies to create a catalogue of galaxies.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 18, 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.

Targeting hypertension by helping pharmacists deliver enhanced patient care

A recent Alberta study found that pharmacist-led care can significantly reduce blood pressure in patients, with patients receiving enhanced care being twice as likely to reach their recommended targets. The RxACTION project demonstrated the effectiveness of pharmacists' independent prescribing and active patient management.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·DateSep 18, 2015