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Science News Archive 2013 - Page 218


Page 218 of 352

Slowing the aging process -- only with antibiotics

Researchers found that disrupting a mechanism in mitochondria using simple antibiotics can multiply lifespan by a factor of 1.6 in worms. The study suggests that reducing protein production in these organelles may lead to increased longevity. Further studies are needed to confirm the findings in mammals.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateMay 22, 2013

Depression linked to telomere enzyme, aging, chronic disease

Researchers found that individuals with untreated major depression have increased telomerase activity in immune cells, which may help fight back against disease progression. The study also suggests a potential protective role for telomerase in the hippocampus and reducing depressive symptoms with treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateMay 22, 2013
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.

Penn study shows how immune system peacefully co-exists with 'good' bacteria

Researchers discovered that innate lymphoid cells limit the response of inflammatory T cells to commensal bacteria in the gut, keeping a truce between the immune system and 'good' microbes. This finding suggests new therapeutic strategies for chronic diseases like IBD, HIV/AIDS, and cancer.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateMay 22, 2013

Calcium supplements linked to longer lifespans in women

A recent study found that calcium supplements, especially those containing up to 1,000 mg per day, can lower the risk of death among women. The benefit was seen regardless of whether the supplement contained vitamin D.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 22, 2013

Addiction as a disorder of decision-making

New research shows that craving drugs like nicotine can be visualized in specific brain regions, suggesting abnormal interactions between decision-making brain areas could underlie addiction. Dr. Alain Dagher's study found that the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex regulates cigarette craving in response to drug cues.

SourceCanadian Association for Neuroscience·DateMay 22, 2013
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.

Study finds COPD is over-diagnosed among uninsured patients

A study of 80 patients found that 42.5% had no obstruction, 23% had reversible obstruction, and only 35% had non-reversible obstruction, suggesting widespread misdiagnosis of COPD. The study highlights the importance of spirometry in confirming diagnosis and reducing unnecessary medical expenses.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 22, 2013

Parent and teacher support protects teens from sleep problems and depression

A new study suggests that disturbed sleep in adolescents is associated with more symptoms of depression. However, perceived support and acceptance from parents and teachers appear to have a protective effect on sleep disruptions and depressive symptoms. Support from peers does not offer the same benefits.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateMay 22, 2013

More emphasis needed on recycling and reuse of Li-ion batteries

A new study suggests that Li-ion battery disposal can lead to environmental and human health threats due to the release of toxic materials. The American Chemical Society recommends stronger government policies to encourage recovery, recycling, and reuse of lithium-ion battery materials.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 22, 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.

Magnetic fingerprints of superfluid helium-3

Researchers from PTB and international partners have created superconducting sensors to detect the magnetic moments of helium-3 atoms with extreme sensitivity. This has allowed them to investigate the unique quantum liquid of helium-3 in detail, enabling the detection and investigation of excitations that behave like Majorana fermions.

SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·JournalScience·DateMay 22, 2013

Brain can be trained in compassion, study shows

Researchers found that compassion training increased activity in brain regions involved in empathy and emotion regulation, leading to a desire to help others. The study also showed that people trained in compassion were more likely to be altruistic and spend their own money to support someone in need.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 22, 2013

Good marriage can buffer effects of dad's depression on young children

A University of Illinois study found that good marriage can buffer the effects of a dad's depression on his young children. When fathers report high emotional intimacy in their marriage, their children benefit from improved father-child interaction.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateMay 22, 2013

Hospitals profit when patients develop bloodstream infections

A new study found that hospitals earn nearly nine times more for treating patients with bloodstream infections than those without. Private insurers pay the most for these infections, suggesting they would benefit financially from reducing infection rates through quality improvement programs.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Quality·DateMay 22, 2013

Children of married parents less likely to be obese

Research from Rice University found that children living in traditional two-parent married households have a lower obesity rate (17 percent) compared to those living with cohabitating parents or other non-traditional family structures. This study highlights the impact of family structure on childhood obesity, suggesting that marriage a...

SourceRice University·DateMay 22, 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.

NASA's Landsat satellite looks for a cloud-free view

A new spectral band on NASA's Landsat satellite helps identify high-altitude cirrus clouds, allowing scientists to account for their impact on data. The feature enables users to disregard cloudy images or correct data from other spectral bands, ensuring accurate results.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 22, 2013

Study shows people can be trained to be more compassionate

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that adults can be trained to engage in compassion meditation, increasing caring feelings for people suffering. Participants showed increased brain activity in regions involved in empathy and emotion regulation after training.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 22, 2013

Scientists develop worm EEG to test the effects of drugs

Scientists have developed a microfluidic electrophysiological device to record brain activity of worms, enabling the detection of drug effects. This technology opens up new possibilities for high-throughput screens in neurotoxicology and generic screening for neuroactive drugs.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 22, 2013

'Boys will be boys' in US, but not in Asia

A new US study found that girls have higher levels of self-regulation than boys in American young children, but this gender gap does not exist in Asian countries. Researchers also suggest that cultural expectations and teaching practices may influence teachers' perceptions of boys' behavior.

SourceOregon State University·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·DateMay 22, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Building a better team -- on Mars

A Michigan State University project is developing a measurement system to capture team effectiveness in real time, providing instant feedback to astronauts. The system consists of badges that measure activities such as heart rate, motion, and vocalization to identify potential issues with team cohesion.

SourceMichigan State University·DateMay 21, 2013

New tumor-killer shows great promise in suppressing cancers

Scientists at Nanyang Technological University and Lund University have bioengineered a novel molecule, HAMLET, which has been proven to successfully kill tumour cells. The molecule is based on a natural protein present in human breast milk and has been shown to suppress colon cancer in laboratory mice.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 21, 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.

Going green: Nation equipped to grow serious amounts of pond scum for fuel

The US can support the growth of up to 25 billion gallons of algae-based fuel annually, filling the country's current oil needs for a month. The Gulf Coast and Southeastern seaboard are the most favorable regions for algae growth due to warm temperatures, low evaporation, and abundant water.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 21, 2013

Solar and lithium ion car race winners announced

The U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) hosted a car competition for 97 Colorado schools, with teams racing solar and lithium ion powered vehicles designed and built by students. The 'Sweet and Sassy' team from Woodlands Academy took top honors in the solar design category.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateMay 21, 2013

Asthma symptoms impair sleep quality and school performance in children

A study of 170 parent-child dyads found that compromised lung function corresponded with poor sleep efficiency and impaired academic performance in urban schoolchildren. Family-level interventions aimed at asthma control and improving sleep quality may help improve academic performance in vulnerable populations.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 21, 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.

14 closely related crocodiles existed around 5 million years ago

Researchers have discovered two new fossil crocodile species in the Urumaco region, revealing that up to 14 different species coexisted around 5 million years ago. The discovery sheds light on the diverse array of crocodilian species that once inhabited South America and Southeast Asia.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 21, 2013

Inflammation is associated with depression in COPD patients

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found a strong association between depressive symptoms and levels of interleukin-6, an inflammatory biomarker, in COPD patients. The study suggests that systemic inflammation may play a role in depression associated with COPD.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 21, 2013

Research at the cutting edge of knowledge

FAPESP has invested $680 million in 17 Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers (RIDCs) in São Paulo, Brazil, with a focus on various research areas. The centers aim to contribute to commercially relevant high-impact applications while disseminating knowledge through education.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateMay 21, 2013

Tonsil surgery improves some behaviors in children with sleep apnea syndrome

A new study funded by the NIH found that tonsil surgery improves sleep quality, behavioral regulation, and quality of life in children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. However, cognitive abilities did not improve compared to children who did not have surgery.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 21, 2013

Small but speedy: Short plants live in the evolutionary fast lane

A study found that shorter plants have faster-changing genomes and evolve as much as five times faster than taller ones. This is due to the accumulation of genetic changes in actively-dividing cells at the tip of plant shoots.

SourceNational Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent)·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 21, 2013
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.

Study reveals how fishing gear can cause slow death of whales

Scientists attached a device to entangled whales, showing how fishing lines change their behavior and deplete energy. The study highlights the dangers of added drag and buoyancy from fishing gear, posing significant threats to whales' ability to eat, migrate, and survive.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalMarine Mammal Science·DateMay 21, 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.

Keeping stem cells strong

A team of Caltech biologists found that microRNA-146a acts as a critical regulator and protector of blood-forming stem cells during chronic inflammation. Mice lacking miR-146a showed a decline in HSCs, while normal mice maintained their levels despite long-term inflammation.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·DateMay 21, 2013

Drugs found to both prevent and treat Alzheimer's disease in mice

Scientists at USC have found a class of drugs, TSPO ligands, that can reduce measures of pathology and improve behavior in both young adult and aged mice with Alzheimer's Disease. The treatment showed promising results, including a significant decrease in symptoms and improvements in memory.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateMay 21, 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.

Teens exposed to schoolmate's death by suicide much more likely to consider or attempt suicide

A Canadian study found that teens exposed to a schoolmate's death by suicide are significantly more likely to consider or attempt suicide, with the risk especially strong among 12-13 year olds. The study's findings support strategies targeting all students rather than just close friends in postvention efforts.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 21, 2013

Insight into the dazzling impact of insulin in cells

Australian scientists mapped insulin action in cells with precise detail, providing a comprehensive blueprint for understanding diabetes. The breakthrough study catalogued 37,248 phosphorylation sites on 5,705 proteins, revealing 15% that changed in response to insulin.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 21, 2013

Enrichment therapy effective among children with autism, UCI study finds

A UCI study found that a low-cost, at-home treatment involving sensory exercises with common household items significantly improved the behaviors and cognitive function of children with autism. After six months of therapy, 42% of children showed significant improvement in behaviors commonly affected by autism.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalBehavioral Neuroscience·DateMay 21, 2013
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.

Estimates reveal low population immunity to new bird flu virus H7N9 in humans

A new study reveals that the level of immunity to the recently circulating H7N9 influenza virus in an urban and rural population in Vietnam is very low. The findings suggest that people living in this area have had little or no exposure to the virus, making it essential to consider alternative plans for pandemic preparedness.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateMay 21, 2013

Satellites see storm system that created Moore, Okla., tornado

The NASA-NOAA Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership satellite captured lightning observations after the tornado dissipated, revealing that the thunderstorm complex was still active at night. The storm system continued through the region, with another satellite capturing an image of the powerful storm at night.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 21, 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.

£1 million project to produce safer oxygen

A £1 million project aims to design and build a reactor vessel that safely uses oxygen in manufacturing processes. This would enable compounds to be oxidised effectively while producing only water as a by-product, reducing toxicity and waste.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·DateMay 21, 2013

Encouraging signs for bee biodiversity

A new study by researchers at the University of Leeds and Naturalis Biodiversity Centre found evidence of slowing declines in bee biodiversity between the 1950s and 1980s. The study suggests that conservation efforts, such as agri-environment programs, may be having an impact on reducing biodiversity losses among bees and wild plants.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalEcology Letters·DateMay 21, 2013
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Mayo Clinic: How gold nanoparticles can help fight ovarian cancer

Mayo Clinic researchers found that positively charged gold nanoparticles can be effective against ovarian cancer cells when their cellular stress is increased. This is achieved by inhibiting calcium uptake into the mitochondria, which helps to make the nanoparticles more effective in destroying cancer cells.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 21, 2013

Post-approval TAVI registry shows high rates of device success at 1 year

The SOURCE XT post-approval study reported good clinical outcomes with high rates of device success for all access approaches, valve sizes, and delivery systems. Patients showed sustained improvement in effective orifice area and low rates of aortic regurgitation, with low one-year mortality and stroke rates.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateMay 21, 2013
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Doctors prescribe more analgesics to women than to men just for being female

A study published in Gaceta Sanitaria found that women are more likely to be prescribed analgesics due to socioeconomic inequality. The researchers used the Gender-related Development Index to analyze prescription patterns in areas with higher and lower gender development indices.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalGaceta Sanitaria·DateMay 21, 2013