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Science News for January 13, 2013


Pill-sized device provides rapid, detailed imaging of esophageal lining

Researchers developed an imaging system enclosed in a capsule about the size of a multivitamin pill that creates detailed, microscopic images of the esophageal wall. The system has several advantages over traditional endoscopy and reveals subsurface structures not easily seen with endoscopy.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 13, 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.

Graphene plasmonics beats the drug cheats

Researchers have developed a graphene plasmonics device that can detect even trace amounts of substances in minutes, revolutionizing drug testing for athletes and detecting viruses. The breakthrough uses artificial materials with topological darkness to achieve high sensitivity.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 13, 2013

New study reveals gas that triggers ozone destruction

Scientists at the Universities of York and Leeds have made a significant discovery about the cause of ozone destruction over oceans. The research team found that the principal source of iodine oxide can be explained by emissions of hypoiodous acid and molecular iodine.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 13, 2013

Foot soldiers of the immune system

The IFIT protein recognizes foreign viral RNA and blocks viral infections by acting as a defender molecule. The discovery reveals the molecular mechanism behind how IFIT proteins capture only the viral RNA and distinguish it from normal molecules belonging to the host.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateJan 13, 2013

Scientists reassemble the backbone of life with a particle accelerator

Researchers use high-energy X-rays and new data extraction protocol to study 360 million year old fossils, shedding light on how early vertebrates moved from water onto land. The discovery reveals a new understanding of the backbone's structure and its functional evolution.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalNature·DateJan 13, 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.

What did our ancestors look like?

A new study uses DNA analysis to reconstruct hair and eye color from ancient human remains, confirming the blue eyes and blond hair of a Polish general. The HIrisPlex system was also able to identify details from medieval samples, including a mysterious woman buried in a 12th-14th century crypt.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalInvestigative Genetics·DateJan 13, 2013

Cancer suppressor gene links metabolism with cellular aging

Researchers discovered a class of p53 target genes and regulatory molecules that regulate metabolism and senescence in cells. Malic enzymes, identified as novel pharmaceutical targets for anticancer therapy, may also play a role in the normal process of cellular aging.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateJan 13, 2013

The secrets of a tadpole's tail and the implications for human healing

Scientists at the University of Manchester have discovered that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a crucial role in tadpole tail regeneration, which could lead to new therapies for human tissue repair. The team found that manipulating ROS levels may be essential to initiate and sustain regeneration processes.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJan 13, 2013

Credit card debt: Younger people borrow more heavily and repay more slowly

A new study by Ohio State University reveals that younger generations have significantly higher credit card debt and slower repayment rates compared to previous generations. Increasing the minimum monthly payment can lead to faster debt repayment, potentially saving individuals years of financial burden.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEconomic Inquiry·DateJan 13, 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.