Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive December 2013


Page 5 of 27

Opposing phenomena possible key to high-efficiency electricity delivery

Researchers found that high-temperature superconductivity in copper oxides forms as material cools from a state where electrons exhibit charge ordering, a phenomenon previously unknown. The study provides a crucial clue to understanding how to enhance superconductivity and potentially increase temperatures.

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.

The first cancer operation room with a navigator is created

The new system enables real-time interaction with the patient's body and radiotherapy applicator, allowing for precise radiation of potentially cancerous tissues. This innovation aims to reduce treatment time and minimize healthy tissue damage.

Data are lost to science at 'astonishing rate'

A recent study found that most scientific data is inaccessible after just 20 years, with over 80% of publicly funded research data lost forever. Researchers are calling for journals to require authors to share their data on public archives before publication.

Emotions in Parkinson's disease

Patients with Parkinson's disease struggle to recognize emotions in facial expressions and speech prosody. After surgery for deep brain stimulation, they show difficulty recognizing disgust and sadness, but this impairment is only temporary.

Telecoupling science shows China's forest sustainability packs global impact

A Michigan State University scholar proposes the telecoupling framework to understand how China's domestic decisions influence other countries and vice versa. The research shows that China's efforts to sustain forests can have substantial global impacts, including reappearing deforestation in countries that sell lumber and food to China.

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.

How cells remodel after UV radiation

A study by UC San Diego researchers has mapped the complex genetic interactions underlying cellular response to UV radiation, revealing links between chromatin structure remodeling and efficient repair. The findings provide new insights into DNA damage caused by UV radiation and its role in skin cancer.

Essential factor for Lyme disease transmission identified

Researchers found that HrpA is essential for Lyme disease transmission and tick survival, enabling the bacterium to regulate its RNA and survive in mammalian hosts. The discovery provides significant insights into the complex life cycle of Borrelia burgdorferi and potential targets for future treatments.

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.

91 new species described by California Academy Of Sciences in 2013

The California Academy of Sciences discovered 91 new plant and animal species in 2013, including 38 ants, 12 fishes, and 14 plants. This finds highlights the importance of biodiversity hotspots like Madagascar and the need for continued exploration and conservation efforts.

MRI method for measuring MS progression validated

A new MRI approach called quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) has been validated for measuring Multiple Sclerosis (MS) progression. QSM provides a quantitative way to measure myelin content and iron deposition in the brain, which are important factors in MS physiology. The study demonstrated that using the correct model can separ...

Beyond Mendel

The Student DNA Barcoding Project is a flexible curriculum that uses student-generated research to teach about biodiversity, ecology and molecular biology. The project has been successfully used in New York City and Belize, with students exploring topics such as beetles, beehives, and conservation.

Bullying in academia more prevalent than thought, says Rutgers-Camden scholar

A Rutgers-Camden nursing scholar warns that academic bullying is becoming increasingly common in academia, impacting the ability to recruit and retain quality educators. The study highlights instances of slander, isolation, physical threats, and unrealistic workloads as prevalent forms of bullying in academic workplaces.

Scientists decode serotonin receptor at room temperature

A research team has decoded the molecular structure of the serotonin receptor at room temperature for the first time, revealing its dynamics and giving a more realistic picture of its physiological function. This breakthrough could lead to better-designed drugs and new ways to investigate large biomolecules.

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.

H. pylori vaccine shows promise in mouse studies

Researchers have developed an oral vaccine against Helicobacter pylori using Lactobacillus acidophilus as a delivery vehicle. The vaccine elicits specific antibodies and provides significant protection against gastric infection.

Helping good genes win in brain cancer cells

A study published in Molecular Neurobiology found that sodium butyrate reduces survival of cultured medulloblastoma cells and enhances expression of markers for a mature neuronal phenotype. This suggests the compound may promote cell death and favor maturation towards less malignant-prone phenotypes.

Ancient cranial surgery

Researchers discovered 45 trepanation procedures on human remains in Peru's Andahuaylas caves dating back to AD 1000-1250. The ancient practice was used to treat various ailments and conditions, with varying techniques employed by practitioners.

Young killer cells protect against infectious mononucleosis

Researchers found that young natural killer cells play a key role in preventing infectious mononucleosis caused by Epstein-Barr Virus. A potential vaccination is being explored to protect against EBV infection and reduce the risk of developing Hodgkin lymphoma.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Bruce still wide-eyed

Tropical Cyclone Bruce maintained hurricane-force winds and a visible eye in the Southern Indian Ocean. The storm's convection strengthened around the eyewall, fueled by high clouds and thunderstorms.

Anti-epilepsy drugs can cause inflammations

Researchers at Ruhr-Universität Bochum investigated anti-epilepsy drugs' effects on glial cells. They found that valproic acid and gabapentin promote cell survival, while phenytoin and carbamazepine have pro-inflammatory properties.

Brain repair after injury and Alzheimer's disease

Scientists use reactive glial cells to regenerate healthy neurons in a breakthrough technology for treating brain injuries and Alzheimer's disease. In mouse models and human cell cultures, the method successfully converts glial cells into functional neurons.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers find a cause of aging that can be reversed

Scientists have found a molecular mechanism behind aging that can be reversed using a compound that restores communication between mitochondria and the nucleus. This breakthrough may lead to new treatments for age-related diseases such as cancer, type 2 diabetes, and inflammatory disorders.

Throwing out the textbook: Salt surprises chemists

Researchers found that plain salt can transform into unexpected stable compounds with unusual chemical properties under high pressure. This discovery could help answer questions about early planet cores and create new materials with practical uses.

Deepwater Horizon NRDA study shows possible oil impact on dolphins

A study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that bottlenose dolphins in Barataria Bay, Louisiana, have lung damage and adrenal hormone abnormalities. The researchers believe that the Deepwater Horizon oil spill may be responsible for these health effects.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Availability of food increases as countries' dependence on food trade grows

A study by Aalto University found that global food availability has increased in recent decades, especially in regions like the Middle East and Latin America. However, food self-sufficiency remains low, with many countries relying heavily on imports to meet their food needs, putting pressure on natural resources.

Evolution of plumage patterns in male and female birds

Research by Thanh-Lan Gluckman reveals that plumage patterning is labile in both males and females, with changes driven by environmental factors and signalling functions. The study challenges traditional views on sexual dimorphism, suggesting multiple types of dimorphism and adaptations to social and environmental conditions.

Living at home with dementia

A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine finds that most people with dementia living at home have multiple unmet health and welfare needs. Routine assessments and interventions in safety, medical care, and supportive services can help keep patients at home longer.

Controlling parasitic worms with genetic selection

Sheep producers may benefit from genetic selection as an alternative strategy to control helminth infections, which can reduce economic losses and minimize the use of chemicals. This approach aims to breed sheep with natural resistance traits, improving overall health and reducing production costs.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Greek economic crisis leads to air pollution crisis

Air quality in Greece has deteriorated by 30% since the financial crisis, with fine particles lodged deep into lung tissue posing health risks. Burning cheaper fuel sources like wood and trash for heating has contributed to this issue.

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.

Mating is the kiss of death for certain female worms

Male sperm and seminal fluid trigger pathways that cause female worms to dehydrate, prematurely age and die. The death of the female after she gives birth fits into a general framework of sperm competition observed in nature.

Concussion tests' marketing outpaces scientific evidence, new review says

A new review published in the journal Neuropsychology Review finds that computerized neurocognitive testing for concussions lacks consistent evidence on reliability and validity. The study suggests caution when using these tests due to their marketing prevalence over scientific proof, emphasizing the need for a multi-dimensional approa...

Biologists find clues to a parasite's inconsistency

Researchers analyzed 29 strains of the parasite and found that some South American or atypical North American strains provoke strong inflammation in infected cells, leading to tissue damage. The study suggests that host immune responses may be causing most of the damage rather than the parasite itself.

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.

Inside the Bloomberg public health toolbox

The Bloomberg Administration's public health policies were developed using a data-driven approach, which included rigorous appraisal of published studies and collection of local health survey data. The resulting policies have improved the health and life expectancy of New Yorkers, providing a blueprint for other cities to follow.

Study confirms target of potent chronic leukemia drug

Researchers at Ohio State University confirm that ibrutinib targets Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK), a critical molecule in chronic lymphocytic leukemia cell growth and proliferation. Inhibiting BTK delayed CLL development and improved overall survival in mouse models.

Amino acid's increase is suspected in diabetes

Elevated tyrosine levels in obese individuals are linked to a higher risk of developing diabetes. Researchers propose that tyrosine may directly affect insulin signaling, leading to increased blood sugar levels.

Learning to predict sickle cell crisis and monitor treatment

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are working on a new device that can predict when patients with sickle cell disease will suffer an acute crisis and monitor the effectiveness of treatments. The device measures the physical properties of red blood cells, which become sticky and block blood flow during a crisis.

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.

Protein links liver cancer with obesity, alcoholism, and hepatitis

A study by University of Iowa researchers identifies CHOP as a protein that promotes liver cancer in mice, linked to cellular stress from obesity, alcoholism, and viral hepatitis. Elevated CHOP levels are found in human liver tumors, suggesting potential targets for therapies.

A new -- and reversible -- cause of aging

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have discovered a reversible cause of aging in mammals. Administering a naturally produced compound restored communication between cells' nucleus and mitochondria, comparable to younger animals. This finding has significant implications for understanding the aging process and potential reversal.

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.

Congenital heart disease causes hypoglycaemia

Researchers found that patients with congenital arrhythmia produce twice the amount of insulin after consuming sugar, leading to drastically low blood sugar levels. The discovery could have significant implications for treatment of diabetes and management of hypoglycaemia.

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.

Deciphering the secret of the sugar beet

An international team of researchers has successfully sequenced the sugar beet genome, revealing a vast array of genes and genetic variations. The study sheds light on the plant's sweet properties and how its genome has been shaped by artificial selection.

CCNY chemists use sugar-based gelators to solidify vegetable oils

Researchers at The City College of New York have successfully transformed vegetable oils into a semisolid form using low-calorie sugars as structuring agents. Mannitol dioctanoate and sorbitol dioctanoate gelators demonstrated excellent gelation tendencies for various oils, producing stable gels that can be used in food processing.

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.

Chewing gum is often the culprit for migraine headaches in teens

A study by Dr. Nathan Watemberg found that gum-chewing teenagers experience headaches due to temporomandibular joint dysfunction, which can be treated by quitting gum chewing. The study involved 30 patients between six and 19 years old who had chronic migraine or tension headaches

Monthly appointments with pharmacists improve medication adherence

Patients with chronic medications show improved adherence when they meet monthly with pharmacists to coordinate treatment schedules and dispense prescriptions on a single day. This appointment-based model can have a major impact on patient health, as it simplifies medication regimens and addresses individualized needs.