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Science News for February 13, 2013


Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Long noncoding RNAs control development of fat cells

Researchers at Whitehead Institute have identified long noncoding RNAs as essential regulators of white fat cell development, which can lead to obesity. The study found that knocking down specific lncRNAs reduced the formation of lipid droplets in fat cells.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 13, 2013

NASA scientists part of Arctic Sea ice study

Researchers found a 36% autumn and 9% winter decline in Arctic sea ice volume over the last decade. The study builds on previous studies using submarine and NASA satellite data, verifying compatibility with CryoSat-2 satellite measurements.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 13, 2013

Gro Harlem Brundtland recieves Huntington Environmental prize.

The Woods Hole Research Center has awarded the Lawrence S. Huntington Environmental Prize to Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland, a renowned leader in sustainability and climate change. Dr. Brundtland's vision of sustainability has inspired generations of scientists and policymakers.

SourceWoodwell Climate Research Center·DateFeb 13, 2013

Cure in sight for kissing bug's bite

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have discovered a potential cure for both acute and chronic forms of Chagas disease in mice using the small molecule VNI. The treatment achieved 100% survival without toxic side effects.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 13, 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.

Valentine's Day tales of romance and chemistry

A study found that nearly half of online Viagra samples contained only 30-50% active pharmaceutical ingredient. Meanwhile, bedbugs produce a foul odor during mating attempts to deter unwanted advances.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateFeb 13, 2013

Happily married couples consider themselves healthier, expert says

Research suggests that happy marriages improve both partners' spirits and well-being, while lower stress levels. Health professionals are advised to consider patients' personal relationships when designing health promotion programs or treatment plans.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateFeb 13, 2013

Opera's poisons and potions connect students with chemistry

This article from ACS' Journal of Chemical Education explores the real chemistry behind famous opera plots, including poisonous snake bites and deadly venoms. The author highlights several examples of operatic themes involving chemistry that can be used as a teaching tool for students and the general public.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Chemical Education·DateFeb 13, 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.

Light-emitting bioprobe fits in a single cell

Researchers at Stanford have developed a light-emitting probe that can be injected into individual cells without harm. The device uses photonic cavities to amplify light and detect specific biomolecules, paving the way for real-time sensing and monitoring of cellular biology.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 13, 2013

Advance promises to expand biological control of crop pests

A new discovery allows for expanded use of a mainstay biological pest control method, the sterile insect technique (SIT), which avoids health and environmental concerns. The approach involves mass release of radiation-sterilized insects that mate but produce no offspring, reducing pest populations.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateFeb 13, 2013

A neural basis for benefits of meditation

Researchers propose that mindfulness practitioners gain enhanced control over sensory cortical alpha rhythms, enabling optimal filtering of sensory information and regulation of negative thoughts. This control is linked to the practice of mindful awareness of breath and body sensations.

SourceBrown University·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateFeb 13, 2013
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.

European satellite confirms UW numbers: Arctic Ocean is on thin ice

A European Space Agency satellite confirms a University of Washington analysis that the Arctic has lost more than a third of its summer sea-ice volume since 2012. The Arctic is now shrinking and thinning, with summer ice volume estimated to be one-fifth of what it was in 1980.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 13, 2013

Preventing obesity transmission during pregnancy

A recent publication by ILSI Europe identifies key contributors to child obesity, including maternal diet, gestational weight gain, and metabolic perturbations. Combining data from clinical studies could lead to more effective nutritional advice for pregnant women.

SourceILSI Europe·JournalAnnals of Nutrition and Metabolism·DateFeb 13, 2013

Magnetic shielding of ion beam thruster walls

A research team at Caltech's Jet Propulsion Laboratory has found a way to effectively control erosion of Hall thruster walls by shaping the engine's magnetic field. By minimizing the effect of plasma on the magnetic field lines, they demonstrated 100 to 1,000 times less wall erosion when using magnetic shielding.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 13, 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.

Key molecule suppresses growth of cancerous liver tumors, Mayo study finds

Researchers found that IQGAP1, a molecule controlling cell shape and movement, can suppress the growth of liver tumors when active in surrounding cells. The study provides new insight into cancer metastasis and points to potential therapeutic targets for preventing or treating liver metastases.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 13, 2013

Engineers show feasibility of superfast materials

Engineers at the University of Utah have shown that it is feasible to create organic topological insulators, which can conduct electricity on their edges but act as an insulator inside. This discovery could enable faster-than-light information transfer in quantum computers and spintronics devices.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 13, 2013

Kinect teleport for remote medicine

A new system using Kinect technology and Azure connectivity can replace expensive telemedicine systems, reducing hospital-acquired infections and patient transport costs. The system uses low-bandwidth connections and can be used in areas with unreliable internet, making it a powerful tool for remote communities.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Electronic Finance·DateFeb 13, 2013

Genetic study pursues elusive goal: How many humpbacks existed before whaling?

A genetic analysis reveals that North Atlantic humpback whales once existed in numbers of over 100,000 individuals, with an estimated range of 45,000 to 235,000. The study's findings provide a more accurate estimate than previous catch data and have significant implications for determining the recovery threshold of the species.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalConservation Genetics·DateFeb 13, 2013
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Scientists discover how animals taste, and avoid, high salt concentrations

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have identified two opposing behaviors triggered by salt concentrations in mammals, allowing them to avoid high-salt diets. The discovery may lead to the development of taste modulators to control appetite and reduce the effects of excessive sodium intake.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature·DateFeb 13, 2013

UNC researchers discover gene that suppresses herpesviruses

Researchers at the University of North Carolina have identified a family of human genes known as Tousled-like kinases (TLKs) that play a key role in suppressing and activating herpesviruses. The discovery suggests that suppressing TLK enzymes may help prevent viral replication and reduce the risk of virus-associated cancers.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateFeb 13, 2013
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.

A cooler way to protect silicon surfaces

Researchers at MIT have developed a new passivation process that can protect silicon surfaces at room temperature, reducing energy costs and enabling the production of more efficient solar cells. This breakthrough has the potential to replace traditional silicon nitride coatings, which are currently expensive and finicky.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 13, 2013

Robots with lift

Soft robots designed by Harvard researchers can leap up to a foot in the air using small explosions of methane and oxygen. This fast-acting system could aid in search and rescue missions. The robots' jumping ability is made possible by a simple valve system and the brief, high-energy explosion.

SourceHarvard University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateFeb 13, 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.

Cellular renewal process may underlie benefits of omega fatty acids

Researchers found that omega-6 fatty acids stimulate autophagy in both C. elegans roundworms and human cells, leading to increased lifespan and improved immune response. This discovery suggests that balanced intake of omega nutrients may benefit human health.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalGenes & Development·DateFeb 13, 2013

Study suggests infant deaths can be prevented

Researchers found that blocking a complement protein C5 reduces placental blood vessel growth limitations, allowing for improved fetal survival and growth. The study provides hope for preventing adverse birth outcomes worldwide.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateFeb 13, 2013

Vanderbilt study reveals clues to childhood respiratory virus

The Vanderbilt-led research found that human metapneumovirus is the second leading cause of severe bronchiolitis in young children, affecting more children over age 1 than RSV. The study provides a clearer picture of how this virus impacts children and highlights the need for vaccines to prevent it.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 13, 2013
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Facial structure may predict endorsement of racial prejudice

A new study found that men with a wider face-to-height ratio are more likely to express racist remarks and be less concerned about social pressures. This association was not linked to explicit prejudice, but rather to social dominance.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 13, 2013

Carnegie Mellon brain imaging research shows how unconscious processing improves decision-making

Researchers found that brain regions responsible for making decisions continue to be active even when the conscious brain is distracted, leading to better decision-making. The study suggests that our brains unconsciously process decision information in ways that improve effective problem-solving and decision-making.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateFeb 13, 2013

Study in mice yields Angelman advance

A team of scientists at Brown University has made a breakthrough in understanding the neurological signaling breakdown in Angelman syndrome, a disorder affecting thousands of children. They demonstrated how a synthesized compound called CN2097 works to restore neural functions impaired by the disease.

SourceBrown University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 13, 2013
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.

World first for fly research

The University of Manchester has published the first-ever basic training package for using fruit flies in research, particularly in cancer and Alzheimer's disease studies. The package was developed by Dr Andreas Prokop and aims to educate scientists about the benefits of using Drosophila flies.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·DateFeb 13, 2013

Stem cell source an important factor, impacting ability to treat myocardial infarction

Researchers compared ASCs and BMSCs from an elderly male donor to treat myocardial infarction in a rat model, finding that ASCs preserved more cardiac function. The study suggests age and health status of cell donors may impact the efficacy of stem cells in treating myocardial infarction.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateFeb 13, 2013

Clues to chromosome crossovers

Researchers at UC Davis have identified the essential role of Rnf212 protein in chromosome crossovers, a process vital for sexual reproduction. The study found that Rnf212 defines where crossovers occur, potentially reducing fertility and leading to chromosomal diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 13, 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.

Resistance is futile

Researchers from Russia, Spain, Belgium, the U.K. and the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory have discovered a way to efficiently stabilize tiny magnetic vortices that interfere with superconductivity. This breakthrough could remove one of the most significant roadblocks to advances in superconductor technology.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 13, 2013

By guessing, clinicians may miss 3/4 of alcohol problems

Primary care clinicians may be missing three-fourths of the alcohol problems in their patients due to relying on hunches rather than screening questions. Regular screening with brief alcohol questions can identify individuals at risk and reduce risky drinking, according to a new study.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateFeb 13, 2013

Novel test streamlines testing for Huntington Disease

The novel TP PCR test yields accurate results without unnecessary additional testing, improving diagnosis and prognosis by accurately sizing the genetic abnormality characteristic of HD. The test correctly sized 240 of 246 samples, including those with a wide range of CAG repeats.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateFeb 13, 2013
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

New citation indicators needed to measure research performance

Researchers argue that traditional citation metrics like journal impact factors and h-index are insufficient for comparing the impact of different scientists or publications in unrelated fields. Percentile-based indicators can provide a more accurate assessment of scientific work.

SourceEMBO·JournalEMBO Reports·DateFeb 13, 2013

Wetland trees a significant overlooked source of methane, study finds

Researchers found that wetland trees are a major source of methane emissions, accounting for up to 80% of total emissions. This challenges current models and highlights the importance of including tree emissions in field campaigns. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding methane flux in tropical wetlands.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNew Phytologist·DateFeb 13, 2013

New hope in fight against multi-resistant germs

Scientists at Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research and TWINCORE are studying patient samples to find biomarkers for infectious diseases. The new antibiotic GSK1322322 targets gram-positive bacteria, including MRSA, with minor adverse effects in Phase I clinical trials.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·DateFeb 13, 2013

Team creates MRI for the nanoscale

Researchers create nanoscale MRI using tiny defects in diamonds, enabling detailed visualization of molecules. The technology could revolutionize diagnoses by examining damage on DNA strands or identifying cancer cells with unprecedented resolution.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalScience·DateFeb 13, 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.

Researchers discover biological diversity in triple-negative breast cancer

Researchers have identified at least four disease subtypes within triple-negative breast cancers, highlighting the need for targeted therapies that target individual biomarkers. The Basal-like subtype is the majority of TN patients, and therapies targeting its unique biology are crucial for therapeutic progress.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalThe Oncologist·DateFeb 13, 2013

Busy beavers give Canada geese a lift, study shows

A University of Alberta study reveals that busy beavers contribute to an earlier start for Canada geese's spring nesting by warming ponds and thawing winter snowpack. This helps the birds secure reproductive success.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalMammalian Biology·DateFeb 13, 2013

Study supports regulation of hospitals

A study by Michigan State University researchers found a strong correlation between hospital bed availability and use, even accounting for various factors that may lead to hospitalization. This supports the regulation of hospital beds to align with population health needs.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 13, 2013
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.

Finding 'Mr. Right,' how insects sniff out the perfect mate

Researchers discovered that one wasp species uses a novel third ingredient in its sex pheromone, which is recognized by females only when combined with two original scents. This adaptation allows females to distinguish their own species from others, preventing costly interbreeding.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature·DateFeb 13, 2013

Probiotic-derived treatment offers new hope for premature babies

A new study found that chemicals secreted by good bacteria can reduce the frequency and severity of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants. The treatment, which uses purified secretions from probiotic bacteria, shows promise as a targeted preventive strategy without the broad effects of steroids.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·DateFeb 13, 2013

Rewiring the serotonin system

A team of researchers from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and the University of Houston has found a new way to influence the vital serotonin signaling system. They have linked malfunctions in this system to various health issues, including depression, addictions, epilepsy, obesity, eating disorders, and more.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·DateFeb 13, 2013

We're emotionally distant and that's just fine by me

A new study at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that people who yearn for a more intimate partnership and those who crave more distance are equally at risk for having a problematic relationship. The study's lead author, David M. Frost, PhD, suggests that finding a way to attain an idealized level of closeness...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateFeb 13, 2013
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.

Gene associated with high anxiety can have protective effect on the battlefield

Researchers identified a protective effect of excessive threat vigilance on PTSD development in infantry soldiers during combat deployment. The study found that genetic variations in the serotonin transporter gene were associated with this behavior, which can be trained through attention bias modification to reduce PTSD risk.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateFeb 13, 2013

Origami meets chemistry in scholarly video-article

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University developed self-assembling particles inspired by origami that can be manipulated to fold and seal or open and close. These particles have potential applications in drug delivery, mechanical sensing, bio-sensing technologies, and more.

SourceThe Journal of Visualized Experiments·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateFeb 13, 2013

Sustainable new catalysts fueled by a single proton

A Boston College research team has designed novel small-molecule catalysts triggered by a single proton, enabling efficient and selective fine chemical synthesis. The catalysts, derived from abundant amino acid valine, promote reactions at room temperature with minimal waste generation.

SourceBoston College·JournalNature·DateFeb 13, 2013
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Threat bias interacts with combat, gene to boost PTSD risk

Researchers tracked 1085 male Israeli soldiers to identify predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Soldiers with pre-deployment threat vigilance and an emotion-related gene were more likely to develop PTSD, with a faster reaction time indicating increased threat vigilance.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateFeb 13, 2013

Epigenetics shapes fate of brain vs. brawn castes in carpenter ants

Research on the Florida carpenter ant reveals that epigenetic regulation plays a key role in distinguishing two worker castes with strikingly different behaviors and physical characteristics. Histone modifications, including those influenced by the CBP regulator, are found to correlate with gene expression levels and cognitive abilities.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalGenome Research·DateFeb 13, 2013

Marsh plants actively engineer their landscape

A team of scientists from Duke University and the University of Padova found that marsh plants actively tune their elevations by producing organic soil and accumulating sediments. This complex interplay with the environment helps species stabilize the soil within favorable states, allowing for greater long-term stability.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 13, 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.

Protein central to cancer stem cell formation provides new potential target

Researchers have identified FOXC2 as a protein vital to the formation of cancer stem cells and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer. The study found that blocking FOXC2 with the FDA-approved drug sunitinib inhibited the growth of cancer stem cells and reduced metastasis in mice with triple-negative breast cancer.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Research·DateFeb 13, 2013

Scientists should advance management of behavioral norms

Researchers emphasize the importance of understanding how social and personal norms are influenced by behavior to promote long-term environmental changes. The authors suggest that effective policies can induce changes in norms over time, leading to increased public acceptance of environmental measures.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateFeb 13, 2013

The party in your brain

A team of scientists found that conservatives and liberals use different brain regions when making risky decisions, with 82.9% accuracy in predicting party affiliation.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 13, 2013

Inaugural issue of Big Data journal launched at Strata Conference, Santa Clara, CA

The inaugural issue of Big Data journal launched at the Strata Conference, featuring premium content from leading experts on big data. The Journal aims to facilitate dialogue among researchers, analysts, and policymakers on the challenges and opportunities in big data, published under the Creative Commons Attribution license.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBig Data·DateFeb 13, 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.

Tube versus IV feeding in malnourished pediatric cancer patients

A study published in Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing found that discomfort with tube feeding is the main reason families prefer IV nutrition. Tube feeding is associated with better gut function and lower infection rates, but perceived discomfort leads to a preference for IV feeding.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing·DateFeb 13, 2013

Penn vet team uncovers a pathway that stimulates bone growth

Researchers at Penn Vet have identified a new pathway for stimulating bone growth using the protein Jagged-1. This discovery has the potential to treat bone fractures and improve outcomes for patients with rare metabolic conditions like Alagille syndrome.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalStem Cells·DateFeb 13, 2013

GPA may be contagious in high-school social networks

A study published in PLOS ONE found that high school students whose friends had higher GPAs were more likely to increase their own scores over time. The researchers also discovered that social connections with weaker academic performers could lead to decreased grades.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 13, 2013

Cracking the semantic code

The study proposes that half of a concept's meaning is a summary of how rewarding and risky an object is. The researchers used internet blogs to estimate the number of good or bad things associated with objects, finding that 'evaluation' and 'activity' dimensions were strong predictors of word usage.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 13, 2013
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.