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Science News for August 24, 2012


Professor's Antarctica research shows potential king crab invasion

Climate change is expected to lead to a major ecological upheaval in Antarctica as predatory king crabs potentially invade the continental shelf. The invasion could disrupt the primeval marine communities that have lived there for millions of years, leading to a loss of unique biodiversity.

SourceFlorida Institute of Technology·DateAug 24, 2012

Moffitt Cancer Center researchers and colleagues identify PHF20, a regulator of gene P53

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have identified PHF20 as a novel transcriptional factor that regulates gene P53, a crucial gene for normal cell growth and tumor suppression. The study found that PHF20 directly interacts with p53 and stabilizes it, allowing for its activation in response to DNA damage.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateAug 24, 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.

Scientists to design drug for chronic pain

Researchers at the University of Liverpool have developed novel compounds targeting the glycine receptor to treat chronic pain without sedative effects. The project aims to create a safe and effective oral tablet, addressing a huge unmet medical need for 20% of adults in Europe and the US.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·DateAug 24, 2012

Modeling metastasis

Researchers used Active Shape Model to simulate fluid forces acting on breast cancer cells in blood flow. The study aims to develop new therapies targeting metastasis by understanding mechanical properties of cancer cells.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateAug 24, 2012

New model gives hands-on help for learning the secrets of molecules

A new silicone model makes it possible for researchers to intuitively understand protein structures, positions, and interactions. The model allows users to test ideas about molecular interactions and simulate docking maneuvers, which can lead to innovation in drug design.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateAug 24, 2012

Virus detector harnesses ring of light in 'whispering gallery mode'

Researchers create super-sensor using nanoscale gold spheres to detect single samples of the smallest known viruses. The sensor uses 'whispering gallery mode' to measure precise frequency changes, allowing for accurate detection and sizing of viruses.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateAug 24, 2012

NASA spots heavy rainfall in Tropical Storm Isaac

Heavy rainfall observed by NASA's TRMM satellite over Tropical Storm Isaac poses significant risks to the eastern Caribbean, particularly Hispaniola and Cuba. The storm is expected to bring extreme rainfall totals of 8-12 inches, with isolated amounts reaching up to 20 inches.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 24, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers describe new molecular interactions behind the inhibition of TGF beta-signaling

The study reveals that inhibitory Smads bind directly to their targets without requiring phosphorylation, constituting a crucial step in the regulation of gene transcription. This discovery sheds light on how organisms achieve balance between TGF-beta signaling pathways, critical for maintaining tissue and organism health.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalStructure·DateAug 24, 2012

Bigger creatures live longer, travel farther for a reason

A study by Adrian Bejan suggests that larger bodies tend to have longer lifespans and greater distances traveled. This applies to both animate and inanimate systems, with rivers, jets of air, and vehicles following a similar pattern.

SourceDuke University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 24, 2012

Tropical Storm Tembin crossed over Taiwan, back over water

Tropical Storm Tembin made a quick track across southern Taiwan before re-emerging over the open waters of the Philippine Sea. The storm has strengthened and expanded since crossing the island, with tropical-storm-force winds extending out 170 miles from its center.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 24, 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.

Ancestral link places Mexican-Americans at greater risk for metabolic disease

A recent study found that Mexican-Americans with an ancestral link to Amerindian tribes have higher insulin resistance levels, a key indicator of several chronic conditions. The research suggests that ethnicity information is crucial in identifying individuals at high risk of disease, and that genetic markers can be used for personaliz...

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalDiabetes Care·DateAug 24, 2012

Astrocytes control the generation of new neurons from neural stem cells

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg discovered how astrocytes control the formation of new neurons in the brain. By secreting specific molecules and cell-cell interactions, astrocytes regulate the birth rate of new neurons and their integration into existing neuronal networks.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalStem Cells·DateAug 24, 2012

Addressing the need for microscopic speed

Researchers have developed a digital microscope that creates high-resolution images at fast speeds, enabling scientists to study biological processes like cell activity in greater detail. The new device uses a programmable micromirror system to reject unwanted light and improve image quality.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 24, 2012

The end of an era? Branding horses does not enable them to be identified

A study published in The Veterinary Journal found that horse branding is unreliable for identification due to poor legibility and tissue damage. Researchers examined brand marks on over 250 horses and found that only a small percentage could be clearly read.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalThe Veterinary Journal·DateAug 24, 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.

Only 2 percent of Canadians deny climate change

A recent survey conducted by IPAC-CO2 Research Inc. found that only 2% of Canadians reject the concept of climate change, while most believe it is real and caused by human activity. The survey also revealed divisions in opinions on how to address climate change, with some prioritizing cleaner cars and others supporting a carbon tax.

SourceInternational Performance Assessment Centre for Geological Storage of Carbon Dioxide (IPAC-CO2)·DateAug 24, 2012

Southampton physicists join search for hidden magnetic states

Physicists from the University of Southampton used Diamond Light Source's new I10 Beamline to search for 'hidden magnetic states' in exchange-spring magnets. They have identified at least three different classes of these states, which could provide important confirmation of a theoretical model.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateAug 24, 2012
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.

Boston subway system to be used to test new sensors for biological agents

The US Department of Homeland Security is conducting a series of tests in the Boston subway system to measure the real-world performance of new sensors designed to detect biological agents. The sensors, developed by several companies, are expected to identify and confirm the release of biological agents within minutes.

SourceUS Department of Homeland Security - Science and Technology·DateAug 24, 2012

Microwave ovens may help produce lower cost solar energy technology

Engineers at Oregon State University have developed a method to use microwave heating to synthesize copper zinc tin sulfide, a promising solar cell compound. This approach saves money, works well, and can be scaled up easily compared to traditional methods.

SourceOregon State University·Journalphysica status solidi (a)·DateAug 24, 2012

Working class prefers comedy and the intellectual class goes for drama

A study reveals that theatre demand is driven by different classes, with the working class favoring comedy and the intellectual class preferring drama. The results show that wealthier individuals are influenced by reviews, while those in the middle class opt for classic theatres.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Cultural Economy·DateAug 24, 2012

2012 Science in Society Journalism Awards announced

The National Association of Science Writers has awarded $2,500 to investigative journalists who reported on the impact of science on society. The winners include authors of books like 'Panic Virus' that shed light on vaccine controversies and environmental issues.

SourceNational Association of Science Writers·DateAug 24, 2012
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.

Lessons from Bangladesh

Glenn Hicks led a groundbreaking workshop in Dhaka, introducing modern approaches to biotechnology research. He found Bangladeshi students were eager to learn but needed practical training, highlighting the importance of education for quality of life.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateAug 24, 2012

Native plants in urban yards offer birds 'mini-refuges'

Research found that desert-like, or xeric, yards have a more even bird community and superior habitat compared to moist, or mesic, grass lawns. Native plants in urban yards offer birds 'mini-refuges' and help offset losses of biodiversity in cities.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 24, 2012