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Science News for January 24, 2013


Extinction rates not as bad as feared ... for now

Despite concerns about high extinction rates, Griffith University researcher Professor Nigel Stork says the actual number is lower than feared. The study estimates around 5 million species on Earth, with conservation efforts protecting rich biodiversity in key areas.

SourceGriffith University·JournalScience·DateJan 24, 2013

Fetal exposure to tributyltin linked to obesity

A UC Irvine study reveals that low-dose exposure to the chemical tributyltin during pregnancy can lead to obesity in offspring and great-grandchildren, affecting gene expression and fat accumulation. The findings suggest permanent effects without subsequent exposure, highlighting the risks of endocrine-disrupting compounds.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJan 24, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Chameleon star baffles astronomers

Researchers observed a pulsar that dramatically changes its radio and X-ray emissions, defying existing theories on star emission. The study reveals the pulsar switches between two extreme states, one dominated by X-ray pulses and the other by organized radio pulses.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalScience·DateJan 24, 2013

Vaccinating children against rotavirus may indirectly protect adults too, study finds

A new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that vaccinating children against rotavirus indirectly protects unvaccinated adults from severe diarrhea and vomiting. The study suggests pediatric immunization may be more cost-effective than previously thought due to reduced health care costs among adults.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJan 24, 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 prevent cancer spread by blocking tissue scarring

Researchers at BRIC, University of Copenhagen, have found that blocking the enzyme Lysyl Oxidase (LOX) can significantly decrease metastasis in breast cancer models. This breakthrough suggests a new approach to prevent tumour microenvironment scarring and enhance patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalCancer Research·DateJan 24, 2013

Prenatal inflammation linked to autism risk

Researchers found a 43% increase in autism among mothers with top 20th percentile CRP levels and an 80% increase at the top 10th percentile. The study used a large national birth cohort and adds to evidence of an overactive immune response altering fetal brain development.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJan 24, 2013

Newly approved oral medication slows rheumatoid arthritis joint damage

A Phase 3 clinical trial shows that tofacitinib preserves joint structure in RA patients with moderate to severe disease, reducing progression of joint erosion and narrowing. The medication is effective in treating RA symptoms and reducing the rate of joint damage, providing new evidence for its treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateJan 24, 2013

Dung beetles use stars for orientation

Scientists have discovered that dung beetles use the Milky Way's gradient of light to ensure they keep rolling their balls in a straight line. The beetles' ability to orient themselves using this method has been proven, giving them an advantage in navigating their environment.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 24, 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.

Researchers uncover gene's role in rheumatoid arthritis, findings pave way for new treatments

A University of Michigan study reveals how certain genes activate cells that cause rheumatoid arthritis in mice, potentially leading to new treatments for both arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. The discovery challenges long-held theories on the association between HLA genes and autoimmune disorders.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateJan 24, 2013

Love triumphs over hate to make exotic new compound

Researchers at Northwestern University have created an exotic new chemical compound that links two identical tetracationic rings together using a mechanical bond. The compound's stable organic radical properties make it useful for applications in batteries, semiconductors and electronic memory devices.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateJan 24, 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.

A new Advanced Metrology Laboratory at NPL

The new Advanced Metrology Laboratory at NPL will house an estimated 20 laboratories for 40 scientists, focusing on high-precision metrology. This facility will enable cutting-edge research in key nano and quantum metrology programmes, driving growth in the UK's technological development and application.

SourceNational Physical Laboratory·DateJan 24, 2013

Synthetic corkscrew peptide kills antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria

A synthetic corkscrew peptide has been shown to kill antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria by dissolving their double-layered membranes. The peptide, KLAKLAKKLAKLAK, was effective against a variety of strains of E. coli, A. baumanii, and P. aeruginosa, including multi-drug resistant strains.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 24, 2013

Dung beetles follow the Milky Way

African ball-rolling insects guide themselves along straight paths under starlit skies but lose orientation under overcast conditions. Dung beetles exploit celestial cues like the Milky Way for navigation, suggesting other nocturnal insects might follow suit.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 24, 2013
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 dinosaur fossil challenges bird evolution theory

A new feathered dinosaur fossil found in China's Jurassic period pushes back the known origins of birds, which were previously thought to have evolved from theropod dinosaurs around 120-130 million years ago. The discovery provides additional evidence for a more complex evolution of flight.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 24, 2013

Grammar undercuts security of long computer passwords

Researchers developed a grammar-aware password cracker that can bypass security with 10% of dataset cracked exclusively by the team's algorithm. The study highlights the importance of using different parts of speech in passwords, as pronouns are far fewer in number than other words.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateJan 24, 2013

Abuse during childhood linked to uterine fibroids in African-American women

A new study found a strong association between childhood abuse and an increased risk of uterine fibroids in adulthood among African-American women. Women who experienced physical or sexual abuse before age 11 had a higher incidence of fibroids, with the risk increasing with severity.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateJan 24, 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.

Pitt team finds 'Achilles Heel' of key HIV replication protein

The Pitt team found that targeting Nef, a small HIV protein, could prevent it from replicating and infecting other cells. They discovered a compound called B9 that blocks Nef activity, impairing its function in the viral replication process.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·DateJan 24, 2013

Digital diagnostic tools lead to patient dissatisfaction, says MU expert

Researchers found that patients view physicians who use decision aids as less capable and may assign them responsibility for negative health outcomes when using CDSSs. To mitigate this, healthcare providers can incorporate decision aids to engage patients and facilitate understanding of diagnoses.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalMedical Decision Making·DateJan 24, 2013
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.

Chameleon pulsar baffles astronomers

Researchers found a pulsar, PSR B0943+10, that changes its behavior between two extreme states: one dominated by X-ray pulses and the other by highly organized radio pulses. The team used simultaneous observations with the XMM-Newton satellite and two radio telescopes to reveal this unique behavior.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalScience·DateJan 24, 2013

Liquid crystal's chaotic inner dynamics

Scientists have found a new dynamic process in liquid crystal cells triggered by strong electric fields. The theory of spatio-temporal chaos explains this effect, which affects the electro-optic switching phenomenon used in devices.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJan 24, 2013

Fruit and vegetable intake is associated with lower risk of ER- breast cancer

A study of 20 cohort studies found that high fruit and vegetable intake was associated with a lower risk of estrogen receptor-negative (ER-) breast cancer. The results suggest that increasing vegetable consumption may help lower ER- breast cancer risk, which accounts for only 15-20% of breast cancers.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 24, 2013

Valuing nature is not enough

A new concept has emerged to describe the natural world's resources supplied to humans, but its application raises ethical concerns about social equity and responsibilities. The study highlights the need for considering multiple values and interests when analyzing nature's contribution to humanity.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalBioScience·DateJan 24, 2013

Eliminating rare diseases

The EU has announced €38 million funding for research into rare diseases, aiming to develop new diagnostics and treatments through global data sharing. Advances in DNA sequencing have brought personalized treatments closer, but scientists now need to collate data to identify genetic causes of diseases.

SourceNewcastle University·DateJan 24, 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.

Immune cell suicide alarm helps destroy escaping bacteria

Researchers discovered a signaling pathway in macrophages that detects escaping bacteria and activates an enzyme to trigger self-destruction, protecting against lethal infections. The caspase-11 detection pathway protects mice from infection with Burkholderia species, including the potentially deadly B. pseudomallei.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalScience·DateJan 24, 2013

Discovering the secrets of tumor growth

Researchers identified a compound that blocks the expression of BLM protein, crucial for certain tumors to grow. The compound ML216 has the potential to stop tumor growth and is being explored as a treatment for osteosarcomas and soft tissue sarcomas.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalChemistry & Biology·DateJan 24, 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.

Mouse menopause model sheds light on UTIs in post-menopausal women

Researchers found higher uropathogenic E. coli reservoirs in post-menopausal women's bladders compared to pre-menopause, which can lead to UTIs. Estrogen supplementation reduced these reservoirs dramatically, highlighting a potential new approach to prevent or treat UTIs in this population.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalInfection and Immunity·DateJan 24, 2013

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Garry continue to intensify

Tropical Cyclone Garry continues to intensify due to favorable conditions, with microwave satellite imagery confirming deep convection around its low-level circulation center. The storm is expected to briefly reach cyclone strength before wind shear weakens and dissipates it.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 24, 2013

Study: Store layout an important variable for retailers

A University of Illinois study shows that retailers must balance the shopping process for consumers and pricing behavior of upstream suppliers through strategic manipulation of store layout. The findings suggest that making certain products convenient to consumers may not be the best retail strategy, as it can influence pricing behavio...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalMarketing Science·DateJan 24, 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.

Science magazine prize goes to teaching tool for undergraduate genomics course

A new web-based teaching tool, Genomics Explorers, has been awarded the Science Prize for Inquiry-Based Instruction. The tool helps students formulate and explore their own research questions using genomic data sets, promoting real research experience and ownership of the process.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 24, 2013

New, cost-cutting approach to formulating pest-killing fungi

Researchers at the US Department of Agriculture have discovered a new method for producing insect-killing fungi, which significantly reduces production costs and increases yields. The liquid culture fermentation process uses less expensive nitrogen sources, making it a more cost-effective alternative to traditional methods.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateJan 24, 2013

Research: Lupus drugs carry no significant cancer risk for patients

A landmark study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that lupus patients taking immunosuppressive medications do not have a significantly increased risk of developing lymphoma. The study involved nearly 5,000 cancer-free lupus patients and found no clear association between disease activity and lymphoma risk.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJan 24, 2013

Low vitamin D levels linked to high risk of premenopausal breast cancer

A prospective study of 1,200 healthy women found that low serum vitamin D levels before diagnosis increased the risk of premenopausal breast cancer. Women with low vitamin D levels had approximately three times the risk of breast cancer as those in the highest vitamin D group.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCancer Causes & Control·DateJan 24, 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.

False beliefs persist, even after instant online corrections

A recent study suggests that instant online corrections may not effectively dispel false beliefs, particularly among those who already support the falsehood. The study found that real-time corrections were only effective among participants who initially supported electronic health records, while opponents of EHRs discounted the credibi...

SourceOhio State University·DateJan 24, 2013

Researchers say it's time to treat anemia seriously

A study published in the Canadian Journal of Anesthesia found that hospitals treating patients with anemia before surgery had better outcomes, including reduced blood transfusions, infections, and shorter hospital stays. Early diagnosis and treatment of anemia are crucial to avoid unnecessary transfusions and improve patient care.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalCanadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d anesthésie·DateJan 24, 2013

New suite of chemicals seen causing disease generations later

Research finds that exposure to certain plastics and hydrocarbons can cause reproductive diseases and obesity in descendants, leading to epigenetic inheritance. The study identifies nearly 200 molecular markers for exposure and disease, paving the way for diagnostic tools and new therapies.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 24, 2013

New supercomputer coming to EMSL this summer, supplied by Atipa Technologies

The new $17 million supercomputer will peak at 3.4 petaflops and offer 2.7 petabytes of usable storage, benefiting climate and biological simulations, energy research, and material science applications. Researchers from around the world can apply to use the system, which is expected to accelerate scientific discovery.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateJan 24, 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.

Stigma stymies prostate cancer screening, treatment in Ghana

A new study finds that prostate cancer stigma is a significant barrier to diagnosis and treatment in Ghana, with many men diagnosed at late stages and opting out of therapy. The researchers aim to develop tailored treatment regimens and increase PSA screening rates to improve health outcomes.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalBMC Cancer·DateJan 24, 2013

PNNL awarded $2.8 million to keep troops cool while using less fuel

The Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory will receive $2.8 million to develop a next-generation adsorption chiller that is smaller, lighter, and operates under extreme temperatures. The system could reduce diesel fuel use by up to 50% and save lives by reducing attacks on American soldiers.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateJan 24, 2013

Nottingham expertise in major European drug discovery partnership

Scientists at Nottingham University are part of a €18m European-wide project using high-tech laser technology to study how drugs interact with cells. They aim to design more effective treatments for chronic illnesses like cancer and asthma by understanding how drug molecules bind and unbind from proteins.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateJan 24, 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.

Introducing 'more patient reality' into NHS spending decisions

A new study by health economists at the University of York has produced an estimate of the impact on other NHS patients of new and more costly drugs and treatments. The research suggests a refinement of NICE's cost-effectiveness threshold, potentially leading to lower prices for new drugs when value-based pricing is introduced.

SourceUniversity of York·DateJan 24, 2013

Can you 'train' yourself to have more willpower?

A study by Miriam Hospital researchers found that individuals with more willpower lost more weight, were more physically active, and consumed fewer calories from fat. Practicing acts of self-control, such as eating a low-fat diet and working out, can strengthen the 'muscle' of self-control.

SourceLifespan·JournalObesity Research & Clinical Practice·DateJan 24, 2013

NASA sees remnants of Tropical Storm Oswald still strong

NASA's satellite imagery reveals a powerful band of thunderstorms east of Oswald's center, with temperatures as cold as -63 Fahrenheit (-52 Celsius). The low-level circulation center has become well-defined, triggering severe weather warnings for destructive winds and heavy rainfall across parts of Australia.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 24, 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.

The impact of affirmative action bans in graduate fields of study

Research by Liliana M. Garces shows that affirmative action bans have a significant impact on the enrollment of students of color in various graduate fields, particularly engineering and natural sciences. The study suggests that institutions must adopt innovative outreach and recruitment practices to reverse underrepresentation trends.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·DateJan 24, 2013

Out-of-pocket costs for breast cancer probably manageable for most Canadian women

A study published in JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that median out-of-pocket costs for Canadian breast cancer patients were $1,002, with higher costs among more educated women and those living far from hospitals. Wage losses had a greater impact on family finances than out-of-pocket costs.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 24, 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.

Tracking the spread of dengue fever: Domestic networks drive rapid transmission of human infection

A study published in PNAS reveals that dengue fever transmission is driven by human movement within residential networks. The research found that people visiting friends and relatives in nearby homes were the main driver of rapid transmission. This finding has implications for disease surveillance and control.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 24, 2013

Urban metabolism for the urban century

The Yale School of Environment's Journal of Industrial Ecology publishes a special issue on Sustainable Urban Systems, focusing on integrated approaches to reduce environmental impact. Research explores global warming, waste management, and phosphorus use in cities worldwide.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·DateJan 24, 2013

Depression-era drainage ditches emerge as sleeping threat to Cape Cod salt marshes

Research reveals that recreational fishing and Great Depression-era ditches are causing significant erosion and die-off of cordgrass habitat in Cape Cod salt marshes. The unchecked growth of purple marsh crabs has led to the destruction of this essential ecosystem, threatening the region's ecological balance.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateJan 24, 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.

A scanner for hereditary defects

Researchers discovered XPD protein's role in locating damaged DNA, which aids cancer treatment development. The protein works like a scanner that glides along the DNA double helix, marking damaged spots for repair.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 24, 2013

Maglev tissues could speed toxicity tests

Scientists use magnetic levitation to create laboratory techniques for growing tissues virtually identical to those found in people's bodies. Researchers combined four cell types to replicate bronchiole deep inside the lung, creating realistic lung tissue.

SourceRice University·JournalTissue Engineering Part C Methods·DateJan 24, 2013

Researchers discover new mutations driving malignant melanoma

Two new mutations have been discovered in the 'dark matter' of the cancer genome, occurring in 71 percent of malignant melanoma tumors. The highly recurrent mutations affect a promoter region adjacent to the TERT gene and may contribute to the development of melanoma.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·DateJan 24, 2013

Adolescent sexual and reproductive health priorities identified

A study led by Michelle Hindin identified research priorities for adolescent sexual and reproductive health in low- and middle-income countries. The top-ranking research questions suggest that definitions of problems and interventions need improvement, with a shift towards scaling up existing interventions and developing new ones.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalBulletin of the World Health Organization·DateJan 24, 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.

Cells 'flock' to heal wounds

Researchers have discovered that cells in every part of a wounded skin patch exert force to pull their neighbors along, coordinating their motions to heal the wound. This new understanding could lead to insights into the process and its long-term implications for healing and cancer research.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 24, 2013

The storm that never was: Why the weatherman is often wrong

A BYU mechanical engineering professor's research reveals that internal waves play a crucial role in predicting weather, leading to frequent forecasting mistakes. By understanding how these waves move energy around, forecasters can develop better linear wave models to improve their predictions.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalInternational Journal of Geophysics·DateJan 24, 2013

Canada launches first gene therapy trial for Fabry disease

Researchers in Calgary have launched the world's first gene therapy clinical trial for Fabry disease, a rare inherited enzyme deficiency. The trial aims to transplant stem cells with a working copy of the GLA gene into patients, potentially curing the condition.

SourceAlberta Health Services·DateJan 24, 2013

Construction begins on Canada's largest radio telescope

The new telescope, with a 100m x 100m collecting area, will scan half of the sky daily and synthesize an image of the sky nearly one billion times per second. The CHIME telescope aims to map a quarter of the observable universe, helping scientists understand the history of the Universe and dark energy's role in its expansion.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·DateJan 24, 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.

Breast feeding okay for mothers taking immunosuppressant drug

A study finds that breast milk contains very low levels of tacrolimus, and babies can clear the drug at the same rate whether breast-fed or bottle-fed. Women taking tacrolimus who wish to breast-feed after counseling should not be discouraged from doing so.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 24, 2013

Some minority students may fare better than whites when working part time, new research finds

A study of nearly 600,000 students found that African-American and Hispanic students tend to work longer hours than non-Hispanic white students but experience less negative effects on their grades. High school students who worked long hours at part-time jobs were more likely to be employed and report working more than 25 hours a week.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateJan 24, 2013

Ractopamine is safe for use in Brazilian pork

Researchers found that a small dose of ractopamine increased muscle mass and feed efficiency in pigs without compromising meat quality. The study confirmed previous findings that 5 mg/kg is an appropriate dose for Brazilian commercial pork production.

SourceAmerican Society of Animal Science·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateJan 24, 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.

Sun shoots out 2 coronal mass ejections

A Sun coronal mass ejection occurred on January 23, 2013, at a speed of around 375 miles per second, impacting the magnetosphere. The event caused a space weather phenomenon called a geomagnetic storm, potentially affecting GPS and satellite communications.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 24, 2013

NASA Super-TIGER balloon shatters flight record

The NASA Super-TIGER balloon has shattered the previous record for longest flight by a balloon of its size, reaching 46 days in flight. The balloon is carrying the Super Trans-Iron Galactic Element Recorder (Super-TIGER) experiment to measure rare heavy elements among high-energy cosmic rays.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 24, 2013

Liquid metal makes silicon crystals at record low temperatures

Scientists have created a way to produce crystalline silicon directly at just 180 F by using liquid metal, offering a more efficient and environmentally friendly process. The new method has the potential to significantly reduce production costs and make alternative semiconductors more viable for solar energy applications.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 24, 2013

Genes provide clues to gender disparity in human hearts

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have discovered genetic differences between men's and women's hearts, finding that women with failing hearts have weaker gene expression systems than men, while men are more susceptible to atrial fibrillation and long-QT syndrome.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 24, 2013
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Research ties lightning to onset of headache, migraines

A study published in Cephalalgia found a significant correlation between lightning strikes and an increased risk of headache and migraine in chronic sufferers. The research suggests that electromagnetic waves emitted by lightning may trigger headaches, while also producing air pollutants that could lead to migraines.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalCephalalgia·DateJan 24, 2013

Bats split on family living

Researchers found a unique social structure in a small town where males and females coexist in the same roosts. This arrangement allows females to conserve energy and ensures faster growth of their young. In contrast, lowland areas have female-only childrearing colonies.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 24, 2013
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Red explosions: The secret life of binary stars is revealed

Researchers have discovered a way to identify and explain the luminosity generated during common envelope events involving binary stars. The events result in bright red outbursts, similar to recently discovered Luminous Red Novae. Natalia Ivanova's analysis provided new insights into these celestial phenomena.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalScience·DateJan 24, 2013