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Science News for November 23, 2011


Researchers discover clues to developing more effective antipsychotic drugs

Researchers from Mount Sinai School of Medicine identified the pattern of cell signaling induced by antipsychotic drugs in a complex composed of two brain receptors linked to schizophrenia. This discovery may allow for the prediction of novel compounds' effectiveness and accelerate the development of better antipsychotic drugs.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCell·DateNov 23, 2011

QUT to study appropriate level of medical treatment for dying patients

A comprehensive three-year study will investigate the reasons behind providing futile medical treatment to dying patients, exploring factors such as doctor concerns about legal liability and family influences. The research aims to identify the extent of this issue, its cost, and suggestions for addressing its causes.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateNov 23, 2011

Researchers develop method for advancing development of antipsychotic drugs

A multidisciplinary team at VCU School of Medicine has developed a metric to determine the effectiveness of antipsychotic drugs and advance drug design. The study found that the connection between two brain receptors is critical to how these anti-psychotics work, particularly in signaling through this receptor complex.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalCell·DateNov 23, 2011
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Is short stature associated with a 'shortage' of genes?

Researchers discovered a correlation between low-frequency genetic deletions and decreasing height, suggesting that an excess of rare gene deletions may contribute to short stature. The study found that uncommon genetic deletions are associated with short stature in human subjects.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateNov 23, 2011

Scientists determine how antibody recognizes key sugars on HIV surface

Researchers reveal how a broadly neutralizing HIV antibody called PG9 disarms the virus by grabbing hold of a sugar at residue 160, along with part of a second sugar and a string of amino acid residues in the V1/V2 region. This discovery may help scientists develop more effective HIV vaccines.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature·DateNov 23, 2011

Earth's past gives clues to future changes

Researchers develop three-dimensional model to explain Andes formation, predicting earthquakes and mountain range evolution. The new approach improves predictive power, allowing scientists to forecast tectonic plate behavior.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature·DateNov 23, 2011

Study finds online marketplaces overplay safeguards and ignore social aspects of transactions

A recent study by Temple University researchers found that online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon prioritize risk reduction over social aspects of transactions. The authors analyzed buyer data to gauge assessments of online safeguards, finding that economic risk is a significant consideration only in moderately risky markets.

SourceTemple University·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateNov 23, 2011

Supercool

Researchers found that water changes its molecular structure to form 'intermediate ice' at -55 F, allowing it to remain liquid below the traditional freezing point. The discovery sheds light on atmospheric scientists' need to predict global climate patterns and how much solar radiation is absorbed by atmospheric water and ice.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·DateNov 23, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Public restrooms ripe with bacteria, study says

Researchers found diverse bacterial communities in public restroom surfaces, with human skin being the primary source of bacteria. The study suggests that proper hygiene practices can help identify and mitigate the spread of pathogens through contaminated building surfaces.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 23, 2011

How drought-tolerant grasses came to be

A new grass family tree reveals that the C4 photosynthetic pathway has evolved in grasses over 20 times within the last 30 million years. The study suggests that once C4 evolution occurs, it's unlikely to reverse, making scientists interested in engineering this pathway into drought-tolerant crops.

SourceNational Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent)·JournalNew Phytologist·DateNov 23, 2011

UMMS scientists present draft sequence of monarch butterfly genome

Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School have sequenced the monarch butterfly genome, revealing an estimated 16,866 protein-coding genes involved in its seasonal migration. The study provides new insights into the genetic and regulatory elements underlying this remarkable journey.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalCell·DateNov 23, 2011
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.

Tiny levers, big moves in piezoelectric sensors

Researchers have integrated a highly efficient piezoelectric material into a silicon microelectromechanical system, enabling significant advances in sensing, imaging, and energy harvesting. The new material, PMN-PT, delivers two to four times more movement with stronger force than rival materials, while using only 3 volts.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience·DateNov 23, 2011

Enhanced treatment of brain tumors

A new treatment combination of radiation therapy and LY2109761 blocks TGF-β signaling pathways, slowing down tumor cell self-renewal and growth. This combination therapy improved outcomes in animal models and has the potential to delay glioblastoma progression in patients.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalCancer Research·DateNov 23, 2011
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.

Genetic study confirms: First dogs came from East Asia

A recent genetic study confirms that the wolf ancestors of modern dogs came from southern East Asia, contradicting theories placing their origins in the Middle East. The research, led by Dr. Peter Savolainen, analyzed Y-chromosomal DNA and found strong evidence supporting an Asian origin for dog domestication.

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalHeredity·DateNov 23, 2011

Physicists set strongest limit on mass of dark matter

Researchers from Brown University report that dark matter must have a mass greater than 40 GeV to explain the universe's accelerated expansion. This limits potential weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) candidates, which were previously suggested by other experiments.

SourceBrown University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 23, 2011

Mice with fewer insulin-signaling receptors don't live longer

A new study from the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio challenges the idea that lacking a copy of the IGF1 receptor gene would increase life span. Knocking out one copy of the gene failed to lengthen male mice lifespan, with only modest increases in female mice.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 23, 2011
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Earth's core deprived of oxygen

A team of scientists led by Yingwei Fei found that oxygen is not a major component of the Earth's liquid outer core, contradicting previous models. The discovery has significant implications for understanding the planet's formation through accretion of dust and clumps of matter.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature·DateNov 23, 2011

Introducing the monarch butterfly genome

The monarch butterfly's genome has been fully sequenced, offering insights into its long-distance migration. The study reveals genes responsible for vision, circadian clocks, and juvenile hormone synthesis, essential for extended lifespan and navigation.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateNov 23, 2011
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

How old yeast cells send off their daughter cells without the baggage of old age

Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research discovered that aging yeast cells retain protein aggregates in mother cells during cell division, preventing them from passing on to daughters. This process is facilitated by the limited mobility of protein aggregates and the narrow opening of the bud neck.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalCell·DateNov 23, 2011

Hopkins scientists turn on fountain of youth in yeast

Researchers at Johns Hopkins have successfully manipulated yeast life span by removing and restoring a protein function related to aging. By restoring this function, the organism's life span is dramatically extended. The discovery reveals molecular components of an aging pathway that appears related to one regulating longevity in humans.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell·DateNov 23, 2011
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Insect cyborgs may become first responders

Researchers at the University of Michigan are developing insect 'cyborgs' that can power sensors and communications equipment, allowing them to monitor hazardous situations before human intervention. The devices harness kinetic energy from wing movements, enabling the insects to gather vital information in confined environments.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Micromechanics and Microengineering·DateNov 23, 2011

Finger (mal)formation reveals surprise function of desert DNA

Researchers at EPFL and University of Geneva uncover a genetic mechanism that modulates gene activity through seven enhancers, leading to diversity in finger shapes. This discovery could help understand hereditary malformations and evolutionary variations in the animal kingdom.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalCell·DateNov 23, 2011
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.

New butterfly species identified in Yucatan peninsula

Researchers used DNA barcoding to discover several previously undiscovered butterfly species in the Yucatan peninsula, correcting four cases of mistaken identification. The study showcases the utility of this method in characterizing biodiversity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 23, 2011

Scientific sleuths pinpoint the guilty coral killers

Researchers have developed a method to diagnose coral diseases using quantitative-PCR technology, which can detect pathogens at low levels. This will help control the impact of disease on coral reefs affected by rapid coastal development, declining water quality, and climate change.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 23, 2011

Diabetes drug shows promise in reducing risk of cancer

A new study by Michigan State University researchers found that metformin prevents tumors from growing in human cultures, providing biological evidence for its potential to reduce the risk of diabetes-associated cancers. The research suggests that metformin may be used as a preventive drug for individuals with Type-2 diabetes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 23, 2011
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.

Big pest, small genome

Researchers sequence the two-spotted spider mite's genome, revealing genes capable of detoxifying pesticides and plant toxins. This breakthrough sheds light on how these pests counteract plant defenses and provides new insights for developing targeted pesticides.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·DateNov 23, 2011

Closer to a cure for eczema

Researchers have identified six yeast-killing peptides that target Malassezia sympodialis without harming human skin cells. These peptides could provide a potential new treatment for atopic eczema, increasing patients' quality of life. Further study is needed to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

SourceWiley·JournalLetters in Applied Microbiology·DateNov 23, 2011

The scoop on the dangers of snow shoveling

A study published in Clinical Research in Cardiology found that snow shoveling was associated with a significant proportion of heart problems among patients, particularly males with a family history of coronary artery disease. The study identified three key risk factors: gender, family history, and smoking.

SourceQueen's University·JournalClinical Research in Cardiology·DateNov 23, 2011
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.

Exercise helps us to eat a healthy diet

A new study reveals that physical activity is linked to an improvement in diet quality, leading to more successful weight loss treatments. Exercise also modifies the brain's executive functions, enabling better control of appetite and food choices.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalObesity Reviews·DateNov 23, 2011

Dreaming takes the sting out of painful memories

Researchers at UC Berkeley found that dream sleep helps process emotional experiences, removing the edge from painful memories. During REM sleep, stress neurochemicals are suppressed, allowing the brain to connect and integrate memories in a more rational state.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 23, 2011

Mite-y genomic resources for bioenergy crop protection

Researchers are utilizing genomic data to create novel pest-control strategies, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and environmental pollution. The study focuses on the biology of the two-spotted spider mite, exploring its ability to develop pesticide resistance and potential applications in crop protection.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalNature·DateNov 23, 2011
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.

Spider mite's secrets revealed

The sequenced spider mite genome provides insights into its feeding frenzy, pesticide resistance, and web-making abilities. The study reveals the genetic basis for these traits, including the acquisition of bacterial genes that enhance digestion and detoxification.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalNature·DateNov 23, 2011

Doctors can do better if they learn from their mistakes

A team of researchers found that doctors who learned from both successes and failures performed better in making treatment choices. They used fMRI imaging to detect characteristic brain patterns for high performers and low performers, showing a correlation between attention to failed treatments and better performance.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 23, 2011
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.

Blossom end rot: Transport protein identified

A team of researchers has identified a protein that facilitates the radial transport of calcium ions from the root to the shoot, resolving a long-standing mystery. This breakthrough could lead to new strategies for preventing blossom end rot and other nutrient deficiencies in crops.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2011