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Science News for February 24, 2013


Fragments of continents hidden under lava in the Indian Ocean

Researchers found evidence of a previously unknown micro-continent, Mauritia, beneath the Indian Ocean using dating methods and plate tectonics analysis. The discovery suggests that such micro-continents may occur more frequently than previously thought and were carried by lava to their current location.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 24, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Distinct niches in bone marrow nurture blood stem cells

Scientists found that distinct niches exist in bone marrow to nurture different types of blood stem cells, which could improve the success of stem cell transplants and chemotherapy. The discovery suggests that targeting specific support cells may be therapeutic for treating certain cancers.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateFeb 24, 2013

Laser mastery narrows down sources of superconductivity

Researchers at MIT and Brookhaven Lab use ultrafast spectroscopy techniques to study electron waves in custom-grown materials. They discover that CDWs are an independent instability and likely competing with the HTS state, not its root cause.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 24, 2013

Taking the gamble out of DNA sequencing

USC scientists have developed an algorithm to predict the value of DNA sequencing, which could make it more affordable for clinics. The algorithm uses a model from ecology known as capture-recapture to estimate population sizes, with potential applications in public health, astronomy, and biology.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Methods·DateFeb 24, 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.

Ability of brain to protect itself from damage revealed

Researchers at the University of Oxford have identified a natural biological mechanism that allows brain cells to survive during a stroke, enabling the development of potential neuroprotective drugs. The 'endogenous neuroprotection' discovered in rats has shown to increase cell survival by stimulating production of hamartin protein.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 24, 2013

New type of gene that regulates tumor suppressor PTEN identified

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a new pseudogene that regulates the tumour-suppressing PTEN gene, enabling its potential reversal. This finding could lead to more effective cancer treatments by reprogramming cancer cells and preventing resistance.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateFeb 24, 2013

Scientists find bone-marrow environment that helps produce infection-fighting T and B cells

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered an osteoblastic niche in the bone marrow that nurtures early lymphoid progenitors, specialized blood-forming cells responsible for producing T cells and B cells. This finding may lead to improved safety and effectiveness of bone-marrow transplants and treatments for illnesse...

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature·DateFeb 24, 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.

UN sustainable energy initiative could put world on a path to climate targets

A new study suggests that achieving the UN's Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All) objectives by 2030 could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help limit global temperature rise to 2°C. The initiative includes providing universal access to modern energy, doubling renewable energy globally, and improving energy efficiency.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 24, 2013

Scientists find surprising new influence on cancer genes

A new study reveals that pseudogenes can regulate cancer-related genes like PTEN, potentially leading to new treatments. The research found that pseudogenes sharing sequences with PTEN can control its activity in two ways.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateFeb 24, 2013

Analytical trick accelerates protein studies

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a new technique to accelerate protein analysis, allowing for the simultaneous identification of proteins in multiple samples. This breakthrough could lead to faster diagnosis of cancer and the discovery of novel drug targets.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Methods·DateFeb 24, 2013

Graphene: A material that multiplies the power of light

Researchers at ICFO have discovered that graphene can convert a single photon into multiple excited electrons, generating larger electrical signals. This feature makes graphene an ideal building block for devices relying on converting light into electricity, with potential applications in solar cells and efficient light detection.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 24, 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.

Quantum algorithm breakthrough

Researchers at the University of Bristol successfully implemented a full quantum circuit to calculate unknown eigenvalues using a quantum algorithm without prior knowledge. This achievement marks an important step towards practical quantum computing, enabling applications in quantum simulations and metrology.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Photonics·DateFeb 24, 2013

Preventing chronic pain with stress management

Researchers found that individuals with a smaller hippocampus are more vulnerable to stress and pain, leading to increased risk of chronic pain. Stress management techniques, such as relaxation and meditation, may help alleviate symptoms and prevent chronicity.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalBrain·DateFeb 24, 2013

Pain from the brain

Researchers found abnormal brain activity in individuals with psychogenic disease, which is caused by emotional or mental stresses. The study suggests that understanding these underlying mechanisms could lead to better treatment options and improved patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBrain·DateFeb 24, 2013