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Science News Archive 2012


Page 215 of 333

CNIO researchers describe new functions of cohesin relevant for human disease

Researchers identified new functions of cohesin SA1 relevant to human disease, including efficient chromosome duplication and regulation of gene expression during embryonic development. This work offers new clues to understand the pathologies observed in CdLS patients and may lead to a better understanding of cancer.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers discover first gene linked to missing spleen in newborns

A new study has identified the Nkx2.5 gene as the first gene linked to congenital asplenia, a rare condition where babies are born without a spleen and are at risk of fatal infections. The discovery raises hopes for genetic prenatal screening to alert parents to potential issues.

Study finds 'overmanagement' of benign breast disease

A new study found that women with benign breast biopsies do not require close surveillance at six or twelve months, and may not need follow-up care at all. The study suggests an annual mammogram could replace the need for follow-up examinations.

From the journal Ethics: 'Is polygamy inherently unequal?'

Traditional forms of polygamy are inherently unequal due to a central spouse dividing rights and obligations among multiple spouses. Modifications like polyfidelity and molecular marriage could eliminate these inequalities by promoting equal sharing of rights, responsibilities, and benefits among all spouses.

Fast, low-power, all-optical switch

The JQI switch can steer a beam of light from one direction to another in 120 picoseconds using only 140 photons, requiring minimal power. This achievement marks a significant step toward creating ultrafast and low-energy on-chip signal routers.

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.

Next-generation nanoelectronics: A decade of progress, coming advances

Researchers are developing hybrid NEM devices to improve performance and reduce power consumption in electronics. While individual NEM devices show high performance, scaling up production is a challenge due to the need for reliability over millions of cycles. New material selection methods have been demonstrated to enhance robustness.

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.

Caltech researchers use stalagmites to study past climate change

Researchers used stalagmites to reconstruct a history of the tropical West Pacific's climate over four glacial cycles, finding no evidence of a sudden shift in peak interglacial conditions following a key event. Instead, they found extreme drying in the tropics coincided with abrupt climate changes in high latitudes.

Digital breast tomosynthesis cuts recall rates by 40 percent

A new study shows that digital breast tomosynthesis reduces recall rates for routine mammography, particularly for asymmetries and calcifications. The technology allows for a more detailed examination of the breast tissue, resulting in lower recall rates and reduced anxiety for patients.

Double duty: Versatile immune cells play dual roles in human skin

Researchers reveal that Langerhans cells can perform either immunosuppressive or immunostimulatory functions depending on the situation. They found that LCs induce proliferation of regulatory T cells to maintain tolerance under normal conditions, but also stimulate protective immune responses against pathogens.

New data improve understanding of breast cancer's multiple varieties

Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the biological differences between individual breast cancers, highlighting the importance of biomarkers in identifying new targets for therapy. Studies also explored the mechanisms behind endocrine resistance and proposed a new approach to predicting response to treatment.

Cardiovascular safety concerns over smoking-cessation drug misleading

A new UCSF study questions the previous analysis of varenicline's safety, finding no clinically or statistically significant increase in serious adverse cardiovascular events. The researchers analyzed data from 22 trials with over 9,200 participants, concluding that the risk difference is only 0.27 percent.

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.

OHSU study shows how mitochondrial genes are passed from mother to child

A recent OHSU study sheds light on the process of passing mitochondrial genes from mother to child, revealing a narrow window of early embryonic development where these genes are transferred. The research challenges existing genetic testing methods, which may not accurately diagnose certain genetic disorders.

Bacteria discovery could lead to antibiotics alternatives

Researchers at the University of Manchester have identified a protein called calpain that allows Listeria bacteria to spread infection within human cells. By blocking this protein, new anti-infective drugs may be developed to combat antibiotic resistance.

Better ethics education needed in community-based research

Community-engaged research raises numerous ethical issues, including conflicts between academic and community partners, risks to groups not directly participating in the research, and distress among community partners. The authors propose several best practices and a detailed research agenda to address these concerns.

New technique predictably generates complex, wavy shapes

Researchers develop a new technique to predictably generate complex wavy shapes from hydrogels, which may help design more efficient drug-delivery systems. The technique uses an experimental setup that projects images onto a photosensitive hydrogel, causing it to assume the desired shape.

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.

Light touch keeps a grip on delicate nanoparticles

Scientists have extended the trapped particles' useful life more than tenfold by using a refined technique for trapping and manipulating nanoparticles. The new approach, which involves a control and feedback system that nudges the nanoparticle only when needed, increases the lifetime of the particle while reducing its tendency to wander.

Researchers pinpoint genetic pathway of rare facial malformation in children

Researchers at Seattle Children's Research Institute have discovered a genetic pathway causing rare facial malformation syndrome in children. The study identified two defective genes PLCB4 and GNAI3 as the primary cause of auriculocondylar syndrome (ACS), a condition that can lead to breathing and eating difficulties.

UCSB researchers find that less is more, for female cowbirds

Brown-headed cowbird females are attracted to less intense wing spreading, feather puffing, and bowing during a display. This study reveals the opposite of what was previously predicted by sexual selection theory. The researchers used audiovisual recordings to investigate the female's response to male displays.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Battle of the sexes offers evolutionary insights

Scientists trim fruit fly males' spines using precision laser surgery and monitor mating success, finding spines aid reproduction before sex. The study sheds light on the evolution of male genital traits, suggesting a similar process to secondary sexual traits.

Majority of college-age kids get help from mom and dad

A University of Michigan study finds that over 60% of young adults between 19-22 received financial assistance from their parents. The average amount was around $7,500 per year, with significant variations by family and individual characteristics.

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.

Low oxygen levels could drive cancer growth

Researchers at the University of Georgia found that long-term lack of oxygen in cells may be a key driver of cancer growth. Cancer cells switch to glycolysis for energy production, leading to a vicious cycle of increased hunger and growth.

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.

Staging and risk stratification of thyroid cancer improved with SPECT/CT

SPECT/CT scans have been shown to change clinical management in thyroid cancer patients by improving staging and risk stratification. The technology has been used both post-operatively and pre-ablation to identify metastatic lesions and adjust treatment approaches, leading to avoidance of unnecessary therapy.

Study reveals dynamic changes in gene regulation in human stem cells

Researchers discovered dynamic changes in gene regulation in human stem cells, affecting their ability to serve as models for human disease and development. The study found that these cells can change their epigenomes, leading to unexpected outcomes in cell-based models of diseases like Lesch-Nyhan disease.

Rats recall past to make daily decisions

UCSF researchers identified brain activity patterns in rats that play a role in memory formation and decision-making. These patterns, known as sharp-wave ripples, are critical for recalling past experiences and making informed decisions.

Study identifies possible protective blood factors against Type 2 diabetes

Researchers have found that levels of certain proteins in the blood are associated with a greatly reduced risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. High levels of IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-2 were linked to a significant reduction in diabetes risk, suggesting these proteins may help stratify people at risk for diabetes.

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.

Are you a healthy grocery shopper?

A study found that in-person counseling improved purchasing of fruits and green and yellow vegetables, resulting in healthier food choices. The study suggests that supermarket interventions can promote meaningful health benefits by encouraging shoppers to choose nutritious options.

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.

Insect glands may illuminate human fertilization process

Insect glands produce secretions that help sperm survive and guide fertilization in fruit flies, potentially providing clues to similar human reproductive glands. Mutant fruit flies with absent glands are infertile, but expression of a mouse gene can partially restore gland formation.

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.

Earth history and evolution

A new study uses molecular clock methods to reconstruct the cypress family tree, revealing that their evolution reflects the break-up of Pangea. The research confirms that cypresses are a very old plant family with origins tracing back to 153 million years ago.

Simple assault and ground level fall do not require cervical spine CT

A new study by Emory University researchers found that patients with simple assault or ground-level falls without pre-existing spinal conditions do not need cervical spine CT scans. This reduction in unnecessary exams can help decrease radiation exposure to sensitive areas, such as the eyes and thyroid, and lower healthcare costs.

4 white dwarf stars caught in the act of consuming 'Earth-like' exoplanets

Researchers found four white dwarfs with dust from shattered planetary bodies containing oxygen, magnesium, iron, and silicon, similar to the Earth's composition. The study provides evidence of a 'terminal phase' in the death of rocky exoplanets, potentially shedding light on their destruction process.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

Queen's scientists discover black hole ripping apart star

Astronomers at Queen's University Belfast have gathered direct evidence of a supermassive black hole shredding a star that wandered too close. The discovery provides insights into the harsh environment around black holes and the types of stars swirling around them.