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Science News Archive January 2013 - Page 17


Page 17 of 27

Global warming may have severe consequences for rare Haleakalā silverswords

Climate change is projected to place the endemic Haleakalā silversword species at risk of extinction due to increasing water stress and lethal conditions. The plant's recovery from early threats has stalled, with annual population growth rates linked to precipitation patterns and warmer-drier climate trends.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJan 15, 2013

Chemistry resolves toxic concerns about carbon nanotubes

Researchers at University College London have developed a method to render carbon nanotubes safe for use in biomedical applications. By chemically modifying and shortening the nanotubes, they can eliminate their toxic properties and make them suitable for direct transport into cells.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJan 15, 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.

Ornamental fish industry faces increasing problems with antibiotic resistance

A new study found high levels of antibiotic resistance in ornamental fish, with some species showing up to 77% resistance to certain antibiotics. The risk to humans is generally minor, but transmission from tropical fish has been documented and poses a concern for those with compromised immune systems.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Fish Diseases·DateJan 15, 2013

NIH launches collaborative effort to find biomarkers for Parkinson's

The NIH has launched a collaborative effort to find biomarkers for Parkinson's disease, which could help predict, diagnose, or monitor the condition. Researchers are exploring various approaches, including non-invasive imaging and protein analysis, to identify potential biomarkers that could improve treatment outcomes.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·DateJan 15, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Major step toward an Alzheimer's vaccine

Researchers at Université Laval have identified a molecule that stimulates the activity of the brain's immune cells, which could lead to a treatment and vaccine for Alzheimer's disease. Weekly injections of MPL eliminated up to 80% of senile plaques in mice with Alzheimer's symptoms, improving cognitive function.

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 15, 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.

Virtual heart sheds new light on heart defect

Researchers developed a virtual heart model to investigate atrial fibrillation, revealing electrical heterogeneity and fibre structure as key factors in the condition's initiation. The study provides new insights into the complex mechanisms underlying AF, paving the way for potential treatments.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalInterface Focus·DateJan 15, 2013

Invading species can extinguish native plants despite recent reports

A study found that invasive plant invasions can create 'extinction debts' in native plant species, leading to slow extinctions but delayed actual extinction events. Native plants are often relegated to marginal habitats unsuitable to their non-native competitors.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 15, 2013

Are consumers with fewer friends more likely to take financial risks?

A study found that consumers feeling socially isolated are more likely to pursue riskier financial opportunities. This effect is mediated by the perceived instrumentality of money, as excluded consumers seek to value money as an alternative means to secure their desired outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJan 15, 2013
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

In search of the big questions: Conserving the European Alps

A workshop with 15 European colleagues identified 50 most important questions for conserving biodiversity in the Alps. These questions focus on nature, management, and people, highlighting the importance of transdisciplinary work in addressing environmental problems.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 15, 2013

No panaceas for Mexico's violent drug war, but prohibition has failed

A recent study from Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy has found that Mexico's violent drug cartels have failed due to prohibition, and that shifting the government's approach from a war mindset to crime fighting is crucial. The report recommends strengthening civil service, law enforcement, and judicial systems to pre...

SourceRice University·DateJan 15, 2013

Device tosses out unusable PV wafers

NREL's Silicon Photovoltaic Wafer Screening System uses thermal stress to identify weak wafers that are prone to breaking during manufacturing. The system can be retrofitted into assembly lines and has already shown potential for reducing production costs and increasing efficiency.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateJan 15, 2013

Exon skipping to restore gene expression is promising therapeutic strategy for muscular dystrophy

Researchers developed a new gene therapy approach called exon skipping, which bypasses disease-causing mutations in genes to restore normal expression and protein production. This strategy has shown promising results in treating muscular dystrophy, with improved muscle force and increased body weight and muscle mass.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateJan 15, 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.

EGFR mutation not prognostic factor in non-small cell lung cancer

A recent study by IASLC found that EGFR mutations do not serve as a prognostic factor in NSCLC patients. Instead, smoking status appears to be the most significant predictor of overall survival. The researchers also discovered that administering EGFR TKI can prolong survival after disease recurrence.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateJan 15, 2013

UCI research turns the corner on autism

The UCI Center for Autism Research & Treatment is launching an innovative drug discovery effort to develop effective pharmaceutical therapy for core deficits of autism. Researchers are using a synergistic approach, integrating multiple disciplines and compounds to target neural pathways altered in the disorder.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·DateJan 15, 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.

Lack of protein Sp2 disrupts neuron creation in brain

Researchers at North Carolina State University found that the lack of Sp2 protein disrupts neural stem cell division and leads to a decline in neurons in the developing and postnatal brain. This discovery could have implications for understanding neurodevelopmental diseases and regenerative medicine.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalDevelopment·DateJan 15, 2013

Researchers identify genetic mutation for rare cancer

Researchers at Michigan Medicine have discovered a genetic anomaly that could improve diagnosis and treatment of rare solitary fibrous tumors. The NAB2-STAT6 gene fusion was found in every tumor sample analyzed, providing a potential target for therapies.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 15, 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.

Facebook posts not easily forgotten

A new study found that Facebook posts are remarkably memorable, outperforming both human faces and sentences from books in terms of retention. The researchers suggest that this is due to the casual, gossipy language used in microblogs, which taps into people's basic language capacities.

SourceSpringer·JournalMemory & Cognition·DateJan 15, 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 housing market: Consumers struggle to get the price right

A new study found that consumers systematically underestimate the selling price of others' items and overestimate their own willingness to pay. This bias can lead to reduced satisfaction in transactions and economic losses for both buyers and sellers.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJan 15, 2013

Childhood trauma leaves its mark on the brain

EPFL researchers find correlation between childhood psychological trauma and neurological changes similar to those found in violent humans. The study demonstrates that traumatic experiences in pre-adolescent rats lead to altered brain function, including reduced orbitofrontal cortex activation and increased aggression.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateJan 15, 2013

NASA satellites see Cyclone Narelle torn apart

Cyclone Narelle's intensity has steadily weakened as it moved southward towards Western Australia. TRMM satellite data showed falling cloud heights and weaker rainfall, indicating a significant decrease in the storm's power.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 15, 2013

New path discovered for future generation of glucose-measuring biosensors

Researchers at CIC bioGUNE have developed a new pathway to create more reliable glucose-measuring biosensors that can detect glucose in various fluids, including urine. The discovery challenges the long-held paradigm of protein binding mechanisms and offers a promising avenue for improving diabetes diagnosis.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 15, 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.

Price cap regulations for UK tobacco would raise £500 million every year

A feasibility study suggests that UK price cap regulations for tobacco could raise £500 million every year, which is enough to fund smoking cessation services in England and anti-smuggling activities UK-wide. The proposed regulation would expose companies to stricter scrutiny, curb marketing to the young, and reduce lobbying efforts.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalTobacco Control·DateJan 14, 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.

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for Jan. 15, 2013

Researchers found selective D-dimer testing safe and efficient in reducing diagnostic testing for suspected deep vein thrombosis. A three-pill generic-based regimen for HIV treatment could save up to $1 billion annually while being slightly less effective than the current one-pill regimen. State medical boards generally agree on invest...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 14, 2013

4,000-year-old shaman's stones discovered near Boquete, Panama

A cluster of 12 unusual stones was discovered in a prehistoric rock-shelter near Boquete, Panama, dating back to 4,000 years ago. The cache is believed to have been used by a shaman or healer for ritual practices.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalArchaeological and Anthropological Sciences·DateJan 14, 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.

Researchers reveal aggressive breast cancer's metastatic path

A Weill Cornell study reveals that a specific miRNA, miR-708, acts as a metastatic tumor inhibitor and can be restored to stop the spread of aggressive breast cancer. Synthetic miR-708 delivery has blocked metastatic outgrowth in mice, making it a promising therapeutic target.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalCancer Cell·DateJan 14, 2013

Potential harvest of most fish stocks largely unrelated to abundance

A University of Washington-led study found that the potential harvest of most fish stocks is largely unrelated to abundance, with only 18% controlled by abundance. Environmental conditions and regime shifts play a significant role in determining productivity, highlighting the need for improved management methods.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2013

Using lysine estimates to detect heat damage in DDGS

Heat damage in DDGS compromises nutritional value, but researchers predict digestibility using lysine estimates. The study found that analyzing lysine or furosine concentrations improves prediction accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateJan 14, 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.

Dynamic, dark energy in an accelerating universe

Irene Sendra's research proposes a dynamic, dark energy model that varies over time, consistent with observations of the universe's acceleration. She also unites dark energy and dark matter into a single component, achieving better results in her models.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalPhysical Review D·DateJan 14, 2013

Alternative medicine use high among children with chronic conditions: UAlberta medical research

A recent study published in Pediatrics found that 71% of pediatric patients attending specialty clinics in Edmonton used alternative medicine, while only 42% did so in Ottawa. The study highlights a need for better communication between doctors and parents about alternative medicine use, which can lead to potential drug interactions.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJan 14, 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.

Landsat senses a disturbance in the forest

A new computer program, LandTrendr, has successfully teased out subtle changes in forest ecosystems by analyzing vast amounts of scientific data. By comparing satellite images to ground data, scientists uncovered the cause of slow-moving declines and recoveries of trees in Pacific Northwest forests.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 14, 2013

Understanding brain tumor growth opens door for non-surgical treatment

A research team at Plymouth University has identified a new group of growth factor receptors that signal to brain tumors, which are over-expressed and activated in certain tumors. The study shows that by interfering with the activation, tumor cells can be corrected, paving the way for non-surgical therapies.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalOncogene·DateJan 14, 2013

Parkinson's treatment can trigger creativity

Research at Tel Aviv University finds that Parkinson's patients taking dopamine-enhancing medications are developing artistic talents, including painting, sculpting, and writing. The study suggests a link between dopamine levels and creativity, with some patients exhibiting increased impulsivity and lower inhibitions.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalBehavioral Neuroscience·DateJan 14, 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.

Childhood obesity linked to more immediate health problems than previously thought

A new UCLA study reveals that obese youngsters are at far greater risk of having three or more reported medical, mental, or developmental conditions compared to their non-overweight peers. The researchers found a nearly twice the risk of obesity, as well as a higher likelihood of poorer health, disability, and emotional problems.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAcademic Pediatrics·DateJan 14, 2013