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Science News for July 2, 2013


Scientists identify promising antiviral compounds

Researchers at Brookhaven Lab identified two promising candidates for antiviral drugs against human adenovirus. The compounds target the viral enzyme proteinase, essential for virus maturation and replication. These inhibitors may provide effective treatment against all strains of adenovirus.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalFEBS Letters·DateJul 2, 2013

The ribosome -- a new target for antiprion medicines

Researchers at Uppsala University have identified the ribosome as a key player in prion diseases, such as mad cow disease and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. The discovery suggests that antiprion medicines targeting the ribosome's protein folding activity may be effective in treating these fatal neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceUppsala University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 2, 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.

Drug improves cognitive function in mouse model of Down syndrome, Stanford study says

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have found that a formoterol, an asthma medication, strengthens nerve connections in the hippocampus and improves contextual learning in mice with Down syndrome. The study provides initial proof-of-concept for targeting beta-2 adrenergic receptors as a potential treatment strategy.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJul 2, 2013

Joslin scientists find that salsalate lowers blood glucose in type 2 diabetes

Joslin scientists found that salsalate effectively lowers blood glucose and improves glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. The study involved 286 participants with inadequately controlled diabetes, who showed significant reductions in hemoglobin A1c levels and fasting glucose concentration.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 2, 2013

UCLA researchers find new clue to cause of human narcolepsy

Researchers at UCLA have found a possible link between histamine cells and the loss of hypocretin neurons in people with narcolepsy. The study suggests that an excess of histamine cells may cause the destruction of hypocretin cells, which is thought to contribute to the sleep disorder.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateJul 2, 2013

Higher education may be protective against MS-associated cognitive deficits

Researchers found that patients with high educational levels show less impairment on a neuropsychological evaluation compared to those with low educational levels. Higher education was found to be protective against disease-associated cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis patients.

SourceIOS Press·JournalRestorative Neurology and Neuroscience·DateJul 2, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Comet ISON brings holiday fireworks

Comet ISON is approaching Earth, expected to be visible to the naked eye in November. The comet's icy nucleus and bright star-like coma create a tail of gas and dust streaming behind it.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 2, 2013

New catalyst could cut cost of making hydrogen fuel

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a new catalyst that can produce hydrogen gas from water using electricity, avoiding rare and expensive metal platinum. The discovery uses commercially available molybdenum disulfide to facilitate the reaction.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 2, 2013

Mental disorders in 13.5 percent of Canadian Forces personnel deployed to Afghanistan

A study published in CMAJ found that 13.5% of Canadian Forces personnel who served in support of the Afghanistan mission between 2001-08 had a mental health disorder related to their deployment. The most common disorders were posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, with PTSD being found in 8% of personnel.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 2, 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.

Inflammation links social adversity and diabetes

Research finds that socioeconomic status is strongly associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, with chronic inflammation being a key mediator. The study analyzed data from the Whitehall II cohort study, which followed over 10,000 British civil servants since the mid-1980s.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 2, 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.

Music to a gambler's ears

Researchers found that winning sounds on slot machines make gambling more exciting and cause players to overestimate their number of wins. Sounds also contribute to the 'disguise' in losses disguised as wins, causing players to think they have won more often than they actually have.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Gambling Studies·DateJul 2, 2013

Dissecting the distinctive walk of disease

Researchers propose a new motion test that examines various walking features in healthy and clinical populations, identifying critical changes in mobility. The study uses advanced mathematical computations to extract data from accelerometer signals, showing significant differences between healthy and clinical groups.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·DateJul 2, 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.

Bat maps: The conservation crusade

Researchers at the University of Leeds have created the most detailed large-scale habitat suitability maps for bats in the UK, using echolocation calls from over 15,000 bats across 120 walks in the Lake District. The maps reveal subtle changes in bat habitats due to urbanization and provide insights into ecosystem health.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJul 2, 2013

Vaginal delivery ups risk of pelvic organ prolapse

Women who give birth vaginally are at increased risk of developing pelvic organ prolapse during the year after delivery. Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when connective tissue, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels are damaged, leading to complications such as urinary incontinence and bowel control.

SourceYale University·DateJul 2, 2013

Invasive fly species continues to move northward

A new invasive fly species, Chrysomya megacephala, has been discovered in Indiana, threatening forensic investigations and local ecosystems. The species, native to Asia and Africa, is breeding in the state's warmer climate, raising concerns about its impact on native fly species.

SourceIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science·JournalProceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington·DateJul 2, 2013

Passing the ball may also pass disease, UCI study finds

A study by UC Irvine researchers found that basketballs and volleyballs can carry dangerous germs like Staphylococcus aureus, which causes staph infections. The germ was able to survive on sports balls for up to 72 hours, even in stored conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·DateJul 2, 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.

Surviving fasting in the cold

Research shows that king penguin chicks' mitochondria adjust to minimize energy cost during fasting in the cold, conserving energy for vital functions. This adaptation enables them to produce heat without depleting their energy stores, increasing their survival chances.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJul 2, 2013

Gene therapy cures a severe paediatric neurodegenerative disease in animal models

A new gene therapy treatment has been developed to cure Sanfilippo Syndrome type A in animal models by introducing the sulfamidase enzyme into cells, eliminating glycosaminoglican accumulation and associated neuroinflammation. The treatment has shown promising results in mice and dogs, with improved behavior and life expectancy.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 2, 2013

Happily married means a healthier ever after

A new BYU study tracks health and marriage quality over 20 years, finding that happy marriages have a preventative component that keeps individuals in good health. The research suggests that marital conflict is a risk factor for poor health, emphasizing the importance of couples seeking professional help to reduce conflict.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateJul 2, 2013

Balancing food security and environmental quality in China

Chinese agriculture's remarkable success in feeding the world's population comes with significant environmental costs. Massive losses of nutrients pollute streams, rivers, soil, and air, while CAFOs drive global resource consumption. Efforts to shift focus towards food security, efficient use of resources, and environmental protection ...

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateJul 2, 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.

NIH grant makes STaRs of 8 Wayne State nursing students

Eight Wayne State University undergraduate nursing students are gaining unique insight into the research field through a $40,000 NIH grant. The program provides skills and experiences not offered at the undergraduate level, with the goal of attracting nursing students to doctoral education earlier.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateJul 2, 2013

Are thoughts of death conducive to humor?

A new study by Long and Greenwood suggests that thinking about death can increase humorous creativity as a defense mechanism against anxiety. In the experiment, students who were subconsciously primed with the word 'death' wrote funnier captions than those who consciously wrote about it.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalHumor - International Journal of Humor Research·DateJul 2, 2013

Simple math may solve longstanding problem of parasite energetics

Researchers develop equations to estimate parasite and host metabolic rates, providing a new way to understand the energetics of parasites. The model reveals that there is a limit to how many worms can be accommodated in a host, with energy being the key limiting factor.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalThe American Naturalist·DateJul 2, 2013

New study describes imaging findings in H7N9 influenza

A new study describes imaging findings in H7N9 influenza, including rapidly progressive changes in lungs and pulmonary connective tissues. The severity of these findings is associated with the clinical condition of patients.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJul 2, 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.

GIS scientists discover molecular communication network in human stem cells

Researchers at GIS and MPIMG discovered a molecular network in human embryonic stem cells that activates the ERK pathway, causing cells to respond by activating genetic information. The network also silences genetic information through ELK1, maintaining the cell's undifferentiated state.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJul 2, 2013

Teens' self-consciousness linked with specific brain, physiological responses

A new study reveals that teenagers' sensitivity to social evaluation is linked to specific brain areas and physiological responses that peak during adolescence. The research found that late-developing regions of the brain, such as the medial prefrontal cortex, play a unique role in monitoring social evaluative contexts.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 2, 2013

AGU journal highlights -- 2 July 2013

Research finds that 30% of excess energy from human-caused greenhouse effect warms the deep ocean, while a new study predicts an increase in hurricanes hitting western Europe as sea surface temperatures rise. Scientists also identify changes in wind patterns and volcanic eruptions as factors driving this warming trend.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 2, 2013

Hijacking stress response in cancer

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that NRF2 signaling plays a role in regulating cell metabolism, leading to increased energy production and tumor cell proliferation. The study demonstrates the importance of targeting Nrf2 with small molecule inhibitors to intervene in therapeutic resistance.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 2, 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.

A potentially life-saving protein takes shape

Researchers identify unique properties of K11-linked polyubiquitin chains, suggesting new cellular processes involved in disease maintenance. These findings may lead to novel treatments for diseases like cancer and diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalStructure·DateJul 2, 2013

Irreversible tissue loss seen within 40 days of spinal cord injury

A study by researchers at the University of Zurich and UCL found that irreversible tissue loss occurs in spinal cord injury patients as early as 40 days after injury. The study used novel MRI protocols to track changes in the spinal cord and brain, revealing a rapid decline in spinal cord diameter and nerve cell volume.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateJul 2, 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.

Greenhouse gas likely altering ocean foodchain

A new study suggests that increased atmospheric CO2 levels are altering the types of nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria in the ocean, with implications for ocean productivity and fisheries. The research found that certain strains of these bacteria thrive in high CO2 environments, while others may struggle to survive.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 2, 2013

Solving electron transfer

Researchers at EPFL's LSU employed a world-unique setup to observe electron movement with unprecedented time-resolution. The study revealed that solvent configuration significantly affects electron departure, extending residence time up to 450 fsec.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 2, 2013
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Workers at industrial farms carry drug-resistant bacteria associated with livestock

A new study found that industrial livestock workers in North Carolina carry drug-resistant bacteria associated with livestock, including Staphylococcus aureus. The bacteria are resistant to multiple antibiotics and were more prevalent among workers exposed to industrial operations, which use antibiotics in animal feed and water.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 2, 2013

NASA sees Tropical Storm Rumbia hit China with heavy rainfall

Tropical Storm Rumbia brought heavy rainfall to southern China with rainfall rates over 92mm/hour, impacting areas near the Gulf of Tonkin. NASA's TRMM satellite data showed intense thunderstorms streaming heavy rainfall into China from the South China Sea.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 2, 2013

IVF for male infertility linked to increased risk of intellectual disability and autism in children

Researchers found that IVF treatments for severe male infertility are associated with a small increased risk of intellectual disability (18%) but not autism. ICSI procedures, particularly those involving surgically extracted sperm and fresh embryos, carry a higher risk of intellectual disability and autism.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateJul 2, 2013

Cluster spacecraft detects elusive space wind

A new study provides conclusive proof of a space wind first proposed 20 years ago, detected by the Cluster spacecraft in the Earth's magnetosphere. The wind releases almost 90 tonnes of plasma into space every day.

SourceEuropean Geosciences Union·JournalAnnales Geophysicae·DateJul 2, 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.

Novel chemistry for new class of antibiotic

A new class of antibiotic has been developed at the University of Adelaide, targeting a specific enzyme critical to bacterial metabolism. The compound, known as a protein inhibitor, binds to and inhibits biotin protein ligase, disrupting bacterial growth.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalChemical Science·DateJul 2, 2013

Non-invasive brain stimulation helps stroke patients gain prolonged language recovery

Researchers developed a non-invasive brain stimulation technique using transcranial magnetic stimulation to improve language function in stroke patients with chronic aphasia. The technique demonstrated long-term improvement in language production, enabling continued development of language capacity months after treatment.

SourceThe Journal of Visualized Experiments·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateJul 2, 2013

NASA sees tropical storm dalila weaken, new low pressure area form

Tropical Storm Dalila has weakened near the southwestern Mexico coast, while a new tropical low pressure area called System 97E has formed in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. The storm's maximum sustained winds dropped to 65 mph on July 2, and it is now moving away from the coast into open waters.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 2, 2013
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Brain sets prices with emotional value

A study by Duke University researchers has discovered that the brain's ventromedial prefrontal cortex, a small area between the eyes, calculates both emotional and economic values. The vmPFC plays a key role in value tradeoffs, such as determining whether to part with hard-earned money for a product.

SourceDuke University·DateJul 2, 2013

Poor planning skills found to contribute to income-achievement gap

A new study identifies poor planning skills as a contributing factor to the income-achievement gap in children, which can emerge as early as kindergarten. The study found that lower household income during infancy is associated with poorer performance on reading and math in fifth grade.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateJul 2, 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.

Weekly yoga class yields similar lower back pain relief as 2 classes

A weekly yoga class provided similar lower back pain relief as twice weekly classes in a study of predominantly low-income adults. The results suggest that attending a medically appropriate weekly yoga class could benefit patients interested in trying yoga for lower back pain.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalEvidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine·DateJul 2, 2013

Coronal mass ejection headed toward Mercury and Venus

A coronal mass ejection was detected heading towards Mercury and Venus on July 1, 2013. The CME is expected to pass by NASA's Messenger, Spitzer, and STEREO-B satellites with only slight particle radiation associated with it.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 2, 2013

Breakthrough: Sensors monitor cells at work

Researchers have created a groundbreaking way to measure transporter proteins in living organisms, providing insights into metabolic networks and regulation. This breakthrough has major implications for plant biology and human health research, enabling monitoring of transporters like the Rhesus factor.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·DateJul 2, 2013

Low levels of toxic proteins linked to brain diseases, study suggests

Researchers discovered that low levels of a toxic protein may cause more harm than high levels in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. Short protein threads formed at low levels can lead to disease progression, whereas longer filaments are thought to be protective.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 2, 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.

Fishing in the sea of proteins

For the first time, a large complex of proteins and RNA has been identified in chloroplasts, which cuts non-coding regions out of messenger RNA to create a protein blueprint. The study reveals that this splicing complex contains 23 different proteins encoded in the cell nucleus.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·DateJul 2, 2013

Women worldwide know less about politics than men

A study by the Economic & Social Research Council found that women know less about politics than men globally, regardless of country's gender equality rating. The research reveals a significant gap in news coverage, with women being underrepresented and cited less often.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateJul 2, 2013

Why do we gesticulate?

Studies of early development in fishes reveal a single compartment in the hindbrain controlling vocal and pectoral mechanisms, which may explain why humans use hand gestures when speaking. This neural connection could be key to understanding the evolution of language.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJul 2, 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.

Growth in cerebral aneurysms increases risk of rupture

A study found that cerebral aneurysms of all sizes are 12 times more likely to rupture if they grow in size. The researchers observed growth in nearly 18% of asymptomatic cerebral aneurysms and found a strong association between aneurysm growth, initial size, and tobacco smoking.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJul 2, 2013

Smoking cessation, weight gain, and subsequent CHD risk

Researchers found that smoking cessation lowered the risk of coronary heart disease among postmenopausal women with and without diabetes. However, weight gain after quitting weakened this association, particularly for women who gained 11 lbs or more, according to a study using data from the Women's Health Initiative.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJul 2, 2013

A good night's sleep increases the cardiovascular benefits of a healthy lifestyle

A large population study found that sufficient sleep increases the protective benefits of exercise, healthy diet, and non-smoking on cardiovascular disease. Adding sufficient sleep to these factors resulted in a 65% lower risk of composite CVD and an 83% lower risk of fatal events.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateJul 2, 2013

Brown fat responsible for from heart disease-related deaths in winter

A new study published in Cell Metabolism suggests that cold exposure can accelerate the growth of atherosclerotic plaque in blood vessels, leading to increased risk of heart disease-related deaths. Brown fat activation has been linked to the formation of unstable plaques that can rupture and cause blockages in the heart and brain.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 2, 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.