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Science News Archive 2013 - Page 42


Page 42 of 352

Vivax malaria may be evolving around natural defense

Researchers have discovered genetic mutations in Plasmodium vivax that may be causing a rise in infections among Duffy negative individuals. The mutations include a duplication of the Duffy binding protein and two new proteins that resemble those used by related malaria parasites to enter red blood cells.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateNov 15, 2013

A decline in creativity? It depends on how you look

A recent study by Harvard University researchers found that student creative writing is showing signs of decline over the past 20 years, while visual art is experiencing an increase in sophistication and complexity. The study analyzed 354 examples of visual art and 50 examples of creative writing by teenagers between 1990 and 2011.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalCreativity Research Journal·DateNov 15, 2013

Quantum state world record smashed

Researchers have achieved a world record by storing a fragile quantum state at room temperature for 39 minutes, overcoming a key barrier towards building ultrafast quantum computers. This breakthrough could lead to long-term coherent information storage and potential applications in ultra-secure authentication devices.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience·DateNov 15, 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 shows wind turbines killed 600,000 bats last year

A new study from the University of Colorado Denver estimates that wind turbines killed over 600,000 bats in 2012, a significant blow to pollination and insect control. The study found that areas near the Appalachian Mountains had the highest bat fatality rates, with some species experiencing fatalities of up to 40%.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalBioScience·DateNov 15, 2013

Persistent gene therapy in muscle may not require immunosuppression

Researchers found that a gene therapy approach using rAAV vectors can promote a regulatory immune response, allowing for sustained gene expression in muscle tissue without the need for immunosuppression. The study used M-type α-1 antitrypsin (M-AAT) and demonstrated long-term expression in patients with AAT deficiency.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 15, 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 identifies potential new treatment for sepsis

Researchers suggest annexin A5 may have therapeutic potential for treating sepsis, improving cardiac function and survival rates in mice. The study's findings could apply to multiple organs affected by sepsis.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalCritical Care Medicine·DateNov 14, 2013

Protein interplay in muscle tied to life span

A study at Brown University found a connection between protein quality control in muscle tissue and lifespan in fruit flies. Suppressing the activity of activin, a protein complex involved in muscle performance, increased life span by up to 20%. The researchers also discovered a potential link between this protein interplay and human a...

SourceBrown University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateNov 14, 2013

Primary care key to management of patients with HIV infection

The updated HIV care guidelines recommend focusing on preventive care, including screening for high cholesterol, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Primary care physicians should also be familiar with HIV care recommendations to provide comprehensive care to patients with HIV infection.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateNov 14, 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 in 7 students has dabbled in 'smart' drugs

A survey of 6,725 Swiss university students reveals that around 13.8% have tried neuroenhancement with prescription medication or drugs at least once during their degrees. The most commonly used substances were alcohol and methylphenidate.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 14, 2013

Researchers from IMIM describe a new function of 2 molecules involved in metastasis

Researchers at IMIM have discovered a new function for transcription factor Snail1 and enzyme LOXL2 in the process of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), enabling tumor cells to invade other tissues. LOXL2 is identified as a potential therapeutic target for cancers such as breast, lung, or skin cancer.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 14, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Prize will expand use of life-saving neonatal device in Africa

A low-cost device invented by Rice University students to help premature babies breathe more easily will be expanded to teaching hospitals in three African nations. The technology, known as bubble CPAP, has been shown to increase survival rates of newborns with respiratory distress by 27 percent.

SourceRice University·DateNov 14, 2013

Toxicity database under development at Rutgers-Camden

A Rutgers-Camden professor is building a large-scale database of chemical toxicity information, combining in-vitro and computational methods to provide valuable data for scientists. The online database will aid in drug development by helping determine safe doses for patients.

SourceRutgers University·DateNov 14, 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.

Starting dialysis after -- not before -- conception may improve birth rates in women with advanced kidney disease

A recent study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that women with advanced kidney disease who start dialysis during pregnancy have a higher live birth rate compared to those already on dialysis. This discovery may help guide care for young women who need dialysis.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 14, 2013

JAMA Dermatology: Social media brings academic journals to general readers

A study found that top dermatology journals have strong social media followings, but lesser-known journals lag behind professional organizations and patient advocacy groups in disseminating information. The study suggests that leveraging social media can be an effective way for journals to educate the public.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateNov 14, 2013

Scientists nearing forecasts of long-lived wildfires

Researchers at NCAR and University of Maryland create a new model that combines weather simulations with satellite observations to predict wildfire growth. The model can produce accurate forecasts every 12 hours, improving prediction tools for large, intense wildfires.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 14, 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.

A*STAR scientists bring to light mechanism of drug for infections

Scientists at A*STAR's Singapore Immunology Network discovered the exact mode of action of plerixafor, a drug that stimulates immune responses in patients with neutropenia. The study found that the inhibition of CXCR4 by the drug plays a dual role, increasing neutrophil count in the blood and promoting retention in the bloodstream.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateNov 14, 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.

Anthrax toxin can lurk for days in cells as a lingering threat

Researchers discovered that anthrax toxin can hide out in human cells for days, avoiding detection by the immune system and cellular machinery. The findings explain why antibiotics are often ineffective against anthrax infections, making it a lingering threat.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 14, 2013

NASA experts showcase science, technology at supercomputing conference

NASA presents cutting-edge computational achievements, including insights into galaxy formation and climate modeling, as well as advancements in quantum computing and space launch system design. The agency's expertise is key to mission success, enabling research on oceanic climate change and space weather.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 14, 2013

New malaria vaccines roadmap targets next generation products by 2030

The updated 2013 Malaria Vaccine Technology Roadmap sets a new target for vaccines to reduce malaria cases by 75 percent and be licensed by 2030. The roadmap also aims for malaria elimination through the development of safe and effective vaccines that prevent disease, death, and transmission.

SourceBurness·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 14, 2013
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.

More than $3 million awarded to MUHC clinician-researchers

The Research Institute of the MUHC presented more than $3 million in awards to clinician-researchers recognized for their exceptional promise in various fields. The recipients demonstrated potential to advance knowledge and improve patient care through laboratory research and innovative surgical techniques.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·DateNov 14, 2013

UC research brings a future of mind-reading robots ever closer

Researchers from University of Cincinnati develop a brain-computer interface to detect brain signals and interpret intent, paving the way for thought-controlled smart tech and robotic personal assistants. The university also announces its development of an interdisciplinary curriculum for human-centered robotics.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateNov 14, 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.

New studies may explain fractures in some who take osteoporosis drugs

Research with baboons found that genetic differences may regulate bone remodeling, a natural process where mature bone tissue is removed and replaced. This could explain why older women taking bisphosphonates are at risk of atypical fractures in their femurs, due to slower bone growth and accumulation of bone tissue.

SourceTexas Biomedical Research Institute·JournalCalcified Tissue International·DateNov 14, 2013

A 6-minute journey to study Comet ISON

FORTIS will observe the comet's molecules and atoms by separating incoming light into its component wavelengths, gathering information from several areas at once. The comet's rate of sublimation increases as it approaches the sun, allowing FORTIS to capture observations of this material coming off the comet.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 14, 2013

Anthrax bacteria play hide and seek

Researchers at EPFL have discovered that the lethal factor of anthrax bacteria can travel undetected through the body for days using exosomes, evading the immune system and medical analysis. This mechanism explains why some organisms succumb to the disease up to two weeks after the disappearance of bacterial presence.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 14, 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.

SDSU launches InforMath collaborative

The InforMath Collaborative brings together university researchers and staff from local art and science museums to design new programs that connect visitors with mathematics in creative ways. The initiative aims to change the way communities perceive mathematics and establish a research center for informal mathematics learning.

SourceSan Diego State University·DateNov 14, 2013

New outdoor drone will aid disaster response monitoring of radiation

The University of Bristol has developed a large semi-autonomous drone called the ARM system to provide visual and thermal monitoring of radiation after nuclear material releases. The system can detect radiation and prevent exposure to response crews, improving safety in disaster response scenarios.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·DateNov 14, 2013

Biologists ID new cancer weakness

A new study from MIT biologists found that tumor cells with mutated p53 can be made more vulnerable to chemotherapy by blocking the MK2 gene. In a study of mice, tumors lacking both p53 and MK2 shrank dramatically when treated with the drug cisplatin.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 14, 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.

Penguin-inspired propulsion system

Researchers develop penguin-inspired propulsion system using a novel spherical joint mechanism, enabling three degrees of freedom and unlimited rotational range. The system aims to shed light on the swimming mysteries of penguins, which can accelerate from 0 to 7 m/s in under a second.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 14, 2013

A question for Jupiter

Scientists Pedram Hassanzadeh and Philip Marcus present a new model explaining the Great Red Spot's persistence, suggesting vertical flow plays a key role. The model also predicts radial flow pumping energy into the vortex, enabling it to last longer.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 14, 2013

Potential drug target in sight for rare genetic disease

Medical researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a potential drug target for a rare genetic disease, paving the way for an alternative treatment. The discovery links specific defects in the enzyme to specific symptoms and could lead to the development of drugs to treat less severe forms of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateNov 14, 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.

Surprising image provides new tool for studying galaxy

Astronomers observed a spiral galaxy with a strongly-emitting background galaxy nearly directly behind it. The alignment provides valuable data about the nearer galaxy, revealing it is not forming stars as rapidly as thought. Additional analysis also revealed detailed features of the galaxy's gas halo.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·DateNov 14, 2013

Are probiotics a promising treatment strategy for depression?

A new review article suggests that certain probiotics have the potential to exert behavioral and immunological effects in patients with depression. These psychobiotics can alter the intestinal microbial balance and regulate inflammatory responses, which may be involved in the modulation of mood and behavior.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateNov 14, 2013

Nano magnets arise at 2-D boundaries

Researchers at Rice University discovered that imperfections in two-dimensional materials can create nanoscale magnetic fields. The study suggests a new degree of freedom for electronics, allowing for enhanced efficiency and enriched functions.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 14, 2013

High marks for Columbia's new public health curriculum

The new curriculum emphasizes a life-course approach, global perspective, and leadership skills, with an integrated core semester and novel courses. Students also complete a practicum and can choose from over 20 certificate programs for further specialization.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateNov 14, 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 finds social networks are key to city violence

A Yale University study reveals that a person's social network is a key predictor of becoming a victim of gun homicide, even more so than race, age, gender, or poverty. The research found that individuals within the same social network are more likely to engage in similar risky behaviors.

SourceYale University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateNov 14, 2013