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Science News for December 30, 2013


Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Imaging technology could unlock mysteries of a childhood disease

Researchers developed a technique to study RSV's structure and activity in living cells, which could lead to the development of new antiviral drugs and a vaccine. The imaging technology uses probes that quickly attach to RNA within cells, allowing scientists to visualize the virus's entry, assembly, and replication.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalACS Nano·DateDec 30, 2013

With few hard frosts, tropical mangroves push north

Mangroves have expanded dramatically along Florida's Atlantic Coast as frost frequency declined, replacing salt marshes. This change is linked to extreme weather patterns and rising temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 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.

Climate change spurs tropical mangroves to expand in the north

Climate change is allowing mangroves to thrive in new areas around northern Florida, with the species' range expanding by over 3,000 acres between 1984 and 2011. The growth of mangroves may pose challenges for other coastal ecosystems, such as salt marshes, which could face loss of habitat and biodiversity.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 2013

High good and low bad cholesterol levels are healthy for the brain, too

Research from UC Davis Health found that high HDL and low LDL cholesterol levels are associated with lower brain amyloid plaque deposits, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. This study provides evidence for the importance of cholesterol management in preventing cognitive decline.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateDec 30, 2013
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.

Toward a molecular explanation for schizophrenia

Researchers discovered reduced autophagy in schizophrenic patients' brains, which may lead to cell death. Boosting beclin 1 levels could restore balance and prevent harmful brain-cell death. ADNP levels were also found to be increased in the blood of schizophrenia patients.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateDec 30, 2013

Field trial with lignin modified poplars shows potential for bio-based economy

The field trial with genetically modified poplar trees demonstrates that lignin modification can improve sugar conversion and increase ethanol production. The results also show mixed suppression of the lignin biosynthesis in the trees, leading to variable coloration and growth rates.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 2013

Slower-paced meal reduces hunger but affects calorie consumption differently

A new study found that slowing down meal pace can lead to reduced hunger and calories consumed in normal-weight individuals. However, the effect was less pronounced in overweight or obese subjects, who may have eaten less due to self-consciousness. Both groups experienced lower hunger levels after slower-paced meals.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateDec 30, 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.

Most clinical studies on vitamins flawed by poor methodology

Many clinical studies on vitamins have poor methodology, leading to inaccurate conclusions and defying existing evidence. New methodologies are needed to provide scientifically valid information to consumers with inadequate diets or deficiencies.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNutrients·DateDec 30, 2013

Conversations on sex lacking between doctors and teens

Conversations about sex are rare between doctors and teenagers, lasting only a minute on average, despite the American Academy of Pediatrics recommending physicians address these topics. Longer visits and confidentiality increase the chances that sex is mentioned.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateDec 30, 2013

DNA barcoding to monitor marine mammal genetic diversity

The study found that DNA barcoding increases the accuracy of monitoring marine mammal biodiversity, allowing for earlier detection of impacts from climate change and human activities. By using DNA barcoding in conjunction with a stranding network, researchers can better track species distribution and abundance.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateDec 30, 2013

Molecular evolution of genetic sex-determination switch in honeybees

Research reveals that five amino acid differences control allelic variations in the csd gene, determining femaleness in honeybees. The study found an evolutionary intermediate with only three amino acid differences between lethality and induced femaleness, supporting incomplete penetrance as a mechanism for gradual molecular evolution.

SourceArizona State University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 30, 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.

Minority physicians care for a majority of underserved patients in the US

A recent study found that minority physicians care for 54% of minority patients and 70% of non-English-speaking patients. Minority physicians are also more likely to care for patients with lower self-reported health status. The study suggests expanding the racial diversity of the physician workforce could improve access to care.

SourcePhysicians for a National Health Program·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateDec 30, 2013

Nicotine exploits COPI to foster addiction

A study in The Journal of General Physiology reveals how nicotine up-regulates nAChRs through COPI-coated vesicles, playing a major role in nicotine addiction. This finding may also contribute to the decreased susceptibility of smokers to Parkinson's disease.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateDec 30, 2013

Medicaid beneficiaries use emergency services due to lack of alternatives

A recent study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that Medicaid beneficiaries are more likely to seek emergency care due to access issues rather than the severity of their illness. The study suggests that policy makers should focus on increasing timely access to primary care, especially for Medicaid beneficiaries.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateDec 30, 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.

Mangroves expand north as Florida freezes decline

Researchers found mangroves are expanding along hundreds of miles of coastline in Florida, with a doubling of habitat in areas like Daytona Beach and Titusville. The expansion is linked to a decrease in cold snaps, which allows mangroves to thrive in previously inhospitable conditions.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 2013

Final recommendations on lung cancer screening

The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends annual low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening for high-risk adults between 55 and 80 years old. Heavy smokers or former heavy smokers who have quit within the past 15 years are considered high risk due to increased lung cancer risk. The recommendation is based on comprehensive evi...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 30, 2013

Alcohol leaves its mark on youngsters' DNA

Researchers found that weekend drinking leads to double the oxidative damage compared to non-drinkers, with DNA damage affecting 44% of cells in drinker group. The study reveals a new potential health risk associated with young people's alcohol consumption.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalAlcohol·DateDec 30, 2013

Museum bird DNA 'ready for use' in Naturalis Biodiversity Center

A recent study used DNA barcoding to identify Dutch bird species with high resolution, flagging some for further investigation. The approach was particularly useful in museums, such as the Naturalis Biodiversity Center, where DNA tissue vouchers are already prepared.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateDec 30, 2013

New innovation by NUS researchers enhances information storage in electronics

The NUS team has developed a new Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory (MRAM) technology that can store data for at least 20 years, increasing storage space and enhancing memory. This innovation has the potential to change the architecture of computers, making them easier to manufacture and reducing costs.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 30, 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.