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Science News for July 4, 2012


Freezing all embryos in IVF with transfer in a later non-stimulated cycle may improve outcome

A meta-analysis suggests that freezing all embryos for later transfer in a non-stimulated cycle may improve implantation and pregnancy rates, reducing the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) associated with fresh embryo transfers. The study found a relative risk of 1.31 for clinical pregnancies, with higher ongoing pregnan...

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateJul 4, 2012

Visualizing the complex flows inside chemical reactors

Dr. Markus Schubert from Helmholtz Association aims to investigate fluid dynamics in bubble column reactors using X-ray visualization. The goal is to optimize processes and systems for efficient conversion of desired products, saving resources and energy.

SourceHelmholtz Association·DateJul 4, 2012

Patient-derived stem cells could improve drug research for Parkinson's

Researchers derived iPS cells from patients with genetic forms of Parkinson's and found common signs of distress in neurons, including abnormalities in mitochondria. The cells' responses to treatments depended on the type of Parkinson's each patient had.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 4, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

From 'law' to 'religion'

A joint study by Stefan Reichmuth and Reinhold Glei reveals the Koran's term 'dīn' changed meaning from 'law' to 'religion' in Latin translations, with implications for European understanding of Islam. This shift reflects a gradual development in Western philosophy, paralleling Judaism and Christianity.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalReligion·DateJul 4, 2012

Individuals cooperate according to their emotional state and their prior experiences

Researchers found that individuals prioritize reciprocity over network structure when deciding to cooperate. This challenges traditional theories on cooperation among individuals. The study, published in PNAS, used a social conflict prototype called the Prisoner's Dilemma and involved 1,200 Aragon secondary students.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 4, 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.

Nature: Molecule changes magnetism and conductance

Researchers have developed a novel magnetic memory that can store information in the form of resistance variations. By applying an electric pulse, the metal-organic molecule can be switched between a conductive, magnetic state and a low-conductive, non-magnetic state.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 4, 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.

Groundbreaking discovery of mechanism that controls obesity, atherosclerosis

Researchers from A*STAR have identified a novel signalling pathway controlling both obesity and atherosclerosis in mice. The study found that Wip1-deficient mice were resistant to weight gain and atherosclerosis through increased autophagy, highlighting a potential new approach for treating these conditions. Further investigation into ...

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 4, 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.

Platelet drug shows clinical benefits for severe, unresponsive aplastic anemia

A new clinical study by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute found that eltrombopag improved blood cell production in 11 out of 25 participants with severe aplastic anemia. The drug was well-tolerated, with few side effects, and six patients showed significant improvements in all three types of blood cells.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 4, 2012

Study in Nature sheds new light on planet formation

A study published in Nature found that a cloud of dust circling a young star disappeared within three years, contradicting the commonly accepted timescale for dust removal. This sudden disappearance suggests that planet formation may be much faster or more efficient than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalNature·DateJul 4, 2012

Discovery improves understanding of early onset inflammatory disease

Scientists have discovered a 'constant cloud' of potent inflammatory molecules surrounding the cells responsible for diseases like thickening of the arteries and rheumatoid arthritis. Monocytes, a type of white blood cell, were found to be surrounded by this constant cloud, which was propelled through the cell wall by lysosomes.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Cell Science·DateJul 4, 2012

Yak genome provides new insights into high altitude adaptation

The yak genome provides new insights into high-altitude adaptation, with distinct gene expansions related to sensory perception and energy metabolism. The study also identified genes that may play important roles in regulating body response to hypoxia and optimizing energy from poor foods.

SourceBGI Shenzhen·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 4, 2012
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Urban athletes show that for orangutans, it pays to sway

Researchers used human parkour athletes to simulate orangutan movements and found that swaying is the most efficient way to cross trees. This finding helps explain why orangutans spend most of their lives in trees despite their large size and low-energy diet.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJul 4, 2012

Scientists discover new clues explaining tendon injury

Researchers have identified the interfascicular matrix (IFM) as essential for tendon function, suggesting it may be critical in preventing tendon overuse injuries. The finding has significant implications for understanding and treating tendon disorders that cost the UK economy billions of pounds annually.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalInterface·DateJul 4, 2012

Single embryo transfer reduces the risk of perinatal mortality in IVF

A policy of single embryo transfer (SET) has been associated with a reduction in overall perinatal mortality for IVF and ICSI babies. SET has also been linked to lower risks of preterm birth and low birth weight, as well as sequelae such as prematurity and neonatal complications.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateJul 4, 2012

Rewiring DNA circuitry could help treat asthma

Researchers reprogrammed asthma-promoting immune cells in mice, reducing airway damage and inflammation. The discovery identifies a potential target for new treatments of chronic inflammatory diseases.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalNature·DateJul 4, 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.

Tumor microenvironment helps skin cancer cells resist drug treatment

New research suggests that normal cells within the tumor, part of the tumor microenvironment, may supply factors that help cancer cells grow and survive despite anti-cancer drugs. The study found that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is linked to BRAF inhibitor drug resistance in melanoma.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature·DateJul 4, 2012

Hormones dictate when youngsters fly the nest, says new research

A study from the University of Leeds found that seabirds control when their young leave home through hormone levels corticosterone, not parental care. Chicks show a surge in this hormone 60 days before fledging, prompting parents to reduce food provisioning.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalBehavioral Ecology·DateJul 4, 2012

Just a question of time?

Researchers at the virtual Helmholtz Institute PolarTime are studying the inner clock of Antarctic krill to understand its impact on the marine ecosystem under climate change. They will investigate the principles and evolution of endogenous biological rhythms and clocks in pelagic organisms.

SourceHelmholtz Association·DateJul 4, 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.