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Science News Archive January 2013 - Page 7


Page 7 of 27
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.

Evolution inspires more efficient solar cell design

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new organic solar cell design that maximizes light trapping using a geometric pattern inspired by natural evolution. The design achieved a three-fold increase over the Yablonovitch Limit, a thermodynamic limit for photon trapping in semiconductors.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 25, 2013

Common anti-fever medications pose kidney injury risk for children

Researchers found that nearly 3% of pediatric acute kidney injury cases can be directly linked to the use of common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen. The study identified four young patients who needed dialysis and at least seven who may have suffered permanent kidney damage.

SourceIndiana University·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJan 25, 2013

BUSM study shows potential of differentiated iPS cells in cell therapy without immune rejection

Researchers at BUSM demonstrate that tissues derived from patient-specific induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are not rejected when transplanted back into genetically identical recipients. The study finds that differentiated iPS cells can mature into various cell types, including neuronal, hepatocyte, and endothelial cells, without i...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJan 25, 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.

Fighting back against citrus greening

Researchers investigated the effects of Huanglongbing (HLB) on orange juice produced from diseased trees, finding that HLB symptoms can affect juice quality but not necessarily cause a bitter taste. The study suggests that mixing fruit with and without HLB symptoms could help address commercial operations' problems.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateJan 25, 2013

Do non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs cause kidney failure in children?

A new study reports that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause acute kidney injury (AKI) in children, with younger patients more seriously affected and at higher risk of chronic kidney disease. The study found that 30% of patients experienced mild chronic kidney damage after recovery from AKI.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJan 25, 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.

NIST's 'nanotubes on a chip' may simplify optical power measurements

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a novel chip-scale instrument using carbon nanotubes to measure laser power with high accuracy. The mini-radiometer achieves this by absorbing light over a broad range of wavelengths and converting it to heat, allowing for precise measurements.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalOptics Letters·DateJan 25, 2013

Temple research may lead to new strategies against sepsis

Researchers at Temple University Health System have identified a potential target for treating sepsis: the STIM1 protein. By blocking its activity, they halted a cascade of cellular events that lead to out-of-control inflammation and protected lungs from severe damage. The findings may lead to new treatment strategies against sepsis.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 25, 2013

More than 1 brain behind E=mc2

Austrian physicist Friedrich Hasenöhrl's work on blackbody radiation in a cavity may have influenced Einstein's famous equation E=mc2. However, the study also reveals that Hasenöhrl arrived at an incorrect energy/mass correlation due to failing to account for mass loss during radiation.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal H·DateJan 25, 2013

Gene mutation immortalizes malignant melanoma

Researchers discovered an identical gene mutation in the telomerase gene in all family members with malignant melanoma, leading to overactive telomerase and virtual immortality. The mutation was also found in non-inherited melanomas, suggesting a link between sun exposure and cancer development.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalScience·DateJan 25, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Black silicon can take efficiency of solar cells to new levels

Researchers at Aalto University have demonstrated improved light absorption and surface passivation on highly absorbing silicon nanostructures using atomic layer coating. This breakthrough advances the development of high-efficiency solar cells, which can potentially increase efficiency to new levels.

SourceAalto University·JournalIEEE Journal of Photovoltaics·DateJan 25, 2013

INRS develops a nanohybrid with remarkable properties using a new laser-plasma process

Researchers at INRS Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications Centre developed a novel nanohybrid structure combining carbon nanotubes and lead sulfide nanoparticles using pulsed laser ablation technique. The new material exhibits strong photoresponse, fast photocurrent response time and spectrally wide photoactivity.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 25, 2013

Diet, parental behavior, and preschool can boost children's IQ

Research finds that supplementing children's diets with fish oil, enrolling them in quality preschool, and engaging them in interactive reading can raise their intelligence. The study also found no evidence to support the idea that early education interventions are more effective than those that begin later.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateJan 25, 2013

At least 1 in 5 were infected in flu pandemic, international study suggests

The international collaboration found that 20-27% of people studied were infected during the first year of circulation, with higher rates in children and lower rates in older adults. The study estimated that up to a quarter of the world's population may have been infected.

SourceImperial College London·JournalInfluenza and Other Respiratory Viruses·DateJan 25, 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.

Groundwater fate and climate change

Researchers warn that climate change, combined with human-driven factors, could significantly reduce usable groundwater availability for agriculture worldwide. Inadequate monitoring and mismanagement of groundwater usage will exacerbate the issue, compromising global food security.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 25, 2013

Altering eye cells may 1 day restore vision

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine reprogrammed eye cells to prevent degeneration and allowed mice with retinitis pigmentosa to see. The study aims to develop therapies that can alleviate many forms of visual impairment by modifying existing cells in the eye.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 2013

DNA and quantum dots: All that glitters is not gold

Researchers at NIST have developed a way to predictably increase or decrease the intensity of quantum dot fluorescence by using DNA templates and controlling distances between gold nanoparticles. This breakthrough enables potential applications in photodetectors, chemical sensors, and nanoscale lasers.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJan 25, 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.

New method identifies genes that can predict prognoses of cancer patients

Researchers develop SAPS algorithm to identify significant prognostic gene sets associated with patient survival, overcoming limitations of previous methods. The study found new prognostic signatures in breast and ovarian cancer subtypes, suggesting shared therapeutic targets and potential for improved diagnostics and treatments.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJan 25, 2013

MD Anderson study finds qigong improves quality of life for breast cancer patients

Researchers from MD Anderson Cancer Center found that qigong reduces depressive symptoms and improves quality of life in women undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer. The study suggests that qigong may prevent a delayed symptom burden and expedite recovery, especially for women with elevated depressive symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer·DateJan 25, 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.

Analysis of Greenland ice cores adds to historical record and provide glimpse into climate's future

A new study analyzing Greenland ice cores suggests that melting of the Antarctic ice sheet may have contributed more to sea-level rise than the Greenland ice sheet around 100,000 years ago. The research findings indicate a warmer-than-expected climate during the Eemian interglacial period, with surface temperatures about 8 degrees Cels...

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateJan 25, 2013

How to predict the future of technology?

A new model called Step and Wait (SAW) predicts technological innovation in six markets, offering a more accurate alternative to outdated models like Moore's Law. The SAW model tracks performance improvements in steps and waits, helping companies invest in the right technologies.

SourceUSC Marshall School of Business·JournalMarketing Science·DateJan 25, 2013

An important LINC in human hearing

Researchers have discovered a genetic mutation in the NESP4 gene, which disrupts the LINC complex and leads to hearing loss. The study highlights the importance of nuclear positioning for normal hearing.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 25, 2013

New tool for mining bacterial genome for novel drugs

Researchers have found a way to 'mine' bacterial genomes for new drug leads by exploiting the process of antibiotic resistance. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveals that bacteria can produce hundreds of compounds when exposed to antibiotics, many of which are potential secondary metabolites.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 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
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.

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

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
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 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
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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
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.

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
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.