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Science News for January 10, 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.

Herbal treatments for postmenopausal symptoms can be recommended as an alternative to HRT

Herbal and complementary medicines can effectively treat postmenopausal symptoms without the risks associated with hormone replacement therapy. Soy, red clover, and black cohosh have been shown to ease hot flush symptoms and other menopausal issues, making them viable alternatives for women seeking non-pharmacological treatment options.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Obstetrician & Gynaecologist·DateJan 10, 2013

A rock is a clock: Physicist uses matter to tell time

Holger Müller's Compton clock measures time using the oscillations of a cesium atom's matter wave, which has a frequency 10 billion times higher than visible light. The clock is accurate to within 7 parts per billion and could potentially rival atomic clocks with further improvements.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateJan 10, 2013

Women with pre-eclampsia are at higher risk of complications following childbirth

Women with a history of pregnancy-induced hypertension or pre-eclampsia are at increased risk of postnatal hypertension, which can be life-threatening if left untreated. The review emphasizes the need for prolonged vigilance in the postpartum period and recommends monitoring blood pressure surveillance in future pregnancies.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Obstetrician & Gynaecologist·DateJan 10, 2013

Flu vaccine rates in children remain lower than expected

A new study found that less than 45% of children were vaccinated against the flu during a five-year period, highlighting the need for increased vaccination efforts. The study also revealed that children under 6 months old had the highest hospitalization rates with flu, emphasizing the importance of protecting infants through vaccination.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJan 10, 2013

New material harvests energy from water vapor

Researchers at MIT have created a new material that can generate electricity by drawing on water vapor, which could power micro- and nanoelectronic devices. The material changes shape after absorbing evaporated water, allowing it to repeatedly curl up and down.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJan 10, 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.

NASA prepares for launch of next Earth observation satellite

The Landsat Data Continuity Mission will extend over 40 years of global land observations, critical in energy and water management, forest monitoring, and disaster recovery. The mission's instruments, including Operational Land Imager and Thermal Infrared Sensor, promise improved data quality and quantity.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 10, 2013

Bengali forests are fading away

The Sundarbans mangrove forest is disappearing at an alarming rate, resulting in loss of natural protection from tidal waves and cyclones. This will inevitably lead to species loss, including the endangered Bengal tiger.

SourceZoological Society of London·JournalRemote Sensing·DateJan 10, 2013

3-D biomimetic scaffolds support regeneration of complex tissues from stem cells

Researchers developed a method to create stretched polymer scaffolds that support the growth of human mesenchymal stem cells, promoting consistent alignment and elongation into tissues. This innovative approach has potential applications in regenerating damaged or diseased tissue.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalTissue Engineering Part C Methods·DateJan 10, 2013

Funding for study of Autism, Dyslexia and ADHD

A UK research team has received funding to investigate potential increases in children with autism, dyslexia, and ADHD. The study will analyze two birth cohorts and examine the extent of shared symptoms between the conditions.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·DateJan 10, 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.

UMMS experts seek better flu vaccines

Researchers led by Dr. Robert W. Finberg are working on a $12 million project to improve flu vaccine effectiveness by predicting the influenza virus's evolution in response to anti-viral drugs and human immune systems. The approach could potentially boost protection rates, reducing severe illness cases.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·DateJan 10, 2013

Study finds poorer outcomes for obese patients treated for lumbar disc herniation

A recent study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that obese patients with lumbar disc herniation tend to have poorer outcomes with both surgical and nonsurgical treatments. The study included 854 non-obese patients and 336 obese patients, and compared their outcomes over a four-year period.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateJan 10, 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.

Virus caught in the act of infecting a cell

Researchers have observed the detailed changes in a virus's structure as it infects an E. coli bacterium, providing new insights into the viral infection process. The study reveals that the virus extends its ultra-thin fibers to find an optimal site for infection and ejects its genetic material through the host cell membrane.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience·DateJan 10, 2013

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Narelle approaching Western Australia coast

Tropical Cyclone Narelle is gaining strength as it approaches the northern coast of Western Australia, with NASA tracking its movement and expected impact. The cyclone is predicted to bring heavy rainfall and rough seas, posing a threat to coastal communities and causing erosion and flooding.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 10, 2013

A cloudy mystery

The G0.253+0.016 cloud defies conventional wisdom on star formation, with a dense gas content 25 times higher than the Orion Nebula but only producing small stars. The cloud's high velocities and presence of silicon monoxide suggest it may be two colliding clouds, preventing star formation due to its dynamic nature.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJan 10, 2013

Drug fails to help kidney transplant recipients

A large, randomized trial found that angiotensin II blockade did not lessen tissue scarring or prevent kidney failure in kidney transplant recipients. The treatment was safe and well-tolerated but showed no benefit in slowing disease progression.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 10, 2013

Study identifies infants at highest risk of death from pertussis

A study found that infants with more severe pertussis have higher white blood cell counts and are at higher risk of death. Infants with less severe disease had lower white blood cell counts and were less likely to experience complications.

SourcePediatric Infectious Diseases Society·JournalJournal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society·DateJan 10, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Next steps in potential stem cell therapy for diabetes

Scientists have made significant progress towards developing a potential stem cell therapy for diabetes. The study found that human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) can differentiate into endocrine cells that are remarkably similar to primary human counterparts. However, hESC-derived endocrine cells produced in vitro lack key features and ...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJan 10, 2013

Solving puzzles without a picture

A team of genome and computer scientists developed an algorithm that can rapidly create virtual chromosomes using NGS data. The new RACA (Reference-Assisted Chromosome Assembly) algorithm performs even better with longer DNA reads, addressing the challenge of assembling complete chromosomes from short NGS fragments.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 10, 2013

Kidneys sometimes removed unnecessarily due to misdiagnosis of genetic disorder

A study published in The Lancet found that approximately one of every five individuals with kidney tumors common in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex has had a kidney removed unnecessarily due to misdiagnosis. Everolimus successfully shrinks these tumors, offering an alternative to surgery.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 10, 2013

Regulating single protein prompts fibroblasts to become neurons

Scientists at University of California, San Diego, discovered that repressing a single protein in fibroblasts is enough to convert them into functional neurons. This finding has far-reaching implications for developing new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell·DateJan 10, 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.

Decline in available liver transplants expected

A study found that non-use of donor livers rose significantly between 2004 and 2010, primarily linked to decreased donor liver quality and increased donation after cardiac death. This trend threatens a significant decline in liver transplant availability.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateJan 10, 2013

Helping patients navigate new cancer drugs

A Michigan State University study found that many cancer patients struggle to follow complex chemo prescriptions, leading to poor adherence and reduced treatment efficacy. The researchers suggest an automated calling system could help patients take their drugs properly.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalCancer Nursing·DateJan 10, 2013

Breath test identifies bacteria's fingerprint

Researchers have identified specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by certain bacteria, which can be used to diagnose lung infections. The findings suggest a potential breath test to detect bacterial infections, such as tuberculosis, in just minutes.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Breath Research·DateJan 10, 2013

Study: Model for brain signaling flawed

A new study reveals that the tripartite synapse model, long accepted by the scientific community, is incorrect in adult brains. The model, which proposes that multiple cells collaborate to move signals in the central nervous system, does not accurately represent brain signaling beyond development.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalScience·DateJan 10, 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.

NASA's robotic refueling demo set to jumpstart expanded capabilities in space

NASA's Robotic Refueling Mission aims to demonstrate robotic refueling in space, which could add years of functional life to satellites and expand options for operators. The mission will employ the Canadian-built Dextre robot and NASA's RRM module to simulate robotic refueling, with a focus on improving satellite servicing capabilities.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 10, 2013

Molecular machine could hold key to more efficient manufacturing

The machine, inspired by natural ribosomes, can synthesize complex molecules in a synthetic process, with potential applications in pharmaceuticals and other industries. While still inefficient compared to natural ribosomes, the machine's development marks an important step towards more efficient manufacturing processes.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalScience·DateJan 10, 2013

Study provides new clues for designing an effective HIV vaccine

A study has provided new clues for designing a more effective HIV vaccine by analyzing the structure of antibody-virus complexes produced in vaccine recipients. The researchers found that antibodies targeting specific regions of the virus are associated with decreased transmission of HIV.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateJan 10, 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.

Study points to a safer, better test for chromosomal defects in the fetus

A new study suggests a safer and more informative noninvasive test for detecting chromosomal defects in the fetus, using fetal DNA in the mother's blood. The method offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional invasive procedures, reducing risks of infection and potential harm to the fetus.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJan 10, 2013

Scientists design, control movements of molecular motor

Researchers have created a stand-alone molecular motor with multiple components that can move independently, opening the door to creating nanoscale devices. The motor uses thermal excitation and electron energy to rotate clockwise and counterclockwise.

SourceOhio University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 10, 2013

Marriage linked to better survival in middle age

A new study by Dr. Ilene Siegler and colleagues found that having a partner during middle age is protective against premature death. Married individuals had a significantly lower risk of dying early compared to those who never married or lost their partner, even after controlling for personality and health behaviors.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateJan 10, 2013

Stem cells found to heal damaged artery in lab study

Scientists at Texas Biomedical Research Institute have demonstrated that baboon embryonic stem cells can completely restore a severely damaged artery. The results show promise for developing stem cell therapies to restore human tissues or organs damaged by age or disease.

SourceTexas Biomedical Research Institute·JournalJournal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine·DateJan 10, 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.

Lack of guidelines create ethical dilemmas in social network-based research

Academic researchers are struggling with establishing adequate guidelines for social network-based studies, particularly concerning adolescent participants' consent and privacy. The Common Rule and existing regulations provide a basis for allowing adolescents to consent without parental permission, but there is confusion around the thr...

SourceTufts University·JournalScience·DateJan 10, 2013

Immunotherapy reduces allergic patients' sensitivity to peanuts

A new study published in The Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology shows that immunotherapy using peanut protein drops can desensitize patients to peanuts by up to 10 times. After 44 weeks, 70% of participants increased their safe consumption level from 3.5mg to 496mg.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJan 10, 2013

Surgical technique spots cancer invasion with fluorescence

A new surgical technique has been developed at the University of California - San Diego School of Medicine, using fluorescently labeled molecules to spot cancer invasion in lymph nodes. This allows surgeons to identify cancerous tissue during surgery, saving healthy tissue and reducing unnecessary removal of lymph nodes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCancer Research·DateJan 10, 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.

PLOS Pathogens additional press release -- Jan. 10, 2013

Researchers developed methods to synthesize and change the Schmallenberg virus genome, identifying a gene that protects the virus against the immune response. The study found that viruses missing this gene caused less sickness in mice, suggesting potential for new vaccines.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJan 10, 2013

Lower nitrogen losses with perennial biofuel crops

A University of Illinois study found that perennial biofuel crops such as miscanthus can greatly reduce nitrogen losses in the environment. The crops showed high efficiency in reducing nitrate leaching and nitrogen oxide emissions, making them a promising alternative to traditional corn-based ethanol production.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateJan 10, 2013

Project to capture and interrogate single cancer cells wins innovator award

Dr. Nicholas Navin's new approach to genetic analysis could help researchers understand and map the complex process of cancer evolution, ultimately blocking the spread of cancer to other organs. The project aims to identify important mutations in single tumor cells at various stages of cancer development.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateJan 10, 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.

NASA's GALEX reveals the largest-known spiral galaxy

The team used archival data from NASA's GALEX mission to study the galaxy's size and structure. They discovered a tidal dwarf candidate in the northeastern arm, which is bright in ultraviolet light and contains hot young stars less than 200 million years old.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 10, 2013

A saliva gland test for Parkinson's disease?

Researchers have discovered a potential new method for diagnosing Parkinson's disease by testing the saliva gland. The study found that abnormal proteins associated with the disease were consistently present in the submandibular salivary glands of patients, suggesting this non-invasive test could be used to diagnose living individuals.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateJan 10, 2013

New tool to help brain surgeons 1 step closer to operating room

A new tool has been developed to help brain surgeons diagnose cancer and detect tumor boundaries more accurately. The tool uses mass spectrometry analysis to analyze brain tissue and produces a color-coded image revealing the nature and concentration of tumor cells.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 10, 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.

Oxygen to the core

The team used laser-heated diamond anvil cell experiments to demonstrate that depletion of siderophile elements can be produced under more oxidizing conditions, suggesting oxygen played a prominent role in the Earth's core formation. This discovery allows for a reevaluation of planetary accretion and core formation processes.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateJan 10, 2013

Southampton scientist develops strongest, lightest glass nanofibres in the world

Researchers at the University of Southampton's Optoelectronics Research Centre have created the strongest, lightest weight silica nanofibres, 15 times stronger than steel. These nanofibres can be manufactured in lengths of potentially thousands of kilometres and are expected to transform industries such as aviation and marine safety.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNano Letters·DateJan 10, 2013

Foods identified as 'whole grain' not always healthy

A new study by Harvard School of Public Health researchers found that popular whole grain products often contain more sugar and calories than similar non-stamped products. The American Heart Association's standard was the best indicator of overall healthfulness, according to the study.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateJan 10, 2013

Study shows that human hearts generate new cells after birth

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital found that young humans can generate new heart muscle cells, challenging the accepted wisdom on human heart growth. The study's findings offer a potential new approach to treating heart failure in children by stimulating cardiomyocyte proliferation.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 10, 2013
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.

Researchers find causality in the eye of the beholder

A team of researchers has shown that our visual brain can make rapid judgments about causality without relying on cognitive reasoning. The study suggests that certain causal judgments are processed at an early level in the visual system, ending a long-standing debate over how these events are processed.

SourceNew York University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 10, 2013

New insights into HIV vaccine will improve drug development

Researchers have gained additional insights into an HIV vaccine that help explain its successes and failures, providing new options for vaccine designers to strengthen the drug. The study found that the vaccine-induced antibodies recognized virus-infected cells and flagged them for an attack by other immune cells.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalImmunity·DateJan 10, 2013

A snapshot of pupfish evolution in action

A comprehensive snapshot of pupfish evolution reveals how natural selection drives specialization through the creation of adaptive landscapes. Research shows that species are often limited to generalist feeding styles due to stabilizing selection.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience·DateJan 10, 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.

Surgeons may use hand gestures to manipulate MRI images in OR

Researchers developed a system using depth-sensing cameras and algorithms to recognize hand gestures as commands for medical image manipulation. The system reduced false positives from 20.8% to 2.3% and achieved a mean accuracy of 93%, improving surgery efficiency and reducing infection risk.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateJan 10, 2013

The effects of China's One Child Policy on its children

Research by Monash University found that growing up as an only child due to China's One Child Policy is associated with lower levels of trust, risk-taking, and competitiveness. The study also suggests that this may have economic implications for China, including a decline in entrepreneurial ability.

SourceMonash University·JournalScience·DateJan 10, 2013

New nanotech fiber: Robust handling, shocking performance

Researchers have developed a new carbon nanotube fiber with exceptional properties, including thermal and electrical conductivity, and flexibility. The fiber has the potential to revolutionize industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical applications.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·DateJan 10, 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.

Saliva gland test for Parkinson's shows promise, study finds

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have discovered that testing a portion of the saliva gland may diagnose Parkinson's disease more accurately. The study found abnormal proteins associated with the disease in nine out of 11 patients, offering hope for improved diagnosis and treatment.

SourceMayo Clinic·DateJan 10, 2013

Rhythms in the brain help give a sense of location, study shows

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh discovered that brain cells code location through indirect communication and electrical activity, allowing us to navigate with our eyes shut. The study's findings could have implications for understanding conditions like schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNeuron·DateJan 10, 2013

Cheating -- and getting away with it

Researchers discovered a gene in amoebae that enables over-sharing without reducing evolutionary fitness, challenging our understanding of cooperation and cheating. The study tested a knockout mutant 'CheaterB' and found it performed just as well as its ancestor wild strain under laboratory conditions.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateJan 10, 2013
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Government funding for 'super-material'

The project aims to develop epitaxial graphene for terahertz frequencies, enabling advanced security and health screening technologies. Royal Holloway will collaborate with National Physical Laboratory and University College London to exploit unique graphene technology.

SourceRoyal Holloway, University of London·DateJan 10, 2013

UC Davis study deflates notion that pear-shaped bodies more healthy than apples

Researchers found abnormal proteins in gluteal fat, which secretes chemerin and reduces omentin-1 levels. These proteins correlate with increased inflammation, insulin resistance, and heart disease risk. The study dispels the myth that pear-shaped bodies are healthier than apple-shaped ones.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 10, 2013

This week in Blood: Jan. 10, 2013

Researchers have identified a new approach to treating lymphoma by combining a toll-like receptor agonist with radiation, resulting in durable anti-tumor immune responses. Additionally, scientists have developed model-based decision rules to predict the safety of therapy discontinuation for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood·DateJan 10, 2013

Which study strategies make the grade?

A new report finds that popular study strategies like highlighting and rereading don't improve student learning, while effective techniques like practice testing and distributed practice can boost performance. The researchers recommend using these evidence-based strategies to direct teachers, students, and parents.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science in the Public Interest·DateJan 10, 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.