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Science News for January 27, 2012


What really happened prior to 'Snowball Earth'?

Scientists analyze carbon isotopic composition in ancient rocks to understand conditions prior to the Marinoan glaciation, finding no link between changes and global glacial events. The research suggests alteration by freshwater as sea level fell is responsible for observed geochemical patterns.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalGeology·DateJan 27, 2012

The pupils are the windows to the mind

A new study published in Perspectives on Psychological Science explores the use of pupilometry, a technique measuring pupil diameter, to gain insights into human behavior. By analyzing changes in pupil size, researchers can identify what people are paying attention to, shedding light on brain function and cognitive processes.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateJan 27, 2012

SwRI-led RAD measures radiation from solar storm

The Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD) has measured the radiation a human astronaut could be exposed to during a recent solar storm. The data collected will provide valuable information for future human space exploration, including insights into the physics of giant clouds and shielding provided by spacecraft.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·DateJan 27, 2012

Body location plays part in scratching pleasure

A study published in the British Journal of Dermatology found that itching sensations vary by body site, with the ankles and backs exhibiting greater intensity and longer-lasting relief through scratching. Researchers suggest specific nerve fibers may be involved in pleasure-related sensations.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology·DateJan 27, 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.

Research on vitamins could lead to the design of novel drugs to combat malaria

Scientists at the University of Southampton have discovered the atomic structures of malarial enzymes responsible for vitamin B6 biosynthesis, paving the way for the development of new antimalarial chemotherapeutics. This research could lead to a breakthrough in combating malaria, which affects nearly 250 million people worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalStructure·DateJan 27, 2012

Head & neck cancer in transplant patients: For better or worse?

A new study found that transplant patients with head and neck cancer are more likely to be non-smokers and non-drinkers, and less likely to survive past one year of diagnosis. The risk for developing head and neck cancer is small, but the study highlights the need for regular screenings and aggressive treatment.

SourceHenry Ford Health·DateJan 27, 2012

Assessment of COPD exacerbation severity with the COPD Assessment Test

A new study found that the CAT questionnaire is a reliable tool for assessing COPD exacerbation severity, reflecting both exacerbation length and reduction in lung function. The CAT scores were also weakly related to systemic inflammatory markers and elevated in stable patients with a history of frequent exacerbations.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 27, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

SUMO-snipping protein plays crucial role in T and B cell development

Research team led by Edward T. H. Yeh discovers that SENP1 regulates SUMOylation of STAT5, essential for lymphoid development of T and B cells. Without SENP1, STAT5 cannot be activated or recycled, leading to severe defects in immune cell development.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJan 27, 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.

Trial by fire: A landscape-scale experiment in restoring Ozark glades

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis are conducting a landmark study to restore degraded glade habitats and ecosystems using fire manipulation techniques. The goal is to establish best practices for restorative ecology and mitigate biodiversity loss from small habitats, particularly rare species found nowhere else.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateJan 27, 2012

The secret life of proteins

A Northwestern University study identifies a key player in the human immune system, revealing its crucial role in activating the immune response. The protein, STIM1, was found to regulate not only one function but also another critical step in immune activation.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateJan 27, 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.

ONline-learning must synch or sink, researcher says

A University of Alberta researcher found that online undergraduate classes using text-based formats lack reflective engagement and facilitate communication lacking in joy, passion, flavour and urgency. Kanuka recommends integrating audio-visual technologies to better support students and create a more engaging community of learners.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Computing in Higher Education·DateJan 27, 2012

Discovery of new vaccine approach for treatment of cancer

Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have developed a new vaccine to treat cancer by manipulating the immune response. The vaccine, which has shown high effectiveness in pre-clinical trials, overcomes obstacles that have hindered previous cancer vaccines.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalCancer Research·DateJan 27, 2012

New center developing computational bioresearch tool

Researchers at the University of Chicago are developing a new computational bioresearch tool that could lead to breakthroughs in understanding cellular motion. The Center for Multiscale Theory and Simulation will focus on predicting molecular interactions using advanced simulation capabilities, including coarse-graining techniques.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·DateJan 27, 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.

Immunological mechanisms of oncolytic adenoviral therapy

Researchers studied the role of immune responses in oncolytic adenovirus therapy and found that CD8+ T cells mediate antitumor efficacy. The study proposes a new therapeutic regime combining oncolytic adenovirus with immunotherapy.

SourceScience China Press·JournalChinese Science Bulletin·DateJan 27, 2012

The amygdala and fear are not the same thing

A new study challenges the common notion that the amygdala is solely responsible for fear responses. Research suggests the amygdala processes events related to a person's current concerns, not just fear. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of emotions and brain function.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateJan 27, 2012

UT researchers' innovation addresses major challenge of drug delivery

A team of UT researchers has developed a novel physical form of proteins that can improve treatments for cancer and other diseases by overcoming the major challenge of drug delivery. The new approach enables safe, easy, and effective delivery of drugs to patients, revolutionizing treatment of cancer, arthritis, and infectious disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 27, 2012

Space Weather Center to add world's first 'ensemble forecasting' capability

The Space Weather Laboratory will implement ensemble forecasting, producing up to 100 computerized forecasts simultaneously, improving the reliability of space weather alerts. This new capability is crucial for protecting astronauts and NASA spacecraft from potential harm during periods of increased solar activity.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 27, 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.

Prejudices? Quite normal!

Research from Jena University reveals that prejudice development peaks between 5-7 years of age, but well-designed prevention programs can effectively reduce biases. The study highlights the importance of diverse contacts in reducing sweeping generalizations and discrimination, especially for children from social minorities.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalChild Development·DateJan 27, 2012

OHSU discovery may lead to new treatment for Rett Syndrome

Researchers at OHSU have discovered a critical link between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and Rett syndrome, a neurological disorder affecting one in 10,000 baby girls. The study found that mutant neurons in the brainstem fail to produce BDNF, leading to breathing difficulties and other symptoms.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNeuroscience·DateJan 27, 2012

Scientists reveal how cholera bacterium gains a foothold in the gut

Researchers at University of York uncover key mechanism by which Vibrio cholerae gains foothold in the intestine, exploiting sialic acid for survival. The discovery could pave way for targeted treatments for the deadly intestinal disease that kills over 100,000 people annually.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 27, 2012

80 percent of 'irreplaceable' habitats in Andes unprotected

A Duke University-led study finds that 80% of high-endemicity areas in the Andes lack protection, with hundreds of rare species under threat from human activities. The research highlights the urgent need for conservation strategies to protect this unique region.

SourceDuke University·JournalBMC Ecology·DateJan 27, 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.

Mind over matter: Patients' perceptions of illness make a difference

Research suggests that patients' perceptions of their illness significantly impact health outcomes, including functioning, healthcare utilization, and mortality. Effective health care treatment plans require consideration of a patient's beliefs about their illness, as they guide decisions about health and treatment adherence.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateJan 27, 2012

NASA eyes cyclone Iggy's threat to western Australia

Tropical Cyclone Iggy is expected to strengthen as it approaches the Australian coastline due to low wind shear and warm waters. The cyclone has already triggered warnings and watches along coastal areas, with a Blue Alert posted for communities in Western Australia.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 27, 2012

Republicans and democrats less divided than commonly thought

A new study analyzing 40 years' worth of voter data suggests that Americans perceive more political polarization than actual differences exist between parties. Contrary to popular belief, those who perceive greater polarization are more likely to engage in politics, attend rallies, or donate to a party.

SourceSAGE·DateJan 27, 2012

Making memories last

Scientists at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research found that oligomers of a synapse protein are essential for forming long-term memory. The discovery supports a new theory about memory and may have implications for understanding diseases such as Alzheimer's and prion diseases.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalCell·DateJan 27, 2012
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.