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Science News Archive January 2013 - Page 19


Page 19 of 27

Foot soldiers of the immune system

The IFIT protein recognizes foreign viral RNA and blocks viral infections by acting as a defender molecule. The discovery reveals the molecular mechanism behind how IFIT proteins capture only the viral RNA and distinguish it from normal molecules belonging to the host.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateJan 13, 2013

Scientists reassemble the backbone of life with a particle accelerator

Researchers use high-energy X-rays and new data extraction protocol to study 360 million year old fossils, shedding light on how early vertebrates moved from water onto land. The discovery reveals a new understanding of the backbone's structure and its functional evolution.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalNature·DateJan 13, 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.

What did our ancestors look like?

A new study uses DNA analysis to reconstruct hair and eye color from ancient human remains, confirming the blue eyes and blond hair of a Polish general. The HIrisPlex system was also able to identify details from medieval samples, including a mysterious woman buried in a 12th-14th century crypt.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalInvestigative Genetics·DateJan 13, 2013

Cancer suppressor gene links metabolism with cellular aging

Researchers discovered a class of p53 target genes and regulatory molecules that regulate metabolism and senescence in cells. Malic enzymes, identified as novel pharmaceutical targets for anticancer therapy, may also play a role in the normal process of cellular aging.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateJan 13, 2013

The secrets of a tadpole's tail and the implications for human healing

Scientists at the University of Manchester have discovered that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a crucial role in tadpole tail regeneration, which could lead to new therapies for human tissue repair. The team found that manipulating ROS levels may be essential to initiate and sustain regeneration processes.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJan 13, 2013

Credit card debt: Younger people borrow more heavily and repay more slowly

A new study by Ohio State University reveals that younger generations have significantly higher credit card debt and slower repayment rates compared to previous generations. Increasing the minimum monthly payment can lead to faster debt repayment, potentially saving individuals years of financial burden.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEconomic Inquiry·DateJan 13, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nearby dwarf galaxy and possible protogalaxy discovered

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have discovered a faint dwarf galaxy and another possible young dwarf galaxy in the constellation Ursa Major. They also found evidence pointing to two already known dwarf galaxies as probable forces that pulled the pinwheel-shaped disk galaxy, M101, out of shape.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateJan 11, 2013

Experts aim to redefine healthcare and research ethics

A group of experts, led by Johns Hopkins bioethicists, rejects the traditional ethical paradigm guiding American healthcare and calls for a new framework that integrates clinical research and practice. The proposed 'learning healthcare system' prioritizes patients' needs, respects clinicians' judgment, and promotes continuous learning ...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalHastings Center Report·DateJan 11, 2013

Lady beetle diet influences its effectiveness as biocontrol agent

A study by US Department of Agriculture scientists found that a lady beetle's diet influences its feeding patterns and physiology. The research suggests that plant material provides key nutrients lacking in insect prey diets, making mixed diets healthier for the beetles.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateJan 11, 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.

New treatment could combat deadly chemical agents

A new enzyme treatment has been developed to neutralize the effects of lethal chemicals responsible for thousands of deaths each year. The treatment, known as a bioscavenger, was found to protect mice against nerve agents and showed no lasting effects.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 11, 2013

Protein recognition and disorder: A debate

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) may still have functions without a rigid structure, while protein flexibility is crucial in molecular recognition. The debate highlights the complexity of protein behavior and the need for experiments to determine the true nature of protein recognition.

SourceFaculty of 1000·JournalF1000 Biology Reports·DateJan 11, 2013

Treating eye diseases with anti-VEGF therapies may have side effects

Researchers found that blocking VEGF-A can decrease intraocular pressure but impair the ciliary body's function. This raises concerns about the long-term effects of aggressive anti-VEGF therapies on eye diseases like wet macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema.

SourceAssociation for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateJan 11, 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.

Depressed stroke survivors may face triple the risk of death

Research shows that individuals with depression after a stroke have a tripled risk of dying early and four times the risk of death from stroke. Screening for and treating depression in stroke survivors may be key to addressing these risks, according to study author Amytis Towfighi.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateJan 11, 2013

Specialized messages increase likelihood of male hand washing

A field study found that signs with relatable messages in bathrooms led to an 86% hand-washing rate, compared to 75% without such messages. Researchers believe these messages can significantly impact public health, particularly during cold and flu season.

SourceInternational Communication Association·JournalHuman Communication Research·DateJan 11, 2013

Fusion helped by collision science

Researchers applied Deutsch–Märk and Binary-Encounter-Bethe methods to beryllium and its derivatives. The calculations provide improved understanding of electron impact ionization cross sections (EICS) for the ITER fusion chamber.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateJan 11, 2013

UGA discovery promises to improve drugs used to fight cancer, other diseases

Researchers at UGA have discovered a little-studied part of protein kinases that controls their function, promising to help improve existing drugs for life-threatening diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's. The discovery may lead to new therapies and modifications to existing drugs, boosting their effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 11, 2013

How to treat heat like light

Researchers at MIT have developed a novel method to manipulate heat by employing engineered materials with nanostructured semiconductor alloy crystals. This approach enables the concentration of heat phonons within a specific frequency range, allowing for control over heat flow similar to light waves.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 11, 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.

How belly fat differs from thigh fat -- and why it matters

Researchers discover that belly and thigh fat differ significantly in gene expression, with unique homeobox genes influencing fat cell behavior. This finding may lead to targeted treatments for obesity, shifting focus from belly fat to hip and thigh fat.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 11, 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.

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.

Herbal treatments for postmenopausal symptoms can be recommended as an alternative to HRT

Herbal and complementary medicines can effectively treat postmenopausal symptoms without the risks associated with hormone replacement therapy. Soy, red clover, and black cohosh have been shown to ease hot flush symptoms and other menopausal issues, making them viable alternatives for women seeking non-pharmacological treatment options.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Obstetrician & Gynaecologist·DateJan 10, 2013

A rock is a clock: Physicist uses matter to tell time

Holger Müller's Compton clock measures time using the oscillations of a cesium atom's matter wave, which has a frequency 10 billion times higher than visible light. The clock is accurate to within 7 parts per billion and could potentially rival atomic clocks with further improvements.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateJan 10, 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.

Women with pre-eclampsia are at higher risk of complications following childbirth

Women with a history of pregnancy-induced hypertension or pre-eclampsia are at increased risk of postnatal hypertension, which can be life-threatening if left untreated. The review emphasizes the need for prolonged vigilance in the postpartum period and recommends monitoring blood pressure surveillance in future pregnancies.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Obstetrician & Gynaecologist·DateJan 10, 2013

Flu vaccine rates in children remain lower than expected

A new study found that less than 45% of children were vaccinated against the flu during a five-year period, highlighting the need for increased vaccination efforts. The study also revealed that children under 6 months old had the highest hospitalization rates with flu, emphasizing the importance of protecting infants through vaccination.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJan 10, 2013

New material harvests energy from water vapor

Researchers at MIT have created a new material that can generate electricity by drawing on water vapor, which could power micro- and nanoelectronic devices. The material changes shape after absorbing evaporated water, allowing it to repeatedly curl up and down.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJan 10, 2013

NASA prepares for launch of next Earth observation satellite

The Landsat Data Continuity Mission will extend over 40 years of global land observations, critical in energy and water management, forest monitoring, and disaster recovery. The mission's instruments, including Operational Land Imager and Thermal Infrared Sensor, promise improved data quality and quantity.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 10, 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.

Bengali forests are fading away

The Sundarbans mangrove forest is disappearing at an alarming rate, resulting in loss of natural protection from tidal waves and cyclones. This will inevitably lead to species loss, including the endangered Bengal tiger.

SourceZoological Society of London·JournalRemote Sensing·DateJan 10, 2013

3-D biomimetic scaffolds support regeneration of complex tissues from stem cells

Researchers developed a method to create stretched polymer scaffolds that support the growth of human mesenchymal stem cells, promoting consistent alignment and elongation into tissues. This innovative approach has potential applications in regenerating damaged or diseased tissue.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalTissue Engineering Part C Methods·DateJan 10, 2013

Funding for study of Autism, Dyslexia and ADHD

A UK research team has received funding to investigate potential increases in children with autism, dyslexia, and ADHD. The study will analyze two birth cohorts and examine the extent of shared symptoms between the conditions.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·DateJan 10, 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.

UMMS experts seek better flu vaccines

Researchers led by Dr. Robert W. Finberg are working on a $12 million project to improve flu vaccine effectiveness by predicting the influenza virus's evolution in response to anti-viral drugs and human immune systems. The approach could potentially boost protection rates, reducing severe illness cases.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·DateJan 10, 2013

Study finds poorer outcomes for obese patients treated for lumbar disc herniation

A recent study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that obese patients with lumbar disc herniation tend to have poorer outcomes with both surgical and nonsurgical treatments. The study included 854 non-obese patients and 336 obese patients, and compared their outcomes over a four-year period.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateJan 10, 2013

Virus caught in the act of infecting a cell

Researchers have observed the detailed changes in a virus's structure as it infects an E. coli bacterium, providing new insights into the viral infection process. The study reveals that the virus extends its ultra-thin fibers to find an optimal site for infection and ejects its genetic material through the host cell membrane.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience·DateJan 10, 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.

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Narelle approaching Western Australia coast

Tropical Cyclone Narelle is gaining strength as it approaches the northern coast of Western Australia, with NASA tracking its movement and expected impact. The cyclone is predicted to bring heavy rainfall and rough seas, posing a threat to coastal communities and causing erosion and flooding.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 10, 2013

A cloudy mystery

The G0.253+0.016 cloud defies conventional wisdom on star formation, with a dense gas content 25 times higher than the Orion Nebula but only producing small stars. The cloud's high velocities and presence of silicon monoxide suggest it may be two colliding clouds, preventing star formation due to its dynamic nature.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJan 10, 2013

Drug fails to help kidney transplant recipients

A large, randomized trial found that angiotensin II blockade did not lessen tissue scarring or prevent kidney failure in kidney transplant recipients. The treatment was safe and well-tolerated but showed no benefit in slowing disease progression.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 10, 2013

Study identifies infants at highest risk of death from pertussis

A study found that infants with more severe pertussis have higher white blood cell counts and are at higher risk of death. Infants with less severe disease had lower white blood cell counts and were less likely to experience complications.

SourcePediatric Infectious Diseases Society·JournalJournal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society·DateJan 10, 2013

Next steps in potential stem cell therapy for diabetes

Scientists have made significant progress towards developing a potential stem cell therapy for diabetes. The study found that human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) can differentiate into endocrine cells that are remarkably similar to primary human counterparts. However, hESC-derived endocrine cells produced in vitro lack key features and ...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJan 10, 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.

Solving puzzles without a picture

A team of genome and computer scientists developed an algorithm that can rapidly create virtual chromosomes using NGS data. The new RACA (Reference-Assisted Chromosome Assembly) algorithm performs even better with longer DNA reads, addressing the challenge of assembling complete chromosomes from short NGS fragments.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 10, 2013

Kidneys sometimes removed unnecessarily due to misdiagnosis of genetic disorder

A study published in The Lancet found that approximately one of every five individuals with kidney tumors common in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex has had a kidney removed unnecessarily due to misdiagnosis. Everolimus successfully shrinks these tumors, offering an alternative to surgery.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 10, 2013

Regulating single protein prompts fibroblasts to become neurons

Scientists at University of California, San Diego, discovered that repressing a single protein in fibroblasts is enough to convert them into functional neurons. This finding has far-reaching implications for developing new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell·DateJan 10, 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.

Decline in available liver transplants expected

A study found that non-use of donor livers rose significantly between 2004 and 2010, primarily linked to decreased donor liver quality and increased donation after cardiac death. This trend threatens a significant decline in liver transplant availability.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateJan 10, 2013

Helping patients navigate new cancer drugs

A Michigan State University study found that many cancer patients struggle to follow complex chemo prescriptions, leading to poor adherence and reduced treatment efficacy. The researchers suggest an automated calling system could help patients take their drugs properly.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalCancer Nursing·DateJan 10, 2013

Breath test identifies bacteria's fingerprint

Researchers have identified specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by certain bacteria, which can be used to diagnose lung infections. The findings suggest a potential breath test to detect bacterial infections, such as tuberculosis, in just minutes.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Breath Research·DateJan 10, 2013

Study: Model for brain signaling flawed

A new study reveals that the tripartite synapse model, long accepted by the scientific community, is incorrect in adult brains. The model, which proposes that multiple cells collaborate to move signals in the central nervous system, does not accurately represent brain signaling beyond development.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalScience·DateJan 10, 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.