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Science News Archive July 2013


Page 14 of 31

Singing helps students tune into a foreign language, study shows

A recent study by researchers at the University of Edinburgh found that singing short Hungarian phrases improved learning and recall compared to speaking them rhythmically. Adults who sang back performed better in four out of five tests, with some even recalling phrases twice as well as those who learned through speaking.

Cellular channels vital for hearing identified

Two proteins, TMC1 and TMC2, critical for hearing were identified by researchers at Boston Children's Hospital. The study found that these proteins form channels converting sound waves into electrical signals for the brain.

Lizards show evolution is predictable

Researchers found a striking degree of convergence in Anole lizard species across four Caribbean islands, with each island's species resembling those on others. The study provides evidence for the predictability of evolution over millions of years.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Widely used pesticide toxic to honeybees

Three commonly used pesticides were found to be toxic to honeybees, even at sublethal doses. These pesticides modulated key enzymes that regulate physiological processes, affecting cognitive capacities and immune responses in bees.

Graphene 'onion rings' have delicious potential

Researchers at Rice University have successfully synthesized graphene nanoribbons on metal from the bottom up, a process that could lead to breakthroughs in electronics and energy storage. The 'onion rings' of graphene were grown using a new method that relies on hydrogen pressure and controlled growth conditions.

Bacteriophages battle superbugs

Researchers found that bacteriophages significantly reduce C. difficile cells and toxin production without harming the gut microbiota, offering a potential new therapeutic agent to combat hospital infections. However, some bacteria may develop resistance due to lysogeny, requiring further development to control C. difficile infections.

Good vibrations: Mediating mood through brain ultrasound

University of Arizona researchers have discovered that ultrasound waves applied to specific areas of the brain can alter patients' moods. The study, led by Dr. Stuart Hameroff, found improvements in mood for up to 40 minutes following treatment with brain ultrasound, compared to no difference when the machine was switched off.

Infection biology: How Legionella subverts to survive

Researchers identified a novel component of Legionella's replication system, RidL, which disrupts an intracellular transport system needed for bacterial elimination. This allows the bacteria to survive and replicate in phagocytic cells.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Unusual material expands dramatically under pressure

Researchers have discovered a unique structure that takes unusual material properties to new heights, expanding more than 10% under compression. Zinc dicyanoaurate's giant negative linear compressibility makes it promising for optical pressure sensor applications and artificial muscle design.

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.

An easier way to make a topological insulator for advanced electronics

Physicists at U-M create topological insulators by doping bismuth telluride with thallium, enabling control over electrical conductivity and unique surface properties. The new approach reveals the properties of the surface states, opening doors to applications in quantum computing and Majorana fermions.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New evidence for warm-blooded dinosaurs

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have discovered that dinosaurs required more muscular power to prey on other animals and dominate over mammals than previously thought. The study challenges the long-held notion that dinosaurs were cold-blooded, like reptiles.

Milikelvins drive droplet evaporation

Researchers from Polish Academy of Sciences discovered a new mechanism driving droplet evaporation, which plays crucial role in process at nanoscale. Temperature of evaporating liquid is prime factor responsible for evaporation.

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.

For women with hysterectomies, estrogen may be a lifesaver after all

A Yale University study reveals that nearly 50,000 unnecessary deaths among women aged 50-69 with hysterectomies could have been avoided if they used estrogen-only therapy instead of combined hormone therapy. The decline in estrogen usage was linked to the 2002 WHI study's findings on women with a uterus, but not those without one.

Microbes can influence evolution of their hosts

A new study provides direct evidence that microbes can contribute to the origin of new species by reducing the viability of hybrids. The researchers used jewel wasp species with similar microbiomes but differing genetic backgrounds to demonstrate this effect.

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.

Consensus statement on pediatric arrhythmias released by ESC and AEPC

The European Society of Cardiology and Association for European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology have released a joint consensus statement on pediatric arrhythmias. The statement outlines the diagnosis and management of pediatric arrhythmias, highlighting differences between pediatric and adult cases.

A snow line in an infant solar system: Astronomers take first images

Scientists have captured the first direct images of a snow line in an infant solar system, revealing its role in forming planets. The study uses radio-wavelength images from the Atacama Larger Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) telescope to show a carbon monoxide snow line around TW Hydrae, 175 light-years away.

New methods to visualize bacterial cell-to-cell communication

Researchers visualized live bacterial cell-to-cell communication pathways using a new method. They successfully showed that modified signaling molecules selectively bind to QS receptors in certain bacterial species, enabling the detection of receptor localization inside cells.

Outgoing people lead happier lives

Research at University of Southampton reveals that youthful extroversion and emotional stability significantly influence happiness and well-being in later adulthood. Neuroticism, on the other hand, is linked to poorer mental health outcomes.

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.

Plant-eating dinosaurs replaced teeth often, carried spares

Sauropod dinosaurs like Diplodocus and Camarasaurus replaced their teeth frequently, with some species replacing up to one tooth every 62 days. This constant growth and replacement was likely caused by the high amount of plant food they consumed, which led to extensive tooth wear.

Birds and humans have similar brain wiring

A team of researchers from Imperial College London has developed a map of a typical bird brain, showing how different regions are connected to process information. They discovered that areas important for high-level cognition, such as long-term memory and problem-solving, have similar wiring patterns to those in human brains.

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.

Monkey nation: Study confirms wealth of primates in Tanzania

A study by Wildlife Conservation Society establishes a conservation roadmap for Tanzania's 27 primate species, identifying priority areas for protection. The most vulnerable species, including the kipunji and Zanzibar red colobus, require adequate protection to prevent extinction.

PFC exposure tied to altered thyroid function

Research links perfluorinated chemical (PFC) exposure to changes in thyroid function, particularly in women, with elevated levels of T3 and T4 hormones. PFCs found in various products may increase the risk of mild hypothyroidism without triggering a natural hormonal response.

A heart of gold

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed gold nanofibers that can mimic the heart's coordinated electrical system, increasing the viability of transplanted cardiac tissues. This innovation could lead to new treatment options for patients with damaged heart tissue after a heart attack.

Maize trade disruption could have global ramifications

A Michigan State University study reveals that maize trade disruptions could jeopardize food security in nations with limited diversification, such as Mexico, Japan, and South Korea. The study suggests that climate change impacts and non-food uses of maize, like ethanol, could lead to price shocks and supply chain disruptions.

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.

Southern California crustacean sand-dwellers suffering localized extinctions

Two species of small beach critters, cousins of the roly-poly, are suffering localized extinctions in Southern California. Their disappearance suggests a looming threat to similar sand-dwelling animals across the state and world. The research highlights the impact of development, climate change, and sea level rise on these ecosystems.

Compound discovered at sea shows potency against anthrax

Researchers have discovered a novel compound, anthracimycin, produced by an ocean microbe, which exhibits potency against anthrax and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The finding highlights the vast resource of new materials in the oceans for treating various diseases and illnesses.

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.

No benefit from oxytocin treatment for autism

A large study led by researchers at the University of New South Wales found that oxytocin nasal spray did not improve symptoms of children with autism. The study suggests caution in recommending oxytocin as a general treatment for young people with autism, possibly due to impaired oxytocin receptor systems.

Mountain Fire in California

The Mountain Fire in California is a raging wildfire that has destroyed residences and commercial buildings, with some homes saved by firefighters. The fire is being fought by 2241 personnel, including aircraft, engines, and hand-crews, in the San Jacinto Wilderness.

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.

BPA + chlorine = bad news

Researchers found that chlorinated BPA and modified forms of the chemical produced similar but distinct effects on hormone signaling pathways. The modified BPA worked through membrane estrogen receptors to deactivate key signaling enzymes, potentially leading to cell signaling disruptions.

Earth's gold came from colliding dead stars

Scientists found gold in a short gamma-ray burst caused by the collision of two neutron stars. The team estimates that up to 10 moon masses of gold were created and ejected during this event.

Bees under threat from disease-carrying bumblebee imports, research reveals

A study found that over three-quarters of imported bumblebee colonies tested carried parasites, posing a risk to native bees and honeybees. The researchers argue that producers must improve disease screening and regulatory authorities must strengthen measures to prevent the importation of parasite-carrying colonies.

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.

NASA engineer achieves another milestone in emerging nanotechnology

A NASA team has successfully grown uniform layers of carbon nanotubes using atomic layer deposition, enabling the growth of these forests on three-dimensional components like baffles and tubes. This innovation promises to make spacecraft instruments more sensitive without enlarging their size.

Big-nosed, long-horned dinosaur discovered in Utah

A new horned dinosaur species, Nasutoceratops titusi, has been discovered in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah. The species features an unusually enlarged nose region and exceptionally long, curving horns, with possible functions including visual signals of dominance and mate attraction.

Molecular switch controls the destiny of self-eating cells

Autophagy, a process where cells consume parts of themselves to clean up damaged organelles and proteins, is controlled by a molecular switch in the cell nucleus. The study found that histone H4 acetylation regulates autophagy-related genes, offering new avenues for disease treatment.

Mutation linked to congenital urinary tract defects

Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have identified a genetic mutation that causes congenital malformations of the kidney and urinary tract. The findings suggest that DSTYK mutations account for 2.2% of urinary tract defects in humans, providing a new diagnostic category for clinicians to make precise molecular diagnoses.

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.