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Science News Archive January 2013 - Page 8


Page 8 of 27

Pitt team finds 'Achilles Heel' of key HIV replication protein

The Pitt team found that targeting Nef, a small HIV protein, could prevent it from replicating and infecting other cells. They discovered a compound called B9 that blocks Nef activity, impairing its function in the viral replication process.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·DateJan 24, 2013

Digital diagnostic tools lead to patient dissatisfaction, says MU expert

Researchers found that patients view physicians who use decision aids as less capable and may assign them responsibility for negative health outcomes when using CDSSs. To mitigate this, healthcare providers can incorporate decision aids to engage patients and facilitate understanding of diagnoses.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalMedical Decision Making·DateJan 24, 2013

Chameleon pulsar baffles astronomers

Researchers found a pulsar, PSR B0943+10, that changes its behavior between two extreme states: one dominated by X-ray pulses and the other by highly organized radio pulses. The team used simultaneous observations with the XMM-Newton satellite and two radio telescopes to reveal this unique behavior.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalScience·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.

Liquid crystal's chaotic inner dynamics

Scientists have found a new dynamic process in liquid crystal cells triggered by strong electric fields. The theory of spatio-temporal chaos explains this effect, which affects the electro-optic switching phenomenon used in devices.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJan 24, 2013

Fruit and vegetable intake is associated with lower risk of ER- breast cancer

A study of 20 cohort studies found that high fruit and vegetable intake was associated with a lower risk of estrogen receptor-negative (ER-) breast cancer. The results suggest that increasing vegetable consumption may help lower ER- breast cancer risk, which accounts for only 15-20% of breast cancers.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 24, 2013

Valuing nature is not enough

A new concept has emerged to describe the natural world's resources supplied to humans, but its application raises ethical concerns about social equity and responsibilities. The study highlights the need for considering multiple values and interests when analyzing nature's contribution to humanity.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalBioScience·DateJan 24, 2013

Eliminating rare diseases

The EU has announced €38 million funding for research into rare diseases, aiming to develop new diagnostics and treatments through global data sharing. Advances in DNA sequencing have brought personalized treatments closer, but scientists now need to collate data to identify genetic causes of diseases.

SourceNewcastle University·DateJan 24, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Immune cell suicide alarm helps destroy escaping bacteria

Researchers discovered a signaling pathway in macrophages that detects escaping bacteria and activates an enzyme to trigger self-destruction, protecting against lethal infections. The caspase-11 detection pathway protects mice from infection with Burkholderia species, including the potentially deadly B. pseudomallei.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalScience·DateJan 24, 2013

Discovering the secrets of tumor growth

Researchers identified a compound that blocks the expression of BLM protein, crucial for certain tumors to grow. The compound ML216 has the potential to stop tumor growth and is being explored as a treatment for osteosarcomas and soft tissue sarcomas.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalChemistry & Biology·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.

Mouse menopause model sheds light on UTIs in post-menopausal women

Researchers found higher uropathogenic E. coli reservoirs in post-menopausal women's bladders compared to pre-menopause, which can lead to UTIs. Estrogen supplementation reduced these reservoirs dramatically, highlighting a potential new approach to prevent or treat UTIs in this population.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalInfection and Immunity·DateJan 24, 2013

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Garry continue to intensify

Tropical Cyclone Garry continues to intensify due to favorable conditions, with microwave satellite imagery confirming deep convection around its low-level circulation center. The storm is expected to briefly reach cyclone strength before wind shear weakens and dissipates it.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 24, 2013

Study: Store layout an important variable for retailers

A University of Illinois study shows that retailers must balance the shopping process for consumers and pricing behavior of upstream suppliers through strategic manipulation of store layout. The findings suggest that making certain products convenient to consumers may not be the best retail strategy, as it can influence pricing behavio...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalMarketing Science·DateJan 24, 2013

Science magazine prize goes to teaching tool for undergraduate genomics course

A new web-based teaching tool, Genomics Explorers, has been awarded the Science Prize for Inquiry-Based Instruction. The tool helps students formulate and explore their own research questions using genomic data sets, promoting real research experience and ownership of the process.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 24, 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.

New, cost-cutting approach to formulating pest-killing fungi

Researchers at the US Department of Agriculture have discovered a new method for producing insect-killing fungi, which significantly reduces production costs and increases yields. The liquid culture fermentation process uses less expensive nitrogen sources, making it a more cost-effective alternative to traditional methods.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·DateJan 24, 2013

Research: Lupus drugs carry no significant cancer risk for patients

A landmark study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that lupus patients taking immunosuppressive medications do not have a significantly increased risk of developing lymphoma. The study involved nearly 5,000 cancer-free lupus patients and found no clear association between disease activity and lymphoma risk.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJan 24, 2013

Low vitamin D levels linked to high risk of premenopausal breast cancer

A prospective study of 1,200 healthy women found that low serum vitamin D levels before diagnosis increased the risk of premenopausal breast cancer. Women with low vitamin D levels had approximately three times the risk of breast cancer as those in the highest vitamin D group.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCancer Causes & Control·DateJan 24, 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.

False beliefs persist, even after instant online corrections

A recent study suggests that instant online corrections may not effectively dispel false beliefs, particularly among those who already support the falsehood. The study found that real-time corrections were only effective among participants who initially supported electronic health records, while opponents of EHRs discounted the credibi...

SourceOhio State University·DateJan 24, 2013

Researchers say it's time to treat anemia seriously

A study published in the Canadian Journal of Anesthesia found that hospitals treating patients with anemia before surgery had better outcomes, including reduced blood transfusions, infections, and shorter hospital stays. Early diagnosis and treatment of anemia are crucial to avoid unnecessary transfusions and improve patient care.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalCanadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d anesthésie·DateJan 24, 2013

New suite of chemicals seen causing disease generations later

Research finds that exposure to certain plastics and hydrocarbons can cause reproductive diseases and obesity in descendants, leading to epigenetic inheritance. The study identifies nearly 200 molecular markers for exposure and disease, paving the way for diagnostic tools and new therapies.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 24, 2013

New supercomputer coming to EMSL this summer, supplied by Atipa Technologies

The new $17 million supercomputer will peak at 3.4 petaflops and offer 2.7 petabytes of usable storage, benefiting climate and biological simulations, energy research, and material science applications. Researchers from around the world can apply to use the system, which is expected to accelerate scientific discovery.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateJan 24, 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.

Stigma stymies prostate cancer screening, treatment in Ghana

A new study finds that prostate cancer stigma is a significant barrier to diagnosis and treatment in Ghana, with many men diagnosed at late stages and opting out of therapy. The researchers aim to develop tailored treatment regimens and increase PSA screening rates to improve health outcomes.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalBMC Cancer·DateJan 24, 2013

PNNL awarded $2.8 million to keep troops cool while using less fuel

The Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory will receive $2.8 million to develop a next-generation adsorption chiller that is smaller, lighter, and operates under extreme temperatures. The system could reduce diesel fuel use by up to 50% and save lives by reducing attacks on American soldiers.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateJan 24, 2013

Nottingham expertise in major European drug discovery partnership

Scientists at Nottingham University are part of a €18m European-wide project using high-tech laser technology to study how drugs interact with cells. They aim to design more effective treatments for chronic illnesses like cancer and asthma by understanding how drug molecules bind and unbind from proteins.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateJan 24, 2013

Introducing 'more patient reality' into NHS spending decisions

A new study by health economists at the University of York has produced an estimate of the impact on other NHS patients of new and more costly drugs and treatments. The research suggests a refinement of NICE's cost-effectiveness threshold, potentially leading to lower prices for new drugs when value-based pricing is introduced.

SourceUniversity of York·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.

Can you 'train' yourself to have more willpower?

A study by Miriam Hospital researchers found that individuals with more willpower lost more weight, were more physically active, and consumed fewer calories from fat. Practicing acts of self-control, such as eating a low-fat diet and working out, can strengthen the 'muscle' of self-control.

SourceLifespan·JournalObesity Research & Clinical Practice·DateJan 24, 2013

NASA sees remnants of Tropical Storm Oswald still strong

NASA's satellite imagery reveals a powerful band of thunderstorms east of Oswald's center, with temperatures as cold as -63 Fahrenheit (-52 Celsius). The low-level circulation center has become well-defined, triggering severe weather warnings for destructive winds and heavy rainfall across parts of Australia.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 24, 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.

The impact of affirmative action bans in graduate fields of study

Research by Liliana M. Garces shows that affirmative action bans have a significant impact on the enrollment of students of color in various graduate fields, particularly engineering and natural sciences. The study suggests that institutions must adopt innovative outreach and recruitment practices to reverse underrepresentation trends.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·DateJan 24, 2013

Out-of-pocket costs for breast cancer probably manageable for most Canadian women

A study published in JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that median out-of-pocket costs for Canadian breast cancer patients were $1,002, with higher costs among more educated women and those living far from hospitals. Wage losses had a greater impact on family finances than out-of-pocket costs.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·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.

Tracking the spread of dengue fever: Domestic networks drive rapid transmission of human infection

A study published in PNAS reveals that dengue fever transmission is driven by human movement within residential networks. The research found that people visiting friends and relatives in nearby homes were the main driver of rapid transmission. This finding has implications for disease surveillance and control.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 24, 2013

Urban metabolism for the urban century

The Yale School of Environment's Journal of Industrial Ecology publishes a special issue on Sustainable Urban Systems, focusing on integrated approaches to reduce environmental impact. Research explores global warming, waste management, and phosphorus use in cities worldwide.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·DateJan 24, 2013

Depression-era drainage ditches emerge as sleeping threat to Cape Cod salt marshes

Research reveals that recreational fishing and Great Depression-era ditches are causing significant erosion and die-off of cordgrass habitat in Cape Cod salt marshes. The unchecked growth of purple marsh crabs has led to the destruction of this essential ecosystem, threatening the region's ecological balance.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateJan 24, 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.

A scanner for hereditary defects

Researchers discovered XPD protein's role in locating damaged DNA, which aids cancer treatment development. The protein works like a scanner that glides along the DNA double helix, marking damaged spots for repair.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 24, 2013

Maglev tissues could speed toxicity tests

Scientists use magnetic levitation to create laboratory techniques for growing tissues virtually identical to those found in people's bodies. Researchers combined four cell types to replicate bronchiole deep inside the lung, creating realistic lung tissue.

SourceRice University·JournalTissue Engineering Part C Methods·DateJan 24, 2013

Researchers discover new mutations driving malignant melanoma

Two new mutations have been discovered in the 'dark matter' of the cancer genome, occurring in 71 percent of malignant melanoma tumors. The highly recurrent mutations affect a promoter region adjacent to the TERT gene and may contribute to the development of melanoma.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·DateJan 24, 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.

Adolescent sexual and reproductive health priorities identified

A study led by Michelle Hindin identified research priorities for adolescent sexual and reproductive health in low- and middle-income countries. The top-ranking research questions suggest that definitions of problems and interventions need improvement, with a shift towards scaling up existing interventions and developing new ones.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalBulletin of the World Health Organization·DateJan 24, 2013

Cells 'flock' to heal wounds

Researchers have discovered that cells in every part of a wounded skin patch exert force to pull their neighbors along, coordinating their motions to heal the wound. This new understanding could lead to insights into the process and its long-term implications for healing and cancer research.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 24, 2013

The storm that never was: Why the weatherman is often wrong

A BYU mechanical engineering professor's research reveals that internal waves play a crucial role in predicting weather, leading to frequent forecasting mistakes. By understanding how these waves move energy around, forecasters can develop better linear wave models to improve their predictions.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalInternational Journal of Geophysics·DateJan 24, 2013

Canada launches first gene therapy trial for Fabry disease

Researchers in Calgary have launched the world's first gene therapy clinical trial for Fabry disease, a rare inherited enzyme deficiency. The trial aims to transplant stem cells with a working copy of the GLA gene into patients, potentially curing the condition.

SourceAlberta Health Services·DateJan 24, 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.

Construction begins on Canada's largest radio telescope

The new telescope, with a 100m x 100m collecting area, will scan half of the sky daily and synthesize an image of the sky nearly one billion times per second. The CHIME telescope aims to map a quarter of the observable universe, helping scientists understand the history of the Universe and dark energy's role in its expansion.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·DateJan 24, 2013

Breast feeding okay for mothers taking immunosuppressant drug

A study finds that breast milk contains very low levels of tacrolimus, and babies can clear the drug at the same rate whether breast-fed or bottle-fed. Women taking tacrolimus who wish to breast-feed after counseling should not be discouraged from doing so.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 24, 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.

Some minority students may fare better than whites when working part time, new research finds

A study of nearly 600,000 students found that African-American and Hispanic students tend to work longer hours than non-Hispanic white students but experience less negative effects on their grades. High school students who worked long hours at part-time jobs were more likely to be employed and report working more than 25 hours a week.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateJan 24, 2013

Ractopamine is safe for use in Brazilian pork

Researchers found that a small dose of ractopamine increased muscle mass and feed efficiency in pigs without compromising meat quality. The study confirmed previous findings that 5 mg/kg is an appropriate dose for Brazilian commercial pork production.

SourceAmerican Society of Animal Science·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateJan 24, 2013

Sun shoots out 2 coronal mass ejections

A Sun coronal mass ejection occurred on January 23, 2013, at a speed of around 375 miles per second, impacting the magnetosphere. The event caused a space weather phenomenon called a geomagnetic storm, potentially affecting GPS and satellite communications.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 24, 2013

NASA Super-TIGER balloon shatters flight record

The NASA Super-TIGER balloon has shattered the previous record for longest flight by a balloon of its size, reaching 46 days in flight. The balloon is carrying the Super Trans-Iron Galactic Element Recorder (Super-TIGER) experiment to measure rare heavy elements among high-energy cosmic rays.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 24, 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.