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Science News for February 2, 2012


Heat and cold damage corals in their own ways, Scripps study shows

A Scripps Institution of Oceanography study reveals that corals exposed to cold temperatures suffer greater growth impairment and measurable damage compared to those subjected to heat. However, corals are able to adjust to cool conditions over time, whereas prolonged heat stress leads to severe bleaching and growth stoppage.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 2, 2012

Hubble zooms in on a magnified galaxy

Astronomers use gravitational lensing to study a vigorously forming galaxy, revealing regions of intense star formation. The team aims to analyze these star-forming regions through spectroscopy to understand their formation mechanisms.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 2, 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.

'First light' taken by NASA's newest CERES instrument

The CERES instrument has begun scanning Earth, providing a long-term record of the energy balance and helping scientists understand climate change. The satellite's data will aid in monitoring minute changes in the Earth's energy budget, which is critical for understanding how human activities impact the planet.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 2, 2012

Studying butterfly flight to help build bug-size flying robots

Engineers at Johns Hopkins University are using high-speed video cameras to study butterfly flight and develop more agile micro aerial vehicles (MAVs) for reconnaissance and search-and-rescue missions. Their research reveals that changes in spatial distribution of mass associated with wing flapping play a crucial role in insect flight,...

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateFeb 2, 2012

NIH study uncovers probable mechanism underlying resveratrol activity

A new NIH study reveals that resveratrol's health benefits come from inhibiting phosphodiesterases (PDEs), not directly activating sirtuin 1. This finding may pave the way for resveratrol-based medicines and offer alternative treatments for diseases like type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and heart disease.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalCell·DateFeb 2, 2012

Bouquet bargains

A recent study by researchers at NESCent found that larger plant size can lead to bigger, more plentiful blooms, but accounting for overall size differences is crucial in detecting tradeoffs. The study tested three hypotheses and concluded that flower size-number tradeoffs are harder to spot due to various reasons.

SourceNational Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent)·JournalInternational Journal of Plant Sciences·DateFeb 2, 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.

Malaria kills nearly twice as many people than previously thought, but deaths declining rapidly

New research from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation reveals that more than 1.2 million people died from malaria worldwide in 2010, with 42% of those deaths occurring in older children and adults. The study found that anti-malaria drugs and insecticide-treated bed nets have driven a rapid decline in mortality rates.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 2, 2012

New RNA-based therapeutic strategies for controlling gene expression

Researchers have discovered new mechanisms by which RNA drugs can control gene activity, including binding to Argonaute proteins and other forms of non-coding RNAs. This breakthrough provides exciting new options for targeting emerging forms of non-coding RNAs and pre-mRNAs.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalNucleic Acid Therapeutics·DateFeb 2, 2012

Potential new treatment identified for leishmaniasis

A team of researchers at the University of Dundee has identified fexinidazole as a possible new treatment for visceral leishmaniasis, a disease affecting 500,000 people in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The drug showed a greater than 98% rate of suppressing infection in mice, comparable to current treatments.

SourceUniversity of Dundee·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 2, 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.

High triglyceride levels found to predict stroke in older women

Researchers found high triglyceride levels strongly predict ischemic stroke in postmenopausal women, exceeding the risk associated with cholesterol levels. The study analyzed data from over 900 women who experienced strokes, revealing a nearly two-fold increased risk for those in the highest triglyceride quartile.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalStroke·DateFeb 2, 2012

A battle of the vampires, 20 million years ago?

Scientists have discovered a 20-million-year-old fossil of a bat fly, which has been entombed in amber and preserved its details. The find reveals that bat flies have been parasitizing bats for at least half as long as the mammal group has existed.

SourceOregon State University·JournalParasites & Vectors·DateFeb 2, 2012

Scientists coax shy microorganisms to stand out in a crowd

Researchers at the University of Washington have advanced a technique called metagenomics, allowing them to single out a marine microorganism and map its genome even though it comprised only 7 percent of a water sample. The resulting genome offers hints that Euryarchaeota might serve as a cleanup crew after diatoms bloom and die.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·DateFeb 2, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Graphene electronics moves into a third dimension

Researchers at the University of Manchester have created a transistor that may prove graphene's potential as the next silicon for computer chips. The new device uses a vertical direction and exploits graphene's unique features to overcome current leakage issues.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalScience·DateFeb 2, 2012

ICTP South American Institute for Fundamental Research begins activities in Brazil

The ICTP South American Institute for Fundamental Research (ICTP-SAIFR) will focus on areas like gravitation, particle physics, and field theory. The center will host visiting researchers, organize schools and workshops for PhD students, and hire permanent professors to promote scientific excellence in South America.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateFeb 2, 2012

Plant power: The ultimate way to 'go green'?

Researchers are tapping into photosynthesis to efficiently produce highly valuable products, including biofuels and pharmaceuticals. This innovative approach could lead to a more sustainable future by utilizing sunlight as a renewable energy source.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Plant Science·DateFeb 2, 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.

Rearranging the cell's skeleton

Cell biologists have identified key steps in how small molecules alter a cell's skeletal shape and drive cell movement. By manipulating the cell membrane, researchers created ruffles that helped pull cells across surfaces, a process previously difficult to recreate.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Signaling·DateFeb 2, 2012

The discovery of deceleration

Millisecond pulsars lose half of their rotational energy during mass-transfer process, explaining apparent age paradox and absence of sub-millisecond radio pulsars. This result is in agreement with current observations and helps resolve the 'turn-off' problem in stellar astrophysics.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateFeb 2, 2012

Study flags over-reliance on computer tests in return-to-plan decisions after concussion

Researchers caution against relying solely on computerized neuropsychological tests (CNT) to determine when athletes can safely return to play after a concussion. The tests may not accurately measure an athlete's brain function and could lead to premature return, posing risks such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy and death.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology·DateFeb 2, 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.

Intermittent exercise improves blood glucose control for diabetics

A recent study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that intermittent exercise with low oxygen concentrations significantly improves glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Exercise under hypoxic conditions provides greater improvements than intermittent exercise alone.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 2, 2012

Combination drug therapy urged to battle lung cancer

A recent study found that the STAT3 gene is activated in some non-small cell lung cancer cell lines by the JAK2 protein, which may not be effectively inhibited by drugs targeting specific mutations. This suggests a potential role for combination therapy to combat NSCLC driven by STAT3-JAK2 signaling.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 2, 2012

Hand counts of votes may cause errors, says new Rice University study

A new study from Rice University and Clemson University found that hand counting of votes can result in error rates of up to 2 percent, emphasizing the importance of well-specified manual auditing procedures. The research also showed that division of labor among group counting members can help reduce errors.

SourceRice University·DateFeb 2, 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.

Human immune cells react sensitively to 'stress'

Monocytes are extremely sensitive to reactive oxygen species (ROS), while macrophages and dendritic cells derived from monocytes are resistant due to their defective DNA repair mechanisms. This sensitivity may play a role in regulating the immune response and preventing excessive ROS production.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 2, 2012

Elevated glucose associated with undetected heart damage

Researchers found a significant association between chronically elevated glucose levels and minute levels of troponin T, a blood marker for heart damage. The high-sensitivity test detected low levels of cTnT in 66% of the study population, suggesting potential pathways for diabetes-related heart disease.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 2, 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.

Using plants to silence insect genes in a high-throughput manner

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology have successfully silenced insect genes in a high-throughput manner using plant-mediated RNA interference. By targeting specific genes, such as CYP6B46, the scientists demonstrated that the gene silencing worked with high specificity and no collateral damage.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 2, 2012

New research confirms need for lung cancer testing

Different subgroups of non-small cell lung cancer exhibit distinct patterns of spread in the body, suggesting fundamentally different diseases. Targeted therapies have shown dramatic clinical responses in patients with ALK positive NSCLC, offering new hope for treatment.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalCancer·DateFeb 2, 2012

Castaway lizards provide insight into elusive evolutionary process

Researchers found that genetic and morphological traits were influenced by both natural selection and founder effects in castaway lizards. The study shows how these mechanisms interact with each other, resulting in differences between populations adapting to new environments.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalScience·DateFeb 2, 2012

Young children exposed to anesthesia multiple times show elevated rates of ADHD

A recent study conducted by Mayo Clinic researchers has found that young children who are exposed to anesthesia multiple times before the age of three have a higher risk of developing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study, which utilized data from the Rochester Epidemiology Project, found that children with two or ...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateFeb 2, 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.

Lecture or listen: When patients waver on meds

A new analysis of hundreds of doctor-patient visits found that physicians and nurse practitioners frequently use lecturing and ordering instead of engaging in open-ended discussions to address medication non-adherence. Problem-solving conversations were rare, even among patients who acknowledged lapses in adherence.

SourceBrown University·JournalAIDS and Behavior·DateFeb 2, 2012

Erratic heart rhythm may account for some unexplained strokes

Research suggests that erratic heart rhythms, particularly paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF), contribute to about one-fifth of unexplained strokes. Patients with stroke of unknown origin may benefit from extended monitoring and treatment with medications like dabigatran and rivaroxaban.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 2, 2012

Male and female behavior deconstructed

A UCSF team has identified genes that influence male and female behaviors, such as sex drive and nurturing behavior, which can be manipulated individually. The study suggests complex behaviors like autism may be broken down into component parts to better understand and treat disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell·DateFeb 2, 2012
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Triglyceride levels predict stroke risk in postmenopausal women

A recent study published in Stroke journal found that high triglyceride levels are a stronger predictor of stroke risk in postmenopausal women than previously thought. Researchers analyzed data from over 90,000 women and discovered that those with the highest triglyceride levels were nearly twice as likely to suffer an ischemic stroke.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalStroke·DateFeb 2, 2012

Identical twins reveal mechanisms behind aging

A study led by Uppsala University reveals that structural modifications of DNA are duplicated or lost more commonly in older individuals. This may explain the impaired immune system with age. The researchers found large rearrangements in blood cells of people over 60, as well as smaller changes in younger individuals.

SourceUppsala University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateFeb 2, 2012

Anemia may more than triple your risk of dying after a stroke

Research reveals severe anemia in stroke patients can lead to a higher risk of death, with patients experiencing increased mortality rates after six to twelve months. Anemia is measured by hematocrit levels, and moderate to mild cases also show elevated mortality risks.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 2, 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.

A silver bullet to beat cancer?

Lab tests have found that silver compounds are as toxic to cancer cells as platinum-based drug Cisplatin, but may be less toxic to healthy human cells. Researchers hope to develop next-generation chemotherapy drugs using these findings.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalDalton Transactions·DateFeb 2, 2012

New super-Earth detected within the habitable zone of a nearby cool star

A team of scientists has detected a potentially habitable super-Earth orbiting a nearby M-class dwarf star called GJ 667C. The planet receives 90% of the light that Earth receives and is expected to absorb similar amounts of energy, which could lead to surface temperatures similar to those on Earth.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateFeb 2, 2012

Hurricane gave researchers a rare opportunity to study evolution

A 2004 hurricane provided a rare opportunity for scientists to study the founder effect, a concept that describes the loss of genetic variation in new populations. The study found that both natural selection and the founder effect played roles in shaping the lizard population's characteristics.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience·DateFeb 2, 2012

Snapshot of dialysis: Who's getting treated at home?

Home-based dialysis treatments for kidney failure are gaining popularity worldwide, particularly in developing countries. The study found a significant increase in peritoneal dialysis patients in these regions, driven by lower costs and easier access to care.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 2, 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.

Understanding how bacteria come back from the dead

Bacteria can multiply rapidly, but a lag phase precedes exponential growth. Researchers have developed a system to study this period, revealing genes and nutrient uptake mechanisms that help bacteria thrive in new environments.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateFeb 2, 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.

Predicting system crashes in nature and society

Researchers develop a mathematical methodology to predict critical transitions in complex systems like fisheries and economies. The approach utilizes traditional intuition and understanding, reducing the need for large amounts of data, to enhance chances of 'seeing it coming'.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateFeb 2, 2012

Gene regulator in brain's executive hub tracked across lifespan -- NIH study

A new NIH study reveals that certain genes implicated in schizophrenia and autism show increased regulatory activity during a critical period of development, influenced by environmental factors. This discovery highlights the importance of epigenetic mechanisms like DNA methylation in shaping brain function and behavior.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateFeb 2, 2012

Malaria kills twice as many as previously thought, with close to half of all deaths in children over 5 years and adults

New research published in The Lancet reveals that malaria kills an estimated 1.2 million people globally each year, nearly twice as many as previously thought. Most malaria deaths occur in children over 5 years old, but the study also shows a significant number of deaths among adults in Africa and other parts of the world.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 2, 2012

A zap of cold plasma reduces harmful bacteria on raw chicken in Drexel study

Researchers at Drexel University demonstrate that cold plasma can effectively kill pathogens on uncooked poultry, including Campylobacter and Salmonella. The study shows that plasma treatment eliminates or significantly reduces bacteria levels, offering a promising method for reducing foodborne illness.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Food Protection·DateFeb 2, 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.

Sex-specific behaviors traced to hormone-controlled genes in the brain

A recent study on male and female mice has identified hormone-controlled genes in the brain as the key drivers of sex-specific behaviors, including mating and parental care. The research found that these genes can be individually manipulated to alter behavior, suggesting a modular control of sex-specific traits.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateFeb 2, 2012

Football findings suggest concussions caused by series of hits

A study by Purdue University researchers found that football players who received more hits to the head over time showed brain changes, even if they didn't have concussion symptoms. The findings suggest that a concussion is likely caused by many hits over time, not just one blow.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Biomechanics·DateFeb 2, 2012

Heart failure linked to thinner bones and fractures

A recent study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that heart failure is associated with a 30% increase in major fractures. Researchers identified a high-risk population benefiting from increased screening and treatment for osteoporosis.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 2, 2012

Penn State team's QR code wins REACH Challenge

A Penn State team has developed a QR code system that allows patients to provide real-time feedback on their care experiences, helping hospitals improve patient satisfaction and reputation. The winning project aims to ensure patients receive the best care while also boosting hospital reimbursement under the Value-Based Purchasing Program.

SourcePenn State·DateFeb 2, 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.

'Goldilocks' gene could determine best treatment for TB patients

Researchers found that a single 'Goldilocks' gene, LTA4H, regulates the immune response to TB. Variations in this gene lead to excessive or insufficient inflammation, which can affect treatment response. The study suggests personalized medicine could improve TB treatment outcomes.

SourceKing's College London·JournalCell·DateFeb 2, 2012

Untangling the mysteries of Alzheimer's

New research reveals that tau oligomers, smaller structures formed before neurofibrillary tangles, are the most toxic entities in Alzheimer's. High levels of tau oligomers have been found in some Alzheimer's brains, and their presence has been linked to various biochemical behaviors and structures.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateFeb 2, 2012

Planets circling around twin suns

Two new planets, Kepler-34 and Kepler-35, have been discovered orbiting binary suns in the Cygnus constellation. The discovery indicates that planets can revolve around double stars, challenging our understanding of solar systems.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature·DateFeb 2, 2012