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Science News Archive 2013


Page 185 of 352

Fishing for chips

A new study published in The Veterinary Journal found that high-quality microchip scanners can accurately read horse transponders, contradicting the claim that identification failure rates are too high. Researchers tested over 400 horses and found that even low-end scanners performed better than traditional branding methods.

More women pick computer science if media nix outdated 'nerd' stereotype

Researchers found that women who had taken at least one computer science class were less likely to mention stereotypical characteristics, while men's descriptions remained unchanged. The studies also showed that exposing students to accurate portrayals of computer scientists increased interest in the field among women.

Telecoupling pulls pieces of sustainability puzzle together

A new framework, telecoupling, describes how distance is shrinking and connections are strengthening between nature and humans. It shows how environmental and socioeconomic actions lead to reactions and feedbacks that reverberate globally, affecting global sustainability.

Astronomers find 3 'super-Earths' in nearby star's habitable zone

An international team of astronomers has detected six to seven planets around the nearby star GJ667C, including three 'super-Earths' in its habitable zone. This is the first time that so many super-Earths have been found in a single system. The discovery provides insight into the possibility of life on these potentially rocky planets.

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.

Research team discovers new kind of signalling mechanism in plant cells

A research team at Ruhr-University Bochum has identified a new type of signalling mechanism in plant cells, involving the glutamate-like receptor AtGLR1.4. The receptor responds to multiple amino acids, including methionine, which is an essential nutrient for humans but can be produced by plants.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

'Nerdy' mold needs breaking to recruit women into computer science

A new paper by Sapna Cheryan and colleagues found that downplaying the stereotype of a 'computer nerd' in print media increases women's interest in further education in computer science. The researchers manipulated students' images of a computer scientist using fabricated newspaper articles, revealing that exposure to a non-stereotypic...

Kidney cancer progression linked to shifts in tumor metabolism

Scientists have discovered a connection between the aggressiveness of kidney cancer and changes in how tumor cells use energy from metabolic processes. The study found that certain proteins are associated with worse patient outcomes, while others may be used as therapeutic targets.

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.

It's all in the genes -- including the tracking device

Researchers have successfully implemented a genetic-based fish tagging method, called parentage-based tagging (PBT), in the Snake River Basin. This non-invasive approach allows for the collection of detailed information about hatchery-reared fish, enabling more effective fisheries management and conservation efforts.

Reading DNA, backward and forward

Researchers at MIT have discovered a mechanism that allows cells to read their own DNA in the correct direction and prevents most of the so-called 'junk DNA' from copying into RNA. This process helps explain the existence of many recently discovered types of short strands of RNA whose function is unknown.

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for June 25, 2013

The USPSTF recommends screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in persons at high risk for infection. One-time screening for all adults born between 1945 and 1965 may identify infected patients at an earlier, more treatable stage of disease.

How cholera-causing bacteria respond to pressure

Researchers analyzed the membrane components of V. cholera that enable it to withstand increases in osmotic pressure, revealing comparable gating and conductive properties with E. coli channels. The study found that V. cholerae was more sensitive to abrupt decreases in osmolarity than E. coli.

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.

Revealed -- the mystery of the gigantic storm on Saturn

Researchers have explained the behavior of Saturn's giant storms for the first time, using computer models and high-resolution images from the Cassini space probe. The storms are characterized by intense winds of up to 500 km/h and a turbulent ring with an enormous surface area.

NASA satellite sees Jaroso fire, New Mexico

The NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center satellite captured an image of the massive Jaroso fire burning in northern New Mexico. The fire, ignited by lightning on June 10, 2013, had burned through nearly 4,500 acres of conifer forests by June 24.

Bumpy beast was a desert dweller

A new study reveals that a Pangean desert supported a unique fauna, including the giant pareiasaur Bunostegos, which sported large, bulbous skulls resembling modern giraffe horns. The discovery supports the theory of central Pangea being climatically isolated, allowing this relict fauna to evolve distinct anatomical features.

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.

NASA sounding rocket daytime dynamo launch postponed

Two sounding rockets will launch 15 seconds apart in support of the Daytime Dynamo experiment, studying a global electrical current called the dynamo. The mission aims to understand how winds and charged particles affect the currents.

Genes involved in birth defects may also lead to mental illness

Research suggests that gene mutations causing cell signaling network disruptions during embryonic development can lead to subtle brain disruptions contributing to psychiatric disorders. Dact1 protein mutations in mice have been found to have structural flaws in interneurons, which regulate brain activity and cognitive processes.

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.

Pleasure response from chocolate: You can see it in the eyes

Researchers found that electrical signals in the retina spiked high in response to chocolate, similar to those seen with methylphenidate, indicating increased dopamine release. This technique could be useful for studying food addiction and obesity prevention if validated through additional studies.

New 'biowire' technology matures human heart by mimicking fetal heartrate

Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a new method to mature human heart cells by applying electrical pulses and simulating fetal heart rates. This discovery offers a fast and reliable way to create mature human cardiac patches for various applications, including drug screening and transplantation.

One man's tall is another man's small

A study from Cornell University found that food portion labels significantly influence how much people eat and spend. When served identical portions, individuals consumed more when labeled as 'Regular' and were willing to pay more for the same size.

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.

Brain cancer: Hunger for amino acids makes it more aggressive

Researchers found that brain tumor cells with intact IDH gene produce a key enzyme BCAT1, which boosts cell proliferation. Blocking BCAT1 reduced tumor aggressiveness and released neurotransmitter glutamate. The study suggests using BCAT1 as a therapeutic target for glioblastoma treatment.

Going to synagogue is good for health and happiness, Baylor researcher finds

A Baylor University researcher found that Israeli Jewish adults who regularly attend synagogue, pray often, and consider themselves religious are significantly healthier and happier than non-religious counterparts. Commitment to Jewish religious belief and practice is strongly associated with greater physical and psychological well-being.

Migrating animals add new depth to how the ocean 'breathes'

Research at Princeton University found that migrating ocean animals consume vast amounts of oxygen in the ocean's 'oxygen minimum zone'. This phenomenon, known as diel vertical migration (DVM), results in oxygen depletion and can be disrupted by climate change.

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.

A prenatal trigger for postnatal obesity

Research in Finland and mice found a prenatal link between intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and increased child obesity risk. Teenagers born to mothers with the condition had altered metabolic profiles and higher BMI. A mouse model also revealed offspring were more susceptible to metabolic disease and diet-induced obesity.

Addiction relapse might be thwarted by turning off brain trigger

A new study by UCSF researchers identified a brain pathway linked to addiction cravings and found that deactivating it could prevent relapse in rats. The study suggests that targeting the molecular pathway mediated by mTORC1 could lead to a treatment option for people with alcohol abuse disorders.

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.

Enhancing RNA interference

A new study from MIT sheds light on the nanoparticles' fate, suggesting ways to maximize delivery of short interfering RNA (siRNA) for gene silencing. The researchers found that a protein called Niemann Pick type C1 (NPC1) is crucial for nanoparticle recycling, and disabling it can increase siRNA delivery efficiency.

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.

Rotation-resistant rootworms owe their success to gut microbes

Researchers discovered that gut microbes in rotation-resistant Western corn rootworms facilitate their ability to feed on soybean leaves and tolerate the plant's defenses. The study found significant differences in bacterial species abundance and digestive enzyme activity between resistant and nonresistant beetles.

Health economics assessment of antimicrobial copper for infection control

A study from the University of York found that antimicrobial copper touch surfaces in intensive care units reduce bioburden by >90% and associated with a 58% reduction in healthcare-associated infections. The cost-effectiveness analysis predicts rapid return on investment, saving hospitals millions over five years.

Resourceful microbes reign in world's oceans

A research team at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences has developed a new genetic tool to analyze microbial life in oceans. They found that marine microbes are adapted to very narrow and specialized niches, utilizing diverse energy sources and displaying genomic streamlining.

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.

Rates of infection in intensive care units in England show impressive fall

Researchers found that over 200 English ICUs reduced serious bloodstream infections by more than 60% through implementing five key practices, including strict hand hygiene and full barrier protection. This achievement mirrors those made in the US state of Michigan, where a similar programme was conducted.

JCI early table of contents for June 24, 2013

A study finds a link between prenatal ICP and postnatal obesity in offspring, while another investigation reveals genetic changes in preeclampsia and brain inflammation caused by chronic cannabis use. These findings may have implications for understanding and treating metabolic diseases and pregnancy complications.

Breastfeeding boosts ability to climb social ladder

Research found that breastfeeding significantly reduces chances of downward social mobility and increases odds of climbing the social ladder. Breastfed children showed improved brain development, stress levels, and intellect, which contribute to better adult outcomes.

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.

Stray gases found in water wells near shale gas sites

A Duke University-led study reveals that homeowners within one kilometer of shale gas wells are more likely to have contaminated drinking water with methane, ethane, and propane. The research analyzed 141 drinking water samples from private wells in northeastern Pennsylvania's Marcellus shale basin.

AcademyHealth recognizes leading health services researchers

AcademyHealth recognized Donald M. Steinwachs, Ateev Mehrotra, and Zirui Song for their significant contributions to health services research. The awards honored their scholarship, teaching, and leadership in improving healthcare effectiveness and patient outcomes.

Resilience in the wake of Superstorm Sandy

A recent survey conducted by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that social factors such as neighborhood bonds and social supports play a vital role in coping with disasters. The study revealed that friends, family, and neighbors were the most important sources of help before, during, and after Superstorm Sandy.

Massive Online Open Courses could revolutionize university education

Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs) are democratizing education by enabling hundreds of thousands of students to sign up for free online courses. Researchers explore the transformational effect of MOOCs on education, highlighting their potential to personalize learning and promote digital culture.

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.

Hello, electronic medical records? It's me, unintended consequences

A study by the American College of Emergency Physicians found that electronic medical records (EDIS) can improve healthcare quality, but also present significant safety threats. The authors recommend seven key improvements to mitigate these risks and ensure safer EDIS implementation.

Dry run for the 2020 Mars Mission

Scientists conducted a simulated Mars expedition in the Atacama Desert to test instruments for the 2020 mission. The dry run aimed to identify potential issues and improve performance, ensuring the success of future missions.

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.