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Science News for July 12, 2012


Finished heart switches stem cells off

Researchers discovered a crucial switch controlling cardiac stem cell activity, enabling the growth of healthy hearts and potentially treating congenital defects. By silencing this switch, scientists hope to regenerate damaged adult hearts using lab-cultured replacement cells.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 12, 2012

New Notre Dame research raises questions about iris recognition systems

A new study from University of Notre Dame researchers found that iris biometric enrollment degrades slowly over time, increasing false non-match errors. The study challenges the long-held assumption of 'one enrollment for life,' highlighting the need for reenrollment intervals or aging-resistant approaches.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·DateJul 12, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tannins in sorghum and benefits focus of university, USDA study

A team of scientists has cloned the tannin gene in sorghum, revealing its role in promoting human health through antioxidant properties. The study also explores ways to alter tannins to improve sorghum's use as food and feed.

SourceKansas State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 12, 2012

Noninvasive imaging technique may help kids with heart transplants

Cardiologists at WashU Medicine have developed a noninvasive imaging technique to detect coronary artery disease in pediatric heart transplant patients, reducing the need for invasive tests. The technique uses contrast-enhanced cardiac MRI to assess coronary arteries and has shown promising results, although further study is needed.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation·DateJul 12, 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.

Messy experiment cleans up physics mystery of cornstarch

Scientists Scott Waitukaitis and Heinrich Jaeger report a groundbreaking study on non-Newtonian liquids, revealing the 'impact-activated solidification' process that transforms suspensions into solids under sudden impact. The experiment uses a combination of high-tech instruments to observe the phenomenon in unprecedented detail.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature·DateJul 12, 2012

Controlling inflammatory and immune responses

IRCMM researchers defined the genome-wide interaction between Stat3 and glucocorticoid receptor GR to control inflammation. This breakthrough sheds light on how these proteins regulate genes involved in development, metabolism, and immune response.

SourceInstitut de recherches cliniques de Montreal·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJul 12, 2012

The ecology of natural gas

Researchers study natural gas impacts on drinking water, finding high methane concentrations near fracking sites. Gas leaks also cause soil changes, affecting urban ecosystems. The session discusses policy strategies to encourage cleaner natural gas distribution and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceEcological Society of America·DateJul 12, 2012

University of Utah physicists invent 'spintronic' LED

Researchers developed a new spin-polarized organic LED (spin OLED) that can be brighter than regular organic LEDs, producing an orange color. The device uses a unique property called spin to transmit information, enabling the creation of 'spintronic' technology.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience·DateJul 12, 2012
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

The Clovis First Theory is put to rest at Paisley Caves

A team of international researchers discovered evidence of pre-13,000-year-old non-Clovis cultures in North America, contradicting the long-held 'Clovis First' theory. The findings include Western Stemmed projectile points and DNA-profiling of human coprolites from the Paisley Caves.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalScience·DateJul 12, 2012

Peering into the heart of a supernova

Researchers at Caltech found a correlation between the neutrino signal and the gravitational-wave signal that occurs when the proto-neutron star reaches high rotational velocities. This discovery provides new insights into understanding the explosion process in massive stars.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review D·DateJul 12, 2012

Salt cress genome yields new clues to salt tolerance

Researchers sequenced the salt cress genome, identifying genes that contribute to its high salt tolerance. The study sheds light on the genetic characteristics underlying plant stress tolerance, with potential applications for agricultural crop improvement.

SourceBGI Shenzhen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 12, 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.

Multiple sclerosis: New marker could improve diagnosis

Researchers have identified a new biomarker, KIR4.1 autoantibody, in nearly half of MS patients, indicating its potential as an autoimmune response target. The finding could improve diagnosis and differentiate MS from other neurological diseases.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 12, 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.

Non-surgical treatment of common shoulder injury may increase chances of return-to-play

A new study suggests that nonsurgical treatment for common shoulder injuries like SLAP tears may be more effective than surgery in increasing the chances of return-to-play in baseball players. The researchers found that position players were more likely to return to competition at a higher rate than pitchers, with 73% vs 40% respectively.

SourceAmerican Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine·DateJul 12, 2012

Plasmonic chains act like polymers

Researchers at Rice University have discovered that plasmonic chains exhibit properties similar to polymers, with the arrangement of nanoparticles influencing their optical behavior. The study found that the addition of nanoparticles along the chain can alter the energy of super-radiant modes and affect the interaction between particles.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 12, 2012

Tamarisk biocontrol efforts get evolutionary boost

UC Santa Barbara scientists have found that the tamarisk leaf beetle has evolved to delay its entry into hibernation, allowing it to survive and reproduce in the southern US. This adaptation enables the beetle to effectively control the invasive tamarisk plant, providing a cost-effective solution for containing the weed.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEvolutionary Applications·DateJul 12, 2012

Sports 1, housework, 0

Research finds that while fathers may be more involved with their children through sports, they still tend to do the lion's share of household tasks and childcare responsibilities. The study, conducted by UCLA sociologists, suggests that traditional gender roles persist in middle-class families.

SourceSociologists for Women in Society·JournalGender & Society·DateJul 12, 2012
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Concussions affect college players at high rates too, study says

A recent study by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine found that concussion rates among college football players have doubled in three programs over two years. The increase is attributed to improved reporting of concussions under new NCAA regulations.

SourceAmerican Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine·DateJul 12, 2012

Pulverized rocks, coral reefs, seawater chemistry, and continental collisions

Researchers have discovered evidence of catastrophic events causing rock pulverization near major faults in California and Japan, while coral reefs at high latitudes and turbid inner bays provide insights into environmental gradients. Continental collisions are also explored through the study of Taiwan's pre-collision zone.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateJul 12, 2012

Discovery opens door to attacking biofilms that cause chronic infections

Researchers have developed a new fluorescent labeling strategy that enables the examination of bacterial biofilm structure, leading to potential drug targets. The study has provided new insights into the development of complex structures and may pave the way for new approaches to fighting infectious disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateJul 12, 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.

Protecting the hearts of those waiting for kidney and liver transplants

The American Heart Association has released a scientific statement addressing varied cardiac evaluation policies in transplant patients. The guidelines aim to standardize cardiac evaluation practices before kidney and liver transplantation, reducing unnecessary testing and improving patient outcomes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCirculation·DateJul 12, 2012

Is acetazolamide effective and safe for preventing acute mountain sickness?

A comprehensive review of 24 studies found acetazolamide has limited effectiveness unless baseline AMS risk is high, and some side effects occur at low doses. The authors suggest tailoring treatment to individual risk and acceptability of common side effects.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHigh Altitude Medicine & Biology·DateJul 12, 2012

Study: Wolverines need refrigerators

Climate change threatens wolverine survival; researchers find refrigerated caches key to adaptation. Wolverines use snow and crevices to store food, protecting it from scavengers and bacteria.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·DateJul 12, 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.

Male sex ornaments are fishing lures, literally

Researchers found that males with ant-eating traits have ornament shapes resembling ants, attracting female bites that develop a search image for the food. Sensory drive promotes differences among populations based on species in the community.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 12, 2012

Controlling your computer with your eyes

Researchers from Imperial College London have developed a low-cost, 3D eye-tracking device that can track users' eye movements and allow them to control a cursor on a screen. The device has been shown to be effective in enabling people with disabilities to interact with computers and their surroundings using just their eyes.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateJul 12, 2012

Our coral reefs: In trouble - but tougher than we thought

Indo-Pacific coral reefs are more resilient due to lower seaweed growth rates and a higher abundance of herbivorous fish, which treats seaweed as a delicacy. The study suggests that these reefs can withstand degradation before being overtaken by seaweeds.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·DateJul 12, 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.

Obese kids as bright as thinner peers

A study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council found no causal link between childhood obesity and poor academic achievement. The researchers examined data from nearly 4,000 children and used genetic markers to account for potential confounding factors.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateJul 12, 2012

Large, medically important class of proteins starts to yield its secrets

Recent studies have made significant progress in understanding GPCRs, shedding light on their structure and function. The high-resolution structures of several GPCR receptors, including the A2A adenosine receptor, have been determined, providing valuable insights into how these proteins interact with ligands.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 12, 2012

From aflatoxin to sake

Researchers mapped genetic differences between domesticated fungus Aspergillus oryzae and its wild relative, finding extensive genome remodeling. The study suggests microbes undergo metabolic changes for desired functions rather than growth and form alterations.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 12, 2012

NASA sees hot towers as Tropical Storm Fabio's trigger

NASA's TRMM satellite observed hot towers within Tropical Depression 06E, which later became Tropical Storm Fabio. The research found that storms with hot towers were twice as likely to intensify within six hours than those without.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 12, 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.

In adult humans, brown fat is actually beige

Researchers identified a third type of fat cell, beige adipocytes, that can be activated to burn energy and generate heat in both mice and humans. Beige fat cells are genetically intermediate between white and brown fat, and respond to hormone irisin, which is released during exercise.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJul 12, 2012

Caterpillar gets more from its food when predator is on the prowl

A study by Purdue University researchers reveals that hornworm caterpillars adapt to increase the efficiency of converting food into energy when threatened by predators. They also increase nitrogen extraction and lipid content. However, this adaptation comes at a cost in later developmental stages.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 12, 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.

Italy pledges to be part of ELIXIR research infrastructure

Italy has pledged participation in ELIXIR, a pan-European effort to manage biological data for research and medicine. The move aims to establish partnerships throughout Europe and benefit from Italy's bioinformatics expertise.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory - European Bioinformatics Institute·DateJul 12, 2012

Sake, soy sauce, and the taming of the microbes

Researchers found that domesticated fungi, used to brew sake and soy sauce, have undergone extensive metabolic remodeling. This process led to the suppression of toxins and the evolution into 'cell factories' for enzymes and metabolites.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 12, 2012

Leiden researchers achieve highest resolution ever for human protein

Researchers at Leiden University have crystallized the adenosine A2A receptor to a record-breaking high resolution, allowing for detailed study of its structure and function. This breakthrough provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying Parkinson's disease and the effects of caffeine.

SourceLeiden University·JournalScience·DateJul 12, 2012

NASA's Aqua satellite providing 2 views of Hurricane Emilia

The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instrument captured a visible image of Hurricane Emilia on July 12, revealing an eye with high clouds overhead. Infrared data from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) instrument showed powerful thunderstorms and cold cloud tops surrounding the eye of the hurricane.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 12, 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.

UK space sector trajectory rises through the economic storm

The UK space sector has demonstrated remarkable growth, contributing £9.1 billion to the economy in 2010/11, with an average annual growth rate of 7.5%. The sector's continued success reflects strategic investment in technological innovations and a highly skilled workforce.

SourceUK Space Agency·DateJul 12, 2012

Inexpensive paper-based diabetes test ideal for developing countries

A new glucose monitor made from inexpensive materials measures sugar levels in urine, helping people with diabetes monitor their blood sugar levels in rural areas of developing countries. The device was developed to address the challenges of providing affordable diabetes testing in regions where poverty limits healthcare access.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJul 12, 2012

Disentangling information from photons

Researchers develop tool to decompose photon pairs' superimposed states, enabling access to their information even with imperfect measurements. The findings suggest that higher entanglement levels can reveal more information, leading to more resilient quantum info applications.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateJul 12, 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.

Solar storm protection

A new warning system can forecast radiation from solar storms nearly three hours in advance, allowing astronauts and air crews to take protective action. The system uses data from neutron monitors installed at the South Pole to estimate the intensity of high-energy particles that arrive on Earth first.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalSpace Weather·DateJul 12, 2012

New Au. sediba fossils discovered in rock

South African scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery of a large rock containing significant parts of a skeleton of an early human ancestor, believed to be the remains of 'Karabo', the type skeleton of Australopithecus sediba. The fossil will be unveiled live online and in a laboratory studio for the first time in history, allo...

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·DateJul 12, 2012

Platinum is wrong stuff for fuel cells

A Case Western Reserve University researcher suggests that using platinum in fuel cells is inefficient due to energy loss, prompting the search for alternative catalysts. The ideal bonding strength between platinum and intermediate molecules can improve efficiency.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateJul 12, 2012

Solar system ice: Source of Earth's water

A team of scientists led by Conel Alexander has found that carbonaceous chondrites, a type of primitive meteorite, are more likely to be the source of Earth's water than comets. This discovery contradicts prevailing theories and provides new constraints for understanding the origin of volatiles in the inner Solar System.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience·DateJul 12, 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.

Viruses linked to algae that control coral health

Researchers have identified two viruses that infect symbiotic microalgae essential for coral growth and health. The presence of these viruses could be a contributing factor to the decline of coral reefs worldwide. Corals face various environmental threats, including warming temperatures, competition, and pollution.

SourceOregon State University·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateJul 12, 2012

Study questions whether becoming a doctor pays off for women

A study published in the Journal of Human Capital found that most women primary-care doctors would have made more money becoming physician assistants after factoring in training costs. Most women doctors do not work enough hours to amortize their expensive training, leading to a lower net present value compared to PAs.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Human Capital·DateJul 12, 2012

The challenges facing the vulnerable Antarctic

The Antarctic faces numerous challenges from human activity and climate change, including marine system impacts, invasive species, and pollution. The existing Antarctic Treaty System is being tested by growing tourism and resource use, highlighting the need for swifter decision-making and increased collaboration to conserve the region.

SourceMonash University·JournalScience·DateJul 12, 2012

New study on media violence and kids could have applications on school bullying

A new study by Iowa State University researchers suggests a link between media violence exposure and increased aggression in children, which could help identify students at higher risk of bullying behavior. The study found that media violence exposure was one of six risk factors for predicting later aggression in 430 children.

SourceIowa State University·JournalPsychology of Popular Media Culture·DateJul 12, 2012
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.