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Science News Archive January 2013 - Page 13


Page 13 of 27

UT MD Anderson scientists find protein that reins in runaway network

Researchers identified the protein OTUD7B as TRAF3's protector, revealing its role in regulating a molecular pathway implicated in immune system-related diseases. OTUD7B suppressed non-canonical NF-kB signaling, leading to increased lymphoid cell growth and hyper-responsiveness to antigens.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature·DateJan 20, 2013

Mature T cells can switch function to better tackle infection

Researchers have discovered that mature CD4+ helper T lymphocytes can reprogram into killer-like CD8+ T lymphocytes, gaining killing functions. This unexpected plasticity expands the functional capabilities of CD4+ T cells, suggesting they may play a direct protective role in immune responses.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Immunology·DateJan 20, 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.

La Jolla Institute identifies molecular switch enabling immune cells to better fight disease

The study found that CD4 helper T cells can transform into killer cells by overcoming a suppression mechanism triggered by a transcription factor. This transformation enables the helper cells to take on the role of killer cells in mounting an immune attack against viruses, cancerous tumors, and other damaged or infected cells.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Immunology·DateJan 20, 2013

'Quadruple helix' DNA discovered in human cells

A team of scientists has discovered quadruple helix DNA structures in human cells, which may be a new target for cancer treatment. The discovery was made using fluorescent biomarkers and shows clear links between quadruplexes and DNA replication.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJan 20, 2013

A new type of volcanic eruption

Researchers describe a previously undocumented type of eruption in underwater volcanoes, characterized by a unique bubble structure that defies explosive or effusive categories. The study proposes a new eruptive style, named Tangaroan, which occurs when magma forms a buoyant foam that rises to the seafloor and detaches from the volcano.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 20, 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.

Wind in the willows boosts biofuel production

Researchers have identified a genetic trait that enables willow trees to produce more biofuel when grown at an angle, increasing yields by up to five times compared to naturally growing trees. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more productive and sustainable bioenergy crops.

SourceImperial College London·JournalBiotechnology for Biofuels·DateJan 20, 2013

Researchers turn one form of neuron into another in the brain

Scientists have successfully reprogrammed one type of neuron into another within the brain, challenging the long-held notion that neurons are immutable. This breakthrough has significant implications for treating neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJan 20, 2013

Developing microbial cell factories by employing synthetic small regulatory RNAs

A new strategy uses synthetic small RNA to regulate multiple genes at the translation level, allowing for efficient development of microbial cell factories. This method enables fine control of gene expression levels, transferability to different host strains, and identification of essential genes.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJan 20, 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.

Loneliness, like chronic stress, taxes the immune system

Researchers found that loneliness is associated with elevated latent herpes virus reactivation and increased inflammation-related proteins in response to acute stress. Lonelier individuals also produced more proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, which can contribute to various health conditions.

SourceOhio State University·DateJan 19, 2013

Study provides new insights on drought predictions in East Africa

Researchers studied paleoclimate data to understand historical patterns of aridity in Eastern Africa, revealing a clear pattern of dry and wet periods. Climate model simulations showed that sea surface temperatures in the Indian Ocean drive rainfall variations in East Africa.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalNature·DateJan 18, 2013

NASA's IRIS spacecraft is fully integrated

The Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) will study the lower levels of the sun's atmosphere, including the chromosphere and transition region. The mission aims to unravel how matter, light, and energy move from the surface to the corona, with implications for solar flares and coronal mass ejections.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 18, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Breakthrough for solar cell research

Researchers from Lund University have made a significant breakthrough in solar cell technology, demonstrating the potential for nanowires to produce 13.8% efficient energy. The nanowire solar cells can absorb sunlight more efficiently than traditional silicon cells, offering higher efficiency at a lower cost.

SourceLund University·JournalScience·DateJan 18, 2013

Severe abuse at home linked to dating violence

A study by Michigan State University researcher Angie Kennedy found that severe abuse within families is strongly associated with dating violence among young female high school students. The research highlights the need for discussions about family abuse and its impact on individuals, particularly those exposed to violence in their homes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalViolence Against Women·DateJan 18, 2013

ARS scientists test improved stink bug trapping methods

Researchers found that baited black pyramid traps are more effective at capturing stink bugs than other traps, with higher yields of adults and nymphs. The study also discovered that stink bugs can produce two generations per year in the Mid-Atlantic region.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateJan 18, 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.

Studying ancient Earth's geochemistry

Researchers have discovered that some of the tectonic processes driving volcanic activity were occurring as early as 3.8 billion years ago. The study found compositions comparable to modern oceanic islands in ancient rocks, strengthening arguments for subduction-related tectonics.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalGeology·DateJan 18, 2013

When mom is the CEO at home, workplace ambitions take a back seat

A new UC Berkeley study suggests that women's domestic power reduces their desire for career advancement. Women who control household decisions reported lower life goals than those who shared decision-making with their spouses. This effect is specific to women and not observed in men.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateJan 18, 2013

Charting new routes for women at work: Looking to the home and classroom

A new study found that women become less interested in pursuing workplace power when they view themselves as being in control of decisions at home. This shift affects career choices without women even realizing it. Additionally, women experience conflict managing their identities as a parent and worker, which is more pronounced than men.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·DateJan 18, 2013

Melt ponds cause the Artic sea ice to melt more rapidly

Researchers have found that melt ponds on young, thin Arctic sea ice absorb 50% more solar radiation, causing the ice to melt faster. This changes the light transmission beneath the ice, affecting photosynthesis and potentially impacting ecosystems.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 18, 2013

Window on future ocean change

A long-term mesocosm experiment off Sweden investigates the effects of ocean acidification on plankton communities, shedding light on their ability to adapt to new conditions. The study also explores the impact of ocean acidification on the development of fish at the base of the food web.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·DateJan 18, 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.

UGA researchers invent new material for warm-white LEDs

The University of Georgia scientists have fabricated the world's first LED that emits a warm white light using a single phosphor with a single emitting center. The new material achieves a warm color temperature while maintaining accurate color rendition, ideal for indoor lighting.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·DateJan 18, 2013

Severity of emphysema predicts mortality

A Norwegian study found that emphysema severity is a strong predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in ever-smokers with or without COPD. The study also showed that airway wall thickness is associated with respiratory mortality in patients with severe emphysema.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 18, 2013

Stroke survivors with PTSD more likely to avoid treatment

A new survey of stroke survivors found that those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are less likely to adhere to treatment regimens that reduce the risk of a future stroke. Approximately one in three patients with PTSD had concerns about their medications, leading to increased ambivalence and nonadherence.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalHealth Psychology·DateJan 18, 2013

Powerful people better at shaking off rebuffs, bonding with others

Researchers at UC Berkeley discovered that those in authority positions are quicker to recover from mild rejection and seek out social bonding opportunities. The study found that subordinates report lower self-esteem when rejected by their bosses compared to supervisors.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateJan 18, 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.

Which nutritional factors help preserve muscle mass, strength and performance in seniors?

A new review by the International Osteoporosis Foundation's Nutrition Working Group highlights the importance of protein intake (1.0-1.2 g/kg body weight) and vitamin D supplementation for maintaining muscle mass and strength in seniors. The review also suggests avoiding dietary acid loads and incorporating more fruits and vegetables i...

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateJan 18, 2013

Physical and sexual assault linked to increased suicide risk in military

A new study by the University of Utah found that military personnel who experienced physical or sexual assault are at higher risk of suicidal thoughts and actions. In contrast, undergraduate students who experienced unwanted sexual experiences as children or adults face increased risk of suicidal thoughts and ideation.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalSuicide and Life-Threatening Behavior·DateJan 18, 2013

Reliable electric power supply for the energy turn-around

The Helmholtz Energy Alliance aims to ensure a reliable electric power supply through the development of grid management and storage systems. Key findings include the need for new technologies to manage hybrid transmission grids and innovative methods to ensure grid stability.

SourceHelmholtz Association·DateJan 18, 2013

Exposure to COI policies during residency reduces rate of brand antidepressant prescriptions

A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that psychiatrists exposed to COI policies during residency are less likely to prescribe brand-name antidepressants after graduation. The results suggest that COI policies can lower rates of prescribing heavily promoted antidepressants, potentially reducing cost growth.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalMedical Care·DateJan 18, 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.

Unrestricted access to the details of deadly eruptions

The LaMEVE database offers rapid searchability of information on large volcanic events with a quantitative data quality score. It focuses on magnitude 4 or greater eruptions, which are typically responsible for the most loss of life in historical periods.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Applied Volcanology·DateJan 18, 2013

Penn physicists help show math behind growth of 'coffee rings'

Researchers found that different particles create smooth or rough deposition profiles at the drop edge depending on their shape. They tested Poisson and KPZ processes, two classes of interfacial growth processes, and discovered elongated particles produced a KPZ class of growth.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 18, 2013

Increasing concerns surrounding surrogacy

The UK's rapid increase in surrogate births over the past six years poses a risk of exploitation, particularly in informal arrangements lacking professional back-up. Overseas surrogacy arrangements are also a concern due to potential financial, physical and emotional risks to adults and children involved.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalJournal of Social Welfare and Family Law·DateJan 18, 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.

Penn Vet study reveals a promising new target for Parkinson's disease therapies

Researchers have identified mitochondrial CYP2D6 as a potential target for mitigating Parkinson's disease. The study found that mitochondrial CYP2D6 can effectively metabolize MPTP, a compound causing brain cell damage in Parkinson's, and that inhibiting its activity reduces neuronal degeneration.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 18, 2013

Semen quality of young men in south-east Spain down by 38 percent in the last decade

A recent study conducted in south-east Spain found a significant decline in sperm quality among young men between 18 and 23 years old. The average concentration of spermatozoids dropped from 72 million/ml to 52 million/ml over the decade, with 40% of participants showing alterations in at least one semen parameter.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalAndrology·DateJan 18, 2013

Cell: Protein folding via charge zippers

Researchers discovered a novel charge zipper principle used by membrane proteins to form functional units, allowing them to be immersed into hydrophobic cell membranes. The mechanism involves the assembly of amino acids with positive or negative charges, forming an uncharged ring that lines the TatA pore.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalCell·DateJan 18, 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.

The cell that isn't

Researchers have developed a new technique to study cell division without a cell membrane, allowing them to uncover physical forces and constraints involved in the process. By using this method, they discovered that squeezing the 'cell' into tighter quarters does not lead to smaller spindles, contradicting previous assumptions.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Protocols·DateJan 18, 2013

Academia: A brake on UN development goals

Researchers at the University of Bergen are working on improving interdisciplinary communication and collaboration to address pressing global issues. The project aims to create a coordinated work unit focusing on sustainable development and global health, involving experts from diverse fields.

SourceThe University of Bergen·DateJan 17, 2013

GI tract bacteria may protect against autoimmune disease

Research shows that normal gut microbes protect against autoimmune diseases in mice, supporting the 'hygiene hypothesis.' Altering gut microbes also affects sex hormones, which regulate immune responses. The study may uncover reasons why females are at greater risk of autoimmune diseases.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalScience·DateJan 17, 2013

Study offers new insights into the mechanics of muscle fatigue

Researchers measured changes in ion concentration resulting from muscle stimulation and found that extracellular potassium is a larger contributor to muscle fatigue than thought. This discovery may have important implications for conditions like hyperkalemic periodic paralysis and channelopathies.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateJan 17, 2013

Potential new treatment for gastrointestinal cancers discovered

Researchers have identified a complex of proteins that promotes the growth of some types of colon and gastric cancers, leading to the potential development of new treatments using mTorc1 inhibitors. The discovery is significant as it highlights the role of inflammation in cancer growth, particularly for colon and gastric cancers.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 17, 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.

U Alberta researchers move Barkhausen Effect forward

Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a new technique to analyze the Barkhausen Effect, providing critical information for rapid prototyping of magnetic computational devices. The method measures magnetic jumps in a special 'vortex' pattern and converts it into a probe of magnetic interactions on an atomic scale.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalScience·DateJan 17, 2013

Inadequate food facilities in NC migrant camps could cause illness

Researchers found that cooking and eating facilities in NC migrant camps fail to comply with regulations in a substantial number of camps, posing significant health risks to farmworkers. The study highlights the need for greater enforcement of regulations to protect workers' health and safety.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJan 17, 2013

Cheating to create the perfect simulation

Researchers at Jena University have developed a new theory to simulate the strong atomic nuclear interactions that govern neutron stars. By intelligently modifying nuclear forces and solving the stacking problem of atoms, they have enabled the calculability of these complex systems.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalPhysical Review D·DateJan 17, 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.

Fighting sleep: UGA discovery may lead to new treatments for deadly sleeping sickness

Researchers at the University of Georgia have identified a specific receptor regulating calcium release in the trypanosome parasite, which could lead to new therapies for sleeping sickness. The discovery may also have applications beyond treating this disease, including new treatments for blood clotting disorders.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 17, 2013

Titan gets a dune 'makeover'

Research using Cassini spacecraft observations reveals that Titan's craters are being filled by exotic sand dunes, suggesting a much older surface. The team compared craters on Titan to those on Ganymede and found that Titan's craters were significantly shallower, indicating erosion from windblown sand.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 17, 2013

Drug targets hard-to-reach leukemia stem cells responsible for relapses

A novel cancer drug called sabutoclax appears to selectively target hard-to-reach leukemia stem cells that overexpress pro-survival protein forms. The findings suggest that pan-BCL2 inhibition may be critical for eradicating cancer stem cells in CML, and could also be beneficial for treating solid tumor cancers.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJan 17, 2013
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Cancer mortality down 20 percent from 1991 peak

The American Cancer Society's annual report shows a 20% decrease in cancer mortality rates since 1991, with significant drops in lung, colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers. These declines are attributed to reductions in smoking and improvements in early detection and treatment.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·DateJan 17, 2013

Study findings have potential to prevent,reverse disabilities in children born prematurely

Researchers at OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital report that low blood flow to the premature brain does not cause irreversible loss of brain cells, but rather disrupts their ability to mature. This discovery opens up new avenues for potential therapies to promote regeneration and repair of the premature brain.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 17, 2013

Understanding personality for decision-making, longevity, and mental health

A recent study found that extraversion predicts neural activity in the brain's reward evaluation region, which may influence decision-making. Additionally, research suggests that personality traits such as conscientiousness are linked to better health outcomes, including lower obesity and higher life expectancy.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·DateJan 17, 2013