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Science News for April 11, 2012


Meds ease depression in Parkinson's patients without worsening other symptoms

A new study published in Neurology found that antidepressant medications can effectively treat depression in Parkinson's patients without worsening their motor symptoms. The study, led by Irene Hegeman Richard, M.D., showed significant improvements in depression scores with paroxetine and venlafaxine, two commonly used antidepressants.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNeurology·DateApr 11, 2012

New pregnancy risk for babies and moms

A new study reveals that overweight pregnant women with mildly elevated blood sugar levels are at a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes than previously thought. These women, who do not have gestational diabetes or obesity, carry significant risks for their health and the health of their babies.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalDiabetes Care·DateApr 11, 2012

Pigeons' homing skill not down to iron-rich beak cells

A new study published in Nature has disproved the theory that pigeons' navigation skills are linked to iron-rich nerve cells in their beaks. Macrophages, specialized white blood cells, were found to contain tiny balls of iron instead, contradicting earlier research.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·DateApr 11, 2012

New method to prevent undersea ice clogs

Researchers at MIT have developed a new method to prevent undersea ice clogs by using passive coatings on pipe insides that inhibit methane hydrate adhesion. The coatings reduce hydrate adhesion to one-quarter of the amount on untreated surfaces, providing a simple and inexpensive solution.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateApr 11, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Vitamin D does not seem to boost kids' brainpower

Research in over 3000 children found no association between vitamin D levels and academic performance. Higher levels of vitamin D2 were linked to poorer English grades and fewer A* to C GCSE grades.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateApr 11, 2012

Fragile X syndrome can be reversed in adult mouse brain

A recent study reverses many Fragile X syndrome symptoms in adult mice using a new compound CTEP. The study found that pharmacologic inhibition of mGlu5 receptor can correct FXS symptoms, including learning and memory deficits and auditory hypersensitivity.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateApr 11, 2012

Buy coal? New analysis shows purchasing fossil fuel deposits best way to fight climate change

A new study proposes that purchasing extraction rights for dirty fossil fuels in non-participating countries is a more effective way to combat climate change. By conserving these deposits, coalitions can reduce emissions and mitigate carbon leakage, allowing them to implement their ideal policy without fear of non-participating countri...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Political Economy·DateApr 11, 2012
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.

Key to new antibiotics?

McMaster University researchers found a remarkable prevalence of antibiotic resistance bacteria isolated from Lechuguilla Cave, one of the deepest and largest caves in the world. The discovery suggests that there are far more antibiotics in the environment that could be used to treat currently untreatable infections.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 11, 2012

Foes appear larger, more muscular when holding a weapon

A recent study found that men who hold guns or large kitchen knives are perceived as taller and more muscular than those holding non-threatening objects. The researchers suggest that this pattern may reflect human psychology's tendency to associate size with danger and formidability.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 11, 2012

Real-life scientific tail of the first 'electrified snail'

Researchers successfully implanted a biofuel cell in a snail, generating sustainable electrical micropower for extended periods without harming the animal. The long-lasting enzymes used induced an electric current by breaking down glucose and oxygen molecules.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 11, 2012

Don't assume the sand is safe

Scientists developed reference guide for potentially harmful germs in sand to inform beach management decisions, with a focus on minimizing risk for children. The study found low levels of harmful microbes at one beach site, indicating the sand was safe for beachgoers.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 11, 2012
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.

Hybrid copper-gold nanoparticles convert CO2

Researchers at MIT have developed hybrid copper-gold nanoparticles that can convert carbon dioxide into hydrocarbon fuels with significantly less energy than pure copper. The tiny particles, engineered to increase surface area and stability, have the potential to greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from powerplants.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalChemical Communications·DateApr 11, 2012

Studies on resistance against influenza

Researcher Timpka investigates how different age groups are affected by the flu, with seasonal epidemics striking hardest in children and elderly. The study also explores theories on why this is the case, including the impact of early-life infections on immunity.

SourceLinköping University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 11, 2012
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.

Data mining opens the door to predictive neuroscience

Scientists have discovered rules that relate genes to a neuron's electrical properties and shape, increasing the likelihood of predicting brain structure and function without measuring every aspect. This breakthrough increases the feasibility of modeling the brain in silico and ushering in a new era of predictive biology.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 11, 2012

Powerful sequencing technology decodes DNA folding pattern

Researchers at Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research used powerful sequencing technology to investigate the three-dimensional structure of DNA folds in the nucleus. They found that DNA folds into local domains called topological domains, which are essential for gene regulation.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalNature·DateApr 11, 2012

UCSF chancellor issues call-to-arms to patient advocates

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) chancellor is urging patient advocates to work with policymakers to develop regulations for a data network that integrates research and clinical care. The goal is to accelerate medical advances through 'precision medicine,' which tailors treatment to individual patients.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 11, 2012

A sea of challenges for the Mediterranean Sea

The Mediterranean Sea, rich in biodiversity, is under threat from human pressures such as overfishing, tourism, and shipping traffic. Despite progress made in addressing environmental issues, concerted action remains a challenge due to regional differences.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateApr 11, 2012
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.

Development of the glial cell revealed

A team of researchers has identified a novel transcripitonal cascade that controls gliogenesis, the process by which glial cells are generated from neural stem cells. This discovery provides new insights into how glial cells support neuronal function and are implicated in neurological disorders such as Retts Syndrome, ALS, and Multiple...

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateApr 11, 2012

Exotic manure is sure to lure the dung connoisseur

A two-year study found that omnivore dung, including chimpanzee and human dung, is the most attractive to dung beetles. Native Nebraskan dung beetles showed little attraction to bison dung compared to exotic animal dungs.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalEnvironmental Entomology·DateApr 11, 2012

'Brain-only' mutation causes epileptic brain size disorder

A 'brain-only' mutation has been discovered that causes hemimegalencephaly (HMG), a condition characterized by an enlarged and dysfunctional half of the brain. This mutation is limited to brain tissue and contributes to overgrowth, intellectual disability, and severe epilepsy.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateApr 11, 2012
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.

Divorce in birds: She's movin' up, while he's movin' out!

Research on Dunlins reveals that female birds divorce to upgrade their mate or territory, while males tend to stay with the same partner. Divorced females experience increased nest success when paired with new partners compared to those who remain single.

SourceBrill·JournalBehaviour·DateApr 11, 2012

Imposing trade restrictions on parallel imports can motivate a firm to export, study finds

Economists Santanu Roy and Kamal Saggi found that trade restrictions on parallel imports can actually promote trade. When a market is smaller than the firm's own, imposing trade restrictions motivates the firm to export. The study suggests that policy diversity is working well, but countries with major asymmetries may need intervention.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalJournal of International Economics·DateApr 11, 2012
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.

Goldwater Scholars: 4 University of Miami students recognized

The prestigious Barry M. Goldwater Foundation has selected four University of Miami students as 2012 Goldwater Scholars: Christopher Sanchez, Ian Ergui, Juan Pablo Ruiz, and Christine Chesley. Sanchez is majoring in Environmental Science and Policy with a focus on Anthropology.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·DateApr 11, 2012

Hate group formation associated with big-box stores

A study by Penn State economists found a significant correlation between the number of Wal-Mart stores and hate groups in an area. The researchers suggest that the large-scale retail chains may contribute to the fraying of social bonds and promote intolerant attitudes, particularly through their promotion of typical Protestant values.

SourcePenn State·JournalSocial Science Quarterly·DateApr 11, 2012
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.

Fear of threats associated with social circle size

A study published in PLoS ONE found that people's fear levels toward threats are associated with the typical size of their social circles. The researchers determined that this effect was not due to a lack of differentiation between small and large groups, suggesting that social circle size plays a significant role in shaping our percep...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 11, 2012

Michigan State initiative to boost research spin-out enterprises

Spartan Innovations, a new initiative by Michigan State University, aims to turn research innovations into successful businesses. The program provides resources such as entrepreneurship education, stipends, CEO mentors-in-residence, and gap funding to support MSU startups.

SourceMichigan State University·DateApr 11, 2012

Researchers identify Achilles heel of dengue virus, target for future vaccines

Scientists have pinpointed the region on dengue virus that humans target with their immune system, challenging current vaccine research. The discovery reveals human antibodies bind to a complex structure on assembled dengue viruses, not small fragments as previously thought.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2012
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.

Mafic melts, methane seeps, 2 million waves, foreign magma, and the invisible hand

Scientists investigate constant lower crustal temperatures and variable water contents in mafic melts from the SW Japan arc, linking magmatic water to differentiation of arc magmas. High-resolution carbon-14 dating reveals lamination rates influenced by climate and lake geochemistry in ancient stromatolites. Methane seeps are found as ...

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateApr 11, 2012

EPSRC awards £1.3 million to international math center

The EPSRC grant will attract top researchers to the UK, introduce young scientists to senior figures, and promote cross-disciplinary collaboration. ICMS events aim to foster innovation and address the gender gap in mathematics.

SourceEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council·DateApr 11, 2012
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.

First mass extinction linked to marine anoxia

A new study links the end-Ordovician mass extinction to nutrient-driven anoxia in the global ocean. The research overthrows century-old knowledge on why marine animals faced their first major challenges, highlighting the tight coupling between life evolution and oxygen dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateApr 11, 2012

Discovery reveals chromosomes organize into 'yarns'

Scientists have discovered that chromosomes fold into a series of contiguous 'yarns,' grouping genes and regulatory elements together to facilitate coordinated development. This domainal organization allows for the precise orchestration of gene activity, but also creates a challenge when mutations disrupt this structure.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalNature·DateApr 11, 2012

Ripe for biomedical applications

Researchers at the University of Bonn have developed a method to convert skin and umbilical cord cells directly into nerve cells with high efficiency. The scientists achieved this by using small molecules to optimize signaling pathways and simplify the process, resulting in up to 80% human neurons being produced.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Methods·DateApr 11, 2012
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.

Ant queens lay more eggs as they age

Researchers found that ant queens from species Cardiocondyla obscurior laid more eggs as they aged, unlike humans and other organisms. This high reproductive rate did not shorten the queens' life spans, a surprising finding.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 11, 2012

Gene switches do more than flip 'on' or 'off'

A UNC-led team reveals that gene switches don't simply flip on or off, but instead exhibit dynamic binding behavior involving stable and transient states. This discovery offers new insights into gene regulation and potential applications in genetic medicine.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature·DateApr 11, 2012

Distinct brain cells recognize novel sights

Researchers uncover two distinct cell types in the inferior temporal cortex that respond differently to familiar and novel objects. Excitatory neurons fire rapidly at initial encounters, while inhibitory neurons maintain activity over a wider timeframe, driving learning and reorganization.

SourceBrown University·JournalNeuron·DateApr 11, 2012
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.

Unique approach needed to accurately assess health of young adult cancer survivors

A review article highlights the need for more comprehensive health assessments in young adult cancer survivors, who are living longer and experiencing late effects from treatment. The study concludes that traditional tools created for adult-onset cancer are insufficient for this population, requiring a broader range of measurement.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology·DateApr 11, 2012

Noteworthy studies presented at the 3rd European Lung Cancer Conference

Three noteworthy studies were presented, including a study on KRAS in non-small cell lung cancer patients and another on dacomitinib's favorable clinical benefits. Additionally, researchers validated the role of tumor lymphocytic infiltration as a favorable prognostic factor for resectable non-small cell lung cancer.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateApr 11, 2012

Ocean acidification linked to larval oyster failure

Research by Oregon State University scientists has found a definitive link between ocean acidification and oyster larval failure, with elevated CO2 levels inhibiting shell development and growth. The study's findings have significant implications for the $100 million annual commercial oyster production industry on the West Coast.

SourceOregon State University·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateApr 11, 2012
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.

Little evidence that insect bite remedies work

Simple insect bites often resolve on their own without treatment, but over-the-counter remedies have limited efficacy. Antihistamines and steroids are not backed by strong evidence for treating itching and inflammation.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalDrug and Therapeutics Bulletin·DateApr 11, 2012

Do I look bigger with my finger on a trigger? Yes, says UCLA study

Researchers found that people consistently judge pistol-packers to be taller and stronger than men holding other objects, even when hand size and appearance are similar. The study suggests an unconscious mental mechanism that gauges threat and translates it into size and strength dimensions.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 11, 2012

New research supports youth with mood and anxiety disorders

A new study from Lawson Health Research Institute shows that 75% of mental illnesses emerge by age 25. The First Episode Mood and Anxiety Program (FEMAP) provides direct access to specialized services for youth ages 16-26, leading to improved outcomes.

SourceLawson Research Institute·JournalEarly Intervention in Psychiatry·DateApr 11, 2012

Robotic cats, a kitten mummy and a major UK vet gathering

Researchers identified a possible new feline disease in Scotland, characterized by robotic-like movements in cats. Meanwhile, an X-ray investigation of an over 2000-year-old Egyptian mummy revealed insights into cat burial practices, including treatment with natron and intricate wrapping techniques.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·DateApr 11, 2012
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Climate change boosts then quickly stunts plants, decade-long study shows

A decade-long study found that plants may thrive in the early stages of global warming but then deteriorate quickly as ecosystems adjust. The research showed that long-term warming leads to loss of native species and increased cycling of nitrogen, ultimately reducing plant productivity.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature Climate Change·DateApr 11, 2012