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Science News Archive December 2012 - Page 20


Page 20 of 24

Advice for bag-in-box wine drinkers: Keep it cool

A new study found that bag-in-box wines are more prone to developing unpleasant flavors and aromas when stored at warm temperatures. Storing these wines at cooler temperatures can help preserve their taste and aroma.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateDec 5, 2012

Study shows antibody therapy clears Alzheimer's plaques in mice

Researchers developed a plaque-specific antibody that clears existing β-amyloid deposits in Alzheimer's disease mice, promoting potential treatment development. The study suggests that targeting insoluble amyloid beta is critical for plaque removal without microhemorrhage side effects.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateDec 5, 2012
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Studying marrow, URMC researchers accelerate blood stem cells

University of Rochester Medical Center scientists have discovered a new approach to speed up blood stem cell recovery after a vulnerable period following a stem-cell transplant. Prostaglandin E2 boosts blood production and protects the surrounding microenvironment, offering new hope for patients with leukemia or other blood disorders.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalStem Cells·DateDec 5, 2012

Atherosclerosis found in HIV children

Research finds that HIV-infected children have a 2.5-fold increased risk of early atherosclerosis damage, leading to cardiovascular disease. Experts recommend aggressive treatment of high cholesterol and promotion of healthy lifestyles to prevent complications.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateDec 5, 2012

Synthetic fuel could eliminate US need for crude oil

A team of Princeton researchers found that using synthetic fuel made from coal, natural gas, and non-food crops could cut US vehicle greenhouse emissions by up to 50% in the next several decades. The process is competitive with crude oil production and has potential environmental advantages.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalAIChE Journal·DateDec 5, 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.

A leap forward for red blood cell formation

Researchers have identified 75 genetic regions that influence red blood cell formation, shedding light on the biological pathways and mechanisms involved in controlling the size and number of red blood cells. This discovery may lead to new insights into the genetics of anaemia and potential treatments.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature·DateDec 5, 2012

NASA investigates use of 'trailblazing' material for new sensors

Researchers at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center are developing graphene-based sensors to detect atomic oxygen and other trace elements in the upper atmosphere, as well as structural strains in spacecraft. The sensors could greatly simplify the measurement of atomic oxygen and provide insights into the impact on spacecraft lifetime.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 5, 2012

New test adds to scientists' understanding of Earth's history, resources

Researchers used numerical dating to test the sequence stratigraphy model, validating its predictions and improving understanding of long-term climate changes and extinction events. The findings also provide insights into human-induced changes in ecosystems that predate the Anthropocene Epoch.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalGeology·DateDec 5, 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.

Clinical trial tests rice bran to prevent cancer

A University of Colorado Cancer Center review suggests rice bran offers anti-cancer properties due to its synergistic bioactive compounds. The clinical trial tests rice bran's effectiveness in preventing colon cancer recurrence, with researchers exploring the optimal composition and daily intake for chemoprevention.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAdvances in Nutrition·DateDec 5, 2012

Reading history through genetics

Researchers developed a new method to analyze genetic data to learn about population history, using the Ashkenazi Jews and Masai people as test subjects. This approach allows for detailed events in recent history to be recovered within the last few centuries.

SourceColumbia University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateDec 5, 2012

Where 'where it's at' is at in the brain

A new study in rats identifies a region called the postrhinal cortex that links objects to places in the brain, integrating spatial and nonspatial information upstream of the hippocampus. This finding has implications for treating traumatic brain injuries and neuropsychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia and depression.

SourceBrown University·JournalNeuron·DateDec 5, 2012

Site-specific, long-term research expanding understanding of climate change

A recent study published in Bioscience highlights the importance of long-term, site-specific research to understand climate change's impact on ecosystem structure and function. Climate-driven changes affect multiple components of forest ecosystems, including hydrologic variables, phenology, and plant community composition.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Northern Research Station·JournalBioScience·DateDec 5, 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.

Can the memory of a good meal fill your belly?

Volunteers who saw larger portions before eating reported less hunger 2-3 hours later, while those seeing smaller portions did not. This suggests that cognitive processes influence feelings of satiety after meals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 5, 2012

Bye bye Mediterranean diet, the poorest can't afford it anymore

A recent study published in BMJ Open found that low-income individuals have poorer adherence to the Mediterranean diet, leading to higher rates of obesity. The researchers analyzed data from 13,000 participants and discovered a significant association between income levels and dietary habits.

SourceCatholic University - Campobasso·JournalBMJ Open·DateDec 5, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

MECP2 duplication affects immune system as well as brain development

Researchers identified MECP2 duplication syndrome as a cause of recurrent infections and neurological problems in infant boys. The study found that excess MeCP2 protein suppressed gamma interferon production, leading to partial immunodeficiency. This deficiency made it difficult for the immune system to fight off certain infections, su...

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 5, 2012

NASA satellites analyze Typhoon Bopha inside and out

Typhoon Bopha intensified with a 'hot tower' thunderstorm reaching 12 kilometers high, indicating storm intensification within 6 hours. The storm also produced areas of bitterly cold cloud-top temperatures of -63C/-81F, where the strongest thunderstorms and heaviest rainfall were found.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 5, 2012

'Resistance' to low-dose aspirin therapy extremely rare

A recent study found that true aspirin resistance is extremely rare, with no cases identified. However, coated aspirin may lead to a false diagnosis due to delayed absorption and coating effects.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCirculation·DateDec 5, 2012
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

An inadequate diet during pregnancy predisposes the baby to diabetes

A study found that pregnant women who follow a Western diet, high in saturated fats but low in carbohydrates, increase the risk of their child being born with a diabetogenic profile. The researchers emphasize the importance of a balanced Mediterranean diet during pregnancy to avoid this risk.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateDec 5, 2012

Scientists discover mechanism that could reduce obesity

Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have identified a potential mechanism for reducing obesity by targeting the production of enzyme Tyk2. The study found that Tyk2 helps regulate brown adipose tissue (BAT), which is responsible for energy expenditure and maintenance of body temperature. By manipulating Tyk2 levels, scientists were...

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateDec 5, 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.

A new genetic fingerprint lives in your belly

Researchers analyzed microbial DNA in 252 stool samples to catalog genetic variation, finding over 10 million single-letter changes in collective DNA. The data could aid understanding of how human genes interact with microbes to maintain health or cause disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateDec 5, 2012

When the first stars blinked on

A team of researchers at MIT analyzed light from a quasar, which is the most distant object known, to study the era of the first stars and galaxies. They found no evidence of heavy elements in the surrounding gaseous cloud, suggesting that the quasar dates back to an era nearing the universe's first stars.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateDec 5, 2012

Astronomers discover and 'weigh' infant solar system

The discovery of L1527 IRS marks the oldest known solar system in formation, with a rotating dust disk and a protostar expected to grow to match the Sun's mass. The system is thought to be around 300,000 years old, compared to the 4.6 billion-year age of our own Solar System.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalNature·DateDec 5, 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.

Adult antiviral drug effective in suppressing hepatitis B in teens

The adult antiviral drug tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (tenofovir DF) has been found to be safe and effective in treating adolescents with hepatitis B virus (HBV), with a virologic response rate of 89% in pediatric participants. This study contributes to the growing body of evidence on the management of chronic HBV in children and teens.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateDec 5, 2012

New technology decodes chemical messages sent by bed bugs

Researchers combined video imaging and gas analyzers to track bed bug chemical signals, revealing new insights into behavior and mating habits. The study found distinct increases in chemicals during defense against unwanted mating attempts and individual variations in emissions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 5, 2012

Hearing positive verbs can induce unconscious physical response

Research by Pia Aravena and colleagues found that hearing action-related verbs can induce unconscious physical responses, such as increased grip force. The study used sentence structures with positive or negative verbs to explore language-induced motor activity in the human brain.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 5, 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.

Breath test could possibly diagnose colorectal cancer

Researchers have developed a simple breath analysis technique that can screen for colorectal cancer with an accuracy of over 75%. The method analyzes volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath, which are different in patients with cancer.

SourceWiley·JournalBJS·DateDec 5, 2012

Children born after infertility treatment are more likely to suffer from asthma

A recent study published in Human Reproduction found that children born after infertility treatment have a higher risk of developing asthma. At the age of five, these children were two to four times more likely to experience asthma, wheezing, and take anti-asthmatic medication compared to those conceived naturally.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateDec 5, 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.

Research identifies a way to block memories associated with PTSD or drug addiction

Researchers at Western University identified a common mechanism in the pre-limbic cortex to control recall of memories linked to aversive experiences in PTSD and rewarding memories in drug addiction. Stimulating a specific dopamine receptor subtype can prevent spontaneous recall of both types of memories without altering their integrity.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalNeuropharmacology·DateDec 5, 2012

The birth of new cardiac cells

A team of researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital used innovative technology to identify the origins of new cardiac cells. They found that these cells primarily arose from existing heart muscle cells, rather than stem cells, in a process that may be limited by age.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature·DateDec 5, 2012

Exercise affects reproductive ability in horses

A recent study found that exercise in horses reduced embryo recovery rates and quality, potentially impacting early embryonic development. The research also suggests a possible link between intense exercise and detrimental effects on female reproductive blood flow, highlighting the need for further studies.

SourceAmerican Society of Animal Science·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateDec 5, 2012

Galaxy-wide echoes from the past

Astronomers have identified a new class of galaxies, known as green beans, which are rare and display the largest and brightest glowing regions ever found. These giant glows are thought to be echoes from when the central black hole was more active in the past, providing valuable insights into galaxy evolution.

SourceESO·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateDec 5, 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.

Creativity and linguistic skills important for immersion in World of Warcraft

A study from the University of Gothenburg found that World of Warcraft players require creative thinking and effective communication to maintain their virtual world. The research, published in Symbolic Interaction journal, challenges the assumption that immersive gameplay leads to a loss of contact with reality.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalSymbolic Interaction·DateDec 5, 2012

X-ray laser helps slay parasite that causes sleeping sickness

A team of scientists using the world's most powerful X-ray laser has revealed the three-dimensional structure of a key enzyme that enables the single-celled parasite causing African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness. This discovery paves the way for designing new drugs to inhibit the parasite without harming humans.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateDec 5, 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.

The many maps of the brain

Researchers discover at least four different modules in the brain dedicated to self-location, each with its own internal GPS-like mapping system. The discovery challenges previous understanding of how the brain organizes abstract functions and opens up new possibilities for memory formation.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature·DateDec 5, 2012

Africa's Homo sapiens were the first techies

Researchers have discovered that African Homo sapiens developed significant technologies, including abstract art, jewellery, and bone tools, around 75,000 years ago. This breakthrough supports the idea that Africa was the birthplace of modern human behaviour and cognition.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalJournal of World Prehistory·DateDec 5, 2012

Teen smoking decreases bone accumulation in girls, may increase osteoporosis risk

Researchers found that teenage girls who smoke accumulate less bone during a critical growth period and carry a higher risk of developing osteoporosis later in life. The study suggests that strategies to help prevent osteoporosis should focus on preventing smoking, particularly among adolescent girls.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateDec 4, 2012

Could high insulin make you fat? Mouse study says yes

A new mouse study challenges the widely held view that obesity is caused by high insulin levels. Instead, it suggests that chronically low insulin levels can help prevent weight gain on a high-fat diet. The research provides direct evidence in mammals that circulating insulin drives obesity.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateDec 4, 2012

Carnegie debuts revolutionary biosphere mapping capability at AGU

The Carnegie Airborne Observatory's AToMS system is uncovering a previously invisible ecological world by combining laser and spectral imaging instrumentation to derive simultaneous measurements of an ecosystem's chemistry, structure, biomass, and biodiversity. This technology has applications ranging from mitigating climate change to ...

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·DateDec 4, 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.

UNM Cancer Center researchers study new target for breast cancer

Researchers at the UNM Cancer Center are studying GPER, a novel estrogen receptor, to develop potential therapies for breast cancer. By understanding how GPER influences tumor growth and metastasis, they aim to create more effective treatments that can reduce resistance to existing drugs.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico Cancer Center·DateDec 4, 2012