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Science News Archive 2013 - Page 315


Page 315 of 352

Carnegie Mellon brain imaging research shows how unconscious processing improves decision-making

Researchers found that brain regions responsible for making decisions continue to be active even when the conscious brain is distracted, leading to better decision-making. The study suggests that our brains unconsciously process decision information in ways that improve effective problem-solving and decision-making.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateFeb 13, 2013

Study in mice yields Angelman advance

A team of scientists at Brown University has made a breakthrough in understanding the neurological signaling breakdown in Angelman syndrome, a disorder affecting thousands of children. They demonstrated how a synthesized compound called CN2097 works to restore neural functions impaired by the disease.

SourceBrown University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 13, 2013

World first for fly research

The University of Manchester has published the first-ever basic training package for using fruit flies in research, particularly in cancer and Alzheimer's disease studies. The package was developed by Dr Andreas Prokop and aims to educate scientists about the benefits of using Drosophila flies.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·DateFeb 13, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Stem cell source an important factor, impacting ability to treat myocardial infarction

Researchers compared ASCs and BMSCs from an elderly male donor to treat myocardial infarction in a rat model, finding that ASCs preserved more cardiac function. The study suggests age and health status of cell donors may impact the efficacy of stem cells in treating myocardial infarction.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateFeb 13, 2013

Clues to chromosome crossovers

Researchers at UC Davis have identified the essential role of Rnf212 protein in chromosome crossovers, a process vital for sexual reproduction. The study found that Rnf212 defines where crossovers occur, potentially reducing fertility and leading to chromosomal diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 13, 2013

Resistance is futile

Researchers from Russia, Spain, Belgium, the U.K. and the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory have discovered a way to efficiently stabilize tiny magnetic vortices that interfere with superconductivity. This breakthrough could remove one of the most significant roadblocks to advances in superconductor technology.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 13, 2013

By guessing, clinicians may miss 3/4 of alcohol problems

Primary care clinicians may be missing three-fourths of the alcohol problems in their patients due to relying on hunches rather than screening questions. Regular screening with brief alcohol questions can identify individuals at risk and reduce risky drinking, according to a new study.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateFeb 13, 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.

Novel test streamlines testing for Huntington Disease

The novel TP PCR test yields accurate results without unnecessary additional testing, improving diagnosis and prognosis by accurately sizing the genetic abnormality characteristic of HD. The test correctly sized 240 of 246 samples, including those with a wide range of CAG repeats.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateFeb 13, 2013

New citation indicators needed to measure research performance

Researchers argue that traditional citation metrics like journal impact factors and h-index are insufficient for comparing the impact of different scientists or publications in unrelated fields. Percentile-based indicators can provide a more accurate assessment of scientific work.

SourceEMBO·JournalEMBO Reports·DateFeb 13, 2013
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.

Wetland trees a significant overlooked source of methane, study finds

Researchers found that wetland trees are a major source of methane emissions, accounting for up to 80% of total emissions. This challenges current models and highlights the importance of including tree emissions in field campaigns. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding methane flux in tropical wetlands.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNew Phytologist·DateFeb 13, 2013

New hope in fight against multi-resistant germs

Scientists at Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research and TWINCORE are studying patient samples to find biomarkers for infectious diseases. The new antibiotic GSK1322322 targets gram-positive bacteria, including MRSA, with minor adverse effects in Phase I clinical trials.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·DateFeb 13, 2013

Team creates MRI for the nanoscale

Researchers create nanoscale MRI using tiny defects in diamonds, enabling detailed visualization of molecules. The technology could revolutionize diagnoses by examining damage on DNA strands or identifying cancer cells with unprecedented resolution.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalScience·DateFeb 13, 2013

Researchers discover biological diversity in triple-negative breast cancer

Researchers have identified at least four disease subtypes within triple-negative breast cancers, highlighting the need for targeted therapies that target individual biomarkers. The Basal-like subtype is the majority of TN patients, and therapies targeting its unique biology are crucial for therapeutic progress.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalThe Oncologist·DateFeb 13, 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.

Busy beavers give Canada geese a lift, study shows

A University of Alberta study reveals that busy beavers contribute to an earlier start for Canada geese's spring nesting by warming ponds and thawing winter snowpack. This helps the birds secure reproductive success.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalMammalian Biology·DateFeb 13, 2013

Study supports regulation of hospitals

A study by Michigan State University researchers found a strong correlation between hospital bed availability and use, even accounting for various factors that may lead to hospitalization. This supports the regulation of hospital beds to align with population health needs.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 13, 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.

Finding 'Mr. Right,' how insects sniff out the perfect mate

Researchers discovered that one wasp species uses a novel third ingredient in its sex pheromone, which is recognized by females only when combined with two original scents. This adaptation allows females to distinguish their own species from others, preventing costly interbreeding.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature·DateFeb 13, 2013

Probiotic-derived treatment offers new hope for premature babies

A new study found that chemicals secreted by good bacteria can reduce the frequency and severity of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants. The treatment, which uses purified secretions from probiotic bacteria, shows promise as a targeted preventive strategy without the broad effects of steroids.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·DateFeb 13, 2013

Rewiring the serotonin system

A team of researchers from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and the University of Houston has found a new way to influence the vital serotonin signaling system. They have linked malfunctions in this system to various health issues, including depression, addictions, epilepsy, obesity, eating disorders, and more.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·DateFeb 13, 2013
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

We're emotionally distant and that's just fine by me

A new study at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that people who yearn for a more intimate partnership and those who crave more distance are equally at risk for having a problematic relationship. The study's lead author, David M. Frost, PhD, suggests that finding a way to attain an idealized level of closeness...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateFeb 13, 2013

Gene associated with high anxiety can have protective effect on the battlefield

Researchers identified a protective effect of excessive threat vigilance on PTSD development in infantry soldiers during combat deployment. The study found that genetic variations in the serotonin transporter gene were associated with this behavior, which can be trained through attention bias modification to reduce PTSD risk.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateFeb 13, 2013

Origami meets chemistry in scholarly video-article

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University developed self-assembling particles inspired by origami that can be manipulated to fold and seal or open and close. These particles have potential applications in drug delivery, mechanical sensing, bio-sensing technologies, and more.

SourceThe Journal of Visualized Experiments·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateFeb 13, 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.

Sustainable new catalysts fueled by a single proton

A Boston College research team has designed novel small-molecule catalysts triggered by a single proton, enabling efficient and selective fine chemical synthesis. The catalysts, derived from abundant amino acid valine, promote reactions at room temperature with minimal waste generation.

SourceBoston College·JournalNature·DateFeb 13, 2013

Threat bias interacts with combat, gene to boost PTSD risk

Researchers tracked 1085 male Israeli soldiers to identify predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Soldiers with pre-deployment threat vigilance and an emotion-related gene were more likely to develop PTSD, with a faster reaction time indicating increased threat vigilance.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateFeb 13, 2013

Epigenetics shapes fate of brain vs. brawn castes in carpenter ants

Research on the Florida carpenter ant reveals that epigenetic regulation plays a key role in distinguishing two worker castes with strikingly different behaviors and physical characteristics. Histone modifications, including those influenced by the CBP regulator, are found to correlate with gene expression levels and cognitive abilities.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalGenome Research·DateFeb 13, 2013
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.

Marsh plants actively engineer their landscape

A team of scientists from Duke University and the University of Padova found that marsh plants actively tune their elevations by producing organic soil and accumulating sediments. This complex interplay with the environment helps species stabilize the soil within favorable states, allowing for greater long-term stability.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 13, 2013

Protein central to cancer stem cell formation provides new potential target

Researchers have identified FOXC2 as a protein vital to the formation of cancer stem cells and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer. The study found that blocking FOXC2 with the FDA-approved drug sunitinib inhibited the growth of cancer stem cells and reduced metastasis in mice with triple-negative breast cancer.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Research·DateFeb 13, 2013

Scientists should advance management of behavioral norms

Researchers emphasize the importance of understanding how social and personal norms are influenced by behavior to promote long-term environmental changes. The authors suggest that effective policies can induce changes in norms over time, leading to increased public acceptance of environmental measures.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateFeb 13, 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.

The party in your brain

A team of scientists found that conservatives and liberals use different brain regions when making risky decisions, with 82.9% accuracy in predicting party affiliation.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 13, 2013

Inaugural issue of Big Data journal launched at Strata Conference, Santa Clara, CA

The inaugural issue of Big Data journal launched at the Strata Conference, featuring premium content from leading experts on big data. The Journal aims to facilitate dialogue among researchers, analysts, and policymakers on the challenges and opportunities in big data, published under the Creative Commons Attribution license.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBig Data·DateFeb 13, 2013

Tube versus IV feeding in malnourished pediatric cancer patients

A study published in Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing found that discomfort with tube feeding is the main reason families prefer IV nutrition. Tube feeding is associated with better gut function and lower infection rates, but perceived discomfort leads to a preference for IV feeding.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing·DateFeb 13, 2013

Penn vet team uncovers a pathway that stimulates bone growth

Researchers at Penn Vet have identified a new pathway for stimulating bone growth using the protein Jagged-1. This discovery has the potential to treat bone fractures and improve outcomes for patients with rare metabolic conditions like Alagille syndrome.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalStem Cells·DateFeb 13, 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.

GPA may be contagious in high-school social networks

A study published in PLOS ONE found that high school students whose friends had higher GPAs were more likely to increase their own scores over time. The researchers also discovered that social connections with weaker academic performers could lead to decreased grades.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 13, 2013

Cracking the semantic code

The study proposes that half of a concept's meaning is a summary of how rewarding and risky an object is. The researchers used internet blogs to estimate the number of good or bad things associated with objects, finding that 'evaluation' and 'activity' dimensions were strong predictors of word usage.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 13, 2013

CVD time bomb set to explode in Gulf region in 10-15 years

The Gulf region is expected to experience a massive wave of cardiovascular disease in the next 10-15 years, driven by high obesity rates and diabetes prevalence. Prevention services are lacking, but experts call for a public health strategy to promote physical activity and healthy diets.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateFeb 12, 2013

UTHealth: Alcohol consumption may be in response to smoking cessation

Researchers at UTHealth found that alcohol use can increase smoking and smoking urges in women attempting to quit. Higher, more volatile smoking urges were reported before drinking, suggesting a potential vicious cycle where smoking urges lead to alcohol consumption.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalExperimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology·DateFeb 12, 2013
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Detecting cocaine 'naturally'

A team of researchers has adapted natural mechanisms to detect specific molecules like cocaine more accurately and quickly. The new biosensor responds optimally even with a large concentration window, paving the way for applications in cancer-targeting drugs and administration.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 12, 2013

Study shows long-term success rates for eradication of Barrett's esophagus after endoluminal therapies

A study from researchers at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania reports that endoluminal therapies combining resection and ablation techniques have a high success rate in eradicating Barrett's esophagus, with durable results. Persistent vigilant surveillance is required due to recurrence risks.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateFeb 12, 2013
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.

Negative stereotypes about boys hinder their academic achievement

A new study published in Child Development found that children as young as 4 think boys are academically inferior to girls and believe adults share these stereotypes. Conveying egalitarian messages can help close the gender gap by refraining from practices like dividing classes by gender, according to researchers.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateFeb 12, 2013

Cheap, strong lithium-ion battery developed at USC

Researchers at USC have created a new lithium-ion battery design that uses silicon nanoparticles to improve capacity and recharge more quickly. The batteries hold three times as much energy as comparable graphite-based designs and can recharge within 10 minutes.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNano Research·DateFeb 12, 2013

Helping or hovering? A parent's dilemma

A new study shows that college students with overcontrolling parents experience negative well-being outcomes, including depression and decreased life satisfaction. The study suggests that helicopter parenting behaviors can undermine children's autonomy, competence, and social relationships.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Child and Family Studies·DateFeb 12, 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.

Building a biochemistry lab on a chip

Lab-on-a-chip technologies use micro-fabrication techniques to integrate various laboratory functions onto microchips. Researchers have demonstrated the ability to heat nanoliter volume droplets individually and in an array using VLSI silicon-based devices, enabling biochemical reactions and DNA melting detection.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2013

Lower autism risk with folic acid supplements in pregnancy

Women who took folic acid supplements from four weeks before conception to eight weeks into pregnancy had a 40 per cent lower risk of giving birth to children with childhood autism. The findings only apply to a lower risk of childhood autism, the most severe form of autism.

SourceNorwegian Institute of Public Health·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 12, 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.