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Science News Archive July 2013


Page 5 of 31

Evolution of monogamy in humans the result of infanticide risk

The study reveals that male infanticide is the key driver of monogamy in humans and other primates. By caring for young, fathers can protect infants from rival males and share childcare burdens. This leads to a reduction in infant dependency and allows females to reproduce more quickly.

National Eye Institute grant aims to protect sight from diabetes

Researchers aim to prevent diabetes-related damage to blood vessels in the retina by modulating the arginase enzyme. By stabilizing arginase levels, they hope to restore a healthy relationship between enzymes and reduce oxidative stress. This new approach may not only protect sight but also have broader benefits for cardiovascular health.

$20,000 APS Foundation grant helps fund TGen2School education initiative

The APS Foundation has awarded a $20,000 grant to the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) to support its TGen2School initiative. The grant will provide science kits and instructional materials for teachers, helping to improve overall scientific literacy and prepare students for careers in STEM fields.

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for July 30, 2013

Screening asymptomatic high-risk adults for lung cancer using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) may significantly reduce mortality, according to a systematic review. The US Preventive Services Task Force reviewed 67 articles and found that LDCT screening can detect lung cancer at an earlier stage, leading to lower mortality rates.

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.

Social amoebae travel with a posse

Scientists have discovered that social amoebae can cultivate two bacterial strains, one edible and the other toxic, which differ by only one key mutation. This mutation altered the expression of genes in the non-food strain, making it edible, while the food strain retained its defense mechanisms.

Parents don't fully understand biobank research, study finds

A study found that more than half of parents misunderstood key concepts of genetic biobanking consent, highlighting the need for clearer explanations and inclusive consent models. Researchers are exploring alternative methods of consent delivery to improve understanding and empower families as partners in genetic research.

PTSD after traumatic events: Which teens are at risk?

A large study from Boston Children's Hospital found that 61% of teenagers had been exposed to at least one potentially traumatic event, with girls more likely to develop PTSD than boys. Risk factors for developing PTSD include lack of both biological parents in the home and pre-existing mental disorders like ADHD.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Experimental quest to test Einstein's speed limit

Researchers used dysprosium to measure electron velocity and found the maximum speed of an electron is consistent with the speed of light. The experiment pushes the limits of Einstein's theory, potentially revealing new insights into particle physics.

Head hits can be reduced in youth football

Researchers found that limiting contact in practice reduced the number and force of head hits in young football players. The study, which measured head impacts over an entire season, showed that teams with restricted practices had significantly fewer head hits, on average, than teams without such restrictions.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Sharing the wealth with loyal workers

A new study by Michigan State University found that worker loyalty is positively correlated with higher earnings, with employees who are committed to the company's mission earning up to an additional year of experience. The research also identified factors that promote worker loyalty, including learning new skills and job security.

The best of 2 worlds: Solar hydrogen production breakthrough

Researchers have developed a highly efficient solar fuel device that can produce hydrogen from sunlight, with a potential to store energy for later use. The device uses a metal oxide photo anode and a cobalt phosphate catalyst to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.

Monogamy evolved as a mating strategy

Social monogamy emerged as a mating strategy due to male competition for resources. Males with limited access to food rely on monogamy to increase reproductive success.

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.

Breastfeeding duration appears associated with intelligence later in life

A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that longer breastfeeding durations are associated with better receptive language at age 3 and verbal and nonverbal intelligence at age 7. Higher fish intake during lactation also appeared to strengthen the relationship between infant feeding and later cognition.

Aberrant splicing saps the strength of 'slow' muscle fibers

Researchers found aberrant splicing changes the form of an enzyme involved in metabolism, leaving slow muscle fibers unable to sustain exercise. This discovery may explain the muscle wasting seen in myotonic dystrophy, a disease characterized by abnormal CTG repeats.

Prison reform results in strain on welfare system

A study by Rice University and Louisiana State University found that court-mandated prison reforms led to a 22% decrease in welfare spending. The researchers discovered that states that were ordered to improve living conditions spent significantly more on correctional facilities, but less on social programs.

Keeping your balance

McGill researchers have identified a cluster of cells in the brain that react to unexpected motion, enabling us to maintain our balance. This finding has significant implications for understanding the neural basis of motion sickness.

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.

Antibiotic reduction campaigns do not necessarily reduce resistance

Reducing overall antibiotic consumption does not necessarily decrease resistance, particularly for MRSA, where some antibiotics like clindamycin and methicillin are more effective in reducing resistance. The success of antibiotic reduction programs depends on the targeted antibiotics that are reduced.

Mini-monsters of the forest floor

Entomologist Jack Longino identified 33 new species of predatory ants in Central America and the Caribbean. The ants were found in small patches of forest and have monster-like faces with sharp teeth and jaws. Their primitive eyes detect light, but not form images.

Adolescents are what they don't eat, too

A University of Pittsburgh study found that diets lacking omega-3 fatty acids can worsen effects over consecutive generations, particularly affecting teens. Adolescents with omega-3 deficiencies showed increased anxiety and hyperactivity, impaired learning and memory, and problem-solving abilities.

New model shows that some children can outgrow obesity without losing weight

A new model developed by researchers at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases predicts that some children can 'outgrow' obesity during periods of rapid growth, especially boys. However, girls tend to retain more body fat during this period, making it harder for them to overcome obesity.

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.

UK's 'super mouse' yielding major discoveries in cancer research

Researchers at the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center have made significant discoveries about the Par-4 gene and its role in cancer recurrence. The study found that low levels of Par-4 protein may predict breast cancer relapse, while high levels can eliminate cancer cells through apoptosis.

Be happy: Your genes may thank you for it

A new UCLA study found that different types of happiness have surprisingly different effects on the human genome. People with eudaimonic well-being showed favorable gene-expression profiles in their immune cells, while those with hedonic well-being showed an adverse profile.

How does hydrogen metallize?

New calculations predict hydrogen takes on a series of structures under high pressure, forming transparent metal layers that make detection difficult. The findings suggest the line between metal and non-metal in hydrogen is blurrier than previously thought, requiring advanced experimental techniques to detect.

New technology allows scientists, school children to examine biological details

A new study by a University of Missouri scientist has developed 3D computer modeling that complements the study of biological systems for many species. The technology allows for the creation of interactive models that can be shared with other laboratories or used in the classroom, providing an alternative to accessing donor bodies.

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.

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.

New knowledge about permafrost improving climate models

A new study from the University of Copenhagen reveals that permafrost thawing can lead to a substantial release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The findings, based on 12-year measurements, show that water content in the soil is crucial for predicting the effect of permafrost thawing.

Statins suppress rett syndrome symptoms in mice

Researchers screened genes for interactions with MECP2 and found five modifiers, including squalene epoxidase, which is drug-targetable. Statin drugs improved symptoms in Rett mice, performing better on mobility tests and living longer. However, further clinical trials are necessary to confirm efficacy and determine optimal treatment.

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.

Speed limit set for ultrafast electrical switch

Scientists at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have clocked the fastest-possible electrical switching in magnetite, a naturally magnetic mineral. The results could drive innovations in tiny transistors that control electricity across silicon chips.

Oregon team charts new understanding of actin filament growth in cells

Researchers at the University of Oregon have made breakthroughs in understanding the complex interactions between actin filaments and regulatory proteins. They discovered how tiny synthetic molecules disrupt the activity of a key molecular machine, potentially leading to new therapeutic targets for diseases such as cancer and HIV.

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.

Singing fruit flies, Alzheimer's diagnostics among student projects

Undergraduate students at University of Houston are conducting research on Alzheimer's diagnostics, breast cancer treatment, and fruit fly courtship patterns. Their projects aim to develop new diagnostic methods and treatments, while exploring adaptations to environmental changes.

Human stem cell-derived hepatocytes regenerate liver function

Researchers have generated functional human liver cells from stem cells and transplanted them into mice with acute liver injury. The stem-cell derived human liver cells were able to function normally and increase the survival of treated animals. This breakthrough demonstrates a scalable method for producing these cells, which could lea...

What can plants reveal about global climate change?

A new series of articles in the American Journal of Botany explores how plants respond to climate change, providing insights into plant biology, ecology, and evolution. The studies reveal complex relationships between plants and wide-scale biological changes.

Traditional forest management reduces fungal diversity

Research in Navarre's beech groves reveals traditional forestry management reduces fungal diversity, with some species disappearing and families affected. The study highlights the importance of decomposing dead wood for fungal populations, contradicting current forest management practices.

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.

Quantum of sonics: Bonded, not stirred

Researchers at McGill University have discovered a method to join nanoparticles together using ultrasound, forming strong agglomerates without changing their useful properties. This discovery could lead to the development of new hybrid materials with various everyday applications, such as improving catalytic converters in car exhausts.

Buying a used car? Be sure to flatter the seller

Researchers found that flattering sellers eliminates the endowment effect, leading to lower selling prices. This phenomenon is driven by consumers' emotional response to losing a possession, which can be mitigated by acknowledging their concerns.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Overactive immune response blocks itself

Scientists at Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research discovered natural killer cells have optimal immune response balance, having less active NK cells during early stages of infection improves survival. The overproduction of interferon IFN-γ can block recruitment of neutrophilic granulocytes, leading to fatal sepsis.

The arithmetic of gun control

A UC Irvine team measures how to best prevent bullet deaths by designing parameters for gun control. They found that reduced legal gun availability lowers domestic and one-on-one crime deaths, but armed citizens may save lives in rare mass shootings if trained to avoid accidentally shooting fleeing bystanders.

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.

People with mental health problems hit harder by recession

Research from King's College London reveals that people with mental health problems face higher unemployment rates and increased social exclusion during economic downturns. The study, published in PLOS ONE, highlights the need for governments and employers to address stigma and discrimination against individuals with mental health issues.

1-year results of ADAPT-DES trial published in The Lancet

High platelet reactivity after drug-eluting stent implantation was associated with increased risk of stent thrombosis and heart attack, while also reducing major bleeding. However, the association between high platelet reactivity and mortality was not independent.

Give them a hand: Gesturing children perform well on cognitive tasks

In a study published in Developmental Psychology, researchers found that gesturing significantly improves young children's performance on cognitive tasks. The study shows that even 2-and-a-half-year-olds who use gestures outperform their peers, suggesting a strong link between gesture and cognitive development.

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.