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Science News Archive 2013


Page 345 of 352

How belly fat differs from thigh fat -- and why it matters

Researchers discover that belly and thigh fat differ significantly in gene expression, with unique homeobox genes influencing fat cell behavior. This finding may lead to targeted treatments for obesity, shifting focus from belly fat to hip and thigh fat.

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.

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.

A rock is a clock: Physicist uses matter to tell time

Holger Müller's Compton clock measures time using the oscillations of a cesium atom's matter wave, which has a frequency 10 billion times higher than visible light. The clock is accurate to within 7 parts per billion and could potentially rival atomic clocks with further improvements.

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.

Flu vaccine rates in children remain lower than expected

A new study found that less than 45% of children were vaccinated against the flu during a five-year period, highlighting the need for increased vaccination efforts. The study also revealed that children under 6 months old had the highest hospitalization rates with flu, emphasizing the importance of protecting infants through vaccination.

New material harvests energy from water vapor

Researchers at MIT have created a new material that can generate electricity by drawing on water vapor, which could power micro- and nanoelectronic devices. The material changes shape after absorbing evaporated water, allowing it to repeatedly curl up and down.

NASA prepares for launch of next Earth observation satellite

The Landsat Data Continuity Mission will extend over 40 years of global land observations, critical in energy and water management, forest monitoring, and disaster recovery. The mission's instruments, including Operational Land Imager and Thermal Infrared Sensor, promise improved data quality and quantity.

Bengali forests are fading away

The Sundarbans mangrove forest is disappearing at an alarming rate, resulting in loss of natural protection from tidal waves and cyclones. This will inevitably lead to species loss, including the endangered Bengal tiger.

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.

Funding for study of Autism, Dyslexia and ADHD

A UK research team has received funding to investigate potential increases in children with autism, dyslexia, and ADHD. The study will analyze two birth cohorts and examine the extent of shared symptoms between the conditions.

UMMS experts seek better flu vaccines

Researchers led by Dr. Robert W. Finberg are working on a $12 million project to improve flu vaccine effectiveness by predicting the influenza virus's evolution in response to anti-viral drugs and human immune systems. The approach could potentially boost protection rates, reducing severe illness cases.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Virus caught in the act of infecting a cell

Researchers have observed the detailed changes in a virus's structure as it infects an E. coli bacterium, providing new insights into the viral infection process. The study reveals that the virus extends its ultra-thin fibers to find an optimal site for infection and ejects its genetic material through the host cell membrane.

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Narelle approaching Western Australia coast

Tropical Cyclone Narelle is gaining strength as it approaches the northern coast of Western Australia, with NASA tracking its movement and expected impact. The cyclone is predicted to bring heavy rainfall and rough seas, posing a threat to coastal communities and causing erosion and flooding.

A cloudy mystery

The G0.253+0.016 cloud defies conventional wisdom on star formation, with a dense gas content 25 times higher than the Orion Nebula but only producing small stars. The cloud's high velocities and presence of silicon monoxide suggest it may be two colliding clouds, preventing star formation due to its dynamic nature.

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.

Drug fails to help kidney transplant recipients

A large, randomized trial found that angiotensin II blockade did not lessen tissue scarring or prevent kidney failure in kidney transplant recipients. The treatment was safe and well-tolerated but showed no benefit in slowing disease progression.

Next steps in potential stem cell therapy for diabetes

Scientists have made significant progress towards developing a potential stem cell therapy for diabetes. The study found that human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) can differentiate into endocrine cells that are remarkably similar to primary human counterparts. However, hESC-derived endocrine cells produced in vitro lack key features and ...

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.

Solving puzzles without a picture

A team of genome and computer scientists developed an algorithm that can rapidly create virtual chromosomes using NGS data. The new RACA (Reference-Assisted Chromosome Assembly) algorithm performs even better with longer DNA reads, addressing the challenge of assembling complete chromosomes from short NGS fragments.

Regulating single protein prompts fibroblasts to become neurons

Scientists at University of California, San Diego, discovered that repressing a single protein in fibroblasts is enough to convert them into functional neurons. This finding has far-reaching implications for developing new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Decline in available liver transplants expected

A study found that non-use of donor livers rose significantly between 2004 and 2010, primarily linked to decreased donor liver quality and increased donation after cardiac death. This trend threatens a significant decline in liver transplant availability.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Helping patients navigate new cancer drugs

A Michigan State University study found that many cancer patients struggle to follow complex chemo prescriptions, leading to poor adherence and reduced treatment efficacy. The researchers suggest an automated calling system could help patients take their drugs properly.

Breath test identifies bacteria's fingerprint

Researchers have identified specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by certain bacteria, which can be used to diagnose lung infections. The findings suggest a potential breath test to detect bacterial infections, such as tuberculosis, in just minutes.

Study: Model for brain signaling flawed

A new study reveals that the tripartite synapse model, long accepted by the scientific community, is incorrect in adult brains. The model, which proposes that multiple cells collaborate to move signals in the central nervous system, does not accurately represent brain signaling beyond development.

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.

NASA's robotic refueling demo set to jumpstart expanded capabilities in space

NASA's Robotic Refueling Mission aims to demonstrate robotic refueling in space, which could add years of functional life to satellites and expand options for operators. The mission will employ the Canadian-built Dextre robot and NASA's RRM module to simulate robotic refueling, with a focus on improving satellite servicing capabilities.

Molecular machine could hold key to more efficient manufacturing

The machine, inspired by natural ribosomes, can synthesize complex molecules in a synthetic process, with potential applications in pharmaceuticals and other industries. While still inefficient compared to natural ribosomes, the machine's development marks an important step towards more efficient manufacturing processes.

Study provides new clues for designing an effective HIV vaccine

A study has provided new clues for designing a more effective HIV vaccine by analyzing the structure of antibody-virus complexes produced in vaccine recipients. The researchers found that antibodies targeting specific regions of the virus are associated with decreased transmission of HIV.

Scientists design, control movements of molecular motor

Researchers have created a stand-alone molecular motor with multiple components that can move independently, opening the door to creating nanoscale devices. The motor uses thermal excitation and electron energy to rotate clockwise and counterclockwise.

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.

Marriage linked to better survival in middle age

A new study by Dr. Ilene Siegler and colleagues found that having a partner during middle age is protective against premature death. Married individuals had a significantly lower risk of dying early compared to those who never married or lost their partner, even after controlling for personality and health behaviors.

Stem cells found to heal damaged artery in lab study

Scientists at Texas Biomedical Research Institute have demonstrated that baboon embryonic stem cells can completely restore a severely damaged artery. The results show promise for developing stem cell therapies to restore human tissues or organs damaged by age or disease.

Lack of guidelines create ethical dilemmas in social network-based research

Academic researchers are struggling with establishing adequate guidelines for social network-based studies, particularly concerning adolescent participants' consent and privacy. The Common Rule and existing regulations provide a basis for allowing adolescents to consent without parental permission, but there is confusion around the thr...

Immunotherapy reduces allergic patients' sensitivity to peanuts

A new study published in The Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology shows that immunotherapy using peanut protein drops can desensitize patients to peanuts by up to 10 times. After 44 weeks, 70% of participants increased their safe consumption level from 3.5mg to 496mg.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Surgical technique spots cancer invasion with fluorescence

A new surgical technique has been developed at the University of California - San Diego School of Medicine, using fluorescently labeled molecules to spot cancer invasion in lymph nodes. This allows surgeons to identify cancerous tissue during surgery, saving healthy tissue and reducing unnecessary removal of lymph nodes.

PLOS Pathogens additional press release -- Jan. 10, 2013

Researchers developed methods to synthesize and change the Schmallenberg virus genome, identifying a gene that protects the virus against the immune response. The study found that viruses missing this gene caused less sickness in mice, suggesting potential for new vaccines.

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.

Lower nitrogen losses with perennial biofuel crops

A University of Illinois study found that perennial biofuel crops such as miscanthus can greatly reduce nitrogen losses in the environment. The crops showed high efficiency in reducing nitrate leaching and nitrogen oxide emissions, making them a promising alternative to traditional corn-based ethanol production.

NASA's GALEX reveals the largest-known spiral galaxy

The team used archival data from NASA's GALEX mission to study the galaxy's size and structure. They discovered a tidal dwarf candidate in the northeastern arm, which is bright in ultraviolet light and contains hot young stars less than 200 million years old.

A saliva gland test for Parkinson's disease?

Researchers have discovered a potential new method for diagnosing Parkinson's disease by testing the saliva gland. The study found that abnormal proteins associated with the disease were consistently present in the submandibular salivary glands of patients, suggesting this non-invasive test could be used to diagnose living individuals.

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.

New tool to help brain surgeons 1 step closer to operating room

A new tool has been developed to help brain surgeons diagnose cancer and detect tumor boundaries more accurately. The tool uses mass spectrometry analysis to analyze brain tissue and produces a color-coded image revealing the nature and concentration of tumor cells.