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Science News for December 21, 2012


Physicists take photonic topological insulators to the next level

Physicists at the University of Texas at Austin have designed a simulation that emulates key properties of electronic topological insulators. The simulation, called SPINDOMs, allows researchers to control the spin of photons in a way that emulates what can be done with electrons.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Materials·DateDec 21, 2012

The X factor in liver metabolism

Researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center found that activating the unfolded protein response (UPR) triggers the expression of Xbp1s, a protein regulating genes needed for metabolic switch. This suggests Xbp1s could play a role in metabolic disease.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 21, 2012
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Hawaiian Islands are dissolving, study says

Research by Brigham Young University geologists reveals Hawaiian Islands are dissolving from within, with groundwater removing more mineral material than stream water. The study predicts Oahu will continue to grow for up to 1.5 million years before eventually declining in elevation.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·DateDec 21, 2012

Fighting sleeping sickness with X-ray lasers

Researchers used an X-ray free-electron laser to determine the structure of trypanosomal Cathepsin B, a promising target for treating sleeping sickness. The study provides detailed insight into how the naturally occurring native inhibitor binds, offering new ideas for designing targeted treatments.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateDec 21, 2012

New calculations solve an old problem with DNA

Scientists at the University of Luxembourg have developed a new calculation technique that accurately predicts the B-Z transition in DNA, which can lead to cancer. The breakthrough enables the prediction of material properties such as melting temperatures and elasticity with high accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalJournal of Chemical Theory and Computation·DateDec 21, 2012

New insights into how immune system fights atherosclerosis

A study led by Columbia University Medical Center researchers found that an important branch of the immune system mounts a surprisingly robust anti-inflammatory T cell response to prevent atherosclerosis progression. Regulatory T cells suppress pro-inflammatory effector T cells and macrophages, reducing disease severity.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 21, 2012

How excess holiday eating disturbs your 'food clock'

A new UCSF study examines the role of key molecule PKCγ in regulating the food clock, which is disrupted by irregular eating patterns. The findings have implications for understanding diabetes, obesity, and other metabolic syndromes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 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.

Targeting taste receptors in the gut may help fight obesity

Researchers say targeting extraoral taste receptors in the gut could release hormones that signal fullness, mimicking meal effects and aiding weight loss. Additional studies are needed to identify effective drug targets for obesity treatment.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateDec 21, 2012

miR-205 can be responsible for breast cancer

A new study challenges previous views on miR-205's function in breast cancer. Research found that miR-205 is overexpressed in transformed cells and contributes to the abnormal morphology of acini. The findings suggest miR-205 can act as an oncogene, promoting cell growth or inhibiting apoptosis.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalOncomiRs·DateDec 21, 2012

Researchers discover genetic basis for eczema, new avenue to therapies

Eczema is a persistent skin rash that can be triggered by inadequate Ctip2 protein, leading to inflammation and immune dysfunction. Researchers have identified two ways in which improper Ctip2 function contributes to eczema, paving the way for personalized treatments and new therapies.

SourceOregon State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 21, 2012

Many causes for learning lags in tumor disorder

New research sheds light on the complexities of learning problems in neurofibromatosis 1 patients. The study found that both increased RAS function and reduced dopamine levels contribute to cognitive dysfunction in individuals with NF1. Developing personalized therapies is now a priority.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateDec 21, 2012

New free e-Books available about 2 famous NASA space telescopes

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has been providing amazing images of the universe since April 1990, while the next-generation James Webb Space Telescope will reveal mysteries of the universe in much greater detail. The new free e-Books offer interactive resources and insights into both telescopes' science and technology.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 21, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Strength training improves vascular function in young black men

Researchers found that six weeks of resistance training significantly improved blood markers of cardiovascular health in young African-American men, but not Caucasian men. This suggests that resistance exercise training is more beneficial in young African-American men.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Human Hypertension·DateDec 21, 2012

JCI early table of contents for Dec. 21, 2012

Researchers found that Xbp1s regulates liver metabolic switch after eating, while low iron accelerates H. pylori-induced gastric cancer. Additionally, p62 is crucial for brown fat thermogenesis, and dendritic cells play a protective role in atherosclerosis.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 21, 2012

A new type of nerve cell found in the brain

Scientists have identified a new type of nerve cell in the brain that regulates heart rhythm and blood pressure. The discovery may lead to new ways of treating cardiovascular diseases.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 21, 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.

Ironing out the link between H. pylori infection and gastric cancer

Research found that low iron levels accelerate H. pylori-induced carcinogenesis in rodents and humans, increasing the risk of gastric cancer. Iron deficiency is associated with more virulent H. pylori strains and greater inflammation, highlighting the importance of iron levels in identifying high-risk patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 21, 2012

How stars look young when they're not: The secret of aging well

The study reveals differences in the speed of evolution among globular clusters, with fast-aging clusters experiencing core collapse within a few hundred million years. In contrast, slow-aging clusters would take several times the current age of the universe to undergo core collapse.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateDec 21, 2012
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.

Ups and downs of biodiversity after mass extinction

Research suggests that cooler climates led to increased biodiversity in marine fauna, while warmer temperatures caused species to become extinct. The study's findings indicate that climate fluctuations played a significant role in the emergence and extinction of species.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Geoscience·DateDec 21, 2012

May the force be with the atomic probe

Theoretical physicists created models to study van der Waals-Casimir-Polder (vdW-CP) force, which depends on electron diffusion. This finding could contribute to designing minimally invasive surface probes for quantum computer hardware architectures.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateDec 21, 2012

NIH grant moves pathologists to the forefront of genomic medicine

A five-year NIH grant supports a program to develop resident genomic pathology curriculum, expanding pathologists' role in interpreting and acting on genomics data. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between genetic research and practical application in patient care.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·DateDec 21, 2012

Xiao-Gang Wen and the 500 phases of matter

Researchers Xiao-Gang Wen and collaborators introduce a new system for classifying symmetry-protected phases of matter, potentially increasing our ability to design states of matter for superconductors and quantum computers. This reclassification provides insight into the fascinating world of quantum entanglement.

SourcePerimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics·JournalScience·DateDec 21, 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.

Boosting galactan sugars could boost biofuel production

Researchers at JBEI identified the first enzyme capable of boosting galactan in plant cell walls, increasing the amount of sugars that can be fermented into fuels. This discovery provides an important new tool for engineering advanced bioenergy fuel crops.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateDec 21, 2012

NASA Sees the major Midwestern snowstorm in infrared light

A massive low-pressure area dropped over a foot of snow in some Midwestern states, prompting severe warnings and weather advisories. The AIRS instrument on NASA's Aqua satellite captured an infrared image showing the heaviest precipitation areas at -63.6°F (-53.5°C) near New England states.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 21, 2012