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Science News for October 21, 2016


Study links changes in collagen to worse pancreatic cancer prognosis

Researchers found a specific rearrangement of collagen fibers surrounding tumors associated with early death, which may indicate poorer survival rates. The study suggests that understanding collagen's role in cancer could lead to new therapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateOct 21, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Non-metal catalyst splits hydrogen molecule

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have developed a new non-metal catalyst that can split the hydrogen molecule under mild conditions. The process requires only an electron source and has potential applications in energy production, chemical synthesis, and the semiconductor industry.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateOct 21, 2016

Study of youth attending mental health service finds low rates of contraception and high rates of unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections

A study of youth attending mental health services reveals low rates of contraception and high rates of unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. The research highlights the need for incorporating sexual health clinics into early intervention services to address these unmet needs.

SourceInternational Early Psychosis Association·DateOct 21, 2016
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.

New nanomedicine approach aims to improve HIV drug therapies

Researchers developed a novel water dispersible nanotherapy for paediatric HIV patients, removing the need for high ethanol concentrations. The new approach has the potential to overcome challenges with current antiretroviral therapy, including administration of high doses and urgent need for better formulations.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 21, 2016

A moving story of FHL2 and forces

Researchers from NUS have unraveled the molecular story of FHL2 and its relocation to the nucleus in response to ECM stiffness, influencing protein synthesis and cell proliferation. This study provides new insights into the regulation of cell growth in soft environments.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2016

Discovery of blood biomarkers for early pancreatic cancer detection

Researchers at Kumamoto University have developed a new method to detect pancreatic cancer using blood biomarkers, enabling early-stage diagnosis and improving prognosis. The discovery of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP2) and IGFBP3 as promising biomarkers shows promise for screening various types of cancer.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 21, 2016

More time on digital devices means kids less likely to finish homework

A study of over 64,000 children aged 6-17 found a dose-dependent relationship between digital media exposure and decreased homework completion rates. Children who spent more time on digital devices had lower odds of finishing their homework, with those using devices for 4-6 hours per day having 49% lower odds.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateOct 21, 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.

35 percent of injury-related ER visits in Ghana alcohol-related

Research reveals that 35% of patients presenting to emergency departments in Ghana tested positive for alcohol, with certain groups showing higher rates. The study highlights the need for low- and middle-income countries to conduct their own research on alcohol-associated injuries, as global estimates may not accurately reflect local t...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateOct 21, 2016

Paving the road to drug discovery

Researchers use fission yeast to discover new cancer drugs targeting active proteins involved in DNA replication. The unique "arched and snapped" appearance of treated cells suggests potential for accelerating drug development.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalGenes to Cells·DateOct 21, 2016

Found: Oldest known planet-forming disk

A team of citizen scientists and professional astronomers have discovered an unusual exoplanet hunting ground, finding the oldest known circumstellar disk orbiting a young star. The discovery, led by Steven Silverberg, reveals a red dwarf star with a warm disk that has sustained its disk for an exceptionally long time.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateOct 21, 2016

Danish researchers behind new cancer images

Researchers at Aarhus University combined two scanning technologies to create high-resolution images of cancer tumors in mice, providing detailed mapping of blood vessels. This method could lead to the development of more effective drugs and personalized treatment plans.

SourceAarhus University·JournalMicrovascular Research·DateOct 21, 2016

Nanosciences: Genes on the rack

Researchers create novel nanotool that allows for simultaneous analysis of large numbers of molecules, enabling testing of protein and gene functionality under deformation. The new method uses self-assembled power gauges to apply precise forces on biomolecules.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScience·DateOct 21, 2016
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.

Converting optical frequencies with 10^(-21) uncertainty

Researchers have developed an optical frequency divider with unprecedented precision, enabling arbitrary optical frequency conversions. This breakthrough paves the way for improved applications in optics, metrology, and atomic physics.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateOct 21, 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 does friendly fire happen in the pancreas?

Scientists at Helmholtz Zentrum München have discovered a mechanism used by the immune system to prepare for attacks on insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The team identified a signaling pathway triggered by miRNA92a, which leads to an increase in immune cells that promote autoimmunity. Targeted intervention using antagomirs may ...

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 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.

Researchers discover ways to expand temperature stability range of solar cells

Scientists at the University of Virginia have made new inroads on understanding the fundamental physics behind hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites (HOIPs), a class of materials that are extremely lightweight and flexible. By discovering ways to stabilize their properties, researchers hope to expand the temperature stability range of H...

SourceUniversity of Virginia·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 21, 2016

Study shows higher levels of Alzheimer's-related tau protein found in children aged 18 years and under with early onset psychosis

Researchers analyzed blood plasma levels of tau protein in patients with early onset psychosis (EOP) aged 18 and under, finding higher levels than controls. The study suggests altered tau protein metabolism in EOP, which may have implications for understanding the pathophysiology and developing new treatment strategies.

SourceInternational Early Psychosis Association·DateOct 21, 2016
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Free migrant farmworkers clinic program awarded grant

The Longitudinal Primary Care Track program provides medical students with hands-on experience caring for migrant farmworkers in Texas. The grant will help improve students' leadership and patient advocacy skills.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso·DateOct 21, 2016

John Innes Centre scientists solve 60-year-old Septoria mystery

Plant breeders have struggled to combine high yield and resistance to Septoria in wheat varieties, but John Innes Centre researchers have found a genetic connection between the two traits. The study reveals that nearly 60 years ago, breeding decisions inadvertently linked increased susceptibility to Septoria with higher yields.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalMolecular Plant Pathology·DateOct 21, 2016
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.

RIT awarded grant to study a globally coordinated vaccine market

A Rochester Institute of Technology researcher is developing a comprehensive model for affordable vaccines in low-income countries through a three-year grant. The model aims to simulate a coordinated vaccine market that balances affordability with sustainability and profit.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·DateOct 21, 2016

Advances in Alzheimer's research by Dr. Caghan Kizil and his research group

A new study published in Cell Reports identifies two proteins relevant to Alzheimer's disease, Interleukin-4 and STAT6, which play a crucial role in neural stem cell proliferation and formation of new neurons. This discovery offers hope for the development of regenerative therapies for Alzheimer's.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 21, 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.

Distinct neurological syndromes can be the result of variations in gene ATAD3A

Researchers discovered that genetic variations in ATAD3A are associated with rare neurological syndromes, including global developmental delay and visual, neurological, and heart problems. A study using Drosophila melanogaster revealed that mutations in the gene cause an aberrant phenotype in mitochondria.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateOct 21, 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.

The universe is expanding at an accelerating rate -- or is it?

A team of scientists found that the evidence for an accelerating expansion of the universe may be flimsier than previously thought, with data consistent with a constant rate of expansion. The study challenges the standard cosmological concept and suggests that dark energy, a mysterious substance driving this acceleration, may not exist.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 21, 2016

Inflammation triggers unsustainable immune response to chronic viral infection

Scientists at the University of Basel discovered that chronic viral infections lead to an inadequate immune response due to prolonged inflammation. This hasty reaction by B cells produces antibodies quickly but also leads to their rapid depletion, resulting in a short-lived and unsustainable defense against the virus.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience Immunology·DateOct 21, 2016

Pediatricians update digital media recommendations for kids

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting digital media to one hour a day for children aged 2-5, while avoiding it in children under 18 months. Parents should also engage with their children during use, using devices as tools to support family connection and promote healthy habits.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateOct 21, 2016
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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

A new class of materials could realize quantum computers

Scientists at EPFL and PSI have discovered a new class of multiferroic Rashba semiconductors, which can be used to develop spintronics. These materials exhibit exotic properties, including the interaction between electric and magnetic fields, and could pave the way for future quantum computers.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 21, 2016

Study reveals potential new strategy to prevent Alzheimer's disease

Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine identified a potential new strategy to prevent Alzheimer's disease by inhibiting the enzyme Nuak1, which reduces tau accumulation in the brain. The study used a three-pronged approach and confirmed results in human cells, fruit flies, and mouse models.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateOct 21, 2016

Rap1, a potential new target to treat obesity

Scientists have discovered that the Rap1 gene plays a crucial role in energy balance and that its inhibition can restore sensitivity to leptin, a hormone that regulates appetite and body weight. The study suggests that targeting Rap1 may be a potential therapeutic approach for treating human obesity.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 21, 2016

Adverse events affect children's development, physical health and biology

A new study examines the effect of adverse childhood experiences on health and biological outcomes in children, finding associations with weight changes, asthma, and sleep disruption. Researchers highlight the importance of early detection to protect children's health and well-being before long-term adult outcomes occur.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateOct 21, 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.

Study examines suicides publicized on social media and teens' ER visits

A Canadian study found a significant increase in emergency department visits for suicidal behavior among teenagers starting in June 2011, but not among younger children. The research suggests that this trend cannot be attributed to social media publicity surrounding the cyberbullying death of 15-year-old Amanda Todd.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateOct 21, 2016

UA receives $10.3 million to help unlock the mystery of Alzheimer's in women

Researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences aim to unlock the mystery of Alzheimer's disease in women, who are disproportionately affected by the neurodegenerative brain disease. The five-year National Institute on Aging program project grant will investigate biological transformations during perimenopause that may increas...

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·DateOct 21, 2016
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.

UV light improves smartphone cameras

Scientists at MIPT have found that treating photodetectors with UV light can turn them into high-bandwidth devices, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. The process is quick, cheap, and efficient, and the acquired properties remain unchanged after manufacturing.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 21, 2016

Understanding bacteria's slimy fortresses

Researchers tracked a single bacterial cell as it grew into a mature biofilm of 10,000 cells. They found that the bacteria secrete a glue-like substance to keep from getting washed away and protect themselves from competing bacteria. A key gene, RbmA, plays a crucial role in developing a denser, stronger biofilm.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2016

Pharmaceutical companies are profiting from rare diseases

A recent study by Bangor University found that pharmaceutical companies marketing orphan drugs for rare diseases can be up to 15% more profitable than other drug companies. This is due to the lucrative market for these treatments, with some costing as much as £340,000 per patient per year.

SourceBangor University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 21, 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.

A new view of the immune system

Scientists have identified thousands of 'spliced epitopes', previously thought rare, which are highly prevalent and play a key role in the immune response. This discovery may lead to new understanding of autoimmune diseases and open opportunities for vaccine development.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalScience·DateOct 21, 2016

Researchers find way to tune thermal conductivity of 2-D materials

Researchers found an unexpected method to control the thermal conductivity of two-dimensional (2-D) materials by introducing disorder through lithium ions. This approach allowed for a significant increase in the material's thermal anisotropy ratio, making it more efficient at dissipating heat in electronic devices.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 21, 2016

The fight against deforestation: Why are Congolese farmers clearing forest?

A study by Pieter Moonen reveals that only a small group of Congolese farmers are driving deforestation, not for self-sufficiency but to sell crops on the market. The findings highlight the need for a more effective approach to deforestation, including local community support and sustainable land use practices.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalLand Use Policy·DateOct 21, 2016

Focusing on pleasure of eating makes people choose smaller portions

A study published in the Journal of Marketing Research found that people will choose smaller portions of food when they are enticed by the multisensory pleasure of taste, smell, and texture. This approach can lead to positive outcomes for consumer satisfaction and health, while also benefiting profits in the food industry.

SourceINSEAD·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateOct 21, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Where does cisplatin bind?

Researchers develop universal assay to detect cisplatin cross-linking sites in the genome. They found that mitochondrial DNA is a major target of cisplatin's action, while nuclear DNA is less affected.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 21, 2016