Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive 2013


Page 206 of 352

A new species of yellow slug moth from China

A new species of yellow slug moth from China has been identified, with characteristics including a yellow coloration and a face blending from yellow to pale red. The study's findings highlight the importance of revising previous works due to errors in identifying this genus.

Assay developed to rapidly detect disease that hurt oyster industry

A new assay has been developed to rapidly detect the toxin secreted by Vibrio tubiashii, a bacterial disease affecting the oyster industry. The test is expected to provide early warning systems for oyster growers, allowing them to take quick action and prevent significant losses.

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Alzheimer's disease drugs linked to reduced risk of heart attacks

A nationwide study in Sweden found that people with Alzheimer's disease taking cholinesterase inhibitors have a 36% lower risk of death, 38% lower risk of heart attack, and 26% lower risk of cardiovascular deaths compared to non-users. Patients on the highest recommended doses had the lowest risk of heart attack or death.

Fear: A justified response or faulty wiring?

A new technique developed by Dr. Fred Helmstetter and his research group studies the brain's reaction to anticipated pain, focusing on the amygdala's role in emotional learning and behavior. The study uses a combination of MRI and MEG to map amygdala activity over time, providing new insights into anxiety disorders and psychopathology.

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.

PROSPER prevention programs dramatically cut substance abuse among teens

The PROSPER program, a community-based initiative, reduces prescription drug misuse and other substance use among young adults by up to 65% when implemented in middle school. The program's effectiveness is attributed to its timing, which aligns with the developmental stage of early adolescents.

Candidate drug provides benefit in SMA animal models

RG3039 demonstrates benefits in two SMA mouse models, extending survival and improving motor unit function. The drug also positively modifies motor unit pathologies and dysfunction, suggesting potential therapeutic benefit for SMA patients.

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.

Quantum model helps solve mysteries of water

Researchers developed a quantum Drude oscillator (QDO) that mimics the behavior of real water molecules, producing a realistic liquid with well-developed hydrogen bonds and other properties. The 'bottom up' approach has clear biological applications and potential for simulating other substances.

What role does sleep play in memory and learning?

A team of researchers led by UC Riverside's Maxim Bazhenov is investigating the role of sleep in memory and learning with a $7.5 million grant from the Department of Defense. The study aims to explore the neural substrate for memory consolidation during sleep, which may improve human memory performance.

Neuronal regeneration and the 2-part design of nerves

Researchers at University of Michigan discover that a single gene, DLK, regulates both axon and dendrite growth in neurons. The finding highlights the importance of considering the bimodal nature of neurons when developing new treatments for regeneration of nerve cells.

Innate immunity

A team of researchers has identified an enzyme called cGAS that detects cytosolic DNA, triggering the innate immune response. This discovery has significant clinical implications for understanding autoimmune diseases and developing new therapies.

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.

To improve today's concrete, do as the Romans did

Researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, have found inspiration in ancient Roman concrete to create more durable and sustainable modern concrete. The discovery could help reduce carbon emissions from cement production and improve the lifespan of structures in ocean environments.

Sexual selection in the sea

Female southern bottletail squid consume male ejaculates, using nutrients for egg growth, and target larger females to minimize consumption. This strategic behavior affects males' chances of fertilizing eggs.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Rates of emergency bowel surgery vary wildly from state to state

Researchers found that the percentage of emergency bowel surgeries varies wildly from state to state, with some states having 7% mortality rates compared to less than 1% in others. The study suggests that analyzing potential contributing factors may help decrease these rates and improve outcomes.

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.

Weather conditions do not affect fibromyalgia pain or fatigue

A study of 333 female patients with fibromyalgia found that weather conditions had no significant impact on their pain and fatigue symptoms. Individual patients may still experience some sensitivity to certain weather conditions, but this is not associated with demographic or mental health status.

Genetic editing shows promise in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Researchers at Duke University have developed a novel genetic editing technique that repairs faulty genes responsible for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The approach, which uses artificial enzymes to modify gene sequences, has shown promise in treating the disease, with over 60% of patients potentially benefiting from this new method.

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.

Zebrafish help identify mutant gene in rare muscle disease

Scientists have identified a mutant gene responsible for Native American myopathy, a rare hereditary muscle disease. The discovery of the Stac3 gene may lead to the development of drugs to treat the condition and other related muscle diseases.

Los Alamos catalyst could jump-start e-cars, green energy

A new catalyst, based on carbon nanotubes, shows high oxygen reduction reaction activity in alkaline media, critical for efficient storage of electrical energy. This breakthrough could enable economical lithium-air batteries to power electric vehicles and provide reliable energy storage for intermittent green energy sources.

Study finds taking probiotics has benefits for patients in hospitals

A study by St. Michael's Hospital found that patients taking probiotics with antibiotics experienced a significant reduction in antibiotic-associated diarrhea and C. difficle infection. This is likely due to the powerful effects of probiotics on population digestive tracts and immune systems.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Research on household air pollution must be a global health priority

A new study highlights the need for more evidence on the health effects of household air pollution, with researchers identifying gaps in research priorities. The authors call for collaboration between researchers and policymakers to evaluate the impacts of improved stove and fuel programs.

Stories help patients make health decisions, MU researcher says

A University of Missouri researcher studied how stories influence patients' decision-making when behavior change is not the desired outcome. The study found that including patient stories in decision aids can make them more trustworthy and emotional, but may not affect treatment choice.

Neighborhood features could prevent obesity

A five-year longitudinal study found that living in neighborhoods with healthier food environments significantly reduces the risk of obesity. The study, conducted across six US cities, analyzed data from over 4,000 adults and found that healthy food options and walkability are key predictors of lower obesity rates.

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.

Altered neural circuitry may lead to anorexia and bulimia

A landmark study suggests that altered neural circuitry contributes to restricted eating in anorexia and overeating in bulimia. Functional MRI scans revealed diminished responses to sweet tastes in recovered individuals with anorexia, while elevated responses were seen in those with bulimia.

Tools for better understanding breast cancer stem cells

Scientists have created a model to study breast cancer biology, confirming that primary tissue from patients behaves similarly to those derived from long-term cultured cell lines. This breakthrough advances the development of targeted therapies for advanced cancer treatments.

Detecting disease with a smartphone accessory

Cornell University engineers have developed a new smartphone-based system for in-the-field detection of Kaposi's sarcoma and other conditions, utilizing a plug-in optical sensor and disposable microfluidic chips. This novel technique provides a quick method to quantify viral DNA levels, requiring minimal training and expertise.

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.

Stopping the worm from turning

Researchers have discovered a new approach to control parasitic nematodes by targeting key developmental processes. The study, published in PLOS ONE, identified 22 proteins involved in the transition from third-stage to fourth-stage larvae, offering potential targets for new treatments.

Roman seawater concrete holds the secret to cutting carbon emissions

Researchers have discovered properties that made ancient Roman concrete sustainable and durable, with potential applications for environmentally friendly modern concretes. The Roman recipe needed less than 10% lime by weight, making it at two-thirds or less the temperature required by Portland cement.

New study explains cognitive ability differences among the elderly

A new study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that childhood cognitive ability accounts for more than two-thirds of the association between cognitive ability and cortical thickness in old age. The research used standardized intelligence tests and MRI brain scans to compare the results of 588 people taken at different ages.

Seeing our errors keeps us on our toes

Johns Hopkins researchers found that our brains don't forget skills by passive decay but instead deliberately select what to retain. This new understanding contradicts previous assumptions about the formation and loss of motor memories.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Heart health matters to your brain

A new study from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center suggests that cardiovascular disease (CVD) plays a role in cognitive decline before it is clinically apparent in patients with type 2 diabetes. The research found that CVD risk factors, such as calcified plaque and vascular status, contribute to type 2 diabetes-related cognitive decline.

Molecular switch for cheaper biofuel

Researchers have identified a genetic mutation that allows fungi to continuously produce enzymes for breaking down cellulose and xylan into sugar molecules. This discovery enables the production of cheap biofuel from lignocellulose, reducing competition with food production and making it more economically viable.

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.

Threatened frogs palmed off as forests disappear

Malaysia's oil palm plantations are causing threatened forest frogs to disappear, paving the way for common species to move in. The study highlights the devastating impact of habitat loss on biodiversity, with amphibians being the most threatened vertebrates globally.

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.

Dogs help improve moods among teens in treatment

Researchers found that interacting with shelter dogs increased joviality, positive affect, attentiveness, and serenity among teenagers. The study suggests that dog-interaction activities could be a beneficial addition to traditional treatments for teenagers struggling with drug abuse and related issues.

Anatomy determines how lizards attract partners and repel rivals

A study reveals why Puerto Rican lizards don't rapidly extend their dewlaps like Jamaican cousins, instead using alternative strategies to enhance detection of displays. The research shows the island's species lacks physiology for rapid movement, relying on tailoring speed and duration of displays to match forest conditions.

Technique could identify patients at high risk of stroke or brain hemorrhage

Researchers developed a new method to measure cerebral blood flow in children on ECMO, finding that those who experienced strokes or brain bleeds had significantly higher blood flow rates than normal, two to six days prior. This technique could help physicians predict and prevent complications, with potential lead time for intervention.

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.