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Science News Archive March 2012


Page 3 of 32

NIH grantees find dengue affects genes, function of mosquito salivary glands

A recent study found that dengue virus infection triggers changes in the activity of genes and functions of mosquito salivary glands, which may lead to greater virus transmission. The researchers also identified three salivary gland genes that modulate dengue virus infection and two olfactory genes that help control mosquito behavior.

How genes organize the surface of the brain

A national team of scientists has created the first atlas of the human brain surface based on genetic information, revealing distinct genetic divisions that differ from traditional brain maps. This atlas provides a new tool for understanding how genes influence brain development and function.

Duality of longevity drug explained

Researchers have discovered a way to separate the beneficial and detrimental effects of rapamycin on aging and disease, specifically targeting mTORC1 protein complexes. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new therapies that combat age-related diseases without causing insulin resistance or diabetes.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Forest-destroying avalanches on the rise due to clear-cut logging

Researchers found that clear-cut logging significantly increases the risk of avalanches penetrating into forest cover. The study provides new methods and data to predict runout distances and assess risks to facilities below avalanche terrain. This knowledge is crucial for land-use planning and management of resources.

Data mining deep space

Bahram Mobasher has received a two-year grant from NASA to compile imaging observations of galaxy surveys taken by the Hubble Space Telescope since 2002. The project aims to provide multi-wavelength data for measuring physical properties of galaxies and studying their formation and evolution.

Study suggests why some animals live longer

Scientists at the University of Liverpool have developed a method to detect proteins associated with longevity, finding that certain proteins evolve in non-random ways in long-lived species. This suggests that these species have optimised pathways for repairing molecular damage, which could help develop anti-ageing interventions.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Artificial thymus tissue enables maturation of immune cells

Researchers at Max Planck Institute successfully generated artificial thymus tissue in mouse embryo, discovering key signalling molecules controlling T cell maturation. The discovery represents a crucial step towards producing artificial thymus glands that could be used to replace or augment damaged organs.

New understanding of how materials change when rapidly heated

Researchers from the University of Southampton and Cambridge have made breakthroughs in understanding phase change memory materials under rapid heating conditions. Crystal growth rates are found to be faster than previously thought, with implications for improving memory performance and reducing energy consumption.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Neutrons uncover new density waves in fermion liquids

Researchers used neutron scattering to observe zero-sound oscillations in a fermion liquid, which could be a mechanism for high-temperature superconductivity. The discovery reveals new density waves with atomic wavelength in the helium fluid, differing from previous findings in bulk liquids.

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.

Afghans share unique genetic heritage, DNA analysis shows

A study of Afghan DNA reveals a shared genetic heritage with a common ancestral population emerging during the Neolithic revolution. The analysis indicates that early civilizations in the region contributed to the unique genetic diversity of Afghans, shaped by migrations and invasions.

Researchers identify new regulator in allergic diseases

Researchers have identified a genetic signature for regulation of IL-13, a key immune hormone involved in allergic reactions. MicroRNA miR-375 is regulated by IL-13 and plays a role in asthma and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a severe food allergy.

Launch of PLoS Currents: Disasters

PLoS Currents: Disasters is a new publication channel for sharing research and operational analyses on disasters. It supports timely publishing and revision-friendly article formats.

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.

Study finds paramedics skilled in identifying strokes

A study found that paramedics can identify stroke patients with a 99.3% accuracy rate, making it a reliable indicator to activate the hospital's stroke team. However, sensitivity rates are lower, indicating room for improvement in reducing time to treatment for acute stroke patients.

Sleep disturbances hurt memory consolidation

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that sleep disturbances significantly impair the overnight improvement and plateau performance of motor tasks in patients with sleep apnea. The authors concluded that optimal memory consolidation requires continuous sleep, independent of the total amount of sleep.

University leads EUR 8million EU project to tackle obesity

The University of Liverpool is leading a EUR 8 million European project, SATIN, to develop and test new food products with satiating qualities to help control appetite and manage weight. The project aims to create foods that fill people up quicker and for longer, while maintaining a healthy balanced diet.

A new paradox on our plate?

A study published in the British Food Journal found that US consumers have a better understanding of dietary fats than French counterparts, which contradicts the notion that nutritional information encourages healthy eating habits. Researchers suggest that detailed nutritional knowledge may not be the key to healthy eating.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

Protein 'jailbreak' helps breast cancer cells live

A study published in Journal of Biological Chemistry reveals that protein survivin can prevent normal cell death when located outside the nucleus, but not inside. Researchers suggest measuring overall levels and locations of proteins like HDAC6 could provide new leads for investigating breast cancer.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Adjuvanted flu vaccine associated with child narcolepsy in Finland

A Finnish study found that the Pandemrix vaccine used during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic was associated with a significant increase in childhood narcolepsy. The vaccine's AS03 adjuvant was linked to an abrupt rise in incidence rates, especially among vaccinated children under 19.

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.

Study finds circle hooks lower catch rate for offshore anglers

Research from North Carolina State University finds that broadening circle hook requirements could decrease catch rates for yellowfin tuna and other non-billfish species. Circle hooks were only 60-70% as effective as J hooks in catching these species, making them less suitable for offshore anglers.

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.

How to save Europe's most threatened butterflies

European butterflies are under threat, with 10% facing extinction, due to habitat loss and poor management. A new publication provides practical guidelines for managing habitats in a sustainable way, supporting biodiversity and human survival.

Writing the book of cancer knowledge

The Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia offers a comprehensive resource for cancer research, integrating gene expression, chromosomal copy number, and pharmacological profiles. This will enable researchers to predict drug sensitivity and improve the success rate of drug development in personalized medicine.

Program prepares indigenous students for science careers

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute has received a $1.8 million grant to expand a program encouraging Native middle-school students to pursue science and technology careers. The PREPARES project will provide professional development and mentoring to educators, enabling them to incorporate climate research into thei...

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.

Researchers identify genetic basis of tropical foot and leg lymphedema

A genome-wide association study reveals eight genetic variants linked to podoconiosis, a painful inflammation of the lower extremities caused by volcanic dust exposure. Wearing shoes can prevent the disease, and those with the gene variants are up to 3 times more likely to become affected.

Major networking opportunity

The IMEx Consortium provides a single interface for querying experimental interaction data, making it easier to understand an organism's interactome. With over 100 million curated binary pairs, scientists can identify supported protein interactions and compare new results with publicly available data.

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.

Taking some time off can help when learning a new language

A recent study published in PLOS ONE suggests that learning a new language can improve with time off. Adult subjects who took a break after high proficiency showed no decline in abilities and even processed the language more naturally. This unexpected result may be attributed to the brain's ability to reorganize and adapt.

Fusion presents low proliferation risk, experts conclude

American researchers conclude that prospective magnetic fusion power systems would pose a much lower risk of being used for the production of weapon-usable materials. The study found that with IAEA safeguards, there is little risk of fissile materials being produced for weapons.

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.

UV photographs of 12-year-olds show skin cancer risk

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that UV photographs can predict melanoma risk factors in 12-year-olds. The study's results suggest that primary care physicians can use UV photography to provide better sun protection counseling, potentially preventing melanoma cases.

How to save Europe's most threatened butterflies

A new report provides crucial information on how to conserve European butterfly species listed on the EU Habitats Directive. The guidelines include detailed accounts of each species' habitat requirements and food-plants, as well as dos and don'ts in managing their habitats.