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Science News for April 18, 2013


Despite superbug crisis, progress in antibiotic development 'alarmingly elusive'

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved only one new antibiotic since the Infectious Diseases Society of America launched its 10 x '20 Initiative in 2010. Despite this, only seven new drugs are in development to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacilli bacteria.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateApr 18, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Geology covers multiple disciplines and substantial territory in April's new postings

Researchers investigate how surface-derived fluids can penetrate deep levels in Earth's crust, a challenge to widely accepted notions. They also explore the kill mechanism for a mass extinction event and the formation of hydrothermal base metal ore deposits. Additional studies focus on polar reversals, earthquakes, and archeological fi...

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateApr 18, 2013

Distant blazar is a high-energy astrophysics puzzle

The most distant known source of very high-energy gamma rays, PKS 1424+240, deviates from expected emission spectrum despite being detected at a great distance of over 7.4 billion light-years. The findings may indicate new insights into blazar emission mechanisms or the extragalactic background light.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 18, 2013

Study reveals austerity's harmful impact on health in Greece

Researchers studied data on economic and social conditions, utilization of health services, and health outcomes in Greece. They found that key public health indicators declined during the recession and austerity policies, leading to increased suicide and homicide mortality rates, mental disorders, substance abuse, and infectious diseases.

SourcePhysicians for a National Health Program·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 18, 2013
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Researchers use Web 2.0 apps to share vaccine study

Scientists at Benaroya Research Institute and Baylor Institute for Immunology Research report a comparative study of molecular immune responses to influenza and pneumococcal vaccines. The study utilized cutting-edge web technology to improve data dissemination, allowing researchers to investigate the primary data from a web portal.

SourceBenaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason·JournalImmunity·DateApr 18, 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.

Liver disease: Understanding it will enable the provision of better treatment

Researchers identified a specific profile of patients suffering from acute-on-chronic liver failure syndrome, characterized by high mortality rates and organ malfunctions. The study provides new diagnostic criteria for the condition, which is associated with cirrhosis and can be linked to patient age and medical history.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateApr 18, 2013

The exciting life cycle of a new Brazilian leaf miner

A new species of leaf miner from the Gracillariidae family has been discovered in Brazil, exhibiting a unique life cycle. The species, Spinivalva gaucha, does not have a sap-feeding instar and instead feeds on upper leaf tissue from hatching.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateApr 18, 2013

Evolving genes lead to evolving genes

Researchers used a method to test for evolutionary adaptation in genes regulated by FOXP2, a key factor in human development and language. The study found strong evidence for selection of FOXP2-regulated genes in European populations, highlighting their potential roles in neural cell development and immunity.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 18, 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.

Cross-cultural similarities in early adolescence

A Concordia University study compares how early adolescents from Montreal and Barranquilla, Colombia, assess their self-worth. The researchers found significant commonalities but also differences in the factors considered most important by the children.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Research on Adolescence·DateApr 18, 2013

New ASTRO white paper recommends best practices to improve safety and effectiveness of IGRT

The new ASTRO white paper recommends 10 fundamental elements for safe and effective IGRT practices, including establishing a multi-professional team and performing end-to-end testing for new procedures. The paper aims to improve the safety and effectiveness of image-guided radiation therapy in radiation oncology.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalPractical Radiation Oncology·DateApr 18, 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.

National awards celebrate clinical research achievements in the US

The Clinical Research Forum has selected ten projects for its Annual Top 10 Clinical Research Achievement Awards, recognizing groundbreaking work in disease prevention, genetic disorders, and cancer treatment. The winning projects were published in top medical journals and have made significant impacts on human health.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·DateApr 18, 2013

Study says more efforts needed to regulate dietary supplements

A new study from St. Michael's Hospital found that dietary supplements accounted for more than half of the Class 1 drugs recalled by the US Food and Drug Administration between 2004-12. The majority of these recalls were for bodybuilding, weight loss, or sexual enhancement products containing unapproved medicinal ingredients, including...

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 18, 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.

Fascinating rhythm: The brain's 'slow waves'

Researchers discovered that brain's 'slow waves' start in the cerebral cortex and are initiated by a local cluster of neurons. This finding provides new insights into processes like memory consolidation and learning, and could lead to a better understanding of diseases like Alzheimer's.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNeuron·DateApr 18, 2013

Best and worst times to start a fire

Early season prescribed burns, such as those conducted by the NASA-backed Ecofire program, are more effective at containing fires and reducing long-term damage. By mimicking traditional Aboriginal fire practices, these early-season burns can help reestablish vegetation and prevent the formation of extensive burn scars.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 18, 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.

Science surprise: Toxic protein made in unusual way may explain brain disorder

A team of scientists has discovered that a toxic protein, FMRpolyG, is made in an abnormal way due to a gene mutation, leading to Fragile X-associated Tremor Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS). This unusual translation process, known as RAN translation, may hold the key to better treatments for older adults with the condition.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNeuron·DateApr 18, 2013

Neural activity in bats measured in-flight

Scientists track Egyptian fruit bat flights using miniature wireless devices and find that place cells respond to spherical volumes of space, suggesting uniform perception of all three dimensions. The study provides new insights into navigation, spatial memory, and spatial perception.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScience·DateApr 18, 2013

Brain-behavior associations

Researchers investigate early social experiences and their impact on adolescent brain function, exploring factors like negative life events and relationship quality. The study aims to understand long-term associations between early social experiences and later brain development.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·DateApr 18, 2013
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.

Age matters to Antarctic clams

A new study reveals that Antarctic clams' reaction to environmental changes varies depending on their age. Younger clams are more active in responding to hypoxia, while older, sedentary clams remain relatively unchanged. This has implications for future clam populations and ecosystems.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateApr 18, 2013

UH SOEST and Hawai'i DAR provide new understanding of rare white shark movement around Hawai'i

A new study reveals that white sharks occur in Hawai'i waters across a broader annual cycle than previously thought, with observations recorded every month except November. The research also identifies a simple method to distinguish between white sharks and close relatives like mako sharks based on the shape of their head.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii ‑ SOEST·JournalJournal of Marine Biology·DateApr 18, 2013

Treatment for novel coronavirus shows promise in early lab tests

A combination of two licensed antiviral drugs, ribavirin and interferon-alpha 2b, has been shown to inhibit the replication of novel coronavirus in laboratory-grown cells. The study suggests that this drug combination could be used to treat patients infected with the new coronavirus.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 18, 2013

No 'silver bullet' for science standards

A Michigan State University education scholar argues that US K-12 teachers are not fully prepared to meet the Next Generation Science Standards due to inadequate professional training. The voluntary guidelines call for more hands-on learning and analysis, but many teachers lack the knowledge base to implement them effectively.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScience·DateApr 18, 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.

Risk factor for depression can be 'contagious'

A new study reveals that a particular style of thinking can be contagious and increase symptoms of depression. College freshmen who were assigned to roommates with high levels of cognitive vulnerability showed an increase in their own vulnerability and depressive symptoms six months later.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateApr 18, 2013

High levels of glutamate in brain may kick-start schizophrenia

A recent study from Columbia University Medical Center suggests that high levels of glutamate in the brain may trigger psychosis in individuals at risk for schizophrenia. This finding could lead to the development of a diagnostic tool to identify those at risk and new treatment strategies to prevent or slow disease progression.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNeuron·DateApr 18, 2013

Community gardens may produce more than vegetables

A study by University of Utah researchers found that community gardeners have a significantly lower body mass index (BMI) and lower odds of being overweight or obese compared to their non-gardening neighbors. The study, which used unique administrative data, also found health benefits for spouses of married gardeners.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 18, 2013

Regenstrief announces winner of People's Choice for Healthcare Delivery contest

Kristina Fasteson Simacek, an Indiana University doctoral candidate, has won the Regenstrief Institute's People's Choice for Healthcare Delivery contest with her proposed computer application that translates doctor visits into actionable items. The app aims to improve patient care and reduce healthcare costs by providing a customized s...

SourceIndiana University·DateApr 18, 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.

Preventing obesity in young children

The symposium aims to address family dynamics and nutrition policies to prevent childhood obesity. Research focuses on mealtime behavior, parenting strategies, and the impact of changes to the Special Supplemental Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) on low-income minority families.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·DateApr 18, 2013

Early learning from educational media

A symposium hosted by the Society for Research in Child Development aims to investigate how educational media fosters early learning in young children. The event will focus on topics such as interactive media characters, touchscreens, and popular shows like Sesame Street.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·DateApr 18, 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.

Topical use of arthritis drug provides relief for dry eye disease

Researchers found that topical anakinra significantly reduced dry eye symptoms, eliminating corneal staining and improving signs of ocular surface disease. The treatment was well-tolerated and effective in reducing dry eye symptoms six times more than the current standard treatment.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateApr 18, 2013

Bursts of brain activity may protect against Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have found that high-frequency bursts in the brain improve the ratio of healthy amyloid-beta 40 to unhealthy 42, potentially protecting against Alzheimer's. The study suggests environmental changes and experiences can modify synapse properties, leading to increased production of amyloid-beta 40.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 18, 2013

Twitter can give power to the people

A Michigan State University researcher found that Twitter can be a better source of information than traditional news sources and online search engines. Tweets tagged with hashtags provide multiple perspectives on topics like the Occupy Wall Street movement. The study suggests using Twitter as a complement to formal teaching and learni...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAmerican Behavioral Scientist·DateApr 18, 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.

Fossils provide insight into origin of unique Antarctic ecosystem

A study found that the development of the sea-ice ecosystem in Antarctica possibly triggered the evolution of larger organisms like baleen whales and penguins. The researchers analyzed sediment samples from drill cores, which provided new insights into the past.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalScience·DateApr 18, 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.

Scientists throw new light on DNA copying process

Researchers have discovered that protein machines that copy DNA pause frequently during the process, creating potential for dangerous mutations. Efficient repair of these breakdowns is crucial to prevent corruption of the genetic code.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 18, 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.

Rats' and bats' brains work differently on the move

A new study reveals significant differences between rats' and bats' brain rhythms in navigation, questioning the use of rodent research as a basis for understanding spatial navigation in all mammals. The findings highlight the need to study a broader range of animals to gain a clearer picture of brain processes.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience·DateApr 18, 2013

New algorithm helps evaluate, rank scientific literature

Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a computer program to help evaluate and rank scientific articles in their field. The algorithm assigns relevancy scores to thousands of papers, allowing biocurators to focus on the most informative papers, increasing productivity by 27% and novel data content by 100%. Whil...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 18, 2013

New Earth-like planets found

Two new super-Earths and a Mars-sized planet have been found in the habitable zone of Kepler-62, a star similar to our Sun. These planets are thought to be solid and rocky or rocky with frozen water, making them potentially hospitable to life.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience·DateApr 18, 2013

From mice to humans, comfort is being carried by mom

Infants experience an automatic calming reaction upon being carried, characterized by slowed heart rates, reduced movement, and cessation of crying. This phenomenon, observed in both human and mouse babies, is mediated by the parasympathetic nervous system and may have implications for parenting strategies to prevent child abuse.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 18, 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.

Reinventing drug discovery

A new stem-cell based drug screening technology has identified a compound that prolongs the life of motor neurons in both normal and ALS-affected cells. The study found kenpaullone, which inhibits HGK, an enzyme associated with motor neuron death, to be more effective than two failed drugs in human clinical trials.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 18, 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.

Superstorm Sandy shook the US

A study by University of Utah researchers found that superstorm Sandy caused significant seismic activity along the East Coast as well as in the Atlantic Ocean. The storm's 'standing waves' created energy at the seafloor, detectable by seismometers across the US.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateApr 18, 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.

Inaugural IOF Olof Johnell Science Award presented to Professor Harry Genant

Professor Harry Genant has been recognized with the first IOF Olof Johnell Science Award for his influential work in noninvasive imaging methods, clinical advances, and best practice guidelines. He is a distinguished researcher, author, and educator, with extensive contributions to bone science and policy implementation.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·DateApr 18, 2013

Why do babies calm down when they are carried?

A study by RIKEN Brain Science Institute researchers found that human babies and mouse pups relax when carried due to a combination of nervous, motor, and cardiac responses. This infant calming response is beneficial for both mother and child, reducing maternal burden and promoting interaction.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 18, 2013

When it comes to survival of the fittest, stress is a good thing

Researchers found that female red squirrels produce more stress hormones during pregnancy, which increases their pups' growth rate and chances of survival. The study confirms that natural selection favors faster-growing offspring, and these squirrels can adapt to high population density by anticipating environmental changes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScience·DateApr 18, 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.

How deployment affects families

The symposium aims to explore how parents' deployment affects children's well-being, mental health, and ability to achieve developmental tasks. Researchers will examine the role of combat-related injuries and discuss effective ways to treat post-deployment family struggles.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·DateApr 18, 2013

Fertility needs in high-yielding corn production

Researchers found that high amounts of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and sulfur are needed for modern corn hybrids, with applications made during key growth stages to maximize crop growth. Adequate accounting for nutrients with high harvest index values is vital to maintaining long-term soil productivity.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateApr 18, 2013

Social media, social kids

Research examines how social media influences child development, including social-emotional learning, interpersonal dynamics, and emotional connections. The symposium explores the impact of new forms of media on social skills, value systems, and relationships among children and young adults.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·DateApr 18, 2013

Electronic zippers control DNA strands

Researchers have invented a new way to zip and unzip DNA strands using electrochemistry, enabling fast control at constant temperatures without dramatic changes in solution conditions. This method uses DNA intercalators that bind differently to DNA depending on their electrical state, allowing for rapid and precise control.

SourceNational Physical Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 18, 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.

Tell me where you're from and I'll tell you what tastes you prefer

A new study analyzing over 1,700 European children aged 6-9 years found that their taste preferences for fat, sugar, salt, and umami vary significantly across countries, despite previous assumptions. The research suggests that cultural factors play a crucial role in shaping these preferences, while age also influences them.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateApr 18, 2013

Discovery paves the way for ultra fast high resolution imaging in real time

Researchers from the University of Melbourne have made a groundbreaking discovery that enables ultrafast high-resolution imaging in real time. By generating ultra-short durations of electron bunches, they can achieve both cold and fast electrons, paving the way for new advances in the field.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 18, 2013

Learned helplessness in flies and the roots of depression

Flies develop depression-like symptoms in response to uncontrollable stress, slowing down and taking more frequent rests. The study offers insights into the biological basis of depression and presents a potential method for testing antidepressant drugs.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 18, 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.

Phosphate-binding drug does not improve heart health of patients with mild kidney disease

A study found that a phosphate-binding drug did not reduce cardiovascular measures in patients with early chronic kidney disease, suggesting dietary restriction may be the best way to mitigate phosphate's negative effects on the heart. Higher blood phosphate levels increase the risk of dying from heart-related causes.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 18, 2013

Mental vulnerability associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease

A large population study from Denmark found that individuals deemed mentally vulnerable are at a significantly increased risk of both fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular disease. The study's results showed that mental vulnerability was associated with a 36% higher risk of events, independently of classical risk factors.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateApr 18, 2013

New solar-cell coating could boost efficiency

Researchers at MIT have developed a new solar-cell coating that can boost efficiency to 34%, harnessing the energy of visible light to convert sunlight into electricity more efficiently. The breakthrough could lead to significantly higher solar panel performances, potentially reaching over 30% efficiency.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateApr 18, 2013

Child's counting comprehension may depend on objects counted, study shows

New research from the University of Notre Dame suggests that child learning and performance in counting tasks is affected by the type of object used. The study found that objects with high perceptual detail hindered performance when children already had established knowledge, but improved it when they didn't.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalChild Development·DateApr 18, 2013
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.

Natura 2000 networks: Improving current methods in biodiversity conservation

A new study evaluates the effectiveness of the Natura 2000 network in covering threatened European species, finding that many fish species are poorly covered. The authors recommend increasing site numbers, developing public awareness, and involving local people in conservation strategies to improve efficiency.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNature Conservation·DateApr 18, 2013

New ablation technique holds promise for liver cancer patients

A new minimally invasive tumor ablation technique called irreversible electroporation (IRE) has shown promising results in treating liver cancer patients who cannot undergo surgery or thermal ablation. The study found that IRE successfully destroyed tumor tissue in 70% of patients, with two major complications reported but neither life...

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·DateApr 18, 2013

Scientists find ethnicity linked to antibodies

Researchers discovered that a person's antibody genes, operation, and potential fight-off targets vary from person to person. This study found ethnicity influences immunity, potentially impacting disease risk and treatment responses.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 18, 2013

Cold winters freezing out breast cancer treatment

Research found that low-vitamin D season can reduce breast cancer treatment effectiveness by up to 30%. The study identifies seasonal and genetic factors affecting tamoxifen metabolism.

SourceLawson Research Institute·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·DateApr 18, 2013