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Science News for May 24, 2012


Boundary stops molecule right where it needs to be

A team of researchers at Baylor College of Medicine has identified a distal axonal cytoskeleton as the boundary that ensures AnkyrinG clusters properly. The findings suggest that AnkyrinG cannot move beyond this boundary, resulting in proper formation of the axon initial segment and subsequent neural function.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell·DateMay 24, 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.

Nuisance seaweed found to produce compounds with biomedical potential

A Scripps-led study reveals that the nuisance seaweed Leptolyngbya crossbyana produces honaucins with potent anti-inflammation and bacteria-controlling properties. These compounds could one day treat chronic inflammatory conditions, bacterial infections, acne, and other skin conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalChemistry & Biology·DateMay 24, 2012

Researchers identify protein necessary for behavioral flexibility

Researchers identified PERK as a crucial protein for maintaining behavioral flexibility, allowing us to adjust behaviors in response to changing circumstances. The study's findings have implications for addressing neurological disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.

SourceNew York University·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 24, 2012

London researcher calls for new approach to regulating probiotics

A Category Tree system would categorize products based on tested human studies and health benefits, forcing companies to conduct research or change product labels. This system aims to improve transparency and facilitate further research in North America and Europe.

SourceLawson Research Institute·JournalNature·DateMay 24, 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.

Relationship between social status and wound-healing in wild baboons

A study by University of Notre Dame biologist Beth Archie and colleagues found that high-ranking male baboons recover more quickly from injuries and are less likely to become ill than other males. Social status is a better predictor of wound-healing than age, highlighting the complex interplay between social context, physiology, and im...

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 24, 2012

Asteroid nudged by sunlight: Most precise measurement of Yarkovsky effect

Scientists have directly measured the Yarkovsky effect on asteroid 1999 RQ36, a subtle force causing it to drift from its gravity-ruled orbit. The measurements show the asteroid has deviated by roughly 100 miles over 12 years, revealing its low density and making it an ideal target for the OSIRIS-REx mission.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 24, 2012

No new neurons in the human olfactory bulb

Researchers found that the human olfactory bulb, a brain structure processing sensory input from the nose, lacks new neuron generation like other mammals. This discovery may explain why humans have a poorer sense of smell compared to other animals.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNeuron·DateMay 24, 2012

Routine care for Crohn's disease in children should include measurement of bone age

Researchers emphasize the need for standard bone age measurement to interpret growth status and improve treatment outcomes for children with Crohn's disease. Up to 80% of patients exhibit compromised growth, and bone age is crucial for predicting remaining growth potential and guiding therapeutic decisions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalInflammatory Bowel Diseases·DateMay 24, 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.

Obese patients face increased risk of kidney damage after heart surgery

Obese patients have an increased risk of developing kidney damage, or acute kidney injury, after heart surgery. Oxidative stress associated with obesity plays a role in this increased risk. Acute kidney injury affects 5% to 30% of heart surgery patients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 24, 2012

Dramatic increase in fragility fractures expected in Latin America

The International Osteoporosis Foundation reports a significant increase in osteoporosis-related fractures and diagnoses in Latin America, driven by the region's aging population. The projected rise in fragility fractures poses a substantial socio-economic burden on healthcare systems.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·DateMay 24, 2012

Autopsy of a eruption: Linking crystal growth to volcano seismicity

Researchers at the University of Bristol used forensic-style chemical analysis to directly link seismic observations to crystal growth in a magma chamber. The study found correlations between peak crystal growth and increased seismicity prior to the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScience·DateMay 24, 2012

Nanoparticles seen as artificial atoms

Researchers at Berkeley Lab observed nanoparticles forming winding polycrystalline chains that align and attach end-to-end to form nanorods with controlled length-to-thickness ratios. This process suggests a new understanding of how nano-sized particles assemble into hierarchical structures.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateMay 24, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Childhood cancer scars survivors later in life

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that childhood cancer survivors experience increased anxiety, depression, and depressive symptoms due to persistent hair loss and disfigurement. The study's findings highlight the long-term impact of childhood cancer treatment on quality of life.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMay 24, 2012

Tiny planet-finding mirrors borrow from Webb Telescope playbook

Scientists at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center are developing an infinitely smaller segmented mirror, called the Multiple Mirror Array (MMA), that will revolutionize space-based telescopes. The MMA promises to detect, image, and characterize planets beyond our solar system from a high-altitude balloon.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 24, 2012

First direct observation of oriented attachment in nanocrystal growth

Researchers at Berkeley Lab directly observed the critical step of oriented attachment in nanocrystal growth, enabling a better understanding of forces driving this phenomenon. This breakthrough has potential applications in synthesizing new biomimetic materials and improving environmental restoration efforts.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateMay 24, 2012

Male fertility genes discovered

A recent study has identified more than 40 genetic regions influencing fertility in Hutterite men, which may shed light on unexplained cases of male infertility. The research also found nine genetic regions impacting sperm quality in non-Hutterites.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 24, 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.

Gene therapy can correct forms of severe combined immunodeficiency

A recent clinical trial found that gene therapy can insert the correct ADA gene into patient bone marrow cells, leading to a good response. Defects in B cell tolerance are also corrected after gene therapy, supporting its use as an effective treatment option for ADA-deficient severe combined immunodeficiency patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 24, 2012

A new strategy for developing meningitis vaccines

Researchers identified glycerophosphate oxidase as a critical protein for bacterial progression to the brain. A vaccine against this protein protected mice from invasive pneumococcal disease, offering a new approach to immunizing against S. pneumoniae.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 24, 2012

The cells' petrol pump is finally identified

Scientists have identified the Mitochondrial Pyruvate Carrier (MPC), a universal carrier that transports pyruvate into mitochondria. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of how cancer cells produce energy and potentially develop new treatments.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience·DateMay 24, 2012

Cyber exercise partners help you go the distance

A new study from Michigan State University reveals that exercising with a moderately capable virtual partner can significantly boost motivation, with women cycling twice as long when working with a partner. The results suggest the gains observed over six hour-long sessions could be sustained on a longer-term program of exercise.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateMay 24, 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.

Positive words: The glue to social interaction

A study published in EPJ Data Science found that words with positive emotional content are more frequently used in online communication, enhancing social relations and facilitating interaction. This positive bias is linked to the use of less informative words for emotional expression.

SourceSpringer·JournalEPJ Data Science·DateMay 24, 2012

Gourmet butterflies speed north

A new study found that warmer summers have allowed the Brown Argus butterfly to shift its diet to wild Geranium plants, enabling it to expand its range in Britain at a rapid rate. Over 20 years, the butterfly has spread northwards by 79km, becoming common in southern England.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalScience·DateMay 24, 2012

OSIRIS-REx scientists measure Yarkovsky effect

Scientists with the OSIRIS-REx mission have measured the orbit of asteroid 1999 RQ36 with great accuracy, directly determining the drift resulting from the Yarkovsky effect. The asteroid has deviated from its gravity-ruled orbit by roughly 100 miles in the last 12 years due to this subtle force.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateMay 24, 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.

Business students better equipped to evaluate peers

A study by Concordia University found that business students who evaluate their peers regularly improve in evaluating others. This leads to more effective management skills. The research developed a standardized online peer evaluation system, which can be incorporated into university-wide programs.

SourceConcordia University·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateMay 24, 2012

Locating ground zero

Microglia, the brain's emergency workers, use a long-lasting glutamate-driven calcium wave to detect injuries, allowing them to trace the signal backwards until they reach the site of damage. This discovery could lead to new treatments for conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMay 24, 2012

A boost in microRNA may protect against sepsis and other inflammatory diseases

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified a microRNA called miR-181b that can reduce the inflammatory response responsible for diseases like sepsis. The findings suggest that higher levels of miR-181b may be protective against sepsis and other inflammatory diseases.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 24, 2012

Sound increases the efficiency of boiling

Scientists at Georgia Institute of Technology used acoustic fields to enhance heat transfer, removing vapor bubbles and suppressing insulating film formation. This led to improved boiling efficiency.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMay 24, 2012

Organic carbon from Mars, but not biological

A new study by Carnegie's Andrew Steele provides strong evidence that Martian organic carbon originates from the planet itself, not Earth or other meteorites. The findings reveal insights into Mars' volcanic history and suggest the presence of organic chemistry throughout its history.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience·DateMay 24, 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.

Anti-psychotic drug pushes cancer stem cells over the edge

Researchers discovered an anti-psychotic drug, thioridazine, that selectively targets and exhausts cancer stem cells, leading to improved survival rates in leukemia patients. The compound works by encouraging cancer stem cells to differentiate into less threatening cell types.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateMay 24, 2012

Infections may be deadly for many dialysis patients

A recent study suggests that peritonitis, a common infection in dialysis patients on peritoneal dialysis, may be linked to premature death. Researchers found that patients were more likely to develop peritonitis during the final month before their death, and even six times more so during the 30 days prior to their death.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 24, 2012

Commonly used pesticide turns honey bees into 'picky eaters'

A study by UC San Diego biologists found that a small dose of imidacloprid, a commonly used crop pesticide, makes honey bees more selective and less willing to feed on low-sugar nectar. This can lead to reduced food stores and communication among the colony.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMay 24, 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.

Feeling strong emotions makes peoples' brains 'tick together'

Researchers at Aalto University found that strong emotions sync brain activity in frontal and midline regions for unpleasant feelings and vision, attention, and sense of touch networks for highly arousing events. This synchronization facilitates understanding others' intentions and actions.

SourceAalto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 24, 2012

Thousands of invisibility cloaks trap a rainbow

A team of American researchers has created an array of 25,000 individual invisibility cloaks that can slow down or stop light, creating a trapped rainbow. This technology enables 'spectroscopy on-a-chip' for detailed analysis of biological materials.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateMay 24, 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.

Discarded data may hold the key to a sharper view of molecules

Scientists have developed a method to analyze noisy X-ray data, revealing details of molecular structure previously discarded due to low signal quality. This breakthrough could lead to more accurate models and improved understanding in biology, medical diagnostics, nanotechnology and other fields.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScience·DateMay 24, 2012

Device may inject a variety of drugs without using needles

Researchers at MIT have developed a device that delivers a variety of drugs through the skin without using needles, potentially improving patient compliance and reducing accidental needle-stick injuries. The device can be programmed to deliver different doses to varying depths, addressing limitations of existing jet-injection systems.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMedical Engineering & Physics·DateMay 24, 2012

Relatively speaking: Researchers identify principles that shape kinship categories across languages

A new study reveals that kinship categories across languages reflect general principles of communication, including a trade-off between simplicity and informativeness. The study found that languages use only a handful of the vast number of logically possible kinship categories, with English and Mandarin Chinese using two and four terms...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalScience·DateMay 24, 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.

SF State biology department receives $1.5 million to support science teaching

The San Francisco State University Department of Biology has received a $1.5 million grant to support faculty-led improvements in undergraduate science education. The Biology Faculty Explorations in Scientific Teaching (FEST) program aims to refine teaching skills and assess student learning through evidence-based methods.

SourceSan Francisco State University·DateMay 24, 2012

Newly modified nanoparticle opens window on future gene editing technologies

The Iowa State team has successfully delivered functional protein and DNA into plant cells using custom-built nanoparticles, opening up opportunities for targeted genome editing in crop plants. This achievement marks a significant advancement toward delivering proteins and enzymes to both animal and plant cells.

SourceIowa State University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMay 24, 2012

'Metamaterials,' quantum dots show promise for new technologies

Scientists have developed a new type of nanostructured metamaterial that can dramatically change the properties of light, leading to potential breakthroughs in advanced solar cells and quantum computing. The metamaterial combines layers of silver and titanium oxide with tiny quantum dots, resulting in hyperbolic light behavior.

SourcePurdue University·JournalScience·DateMay 24, 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.

Food, water safety provide new challenges for today's sensors

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory warn that current sensor technologies are not optimized for real-world conditions, posing risks to the nation's food and water supplies. Developing more effective sensors is crucial to address safety concerns, particularly in complex environments.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalACS Nano·DateMay 24, 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.

Slip-and-slide power generators

A new technology harnesses power from a single droplet sliding along an electret film, producing electricity when it reaches maximum velocity. The device has potential for low-power portable devices and human body motion harvesting, with a prototype demonstrating peak output power of 0.18 microwatts.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 24, 2012

The secret to good tomato chemistry

A team of researchers has identified 24 compounds as responsible for the distinct flavors and aromas of heirloom tomatoes. These findings hold promise for improving the flavor of commercially grown tomatoes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 24, 2012

New clues about cancer cell metabolism emerge

Researchers have developed a technique to measure the flux of metabolites in cancer cells, revealing a link between glycine consumption and fast cell division. The study's findings suggest that glycine metabolism plays a crucial role in cancer cell proliferation, with implications for understanding cancer biology.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalScience·DateMay 24, 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.

LiDAR technology reveals faults near Lake Tahoe

A new USGS study using LiDAR technology confirms the existence of previously suspected faults west of Lake Tahoe, increasing seismic hazard assessment for the region. The study also identifies an earthquake-induced landslide hazard along the fault-formed range front.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalACM SIGSAM Bulletin·DateMay 24, 2012

Chronic pain is relieved by cell transplantation in lab study

Researchers at UCSF have successfully treated chronic neuropathic pain in mice by transplanting immature embryonic nerve cells into the spinal cord. The transplanted cells integrated into the nerve circuitry, forming synapses and signaling pathways with neighboring neurons, leading to a significant reduction in pain hypersensitivity.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNeuron·DateMay 24, 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.

Minister announces £250M strategic investment in UK bioscience

The UK has allocated £250M for five-year strategic investment programmes in bioscience research, including 26 strategic science programmes and 14 key national research capabilities. This funding will focus on addressing global challenges such as sustainable food production, energy security, and healthcare.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·DateMay 24, 2012

Stanford psychologists examine how race affects juvenile sentencing

A new study by Stanford psychologists reveals that race affects juvenile sentencing, with participants who imagined a black offender more likely to support life sentences without parole. The study's findings highlight the fragility of protections for juveniles when race is in play.

SourceStanford University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 24, 2012

Study provides compelling evidence for an effective new treatment for tinnitus

Researchers found that a multidisciplinary approach combining cognitive behaviour therapy with sound-based tinnitus retraining therapy significantly improves quality of life and reduces symptoms in adults with tinnitus. The study recruited 492 adults and showed that the new treatment programme is beneficial for both mild and severe cases.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 24, 2012
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

JCI early table of contents for May 24, 2012

Researchers developed a new method to identify vaccine targets for Streptococcus pneumoniae, the most common cause of bacterial meningitis. Gene therapy has shown promise in treating adenosine deaminase deficiency by correcting B cell tolerance problems and supporting treatment options for patients with severe combined immunodeficiency.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 24, 2012

Drug allergy discovery

A research team at the University of Melbourne has discovered the biological mechanisms behind drug hypersensitivities, revealing how the immune system perceives the body's own tissues as foreign. The finding could lead to the development of a diagnostic test to determine drug hypersensitivity.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalNature·DateMay 24, 2012

Knowing genetic makeup may not significantly improve disease risk prediction

Researchers found that including genetic variants and environmental factors in disease models only increases risk prediction sensitivity by 1-3% for three common diseases. The study suggests that understanding the complexity of genetic and environmental factors will be crucial to improve risk prediction.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 24, 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.

Exotic particles, chilled and trapped, form giant matter wave

Physicists have successfully trapped and cooled exotic particles called excitons, condensing them into a giant matter wave that coheres at extremely low temperatures. This breakthrough allows scientists to better study the physical properties of excitons, promising applications in efficient solar energy harvesting and ultrafast computing.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 24, 2012

Brightly colored bird bills indicate good health

A study by Queen's University researcher Troy Murphy found female birds with more colourful bills have higher antibody levels, indicating greater strength and ability to fight off invaders. The colour of a female bird's bill is strongly correlated with immunoglobulin antibodies, a component of the immune system in birds.

SourceQueen's University·JournalPhysiological and Biochemical Zoology·DateMay 24, 2012

EPSRC announces first recipients of Fellowships in Manufacturing

The EPSRC has awarded five-year fellowships worth £1 million each to Drs Geoffrey Nash, Harish Bhaskaran, Ajoy Velayudhan, and Peter Foote to address the gap in UK manufacturing research. The fellowships aim to strengthen links between industry and academia, driving growth and innovation.

SourceEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council·DateMay 24, 2012

A nanoclutch for nanobots

A 'nanoclutch' has been designed to regulate the speed of nanomotors, allowing for stepless control. The device uses electrowetting forces and charged carbon nanotubes to transmit torque between tubes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMay 24, 2012

CWRU class earns Science magazine prize for innovation

A Case Western Reserve University class has been awarded a Science magazine prize for its innovative approach to teaching biology and computer science. The 'Dynamics of Biological Systems' class uses an inquiry-based learning model, where students work on real-world problems using online interactive tools and mathematical models.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalScience·DateMay 24, 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.

From stem cell to brain cell – new technique mimics the brain

Researchers at Lund University developed a new technique that converts stem cells into brain cells with improved safety and efficiency. The method mimics the brain's natural development process, reducing the risk of tumour formation and improving cell integration.

SourceLund University·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 24, 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.