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Science News Archive August 2013


Page 7 of 29

Study examines cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers in early Parkinson disease

Researchers analyzed cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers in patients with early-stage Parkinson's disease (PD) and healthy controls. Lower levels of Alzheimer's beta-1-42 and tau proteins were found in PD patients, associated with motor severity. The study suggests that these biomarkers have prognostic potential for early-stage PD.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Wait times up 78 percent at VA for colorectal cancer procedures

A study found wait times for colorectal cancer operations at VA hospitals rose to 32 days, but researchers believe longer waits may be due to improved care and outcomes. The study suggests that more careful care is worth the wait, even if it means delayed treatment.

Shopping in high heels could curb overspending

A recent study by Brigham Young University found that shopping in high heels can lead to more mindful consumer choices, resulting in a balanced approach between high-end and low-end products. By introducing physical sensations of balance, consumers are more likely to weigh options and avoid extreme spending

NASA sees quick forming Tropical Storm Fernand soaking Mexico

Tropical Storm Fernand formed rapidly over Mexico, with NASA's TRMM satellite detecting towering thunderstorms and heavy rainfall rates exceeding 2 inches per hour. The storm's maximum sustained winds were near 50 mph at landfall, causing significant flooding and threatening life-threatening flash floods.

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.

New implanted defibrillator works well without touching heart

Researchers have developed a new subcutaneous implantable cardiac defibrillator (S-ICD) that detects abnormal heart rhythms and delivers shocks without wires touching the heart. The device has shown promising results in a 33-site study, with 99% of patients remaining complication-free 180 days after implantation.

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.

Skin cell defect is surprising allergy trigger

A structural defect in skin cells, specifically desmoglein 1, contributes to allergy development, including skin and food allergies. This finding could lead to a better understanding of the importance of other structural proteins in the skin barrier.

Perception of marijuana as a 'safe drug' is scientifically inaccurate

Researchers at the University of Montreal found that cannabis use during adolescence is associated with increased risk of addiction and mental health problems. The study suggests that specific genetic and behavioral factors influence an individual's likelihood of developing a dependence on cannabis.

New tool enhances the search for genetic mutations

A new software tool, DeNovoGear, uses statistical probabilities to identify and validate genetic mutations. This improves the diagnosis and treatment of mutation-related diseases, including pediatric diseases and cancer research.

Insight into marine life's ability to adapt to climate change

Researchers discovered that some species of polychaete worms can modify their metabolic rates to thrive in high-CO2 waters, while others are impaired by acidic conditions. The study sheds light on the resilience of marine biodiversity and potential mechanisms for adaptation.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers uncover new biological target for combating Parkinson's disease

Researchers have identified a new biological target for combating Parkinson's disease by discovering a compound that eases symptoms in mice. The study found that a protein called AIMP2 activates a self-destruct pathway, leading to cell death, but also triggered the activation of PARP1 and PAR, which can be targeted by existing compounds.

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.

Scientists analyze the extent of ocean acidification

A new study by Alfred Wegener Institute researchers analyzed data from over 150 species, finding that most animal groups are affected negatively by higher carbon dioxide concentrations. Corals and echinoderms react sensitively to ocean acidification, while crustaceans may be more resilient in certain scenarios.

Epilepsy drug dosage linked to specific birth defects

A new study has found a link between high doses of epilepsy medication valproate and increased risk of physical birth defects such as spina bifida and hypospadias in babies. Reducing the dose of valproate during pregnancy can significantly lower this risk, providing pregnant women with epilepsy new hope.

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.

Study provides strongest clues to date for causes of schizophrenia

A new genome-wide association study has identified two major pathways involved in causing schizophrenia, including a calcium channel pathway and a micro-RNA 137 pathway. The study, published in Nature Genetics, provides the strongest clues to date for understanding the causes of this debilitating mental illness.

Ocean fish acquire more mercury at depth

Researchers found that photochemical reactions break down mercury at the surface, but it's converted to its toxic form at deeper depths. This process affects ocean fish and the human seafood supply, with implications for reducing mercury emissions.

Researchers find essential brain circuit in visual development

A study in mice reveals an essential brain circuit that helps dictate how the eyes connect to the brain, which could lead to new treatments for amblyopia. The research found that manipulating a specific brain circuit can prevent ocular dominance in young mice and induce it in older mice beyond the critical period.

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.

Gallo Center study in mice links cocaine use to new brain structures

Research suggests cocaine use may lead to continued drug seeking by stimulating growth of new brain structures associated with learning and memory. The study used live brain imaging to observe mice given cocaine or saline, finding significant increases in dendritic spines after two hours.

Cocaine's effect on mice may explain drug-seeking behavior

Researchers found that cocaine exposure leads to rapid growth of new dendritic spines in the frontal cortex, enabling mice to strongly prefer drug cues over other stimuli. This study sheds light on the brain's role in drug-seeking behavior and may inform strategies for tackling addiction.

EU funds BESTCILIA to improve care on primary ciliary dyskinesia

Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare genetic disorder affecting the respiratory and other systems, with limited data due to small patient populations. The BESTCILIA project aims to improve screening and treatment through clinical trials, standardized diagnostic testing, and patient registries.

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.

Hostile sexism, abandoning a goal, society's role in creative genius

Studies reveal that hostile sexism can lead to biased perceptions of partners, negatively affecting relationship satisfaction. Abandoning a goal can also have strong psychological and physiological consequences, including increased stress hormone cortisol levels. A person's social identity plays a crucial role in creative processes, wi...

Arctic sea ice update: Unlikely to break records, but continuing downward trend

The Arctic sea ice cover is on track to reach its annual minimum, but it's unlikely to break records this year. The ice extent has been declining steadily over the last decade, with a sustained downward trend observed by NASA and other satellites. Antarctic sea ice, however, is expected to reach its largest extent on record.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

2 become 1 with the 3-D NanoChemiscope

The 3D NanoChemiscope enables simultaneous analysis of mechanical and chemical properties in three dimensions, revolutionizing surface analysis. By combining a scanning force microscope and high-end mass spectrometer, researchers can study the composition and structure of surfaces with unprecedented precision.

Study finds genomic differences in types of cervical cancer

Researchers have discovered significant genomic differences between adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma types of cervical cancer. High rates of PIK3CA mutations were found in both subtypes, while KRAS mutations were only present in adenocarcinomas. These findings suggest that targeted therapies may improve patient outcomes.

New technique to help brain cancer patients

A new MRI technique, Vessel Architectural Imaging, can identify patients with aggressive brain cancer who are most likely to benefit from treatment. The technique allows for personalized medicine and quicker initiation of alternative treatments.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Gut taste mechanisms are abnormal in diabetes sufferers

A study by the University of Adelaide found that people with type 2 diabetes have defective gut taste mechanisms that lead to rapid glucose uptake. This suggests that the gut plays a crucial role in regulating glucose levels beyond insulin function.

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.

Architecture of chromosomes: A key for success or failure

Research reveals that chromosomal rearrangements, such as inversions or translocations, can be beneficial in certain environments, leading to improved growth abilities. This discovery sheds light on how natural selection shapes chromosome structure to favor specific conditions.

Funding for animal testing alternative

The researcher aims to establish permanently growing, alternatively activated M2 macrophage cell lines to reduce animal use in studies. This innovation could provide scientists with almost limitless cells for study without the need for live mice.

Rim Fire in California

The Rim Fire in California has grown to over 106,000 acres, largely due to dry conditions and challenging terrain. Despite efforts of over 2,000 firefighters, the fire remains only 2% contained.

Can we save our urban water systems?

The article highlights the need for integrated perspectives on institutions, organizations, and technology to implement successful urban water innovations. Engineers must understand the complex mechanisms underlying the human-technology interface to address the growing demands for water and other resources sustainably.

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.

NASA's HS3 mission analyzes Saharan dust layer over Eastern Atlantic

The HS3 mission sampled the environment of Tropical Storm Erin and revealed an elevated dust layer overrunning the storm. The Saharan Air Layer's role in tropical storm formation and intensification is a focus of the study, which aims to understand its impact on hurricane intensity change.

NASA infrared imagery indicates Pewa weakened

Tropical Storm Pewa's wind shear has pushed precipitation away from its center, resulting in a weakening storm. Cloud top temperatures have warmed up, indicating the uplift in Pewa was waning by August 23.

Columbia researchers win $1 million Keck award

An interdisciplinary team from Columbia University has won a $1 million grant to combine biological components with solid-state electronics, creating new systems that exploit the advantages of both. The goal is to develop autonomous hybrid 'cells' that could exist as probes in living organisms.

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.

UCI-led study reveals how SARS virus hijacks host cells

A UCI-led study reveals how the SARS coronavirus hijacks host cells to replicate, providing insight into potential therapies. The research identifies three proteins responsible for this process, which could also be used by other pathogens.