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Science News Archive February 2013 - Page 23


Page 23 of 28

University of Minnesota researchers discover enzyme behind breast cancer mutations

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have identified an enzyme called APOBEC3B as a key player in causing DNA mutations found in most breast cancers. The discovery may lead to new diagnostic methods and treatments that can prevent or block these harmful mutations, offering hope for improved breast cancer outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Academic Health Center·JournalNature·DateFeb 6, 2013

The deep roots of catastrophe

Researchers found a Florida-sized zone of partly molten rock beneath the Pacific Ocean, which could trigger massive eruptions. The collision between two or more continent-sized piles may lead to supervolcano-like eruptions and large igneous provinces.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateFeb 6, 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.

Scientists discover how chromosomes keep their loose ends loose

Researchers have discovered that TRF2 suppresses DNA damage response by blocking signaling pathways, preventing chromosomes from sticking together. This finding has implications for understanding cancer and the aging process, as telomere shortening can lead to chromosomal instability.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature·DateFeb 6, 2013

Stanford researcher sheds new light on the mysteries of spider silk

A Stanford researcher has developed a non-invasive technique to measure the mechanical properties of an intact spider web, revealing surprising variations in stiffness and supercontraction. The study provides insights into the behavior of nature's strongest material and its potential applications in engineering bio-inspired materials.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 6, 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.

Preserving biodiversity can be compatible with intensive agriculture

A new study by Karl Zimmerer and colleagues found that small-scale farmers in Bolivia, Peru, and Mexico can successfully cultivate genetically diverse local crops alongside intensive agriculture. These farms often rely on remittances from migrant communities, which enables them to maintain agrobiodiversity maize.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2013

Tai Chi exercise may reduce falls in adult stroke survivors

Researchers found that Tai Chi significantly reduced falls among adult stroke survivors, improving both static and dynamic balance. The study involved 89 participants who practiced either Tai Chi or usual care for 12 weeks, with the Tai Chi group experiencing fewer falls.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 6, 2013

Lower drinking ages lead to more binge drinking

A study found that people who grew up in states with lower minimum drinking ages were more likely to binge drink later in life. The researchers tracked over 39,000 participants and found that those who lived in states with lower drinking ages were 19% more likely to binge drink monthly, especially among men who didn't attend college.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2013

New steps recommended to preserve China's famous Terracotta Warriors and other relics

A new study recommends using air curtains and cooling layers to preserve China's Terracotta Warriors and other historic relics. The measures aim to prevent environmental degradation and protect the over 1,500 relics in large museums like the Qin Terracotta Museum, which attracts over 5 million visitors annually.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 6, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nothing fishy about swimming with same-sized mates

Fish can determine their size relative to others using chemical cues alone. This ability helps form groups with strength in numbers, reducing individual risk from predators. The study found that both species used chemical self-referencing to locate similarly sized fish of the same species.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateFeb 6, 2013

Understanding microbes blowing in the wind

Researchers found that Bacteroidetes were more predominant in fine dust, while Proteobacteria were associated with coarse sediments. This knowledge can inform management practices to minimize damage to soils caused by wind erosion.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateFeb 6, 2013

Compound stimulates tumor-fighting protein in cancer therapy

Researchers identified a compound called TIC10 that stimulates the tumor suppression capabilities of TRAIL, inducing cancer cell death in mice. The compound is effective in cancer cell samples and cell lines resistant to conventional therapies, showing promise as a new treatment option for advanced cancer.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 6, 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.

Widely used nanoparticles enter soybean plants from farm soil

A new study has found that widely used nanoparticles accumulate in soybean plants grown in farm soil, which could have health implications. Zinc oxide and cerium dioxide, commonly used in cosmetics, were detected in the reproductive/edible portions of the soybeans.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 6, 2013

Calcium-binding protein mutations found in heart rhythm disorders

Researchers identified two new genes associated with severe early-onset heart rhythm disorders, expanding the list of culprits that can cause sudden cardiac death. Exome sequencing revealed de novo mutations in calmodulin genes, which impaired calcium binding and led to abnormal electrical activity in the heart.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalCirculation·DateFeb 6, 2013

Tiny capsule effectively kills cancer cells

A UCLA team developed a degradable nanoscale shell to carry proteins to cancer cells, stunting tumor growth and inducing cell death. The process is safer than traditional chemotherapy and gene therapies, preserving healthy cells.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNano Today·DateFeb 6, 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.

Induction of mild inflammation leads to cognitive deficits related to schizophrenia

Researchers identified a mutant mouse model of schizophrenia that exhibits mild chronic brain inflammation and cognitive deficits. The study found that Shn-2 deficiency leads to an 'immature Dentate Gyrus', which produces schizophrenia-related phenotypes. Chronic administration of anti-inflammatory drugs rescued working memory deficit ...

SourceNational Institute for Physiological Sciences·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateFeb 6, 2013

India joined with Asia 10 million years later than previously thought

Researchers at MIT found evidence of two separate collisional events: one 50 million years ago and another 10 million years later. The team analyzed rocks from the Himalayas and discovered a new timeline for India's collision with Asia, suggesting that part of ancient India 'Greater India' was smaller than previously thought.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateFeb 6, 2013

Fish oil may protect dialysis patients from sudden cardiac death

A recent study published in Kidney International found that higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood of patients starting hemodialysis were associated with a lower risk of sudden cardiac death. The five-year survival rate for dialysis patients is 35%, with sudden cardiac death being a major cause of mortality.

SourceIndiana University·JournalKidney International·DateFeb 6, 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.

When talk is free: The effects of pricing plans on consumer demand

A new study finds that consumers respond positively to free products and services, leading to increased demand and higher revenue for businesses. The research, published in the Journal of Marketing Research, shows that switching from a two-part plan to a three-part plan can increase revenue by up to 19.7%.

SourceColumbia Business School·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateFeb 6, 2013

New Space -- preview issue of groundbreaking journal launched at FAA Commercial Space Conference

The journal features world-class content on innovative applications of emerging space-based technologies, including commercial cargo and crew services, tourism, colonization, deep space research, and resource utilization. The first issue includes an original article on the B612 Foundation Sentinel Space Telescope and a roundtable discu...

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalNew Space·DateFeb 6, 2013

2 antibodies are better than 1

Researchers propose using two EGFR-blocking antibodies to treat triple-negative breast cancer, which lacks common receptors for hormone-based treatments. In a study, combining two antibodies proved effective in preventing tumor growth and spread in mice.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2013

LSU professor discovers how new corals species form in the ocean

Researchers investigate coral specialization in the ocean, finding that habitat depth is a key factor in shaping different species. Coral larvae can disperse vast distances but small differences in survival rates at different depths lead to segregation over long generation times.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2013
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.

Children with ACL injuries require special treatment

The number of ACL injuries in young athletes is rising due to increased training and reduced free play. Pediatric orthopaedic surgeons recommend optimal strategies for treating ACL injuries based on the specifics of the injury and the child's skeletal maturity, including non-surgical management and surgical reconstruction.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateFeb 6, 2013

Air pollution primes children for asthma-related cockroach allergy

New research reveals that exposure to air pollution and cockroach allergen early in life can increase the risk of developing an asthma-related cockroach allergy by age 7. Children with a common mutation in the GSTM gene are especially vulnerable to this increased risk.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateFeb 6, 2013

High-energy X-rays shine light on mystery of Picasso's paints

Researchers used a unique X-ray instrument to analyze decades-old paint samples and determine that Picasso used common house paint, known as Ripolin. This discovery offers insights into the development of new materials and sustainable energies.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalApplied Physics A·DateFeb 6, 2013

Being overweight linked to higher risk of gum disease

Research suggests that being overweight is a risk factor for gum disease, which can lead to chronic inflammation and other health issues. Daily brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings are essential for preventing gum disease and maintaining good oral health.

SourceAcademy of General Dentistry·JournalEuropean Journal of General Dentistry·DateFeb 6, 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.

Improved X-ray microscopic imaging

Researchers at TUM and PSI have developed a method to visualize material fluctuations and nanostructures using X-ray microscopy. This technique relaxes the hard restrictions of immobility required for high-quality imaging, enabling the visualization of previously inaccessible objects.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature·DateFeb 6, 2013

Experimental drug combination selectively destroys lymphoma cells

Scientists at Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center discovered a novel combination of drugs that selectively destroys lymphoma cells through apoptosis. The experimental therapy combines ibrutinib and bortezomib, with the latter being relatively non-toxic to healthy cells.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·DateFeb 6, 2013

Same factors influence depression in stroke patients, spouse caregivers

Research finds that self-esteem, optimism, and perceived control influence depression in both stroke survivors and their spouse caregivers. High levels of these factors in one partner can lead to lower levels of depression in the other. Interventions targeting both partners may improve patient outcomes.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 6, 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.

The European Space Sciences Committee reacts

The European Space Sciences Committee (ESSC) has released its position statement on the ESA council meeting at ministerial level, commenting on the impact of decisions taken. The ESSC recommends prioritizing scientific return in the Science Programme and reiterates its support for European involvement in the Global Exploration Strategy.

SourceEuropean Science Foundation·DateFeb 6, 2013

Scientists identify genetic mechanism that contributed to Irish Famine

A team of researchers at the University of California, Riverside, has discovered a genetic mechanism that explains how Phytophthora pathogens compromised the potato plant's immune system during the Irish Famine. The study reveals that RNA silencing pathways are suppressed by effectors, leading to an increase in susceptibility to disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 6, 2013
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.

Lungs of the planet reveal their true sensitivity to global warming

A study by University of Exeter researchers reveals tropical forests' sensitivity to climate change, with significant carbon release expected if climate models are inaccurate. The team found a correlation between year-to-year variations in carbon dioxide concentration and long-term changes in tropical forest carbon storage.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature·DateFeb 6, 2013

Mercury contamination in water can be detected with a mobile phone

Scientists have developed a cheap and quick method to detect mercury contamination in water using a mobile phone. The technique involves placing a special sheet in the water, which changes color in the presence of mercury. Photographing the sheet with a mobile phone can even quantify the concentration of mercury.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalAnalytical Methods·DateFeb 6, 2013

Turning repulsive feelings into desires

Researchers found that cues for rewards can instantly transform motivation, with even unpleasant events becoming desired. The study used salt appetite to demonstrate how powerful neural mechanisms can turn a repulsive cue into an attractive one.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 6, 2013

A massive stellar burst, before the supernova

Researchers found evidence of a 'penultimate outburst' in a massive star before its final detonation as a supernova, providing the first causal link between the two events. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of what triggers a supernova.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateFeb 6, 2013
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.

Maternal exposure to outdoor air pollution associated with low birth weights worldwide

A large international study of over three million births found that higher particulate air pollution levels were associated with increased rates of low birth weight. The study, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, highlights the need for policy makers to address air pollution to prevent serious health consequences.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateFeb 6, 2013

Happiness increases with age, across generations

A new study finds that happiness increases with age, but a person's overall level of well-being depends on when they were born. Life satisfaction increased over time for each birth cohort, while those born earlier in the 20th century had lower levels of well-being due to economic conditions.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 6, 2013

Traumatic brain injury complications common among US combat soldiers

A study found that traumatic brain injury complications, including cerebral vasospasm and intracranial hypertension, are prevalent among US combat soldiers. Researchers analyzed data from 122 patients with traumatic brain injuries and found that over 40% had high intracranial pressure.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 6, 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.

Native Hawaiians have bleeding strokes at earlier age, independent of meth use

Research found Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders have a higher risk of intracerebral hemorrhage before age 45 compared to non-Hispanic whites. The study revealed that Native Hawaiians were 54 years old when they had a hemorrhagic stroke, whereas non-Hispanic whites were 68 years old, highlighting the disparity in vascular health.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 6, 2013

ZooKeys opens the gates to America's moth diversity

A recent issue of ZooKeys published 27 new moth species from North and South America, including the Neotropical tigermoth family. These discoveries expand the geographic reach of moth diversity in the region.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateFeb 6, 2013

Research shows 'listening to your heart' could improve body image

A new study found that women who accurately perceive their heartbeats are less likely to view their bodies as objects, reducing the risk of eating disorders and other mental health issues. The study provides valuable insights into the importance of internal body awareness for maintaining positive body image.

SourceRoyal Holloway, University of London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 6, 2013

Sensing the light, but not to see

Researchers from the Marine Biological Laboratory discovered that lancelets have melanopsin-producing cells, which are involved in non-visual light-dependent functions. Studying these cells provides insight into the evolutionary history of circadian receptors and their role in regulating biological clocks.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2013
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Social media may prove useful in prevention of HIV, STDs, study shows

Researchers found that African American and Latino men who have sex with men voluntarily used health-related Facebook groups to discuss HIV knowledge, stigma, and prevention, leading to increased requests for home-based HIV tests. The study suggests social media can be a useful tool for collecting and analyzing data, saving money and i...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalSexually Transmitted Diseases·DateFeb 6, 2013