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Science News Archive 2013 - Page 175


Page 175 of 352

Satellite quilt of wildfires, smoke throughout Canada

NASA's Aqua satellite captured multiple images of fire and smoke from Canadian wildfires on July 4, 2013, revealing hot spots that appear red in the image. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer instrument detected plumes of smoke blowing across many provinces and out over the Atlantic Ocean.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 5, 2013

Caltech researcher sheds light on M.O. of unusual RNA molecules

Researchers discovered how lncRNAs use positional information to locate and bind to nearby genes, forming a compartment where multiple genes can be regulated together. This unique mechanism allows lncRNAs to organize key proteins involved in gene expression.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJul 5, 2013
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.

Flipping fish adapt to land living

Researchers found mangrove rivulus jumps with greater force on land than largemouth bass, utilizing horizontal and vertical movements. The rivulus's 'tail flip' technique allows it to efficiently locate food, avoid predators, and escape poor water conditions.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJul 5, 2013

Toronto team IDs proteins key in stem cell production

Researchers from the University of Toronto have identified key proteins that control pluripotency, a crucial step in producing induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for research and therapy. The discovery could lead to a more efficient production method for these cells, which can develop into many different cell types.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalNature·DateJul 5, 2013

Satellites see ups and downs of 2 tropical Eastern Pacific systems

Two tropical cyclones, Tropical Depression Dalila and Tropical Storm Erick, are affecting the Eastern Pacific Ocean, with Dalila weakening due to dry air and wind shear, while Erick is strengthening and poses a threat to Mexico's southwestern coast. Residents in the warning area can expect heavy rainfall and rough surf.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 5, 2013

Solitary lemurs avoid danger with a little help from the neighbors

Researchers discovered that Sahamalaza sportive lemurs significantly increase vigilance after hearing alarm calls of nearby species, including the crested coua and blue-eyed black lemur. This study provides insight into the lemurs' ability to glean information on predator presence and type from referential signals.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 5, 2013
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.

Cosmetic surgery to look whiter fails to boost women's self-esteem

A study found that cosmetic surgery for black women in Venezuela temporarily improves their self-esteem, but the procedure is rooted in a culture that values whiteness. The research highlights how aesthetic ideals interact with local ideas about race and marginalization.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalQualitative Health Research·DateJul 5, 2013

Designer droplets with 'pupils' open a world of possibilities

Researchers from NTNU have developed a method to control the behavior of oil droplets using an electric field, which could improve emulsion stability and prevent separation. This technique may be useful in various industries, including food production, cosmetics, and oil recovery.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 5, 2013

The evolution of fins to limbs in the land invasion race

Researchers analyzed terrestrial locomotion in tiger salamanders and mudskipper fish, finding that pectoral fins experience more medial forces than forelimbs. This suggests that early amphibious fish with fins may not have been capable of supporting their weight on land.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJul 5, 2013
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.

New study reveals important role of insulin in making breast milk

A new study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the University of California Davis has made a significant discovery about insulin's role in lactation. Insulin plays a crucial role in regulating the production of breast milk, particularly for mothers with sub-optimal glucose metabolism.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 5, 2013

In subglacial lake, surprising life goes on

Researchers identified thousands of species, including bacteria, fungi, and archaea, through DNA and RNA sequencing. The findings suggest the lake once connected to the ocean, with marine and freshwater species present.

SourceBowling Green State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 5, 2013
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.

University of Akron researchers explore biomedical uses for hydrogels

Scientists at The University of Akron have developed a simple method to synthesize double-network hydrogels, which exhibit high mechanical properties and are promising replacements for load-bearing soft tissues like cartilage. These hydrogels can also be loaded with drugs and placed into the body, where they biodegrade and release the ...

SourceUniversity of Akron·JournalACS Macro Letters·DateJul 5, 2013

Danish archaeologists uncover ancient killing fields in the Ukraine

Aarhus University researchers have discovered the remains of a large proportion of the rural population killed during a military invasion in the early 3rd century BC. The excavations have provided insights into daily activities of ancient peasantry and their adaptation to cultural and natural changes.

SourceAarhus University·DateJul 5, 2013

How the brain creates the 'buzz' that helps ideas spread

Researchers at UCLA discovered that brain activity in the temporoparietal junction (TPJ) is linked to persuasiveness and idea sharing. This finding could lead to more effective public health campaigns, advertisements, and communication strategies.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 5, 2013
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.

Octopus' blue blood allows them to rule the waves!

Researchers discovered that Antarctic octopods have genetically and functionally distinct haemocyanin forms that facilitate oxygen release at sub-zero temperatures. This physiological adaptation allows octopods to sustain aerobic life in cold environments.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJul 4, 2013

No single origin for agriculture in the Fertile Crescent

Archaeologists uncover evidence of ancient grain cultivation between 12,000 and 9,800 years ago in eastern Fertile Crescent. Plant remains found at Chogha Golan site show simultaneous development of Neolithic culture across region.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 4, 2013

Scientists explore the mind with epigenomic maps

Researchers discovered unique patterns of DNA methylation that emerge when neurons form new connections in children's developing brains, shedding light on the role of epigenomics in learning, memory, and mental illness. The study provides a new framework for understanding brain development and function.

SourceUniversity of Western Australia·JournalScience·DateJul 4, 2013

University of East Anglia research reveals true cost of farming to UK economy

A new report from the University of East Anglia finds that current UK farming subsidies distort land use decisions, resulting in significant financial and environmental costs. The research suggests that reforms to EU subsidies could improve land use efficiency and reduce costs, while also conserving wild species and promoting recreation.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalScience·DateJul 4, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Brain epigenome changes from birth to adolescence

Researchers discovered significant brain epigenome changes from birth to adolescence, transforming the frontal cortex and shaping communication spaces between neurons. The study's findings have profound implications for understanding brain biology and potentially treating neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and schizophrenia.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 4, 2013

Long-lived mice are less active

A study published in PLOS ONE found that long-lived female house mice are less active than shorter-lived counterparts, consuming less food and displaying reactive personality traits. The researchers suggest that life-history theory predicts individuals with greater life expectancy to be more cautious and energy-conserving.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 4, 2013

Spider webs more effective at ensnaring charged insects

Researchers found that spider webs are more effective at capturing charged insects, with positively charged insects attracting the negatively charged web. This discovery suggests that electrostatic charges may have driven the evolution of specialized webs.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 4, 2013

New marker substance for cancer cells

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a new PET tracer that targets the folic acid receptor on cancer cells, enabling precise diagnosis and predicting patient response to therapy. The tracer also has potential for displaying inflammatory diseases and medication development.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalBioconjugate Chemistry·DateJul 4, 2013
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.

Technological breakthrough paves the way for better drugs

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet developed a breakthrough method called CETSA to measure drug molecules' binding to target proteins. This enables more efficient development of new drugs and potential improvement in cancer treatments.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience·DateJul 4, 2013

Jumping snails leap over global warming

Researchers found snails increased oxygen consumption 4-5 times during jumping to cope with rising temperatures. The study suggests the snails can maintain this strong increase in oxygen uptake even at high temperatures that would be lethal to fish.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJul 4, 2013
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.

Australian physicists cast new light on spin-bowling

Researchers developed equations governing trajectory of spinning ball as it moves through air in presence of wind. The study reveals how cross-wind affects spin-bowler's delivery, changing pitch point on wicket.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysica Scripta·DateJul 4, 2013

Feeding galaxy caught in distant searchlight

Astronomers have observed a galaxy feeding on material from its surroundings, shedding light on galaxy formation. The study used ESO's VLT to analyze the properties of gas around the galaxy, providing unique insights into the growth of galaxies.

SourceESO·JournalScience·DateJul 4, 2013

Saarland University scientists reveal structure of a supercooled liquid

Researchers at Saarland University used DESY's x-ray source to study the transformation of supercooled liquids. They observed that these liquids transition from a 'fragile' to a 'strong' state with increasing order despite constant density, and this process was detectable in temperatures ranging from 1200 K to 800 K.

SourceSaarland University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 4, 2013

New research could pave the way to safer treatments for arthritis

A new study has revealed that the COX-2 enzyme is largely absent from major blood vessels, instead found in brain, kidney, thymus, and gut. This knowledge paves the way for the development of safer, more targeted drugs for arthritis patients with fewer side effects.

SourceImperial College London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 4, 2013
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.

Seeing starfish: The missing link in eye evolution?

Researchers found that starfish with intact eyes move towards the reef, while those without eyes walk randomly. The study suggests that starfish nervous system can process visual information, pointing to an underestimation of echinoderms' capacity.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJul 4, 2013

A route for steeper, cheaper, and deeper roots

Plants with thinner roots show natural variation in cortical cell number, reducing energetic cost of soil exploration and increasing rooting depth. This trait could lead to improved seed production for agriculture, maintaining high yields in drought-prone regions.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJul 4, 2013
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.

Exercise rescues mutated neural stem cells

Researchers at Helmholtz Association discovered that exercise can fully rescue the phenotype of CHD7-deficient neural stem cells, allowing them to differentiate into mature neurons. This breakthrough provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying CHARGE syndrome and may lead to potential treatments.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 4, 2013

Unique epigenomic code identified during human brain development

A new study by Salk scientists reveals that the landscape of DNA methylation in brain cells is highly dynamic during brain circuitry formation, helping to understand how information in the genome is controlled from fetal development to adulthood. The discovery opens a deeper understanding of how intricate patterns of connectivity in th...

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 4, 2013

Protecting drinking water systems from deliberate contamination

A four-year EU-funded project has developed a response programme to rapidly restore drinking water networks following a deliberate contamination event. The SecurEau toolbox includes tools for detecting water quality changes, identifying sources of contamination, and cleaning distribution systems.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·DateJul 4, 2013
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.

The balancing act of producing more food sustainably

A team of scientists from the University of Oxford proposes sustainable intensification as a policy to meet increasing food demands. The approach focuses on improving agricultural productivity while reducing environmental harm, but also acknowledges the need for broader policy changes, including dietary shifts and waste reduction.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience·DateJul 4, 2013

Study reveals ancient jigsaw puzzle of past supercontinent

Researchers used a computer program to recreate the ancient supercontinent Gondwana by aligning geological boundaries across Australia, India and Antarctica. The study improves understanding of plate tectonics and its impact on oil and gas deposits.

SourceRoyal Holloway, University of London·JournalGondwana Research·DateJul 4, 2013

Molecular chains hypersensitive to magnetic fields

Scientists at Twente University successfully created one-dimensional molecular wires with near-zero electrical conductivity when exposed to a weak magnetic field. The phenomenon is attributed to the Pauli exclusion principle and has potential applications in smartphone technology and hard disk read heads.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalScience·DateJul 4, 2013
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.

Cosmic radio bursts point to cataclysmic origins

A team of international researchers discovered four fast radio bursts from cosmological distances, suggesting they originate from extreme events involving relativistic objects. The findings provide a way to study space between galaxies and understand the properties of missing matter in the Universe.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalScience·DateJul 4, 2013

Urine test can diagnose, predict kidney transplant rejection

A new noninvasive urine test can diagnose and predict kidney transplant rejection with high accuracy, offering an alternative to the standard kidney biopsy. The test uses biomarkers in the urine of kidney transplant recipients to detect rejection, allowing doctors to intervene early and prevent kidney injury.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 3, 2013
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

First supper is a life changer for lizards

Researchers found that young lizards' early meals significantly impact their lives, influencing dispersal, growth, and survival. A single meal also affects reproductive success two years later, highlighting the importance of fleeting moments in shaping individual and population evolution.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 3, 2013

Dodging antibiotic side effects

Researchers discovered that antibiotics can cause oxidative stress, damaging human cells and leading to side effects. The team found two novel strategies: using bacteriostatic antibiotics or antioxidants like N-acetylcysteine to prevent or remediate oxidative stress.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 3, 2013

Gateway for metastases

Researchers from Max Planck Institute discovered the P2Y2 receptor molecule on blood platelet walls enables tumor cells to enter organs via blood vessel openings. Blocking this key molecule may lead to new therapeutic approaches for malignant tumors.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCancer Cell·DateJul 3, 2013
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.