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Science News for May 27, 2016


Restoring chemotherapy sensitivity by boosting microRNA levels

A research team at Georgia Institute of Technology identified a specific miRNA molecule that controls the genes governing chemotherapy resistance in human pancreatic cancer cells. Increasing this miRNA's level restored sensitivity to the drug in vitro, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for battling chemotherapy resistance.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalCancer Gene Therapy·DateMay 27, 2016

Journal of Dairy Science announces 2 new article collections

The Journal of Dairy Science has compiled two new collections of articles, one on stocking density for dairy cattle and the other on lactic acid bacteria. The stocking density collection includes 10 articles published between 2006 and 2015, while the lactic acid bacteria collection contains 30 articles published between 1962 and 2016.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·DateMay 27, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA looks at winds in developing tropical cyclone

NASA's RapidScat instrument measured surface wind speeds near 46.9 mph/75.6 kph northeast of the system's center in System 91L. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) noted that the system has a high chance, 90 percent, of becoming a tropical depression.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 27, 2016

Baby talk words with repeated sounds help infants learn language

Researchers found that infants are better at learning words with repetitive syllables than those without. This bias may help explain why many baby-talk words have repeated syllables, such as 'choo-choo' and 'night-night'. The study suggests that repetition plays a key role in word learning from an early age.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalLanguage Learning and Development·DateMay 27, 2016

Genomic study tracks African-American dispersal in the Great Migration

Researchers analyzed genetic data from 3,726 African-Americans to estimate patterns of ancestry, finding that 82.1% had ancestors in Africa prior to transatlantic travel. The study reveals regional differences in ancestry, with southern US residents having a greater percentage of African ancestry than those in the North or West.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMay 27, 2016
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.

Study finds that protein puts the brakes on melanin

Scientists at Brown University have discovered a molecular 'brake' that regulates melanin production in the eyes, skin, and hair. The study found that TPC2, a protein channel, reduces melanin production by increasing acidity in melanosomes.

SourceBrown University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 27, 2016

New model of T cell activation

Researchers from the University Freiburg have developed a new model of T cell activation, demonstrating that cholesterol prevents an immune response even when no antigen is present. The study reveals a specific interaction between cholesterol and inactive T cell receptors, regulating their conformation and activity.

SourceBIOSS - Centre for Biological Signalling Studies·JournalImmunity·DateMay 27, 2016

In wake of Flint crisis, new proposal seeks to 'focus on the fix' for lead poisoning

A leading expert outlines a three-point plan to identify and eliminate all sources of lead exposure nationwide. The plan emphasizes finding lead hazards in homes and pipes, fixing them using proven interim methods, and funding efforts to hold accountable companies producing lead-contaminated products.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Public Health Management and Practice·DateMay 27, 2016

At the top of their game

Research highlights factors necessary for successful apex predator recovery, including disease regulation and biodiversity maintenance. The study reveals that full recovery is the exception rather than the rule, with many species facing complex challenges in their recovery pathways.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 27, 2016

ANKRD55: A new gene involved in Multiple Sclerosis is discovered

A new gene, ANKRD55, has been discovered to play a significant role in the neuro-inflammation process of Multiple Sclerosis. The study found that genetic variants associated with MS increase the production of ANKRD55 transcripts in immune cells, suggesting a key gene involved in deregulation.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateMay 27, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Study: Social media use may help identify students at risk of alcohol problems

A recent study by North Carolina State University and Ohio University found that college students with an 'alcohol identity' are more likely to experience drinking problems. The researchers also discovered that posting about alcohol on social media sites is a stronger predictor of these problems than actual alcohol use.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateMay 27, 2016

Tasty fat: X-rays finding the blueprint of why fat is yummy

Scientists study the molecular structure of edible fats using X-rays, discovering that the ratio of solids to liquids affects a fat's properties. They also investigate the impact of replacing saturated fats with unsaturated alternatives on taste and texture.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalFood Chemistry·DateMay 27, 2016
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.

Blood test supports use of potential new treatment for patients with stomach cancer

A new blood test has identified a subset of patients with stomach cancer who are most likely to respond to treatment. The test measures the number of copies of the FGFR2 gene in cancer DNA circulating in the bloodstream, revealing that tumours with many copies of this gene were particularly susceptible to an experimental drug.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalCancer Discovery·DateMay 27, 2016

Study shows tax on plug-in vehicles is not answer to road-funding woes

Researchers at Indiana University argue that annual registration fees for plug-in vehicles are misguided due to their minimal impact on road infrastructure funding. The decline in federal tax revenue is primarily attributed to increased fuel efficiency and non-adjusted fuel taxes, not plug-in vehicles.

SourceIndiana University·JournalEnergy Policy·DateMay 27, 2016

Research reveals that sharks have individual personalities

A new study reveals that Port Jackson sharks have distinct personality traits, including boldness and handling stress reactivity. These differences are repeatable in juvenile sharks and may influence their interactions with habitat and other species.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Fish Biology·DateMay 27, 2016
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Hawk moths have a second nose for evaluating flowers

Researchers discovered that hawk moths can smell floral volatiles using olfactory neurons on their proboscis. This allows them to select flowers with sufficient nectar, leading to successful pollination and seed production. The study highlights the importance of scent in flower-pollinator interactions.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·DateMay 27, 2016

Expert urges voluntary family planning to mitigate climate change

A leading physician argues that family planning is highly cost-effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advocates for voluntary family planning as a crucial strategy. Studies show that having one less child can reduce carbon legacy by up to 9441 tonnes, more than other eco-actions.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMay 27, 2016

Imaging study shows promising results for patients with schizophrenia

A recent imaging study found a subtle increase in brain tissue volume in certain regions of patients with schizophrenia, indicating the brain's ability to reorganize and fight the illness. The study suggests that despite severe damage, the brain may constantly attempt to rescue itself or limit the damage.

SourceLawson Research Institute·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateMay 27, 2016
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.

Fast, stretchy circuits could yield new wave of wearable electronics

Engineers at University of Wisconsin-Madison created world's fastest stretchable, wearable integrated circuits, expanding Internet of Things capabilities. These powerful circuits can operate up to 40 GHz and are 25 micrometers thick, enabling biomedical applications like epidermal electronic systems.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMay 27, 2016

Skin cancer: A team synthesizes new drugs with surprising powers

Researchers have synthesized a new drug, HA15, that reduces melanoma cell viability without being toxic to normal cells. This breakthrough discovery has the potential to improve treatment outcomes for patients with skin cancer.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalCancer Cell·DateMay 27, 2016

Rethinking hospital alarms

Researchers aim to develop optimum alarm systems by analyzing alarm errors and predicting their occurrence. The new models will prioritize alarms that reflect urgent situations while balancing staff alertness with patient recovery concerns.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 27, 2016
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.

Faster, more efficient CRISPR editing in mice

Researchers at UC Berkeley developed a faster and more efficient CRISPR-Cas9 editing method for mice, using electroporation instead of microinjection. The new technique resulted in higher success rates and reduced embryo damage.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 27, 2016

Automating DNA origami opens door to many new uses

Researchers at MIT have developed an algorithm that can build complex DNA nanoparticles automatically, allowing for a broader range of applications in fields such as vaccine development and gene editing. The algorithm, known as DAEDALUS, can build any type of 3D shape with a closed surface, including shapes with holes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateMay 27, 2016

Music for the eyes

A study found that patients who listened to relaxing music before cataracts surgery experienced significantly reduced anxiety and required less sedation. Music-induced relaxation lasts for approximately 60 minutes after the music stops, making it a potential non-pharmacological method to reduce pre-operative anxiety.

SourceThe European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC)·DateMay 27, 2016
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.

How Zika infects the placenta

Scientists have discovered that Zika virus can infect and replicate in immune cells from the placenta without killing them. This finding may explain how the virus passes through the placenta of a pregnant woman to infect developing brain cells in her fetus.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMay 27, 2016

PNNL helps lead national microbiome initiative

Scientists at PNNL are part of a core group advising the White House on microbiome research. The National Microbiome Initiative aims to study microorganisms' impact on climate science, food production, and human health.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMay 27, 2016

Teenage brain on social media

A new UCLA study found that teenagers' brains activate the same reward circuitry when seeing high and low social media likes, influencing their behavior. The study suggests that social media can have a significant impact on teens' willingness to conform and engage in risk-taking behavior.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 27, 2016

Telling irregularities

A clinical study confirmed a strong correlation between minor heart rate irregularities and the survival prospects of heart attack patients. The new method, measuring respiratory sinus arrhythmia, produces a specific picture of the body's functional condition.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 27, 2016
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.

Guarding the gatekeepers

Researchers at NCBS discovered Septin 7 as a 'molecular brake' regulating Orai proteins and maintaining dopamine levels. This discovery could lead to therapies for neurodegenerative disorders and immune system dysregulations.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 27, 2016

Appalachian coal ash richest in rare earth elements

A study by researchers at Duke University found that coal from the Appalachian Mountains contains the highest amounts of rare earth elements. The team identified ash from this region as a potential source for extracting these critical materials, which are essential for clean energy and emerging technologies.

SourceDuke University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 27, 2016

US military members who report poor sleep were less resilient in recent study

A new study published in the journal Sleep found that US military members who reported insomnia symptoms or short sleep durations were less resilient than those with healthy sleep hygiene. The study also showed that poor sleepers are more likely to leave the military early and are less likely to deploy.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateMay 27, 2016

Pharmacist prescribes education as key to curbing opioid abuse

A University of the Pacific professor argues that pharmacists must be part of the solution to curb opioid abuse, citing a grim diagnosis of increased misuse and alarming numbers of overdose deaths. The expert advocates for independent education and broader pain management training for prescribers and patients.

SourceUniversity of the Pacific·JournalCurrent Pain and Headache Reports·DateMay 27, 2016

The dying child: Room for improvement in end-of-life care

A new study found that pediatric end-of-life care requires improvement, with 62% of parents' wishes for their child's death location not being fulfilled. Siblings also need more support after a family member's death, and healthcare staff experience logistical barriers to providing adequate bereavement care.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateMay 27, 2016
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.

Spin glass physics with trapped ions

Researchers demonstrate how state-of-the-art quantum simulations with trapped ions can be used to solve complex problems like number-partitioning. By applying a strategy known as quantum annealing, they show a faster solution than other methods.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 27, 2016

Vitamin nicotinamide riboside protects mice from diabetes complications

A new study found that vitamin nicotinamide riboside (NR) can protect mice from diabetes complications by lowering blood sugar levels, reducing fatty liver, and preventing peripheral nerve damage. NR is a precursor to NAD+, an important cellular metabolite required for energy conversion.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 27, 2016

Fungi -- a promising source of chemical diversity

Scientists discovered new natural products in the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, which share similar biosynthesis pathways with plant isoquinoline alkaloids. The findings open up new roads for combinatorial biotechnology to develop novel active compounds and urgently needed new drugs.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMay 27, 2016
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.

Zika virus infects human placental macrophages

Researchers found that Zika virus can infect human placental macrophages, known as Hofbauer cells, which have direct access to fetal blood vessels. This infection may allow the virus to cross the placental barrier and enter the fetal circulation, posing a risk to fetal development.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMay 27, 2016

Arctic Ocean methane does not reach the atmosphere

Research from UiT The Arctic University of Norway suggests that methane emissions from the seabed in the Arctic Ocean do not significantly affect the atmosphere. Scientists performed measurements near the seabed, in the ocean and atmosphere, to determine if methane is being released into the air.

SourceUiT The Arctic University of Norway·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 27, 2016
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.

Predicting the spread of the Zika virus

A new tool by Japanese researchers predicts the risk of Zika virus importation and local transmission for 189 countries, identifying subtropical and tropical nations as high-risk. Countries with a history of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases face the greatest risk of infection.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalPeerJ·DateMay 27, 2016