Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive 2013


Page 31 of 352

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.

Lowering stand density reduces mortality of ponderosa pine stands

Researchers found that site quality affects the relationship between density and mortality in ponderosa pine stands. Thinning forest stands can reduce fuel buildup and enhance growth of residual trees, while early shrub removal and tree density control are most effective ways to reduce fuel buildup.

2-way traffic enables proteins to get where needed, avoid disease

Researchers found that messenger RNA can take a two-way journey down the cell's cytoskeleton, delivering proteins to specific locations and avoiding diseases such as Alzheimer's, cancer, and Fragile X syndrome. This flexible navigation allows mRNA to bypass obstacles and reach its intended destination.

Women directors better at mergers and acquisitions

A new study published in the Journal of Corporate Finance reveals that female board members significantly impact merger and acquisition transactions, reducing company costs and increasing shareholder value. With each additional female director, companies pay less for acquisitions and attempt fewer takeover bids.

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.

Study finds 1 in 10 high school students hurt by dating partners

A new study published in the Journal of School Violence reveals that nearly 10% of US high school students have been physically hurt by their romantic partners in the past year. The prevalence rate has remained stable over the past 12 years, with black and multiracial youth being disproportionately affected.

JCI early table of contents for Nov. 25, 2013

Researchers found that LIF levels were predictive of NPC patient response to radiation therapy, with patients having higher serum levels of LIF being resistant to treatment. LIF itself promotes NPC progression and radioresistance. Circadian clock proteins BMAL1 also regulate redox proteins preventing oxidative stress damage in neurons.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Drug interactions causing a significant impact on statin use

A study found that people taking statin drugs often take an average of three other medications that can cause muscle pain and lead to discontinued use, a major contributor to the side effect. Researchers recommend adjusting dosages or choosing alternative medications to minimize interactions.

Bad proteins branch out

Rice University researchers used computer models to study the behavior of misfolded proteins, finding that they can form branching structures similar to those found in spider silk. These structures may be an early stage in the formation of amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Breastfeeding provides babies with iodine

Researchers found that giving an iodine capsule to breastfeeding mothers is more effective in providing their babies with the essential trace element than administering it directly to the infant. However, both methods have limitations and do not guarantee sufficient iodine intake for both mother and child.

Turning autism upside down: When symptoms are strengths

A novel approach to treating autism spectrum disorder teaches affected children to control their autonomic nervous system using computerized biofeedback and clinical hypnosis. The method recognizes symptoms as an effort to self-regulate inner turmoil, allowing children to feel better and be more socially engaging.

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.

Dysfunctional mitochondria may underlie resistance to radiation therapy

A team of researchers discovered that abnormal mitochondria may be responsible for cancer cells' resistance to radiation therapy. The study found that a mutation in the E2F gene led to dysfunctional mitochondria that produced less energy, making cancer cells more resistant to radiation-induced cell death.

One-third of older adults admitted to ICU deemed 'frail'

A third of older adults admitted to the ICU were classified as frail, increasing their risk of death, illness, and adverse events. Frailty is characterized by a loss of physical and mental strength, making patients more vulnerable to complications.

A step closer to composite-based electronics

A new study demonstrates that electrical resistivity in composite materials follows a staircase-like pattern with increasing conducting particle concentration. The findings, published in European Physical Journal B, use percolation theory to explain the discrete series of resistances observed.

Circadian clock proteins maintain neuronal cell function

A study published in JCI Journals found that circadian clock proteins regulate neuronal redox homeostasis and prevent neurodegeneration. BMAL1-deficient mice showed accumulated astrocytes, neuronal degeneration, and reduced blood flow, highlighting the importance of core clock proteins in maintaining healthy neurons.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Experiencing awe increases belief in the supernatural

Research suggests that awe-inspiring sights can motivate people to seek explanations for the world, potentially leading to a stronger belief in the supernatural. Participants who watched awe-inspiring videos showed increased comfort with supernatural control and were more likely to believe in God.

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.

Breaking the brain clock predisposes nerve cells to neurodegeneration

Researchers found that disrupting a core clock gene in mice accelerated oxidative stress and inflammation in nerve cells, raising possibilities for therapeutic approaches to delay neurodegeneration. The study suggests the molecular clock plays a crucial role in protecting the brain from damage.

Study shows marijuana's potential for treating autoimmune disorders

Researchers at University of South Carolina discover THC influences microRNAs, altering gene expression and potentially treating arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes. The study identifies specific microRNA targets for controlling inflammation and immune response.

Cervical cancer screening overused in some groups of women

A recent study found that nearly two-thirds of women who have had hysterectomies and half of women over 65 with no cervical cancer history received unnecessary Pap tests. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has recommended against these groups for the test since 2003.

Drug regimen may eliminate colonization with superbug CRE

Researchers developed a drug regimen that eradicated CRE colonization in 44% of patients, significantly reducing mortality rates. The treatment was found to be safe and effective for eliminating the carrier state, which can reduce patient-to-patient transmission.

Embolization procedure aids in weight loss

A new study reports that individuals who underwent left gastric artery embolization experienced a 7.9% decrease in body weight, highlighting potential new avenue for obesity research. The procedure blocks the production of ghrelin, leading to decreased appetite and weight loss.

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.

Flashes of brilliance

Researchers at Rice University discovered the mechanism behind superfluorescent bursts in quantum wells, enabling compact semiconductor devices to produce picosecond pulses of light. The discovery may lead to new telecommunications equipment and other devices transmitting signals at picosecond speeds.

Maternal mood disorder and newborn neurobehavior

Researchers investigated epigenetic changes in response to maternal cortisol exposure, finding support for prenatal transmission of risk for poor neurodevelopmental outcomes. This study highlights the importance of treating maternal prenatal depression and anxiety to mitigate newborn behavioral problems.

Extrovert and introvert children are not equally influenced by plate size

A study by Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that extraverted kids are more influenced by bowl sizes, serving 33.1% more cereal when given a large bowl compared to introverts, who served only 5.6% more. When served by adults, all kids requested more cereal in the large bowl, highlighting the impact of personality traits on portion control.

7 Texas A&M professors elected AAAS Fellows

Seven Texas A&M faculty members have been recognized by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for their contributions to various fields. They include Nancy M. Amato, Perla Beatriz Balbuena, Raymond J. Carroll, Jonathan C. Coopersmith, Bani K. Mallick, H. Joseph Newton, and Matthew S. Sachs.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Health Affairs Web First articles look at health care across many countries

A Web First article by Health Affairs explores Shanghai's cutting-edge health care reforms and their successes and challenges. The study also reveals that the United States has the most complex insurance system among eleven countries surveyed, making it difficult for citizens to access care due to cost and time-consuming complexities.

Video game play may provide learning, health, social benefits, review finds

A review of research suggests that video game play can enhance cognitive skills such as spatial navigation and problem-solving. Playing video games is also found to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety and improve emotional resilience in children. Additionally, gaming communities provide opportunities for social interaction and cooperation.

Bonding together to fight HIV

A collaborative team, led by Prof. Mark Williams, reveals how the APOBEC3G protein forms a roadblock to prevent HIV replication, offering new avenues for HIV therapy and drug development.

Virginia Tech plant scientist named AAAS Fellow

John Jelesko, an associate professor of plant pathology and physiology at Virginia Tech, has been recognized as an AAAS Fellow for his distinguished contributions to the field of plant specialized metabolism. His research has led to a better understanding of plant metabolism with significant implications for the pharmaceutical industry.

Hands off -- please

Researchers from Max Planck Institute for Ornithology found that friendly labels reduced interaction with equipment, with 40% less interference compared to neutral or threatening labels. The study suggests that friendly messages could minimize the number of incidences of vandalism and theft.

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.

Using microRNA fit to a T (cell)

Scientists have engineered B cells to synthesize and deliver microRNA, a non-coding RNA that can be used to introduce or inhibit specific proteins. This achievement may lead to new therapeutic applications, including vaccination and cancer treatment.

Chromosomes show off their shapes

A new method combines high-throughput DNA sequencing and computer analysis to produce reliable maps describing contacts between genes along individual chromosomes. The results suggest that the arrangement of genes on chromosomes is modular and based on their functions, with active genes exposed at chromosome boundaries.

UTMB researchers find ear infections down, thanks to vaccine

Researchers found a sharp downward trend in ear infection visits between 2004 and 2011, coinciding with the advent of PCV-13 vaccine in 2010. This trend was most pronounced in children under 2 years old. The study suggests that medical interventions, especially vaccines, have reduced the burden of otitis media in US children.

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.

Tidy knots are faster

Researchers studied the release of genetic material from viral capsids into host cell nuclei, finding that highly ordered DNA strands exit faster than tangled ones. The study's findings have implications for designing artificial viral vectors and understanding complete DNA stalling in experiments.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

When the living and the deceased don't agree on organ donation

A new study reveals that US organ procurement organizations' implementation of First Person Authorization (FPA) has been inconsistent and incomplete. Despite legal backing from state laws, half the groups surveyed did not have a written policy for handling family objections.

Ludwig scientist Bing Ren elected fellow of AAAS

Bing Ren has been awarded the distinction of Fellow by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for his outstanding contributions to genome-wide analysis and understanding of human disease. He is a member of the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and has directed various projects, including the Roadmap Epigenome...

Insights into type 2B von Willebrand disease

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation reveals that type 2B von Willebrand disease is associated with platelet dysfunction. Researchers found that a mutation in the von Willebrand factor protein can inhibit platelet activation and promote thrombocytopathy.

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Alessia make landfall near Darwin

Tropical Cyclone Alessia made landfall in northern Australia as a weak storm, with NASA's TRMM satellite capturing mostly light rain and moderate rainfall. The cyclone dissipated quickly after crossing the Northern Territory coast, causing no damages or significant impacts.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Beyond encryption: Stronger security for wireless communications

Researchers at TUM have devised a scheme that wrings provably strong security out of the physical layer, preventing eavesdroppers from receiving transmitted information. The approach uses two useless frequency bands to 'super-activate' the system and achieve positive capacity for secure communication.

Methane emissions vastly surpass previous estimates

A new study published in PNAS found that total US methane emissions may be 50% higher than government estimates, with large discrepancies in the south-central region. The study's findings have implications for national and state greenhouse gas reduction strategies.

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.

New tales told by old infections

A recent study by Uppsala University researchers mapped nearly 90,000 ERVs from 60 host genomes, revealing a host reservoir for one group of retroviruses with rampant host switching throughout history. This finding adds credence to the possibility that many additional retroviruses may remain to be discovered in vertebrate species.

The reality behind Europe's response to climate change

A study of 200 urban areas in eleven European countries found that one in every three cities has no plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while seven in ten have no formal adaptation plans. Cities are crucial in addressing climate change due to their significant emission contributions and vulnerability to climate hazards.