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Science News Archive January 2013


Page 1 of 27

Pediatric orthopaedic surgeons show age-related patterns of spine injury in ATV injuries

A study by pediatric orthopaedic surgeons at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital found that spine-related injuries from ATVs are more common in older children and females, with a significant increase in non-contiguous spinal fractures. The researchers emphasize the need for parents to recognize ATV safety risks and take preventive measures.

SourceLe Bonheur Children's Hospital·JournalJournal of Pediatric Orthopaedics·DateJan 31, 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.

Jocks beat bookworms on brain test

A study by Professor Jocelyn Faubert found that professional athletes, including soccer players and hockey players, performed better on a brain test than non-athlete university students. The researchers used the Neurotracker machine to evaluate skills such as tracking fast-moving objects and perceiving depth.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 31, 2013

Glazer receives grant to study light-activated cancer drugs

Glazer aims to develop targeted chemotherapeutic approach for various cancer types using ruthenium-based compounds activated by light. The compounds have shown up to 200 times increased toxicity and potency compared to cisplatin, a widely used platinum-based cancer drug.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·DateJan 31, 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.

Northwestern-Art Institute partnership expands with Mellon grant

The Center for Scientific Studies in the Arts will facilitate interdisciplinary research partnerships in art studies and conservation, offering scientific tools and expertise to users across the country. The new center aims to accelerate discoveries by providing cutting-edge technological innovations.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateJan 31, 2013

Examining the so-called Basque mutation of Parkinson's

The R1441G mutation, known as the Basque mutation, is a genetic variation that increases the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. A study published in Neurogenetics and Movement Disorders found that individuals carrying this mutation have an 83% chance of developing the disease by age 80.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalNeurogenetics·DateJan 31, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Safe sex practices among African American women

Research reveals African American women exhibit higher risk for HIV/AIDS due to lower condom use expectations. The study suggests tailored interventions addressing mediators like self-esteem and coping are crucial in increasing condom use, particularly in high-risk casual relationships.

SourceSAGE·JournalHealth Education & Behavior·DateJan 31, 2013

Researcher uncovers potential cause, biomarker for autism and proposes study to investigate theory

A New York-based physician-researcher has uncovered a potential connection between autism and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) levels in newborns, proposing a study to investigate this hypothesis. IGF plays a crucial role in brain development, and depressed levels may serve as a biomarker for the later development of autism.

SourceTouro College Of Osteopathic Medicine·JournalMedical Hypotheses·DateJan 31, 2013

Scientist: Ozone thinning has changed ocean circulation

A Johns Hopkins University scientist finds that ozone depletion has altered the mixing of waters in Southern Ocean, potentially impacting CO2 levels and global climate. The study's findings suggest a possible slowdown or reversal of ocean ventilation if stratospheric ozone recovers.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalScience·DateJan 31, 2013

Corn cobs eyed for bioenergy production

Agricultural Research Service study finds that removing corn cob residues from fields does not harm soil quality, supporting the development of new bioenergy sources. Soils retain potassium from cobs, making them a potential raw material for cellulosic ethanol production.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateJan 31, 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.

Identifying all factors modulating gene expression is actually possible!

Researchers at UNIGE developed a screening technique called Synthetic Tandem Repeat PROMoter (STAR-PROM) to identify transcription factor serum response factor (SRF), which activates genes and influences cellular structure. The technique allows for the discovery of factors modulating gene expression in various contexts, including drug ...

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCell·DateJan 31, 2013

Sequencing hundreds of chloroplast genomes now possible

Plant biologists can now sequence hundreds of complete chloroplast genomes simultaneously, facilitating studies on molecular biology and evolution. This breakthrough allows researchers to reconstruct evolutionary relationships and diversifications with unprecedented precision.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateJan 31, 2013
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Novel materials shake ship scum

Researchers have created a material that uses physical movement to knock away bacteria, reducing drag and improving energy efficiency on ships. The innovative solution avoids toxic chemicals often found in traditional antibacterial paints.

SourceDuke University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 31, 2013

A new mechanism that contributes to the evolution of cancer

Researchers discover collisions between DNA duplication and transcription machineries cause chromosomal alterations in tumor cells. Genomic fragile sites are identified as contributing to genome instability throughout evolution.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalCell·DateJan 31, 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.

In the planetary nursery

Researchers have determined the mass of the disk surrounding young star TW Hydrae, a prototypical planetary nursery, with a lower limit of 52 Jupiter masses. This new value is larger than previous estimates and suggests that planets similar to those in our solar system can form in this system.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateJan 31, 2013

Biologistics: How fast do chemical trains move in living cells?

The study predicts diffusion coefficients for all proteins in E. coli, enabling a better understanding of chemical reactions in cells. The method developed by the researchers can be applied to other cells and molecules, revolutionizing the field of biologistics.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalBMC Bioinformatics·DateJan 31, 2013

Placental blood flow can influence malaria during pregnancy

Researchers have discovered that malaria parasites can accumulate in areas of low placental blood flow, triggering an inflammatory response. This study shows that the dynamics of placental circulation can influence parasite behavior and sequestration, highlighting a new potential target for therapeutics.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJan 31, 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.

This is what a fish thought looks like

Scientists have developed a new technology to see thoughts 'swim' through the brain of a living fish, allowing real-time visualization of neuronal activity during perception. This breakthrough has the potential to unlock complex behaviors, including learning, memory, and emotions, by interpreting specific combinations of neurons.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 31, 2013

How cancer cells rewire their metabolism to survive

Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute discovered that tumors lacking the protein PKCζ can survive on alternative nutrients. The study suggests glucose depletion therapies may work against these tumors as long as they produce PKCζ, which is responsible for tumor metabolism.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell·DateJan 31, 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.

Evidence of geological 'facelift' in the Appalachians

Researchers found that a region in western North Carolina experienced a geological 'facelift' around 8 million years ago, with gentle hills and abundant waterfalls forming where steeper terrain existed previously. This uplift is attributed to the earth's mantle, which can well up and push the crust upward.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalGSA Today·DateJan 31, 2013

More links found between schizophrenia and cardiovascular disease

A new study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics finds a significant link between schizophrenia and cardiovascular disease. The researchers used a novel statistical model to identify 16 new loci associated with both conditions, including triglyceride levels and waist-hip ratio.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJan 31, 2013

Mutant gene gives pigeons fancy hairdos

Researchers decode genetic blueprint of rock pigeon, unlocking secrets about Middle East origins, feral pigeons' kinship with racing birds, and how mutations give pigeons fancy feather hairdos. The study also reveals a single mutation in the EphB2 gene causes head crests to grow upward instead of downward.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience·DateJan 31, 2013

Cyclone did not cause 2012 record low for Arctic sea ice

A new University of Washington study reveals the Cyclone in 2012 did not cause the record low for Arctic sea ice minimum. Instead, it suggests that natural warming trends and thin ice were the primary factors contributing to the melting.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 31, 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.

Joslin scientists find first human iPSC from patients with maturity onset diabetes of the young

Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center have successfully generated human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) from patients with maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY), a rare form of diabetes. The hiPSCs offer a powerful tool for studying the genetic mechanisms underlying MODY and testing potential treatments.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 31, 2013

Personalized medicine eliminates need for drug in 2 children

Researchers at the University of Montreal used genome-wide analysis to identify a previously unknown type of adrenal insufficiency in two children. The treatment regime eliminated the need for fludrocortisone treatment and reduced lifetime risk of hypertension, saving $10,000 per patient.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 31, 2013

Vultures foraging far and wide face a poisonous future

A new study tracks vulture movements, revealing they often avoid national parks to scavenge on private farmland, risking exposure to poisonous veterinary drugs. This behavior poses a significant threat to the endangered white-backed vulture species in Africa and India.

SourceDurham University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 31, 2013

Planting trees may not reverse climate change but it will help locally

A study published in BioMed Central's open access journal Carbon Balance and Management suggests that afforestation can lead to cooler summers and wetter conditions in regions like Europe. Planting trees can provide localized benefits by making the surrounding air moister and cooler, sequestering carbon and protecting biodiversity.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCarbon Balance and Management·DateJan 31, 2013

Electronic health records could help identify which patients most need ICU resources

Researchers found that patients' severity of illness is not always strongly associated with their likelihood of being admitted to the ICU. Electronic health records can calculate which patient has the highest risk of death, providing a powerful tool to efficiently use scarce and costly health resources.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 31, 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.

New device traps particulates, kills airborne pathogens

A new soft x-ray electrostatic precipitator device effectively captures and kills airborne pathogenic bacteria, viruses, ultrafine particles, and allergens. It has multiple potential applications, including indoor air purification and protection of vulnerable populations.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJan 31, 2013

Ozone depletion trumps greenhouse gas increase in jet-stream shift

A new study reveals that ozone depletion has a greater impact on the jet stream's southward shift than increasing greenhouse gases. Researchers analyzed wind patterns over a 10-day period and found that ozone depletion was associated with a poleward shift of westerlies, while greenhouse gases were linked to an equatorward shift.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateJan 31, 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.

Gum disease found to worsen infection in animal model of AIDS

A study found that moderate gum disease exacerbated infection and inflammation in a monkey model of AIDS, potentially slowing treatment effects. Researchers emphasize the importance of controlling mild mouth inflammation due to its negative implications on long-term disease progression.

SourceTexas Biomedical Research Institute·JournalJournal of Virology·DateJan 31, 2013

Engineered oncolytic herpes virus inhibits ovarian and breast cancer metastases

A genetically reprogrammed Herpes simplex virus has been engineered to target and kill cancer cells expressing the HER-2 oncogene, specifically breast and ovarian cancer metastases. This breakthrough oncolytic herpesvirus has shown promising results in treating experimental metastasis, holding promise for a novel type of cancer treatment.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJan 31, 2013

First ever Welsh-led EU space program launched by Cardiff University

The SPACEKIDS project aims to develop ultra-sensitive cameras using Kinetic Inductance Detectors (KIDs), paving the way for better understanding of the Universe and its own planet. The program is funded by a European Union Framework Programme 7 grant and involves collaboration with leading European institutes.

SourceCardiff University·DateJan 31, 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.

2-step immunotherapy attacks advanced ovarian cancer

A two-step personalized immunotherapy treatment using dendritic cell vaccine and adoptive T cell therapy has triggered anti-tumor immune responses in patients with late-stage ovarian cancer. Four of six patients treated responded to the therapy, showing promising early results.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalOncoImmunology·DateJan 31, 2013

New stroke gene discovery could lead to tailored treatments

A new genetic variant has been identified as a potential target for treatment in reducing stroke risk, with no association found in small vessel disease. The study highlights the need for individualized treatment approaches, given the different genetic mechanisms underlying various types of stroke.

SourceKing's College London·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateJan 31, 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.

Second-generation CT scanner substantially reduces radiation exposure

Researchers used a second-generation 320-detector row CT scanner to significantly reduce radiation exposure in patients undergoing coronary CT angiography. The new system achieved diagnostic-quality scans with low doses of radiation, reducing effective radiation dose by 72% compared to the first-generation unit.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJan 31, 2013

Disparities exist in kidney transplant timing

A recent study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that African Americans and individuals without private insurance are less likely to receive a kidney transplant before needing dialysis. The study examined data from over 11,000 adult first-time deceased donor kidney transplant recipients in th...

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 31, 2013

Health care providers may be at greater risk of flu exposure

A new study suggests that healthcare providers may need to wear fitted respirators for routine care of flu patients due to the high infectiousness of some individuals. The researchers found that small particles can float in the air for hours and travel long distances, making non-fitted masks ineffective.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateJan 31, 2013