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Science News Archive April 2013


Page 26 of 32

Sweet success

Researchers use PALM microscopy technique to analyze enzyme cocktails and find specific targets for cellulase synergy. This reveals how different combinations of enzymes can generate synergistic activity, increasing saccharification efficiencies and reducing biofuel production costs.

Widely used filtering material adds arsenic to beers

Researchers found that kieselguhr, a common filtering material in beer production, releases arsenic into the beverage. The levels of arsenic are considered low and unlikely to cause illness, but the study highlights the need for breweries to take precautions when using this substance.

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.

Finding genes for childhood obesity

Researchers have identified four genes newly associated with severe childhood obesity and found an increased burden of rare structural variations in severely obese children. These variations can delete sections of DNA that help maintain protein receptors involved in weight regulation, promising new drug targets against obesity.

CHOP oncologist leads first SU2C pediatric dream team

A physician-researcher from The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia will lead the first-ever pediatric Dream Team to combine genomics and immunotherapy to increase cure rates in difficult childhood cancers. The team aims to develop more precise and effective treatments based on unique genetic characteristics of each child's tumor.

First tests of old patent medicine remedies from a museum collection

Scientists analyzed patent medicines from the Henry Ford Museum collection to identify potentially toxic substances like arsenic, mercury and lead. The study found that some ingredients were actually healthy and mainstays in modern dietary supplements, while others posed significant health risks.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Reducing waste of food: A key element in feeding billions more people

Reducing food waste is vital to feed a global population of 9 billion by 2050. Scientists estimate that up to half of the food harvested from farmers' fields in developing countries is lost due to spoilage and pests. In developed countries, households throw away about 4 out of every 10 pounds of food produced each year.

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.

Microalgae produce more oil faster for energy, food or products

Scientists have developed a technology that enables microalgae to produce multiple types of renewable oils for fuels, chemicals, foods, and personal-care products within days. Solazyme's biotechnology platform unlocks the power of microalgae, producing tailored oils with optimized properties for various applications.

Low levels of serum bilirubin spell higher lung cancer risk for male smokers

A recent study found that male smokers with low levels of serum bilirubin are at a higher risk of developing lung cancer and dying from the disease. The researchers analyzed data from over 435,000 people in Taiwan and found that lower bilirubin levels were associated with significantly higher rates of lung cancer incidence and mortality.

Retinoic acid gradient visualized for the first time in an embryo

Researchers visualize retinoic acid distribution for the first time in a live zebrafish embryo, observing two opposing concentration gradients along the head-to-tail axis. This discovery confirms retinoic acid as a morphogen, essential for understanding tissue development and regenerative medicine.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Flies model a potential sweet treatment for Parkinson's disease

Researchers found that mannitol improved the movement of fruit flies with Parkinson's-like symptoms by reducing misfolded protein aggregation. Further studies are needed to confirm these results in humans, but the findings suggest a possible novel therapeutic direction.

Targeted toxin active in platinum-resistant ovarian cancers

A phase I trial involving 29 patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer found one complete response and four partial responses to the antibody-drug conjugate DMUC5754A. The drug targets high-expression MUC16 protein in ovarian cancer cells, reducing adverse effects on healthy tissues.

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.

Electron conflict leads to 'bad traffic' on way to superconductivity

Rice physicists Qimiao Si and Rong Yu discovered a new electronic state in which some electrons become frozen, while others remain mobile, leading to 'bad traffic' on the path to superconductivity. This phase, known as orbital-selective Mott phase, provides clues about the fundamental origins of superconductivity.

Breakthrough in chemical crystallography

A research team developed a new protocol for X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis that doesn't require crystallisation of the target molecule. This method allows for the analysis of scarce marine natural products and characterises many compounds previously impossible to analyze crystallographically.

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.

Vitamin D proven to boost energy -- from within the cells

A study from Newcastle University found that vitamin D supplements improve muscle efficiency in patients with severe deficiency, leading to reduced fatigue and improved mitochondrial oxidative function. The research suggests a link between vitamin D and mitochondrial function, potentially offering a new way to boost energy levels.

Treatments, not prevention, dominate diabetes research

Current diabetes research prioritizes treatment over prevention, with most trials focusing on drug therapies rather than preventive measures. The studies excluded older people and those under 18, limiting the applicability of findings to these groups.

Power struggles are best kept out of the public eye

Researchers found that audiences affect quails' social status, with losers losing dominance when observed, but winners retaining it regardless of audience presence. Testosterone levels were raised in both winners and losers after fights, suggesting a secondary role for the hormone.

Skin deep: Fruit flies reveal clues to wound healing in humans

Researchers used a fly model to study wound healing, discovering eight new genes involved in the process. The study reveals that wound healing is fine-tuned and requires a balance of gene activation and inhibition to prevent complications such as ulcers or thickened cuticles.

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.

RWJF grant to Brown University supports childhood obesity research

Akilah Dulin Keita, a Brown University Assistant Professor, has received a 24-month grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to examine risk and protective factors for childhood obesity among Southeast Asians. The grant will support her research through the New Connections program, which aims to increase diversity in health research.

Sexuality, traumatic brain injury, and rehabilitation

Research highlights the significant impact of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on sexuality, including cognitive deficits, medical issues, and relationship changes. Rehabilitation strategies are crucial to address these challenges and improve sexual functioning in TBI survivors.

New emissions standards would fuel shift from coal to natural gas

A new study by Duke University suggests that tougher EPA air-quality standards may make nearly two-thirds of US coal-fired power plants as expensive to run as plants powered by natural gas. The stricter regulations could spur an increased shift away from coal towards natural gas, especially if fuel prices rise significantly.

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.

Scientists at UH partner with NASA, astronauts to study immune system

A University of Houston research team partnered with NASA and astronauts on the International Space Station to examine how spaceflight affects the immune system. They will collect blood, saliva, and urine samples from two astronauts before, during, and after a mission to monitor natural killer cells and assess viral reactivation risks.

New tool promises private photo-sharing -- even using Facebook and Flickr

A new tool called P3 removes small amounts of data from photos and encrypts them, allowing cloud file-sharing services to use the unencrypted portion while keeping the owner's sensitive information secure. With P3, photo owners can choose how their photos are shared, retaining rights to the complete photo and ensuring privacy.

Accidental discovery may lead to improved polymers

Chemical engineers at the University of Toronto have made an accidental discovery that could lead to improved commercial polymers. The researchers found a new side product in a common polymer synthesis technique, which could reduce inconsistency and increase quality.

Xenophobia has no effect on migrants' happiness, says study

A new study by the University of Luxembourg found that employment and health problems are the main reasons why migrants feel unhappy in their new country. Economic factors such as unemployment and low income, as well as health issues, were found to have a significant impact on migrants' wellbeing.

UT Arlington motor skills research nets good news for middle-aged

Research suggests that motor skills decline gradually after the age of 64, but healthy older adults can still create accurate internal models for action. This study aims to help clinicians identify abnormal loss of function in patients by pinpointing when deficits begin.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

SFU researchers help unlock pine beetle's Pandora's box

A team of SFU researchers has created a sequencing of the mountain pine beetle's genome, revealing large variations among individuals. The genome data will help scientists understand how the beetle causes damage and potentially stop its spread.

Breakthrough in neuroscience could help re-wire appetite control

Researchers at the University of East Anglia have identified a population of stem cells capable of generating new appetite-regulating neurons in the brains of young and adult rodents. This discovery could lead to a permanent intervention for obesity, potentially offering a solution that lasts beyond dieting.

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.

Stem cells enable personalized treatment for bleeding disorder

Researchers grew and analysed stem cells from patients with von Willebrand disease to identify the cause of the disease in individual patients, enabling more effective treatments. The technique may also be used to treat diseases of the heart, blood and circulation, including haemophilia.

Symposium highlights epigenetic effects of milk

Researchers at the Lactation Biology Symposium discovered that drinking milk at an early age can change how certain genes are expressed. This epigenetic effect can have long-term implications for behavior and cell development in offspring.

Vaccine adjuvant uses host DNA to boost pathogen recognition

Researchers at National Jewish Health discovered that alum, a common vaccine adjuvant, works by coating with host DNA, inducing T cells to interact longer with the vaccine, resulting in a stronger immune response. This breakthrough could lead to more effective vaccines and improved public health outcomes.

Huge disparities in hypertension seen across US counties

The study found significant differences across US counties, genders, and ethnic groups in hypertension treatment and control. Despite high prevalence of hypertension in the southeast, the region also had the highest levels of treatment.

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.

Diabetes trials worldwide are not addressing key issues in affected populations

A study published in Diabetologia found that only 10% of diabetes trials focus on prevention or behavioral therapies. Most trials are small to medium-sized and prioritize drug treatments over preventive measures. The analysis highlights the need for more research addressing the needs of diverse populations affected by diabetes.

Researcher offers clues on the origins of life

A three-year study by Professor Michael Blaber and his team suggests that proteins, not RNA, were the first molecules to form life. The researchers found that 10 prebiotic amino acids could be folded into complex protein structures in a high-salt environment, supporting a 'protein-first' view of abiogenesis.

MDC and FMP researchers identify edema inhibitor

Researchers have identified a substance that prevents fluid accumulation and edema formation in the body, offering new hope for treating excessive fluid retention in patients with chronic heart failure. The discovery also reveals a new molecular mechanism controlling water homeostasis in the kidneys.

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.

Scientists illuminate elusive mechanism of widely used click reaction

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute illuminate the copper-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction, revealing key findings on its mechanism. The discovery enables better control, efficiency, and versatility in pharmaceutical synthesis, enabling the development of new reactions.

Graduate glut spells underused skills and dissatisfaction for many

Research finds that graduates are taking up jobs that don't fully use their skills, causing high turnover for employers. The study identified five areas where emerging graduate occupations diverge from traditional graduate occupations, including job content, job security, and pay.

A model predicts that the world's populations will stop growing in 2050

A mathematical model predicts that the world's population will stop growing around 2050. The study used data from the United Nations and applied rate equations to describe the evolution of a two-level system. This prediction aligns with lower estimates provided by the UN, suggesting a possible decline in population numbers.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Body representation differs in children and adults

Research reveals that children's sense of having a body develops differently than adults', with an earlier reliance on visual cues. The study used the rubber-hand illusion to test age differences in body representation, finding that children respond more strongly to the illusion than adults.