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Science News Archive February 2013


Page 2 of 28

DNA's twisted communication

A team of scientists at EMBL has discovered how the genome is controlled by a series of multiple, interdependent regulatory elements. These elements are clustered together and control specific genes like Fgf8, which is crucial for limb growth and brain development.

Pour, shake and stir

A diagnostic 'cocktail' containing a single drop of blood, a dribble of water, and a dose of DNA powder with gold particles can mean rapid diagnosis and treatment of the world's leading diseases. The technology uses nanoparticles to target and illuminate cancer cells and tumours.

Pixels guide the way for the visually impaired

Researchers developed a pixelated vision system to enhance retinal implants, allowing patients to detect motion, large objects, and improve orientation. The system uses mathematical algorithms to pick out salient locations in images and provides directional cues for navigation tasks.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Metal ions regulate terpenoid metabolism in insects

Researchers discovered that metal ions cobalt, manganese, and magnesium control the production of different terpenoids in insect larvae, one for defense and another for juvenile hormones. This study highlights the importance of metal ions in regulating metabolic pathways and challenges the traditional view of enzyme specificity.

Saharan and Asian dust, biological particles end global journey in California

A study by UCSD and NOAA finds that aerosols from the Sahara desert help spur precipitation in California, highlighting the impact of global weather patterns on regional water supplies. The research uses advanced instruments to track the journey of aerosols across continents and demonstrates their role in seeding storm clouds.

Scientists call for legal trade in rhino horn

Leading environmental scientists propose a highly regulated legal trade in rhino horn to conserve Africa's remaining rhinos. The plan, published in the journal Science, could meet global demand for horn by humanely shaving horns of live rhinos or animals dying of natural causes.

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.

Cell movement explained by molecular recycling

Researchers at the University of Manchester identified the method by which cells regulate integrin recycling, allowing precise control over cell movement. Syndecan-4 plays a critical role in regulating this process, responding to subtle changes in the cell's surroundings.

LSU researchers find new information about 'Snowball Earth' period

Researchers found evidence of a unique post-glacial world, revealing life's remarkable ability to restore balance after a global glaciation. The study estimates the Marinoan Oxygen-17 Depletion event lasted 0-1 million years, suggesting an ultra-high carbon dioxide atmosphere following the Snowball Earth glaciation.

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.

Fighting GM crop vandalism with a government-protected research site

A Swiss government-protected field site will provide a secure environment for GM crop researchers, enabling them to conduct experiments without security measures. This model could help European countries evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of GM crops in an objective manner.

Third radiation belt discovered with UNH-led instrument suite

The Radiation Belt Storm Probes mission, led by the University of New Hampshire, has discovered a transient third radiation belt formed in the wake of a powerful solar event. The new belt was detected using the Relativistic Electron-Proton Telescope and is located at an inner edge of the outer electron belt.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Where the wild things go… when there's nowhere else

A Princeton University study reveals that endangered species, such as Sumatran orangutans and Javan leopards, are increasingly taking up residence in swamp forests in Africa and Asia. These areas often lack food sources and fresh water, yet provide a crucial habitat for these animals.

Clogged heart arteries can foreshadow stroke

Researchers found that blockages in coronary arteries, as measured by non-invasive CT scans, were significantly higher in patients who experienced a stroke. CAC levels above 400 Hounsfield units increased the risk of stroke three times in those under 65 and at low cardiovascular risk.

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.

Winner of Physics Journalism Prize announced

The inaugural Physics Journalism Prize has been awarded to Anil Ananthaswamy for his article Hip Hip Array, which explores the Square Kilometre Array project. The prize is sponsored by IOP Publishing and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), and includes a £10,000 award and an expenses-paid trip to Japan.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Exploring the inner world of carnivorous plants

Carnivorous plants have evolved cup-shaped leaves to catch prey, allowing them to thrive in nutrient-poor environments. The study aims to uncover the rules of growth and evolution behind these complex forms, combining observations, 3D imaging, and genetic analysis.

Modified bacteria turn waste into fat for fuel

Researchers at Rice University have developed a process to produce fatty acids from plant biomass using genetically modified E. coli bacteria. The new method has shown significant improvements in yield and efficiency, with the potential to produce millions of tons of fuel per year.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Lipid researcher, 98, reports on the dietary causes of heart disease

A study by 98-year-old researcher Fred Kummerow found that oxidized lipids contribute to heart disease by increasing calcium deposition on the arterial wall and interrupting blood flow. Oxidized cholesterol was also linked to an increased synthesis of a blood-clotting agent, thromboxane.

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.

New insight into how people choose insurance plans

A new study suggests that consumers select health insurance plans based on both their overall wellness level and anticipated response to having insurance. The research indicates that people with lower behavioral responses to the contract are more likely to opt for high-deductible plans.

Ectopic eyes function without connection to brain

Scientists at Tufts University have shown that transplanted eyes can confer vision without a direct neural connection to the brain. The study used frog models and found that ectopic eyes could 'see' and elicit responses similar to those of animals with natural eyes.

Defining the new normal in aging

Researchers argue that traditional notions of healthy and successful aging fall short for many Canadians living with chronic diseases. Instead, they advocate for supporting older adults to live well according to their own definitions of health.

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.

Promising breakthrough for transplant patients

A team led by Dr. Marie-Josée Hébert discovered a new class of antibodies - anti-LG3 - which can trigger severe rejection episodes and high organ loss rates in kidney transplant patients. This breakthrough holds promise for developing new therapies to prevent or limit organ rejection.

The NHL drafts the wrong players due to birthday bias

A new study by Grand Valley State University researchers found that NHL teams tend to favor older players, resulting in underestimating the potential of younger players. The study shows that players born between July and December have a higher success rate than those born in the first three months of the year.

New study shows viruses can have immune systems

A new study reveals that certain viruses, known as bacteriophages, can hijack the immune systems of bacteria to overcome their defenses. This discovery has significant implications for phage therapy, which could potentially treat bacterial infections resistant to antibiotics.

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.

Physicists demonstrate the acceleration of electrons by a laser in a vacuum

Researchers demonstrate acceleration of electrons by a laser in free space, a significant breakthrough with implications for fusion as a new energy source. The capture-acceleration scenario, proposed by Yu-kun Ho's group, explains how a tightly focused laser can create a channel for electrons to receive energy gain.

Trust makes you delusional and that's not all bad

Research from Northwestern University and Redeemer University College found that trusting partners remember transgressions as less severe, while low-trust partners recall them as more severe. This distorted memory affects how individuals think about their partner and relationship.

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.

Reap what you sow? When it comes to exercise, benefits may differ

Researchers at the University of Michigan are studying how exercise affects lean and obese rats to better understand insulin resistance and muscle glucose uptake. By comparing responses in both groups, they aim to develop more effective treatments for improving health across different populations.

Supermassive black hole spins super-fast

Astronomers have measured the spin rate of a supermassive black hole, providing insights into the galaxy's evolution. The black hole's spin is linked to its accretion disk and can offer clues about the galaxy's past.

Researchers look to breath to identify stress

A pilot study found six compounds in the breath that increase following stressful mental arithmetic exercises, which may lead to a rapid stress detector. The study's findings are promising but need to be scaled-up with more people and settings before concrete conclusions can be made.

Gut microbiota research: Pinpointing a moving target

Researchers are working to improve study design and sample collection to better understand the composition and effects of the gut microbiota. The American Gastroenterological Association hosted a World Summit on Gut Microbiota For Health, where experts discussed future research directions.

Swine cells could power artificial liver

A line of special liver cells called PICM-19 has the potential to perform many of the same functions as a human liver. The immortal cell line can be used to study various diseases, including liver cancers and cystic fibrosis, and may enable the development of artificial liver devices.

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.

Silver nanoparticles may adversely affect environment

Researchers at Duke University found that silver nanoparticles can have adverse effects on plants and microorganisms in low doses, leading to reduced biomass and altered enzyme activity. The study's findings highlight the need for further research into the environmental impact of these particles.

GSA Today: Putting time in its place

A team of scientists proposes a new system for classifying units of the Geological Time Scale, resolving the debate between single-time and dual-time hierarchies. The proposed realignment maintains both parallel sets of units, allowing for flexibility in choosing one or the other as needed.

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.

How much protection is enough?

Protection of marine areas from fishing significantly increases fish density and biomass. Even partial protection yields a 50% increase in biomass for target species like lobsters and scallops. However, the success of marine protection depends on its size and management style.