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Science News Archive January 2013 - Page 11


Page 11 of 27

The skin aging regulator

Researchers at INSERM have identified CD98hc as a crucial molecule involved in maintaining skin homeostasis, which is essential for tissue function and regeneration. Removing the gene CD98hc disrupts skin balance and healing processes, leading to faults in cell proliferation, migration, and hair follicle cycles.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJan 22, 2013

Scientists discover 'needle in a haystack' for muscular dystrophy patients

Researchers identified significant sections of the dystrophin gene that could provide hope to young patients and families with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The discovery found a 'claw' in the gene that brings nNOS to the muscle cell membrane, preventing damage and potentially leading to treatments.

SourceUniversity of Missouri School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 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.

Alcohol use from adolescence to adulthood follows different, complex pathways

A study of 1,560 adult male twins identified six distinct trajectories of alcohol use, differing in level of use, rate of increase during adolescence, and persistence into adulthood. Novelty seeking and risk factors such as peer deviance, ADHD symptoms, and genetic risk were found to predict these trajectories.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateJan 22, 2013

Men more likely than women to commit scientific fraud

A study of 228 cases of misconduct reported by the US Office of Research Integrity found that males committed 65% of the fraud, with higher rates among faculty and senior researchers. The study's findings suggest a need for increased ethics training for scientists at all levels.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalmBio·DateJan 22, 2013

Helping healthy cells could be key to fighting leukemia, research suggests

A new study suggests that maintaining a healthy environment for haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) is more effective than targeting leukaemia stem cells (LSCs). This approach could lead to earlier and more targeted treatment of leukaemia by reducing competition between healthy and cancerous cells.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJan 22, 2013

Reducing the impact of a terrorist attack on our trains and metros

A team of European experts, led by Newcastle University, has designed blast-proof technologies to reduce debris and protect passengers in the event of a bomb attack. The new technology is being incorporated into European and national standards, aiming to save lives and prevent terrorist attacks on railways.

SourceNewcastle University·DateJan 22, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Paradise found for Latin America's largest land mammal

Lowland tapirs, the largest terrestrial mammal in South America, have been found thriving in a protected area spanning five national parks. Camera trap data reveals higher abundance under protection than outside, and estimates at least 14,500 individuals exist, making it one of the continent's most important strongholds for conservation.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalIntegrative Zoology·DateJan 22, 2013

Immune system molecule with hidden talents

Researchers at Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research discovered that antibodies are essential for dendritic cell maturation, a process critical to the immune response against pathogens. The study highlights the complex interplay between innate and acquired immunity, showing how antibodies facilitate communication between immune cells.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 2013

Analysis of fracking wastewater yields some surprises

Hydraulically fractured natural gas wells in the Marcellus shale region produce about 35% as much wastewater per unit of gas recovered as conventional wells. The total amount of wastewater has increased by 570% since 2004, threatening to overwhelm the region's wastewater-disposal infrastructure capacity.

SourceDuke University·JournalWater Resources Research·DateJan 22, 2013

The Nurse Practitioner marks 25th Annual Legislative Update

The 25th Annual Legislative Update provides a comprehensive review of new legal and regulatory issues affecting advanced nursing practice across the US. APRNs have improved access to care in several states despite challenges from medical boards, and efforts continue to standardize laws and regulations.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalThe Nurse Practitioner·DateJan 22, 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.

Eczema in infants linked to gut bacteria

A new study published in BMC Microbiology reveals that children with eczema have a more diverse set of bacteria in their guts than healthy children. The types of bacteria present were also more typical of adult gut microbes, suggesting an early change towards adult-type bacteria may be a risk factor for eczema.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Microbiology·DateJan 22, 2013

BPA substitute could spell trouble

A recent study by University of Texas Medical Branch researchers found that BPA substitute BPS disrupts cellular responses to estrogen, changing patterns of cell growth and death and hormone release. The study showed that low levels of BPS exposure can have similar effects as BPA, posing a concern for human health.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJan 22, 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.

How can evolutionary biology explain why we get cancer?

This special issue of Evolutionary Applications delves into the evolutionary principles underlying cancer, including natural selection, mutation, and genetic drift. Key findings highlight the diversity of cancer types and how environmental factors, such as tobacco availability, contribute to our vulnerability.

SourceWiley·JournalEvolutionary Applications·DateJan 22, 2013

Stem cell research helps to identify origins of schizophrenia

Researchers found that gestational brain changes cause behavioral problems later in life, similar to the human disease. The UB study proposes a genomic explanation for schizophrenia, identifying the Integrative Nuclear FGFR 1 Signaling pathway as a central intersection point.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalSchizophrenia Research·DateJan 22, 2013

South Americans want policy makers to put ethics above price

Researchers from Royal Holloway have found that Brazilians and Chileans prefer government purchasing decisions based on social and environmental criteria rather than just price. The study's findings were well-received by policy makers, who are now exploring ways to implement these changes.

SourceRoyal Holloway, University of London·DateJan 22, 2013
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

CSIRO telescope takes temperature of Universe

Researchers used a CSIRO radio telescope to measure the temperature of an unnamed galaxy 7.2 billion light-years away, finding it was 5.08 Kelvin (-267.92 degrees Celsius). This confirms the Big Bang theory's prediction that the Universe's temperature drops smoothly as it expands.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateJan 22, 2013

Bacterial supplement could help young pigs fight disease

A bacterial supplement containing lipid-producing Rhodococcus opacus increased circulating triglycerides in weanling pigs, providing an alternative source of energy. This could help strengthen the immune system and fight off infections more efficiently during a critical stage of development.

SourceAmerican Society of Animal Science·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateJan 22, 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.

Image sensors out of a spray can

Researchers at TUM developed a cost-effective process to improve CMOS sensor performance using ultra-thin organic films. Spray-coating was found to be the most effective method, resulting in up to three times more sensitivity to light than conventional sensors.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 22, 2013

UCLA study first to image concussion-related abnormal brain proteins in retired NFL players

Researchers have developed a new technique to identify abnormal tau proteins associated with repetitive head injuries, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and tracking of brain disorders. The study used PET scans to detect elevated levels of FDDNP in the brains of five retired NFL players.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateJan 22, 2013

Synchrotron infrared unveils a mysterious microbial community

Scientists unveil the biochemistry of a unique microbial community living together in a cold sulfur spring, revealing symbiotic relationships between archaea and bacteria. The study uses synchrotron infrared to identify metabolic activities and protein structures, shedding light on a previously unknown lifestyle.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateJan 22, 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.

Brain structure of infants predicts language skills at 1 year

A study published in Brain and Language found that the anatomy of certain brain areas in infants can predict their language abilities at 1 year old. Infants with greater gray and white matter in the cerebellum and hippocampus showed improved language skills.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalBrain and Language·DateJan 22, 2013

Plants adapt to drought but limits are looming, study finds

A study by the University of Arizona and USDA found that plants can adapt their water demand to changing climate conditions, but this resilience has a limit. Prolonged droughts threaten the survival of plant communities, especially in sensitive environments like arid grasslands.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature·DateJan 22, 2013

UA's Marwan Krunz chalks up another engineering honor with IEEE Award

Marwan Krunz, a professor at the University of Arizona, has been named a distinguished lecturer by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) for his research on optimal resource allocation and adaptive control. He will share his expertise on dynamic spectrum access models to overcome wireless spectrum shortages.

SourceUniversity of Arizona College of Engineering·DateJan 22, 2013
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.

Study explores whether sleeping pills reduce insomniac's suicidal thoughts

Researchers aim to show a direct link between insomnia treatment and reduced suicidal thinking, with 138 adults enrolled over four years. The study assesses patient response to treating insomnia strategically as a focus of care, using sleeping pills like zolpidem alongside antidepressants.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateJan 22, 2013

Tiny fossils hold answers to big questions on climate change

A 12,000-year-old fossil record suggests the Antarctic Peninsula's ice sheet was more vulnerable to collapse due to atmospheric warming than oceanic circulation. The study also found cyclic patterns in late Holocene atmospheric warming linked to El Niño-Southern Oscillation phenomenon.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 22, 2013

Readmissions frequent in month after hospital discharge

Research at Yale School of Medicine shows that patients are at high risk of readmission for a broad spectrum of medical conditions within the first month after hospital discharge. The study found that readmissions were frequent and resulted from different medical conditions than the initial hospitalization.

SourceYale University·JournalJAMA·DateJan 22, 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.

Immune cell death defects linked to autoimmune diseases

A recent study discovered that a lack of proteins Bax and Bak in immune cells can lead to severe autoimmune disease. The research suggests that these proteins play a crucial role in regulating cell death, and their deficiency may be linked to diseases such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 2013

People seek high-calorie foods in tough times

A new study published in Psychological Science found that people tend to consume nearly 40% more food when primed with messages about tough times. When told the food was low-calorie, they consumed 25% less, highlighting a survival instinct for high-calorie foods.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 22, 2013

Study: Viral reactivation a likely link between stress and heart disease

A new study from Ohio State University found a strong link between latent herpes virus reactivation and heart disease, particularly in patients who have suffered a heart attack. The researchers detected elevated levels of inflammatory proteins and antibodies to the EBV-encoded viral protein dUTPase in these patients.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 22, 2013

New test predicted presence of harmful BRCA mutations

A new multiple gene expression profile test can predict the presence of harmful BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations in otherwise healthy women. The test showed a sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 88%, and has the potential to replace expensive sequencing tests, making it an affordable option for high-risk carriers.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateJan 22, 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.

Hypertension during pregnancy increases risk of end-stage renal disease

A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that women with hypertensive disorders during pregnancy are at higher risk of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. The study analyzed data from over 26,000 women in Taiwan and found an increased risk of end-stage renal disease among those with preeclamps...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 22, 2013

Public acceptance of climate change affected by word usage

A recent study by Michael O'Brien and colleagues found that certain climate change terms entered the popular vocabulary at varying rates, with some gaining popularity in a few years and others taking decades. The study analyzed word usage in popular literature using Google's Ngram database and suggests that better science communication...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 22, 2013

Will proposed DSM-5 changes to assessment of alcohol problems do any better?

The study found that the new diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is unlikely to be much higher in prevalence than the combined diagnoses of Alcohol Abuse and Dependence. Additionally, the genetic etiology of AUD is largely consistent with that of AA and AD, suggesting that heritable influences are shared across all three conditions.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateJan 22, 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.

Study of how eye cells become damaged could help prevent blindness

Researchers discovered that high-density bands in photoreceptor outer segments are more susceptible to breakage due to their rigidity. This finding supports the idea that mutations causing rhodopsin aggregation can destabilize the outer segment, leading to cell death and blindness.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJan 22, 2013

USDA studies confirm plant water demands shift with water availability

Researchers found that plant water demand fluctuates in response to water availability, but may eventually approach a threshold that limits production. The study suggests that ecosystem resilience will decline as regions experience continued warming and drying trends.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalNature·DateJan 22, 2013

Disease outbreaks trackable with Twitter

A recent study from Brigham Young University found that 15 percent of tweets contain accurate location information, which could aid in tracking disease outbreaks. The researchers used this data to demonstrate the potential of Twitter-based monitoring systems for public health.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateJan 22, 2013

Bioethics leader calls for bold approach to fighting obesity

Daniel Callahan proposes a controversial approach to fighting obesity by stigmatizing overweight individuals in a way that minimizes the risk of discrimination. He suggests that 'stigmatization lite' could be an effective strategy, as people who are overweight consider the threat of discrimination as a danger to be avoided.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateJan 22, 2013

Follow-up to REDUCE study shows low rate of prostate cancer diagnosis

A two-year observational follow-up of the REDUCE trial found that dutasteride treatment was associated with a lower incidence of new prostate cancers. The study, published in The Journal of Urology, showed that men taking dutasteride had fewer prostate cancer diagnoses compared to those receiving a placebo.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateJan 22, 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.

Harmful effects of bisphenol A proved experimentally

Researchers found that bisphenol A reduces testosterone production and causes testicular hormone imbalances in human fetal testicles. The study suggests a link between BPA exposure and reproductive issues, including low sperm count and increased risk of testicular cancer.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 22, 2013

2013 Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium reveals new advances for GI cancers

The 2013 Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium revealed new advances in treating and prophesizing gastrointestinal cancers. The symposium presented five important studies, including a Phase III clinical trial showing that postoperative treatment with S-1 chemotherapy reduces relapses and extends survival in patients with pancreatic cancer.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·DateJan 22, 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.

NYUCN's Drs. Shedlin and Anastasi publish in the Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care

A study published in the Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care found that Mexican-origin patients with HIV often used complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) to support their health and alleviate symptoms. Healthcare providers need to learn about CAM benefits and risks and teach patients to report CAM use to develop e...

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care·DateJan 22, 2013

Study: Odd biochemistry yields lethal bacterial protein

Researchers at the University of Illinois have made a groundbreaking discovery in the study of enterococcal cytolysin, a 'virulence factor' that kills human cells. The enzyme responsible for its formation was found to produce distinctly different ring structures with unusual stereochemistries.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJan 22, 2013