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Science News Archive August 2013


Page 20 of 29

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.

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.

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.

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.

Study: Loan debt can shape students' college years, experiences

A new study by Indiana University found that student loan debt significantly affects college students' experiences, leading to three distinct categories: play-hard, disengaged, and serious students. Students with debt tend to prioritize social life over academics, while those without debt live a more balanced lifestyle.

Professor: Immigration reform should consider families, social ties

The paper highlights the deportation of 1.5 generation immigrants who have lived in the US for decades, with many being targeted due to their location and ethnicity. The study emphasizes the need for judicial discretion in immigration cases, rather than relying solely on prior convictions.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA paints a panorama of Pacific tropical cyclones

NASA's GOES-West satellite image captures three active tropical cyclones in the Central and Eastern Pacific Oceans. System 92E has a more developed circulation and is expected to become a tropical cyclone with a high chance, while System 93E has a low chance of development.

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.

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.

Piano fingers

Researchers found that piano players' hand muscle contractions differ depending on the sequence of notes played, indicating coarticulation. This phenomenon is similar to coarticulation in speech and American Sign Language, suggesting a complex neural connection between finger movements and keystrokes.

Alcoholism could be linked to a hyper-active brain dopamine system

Researchers found that individuals at high risk for alcoholism experience a greater dopamine response when drinking, which may contribute to increased desire for rewards and counteract the sedative effects of alcohol. This study provides insight into the causes of addiction and could mark an important step toward developing treatment o...

Chemists develop 'fresh, new' approach to making alloy nanomaterials

Researchers at Syracuse University have developed a novel method for synthesizing alloy nanomaterials with stainless steel-like interfaces. This breakthrough may enable the creation of diverse forms of alloy nanomaterials for various applications, including gas storage and heterogeneous catalysis.

Fresh analysis of dinosaur skulls by Penn researchers finds 3 species are 1

Researchers analyze dinosaur skulls using 3D geometric morphometrics and conclude that three previously identified species are actually one. The study reveals that differences among specimens arose from the burial and compression process, highlighting the importance of considering these factors in taxonomic classifications.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Bubbles are the new lenses for nanoscale light beams

Researchers use nanoplasmonics to modulate light on the nanometer scale, but controlling the beam's direction is challenging. A bubble lens overcomes this issue by reconfiguring its location, size, and shape to focus or deflect the light beam.

Racial differences in types of alcohol drinks consumed by adolescent girls

A study of racial differences in types of alcohol beverages consumed during adolescence found that black and white girls report significantly different risk profiles. Black girls tend to consume liquor, while white girls generally drink beer and wine. The study identified common predictors of heavier drinking profiles for both groups, ...

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.

Cells eat themselves into shape

Scientists at EMBL discovered that endocytosis drives changes in cell shape by remodelling the cell membrane. Cells adapt their feeding strategy to suck in long tubes of membrane, processing them into smaller vesicles.

Brain dopamine may serve as a risk marker for alcohol use disorders

Research suggests that brain dopamine responses to alcohol ingestion may serve as a neurobiological marker of vulnerability to AUDs. Individuals at high risk showed increased brain dopamine, while those at low risk showed decreased dopamine levels. This finding could help identify individuals at higher risk for developing AUDs.

New treatment for brittle bone disease found

Researchers at the University of Sheffield have developed a new treatment for children with brittle bone disease, finding that oral risedronate significantly reduces the risk of fractures. The study showed rapid action, with curves for fracture risk diverging after just 6 weeks of treatment.

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.

California seafloor mapping reveals hidden treasures

The USGS has released new seafloor maps, data layers, and videos for the entire California coast, providing a comprehensive base-map series. This collaboration between state and federal agencies, academia, and private industry aims to inform coastal managers and researchers about seafloor habitats, geology, and ecosystems.

Successful field tests completed by TUM

A new software solution developed by TUM's Prof. Gritzmann and his team consolidates agricultural land more efficiently than ever before, saving farmers up to 30% on running costs. The algorithm uses sophisticated mathematical ideas to optimize field allocation and reduce travel costs.

Deep Earth heat surprise

Researchers have successfully simulated pressure conditions in the deep lower mantle, measuring thermal conductivity and finding heat transfer to be lower than expected. The study estimates a total heat flow of 10.4 terawatts across the Earth, about 60% of human civilization's power usage.

Cigarette taxation helps to reduce drinking among groups considered vulnerable

A study found that increases in cigarette taxes are associated with modest to moderate reductions in alcohol consumption among vulnerable groups. The results suggest that policies targeting one health behavior can have broader benefits for public health by affecting additional behaviors that tend to co-occur with the targeted behavior.

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.

The skinny on cocaine

Research from the University of Cambridge reveals that chronic cocaine use causes profound metabolic changes, reducing the body's ability to store fat. This leads to significant weight gain during recovery, which can contribute to relapse and has profound implications for health and well-being.

New insights into the polymer mystique for conducting charges

A team of researchers at Bangor University has made significant discoveries on the behavior of polyethylene in conducting electrical charges. The study reveals that the nano-scale structure of polyethylene, with crystalline regions separated by amorphous zones, plays a crucial role in charge conduction.

New hope for improved TB treatments

Researchers at University of Southampton have discovered new markers of tuberculosis that may help in developing new diagnostic tests and treatments. Lung damage releases specific proteins, which can be used to screen individuals and halt transmission between population groups.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Women seek alcohol treatment between an average of 4 to 5 years earlier than men

Research reveals women progress to treatment with similar negative consequences as men but reach threshold earlier, sparking need for tailored interventions and greater awareness of women's issues. The study analyzed data from over 530 individuals seeking treatment, finding a significant gender gap in the time it takes to seek help.

NASA 'fire towers' in space watch for wildfires on the rise

Scientists from NASA and other agencies use satellite observation and computer modeling to predict wildfire activity in the American West. The data helps guide firefighting resources and prevention efforts, with over 2.5 million acres burned this year.

The code of objects

A study by Davide Zoccolan and colleagues found that the anterior inferotemporal cortex (IT) categorizes objects based on visual similarity, except for four-legged animals which are represented by semantic meaning. The IT retains a 'raw' lower-level coding of object properties like color and size.

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.

Tahiti: A very hot biodiversity hot spot in the Pacific

Researchers have identified over 100 species of small predatory beetles in Tahiti, with 28 newly described in the open-access journal ZooKeys. These beetles have evolved to lose their flight wings and are highly specialized to specific habitats.

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.

OU biologist focuses on global environmental change in lakes

A University of Oklahoma biologist is studying how Daphnia, a small crustacean, adapts to changes in nutrient levels and water quality. The research aims to improve forecasting models of global environmental change and inform effective management of natural resources.

Latino genomes point way to hidden DNA

Researchers discovered 20 million base pairs of genetic sequence hidden in centromeres, a key finding that could aid in mapping the human genome. Latino genomes proved uniquely powerful in filling in uncharted regions due to their African ancestry.

Fast detector for a wide wavelength range

Researchers at HZDR and University of Regensburg have developed a fast and reliable detector for terahertz pulses using graphene. The detector can measure the arrival time of light pulses with high accuracy, covering a wide wavelength range from ultraviolet to far infrared.

Molecules form 2-D patterns never before observed

Scientists at Technical University of Munich have successfully created 2D patterns using molecules, which could lead to novel physics and chemistry. The patterns, known as snub square tilings, were produced through self-assembly protocols and feature five-vertex connecting elements less than one nanometer across.

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.

Increase in woodpecker populations linked to feasting on emerald ash borer

A recent study reveals that the emerald ash borer invasion has fueled a population boom for four species of birds in the Detroit area. The four species considered in the study include three woodpeckers and a white-breasted nuthatch, which are all benefiting from the abundant food source provided by EAB-infested ash trees.

Muscle health depends on sugar superstructure

Researchers at the University of Iowa have identified three proteins necessary for constructing a key section of the critical sugar chain that enables the central protein to function properly. Defects in these proteins can cause congenital muscular dystrophy, a group of muscle diseases.

JILA researchers discover atomic clock can simulate quantum magnetism

Researchers at JILA have discovered that an atomic clock can mimic the behavior of complex quantum systems, including high-temperature superconductors. The study's findings suggest that atoms in the clock interact like those in magnetic materials, leading to correlations and entanglement.

Scientific breakthrough reveals how vitamin B12 is made

Researchers at the University of Kent have successfully identified the anaerobic pathway for producing vitamin B12 in bacteria. This discovery paves the way for increased production of the essential nutrient, which is used to treat pernicious anemia and other conditions.

Capturing live tumor cells in the blood

Researchers develop a new microfluidic chip that can capture over 90% of circulating tumor cells from patient blood, providing potential applications for cancer screenings, treatment assessments, and disease progression determination. The technique shortens processing time and improves efficiency compared to existing methods.

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.

Kids born small should get moving

A study by Baylor College of Medicine found that growth-restricted mice became obese due to reduced physical activity, not increased appetite. This discovery has implications for the worldwide obesity epidemic affecting millions of low birth weight babies.

New technology to guide people through healthcare decisions

A new avatar-based decision technology called eSMARTT aims to ease the process of making healthcare decisions for loved ones who are unable to make their own choices. The system provides interactive simulations, decision coaching, and personalized resources to help caregivers navigate this difficult decision-making process.

How parents see themselves may affect their child's brain and stress level

A study at Boston Children's Hospital found that a mother's perceived social status predicts her child's brain development and stress indicators. Children of mothers with low social status had increased cortisol levels and less activation of the hippocampus, a structure crucial for learning and reducing stress.