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Science News for July 5, 2013


Satellite quilt of wildfires, smoke throughout Canada

NASA's Aqua satellite captured multiple images of fire and smoke from Canadian wildfires on July 4, 2013, revealing hot spots that appear red in the image. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer instrument detected plumes of smoke blowing across many provinces and out over the Atlantic Ocean.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 5, 2013

Caltech researcher sheds light on M.O. of unusual RNA molecules

Researchers discovered how lncRNAs use positional information to locate and bind to nearby genes, forming a compartment where multiple genes can be regulated together. This unique mechanism allows lncRNAs to organize key proteins involved in gene expression.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJul 5, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Flipping fish adapt to land living

Researchers found mangrove rivulus jumps with greater force on land than largemouth bass, utilizing horizontal and vertical movements. The rivulus's 'tail flip' technique allows it to efficiently locate food, avoid predators, and escape poor water conditions.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJul 5, 2013

Toronto team IDs proteins key in stem cell production

Researchers from the University of Toronto have identified key proteins that control pluripotency, a crucial step in producing induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for research and therapy. The discovery could lead to a more efficient production method for these cells, which can develop into many different cell types.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalNature·DateJul 5, 2013

Satellites see ups and downs of 2 tropical Eastern Pacific systems

Two tropical cyclones, Tropical Depression Dalila and Tropical Storm Erick, are affecting the Eastern Pacific Ocean, with Dalila weakening due to dry air and wind shear, while Erick is strengthening and poses a threat to Mexico's southwestern coast. Residents in the warning area can expect heavy rainfall and rough surf.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 5, 2013

Solitary lemurs avoid danger with a little help from the neighbors

Researchers discovered that Sahamalaza sportive lemurs significantly increase vigilance after hearing alarm calls of nearby species, including the crested coua and blue-eyed black lemur. This study provides insight into the lemurs' ability to glean information on predator presence and type from referential signals.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 5, 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.

Cosmetic surgery to look whiter fails to boost women's self-esteem

A study found that cosmetic surgery for black women in Venezuela temporarily improves their self-esteem, but the procedure is rooted in a culture that values whiteness. The research highlights how aesthetic ideals interact with local ideas about race and marginalization.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalQualitative Health Research·DateJul 5, 2013

Designer droplets with 'pupils' open a world of possibilities

Researchers from NTNU have developed a method to control the behavior of oil droplets using an electric field, which could improve emulsion stability and prevent separation. This technique may be useful in various industries, including food production, cosmetics, and oil recovery.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 5, 2013

The evolution of fins to limbs in the land invasion race

Researchers analyzed terrestrial locomotion in tiger salamanders and mudskipper fish, finding that pectoral fins experience more medial forces than forelimbs. This suggests that early amphibious fish with fins may not have been capable of supporting their weight on land.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJul 5, 2013

New study reveals important role of insulin in making breast milk

A new study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the University of California Davis has made a significant discovery about insulin's role in lactation. Insulin plays a crucial role in regulating the production of breast milk, particularly for mothers with sub-optimal glucose metabolism.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 5, 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.

In subglacial lake, surprising life goes on

Researchers identified thousands of species, including bacteria, fungi, and archaea, through DNA and RNA sequencing. The findings suggest the lake once connected to the ocean, with marine and freshwater species present.

SourceBowling Green State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 5, 2013

University of Akron researchers explore biomedical uses for hydrogels

Scientists at The University of Akron have developed a simple method to synthesize double-network hydrogels, which exhibit high mechanical properties and are promising replacements for load-bearing soft tissues like cartilage. These hydrogels can also be loaded with drugs and placed into the body, where they biodegrade and release the ...

SourceUniversity of Akron·JournalACS Macro Letters·DateJul 5, 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.

Danish archaeologists uncover ancient killing fields in the Ukraine

Aarhus University researchers have discovered the remains of a large proportion of the rural population killed during a military invasion in the early 3rd century BC. The excavations have provided insights into daily activities of ancient peasantry and their adaptation to cultural and natural changes.

SourceAarhus University·DateJul 5, 2013

How the brain creates the 'buzz' that helps ideas spread

Researchers at UCLA discovered that brain activity in the temporoparietal junction (TPJ) is linked to persuasiveness and idea sharing. This finding could lead to more effective public health campaigns, advertisements, and communication strategies.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 5, 2013