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Science News for October 21, 2012


Researchers discover turbo switch of calcium pump in biological cells

A Danish-British research team discovered a previously unknown third position in the calcium pump's on-off switch, enabling it to function at full speed when activated. This discovery improves our understanding of biological mechanisms and may lead to better treatment of diseases related to calcium balance.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature·DateOct 21, 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.

Many grandparent caregivers unaware of newer safety guidelines

A recent study found that many grandparent caregivers are unaware of current safety recommendations for children, including proper sleep positions and car seat usage. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends placing infants on their backs to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and using rear-facing car seats until age 2.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateOct 21, 2012

Parents often need after-hours child sleep advice

A free iPhone app helps parents with infant and toddler sleep issues, but its limitations highlight the need for greater accessibility to health information. The most common questions asked pertain to sleep problems and night wakings, often submitted in evening and overnight hours.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateOct 21, 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.

Lack of sleep tied to teen sports injuries

Researchers found that adolescent athletes who slept 8+ hours per night were 68% less likely to be injured than those who slept less. Higher grade levels in school also increased the likelihood of injury, with a 2.3 times greater risk for each additional year.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateOct 21, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Improving effectiveness of solar geoengineering

Research models suggest varying geoengineering efforts can combat climate impacts in at-risk areas, reversing long-term changes in Arctic sea ice. A study published in Nature Climate Change found that tailoring geoengineering efforts by region and over time could potentially improve effectiveness and reduce risks.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Climate Change·DateOct 21, 2012

Combined pesticide exposure affects bumblebee colony success

Research found that chronic exposure to two pesticides impaired natural foraging behaviour and increased worker mortality in bumblebee colonies. This led to significant reductions in colony success and increased rates of colony failure.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·JournalNature·DateOct 21, 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.

New understanding of Antarctic's weight-loss

A new study using Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite data has re-calibrated the scales to more accurately calculate ice mass loss. The research found that Antarctica overall is contributing less to sea-level rise than previously thought, with West Antarctica losing mass at an accelerated rate.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature·DateOct 21, 2012

Energy-sensing switch discovery could have broad implications for biology and medicine

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have discovered a genetic sequence that can alter its host gene's activity in response to cellular energy levels, a finding that could have broad implications for biology and medicine. The energy-sensing switch, known as a riboswitch, detects the molecule ATP and controls global metabolic regul...

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateOct 21, 2012

Targeting solar geoengineering to minimize risk and inequality

A new model promises to maximize the effectiveness of solar radiation management while mitigating its potential side effects and risks. The study found that tailored solar geoengineering might limit Arctic sea ice loss with several times less total solar shading than in a uniform case.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateOct 21, 2012

Fewer orthopedic surgeons accepting pediatric Medicaid patients

A recent study found that only 23.2% of general orthopedic practices agreed to schedule an appointment for a pediatric fracture patient with Medicaid, while 82% accepted private PPO insurance. This decline in access to care is attributed to low Medicaid reimbursement rates.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateOct 21, 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.

How a fish broke a law of physics

Researchers found that silvery fish have evolved a multilayer structure in their skin containing two types of guanine crystals, allowing them to maintain high reflectivity and conceal themselves from predators. This adaptation could lead to better optical devices, such as LED lights and low-loss optical fibers.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 21, 2012

Rice agriculture accelerates global warming, new research finds

A recent study found that rice paddies are a significant source of the potent greenhouse gas methane. The research team discovered that increasing carbon dioxide levels and rising temperatures boost rice yields but also increase methane emissions, highlighting the need for mitigation efforts to ensure a secure global food supply.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Climate Change·DateOct 21, 2012