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Science News Archive March 2012 - Page 3


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.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMar 29, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateMar 29, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateMar 29, 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.

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.

SourceCanadian Science Publishing·JournalCanadian Geotechnical Journal·DateMar 29, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateMar 29, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalAGE·DateMar 29, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell·DateMar 29, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 29, 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.

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.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateMar 28, 2012

US cancer death rates continue to decline, national report finds

US cancer death rates have declined between 2004 and 2008, with a decrease in cancer diagnoses for men and women. The rate of new cancer diagnoses decreased an average of less than one percent per year, while death rates from all cancers continued to fall.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalCancer·DateMar 28, 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.

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.

SourceNational Geographic Society·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 28, 2012

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.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalMucosal Immunology·DateMar 28, 2012

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Currents·DateMar 28, 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.

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.

SourceLoyola Medicine·DateMar 28, 2012

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 28, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·DateMar 28, 2012

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.

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalBritish Food Journal·DateMar 28, 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.

Study reports validation and clinical application of the first point-of-care genetic test in medicine, regarding use of antiplatelet therapy following coronary interventions

A new point-of-care genetic test identifies CYP2C19*2 allele, a common variant associated with increased risk of major adverse events. The test enables personalized dual antiplatelet treatment, reducing complications and improving outcomes for patients after coronary interventions.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 28, 2012

No improvement in patient outcomes seen in hospitals with pay-for-performance programs

A new study from Harvard School of Public Health found that the largest hospital-based pay-for-performance program in the US did not improve 30-day mortality rates for patients with acute conditions. Non-Premier hospitals showed similar outcomes to poor-performing Premier hospitals, suggesting that incentives may need to be adjusted.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 28, 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.

Fish oil added to yogurt may help consumers meet daily nutritional requirements

Researchers found that a 1% concentration of fish oil in savory-flavored yogurt can provide more than the recommended daily intake of n-3 fatty acids. The studies demonstrated high acceptance and flavor preference among nutritionally motivated consumers, suggesting a potential market for such products.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·DateMar 28, 2012

Penn researchers call for a re-examination of transplant waitlist prioritization

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that liver cancer patients are less likely to die or become too sick for a transplant while waiting on the list compared to non-HCC candidates. The study suggests re-examining the prioritization criteria used to determine waitlist placement.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateMar 28, 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.

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.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 28, 2012
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Gladstone Scientists identify key mechanism involved in Type 2 diabetes

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes discover p75NTR's role in controlling glucose metabolism, finding that blocking this receptor enhances insulin's effectiveness. This breakthrough may lead to new therapies for Type 2 diabetes, a global health problem affecting over 20 million Americans.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 28, 2012

Major study shows that tobacco-related cancers and cervical cancer are important causes of death among working-age people in India

A new study published in The Lancet analyzed cancer death rates across India and found that oral, stomach, and lung cancers are major causes of death in men, while cervical, stomach, and breast cancers cause the most deaths among women. The study also highlighted significant geographical and social variations in cancer mortality rates.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 28, 2012

Penn research points to new way of preserving fertility for boys undergoing cancer treatment

A team led by Ralph Brinster at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine has successfully preserved spermatogonial stem cells in mice for over a decade, demonstrating their viability and ability to produce healthy offspring. The study provides promising evidence for a potential fertility treatment in humans, address...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateMar 28, 2012

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateMar 28, 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.

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.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNature Conservation·DateMar 28, 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.

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.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature·DateMar 28, 2012

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...

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·DateMar 28, 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.

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.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 28, 2012

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.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory - European Bioinformatics Institute·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 28, 2012

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 28, 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.

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.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNuclear Fusion·DateMar 28, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateMar 28, 2012

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.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Conservation·DateMar 28, 2012