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Science News Archive January 2013


Page 12 of 27

The ability to 'hold one's liquor' indicates risk of developing alcohol problems

A new study found that a low subjective response to alcohol, or the ability to 'hold one's liquor,' may protect against short-term alcohol problems but increases the risk of long-term problems as tolerance develops. The study examined associations between early subjective response and acquired tolerance in heavy-drinking young adults.

New drug protects against side effects of chemotherapy

A new drug called calmangafodipir has been developed to protect healthy cells from side effects of cancer treatments while enhancing the anti-tumor effect. The compound was derived from a contrast media used in magnetic resonance scans and shows promise in reducing white blood cell counts and preventing infections.

UT MD Anderson scientists find protein that reins in runaway network

Researchers discover protein OTUD7B, which regulates TRAF3's destruction and controls NF-kB pathway implicated in autoimmune diseases and cancer. Cells with intact OTUD7B suppress non-canonical NF-kB signaling, leading to increased lymphoid cell growth and hyper-responsiveness to antigens.

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.

Residents near Chinese e-waste site face greater cancer risk

A recent study found that residents in a rural Chinese village near an e-waste recycling site are 1.6 times more likely to develop lung cancer than their peers in a heavily polluted city. The study, conducted by Oregon State University researchers, highlights the risks of toxic air pollution from e-waste incineration.

New information on binding gold particles over metal oxide surfaces

Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä Nanoscience Center used computational modeling to understand how redox chemistry affects the binding of gold particles on modified calcium oxide surfaces. They found that the energy released during a redox reaction correlates with the ability of the dopant metal atom to donate an electron.

Novel gene-searching software improves accuracy in disease studies

A new software tool called ParseCNV detects copy number variation (CNV) associations with higher accuracy than existing software, enabling better identification of gene variants linked to genetic diseases. The algorithm automatically corrects for variations in DNA sequences, producing high-quality results.

Sex of early birds suggests dinosaur reproductive style

A team of paleontologists has discovered a way to identify the sex of an ancient avian species, revealing that early birds began reproducing before they were fully grown. The study provides evidence for an important difference in when female avian species matured compared to modern birds.

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.

Research to kick-start the UK economy

A new report investigates UK economic challenges and proposes initiatives to kick-start growth, focusing on education, business, and innovation. The report explores unconventional approaches to issues such as unemployment, management practices, and globalization.

Wood on the seafloor -- an oasis for deep-sea life

A team of Max Planck researchers discovered that sunken wood can serve as a temporary habitat for rare deep-sea animals. The wood's degradation by bacteria produces hydrogen sulfide, attracting species that rely on these compounds for energy, such as cold-seep mussels.

New research on military traumatic brain injury

Studies show that mild TBI can lead to chronic cognitive, behavioral, and psychological problems in service members. Research highlights associations between TBI, PTSD, depression, and pain, underscoring the need for further treatment and rehabilitation approaches.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Emergency room redux for many patients after hospitalization

A new study found nearly 18% of hospitalized patients returned to the emergency room or were readmitted within 30 days of discharge, with mental health and prostate issues having the highest rates. The study suggests that many more patients require acute medical care after hospitalization than previously recognized.

Lower drinking ages can have an impact on later drinking patterns

A new study found that lower minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) laws are associated with more frequent binge episodes and less moderate drinking, persisting into later adulthood. The research suggests that raising the MLDA to 21 can prevent alcohol-related harms in underage drinkers and other people under 21.

2013 Louis-Jeantet Prize for Medicine

Michael Stratton and Peter Hegemann received the 2013 Louis-Jeantet Prize for their discovery of ion channels activated by light, known as optogenetics, which holds promise for treating neurological diseases. They will use the prize money to continue their research on proteins that can be activated by light.

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.

A diffusion trap

Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research have made crucial discoveries about the development of cell polarity. They found that diffusion traps, created by sticky regions on the membrane, play a crucial role in maintaining cell polarity.

From dark hearts comes the kindness of mankind

The study proposes that altruism emerged as a community-wide desire to guard its own well-being after dominant individuals attempted to control competitors. This system was found to be more efficient and easier to manage than direct efforts against greed.

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.

Monkeys stressed from longer foraging times

In endangered Mexican howler monkeys, habitat disturbance leads to increased 'travel time' foraging and high levels of stress hormones. Researchers found that fruit is a crucial component of their natural diet, and lack of fruit availability forces them to spend more time seeking out nutritious foliage.

Human-tiger conflict: Are the risks overestimated?

A new study published in Springer's Human Ecology journal explores the complex web of factors increasing perceived risk of tiger attack in the Sundarbans of Bangladesh. The researchers found that poverty-related issues, such as low incomes and poor infrastructure, significantly influence villagers' perceptions of risk from tigers.

Longer CPR extends survival in both children and adults

A recent study published in Circulation found that longer CPR durations can extend survival in children and adults after hospital cardiac arrests. The research team analyzed data from thousands of patients and discovered that more children than expected survived prolonged CPR, with over 60% having good neurologic outcomes.

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.

New findings on mortality of individuals with schizophrenia

Researchers found individuals with schizophrenia have shorter life expectancy due to increased risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Women with schizophrenia were particularly vulnerable, facing a threefold higher risk of cardiovascular disease and a 1.7 times greater chance of cancer-related death.

Enzyme helps cancer cells avoid genetic instability

Researchers found that cancer cells lacking BRCA1 compensate by reducing 53BP1 levels, which allows them to resume homologous recombination and grow. The study suggests a new pathway for how breast cancer cells lose 53BP1, enabling resistance to chemotherapy and potentially identifying patients who respond to cathepsin inhibitors.

Cotton with special coating collects water from fogs in desert

Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology developed coated cotton that absorbs exceptional amounts of water from foggy air, releasing it as temperature rises. The material, inspired by nature, can provide water for agricultural purposes and potentially be used in desert regions.

UBC research: Forget about fair – It's better when bosses pick favorites

A new study from UBC's Sauder School of Business finds that treating employees relatively better than others can increase self-esteem, conformity to workplace norms, and group-oriented behavior. This approach is more effective in maintaining high levels of productivity among top performers than a strictly egalitarian culture.

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.

Mama bear knows best, University of Alberta study shows

A four-year study found that young grizzly bears learn their habitat selection strategies from their mothers, which may be a more adaptive strategy than instinct. The research tracked 32 adult and young bears in western Canada and showed genetically related female bears shared similar habitat choices.

Annals of Internal Medicine Tip Sheet for Jan. 22, 2013

A recent evidence review suggests that primary care interventions may reduce child abuse and neglect, with clinic-based interventions showing reduced physical assault and improved medical adherence. Additionally, the US Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening all women of childbearing age for intimate partner violence.

Stopping smoking reduces risk of bacterial pneumonia in people with HIV

A meta-analysis found that current smokers with HIV were at double the risk of bacterial pneumonia than non-smokers, but stopping smoking decreased this risk by about a third. Stopping smoking reduced the risk of bacterial pneumonia by approximately 30-70% compared to non-smoking counterparts.

Study finds linchpin of skin response to UVA light

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that human melanocytes rely on the TRPA1 ion channel to detect UVA light and trigger the production of melanin. This discovery strengthens the evidence of a parallel between the skin's response to UVA light and the eye's detection of light.

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.

Perfectionism and eating disorders: A complex issue

A study of over a thousand women reveals that both adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism contribute to body dissatisfaction, increasing the risk of developing an eating disorder. Women who desired lower BMIs showed greater concern about making mistakes and self-doubt, highlighting the need for addressing 'all or nothing' attitudes.

Molecular forces are key to proper cell division

Researchers have identified a molecular surveillance system that helps detect and correct errors in cell division, preventing serious problems such as aneuploidy and cancer. The study reveals the importance of forces generated by molecular engines in regulating kinetochore-microtubule interactions.

Hearing loss may be related to cognitive decline in older adults

A study of 1,984 older adults found that hearing loss was associated with a 41% faster rate of decline in global function and a 32% faster rate of decline in executive function compared to those with normal hearing. Individuals with hearing loss also had a 24% increased risk for incident cognitive impairment.

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.

Protein structure: Immune system foiled by a hairpin

The measles virus uses a hairpin-like structure to bind to the MDA5 receptor, preventing it from forming filaments and signaling viral RNA. This interaction allows the virus to evade the immune system's defense mechanisms.

Hearing loss accelerates brain function decline in older adults

A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that older adults with hearing loss declined in cognitive abilities 30-40% faster than those with normal hearing. The study, involving 1,984 participants, suggests that hearing loss may be linked to social isolation and brain energy diversion.

Study: Bariatric surgery in extremely obese adolescents

A study published in Journal of Pediatric Surgery found that bariatric surgery in extremely obese adolescents can reverse previously undiagnosed cardiovascular abnormalities. The research revealed significant improvement in cardiac structure and function after weight loss surgery.

New 2D material for next generation high-speed electronics

Scientists at CSIRO and RMIT University created a new conductive nano-material, enabling ultra-high electron flow at speeds exceeding industry standards. The breakthrough material was made from layers of molybdenum oxides, adapted from graphene's unique properties.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Researchers analyse 'rock dissolving' method of geoengineering

A new study published in Environmental Research Letters analyzes the benefits and drawbacks of dissolving particles in ocean surfaces to increase marine uptake of carbon dioxide. The researchers find that this approach would only compensate for around 9% of present-day anthropogenic CO2 emissions, highlighting its inefficiency.

New technology shows diabetes

Researchers at Umeå University have developed a new imaging method using optical projection tomography (OPT) in the near-infrared spectrum to study insulin-producing cells in diabetes. This technology allows for the examination of larger organs, including the rat pancreas, and can track specific cell types simultaneously.

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.

Cleaning jobs linked to asthma risk

A new study from Imperial College London found that cleaning jobs are strongly associated with an increased risk of developing asthma. Researchers tracked over 9,000 people born in Britain and found that nine percent developed asthma by age 42, with workplace risks responsible for one in six cases.

Overlooked ugly cholesterol causes heart disease

A new study of 73,000 Danes found that 'ugly' cholesterol, a type of remnant-like particle cholesterol, is the direct cause of arteriosclerosis and ischaemic heart disease. High levels of ugly cholesterol triple the risk of heart disease, emphasizing the need for preventive treatment and lifestyle changes.

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.

New way to kill lymphoma without chemotherapy

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered a new nanoparticle that kills B-cell lymphoma cells by depriving them of natural HDL cholesterol. The nanoparticle, which mimics the size and shape of HDL particles, blocks cholesterol from entering cancer cells, leading to cell death.

A relative from the Tianyuan Cave

A study of ancient DNA from a 40,000-year-old human from Tianyuan Cave near Beijing found that the individual shared a common origin with present-day Asians and Native Americans. The genetic profile also revealed that this early modern human diverged genetically from present-day Europeans and did not carry a larger proportion of Neande...