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Science News for April 13, 2012


Direct transfer of plant genes from chloroplasts into the cell nucleus

Researchers found that chloroplast genes can be directly transferred to the cell nucleus without involving RNA, allowing for correct reading and functional proteins. The discovery resolves a long-standing evolutionary mystery and provides new insights into gene transfer mechanisms.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 13, 2012

Hogg named to National Academy of Engineering

Richard Hogg, a renowned expert in particle technology, has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering for his groundbreaking work on coagulation and flocculation. His research interests span multiple areas of particle technology, including characterization, mixing, and agglomeration processes.

SourcePenn State·DateApr 13, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

DNA repair pathway score for predicting chemotherapy response in ovarian cancer patients

A DNA repair pathway-focused score has been developed to predict chemotherapy response in ovarian cancer patients. The score is positively correlated with complete response rate, recurrence-free survival, and progression-free survival, and outperforms other clinical factors in predicting overall survival.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 13, 2012

Scientists determined first-ever census for emperor penguins

A new study reveals a large number of emperor penguins in Antarctica, with 595,000 birds estimated, providing an important benchmark for monitoring environmental change. The research uses high-resolution satellite images to differentiate between birds and ice, allowing for accurate estimates.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 13, 2012

AGU: Uranus auroras glimpsed from Earth

Researchers detect faint, short-lived glowing dots on Uranus' dayside using Hubble Space Telescope. The unusual appearance of the auroras is attributed to Uranus' rotational weirdness and magnetic field's peculiar traits.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 13, 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.

UCSF project yields major resource for scientific research

The UCSF project provides a large publicly available resource to help researchers determine the importance of genes in mice. The resource includes 162 gene-disrupting vectors, 64 new stem cell lines, and 46 new strains of mice with missing microRNAs.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 13, 2012

Topological transitions in metamaterials

Metamaterials can control light by imprinting properties on photons, paving the way for commercial applications in 5-10 years. This breakthrough also enhances microscopic capabilities to reveal nanofeatures to the human eye.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalScience·DateApr 13, 2012

Children teaching parents about Aboriginal culture: UBC study

A UBC study finds that children are sharing their knowledge of Aboriginal culture and language with their parents, reversing traditional roles. This reversal is significant as many Aboriginal parents have lost this knowledge due to Canada's residential school system.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·DateApr 13, 2012

Discovery could help to develop drugs for organ transplant and cancer patients

Loyola researchers found a molecule called transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) that can amplify the immune response in some cases and suppress it in others. This discovery could lead to the development of new drugs to regulate the immune system, such as activating it to attack tumor cells or suppressing it to prevent organ rejection.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateApr 13, 2012

Water, water everywhere – but is it essential to life?

Researchers at the University of Bristol have discovered that a protein can refold its structure in an environment devoid of water molecules. This finding has significant implications for the development of new industrial enzymes with hyper-thermal resistance.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalChemical Science·DateApr 13, 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.

Scientists count penguins from space

A new study using satellite mapping technology reveals there are twice as many emperor penguins in Antarctica than was previously thought. The research provides an important benchmark for monitoring the impact of environmental change on the population of this iconic bird.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 13, 2012

Ocean acidification linked with larval oyster failure in hatcheries

Marine researchers have linked ocean acidification to the collapse of oyster seed production at an Oregon hatchery, where larval growth declined due to corrosive water conditions. The study's findings suggest that increased CO2 levels may push oyster larval growth past the break-even point in terms of production.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateApr 13, 2012

New tool helps teachers use technology more effectively

Researchers at UBC developed a tool to aid teachers in creating effective clicker questions, increasing student academic achievement in science and mathematics. The Elementary Science Questions Evaluation Rubric helps teachers develop and evaluate multiple-choice questions for clickers.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·DateApr 13, 2012

Cyberbullying and bullying are not the same: UBC research

A UBC study involving 17,000 Vancouver students found that 25-30% experience or participate in cyberbullying, compared to 12% for schoolyard bullying. Online behavior is often underestimated, with youth downplaying harm and failing to recognize its consequences.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·DateApr 13, 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.

Scientists complete first-ever emperor penguin count from space

A new study using high-resolution satellite mapping technology has counted over 595,000 emperor penguins in Antarctica, nearly double the previous estimate of 270,000 to 350,000 birds. The research provides an important benchmark for monitoring the impact of environmental change on these iconic birds.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 13, 2012

European dung-fly females all aflutter for large males

In European dung flies, larger males are preferred by females for mating, leading to increased copulation frequency and potentially larger testes. This difference in mating behavior is attributed to female preference, but the underlying evolutionary cause remains unclear.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalEvolution·DateApr 13, 2012

Exercise improves quality of life during breast cancer treatment

A University of Miami study shows that physically active women with non-metastatic breast cancer experience reduced depression and fatigue, as well as improved quality of life. Women who engaged in regular physical activity reported less debilitating fatigue and an enhanced ability to perform daily activities.

SourceUniversity of Miami·DateApr 13, 2012
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.

NASA's Swift monitors departing Comet Garradd

Researchers use NASA's Swift satellite to study Comet Garradd as it moves beyond the solar system's snow line. The comet sheds water and dust at an unprecedented rate, offering clues about its composition and behavior.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 13, 2012

Changes in gene expression may help explain high blood pressure in pregnancy

Researchers found that epigenetic mechanisms, such as reduced DNA methylation, contribute to high blood pressure and increased susceptibility to forming blood clots in pregnant women with preeclampsia. Inhibition of thromboxane synthase or dietary supplementation with folate may provide potential treatments for this condition.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalHYPERTENSION·DateApr 13, 2012

UC Berkeley passes management of Allen Telescope Array to SRI

The Allen Telescope Array will continue searching for intelligent life in space and monitoring space debris under new management by SRI International. The facility will also support the SETI Institute's efforts to detect signals from newly discovered exoplanets.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateApr 13, 2012
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.