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Science News Archive February 2013


Page 21 of 28

Forensic pathology: tracing the origin of the Usutu Virus

A team at Vienna University of Veterinary Medicine found the same strain of Usutu virus in dead blackbirds in Italy in 1996 as in Austria's cases. This suggests the virus was present in Italy before reaching Europe, and forensic pathology can help unravel origins of emerging diseases.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cupid's arrow: Notre Dame Research illuminates laws of attraction

University of Notre Dame Sociologist Elizabeth McClintock's research offers new insights into physical attractiveness and age on mate selection. Her studies show that very physically attractive women are more likely to form exclusive relationships, while thinner women report fewer sexual partners.

Support needed for children losing parent at early age

A study exploring the impact of early parental death found that individuals experiencing bereavement as children are more likely to experience low self-esteem, loneliness, and isolation in adult life. Researchers recommend providing essential practical support and maintaining social networks to mitigate these effects.

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.

Bronchiectasis increases mortality risk in moderate-to-severe COPD

A new study has found that bronchiectasis is independently associated with an increased mortality risk in patients with moderate-to-severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The presence and severity of bronchiectasis were linked to a higher risk of death, independent of other known risk factors.

Targeting T cells in rheumatoid arthritis

A subset of regulatory T cells has been identified that can remove pathogenic T cells, inhibiting disease progression in RA-like conditions. Small proteins have also been found to induce more of these beneficial T cells.

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 strategy prevents rheumatoid arthritis in mice

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have developed a new approach to treating autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Infusing CD8+ Treg cells into arthritis-prone mice shut down the inflammatory cascade that damages tissues and joints, significantly slowing disease progression.

Putting our heads together: Canines may hold clues to human skull development

Scientists review research on dog cranium development to identify genetic variations that may inform human skull development. The study suggests a connection between canine and human craniofacial development, potentially leading to new insights into craniofacial deformities such as Apert, Crouzon, and Pfeiffer syndromes.

Implants make light work of fixing broken bones

Artificial bone created using stem cells and lightweight plastic can heal shattered limbs by encouraging real bone growth. The implant's honeycomb structure allows blood to flow through it, supporting the attachment of patient-derived stem cells.

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.

Premiums for public health insurance affect coverage

A study by Georgetown University researchers found that requiring premiums for public health insurance coverage can counteract its expansion effects. The Affordable Care Act subsidies play a crucial role in making health insurance more affordable, affecting the number of uninsured individuals.

Using Twitter to predict the influence of lifestyle on health

Researchers used Twitter data to model how lifestyle factors such as social status, pollution exposure, and interpersonal interaction influence health. They found that even people who regularly talk about exercising get sick more often than those who actually exercise.

New brain-test app

A new study by researchers at the University of Bergen found that an iPhone app, iDichotic, produces as reliable results as laboratory tests. The app measures brain function in language processing and attention, opening up new possibilities for psychological research and remote testing.

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.

Got to go? Harvard scientists figure out how you know

Researchers have identified a new mechanism by which the bladder senses its level of fullness through integrin proteins. This discovery may lead to the development of new drugs targeting this pathway to treat overactive bladder and incontinence.

For ant pupae, status means being heard

Ant pupae employ acoustics to signal their rightful place in the colony's hierarchy, influencing adult ants' behavior. Researchers discovered that pupae make sounds similar to adults with 'file and scraper' organs, essential for maintaining social status.

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.

Magnetic map guides salmon home

Researchers found that sockeye salmon imprint on the magnetic field they experience when first entering the sea as juveniles, using it as a homing mechanism. This discovery has practical applications for predicting salmon distribution and understanding the impact of environmental changes on their navigation.

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.

Protein paves the way for correct stem cell differentiation

Researchers from University of Copenhagen identify Fbxl10 as crucial for embryonic stem cell differentiation and suggest it as a potential target for cancer therapy. The protein recruits Polycomb complexes to silence genes, maintaining cellular identity.

Frequent dialysis poses risks for kidney disease patients

A study found that frequent dialysis can cause complications related to repeated access to the blood, including repair procedures and hospitalizations. The risk of these events was 76% higher with daily hemodialysis compared to conventional hemodialysis.

Peering into living cells -- without dye nor fluophore

Researchers at EPFL have created a device that combines holographic microscopy and computational image processing to observe living biological tissues at the nanoscale. Three-dimensional images of living cells can be obtained in just a few minutes with an incredibly precise resolution of less than 100 nanometers.

UAB researchers cure type 1 diabetes in dogs

Researchers from UAB have shown that gene therapy can cure type 1 diabetes in large animals with a single session. The therapy uses a 'glucose sensor' to regulate blood sugar levels, reducing diabetic hyperglycemia and preventing complications.

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.

Excess protein linked to development of Parkinson's disease

Researchers found that excess alpha-synuclein protein disrupts vital recycling processes in neurons, leading to progressive degeneration and cell death. The study provides a structural and mechanistic explanation for the progression of Parkinson's disease, shedding light on its causes and mechanisms.

Permanent stress can cause type 2 diabetes in men

A large population-based cohort study of 7,500 men in Sweden found that permanent stress increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. The study showed that men who reported permanent stress had a significantly higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those with no or periodic stress.

Southern diet could raise your risk of stroke

Research found that a high intake of Southern-style foods, including fried chicken, bacon, and sugary drinks, was associated with a higher risk of stroke. In contrast, those who ate more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains had a lower risk of stroke.

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.

Hopkins researchers uncover key to antidepressant response

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have discovered a key protein that antidepressants and electroconvulsive therapy target to relieve depression by stimulating stem cells in the brain. This finding could lead to genetic tests to predict individual responses to therapy and develop new treatments.

Observed: The outburst before the blast

Scientists have observed a rare pre-explosion outburst occurring just one month before a massive star underwent a supernova explosion. The findings validate a particular model predicting this type of event and provide insight into the processes taking place in the cores of such massive stars.

Waste dump at the end of the world

Researchers from Jena University warn of severe environmental damage in the Antarctic due to human activities such as vehicle tracks and building work. They suggest designating the Fildes Peninsula as an 'Antarctic Specially Managed Area' to reduce conflicting interests and protect the unique flora and fauna.

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.

Asians are far more likely than Anglos to be college-educated

The study found that growing proportions of Harris County's Asian adults are now the U.S.-born children of Asian immigrants, and they are even better educated than their parents. This demographic shift suggests a changing face for the local Asian population in Houston.

NASA sees the sun produce 2 CMEs

Two coronal mass ejections (CMEs) were observed by NASA's Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory and Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, emitting solar particles into space at speeds of up to 750 miles per second. Historically, CMEs of this strength have caused minimal effects on Earth

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Surgical procedure appears to improve outcomes after bleeding stroke

A minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove blood clots in brain tissue after hemorrhagic stroke appears safe and effective in improving long-term disability and reducing hospital time. The study found that patients treated with the surgery had less disability, spent less time in the hospital, and were less likely to be in a long...

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.

Largest-ever study of mammalian ancestry completed by renowned research team

Researchers from Carnegie Museum of Natural History joined an international collaboration to create the most complete picture yet of placental mammals' evolution. The study combined molecular and morphological data on over 83 species, revealing new insights into their ancestry and shedding light on extinct species.

Scientists team with business innovators to solve 'big data' bottleneck

Scientists from Harvard Medical School and business innovators used a crowdsourcing platform to analyze vast amounts of genetic data, achieving unprecedented accuracy and speed. The study demonstrates the potential for combining basic science research with commercial sector expertise to solve complex problems.

Canadian researcher helps put humans on the tree of life

A University of Toronto Scarborough researcher helped create a family tree of placental mammals, placing humans in the tree of life. The study used genetic and physical traits to conclude that placental mammals diversified much later than previously thought, with all major groups alive today originating after the dinosaurs' extinction.

Fruits and vegetables may help protect the kidneys

Adding fruits and vegetables to the diet has been shown to reduce metabolic acidosis and kidney injury in late-stage chronic kidney disease patients. One-year plasma total carbon dioxide levels increased in both groups, indicating a lessening of metabolic acidosis.

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.

GSA receives grant to strengthen social work practice for older adults

The Gerontological Society of America has received a three-year grant to build upon its success in training geriatric social workers. The grant aims to establish a National Center on Gerontological Social Work Excellence, focusing on collaboration with the VA and mobilizing the HGSWI Alumni Network.

Poll: Americans back climate change regulation, not taxes

A new national poll conducted by Duke University found that 64% of Americans strongly support regulating greenhouse gas emissions and requiring utilities to switch to lower-carbon fuel sources. However, support for market-based approaches like cap-and-trade or a carbon tax is low, with only 29% in favor.

ORNL scientists solve mercury mystery, Science reports

Researchers at ORNL have solved the mystery of how bacteria convert mercury into methylmercury, a far more toxic form. The team identified two genes, hgcA and hgcB, responsible for this conversion process, which has significant implications for protecting human health.