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Science News Archive February 2013


Page 6 of 28

A new look at high-temperature superconductors

Researchers at MIT have detected fluctuating charge-density waves in high-temperature superconductors, a key finding that could help understand the phenomenon and potentially lead to room-temperature superconductors. The new technique sheds light on the exotic state of matter, which has remained poorly understood despite intense research.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cleveland Clinic researcher receives grant to fund autism research

Researchers will use a novel model and emerging technology to study astrocytes in autism spectrum disorders, providing a framework for future strategies. The grant supports Trapp's work on mechanisms of neurodegeneration and repair in multiple sclerosis and related conditions.

Prenatal DHA reduces early preterm birth, low birth weight

Researchers found that prenatal DHA supplementation increased mean birth weight and gestational age, reducing the risk of very low birth weight and early preterm delivery. The study supports the use of dietary supplements during pregnancy to improve infant health outcomes.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

EAU Patient Information now available in Spanish and Greek

The EAU has made its patient information available in Spanish and Greek to cater to patients from diverse linguistic backgrounds. This move aims to provide trustworthy information on urological diseases to all European patients, with translations coordinated by national societies.

Cortisone can increase risk of acute pancreatitis

A new study from Karolinska Institutet reveals that cortisone increases the risk of acute pancreatitis. Patients treated with cortisone are recommended to avoid alcohol and smoking to minimize the risk. The study found a 70% higher risk of developing acute pancreatitis among those taking cortisone tablet form.

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.

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for Feb. 26, 2013

The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends against daily supplementation with vitamin D ≤ 400 IU and calcium ≤ 1,000 mg for fracture prevention in postmenopausal women. Daily supplementation has no net benefit and increases the risk of kidney stones, according to a systematic evidence review.

Higher levels of several toxic metals found in children with autism

Research at Arizona State University has found that children with autism have higher levels of several toxic metals in their blood and urine compared to typical children. The study's findings suggest a strong association between toxic metal levels and variations in autism severity.

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.

Can qigong reduce cocaine cravings in early addiction recovery?

A pilot study shows that qigong therapy significantly reduced cocaine cravings and depression symptoms in individuals undergoing residential substance abuse treatment. This promising treatment approach may have profound consequences in drug rehabilitation programs.

Clues to climate cycles dug from south pole snow pit

Researchers have discovered a 22-year record of atmospheric chemistry in Antarctic snow, revealing clear connections between oxygen anomalies and global El Nino events. This breakthrough enables the reconstruction of paleoclimate cycles, providing new insights into Earth's climate history.

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.

Tweaking gene expression to repair lungs

Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered a way to repair lung damage caused by asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by tweaking gene expression. They found that epigenetic regulators, including HDAC2, play a critical role in regulating lung development and regeneration.

Virus shows promise as prostate cancer treatment

A modified Newcastle disease virus has been developed to target prostate cancer cells without harming normal cells, offering a new treatment option for hormone-refractory patients. This oncolytic virus uses a retargeted design to minimize off-target losses and reduce the amount of virus needed for treatment.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The ultimate chimp challenge

Researchers at the Zoological Society of London found that chimpanzees enjoy solving a challenging puzzle as much as humans do. The chimps used sticks to redirect red dice through pipes until they fell into an exit chamber, demonstrating their problem-solving skills and ability to experience satisfaction without food rewards.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

How to mend a broken heart: Advances in parthenogenic stem cells

Researchers at Georg-August-Universität Göttingen used parthenogenic stem cells to create cardiomyocytes and engineered heart muscle with normal properties. This breakthrough demonstrates the potential of parthenogenic stem cells for tissue engineering and could lead to new cell replacement therapies.

Pulmonary fibrosis: Between a ROCK and a hard place

Pulmonary fibrosis is a scarring of the lungs that causes shortness of breath and fatigue. Researchers identified a mechanosensitive cellular signaling pathway in myofibroblasts, which promotes survival and prevents normal cell disappearance after wound healing.

Flipping the 'off' switch on cell growth

A Johns Hopkins research team has identified a protein called HIF-1α that helps cells slow down their growth in response to low oxygen levels. This process can potentially be used to treat diseases such as cancer and other conditions where cell growth is uncontrolled.

Clean energy research targets idle engines

A new research project aims to develop sustainable air conditioning and refrigeration systems for vehicles, reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The technology uses waste heat from engine exhaust to power the system, resulting in a significant reduction in emissions and energy consumption.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

JCI early table of contents for Feb. 22, 2013

Scientists successfully use parthenogenic stem cells to develop functional heart muscle and treat pulmonary fibrosis. Researchers find that inhibiting a protein called ROCK attenuates myofibroblast survival and prevents lung scarring.

The lifetime journeys of manure-based microbes

Researchers identified diverse microbial communities in cattle manure, with some bacteria present in beef cattle not found in dairy cows. Diet and tillage management also affected pathogen transport in field runoff, highlighting the importance of soil management for food safety.

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.

Controversial dam removals founded on value conflicts

Researchers found that opponents of dam removal value aesthetics, cultural heritage, and recreational activities, while supporters prioritize ecological benefits and game fish restoration. Compromise solutions may be challenging due to differing ecosystem service values.

Light from silicon nanocrystal LEDs

Researchers from KIT and the University of Toronto have successfully manufactured highly efficient light-emitting diodes using silicon nanocrystals. The SiLEDs can produce light in various colors and have a surprising long-term stability, making them an attractive alternative to existing LEDs.

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.

Asteroid searchers take the high ground

The University of Calgary has launched a satellite to track near-Earth asteroids, enabling researchers to study these rare and difficult-to-detect objects. The NEOSSat satellite will enable scientists to take hundreds of sensitive images daily to search for moving dots of light that represent asteroids.