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Science News Archive 2013


Page 202 of 352

ALMA discovers comet factory

Astronomers have discovered a 'dust trap' around a young star that is likely a comet factory, allowing particles to grow from millimetre size to comets. The observations, made using ALMA, reveal a ring of gas with a central hole created by an unseen planet or companion star.

Surgeons at Duke University Hospital implant bioengineered vein

Researchers at Duke University Hospital successfully implanted a bioengineered blood vessel into a kidney dialysis patient, marking the first US clinical trial of this technology. The new vein is an off-the-shelf product engineered using human cells and no biological properties that trigger organ rejection.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

MRI study: Breastfeeding boosts babies' brain growth

A new MRI study by Brown University researchers reveals that exclusive breastfeeding for at least three months enhances brain development in infants, particularly in areas related to language and emotional function. The study found a 20-30% increase in white matter growth in breastfed babies compared to formula-fed babies.

'Caldas tear' resolves puzzling seismic activity beneath Colombia

Researchers identified the 'Caldas tear,' a break in a slab separating two subducting plates, which accounts for seismic activity patterns and high-grade mineral deposits. The tear is thought to be caused by the Panama plate's collision with Colombia, resulting in an accumulation of stresses that could trigger strong motion events.

A CNIO study tracks the evolutionary history of a cancer-related gene

Researchers from CNIO describe how a genetic duplication 500 million years ago led to the evolution of the ASF1b gene, essential for proper cell division and related to breast cancer. The study's findings highlight the importance of studying molecular history to understand gene adaptation in cancer.

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.

Big game hunting in Spain has increased in the last 30 years

The number of big game hunters in Spain has risen significantly over the past three decades, driven by urban tourists seeking trophy hunting experiences. This trend is linked to economic factors, including increased purchasing power and the growth of commercial hunting activities.

Study suggests second life for possible spintronic materials

A new study suggests that scientists can create a stable structure with manganese and gallium nitride, which could be used in spintronics devices at or above room temperature. By incorporating a uniform layer and heating the sample, researchers were able to form a manganese-nitrogen bond that remains stable even at high temperatures.

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.

Minor changes in cardiovascular health reduce chances of stroke

Researchers found that small increases in cardiovascular health scores, even by just one point, significantly reduced the risk of stroke over a five-year period. This study highlights the importance of maintaining good cardiovascular health in preventing strokes.

NASA satellite reveals Tropical Storm Andrea's towering thunderstorms

Tropical Storm Andrea featured towering thunderstorms with cloud top temperatures above -63F (-52C) and heaviest precipitation over the eastern Gulf of Mexico and southeastern Florida. TRMM satellite data revealed a large area of moderate to heavy rainfall in the storm's northeast quadrant, spreading over Florida.

Research reveals Europe winning war on undeclared work

Research from the University of Sheffield reveals a decline in Europe's undeclared economy from 22.3% to 18.4% of GDP between 2003 and 2012. The study found an east-west divide, with southern European countries having larger undeclared economies.

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.

Tumors disable immune cells by using up sugar

Researchers found that cancer cells' high sugar consumption disables immune cells' ability to produce inflammatory compounds, making it harder for them to fight tumors. This discovery may lead to new treatments by enhancing T cell function and treating autoimmune disorders.

Common genetic disease linked to father's age

A new study from USC researchers has found that a genetic mutation in testis stem cells increases the production of sperm carrying the disease trait, making older fathers more likely to pass it along to their children. This mutation gives an edge over normal stem cells, resulting in higher frequencies of new cases every generation.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

UH receives $1 million endowment to train math, science teachers

The University of Houston has received a $1 million endowment from ExxonMobil to train secondary science and math teachers through its teachHOUSTON program. The program provides teaching opportunities throughout four years at UH, producing well-suited STEM teachers.

Research unveils insight into a debilitating brain disease

Glycans play a vital role in cellular communication, but disruptions in their behavior can lead to serious problems. Researchers found that glycans in NPC cells do not recycle properly, causing miscommunication and travel difficulties within the cell.

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.

Medicine, energy topics of Kavli lectures at American Chemical Society meeting

Two prominent scientists, Dr. Martin D. Burke and Dr. Harry Gray, will deliver Kavli lectures on innovative medicine and energy solutions at the American Chemical Society meeting. Their talks focus on replacing missing proteins to cure diseases and harnessing artificial photosynthesis for sustainable energy production.

A way of thinking may enable battle but prevent war crimes

A new study suggests that suspending humanity through objectification can prevent war crimes, while dehumanizing others evokes disgust and disempathy. By understanding the brain's workings in these situations, researchers aim to develop a more effective military strategy that minimizes harm.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

How birds lost their penises

Researchers discovered that birds have normally developing penises in early embryos but lose them through a genetic program, suggesting possible benefits for reproductive control. The study highlights the importance of programmed cell death in developmental processes and may provide insights into medical questions.

Stranded orcas hold critical clues for scientists

Researchers analyzed North Pacific killer-whale strandings, finding 88% fatal and 12% surviving, providing clues on species' overall life history, genetics, and health. The standardized necropsy system increased data collection from 2% to 33%, shedding light on the causes of death and human impact on orca populations.

Facebook: A confidence boost for first-gen college students

A new study from the University of Michigan and Michigan State University found that Facebook connections can play a role in helping young people, especially those who are traditionally less likely to go to college, feel more confident about their ability to get into college and to succeed there. First-generation students who use socia...

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.

Rapid change in China brings significant improvements in health

China has made substantial gains in health over the past two decades, including increases in life expectancy and declines in infectious diseases. However, the growth of non-communicable diseases and risk factors such as tobacco use and high blood pressure are becoming major public health concerns.

3 billion-year-old microfossils include plankton

Researchers found spindle-shaped microfossils in 3 billion-year-old rocks, indicating the presence of planktonic autotrophs. The findings suggest that oceans had life for an extended period, potentially leading to rapid evolution of diverse life forms.

Pollution in Northern Hemisphere helped cause 1980s African drought

Researchers found that aerosol pollution from the Northern Hemisphere cooled the region, shifting tropical rain bands and leading to drought in central Africa. The study used decades of historical observations and climate models to determine this global impact. The discovery highlights the remote climate effects of air pollution.

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.

Gannets don't eat off each other's plates

Researchers found that northern gannets avoid visiting neighboring colonies' fishing grounds, suggesting a mathematical explanation rather than territorial behavior. The birds follow specific patterns and routes to find food opportunities, reinforcing cultural transmission within their colonies.

Spooky action put to order

Researchers develop method to classify quantum entanglement states into geometric objects called polytopes, allowing for efficient prediction and characterization of entangled states. This breakthrough enables the development of novel quantum technologies with practical applications.

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.

NASA sees heavy rainfall in tropical storm Andrea

Heavy rainfall rates were detected in Tropical Storm Andrea by NASA's TRMM satellite, with rates reaching up to 5 inches per hour in the southern part of the storm. The storm intensified into a tropical storm on June 5, with maximum sustained winds near 40 mph.

'Living' biofilters could reduce greenhouse gas emissions

University of Calgary researchers plan to deploy and test inexpensive methane biofilters to reduce low-volume methane emissions in the petroleum, forest, and agriculture industries. The project aims to convert methane to carbon dioxide, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and their contribution to global warming.

Living fossils? Actually, sturgeon are evolutionary speedsters

A recent study by University of Michigan researchers has found that sturgeon have evolved at an incredible rate in terms of body size, with some species reaching sizes comparable to those of Volkswagen vans. This discovery challenges the common perception of sturgeon as 'living fossils' and sheds new light on the evolutionary process.

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.

'Dust trap' around distant star may solve planet formation mystery

Astronomers have discovered a crescent-shaped structure, known as a dust trap, around a young solar system in the constellation Ophiuchus. The researchers speculate that this feature enables dust particles to cling together, setting the stage for the formation of larger objects.

Steroid injection therapy may increase risk of spinal fracture

A retrospective study found that higher numbers of lumbar epidural steroid injections (LESI) were associated with increased risk of bone fragility and vertebral fractures. Patients at high risk for fractures include older women, those who have had an earlier fracture, smokers, and underweight individuals.

Human Argonaute proteins: To slice or not to slice?

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory discovered critical differences between human Argonaute proteins, including a single amino acid change in hAgo1 that enables it to act as a slicer. The study highlights the importance of protein regions beyond the active site in determining activity.

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.

Very berry study aims to improve wine quality

A gene expression study highlights genes that help buffer grapevines against environmental change and may explain the different quality performances of grapevine when grown in different terroirs. The research could be used to identify and breed grapevine varieties better suited to climate change.

The swing of architect genes

Scientists demonstrate the existence of two distinct regulatory domains controlling arm and hand formation, revealing a complex genetic switch that enables wrist emergence. The study sheds light on the molecular processes governing limb development, highlighting the intricate dialogue between genes and regulatory elements.

Scientists coax brain to regenerate cells lost in Huntington's disease

Researchers successfully mobilize brain's native stem cells to replenish neurons lost in Huntington's disease. The study demonstrates the feasibility of a completely new concept to treat the disease by recruiting endogenous neural stem cells to regenerate cells, significantly extending survival of treated mice.

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.

Astronomers gear up to discover Earth-like planets

Researchers aim to discover planets with conditions suitable for life by detecting faint dust clouds around nearby stars. The new technology will improve the odds of finding Earth-like planets with liquid water on their surface.

Researchers find diminished balance in those with poor vision

Researchers have found that visually impaired individuals and those with uncorrected refractive error are more likely to experience diminished balance when their eyes are closed. The study suggests that vision plays a crucial role in calibrating the vestibular system, which helps maintain physical balance.