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Science News Archive February 2013 - Page 7


Page 7 of 28

Cyclone Haruna makes landfall in Madagascar

Cyclone Haruna made landfall near Manombo, Madagascar on February 22, with its eye becoming cloud-filled. The storm's maximum sustained winds dropped to 80 knots after interacting with land, but it will continue to weaken due to friction and wind shear.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 22, 2013

PNNL rolls out its clean energy tech at ARPA-E

PNNL researchers are developing a range of innovative clean energy technologies, including thermal energy storage that can store solar heat for up to 10 times longer than traditional molten salts. Additionally, the lab has created lightweight fuel tanks for compressed natural gas vehicles and rare earth-free magnets for electric motors.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateFeb 22, 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.

Smarter lunchrooms make lunch choices child's play

A study found that small, inexpensive changes to school cafeterias increased students' likelihood of taking fruits and vegetables by 13% and 23%, respectively. These interventions, called the smarter lunchroom makeover, promoted healthier behaviors through behavioral cues.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateFeb 22, 2013

Watching molecules grow into microtubes

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have found a way for small molecules to spontaneously grow into centimeter-long microtubes through self-assembly. The process involves the formation of vesicles that stick onto the surface of the tube, causing it to grow longer and wider.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalSmall·DateFeb 22, 2013

Lessons from cockroaches could inform robotics

Researchers studied cockroaches' gait patterns using kinematic phase analysis, revealing a substantial delay in the nervous system's response time. This finding suggests that periodic feedback systems might lead to more stable walking robots.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalBiological Cybernetics·DateFeb 22, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers find appointed justices outperform elected counterparts

State supreme court justices who don't face voters are generally more effective than their elected counterparts, according to research led by Princeton University political scientists. The study found that appointed justices bring a higher quality of information to the decision-making process and are less likely to make errors.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalJournal of Public Economics·DateFeb 22, 2013

Genomic detectives crack the case of the missing heritability

A study by Princeton University researchers suggests that heritability in humans may not be missing after all, but rather hidden due to limitations in modern research tools. By using yeast cells as a model, the team detected DNA variations associated with traits and characteristics, indicating that most heritability is accounted for.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·DateFeb 22, 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.

Keck Medical Center of USC offers new treatment for chronic reflux disease

The LINX Reflux Management System, a device made of magnetic titanium beads, helps relieve chronic heartburn symptoms by strengthening the lower esophageal sphincter. Over 90% of patients reported satisfaction with their condition after treatment.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 22, 2013

New device better traps viruses, airborne pathogens

A new device called the SXC ESP was created by Washington University engineers to better protect human lungs from allergens and airborne viruses. The device uses soft X-ray irradiation to capture particles, making it more effective than traditional air cleaners in removing biological agents from the air.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateFeb 22, 2013

UNC-led study documents head and neck cancer molecular tumor subtypes

A UNC-led team has identified four molecular classes of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), a disease with limited information on its molecular profile. The study confirms the presence of these subtypes and demonstrates their clinical relevance, paving the way for targeted therapies.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 22, 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.

Reprogramming cells to fight diabetes

Scientists successfully repurposed human alpha cells into functional beta cells by modifying chromatin material, demonstrating the potential for a novel diabetes treatment. The study also reveals that many genes in alpha cells are marked with both activating and repressing histone modifications.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 22, 2013

Interdisciplinary education seeks to improve palliative care

The University of Louisville's interdisciplinary curriculum for oncology palliative education (iCOPE) prepares students to work together as a team, addressing psycho-social-spiritual and physical needs. This innovative program aims to improve patient care and graduate students who demand interdisciplinary teams.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·DateFeb 22, 2013

Fruit flies force their young to drink alcohol -- for their own good

In a study published in Science, fruit flies were found to lay their eggs in an alcohol-soaked environment when sensing parasitic wasps, forcing larvae to consume booze to combat infection. The discovery suggests that using toxins in the environment to medicate offspring may be common across the animal kingdom.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalScience·DateFeb 22, 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.

Why some soldiers develop PTSD while others don't

A new study published in Clinical Psychological Science suggests that both pre-war psychological vulnerabilities and combat-related trauma contribute to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans. The researchers analyzed data from 260 male Vietnam veterans, finding that those who experienced life-threatening ...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateFeb 21, 2013

The long shadow cast by childhood bullying on mental health in adulthood

A new study reveals that children who experience childhood bullying are at a higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders in adulthood, including agoraphobia, anxiety, depression, and antisocial personality disorder. Researchers also found that bullies and victims alike face increased risks of suicidal tendencies.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateFeb 21, 2013

Floral signs go electric

Researchers at the University of Bristol discovered that flowers produce electric signals to attract pollinators like bumblebees. These signals can convey information about nectar and pollen reserves, improving flower-pollinator communication.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScience·DateFeb 21, 2013
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Influenza study: Meet virus' new enemy

Scientists have discovered a new class of molecular compounds capable of killing the influenza virus. The compounds work by clogging up an enzyme that helps the virus spread, and are more effective because they are water-soluble. This breakthrough could buy scientists time to develop new vaccines for emerging strains of influenza.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalScience·DateFeb 21, 2013

'Stressed' bacteria become resistant to antibiotics

Research found that stressed bacteria can spontaneously develop resistance to rifampicin, a commonly used antibiotic. This discovery has significant implications for the evolution of antibiotic resistance and may impact treatment options for serious bacterial infections such as tuberculosis and leprosy.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateFeb 21, 2013

Brown University researchers build robotic bat wing

Researchers developed a robotic bat wing that mimics the shape and motion of lesser dog-faced fruit bats, allowing them to measure aerodynamic forces and energy requirements. The robot showed it could match basic flight parameters of bats, producing thrust and lift.

SourceBrown University·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·DateFeb 21, 2013

Journey to the limits of spacetime

Recent supercomputer simulations on XSEDE provide new insights into the interaction between jets, accretion disks, and magnetic fields around black holes. The findings challenge the long-held simplistic view of these phenomena, revealing a more complex and dynamic relationship between the jet, disk, and gravitational forces.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalScience·DateFeb 21, 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.

Solar energy to get boost from cutting-edge forecasts

Researchers at NCAR are creating a prototype system to forecast sunlight and resulting power every 15 minutes, enabling utilities to continuously anticipate available solar energy. The project aims to improve cloud prediction accuracy, helping utilities tap into solar energy more effectively and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateFeb 21, 2013

Discovering the birth of an asteroid trail

Astronomers have observed a main-belt comet trail caused by an impulsive short-lived event around July 1st, 2011. The dust structure reveals physical properties of particles and proportions of different sizes.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateFeb 21, 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.

UCSB anthropologist studies cattle ranchers in Brazilian Amazon

A study by UCSB anthropologist Jeffrey Hoelle explores the complex relationship between cattle ranchers and deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon. Ranchers, who are often seen as villains of Amazonia, actually have a nuanced perspective on their industry's impact.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalAnthropology of Work Review·DateFeb 21, 2013

For monarchs to fly north, first they've got to chill

Researchers found that monarch butterflies would continue to fly south if it weren't for the cold weather. The study's findings suggest that global climate change could impact the monarchs' migrations. Understanding this process can help protect the iconic migration.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 21, 2013

Queen's study shows psychotropic drug dispensing increases on entry to care homes

A study by Queen's University Belfast found that psychotropic drug dispensing increases dramatically on entry to care homes, with antipsychotic use more than doubling from 8.2% to 18.6%. The high rate of psychotropic medication in care homes cannot be explained by continued community use, highlighting the need for routine medicines rev...

SourceQueen's University Belfast·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateFeb 21, 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.

Life's tiniest architects pinpointed by Yale researchers

A recent study published in Developmental Cell identifies piRNAs as the primary guides for epigenetic factors, controlling gene expression patterns in Drosophila. This breakthrough discovery has significant implications for understanding cancer development and may lead to new therapeutic opportunities.

SourceYale University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateFeb 21, 2013

Local therapy followed by treatment with EGFR TKI is well tolerated

Researchers found local therapy combined with continued EGFR TKI therapy to be well-tolerated and effective in prolonging progression-free and overall survival. Local therapy was associated with a median overall survival of 41 months, a median time to progression of 10 months.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateFeb 21, 2013

IBN creates unlimited source of human kidney cells

IBN researchers successfully generated human kidney cells from human embryonic stem cells in vitro, providing a potentially unlimited source of cells for in vitro toxicology testing and regenerative medicine applications. The cells displayed similar gene and protein expression patterns to those isolated from fresh human kidney samples.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalKidney International·DateFeb 21, 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.

Mercury may have harbored an ancient magma ocean

Researchers at MIT analyzed MESSENGER data to identify two distinct rock compositions on Mercury's surface, suggesting a massive lava flow and subsequent magma ocean. The team recreated the rock types in the lab and simulated geological processes to support their hypothesis.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateFeb 21, 2013

Eliminating malaria has longlasting benefits for many countries

A recent study suggests that eliminating malaria transmission completely can lead to reduced economic costs and improved public health outcomes in affected countries. Malaria elimination is found to be stable over time, with most eliminated countries experiencing low malaria transmission rates.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalScience·DateFeb 21, 2013

Inhaled betadine leads to rare complication

A rare case of lung inflammation caused by accidental inhalation of povidone-iodine (Betadine) during cleft palate surgery has led to new precautions for craniofacial surgeons. The patient, a seven-year-old girl, required mechanical ventilation after developing difficulty breathing and a drop in blood oxygen levels.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Craniofacial Surgery·DateFeb 21, 2013
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.

February highlights from Ecological Society of America publications

Climate change affects Alaskan forests with potential shifts to broadleaf forest or grasslands, but plastic greenhouse farming conserves water and binds carbon. Urban renewal and watershed restoration projects in Baltimore demonstrate social cohesion and improved storm-water management.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateFeb 21, 2013

Study reveals new clues to Epstein-Barr virus

Researchers from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have discovered a second B-cell attachment receptor for the Epstein-Barr virus, which could lead to the development of a vaccine. The new finding also raises questions about the virus's possible relationship to malaria and autoimmune diseases.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 21, 2013

Researchers 'nanoweld' by applying light to aligned nanorods in solid materials

Scientists have created a method to melt specific fibers in polymers by applying light to aligned nanorods, leading to stronger and more resilient materials. The technique utilizes the photothermal effect of gold nanorods to convert light into heat, allowing for precise control over material processing.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalParticle & Particle Systems Characterization·DateFeb 21, 2013

Case Western Reserve University joins BrainGate clinical trial

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are enrolling participants in a pilot clinical trial to assess the safety and feasibility of recording brain activity for control of assistive devices. The goal is to bypass severed connections between the brain and paralyzed muscles using brain-computer interfaces.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateFeb 21, 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.

Scientists unveil secrets of important natural antibiotic

Researchers have uncovered the atomic structure of dermcidin, a natural antibiotic that is highly efficient against tuberculosis germs and other dangerous bugs. This discovery could lead to the development of new antibiotics that control multi-resistant bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 21, 2013

In rich and poor nations, giving makes people feel better than getting, research finds

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that spending on others provides a psychological reward, regardless of cultural or economic context. The researchers surveyed over 234,000 individuals across 136 countries and found a positive relationship between personal well-being and spending on others.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateFeb 21, 2013

Backs bear a heavy burden

Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that carrying heavy backpacks can lead to nerve damage, affecting hand function and dexterity. The study's results highlight the importance of proper load distribution to prevent microstructural damage to nerves.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateFeb 21, 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.

US government to announce new policies for dual use research

The US government has released two new documents to guide researchers in carrying out dual use research of concern. The new framework outlines a robust review process that takes into account scientific benefits, biosafety risks, and risk mitigation measures.

SourceNIH/Office of the Director·JournalScience·DateFeb 21, 2013

Omega-3s inhibit breast cancer tumor growth, study finds

A study published in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry found that a lifelong diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can inhibit the growth of breast cancer tumours. Mice producing omega-3s developed only two-thirds as many tumours and had 30-per-cent smaller tumours compared to control mice.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalThe Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry·DateFeb 21, 2013

Sciencemagazine prize goes to Mars research project

A Mars research project led by American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has won the Science Prize for Inquiry-Based Instruction. Middle-school students from a small rural town in northern California used a camera orbiting Mars to conduct their own experiment and discover a new cave on the flanks of a Martian volcano.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 21, 2013