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Science News Archive January 2013


Page 20 of 27

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Chemical modules that mimic predator-prey and other behaviors

Scientists have created chemical modules that replicate complex interactions between plants, animals, and molecules, opening the door to more sophisticated molecular machines and computers. By using DNA and enzymes, researchers can now reproduce predator-prey interactions, mutually beneficial relationships, and competitive conditions.

Oscillating gel gives synthetic materials the ability to 'speak'

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a synthetic material that can rebuild itself through chemical communication and interaction with light. The material, known as Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) gel, exhibits autochemotaxis, allowing it to move in response to chemical signals and follow given actions or commands.

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.

Microscopic blood in urine unreliable indicator of urinary tract cancer

A recent study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that microscopic hematuria is an unreliable indicator of urinary tract malignant tumors. The study developed a Hematuria Risk Index to predict cancer risk, identifying low-risk patients who may not need further evaluation and reducing unnecessary evaluations.

How the brain stays receptive

Research reveals that Pannexin1 channel protein is critical for synaptic plasticity, a key process in learning and memory. Mice lacking Pannexin1 display autistic-like behavior and impaired spatial orientation, highlighting the importance of this channel for brain function.

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.

Disappearing bacterium may protect against stroke

Researchers found that a virulent strain of H. pylori reduced the risk of deaths from stroke by 55% and lung cancer by 45%. The study, which analyzed data from nearly 10,000 individuals, also found no association between H. pylori positivity or cagA-positivity and all-cause mortality.

Magma in mantle has deep impact

Researchers at Rice University have found that magma forms as deep as 250 kilometers in the Earth's mantle, a discovery that challenges previous theories on melting depth. This finding also sheds light on the planet's interior and surface connection, revealing new insights into geological processes.

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.

Research: Bad news can spur strategic change in businesses

A study by University of Illinois professor Michael K. Bednar found that negative media coverage may trigger strategic change in firms with independent boards. The research suggests that corporate boards with outside directors are more strongly influenced by negative media coverage, leading to greater strategic change.