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Science News Archive July 2013 - Page 13


Page 13 of 31

First atlas on oceanic plankton

The global atlas, MAREDAT, provides unprecedented insights into oceanic plankton diversity and biomass across 500,000 locations worldwide. It reveals surprising findings, such as zooplankton having more biomass than phytoplankton in some regions.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalEarth System Science Data·DateJul 18, 2013

MAVEN spectrometer opens window to Red Planet's past

The Neutral Gas and Ion Mass Spectrometer (NGIMS) instrument on the MAVEN spacecraft will collect data on charged gas particles in Mars' upper atmosphere, helping scientists understand how the planet lost its majority of atmosphere. The data will also be used to build models of the Martian atmosphere billions of years ago.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 18, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Bearing witness to the phenomenon of symmetric cell division

Researchers Tomomi Kiyomitsu and Iain Cheeseman discovered that human cells use the dynein motor to align their mitotic spindle structure, which is then corrected by cell membrane elongation. This process allows for symmetric cell division in about 95% of cells, resulting in identical daughter cells.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalCell·DateJul 18, 2013

Stars' orbital dance reveals a generation gap

Astronomers have tracked the orbital motion of 33,000 stars in one of the Galaxy's oldest globular clusters, offering new insights into the formation of the Milky Way. The study reveals two distinct generations of stars within globular cluster 47 Tucanae, differing in age by 100 million years.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 18, 2013

Why crop rotation works

A new study reveals that changing crop species massively alters the content of microbes in the soil, helping plants acquire nutrients and regulate growth. Soil grown with peas was highly enriched for fungi, while oat and pea cultivation shifted the balance towards protozoa and nematode worms.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateJul 18, 2013

New approach to designing visual notations

A new approach to designing visual notations has been proposed, challenging conventional wisdom that experts should design these notations. The approach, which involves naive users in the process, increases semantic transparency by almost 300% compared to existing notations.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·DateJul 18, 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.

Study identifies a simple way to reduce healthcare costs

A recent study led by Loyola University Medical Center physician Matthew Kircher identified a simple way to reduce healthcare costs without compromising care. The researchers found that in 178 cases, there was virtually perfect agreement between otologists' findings and official diagnoses from the pathology lab, suggesting that these e...

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalThe Laryngoscope·DateJul 18, 2013

Deadliest cancers may respond to new drug treatment strategy

Researchers at UCSF have discovered a way to indirectly target myc-driven tumors using an experimental drug that targets the mTOR protein. Clinical trials for this new treatment approach may soon be available for patients with myc-driven cancers.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 2013

Scientists develop new way to measure cumulative effect of head hits in football

Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have developed a new metric called Risk Weighted Cumulative Exposure (RWE) to capture players' exposure to the risk of concussion over a football season. The study found that impact frequency was greater during games than practices, but overall exposure was greater during practices.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalAnnals of Biomedical Engineering·DateJul 18, 2013

Childhood abuse raises drug users' suicide risk

A new study found that childhood abuse can have life-and-death consequences for the rest of a person's life, with severe-to-extreme abuse contributing significantly to future suicide attempts. The study used a longitudinal design and found strong associations between abuse and lasting mental health impacts well into adulthood.

SourceBrown University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJul 18, 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.

Mapping the brain to understand cultural differences

A University of Maryland-led research team is using brain measurements to study cultural differences in neural-biological processes associated with permissiveness versus restrictiveness. The goal is to advance understanding of group identities, cultural norms, and behavior, and develop tools for better intercultural interaction.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·DateJul 18, 2013

Is sexual addiction the real deal?

UCLA researchers measure brain responses to sexual images in hypersexual individuals, finding that brain response is tied only to level of sexual desire, not severity of hypersexuality. This challenges existing theories of sex 'addiction', suggesting it may be a cluster of problems rather than an addiction.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalSocioaffective Neuroscience & Psychology·DateJul 18, 2013

Salk scientists discover more versatile approach to creating stem cells

Researchers at the Salk Institute have developed a more versatile method for creating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which can be tailored to individual patients. By adjusting the balance of genes required for differentiation, scientists can create iPSCs with greater flexibility and potential for clinical application.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 18, 2013

Weight loss drug helps curb cocaine addictions, Penn study finds

A new study found that topiramate reduced alcohol cravings but did not decrease drinking in individuals with cocaine and alcohol dependence. However, those on topiramate were more likely to stay in treatment and abstain from cocaine during the last three weeks of the trial.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateJul 18, 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.

Cancer 'prehabilitation' can reduce complications and improve treatment outcomes

Prehabilitation interventions, including physical and psychological support, can reduce treatment-related complications, improve physical and mental health outcomes, and increase treatment options. Benefits include lower complication rates, reduced hospital readmissions, and improved healthcare costs.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation·DateJul 18, 2013

A secret to making macrophages

Researchers at Caltech have discovered a new mechanism for creating macrophages by increasing the accumulation of regulatory protein PU.1 through slowed cell division. The process involves an unexpected cycle where cell division slows, allowing higher PU.1 levels to accumulate and prompt macrophage generation.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJul 18, 2013

Long-distance relationships can form stronger bonds than face-to-face ones

A recent study found that long-distance couples tend to be more intimate with each other, largely due to their increased disclosure of personal thoughts and feelings. This heightened intimacy is also driven by the idealization of their partner's behaviors, which becomes more pronounced in text-based communication.

SourceInternational Communication Association·JournalJournal of Communication·DateJul 18, 2013
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.

Gene mutation linked to obesity

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital identified a genetic cause of severe obesity in mice with the Mrap2 gene mutation, which also affects humans. The study found that these individuals gained weight even on a controlled diet, highlighting a new understanding of metabolism and energy regulation.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalScience·DateJul 18, 2013

NIH-funded study suggests that moving more may lower stroke risk

A new study published in the journal Stroke found that regularly exercising to break a sweat lowers stroke risk. The study of over 27,000 participants showed that those who exercised four or more times a week had a 20% lower risk of stroke compared to those who were inactive.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalStroke·DateJul 18, 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.

How mice teach us about disease

A large new resource of mouse lines has been created to study human diseases, revealing new functions for well-known genes and unexpected associations with traits like body weight. The project provides a wealth of freely available clinical and biological information to aid in the development of new therapies.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalCell·DateJul 18, 2013

European fish stocks poised for recovery

According to a major international effort, many European fish stocks in the northeast Atlantic are being fished sustainably, with populations expected to recover over time. The study highlights the importance of maintaining low fishing pressure until stocks rebuild their populations.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 18, 2013

Ovarian cancer metastases influenced by factors in target tissues

Researchers found that ovarian cancer cells colonize milky spots in the omentum, which promotes cell growth and spread. The study suggests an alternative model of omental colonization, where both milky spots and fat cells play a role in attracting cancer cells.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJul 18, 2013
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.

An effective initial polytherapy for infantile spasms

A combined therapy of adrenocorticotropic hormone, topiramate, vitamin B6, and immunoglobulin effectively improves infantile spasms prognosis. This treatment is superior in cryptogenic children compared to symptomatic ones. The study published in Neural Regeneration Research

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateJul 18, 2013

Computer system automatically generates TCP congestion-control algorithms

Researchers at MIT have developed a computer system, Remy, that automatically generates efficient TCP congestion-control algorithms. These algorithms significantly outperform human-designed versions in simulations, yielding transmission rates 2-3 times higher and delay reductions of up to two-thirds.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJul 18, 2013

Banner Health, Mayo Clinic receive grant

Researchers at Banner Sun Health Research Institute and Mayo Clinic are working together on a diagnostic test to identify early Parkinson's disease in patients. They believe that transcutaneous submandibular gland biopsy may provide the needed accuracy, as they look for a protein in the cells from patients with early Parkinson's disease.

SourceMayo Clinic·DateJul 18, 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.

Study reveals how smoking increases vulnerability to alcohol abuse

A study in rats reveals that nicotine exposure temporarily changes the brain's response to alcohol, increasing its reinforcing properties through stress hormones. This finding highlights the mechanisms underlying the link between smoking and alcohol abuse, providing a foundation for developing strategies to mitigate this risk.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateJul 18, 2013

HIV/AIDS vaccines: Defining what works

A team of researchers has developed a strategy for inducing a key part of an effective immune response to HIV by tracing the evolution of HIV-recognizing molecules. The study suggests that a future vaccine against HIV could combine multiple biological components to give broad protection against the virus.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateJul 18, 2013

Irish potato famine-causing pathogen even more virulent now

A study by North Carolina State University found that the Irish potato famine-causing pathogen Phytophthora infestans has evolved into a more virulent form, with modern strains containing genes not present in historical samples.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 18, 2013

Most people with moderate kidney disease have medication-resistant hypertension

A strong association was found between worse kidney function and medication-resistant hypertension in individuals with moderate chronic kidney disease. Black patients and those with a larger waist circumference, diabetes, and a history of heart attacks or strokes were more likely to have resistant hypertension.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 18, 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.

Snow falling around infant solar system

Astronomers use ALMA to image a snow line around TW Hydrae, a young star 175 light-years away, providing clues about the early Solar System. The discovery sheds light on the role of snow lines in planet formation and potentially seeds life with essential organic molecules.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalScience·DateJul 18, 2013

Study analyzes dynamical properties in antibiotic resistance enzyme

A new study analyzed dynamical properties in antibiotic resistance enzyme β-lactamase, finding significant evolution across bacterial families without limiting new antibiotic resistance. Minor changes in the enzyme's active site can adapt it to new antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Charlotte·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 18, 2013

Newly found CLAMP protein regulates genes

The newly found CLAMP protein plays a crucial role in regulating the X chromosome in male fruit flies, enabling them to develop and survive. By working together with the MSL complex, CLAMP creates a self-reinforcing feedback loop that enhances gene expression, providing a model for understanding how proteins govern gene transcription.

SourceBrown University·JournalGenes & Development·DateJul 18, 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.

Thwarting protein production slows cancer cells' malignant march

Researchers have identified a new therapeutic target by linking protein translation to heat shock response in cancer cells, which slows tumor growth and makes drug-resistant tumors vulnerable to other therapies. A compound called Rohinitib disrupts this link, normalizing metabolism and killing cancer cells.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalScience·DateJul 18, 2013

Computing toxic chemicals

A new computational technique developed by researchers at the University of Kansas allows industry regulators and consumers to predict whether a given compound will be toxic even at low doses. The method combines QSAR principles with statistical analysis, achieving higher prediction accuracy than previous approaches.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Data Mining and Bioinformatics·DateJul 18, 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.

New research suggests that gingival stem cells can be used in tissue regeneration

Gingival stem cells derived from cranial neural crest cells and mesoderm show distinct capacities for differentiation and immune modulation. These cells demonstrate superior effects in ameliorating inflammatory-related disease phenotypes when transplanted into mice.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateJul 18, 2013

Biochemical mapping helps explain who will respond to antidepressants

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center used pharmacometabolomics to analyze biochemical changes in people taking antidepressants, finding that those whose depression improved had distinct metabolic profiles. The study suggests that serotonin metabolism in the pineal gland may play a role in depression treatment outcomes.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 18, 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.

Facebook for molecules

NIST researchers create a standard language for describing molecules, enabling rapid search and identification of substances with specific properties. The approach could speed up the development of new drugs and designer materials by allowing scientists to quickly sift through vast chemical and biological data sets.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateJul 18, 2013

Evolutionary changes could aid fisheries

A new study shows that fisheries-induced evolution can lead to faster growth and earlier maturation in fish, potentially harming or helping fisheries. Optimally harvesting Northeast Arctic cod stocks could increase sustainable yields over 30% greater than today by allowing evolution to aid the economic interests of fishers

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 2013

Obesity and asthma: Study finds a link in the genes

A new study found that morbidly obese patients who underwent gastric bypass surgery experienced a decrease in the activity of genes tied to asthma, suggesting a potential link between obesity and asthma. The study also found higher concentrations of inflammatory compounds in obese individuals.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalObesity·DateJul 18, 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.

CU study illuminates mortality differences between nondrinkers and light drinkers

A University of Colorado study found that mortality risks vary among nondrinkers, with some groups having similar risks to light drinkers. The researchers analyzed data from over 41,000 people and discovered that abstainers with religious or moral motivations had similar mortality risks to light drinkers.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPopulation Research and Policy Review·DateJul 18, 2013