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Science News Archive 2013 - Page 53


Page 53 of 352

Brain may play key role in blood sugar metabolism and development of diabetes

New research suggests that normal glucose regulation depends on a partnership between the pancreas and brain areas regulating blood sugar levels. The brain-centered system enhances insulin-mediated glucose metabolism while stimulating glucose effectiveness, accounting for nearly half of normal glucose uptake.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature·DateNov 6, 2013

Machines learn to detect breast cancer

Researchers have developed an algorithmic approach to analyzing breast cancer screening data, enabling more precise detection of malignant tumors. The machine learning method reduces false positives and unnecessary interventions, improving patient outcomes.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Medical Engineering and Informatics·DateNov 5, 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.

Looking for tomorrow's power source? Go fly a (underwater) kite

Researchers will design and test kites that harness ocean currents and tidal flows to generate electricity, potentially offering advantages over stationary marine turbines. The project aims to develop a more efficient and cost-effective way to tap into the vast kinetic energy of the oceans.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·DateNov 5, 2013

Breakthrough by Temple researchers could lead to new treatment for heart attack

Researchers at Temple University have discovered that inhibiting a specific protein called TNNI3K can limit damage from heart attacks and protect the heart from further injury. The findings have significant potential for translation into human patients and could lead to the development of a new treatment using a TNNI3K inhibitor.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 5, 2013

Staying alive in the high and dry

Researchers discover that desert plants use hydraulic lift to acquire nutrients in dry conditions, supporting plant productivity and seed set. The system relies on tiny amounts of water released from plant roots into dry soil at night.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 5, 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.

November story tips from Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed new technologies to improve tiny engines, analyze vast amounts of information, and boost hybrid electric vehicles. Transient doping has been successfully achieved using only electrons, while a new inverter design reduces battery losses and improves efficiency.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 5, 2013

How does electrical stimulation modulate electrophysiological environment after SCI?

Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences found that electrical stimulation with a reversed polarity can effectively modulate injury potentials and promote the spontaneous repair of cell membranes in rats with spinal cord injuries. This study proposes a method to define stimulation intensity based on injury potential values.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateNov 5, 2013

Holograms offer hope in fight against malaria, study suggests

Scientists have developed a 3D filming technique that helps researchers understand how malaria parasites mate and spread the disease. The unique motion of malaria sperm, moving in an irregular corkscrew motion, has revealed new insights into prevention and control methods.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 5, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nanoscale 'tsunami' helps locusts tune in

Researchers discovered that locusts use a unique mechanism to process sound, with energy density amplified as waves travel across the eardrum. This phenomenon could lead to practical possibilities for tiny microphones and signal processing.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·DateNov 5, 2013

Intervention does not improve depression symptoms

A study found that targeted communication strategies did not improve mental health outcomes in patients with depression. The interventions increased patient engagement and requests for information about depression, but failed to improve symptoms at a 12-week follow-up.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateNov 5, 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.

Considerable gender, racial and sexuality differences in attitudes toward bisexuality

A study found considerable gender, racial, and sexuality differences in attitudes toward bisexuality, with women, white people, and those identifying as lesbian or bisexual showing less bias. The research highlights the need for social marketing interventions to reduce stigma and improve HIV prevention rates within the bisexual community

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·DateNov 5, 2013

VC predicts the motion of the ocean

Research led by ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Young uses satellite data to track wave decay and develop a mathematical formula for predicting swell action. The study provides comprehensive data on the rate of decay, which will increase the accuracy of wave predictions for industries such as shipping and surfing.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalJournal of Physical Oceanography·DateNov 5, 2013

Temple researchers uncover clues to how existing heart drugs work

A study led by Temple University School of Medicine reveals that beta-blockers and nitrates may help the failing heart by blocking enzyme GRK2, which can trigger heart cell death. This finding suggests new drugs aimed at GRK2 could protect the heart from progressive disease.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalScience Signaling·DateNov 5, 2013

New aluminum alloy stores hydrogen

A new aluminum-based alloy has been successfully synthesized, enabling safe and efficient hydrogen storage for fuel cell vehicles. Researchers achieved the goal of creating a simple-structured aluminum-based interstitial alloy through extreme pressure and high temperature conditions.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Materials·DateNov 5, 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.

'Smart foam' takes aim at concussions by measuring helmet impact

Researchers have developed a new smart-foam technology that can measure helmet impact and detect concussions in real-time. The piezoelectric foam is embedded in football helmets and generates electrical signals when compressed, providing coaches and trainers with instant data on player safety.

SourceBrigham Young University·DateNov 5, 2013

Transgender patients have special needs in the ER

A recent Canadian study found that transgender patients often avoid emergency department care due to perceptions of discrimination or poor treatment. Nearly three-quarters of those who needed care were able to access it in the ER, but nearly half reported negative experiences related to their trans status.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateNov 5, 2013

Experts recommend universal diabetes testing for pregnant women at first prenatal visit

A new Clinical Practice Guideline recommends that all pregnant women with no prior diagnosis of diabetes be tested for the condition at their first prenatal visit. Early detection can help prevent complications and ensure a healthy pregnancy. The guideline also provides recommendations for testing, treatment, and follow-up care for wom...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateNov 5, 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.

Japanese superfood prevents flu infection

Scientists have identified Lactobacillus brevis from a traditional Japanese pickle as having protective effects against influenza virus infection in mice. The bacteria's unique properties, including exopolysaccharides, are thought to enhance immune system function and eradicate virus-infected cells.

SourceWiley·JournalLetters in Applied Microbiology·DateNov 5, 2013

Drug combination therapy causes cancer cells to 'eat themselves'

A new drug combination therapy developed at Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center effectively killed various types of cancer cells while having little effect on noncancerous cells. The results lay the foundation for a future phase 1 clinical trial to test the safety of the therapy in patients.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalMolecular Pharmacology·DateNov 5, 2013

Effects of chronic stress can be traced to your genes

Research shows that chronic stress alters gene expression in immune cells, making them pro-inflammatory and prone to excessive inflammation. This can lead to various health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 5, 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.

Microbes in the gut help determine risk of tumors

A new study published in mBio found that transferring gut microbes from mice with colon tumors increased the risk of tumors in germ-free mice. The research indicates that inflammation and interactions between gut microbiota play a critical role in tumor formation.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateNov 5, 2013

Torture permanently damages normal perception of pain

Research by Tel Aviv University researchers shows that torture survivors experience diminished pain inhibition and heightened pain excitation, leading to dysfunctional pain regulation. Non-physical forms of torture, such as psychological oppression and humiliation, may also contribute to chronic pain and poor pain regulation.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalEuropean Journal of Pain·DateNov 5, 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.

Study links intestinal bacteria to rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers found that Prevotella copri was more abundant in patients with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis than healthy individuals or those with chronic, treated rheumatoid arthritis. The study suggests a possible link between the growth of this intestinal bacteria and the onset of autoimmune attacks on the joints.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·DateNov 5, 2013

Just a few years of early musical training benefits the brain later in life

A recent study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that older adults who took music lessons as children have a faster brain response to a speech sound than those who never played an instrument. The study suggests that early musical training has a lasting, positive effect on how the brain processes sound.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateNov 5, 2013

Ethical research with minorities

The American Journal of Public Health special issue examines the complexities of including minority populations in research, discussing topics such as recruitment, community engagement, and training. Guest editors aim to shift the approach towards a more inclusive and protective research enterprise.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateNov 5, 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.

The oldest ice core

Researchers have identified areas in Antarctica where ancient ice cores could hold records of the past 1.5 million years, shedding light on Earth's climate history. The identified regions are near major domes in East Antarctica, offering a chance to drill into an ice core extending back that far.

SourceEuropean Geosciences Union·JournalClimate of the Past·DateNov 5, 2013

How pigeons may smell their way home

Researchers found that pigeons can use changes in volatile organic compounds in the atmosphere to determine their direction and find their way home. By analyzing these chemical changes, pigeons can associate specific smells with particular wind directions, allowing them to navigate back to their lofts.

SourceEuropean Geosciences Union·JournalBiogeosciences·DateNov 5, 2013

Depression second leading cause of global disability burden

A study published in PLOS Medicine estimates depression as the second leading cause of global disability burden, ranking first in Central America and Southeast Asia. Disability from depression affects mostly people in their working years, with women more than men.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 5, 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.

Anticipation and navigation: Do your legs know what your tongue is doing?

Scientists create a virtual reality environment to study how rats navigate and anticipate rewards. The results show that rats prefer to use visual cues for navigation, while their legs work in harmony with their anticipation of food. In contrast, auditory cues alone lead to confusion and random movement.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 5, 2013

Pleasure and pain brain signals disrupted in fibromyalgia patients

Research suggests that fibromyalgia is associated with disrupted brain signals for reward and punishment, contributing to hyperalgesia. Fibromyalgia patients exhibit altered brain responses to pain anticipation and relief, which may explain the heightened sensitivity to pain and lack of effectiveness of pain medications.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateNov 5, 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.

Clay may have been birthplace of life, new study suggests

A new study from Cornell University proposes that clay hydrogel could have confined and protected chemical processes that formed proteins, DNA, and eventually living cells. Researchers demonstrated protein synthesis in a clay hydrogel, which enhances protein production and offers a promising possibility for producing large quantities o...

SourceCornell University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 5, 2013

Calculating the risk: Child sexual assault

A new study from the University of Iowa found that affluent girls in two-parent homes are less likely to be sexually assaulted. The research revealed a decline in risk once family income reaches 400% of the poverty threshold, with girls aged 4-17 experiencing a significant reduction in assault risk.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·DateNov 5, 2013
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.

Peak production of rhythmic proteins occurs at 2 times of day

A recent study published in PLOS Biology reveals that a majority of rhythmic proteins are produced during two intervals of the circadian cycle, with proteins required for metabolism showing peak production during the day and those required for cell growth at night. This discovery provides new insights into the regulation of protein pro...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 5, 2013

Bad boys: Research predicts whether boys will grow out of it -- or not

A University of Michigan researcher is using neurogenetics and behavioral studies to understand the development and treatment of antisocial behavior in boys. The study found that environment, including social support, moderates the link between over-reactive amygdala responses and anxious behavior.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateNov 5, 2013

A single-atom light switch

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology develop a single-atom light switch that can redirect light between two fibre optic cables. The system utilizes a Rubidium atom to act as a switch, allowing for the manipulation of light and enabling quantum phenomena for information and communication technology.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 5, 2013

MiR-137, a new target for post-stroke depression?

Researchers have found that miR-137 is downregulated in the brains and peripheral blood of post-stroke depression patients. Injection of a miR-137 antagonist into the brain ventricles of post-stroke depression rats improved behavioral changes, suggesting that miR-137 suppresses Grin2A protein expression through binding to its mRNA.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateNov 5, 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.

Endometriosis risk linked to 2 pesticides

A Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center-led study has found a link between two organochlorine pesticides and an increased risk of endometriosis. Women with higher exposures to these pesticides had a 30- to 70-percent increase in endometriosis risk, according to the study.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateNov 5, 2013

The next big thing in the energy sector: Photovoltaic generated DC electricity

A new multi-terminal multi-junction architecture for inexpensive PV electricity generation has been proposed by Clemson University researchers. This design aims to exceed current efficiency limitations of 25% using silicon solar cells and thin-film materials abundant in Earth's crust.

SourceClemson University·JournalIEEE Journal of the Electron Devices Society·DateNov 5, 2013

Smart water meters stop money going down the drain

A study by Griffith University found that smart water meters can reduce post-meter water loss in households by up to 91% by identifying leaks and repairing them. The project identified 4% of households with suspected leaks, leading to cost savings for customers.

SourceGriffith University·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateNov 5, 2013