Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for August 11, 2013


Greenland ice is melting -- also from below

The Greenland ice sheet is losing about 227 gigatonnes of ice per year, contributing to sea level rise. Researchers have coupled an ice/climate model with a thermo-mechanical model to accurately depict the ice sheet's dynamics and temperature changes.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 11, 2013

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy subtypes in the population of Northeast China

A study published in Neural Regeneration Research reveals that calpainopathy is the most common form of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy in China, followed by dysferlinopathies. Muscle biopsy tests were used to distinguish different subtypes and provide a clearer understanding of this condition's prevalence.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateAug 11, 2013

Study finds more tweets means more votes for political candidates

An Indiana University study analyzed 537 million tweets to find a correlation between the number of tweets about a candidate and their vote count. The research suggests that social media behavior can be used as an indicator of real-world political behavior, providing a new tool for analyzing election outcomes.

SourceIndiana University·DateAug 11, 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.

Advanced technology reveals new epilepsy genes

A global study using exome sequencing identified new genetic mutations causing severe childhood epilepsies, revealing common pathways to target the condition with drugs and therapies. The findings could lead to fast-tracking discoveries of genetic causes and improving treatment options for devastating childhood epilepsies.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalNature·DateAug 11, 2013

Study finds more tweets mean more votes for political candidates

Researchers analyzed 537 million tweets to gauge public attitudes towards Republican and Democratic candidates in the US House of Representatives. The study found a strong correlation between tweet volume and vote percentage, suggesting that online social media behavior can be used to assess real-world political behavior.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·DateAug 11, 2013

Neuroscientists identify protein linked to Alzheimer's-like afflictions

Researchers have identified a modification to the protein eIF2alpha linked to Alzheimer's-like conditions, which may lead to decreased protein synthesis and impaired long-term memories. Abnormal levels of phosphorylation were found in AD model mice and postmortem human patients, highlighting potential therapeutic targets.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 11, 2013

Smart enough to know better: Intelligence is not a remedy for racism

A recent study by the American Sociological Association suggests that high-ability whites are more likely to conceal their prejudice than report it. Despite supporting policies in principle, they are less likely to support actual policies aimed at addressing racial discrimination.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·DateAug 11, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Research shows negative effects of half-siblings

Research shows that adolescents with half-siblings from a different father are at a higher risk of using drugs and having sex by age 15. The study, which examined data from the National Longitudinal Study of Youth, found that these children are about 65% more likely to use drugs and 2.5 times more likely to have sex by their 15th birthday

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·DateAug 11, 2013

X-linked MeCP2 is first reported to be a new target for treating Parkinson's disease

A new study published in Neural Regeneration Research suggests that X-linked methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) may be a promising therapeutic target for treating Parkinson's disease. Researchers found that overexpressing MeCP2 in damaged human cells reduced apoptosis and increased tyrosine hydroxylase levels, indicating potential be...

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateAug 11, 2013

Progress made in linking some forms of epilepsy to genetics

University of Washington researchers have made significant progress in linking a rare form of epilepsy called epilepsy aphasia to genetic mutations in the GRIN2A gene. This breakthrough finding may lead to new diagnostic tools and treatments for patients with this condition, which is characterized by seizures and speech abnormalities.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 11, 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.

Why does the American middle class continue to struggle financially?

Household spending on goods like healthcare, education, housing, and commuting costs has risen significantly, outpacing wages and general prices. American families face a difficult choice between sustainable finances and access to quality schools, child care, medical care, public safety, and employment opportunities.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·DateAug 11, 2013

Study to investigate mental health care for prisoners

The project aims to develop and evaluate an integrated system of care involving therapy, medication, housing, training, and employment. Researchers will test the new approach against usual care in a randomised control trial, evaluating its effectiveness and economic impact.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·DateAug 11, 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.

New study redefines how plaques grow in heart disease

A new study from the University of Toronto and Massachusetts General Hospital found that macrophage growth inside arterial plaques is not reliant on external cells. This discovery may lead to alternative approaches to treating atherosclerosis, a leading cause of cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 11, 2013

Study examines beliefs about who should pay for dates

A study examining men's and women's beliefs about who should pay for dates found that most participants (84% of men, 58% of women) believed men should pay, but many also reported feeling guilty about accepting women's money. The data suggest a shift towards more egalitarian practices, with increasing sharing of expenses among couples.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·DateAug 11, 2013

Global team identifies new genes behind severe childhood epilepsy

A large-scale international study has identified 25 new mutations on nine key genes behind severe childhood epilepsy, including two new genes never before associated with the disorder. The findings suggest a new direction for developing genome-wide diagnostic screens and precise therapies for the condition.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature·DateAug 11, 2013

NIH-funded study discovers new genes for childhood epilepsies

A genetic study of childhood epilepsies has discovered two new genes associated with severe forms of the disease. The study used exome sequencing to identify disease-causing gene mutations and found an unusually large number of mutations, providing a wealth of information for epilepsy research.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature·DateAug 11, 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.

Rethinking 'The Code'

The study reveals that the protein complex Mll2 is responsible for implementing activating histone marks on 'poised' genes, but its loss has little effect on developmental gene activation during differentiation. This suggests a more complex understanding of histone modification patterns in embryonic and cancer cells.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateAug 11, 2013

Genetic mutations linked to Parkinson's disease

A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals that genetic mutations linked to Parkinson's disease can cause problems with mitophagy, a process essential for eliminating damaged cells. The research suggests that targeting this pathway could lead to the development of more effective drug treatments.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 11, 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.