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Science News for April 4, 2013


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.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalScience·DateApr 4, 2013

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.

SourceSAGE·JournalHuman Relations·DateApr 4, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalSIMULATION·DateApr 4, 2013

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.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 4, 2013

ORNL's awake imaging device moves diagnostics field forward

The new awake imaging device enables motion compensation reconstruction, removing blur caused by motion and allowing for transparent pictures of the functioning brain. Researchers aim to better understand brain development in babies, teens, and individuals with neurological conditions.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateApr 4, 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.

Power behind primordial soup discovered

Researchers at the University of Leeds found a compound called pyrophosphite, which is similar to ATP and could have acted as an earlier form of energy transfer. This discovery suggests that chemical life could be the missing link between geology and biology.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·DateApr 4, 2013

Online learning: It's different

Harvard researchers found that students who took short tests between online lecture segments had reduced mind-wandering, tripled note-taking, and improved material retention. The testing act as an incentive for students to pay closer attention.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 4, 2013

Shutting down DNA construction: How senescence halts growth of potential cancers

Researchers discovered that oncogene-induced senescence can suppress cancer development by depriving cells of nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA. By targeting the RRM2 enzyme, which produces these nucleotides, scientists may be able to stabilize senescence and improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy or targeted drugs.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 4, 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.

Barrow researchers identify new vision of how we explore our world

Brain researchers at Barrow Neurological Institute have discovered that healthy observers and neurological patients scan visual scenes with the same general strategy, regardless of scene size or fixation status. This finding challenges previous concepts of exploration and fixation as fundamentally different behaviors.

SourceSt. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 4, 2013

Hubble breaks record in search for farthest supernova

Astronomers have found the farthest Type Ia supernova, named SN Wilson, with a distance of over 13.8 billion years ago. This discovery provides insights into how these stars explode and test theories about dark energy.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 4, 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.

Seismological Society of America awards top honor to James R. Rice

James R. Rice, Harvard professor, will receive the Harry Field Reid Medal for his influential research on fracture mechanics and its application to earthquake processes. His work has defined standards for numerous frontiers of research, integrating theory, experiment, and observations.

SourceSeismological Society of America·DateApr 4, 2013

Reducing salt and increasing potassium will have major global health benefits

Studies show that reducing salt intake lowers blood pressure, reduces the risk of stroke and heart disease. Increasing potassium intake also has significant health benefits, with reduced blood pressure and a lower risk of stroke in adults. Lowering sodium intake should be part of public health efforts to reduce cardiovascular diseases.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateApr 4, 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.

Revealing the weapons by which bacteria fight each other

Researchers found that bacteria use phospholipases to degrade competitor cell membranes without harming their own, revealing a new mechanism for interbacterial competition. This discovery opens the way for developing antibacterial drugs that harness this natural defense.

SourceUmea University·JournalNature·DateApr 4, 2013

A 'light switch' in the brain illuminates neural networks

Scientists use a novel technique to identify which neurons communicate with place cells, revealing the brain's sense of location is created by multiple specialized cell types. The study provides new insights into how cells in the hippocampus process and integrate sensory information.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalScience·DateApr 4, 2013

Could playing 'boys' games help girls in science and math?

Research suggests that playing traditionally masculine activities can improve girls' performance in subjects requiring spatial ability. Gender-roles play a significant role in shaping individual differences in spatial ability, with both masculine and feminine identification leading to better performance in mental rotation tasks.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateApr 4, 2013

3-D printer can build synthetic tissues

Researchers at Oxford University have developed a custom-built 3D printer that can create materials with properties similar to living tissues. The printed 'droplet networks' are entirely synthetic and could potentially deliver drugs or replace damaged human tissues in the future.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience·DateApr 4, 2013

Protein maintains order in the nucleus

A single protein, NLP, has been identified as crucial for the correct arrangement of chromosome centromeres in the nucleus. The protein binds to the centromere region and causes clustering near the nucleolus, a process that can impact genome stability and potentially contribute to cancer development.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalMolecular Cell·DateApr 4, 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.

Public support can influence soldiers' mental health: Study

A new study from the University of Alberta suggests that public support for wars can lead to increased mental distress in combatants upon returning home. The research highlights the importance of considering public opinion when making decisions about military actions.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateApr 4, 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.

Despite free health care, household income affects chronic disease control in kids

A study by University of Montreal researchers found a negative correlation between household income and glycated hemoglobin levels in children with type 1 diabetes. The difference in glycated hemoglobin levels corresponds to a doubling of the risk of eye damage, highlighting the need for greater support for low-income families

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 4, 2013

Civil engineer Katsuichiro Goda honored by Seismological Society of America

Katsuichiro Goda, a renowned civil engineer, has been awarded the Charles Richter Early Career Award for his groundbreaking work in seismic risk assessment and mitigation. His research has developed new ground-motion equations and spatial correlations models to estimate seismic losses, enabling practical solutions in risk mitigation.

SourceSeismological Society of America·DateApr 4, 2013

Fecal microbial transplantation found to be possible treatment

Fecal microbial transplantation has been shown to improve symptoms in most pediatric patients with active ulcerative colitis, with 78% achieving clinical response within one week. The procedure involves infusion of human stool from a healthy donor into the intestine of the patient to restore healthy microbial flora.

SourceCorewell Health·JournalJournal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition·DateApr 4, 2013

Obesity without the health problems? There could be a way

A recent study published in Cell Reports reveals that obesity is linked to autoimmune disease, but researchers have found a potential solution. Blocking the AIM molecule may prevent autoantibody production and related autoimmune responses.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 4, 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.

Building better blood vessels could advance tissue engineering

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a method to build robust blood vessels using adult stem cells, which may lead to new treatments for circulatory diseases such as diabetes. The technique involves injecting endothelial cells and support cells into a scaffolding carrier, resulting in mature, functional capillaries.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalTissue Engineering Part A·DateApr 4, 2013

Growth hormone reverses growth problems in children with kidney failure

A study found that growth hormone therapy can help reverse growth problems in children with kidney failure by increasing bone turnover. However, treatment may not benefit overall bone health and may interrupt the relationship between bone turnover and parathyroid hormone markers.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 4, 2013

UNH scientists document first expansion of 'sea potato' seaweed into New England

Researchers discovered a new species of brown seaweed, Colpomenia peregrina, in the Gulf of Maine, which has rapidly expanded its range from Canada to Cape Cod. The sea potato, also known as oyster thief, is an epiphytic species that grows on other plants and is competing with native flora for space and nutrients.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalBotanica Marina·DateApr 4, 2013

Osmosis is not driven by water dilution

A thermodynamic theory of osmosis was published in 1897, but its explanation has not been fully adopted by chemistry and biology. Key findings include the misconception that osmosis only applies to liquids, and the need for an attractive force to drive the process.

SourceDick Jones Communications·JournalTrends in Plant Science·DateApr 4, 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.

Scientists to Io: Your volcanoes are in the wrong place

Scientists found a systematic eastward offset between observed and predicted volcano locations on Io, suggesting a faster rotation or internal structure. A global subsurface magma ocean scenario is also possible to explain the anomaly, with potential implications for life in icy moons like Europa and Enceladus.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateApr 4, 2013

Scissor-like enzyme points toward treatment of infectious disease

A scissor-like enzyme discovered by UT Southwestern researchers can cut off fatty acids from proteins, disabling the immune system's communication infrastructure and allowing bacteria to grow and survive. This discovery provides insight into severe bacterial infectious diseases and cancer, and may lead to the development of new treatme...

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature·DateApr 4, 2013

Genetic vulnerability of lung cancer to lay foundation for new drug options

A team of researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center has identified a specific genetic weakness in lung-cancer cells that can be targeted with new therapies. The discovery, published in Cancer Discovery, highlights the potential of blocking the protein RHOA and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) to stop tumor growth.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCancer Discovery·DateApr 4, 2013

Study links suicide risk with rates of gun ownership, political conservatism

A study published in Social Psychiatry & Psychiatric Epidemiology found that states with high rates of gun ownership and political conservatism have higher suicide rates. However, a higher percentage of church-goers at the state level was associated with reduced individual suicide risk. The study analyzed mortality data from 2000 to 20...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalSocial Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology·DateApr 4, 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.

Findings from most in-depth study into UK parents who kill their children

The study found that 37% of parents and step-parents who killed their children had some form of mental illness, with mood disorders being the most common diagnosis. Additionally, fathers were more likely to kill their children than mothers, and were more likely to use violent methods of killing.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 4, 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.

Hepatitis A virus discovered to cloak itself in membranes hijacked from infected cells

Researchers at the University of North Carolina discovered that hepatitis A virus acquires an envelope from infected cells when found in the environment, blurring the distinction between enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. This unique behavior allows the virus to evade host immune systems and survive longer periods between hosts.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature·DateApr 4, 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.

DOE renews JBEI funding

The US Department of Energy has renewed JBEI's five-year funding at $25 million annually, supporting the development of advanced biofuels. The partnership, led by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, aims to enhance national energy security and create clean energy jobs.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateApr 4, 2013

Discovery of 1,800-year-old 'Rosetta Stone' for tropical ice cores

Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a 1,800-year-old 'Rosetta Stone' in tropical ice cores, providing the most complete picture of Earth's low-latitude climate history to date. The cores reveal year-by-year patterns in chemical composition, offering a new tool for studying past climate change.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience·DateApr 4, 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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Bronze warship ram reveals secrets

A team of specialists analyzed a 2,000-year-old bronze battering ram to shed light on how such an object was made in ancient times. The study found that the bronze alloy was composed of 87% copper, 6% tin, and 7% lead, with varying concentrations throughout the casting.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·JournalThe International Journal of Nautical Archaeology·DateApr 4, 2013

Overweight starting in early adulthood linked with kidney disease in older age

Individuals who are overweight starting in early adulthood are twice as likely to have chronic kidney disease at age 60 to 64 years. Larger waist-to-hip ratios during middle age are also linked with chronic kidney disease at the same age. Avoiding excess weight gain could prevent many cases of chronic kidney disease, with over one-thir...

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 4, 2013

EU minimum tax legislation for cigarettes has had no effect on smoking prevalence

A new study found that EU minimum tax legislation for cigarettes has no effect on smoking prevalence, with prices rising up to three times faster than before. The introduction of the legislation in Spain in 2006 led to a shift towards hand-rolled cigarettes, which are cheaper than manufactured ones.

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateApr 4, 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.

Chronic pain common complication of clot-caused strokes

Researchers found chronic pain to be a common complication of ischemic strokes, associated with greater decline in physical and cognitive function. Significant risk factors for post-stroke pain include increased severity of stroke, female gender, and vascular disease.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalStroke·DateApr 4, 2013

Bumblebees use logic to find the best flowers

Bees copy each other when looking for nectar by watching colour patterns and learning from others' behaviour. This simple logic helps them avoid bitter-tasting flowers and optimise their search for energy-rich nectar.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 4, 2013

Asian carp DNA not widespread in the Great Lakes

Researchers from the University of Notre Dame and The Nature Conservancy found no evidence of widespread Asian carp presence in the Great Lakes, contrary to recent reports. Instead, they detected DNA only in areas where Asian carp have been caught, suggesting that live fish are the most likely source of the invasive species.

SourceCanadian Science Publishing·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·DateApr 4, 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.

Breakthrough in hydrogen fuel production could revolutionize alternative energy market

Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered a way to extract large quantities of hydrogen from any plant, potentially bringing a low-cost, environmentally friendly fuel source to the world. The new process uses xylose, the most abundant simple plant sugar, to produce high-purity hydrogen with an energy efficiency of over 100 percent.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 4, 2013

Antibody evolution could guide HIV vaccine development

A study has identified a broadly cross-reactive neutralizing antibody in an infected HIV-1 patient, providing insights into effective vaccination strategies. The researchers hope that a vaccine mimicking the development of this potent antibody response may trigger similar protective antibodies.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateApr 4, 2013
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

JoVE now accepting submissions for new environmental sciences section

JoVE is launching a new environment section to publish cutting-edge methodologies and innovations in renewable energy, sustainable materials, and more. The section aims to promote environmentally conscientious practices and provide a platform for researchers to present greener technology.

SourceThe Journal of Visualized Experiments·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateApr 4, 2013

Ben-Gurion U. students to present research projects at Clinton Global Initiative U. in St. Louis

Three Ben-Gurion University students present research projects focused on water conservation and renewable energy, addressing global challenges in education, energy, climate change, and poverty. Their initiatives aim to develop inexpensive technology for harvesting drinking water from the atmosphere and promote solar energy awareness.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·DateApr 4, 2013

Cancer checkpoint

Researchers discovered SIRT4 plays a crucial role in preventing DNA damage-induced cancer by controlling glutamine metabolism and arresting cell cycle. In mice lacking SIRT4, lung cancer developed spontaneously, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCancer Cell·DateApr 4, 2013

Remote reefs can be tougher than they look

A long-term study shows that isolated coral reefs like Scott Reef in Western Australia can recover from severe disturbances without relying on neighboring reefs. The reef's isolation allowed surviving corals to rapidly grow and propagate, ultimately recovering within 12 years.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalScience·DateApr 4, 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.

Genetic markers ID second Alzheimer's pathway

Scientists have identified several genes linked to the tau protein, which is found in brain tangles that develop in Alzheimer's patients. The findings may help provide targets for a different class of drugs that could be used for treatment.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateApr 4, 2013

Counting copy numbers characterizes prostate cancer

Researchers have developed a non-invasive test for metastatic prostate cancer using whole-genome analysis of plasma DNA, which identifies abnormal copy numbers of specific sequences. This breakthrough could aid personalized therapy and target treatment for castration-resistant prostate cancer.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Medicine·DateApr 4, 2013