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Science News for February 15, 2013


Genetic components of political preference

Research by Brown University professor Rose McDermott suggests a significant genetic component in shaping political preferences, particularly along the conservative-liberal spectrum. This finding could have implications for policy decisions and targeted interventions.

SourceBrown University·DateFeb 15, 2013

MSU launches groundbreaking drug trial in Africa

A Michigan State University research team begins a groundbreaking clinical drug trial to control seizures caused by cerebral malaria, which affects brain function in three million children. The trial aims to improve seizure control and potentially prevent epilepsy.

SourceMichigan State University·DateFeb 15, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Neuronal activity induces tau release from healthy neurons

Researchers discover that neuronal activity induces tau release from healthy neurons, suggesting a physiological process that can be regulated by neural activity. The study suggests that altered tau release may occur in response to changes in neuronal excitability in the Alzheimer's brain.

SourceEMBO·JournalEMBO Reports·DateFeb 15, 2013

Not your conventional nucleic acids

Researchers at Northwestern University develop spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) for biomedical applications, offering improved delivery and targeting of therapeutics. SNAs show promise in treating genetic diseases and neurological disorders, including glioblastoma and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateFeb 15, 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.

Early education closes achievement gap, brings societal benefits

Scientific evidence supports early education's lasting impact on children's lives and society as a whole. Research from the Abecedarian Project shows that well-prepared children are more likely to be consistently employed and less reliant on public assistance.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateFeb 15, 2013

The same genetic defect causes Pompe disease in both humans and dogs

A genetic mutation causing Pompe disease has been found in both humans and dogs. A genetic test can now diagnose canine Pompe disease, allowing for the identification of affected individuals and their breeding lines. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatment options and disease management.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 15, 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.

UC research takes a new approach to identifying 'food deserts'

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati developed a new method to identify 'food deserts' by analyzing commuting patterns. They found that residents in certain zones had better access to supermarkets due to their daily commutes. This study aims to provide new insights for public and transportation policy makers

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalHealth & Place·DateFeb 15, 2013

Research finds promising approaches to prevent Latino childhood obesity

A collection of studies from Salud America! presents promising approaches to prevent Latino childhood obesity, including guided grocery store trips, community gardens, and video-game-based exercise programs. These culturally appropriate strategies aim to address the root causes of obesity among Latino children and families.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateFeb 15, 2013

Is there a Neanderthal in the house?

Researchers examine how our evolutionary history contributes to current health problems, such as obesity and childbirth complications. They suggest that understanding our past can help us better address these issues with alternative solutions like doula support during birth.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateFeb 15, 2013

To feed the world, give women equal rights

To feed the world, Paul Ehrlich advocates for a bottom-up movement focusing on agricultural and demographic planning to address overpopulation and overconsumption. Giving women equal rights is a crucial first step in this effort.

SourceStanford University·DateFeb 15, 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.

Can hospital readmission rates be trusted?

A recent study found that 25% of hospital readmissions for spine surgery patients were not due to true quality-of-care issues. Planned readmissions, unrelated surgeries, and rescheduled procedures were among the cases not counted against hospitals. The study suggests modifying the calculation method to make it more clinically relevant.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateFeb 15, 2013

Evolutionary origins of human dietary patterns

A study by William Leonard examines the roles of diet and energy expenditure in contributing to obesity. The research shows that human dietary patterns have evolved over time, with a shift from subsistence to modern lifestyles leading to increased energy imbalances.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateFeb 15, 2013
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.

Statistics help clear fog for better climate change picture

Researchers are using statistical approaches to analyze climate change risks, including the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. Bayesian statistics is a key tool in quantifying uncertainty and predicting future events. Collaboration between disciplines is essential for advancing climate science and risk management.

SourcePenn State·DateFeb 15, 2013

Researchers uncover new findings on genetic risks of Behçet's disease

Researchers have identified novel gene variants linked to Behçet's disease, a chronic condition causing painful ulcers and brain inflammation. The study also reveals multiple independent genetic risk regions within the HLA region, which could lead to better understanding and treatment options for this devastating illness.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 15, 2013

Wild plants are infected with many viruses and still thrive

Researchers found that wild plants with multiple viral infections remained healthy, suggesting a cooperative role for the microbe. The viruses were passed from plants to their offspring through seeds and may play a beneficial role in plant life, making them more resilient to extreme temperatures and drought.

SourcePenn State·DateFeb 15, 2013
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.

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.

UTSW researchers identify new enzyme that acts as innate immunity sensor

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified a new enzyme, cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS), that acts as an innate immunity sensor. The discovery sheds light on the mechanism underlying immune responses to foreign DNA and may lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalScience·DateFeb 15, 2013

The science of uncertainty in genomic medicine

The precise determination of genomic information is hindered by a lack of understanding of sequence variations. Interdisciplinary teams are needed to address the substantial uncertainty in interpreting genomic data for better application.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateFeb 15, 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.

Breast cancer risk prediction model for African American women underestimates risk

A new study found that a commonly used breast cancer risk prediction model developed for African Americans tends to underestimate risk in certain subgroups, particularly those who first gave birth at an older age. The researchers conclude that a better risk model is needed for estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer, a subtype disprop...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 15, 2013

Climate change's costly wild weather consequences

Research suggests that human-driven climate change will lead to more frequent and severe weather events in the US, including multi-day heat waves and heavy precipitation. As a result, extreme weather-related disasters are expected to incur significant expenses, affecting both public funds and private equity.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateFeb 15, 2013

Rutgers physicists test highly flexible organic semiconductors

Researchers at Rutgers University have demonstrated extremely flexible organic semiconductors that can withstand multiple bending cycles, paving the way for thin-sheet plastic displays or wearable circuitry. The technology has the potential to enable low-cost printed electronics with applications in various industries.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 15, 2013

Extreme winters impact fish negatively

Research at Umea University found that extreme winter conditions impact fish negatively, particularly in streams and rivers with radical flow changes and anchor ice formation. The study highlights the need for more measurements and consideration of winter conditions in models to manage streams and rivers sustainably.

SourceUmea University·JournalBioScience·DateFeb 15, 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.

Playing quantum tricks with measurements

Researchers at the University of Innsbruck successfully reversed a quantum measurement using quantum error correction protocol, which contradicts foundational principles. This experiment demonstrates that information can be reconstructed from entangled states after individual particle measurements.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 15, 2013

JCI early table of contents for Feb. 15, 2013

Researchers found that cigarette smoke-induced miRNA alterations promote lung carcinogenesis by repressing miR-487b. Additionally, high levels of ox-CaMKII are linked to increased risk of sudden death after heart attack in diabetic patients, suggesting a potential mechanism for increased mortality.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 15, 2013

This is why it takes so long to get over tendon injuries

Researchers discovered that Achilles tendons retain high levels of carbon-14 from the Cold War era, indicating limited renewal and a slow healing process. This finding explains why tendon injuries often persist for years, but also opens up opportunities for developing new treatments to provoke dormant cells into repairing the tendon.

SourceAarhus University·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateFeb 15, 2013

The discovery of a new genus of crustacean and 5 new species

Experts from Spain have discovered a new genus of crustacean, Triodonthea, and five new species within the Lauriea genus in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. These species are genetically distinct but morphologically similar, with some being endemic to specific regions.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalZootaxa·DateFeb 15, 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.

A smoking gun in lung cancer epigenetics

A recent study reveals that cigarette smoke-induced miRNA expression alterations, specifically the repression of miR-487b, play a crucial role in lung carcinogenesis. Loss of miR-487b increases oncogene expression and enhances tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis in both normal and cancer cells.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 15, 2013

Forget about leprechauns, engineers are catching rainbows

Researchers developed a hyperbolic metamaterial waveguide to catch a 'rainbow' of wavelengths, halting and absorbing each frequency of light. This advancement could lead to new technologies in electronics, solar panels, and stealth coating materials.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 15, 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.

Force is the key to granular state-shifting

Researchers found that forces between individual grains are what drives changes in behavior and state of granular materials like sand or dirt, not temperature. This discovery reveals a new understanding of how granular systems equilibrate, challenging the conventional wisdom on thermodynamics.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 15, 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.

Mari's presentation tops ANZFSS International Symposium

Mari Uchimoto's award-winning presentation at ANZFSS International Symposium showcased a new method to identify body fluids using microRNA analysis, potentially aiding rape cases. This technique can distinguish between different bodily fluids, providing vital evidence for prosecutions or defenses.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·DateFeb 15, 2013

Data challenges the APB on BPA

A recent analysis of almost 150 BPA studies shows that human exposure levels are likely too low for estrogenic effects. The study found that blood concentrations of BPA are many times lower than those causing toxicity in animals, suggesting that animal studies may not accurately reflect the human BPA experience.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateFeb 15, 2013

Nano-machines for 'bionic proteins'

Physicists at the University of Vienna created nano-machines that replicate protein functions, enabling innovative pharmaceutical research. These 'bionic proteins' could be used as stable drug delivery vehicles and enzyme-like catalysts, revolutionizing various biological processes.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 15, 2013