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Science News Archive February 2013 - Page 6


Page 6 of 28
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.

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 25, 2013

Doing good is good for you: Volunteer adolescents enjoy healthier hearts

Adolescents who volunteered regularly for 10 weeks showed improved cardiovascular health by having lower levels of inflammation and cholesterol. The volunteers also experienced increased empathy, altruistic behavior, and mental health benefits, which contributed to their improved heart health.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateFeb 25, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateFeb 25, 2013

Some family physicians' offices discriminate against people with low socio-economic status

A study led by Dr. Stephen Hwang of St. Michael's Hospital found that family physicians' offices in Toronto tend to give preference to patients with chronic health conditions and high socio-economic status. The researchers telephoned office staff playing the role of individuals seeking primary care, and observed a significant differenc...

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 25, 2013

Memory strategy may help depressed people remember the good times

Researchers found that using the method-of-loci technique improved recalling positive memories for individuals with depression, potentially elevating their mood. The study suggests this memory strategy may be an effective tool in managing depression.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateFeb 25, 2013

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.

SourceEuropean Association of Urology·DateFeb 25, 2013
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 25, 2013

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.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 25, 2013

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.

SourceArizona State University·JournalBiological Trace Element Research·DateFeb 25, 2013
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.

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.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateFeb 25, 2013

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 25, 2013

Scientists create new maps depicting potential worldwide coral bleaching by 2056

A new study projects that most coral reefs will experience annual bleaching events by 2045, with a quarter experiencing them up to five years earlier. Reducing carbon emissions can delay these events in nearly a quarter of reef areas for over two decades.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 25, 2013

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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateFeb 25, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalJournal of Virology·DateFeb 25, 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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

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
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.

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.

SourceZoological Society of London·JournalAmerican Journal of Primatology·DateFeb 23, 2013

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.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 22, 2013

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.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 22, 2013

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Signaling·DateFeb 22, 2013
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.

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.

SourceSimon Fraser University·DateFeb 22, 2013

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.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 22, 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.

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.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateFeb 22, 2013

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.

SourceUmea University·JournalEcology and Society·DateFeb 22, 2013

Parents talking about their own drug use to children could be detrimental

A recent study found that children of parents who didn't disclose their own drug use but delivered a strong antidrug message were more likely to exhibit antidrug attitudes. Parents should consider the potential unintended consequences of sharing their past substance use stories with their kids.

SourceInternational Communication Association·JournalHuman Communication Research·DateFeb 22, 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.

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.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 22, 2013

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.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·DateFeb 22, 2013