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Science News Archive 2013 - Page 279


Page 279 of 352

Study shows that blocking an inflammation pathway prevents cardiac fibrosis

Researchers found that blocking an enzyme promoting inflammation can prevent cardiac tissue damage and fibrosis after a heart attack. The study's results show improved cardiac function and reduced inflammatory factors in mice treated with the compound.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 21, 2013

Planck challenges our understanding of the Universe

The Planck satellite provides an unprecedented level of detail about the cosmic microwave background, confirming the standard model of cosmology at exceptional accuracy. Anomalies in the data suggest the Universe may be different on scales larger than those directly observable.

SourceUK Space Agency·DateMar 21, 2013
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

LA BioMed researcher receives highest honor in field

Christina Wang, a leading LA BioMed researcher, has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the field of andrology. Her research has focused on male reproductive health and disease, with a particular emphasis on androgen replacement therapy and hormonal male contraceptive development.

SourceLA BioMed·DateMar 21, 2013

Stem cells use signal orientation to guide division, Stanford study shows

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have devised a way to mimic the spatially oriented signaling that cells normally experience. They found that the location of a "divide now" signal on the membrane of a human embryonic stem cell governs where in that cell the plane of division occurs.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalScience·DateMar 21, 2013

Enzymes allow DNA to swap information with exotic molecules

Scientists at Arizona State University have discovered an enzyme that allows DNA sequences to be transcribed into a simpler molecule called TNA, which can then be reverse-transcribed back into DNA. This breakthrough offers clues about the origins of genetic code and has potential applications in molecular medicine.

SourceArizona State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 21, 2013

Discovery could increase efficacy of promising cystic fibrosis drug

Researchers redefined a key regulatory process in the defective protein responsible for cystic fibrosis, providing a theory on how Vx-770 works. The study identified a novel strategy to complement and enhance the performance of existing drugs, opening up therapeutic possibilities for other diseases.

SourceUniversity of Missouri School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 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.

Study offers new way to discover HIV vaccine targets

Researchers from Ragon Institute develop a computational method to analyze viral protein sequences, identifying vulnerabilities that could be exploited for vaccine development. The approach uses spin glass models and fitness landscapes to predict the prevalence of mutant proteins, providing a new way to design effective HIV vaccines.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalImmunity·DateMar 21, 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.

Research show little support for controls on overseas fertility treatment

A recent study found little support for legal controls on cross-border fertility treatment in the UK. However, health professionals emphasize the importance of checking overseas clinics to ensure they meet UK standards. The research team also notes that many patients have reported receiving better quality care abroad.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalJournal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology·DateMar 20, 2013

Some Alaskan trout use flexible guts for the ultimate binge diet

Dolly Varden trout in Alaska's Chignik Lake watershed use their intestines to gorge on salmon eggs, doubling in size, then shrink back down after the food pulse ends. This adaptation helps them survive months of scarcity and thrive despite nutrient-poor environments.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateMar 20, 2013

Current and past smokers face greater risk for hip replacement failure

A recent study found that current and past smokers have a higher risk of hip replacement failure compared to non-smokers. The study, which reviewed records of total hip replacement patients between 2007 and 2009, found a significant correlation between smoking and increased revision rates.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMar 20, 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.

For polar bears, it's survival of the fattest

Polar bears in western Hudson Bay are forced to adapt to earlier summer sea ice break-up and later fall departure due to climate change. The timing of their migration can be predicted by sea ice melt and freeze patterns, affecting their health and cub production.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateMar 20, 2013

Thin films of nickel and iron oxides yield efficient solar water-splitting catalyst

Researchers at the University of Oregon have developed ultra-thin films of nickel and iron oxides that demonstrate high catalytic activity for forming oxygen from water. The nickel-iron oxide catalyst was found to be most effective when just 0.4 nanometers thick, making it a promising material for solar-hydrogen production.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMar 20, 2013

Scientists develop drug that might be next best hope against malaria

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have developed a new drug called ELQ-300 that shows great promise in treating and preventing malaria. The drug targets the parasite earlier than existing treatments, making it potentially more effective and requiring fewer doses.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 20, 2013

Natural climate swings contribute more to increased monsoon rainfall than global warming

The Northern Hemisphere monsoon has intensified, with a 9.5% increase in rainfall, due to natural climate swings rather than global warming alone. Natural long-term climate swings, such as the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, contribute significantly more to this intensification.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii ‑ SOEST·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 20, 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 waves' challenge area-specific view of brain activity

Research by David Alexander and Cees van Leeuwen reveals that brain activity is not limited to specific areas, but rather follows a wave-like pattern across the entire cortex. This challenges traditional views of brain function and highlights the complex, dynamic nature of brain activity.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalNeuroImage·DateMar 20, 2013

Abnormal stress response seen in toddlers exposed to meth in womb

A study found that toddlers exposed to methamphetamine in the womb may have an abnormal stress response, which can increase the risk of depression, anxiety, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. However, children with a stable home environment showed a normal stress response.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateMar 20, 2013

AAOS awards recognize innovative orthopaedic research

Researchers have made significant discoveries in musculoskeletal health, including bio-enhanced ACL repair and the diagnosis of posterolateral knee injuries. The new approaches aim to stimulate healing and regeneration, reduce future injury-related osteoarthritis, and improve patient outcomes.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMar 20, 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.

Men may have natural aversion to adultery with friends' wives

A study by University of Missouri researchers found that adult males' testosterone levels decrease when they interact with the spouse of a close friend. This suggests an innate biological mechanism that discourages men from pursuing romantic relationships with friends' wives, promoting cooperation and alliance formation.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalHuman Nature·DateMar 20, 2013

Peru surprises with 2 new amazing species of woodlizards

Two new species of woodlizards were found in the Peruvian jungle, increasing the country's biodiversity. The newly described lizards, Enyalioides azulae and Enyalioides binzayedi, share a similar territory with slight differences in altitude ranges.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateMar 20, 2013

Women abused as children more likely to have children with autism

A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that women who experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse as children are more likely to have a child with autism. The study, which examined data from over 50,000 women, suggests that childhood trauma may increase the risk of autism in future generations.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMar 20, 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.

Warm springs may be best winter refuge for Florida manatees

A new study found that nearly half of Florida manatees seek power plant outfalls for warmth, while about 17% choose warm springs. Hot springs offered the best protection against cold weather, suggesting protecting access to these refuges is crucial for long-term survival.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 20, 2013

Genomic data are growing, but what do we really know?

A large-scale evaluation of computational protein function prediction reveals that algorithms combining disparate prediction clues provide more accurate predictions, turning genomic data into useful information. The study provides a comprehensive picture of how well current methods perform, with potential improvements identified.

SourceMiami University·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 20, 2013

Older grandfathers pass on autism risk through generations

A new study reveals that men who have children at older ages are more likely to have grandchildren with autism. The research found that the risk of autism increases with the age of the grandfather, suggesting that genetic risk can accumulate over generations.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMar 20, 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.

WUSTL's Wang to study oxygen consumption in cells with NSF grant

Researchers will use photoacoustic microscopy to measure oxygen consumption rates of individual cells, mapping distributions of cellular metabolism. The technology has potential applications in gauging cellular health and metabolic state for stress response and toxicity studies.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateMar 20, 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.

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.

Atypical brain circuits may cause slower gaze shifting in infants who later develop autism

A new study found that 7-month-old infants who later develop autism show slower gaze shifting and attention reorientation compared to typically developing infants. The researchers suggest that atypical brain circuits, specifically the splenium of the corpus callosum, may contribute to this behavioral difference.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMar 20, 2013

3-year olds know rules of sharing but don't follow them until older

A new study found that 3-year-olds endorse equal sharing norms, but fail to follow them until they reach 7-8 years old. Researchers gave stickers valued by children of all ages and asked about sharing, finding consistent endorsement across ages. However, actual behavior showed a gap between endorsed and followed norms.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 20, 2013

Estrogen helps keep joint pain at bay after hysterectomy

Researchers found that estrogen alone significantly reduced joint pain in women who had undergone a hysterectomy, with 74% of those taking estrogen experiencing no pain after three years compared to 80% of those taking a placebo. The Women's Health Initiative trial showed modest but significant differences between the two groups.

SourceThe Menopause Society·DateMar 20, 2013

Scientists discover reasons behind snakes' 'shrinking heads'

Researchers have found that sea snakes can rapidly evolve smaller heads to explore narrow burrows and avoid interbreeding with larger-headed ancestors. This process can lead to speciation and shape the population's size and appearance.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateMar 20, 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.

New study highlights strong anti-cancer properties of soybeans

Researchers found that peptides derived from soybean meal inhibit cancer cell growth by up to 73%, making it a potential nutraceutical for reducing colon, liver and lung cancer cell growth. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new cancer treatments.

SourceElsevier·JournalFood Research International·DateMar 20, 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.

Family dinners nourish good mental health in adolescents

A large community sample of adolescents found that regular family suppers were associated with fewer emotional and behavioral problems, greater emotional well-being, and higher life satisfaction. The study suggests that family mealtimes provide opportunities for open interactions and teaching positive health behaviors.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateMar 20, 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.

Clues point to cause of a rare fat-distribution disease

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a novel modification of the lamin A protein that disrupts normal patterns of fat distribution in familial partial lipodystrophy (FPLD). The discovery provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying FPLD, a rare disease characterized by abnormal fat accumulation in certain areas...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalMolecular Biology of the Cell·DateMar 20, 2013

Roads could help rather than harm the environment, say experts

A global plan for road building is proposed to reduce environmental damage by concentrating roads in suitable areas. Properly planned roads can improve farming, increase farm profits, and enhance food security, helping to feed the growing global population.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateMar 20, 2013

America's lower-wage workforce: Employer and worker perspectives

A recent survey by NORC at the University of Chicago found that getting ahead is seen as a personal responsibility, with employers investing in training but facing confidence issues. Lower-wage workers are less satisfied and perceive fewer advancement opportunities, with pessimism being acute among white and younger workers.

SourceNORC at the University of Chicago·DateMar 20, 2013

UC Davis research advances efforts to prevent dangerous blood clots

Researchers at UC Davis developed a nomogram to calculate individual patient risk of post-surgical venous thromboembolism, allowing clinicians to tailor prevention efforts. The study analyzed over 470,000 surgical patients and identified factors increasing blood clot risk, including age, BMI, and splenectomies.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Surgical Research·DateMar 20, 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.

97 percent of UK doctors have given placebos to patients at least once

A UK survey found that 97% of doctors have prescribed placebo treatments to patients at least once, with impure placebos being used more frequently. Doctors cited treating psychological effects and reassuring patients as reasons for prescribing placebos, while also acknowledging the need for patient trust.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 20, 2013