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Science News for January 2, 2013


Itchy wool sweaters explained

Researchers found a specific type of sensory nerve cell that responds to itch-inducing stimuli but not pain, suggesting a possible solution for chronic itch. This discovery may help develop treatments for life-saving medications and improve our understanding of the relationship between pain and itch.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJan 2, 2013

New method for uncovering side effects before a drug hits the market

Scientists have developed a new computer-based approach to predicting possible side effects of medications. The method is based on knowledge about chemical and biological information about ingredients in these medications and has been shown to be useful in identifying potential side effects for both known and uncharacterized molecules....

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·DateJan 2, 2013

Researchers identify an early predictor for glaucoma

Researchers have identified an early predictor for glaucoma, a condition that affects nearly three million people in the US and 60 million worldwide. The study found that certain changes in blood vessels in the retina can be an early warning sign of increased risk for glaucoma.

SourceAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology·JournalOphthalmology·DateJan 2, 2013

JCI early table of contents for Jan. 2, 2013

Researchers found that bacterial imbalance contributes to intestinal inflammation and carcinogenesis, with treatment reducing disease risk. Dysbiosis was shown to enhance intestinal inflammation and increase the risk for inflammation-associated colon cancer.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 2, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Some men voice complaints of shortened penis following prostate cancer treatment

A study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that a small percentage of men treated for prostate cancer reported a perceived shortening of their penis, leading to regrets about treatment choice. The complaint was more common in men treated with radical prostatectomy or male hormone-blocking drugs combined with radiation therapy.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalUrology·DateJan 2, 2013

Communication is key to medication adherence

A recent study by UCSF researchers found that patients who receive high-quality communication from their doctors are more likely to fill their prescriptions. The study of 9,377 patients showed that effective communication leads to better medication adherence rates, with a 4-6% lower rate for those who felt heard and trusted.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 2, 2013

Nature-inspired advance for treating sensitive teeth

Researchers have developed a new substance inspired by mussels' adhesive, which can rebuild both enamel and dentin on teeth. Laboratory tests show that the gooey material promotes simultaneous remineralization of enamel and dentin, offering a potential solution for millions suffering from tooth sensitivity.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJan 2, 2013

ALMA sheds light on planet-forming gas streams

Astronomers using ALMA have observed the first direct evidence of vast gas streams flowing across a gap in a young star's disc, thought to be created by giant planets guzzling gas as they grow. The discovery provides insight into planet formation theories.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateJan 2, 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.

Researchers demonstrate record-setting p-type transistor

The new device boasts twice as fast 'carry mobility' as previous experimental p-type transistors and almost four times as fast as commercial ones. It features a trigate design, which could solve problems at extremely small sizes, and is made from germanium.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJan 2, 2013

Galactic geysers fuelled by star stuff

A team of astronomers has mapped enormous outflows of charged particles from the centre of the Milky Way Galaxy, stretching over 50,000 light-years. The phenomenon is driven by many generations of stars forming and exploding in the Galactic Centre over the last hundred million years.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalNature·DateJan 2, 2013

Secure communication technology can conquer lack of trust

Scientists at National University of Singapore successfully developed a secure bidding system using entangled photons. The 'noisy storage' model allows for secure information sharing between two parties without trusting each other.

SourceCentre for Quantum Technologies at the National University of Singapore·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 2, 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.

Bisexual men on the 'down low' run risk for poor mental health

Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that bisexual men who live predominantly heterosexual lives and do not disclose their same-sex behavior are more likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety. Greater concealment of homosexual behavior was associated with lower positive emotions.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateJan 2, 2013

While in womb, babies begin learning language from their mothers

Researchers discovered that babies differentiate between native and foreign languages just hours after birth, indicating they absorb language while still in the womb. The study shows fetuses learn prenatally about specific speech sounds of a mother's language.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalActa Paediatrica·DateJan 2, 2013

Biologists unlock 'black box' to underground world

Researchers analyzed 16 soil samples from around the globe and sequenced their DNA to understand the functional roles of microorganisms. The study reveals that different species perform unique jobs based on their environment, shedding light on the importance of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystem services.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 2, 2013

Common data determinants of recurrent cancer are broken, mislead researchers

Researchers have found that commonly used algorithms for identifying patients with recurrent cancer are flawed and often mislead researchers. These algorithms rely on billing codes or secondary tumors to identify patients, but this approach can be inaccurate, as it may not distinguish between new cancers and recurrences.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalMedical Care·DateJan 2, 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.

Our galaxy's 'geysers' are towers of power

Astronomers have detected giant outflows of charged particles from the center of our galaxy, stretching across half the sky and emitting an enormous amount of energy. The outflows were found to be driven by star formation and are carrying strong magnetic fields that may play a key role in generating the galaxy's overall magnetic field.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalNature·DateJan 2, 2013

Promising compound restores memory loss and reverses symptoms of Alzheimer's

A new research report published in the FASEB Journal shows that TFP5, a small molecule, rescues plaques and tangles by blocking an overactive brain signal, restoring memory in mice with Alzheimer's. Clinical trial studies may yield extended quality of life for patients.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJan 2, 2013

Electric stimulation of brain releases powerful, opiate-like painkiller

Researchers used electric stimulation to release an opiate-like substance that reduces pain in the brain. The study found a significant improvement in patients' threshold for cold pain, but not their clinical pain levels. Repeated sessions are required for lasting effects.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateJan 2, 2013

Oh, Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree

Scientists have created a self-sterilizing composite material derived from Douglas fir needles that can coat medical implants and surgical devices to prevent microbial growth. The material uses silver nanoparticles generated from the plant extract, which acts as a natural chemical reducing agent.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Biomedical Nanoscience and Nanotechnology·DateJan 2, 2013

Identifying the molecular causes of vision loss in demyelinating disease

Deimination, a protein modification altered in patients with MS and PMD, is reduced in both human patients and mouse models experiencing vision loss. Restoration of deimination improves visual function in mice, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target for demyelinating diseases.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 2, 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.

Magnetic fields created before the first stars

A team of researchers has calculated the strength and distribution of magnetic fields in the early universe, finding that they existed even before the first stars formed. The calculations show that these weak magnetic fields were present throughout the entire plasma volume, with strengths as low as 10^-20 Tesla.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 2, 2013

Bonobos will share with strangers before acquaintances

Researchers found that bonobos will share food with a stranger before an acquaintance in a series of experiments. In most cases, the test subject chose to release the stranger first, even when there was no social interaction afterwards. This behavior contrasts with chimpanzees and highlights the unique social dynamics of bonobos.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 2, 2013

UC research unveils how some medieval cultures adapted to rise of Islam

Historian Robert Haug's research shows that social, cultural and political changes in border areas like medieval Afghanistan and Iran were manifested through changes in vocabulary, coins minted and used, and fortified enclosures. These adaptations allowed local elites to maintain power under the Caliphate.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateJan 2, 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.

'Protecting' psychiatric medical records puts patients at risk of hospitalization

A Johns Hopkins study reveals that keeping psychiatric medical records separate from primary care doctors' access can lead to increased hospital readmission rates. The researchers found that patients whose records were shared with non-psychiatrists had a 40% lower risk of readmission within the first month after discharge.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Medical Informatics·DateJan 2, 2013

In Ethiopia, HIV disclosure is low

In Ethiopia, a study found that only 66% of patients with HIV disclosed their status to their spouse, while 17% disclosed to siblings and 16.8% to other relatives. The lack of disclosure hinders treatment and prevention efforts.

SourceBrown University·JournalAIDS Care·DateJan 2, 2013

Risk genes for Alzheimer's and mental illness linked to brain changes at birth

A study published in Cerebral Cortex found that brain changes associated with common gene variants linked to disorders like Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia can be seen in newborns. These findings suggest that prenatal brain development may play a significant role in shaping psychiatric risk later in life.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateJan 2, 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.

Study refutes accepted model of memory formation

A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that mice lacking a widely accepted enzyme for long-term memory formation were still able to form memories as well as normal mice. The study refutes the prevailing theory of how synapses strengthen, suggesting PKM-zeta is not the key molecule for long-term memory.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature·DateJan 2, 2013

Nature: Political action the biggest swing factor in meeting climate targets

A new study published in Nature highlights the importance of political action in limiting global warming to 2°C. The researchers found that political uncertainties, such as when countries will take serious action to reduce emissions, are the biggest swing factor in meeting this target. With a 20-year delay, the likelihood of success dr...

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature·DateJan 2, 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.

New UGA research helps explain why girls do better in school

New UGA research reveals that girls perform better than boys in elementary school despite similar test scores, largely due to their approach towards learning. This early difference in classroom behavior affects teacher assessments, grades, and future academic prospects for both genders.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Human Resources·DateJan 2, 2013

Dance of water molecules turns fire-colored beetles into antifreeze artists

Researchers found that fire-colored beetle antifreeze proteins protect against freezing temperatures through a combination of direct interaction with ice crystals and interactions via water molecules. This process, previously thought to occur only locally, also happens over longer distances due to the dynamics of water molecules.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 2, 2013

ALMA shows how young star and planets grow simultaneously

Astronomers have discovered that planets forming around a young star are helping the star continue to grow by clearing gaps in its surrounding disk. The ALMA telescope has detected thin gas filling these gaps and streamers of dense gas bringing material from the outer disk, near and onto the planets.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalNature·DateJan 2, 2013

Pitt-led team finds molecule that polices TB lung infection, could lead to vaccine

A Pitt-led team has identified a molecule that effectively polices tuberculosis (TB) lung infections and prevents the progression to active disease. The presence of CXCR5 enables the immune system to target infected cells and form protective granulomas, which keep TB under control.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 2, 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.

Previous studies on toxic effects of BPA couldn't be reproduced

A University of Missouri study failed to replicate previous research on the toxic effects of BPA and genistein, two chemicals that have been linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes in humans. The findings suggest that the chemicals may not have the same adverse effects as previously reported, highlighting the need for more reliable data ...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 2, 2013

Treating stable flies in pastures

Stable flies are a significant pest of cattle in the US, causing reduced milk production and decreased weight gain. A new study finds that cyromazine, an insect growth regulator, can reduce emerging adult stable flies by 97% with minimal cost and application time.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateJan 2, 2013

Researchers develop tool to evaluate genome sequencing method

Researchers developed a new tool to evaluate genome sequencing methods, tracking key statistical features in assembled genomes. The tool, FRCbam, validates its analysis by examining large ensembles of assemblers and genomes, revealing that many expert-recommended features were misleading.

SourceNew York University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 2, 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.

Treating sleep-disordered breathing in pregnancy may improve fetal health

A new study suggests that treating mild sleep-disordered breathing in pregnant women with preeclampsia with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy improves fetal activity levels and may improve fetal outcomes. On average, fetal movement increased by 273 during the night with CPAP therapy.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateJan 2, 2013