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Science News for June 28, 2013


Divorce early in childhood affects parental relationships in adulthood

A new study found that children whose parents divorce early in life tend to have more insecure relationships with their parents as adults. The researchers also discovered that paternal relationships are more likely to be affected by divorce, possibly due to mothers being more likely to receive primary custody.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateJun 28, 2013

Scripps Florida scientists turn muscular dystrophy defect on and off in cells

Researchers from Scripps Florida Institute have identified small molecules that can control a genetic defect responsible for myotonic dystrophy, a progressive muscle-wasting disease. By activating these compounds, scientists can study the long-term impact of the disease and potentially develop new therapies.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 28, 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.

Late bedtimes and less sleep may lead to weight gain in healthy adults

A study found that healthy adults with late bedtimes and chronic sleep restriction gained more weight than control subjects, likely due to increased caloric intake and fat consumption during late-night hours. The study also revealed gender and race differences in weight gain among sleep-restricted subjects.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateJun 28, 2013

Boat noise stops fish finding home

Research finds that boat noise can scare fish away from their habitats, disrupting ecosystem balance. The study suggests regulating human activities in protected areas to mitigate the impact of noise pollution on marine communities.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateJun 28, 2013

Low-power Wi-Fi signal tracks movement -- even behind walls

Researchers at MIT have developed a system called Wi-Vi that uses low-cost Wi-Fi technology to track human movement through walls and closed doors. The system cancels out reflections from static objects, allowing it to detect only moving humans.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJun 28, 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.

Large-scale quantum chip validated

The USC-Lockheed Martin Quantum Computing Center has successfully demonstrated the functionality of a large-scale quantum optimization processor, with 128 qubits. The team verified that the device operates as a quantum processor, using quantum mechanics to solve optimization calculations.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 28, 2013

Study links cardiac hormone-related inflammatory pathway with tumor growth

A recent study by University of South Florida researchers found that a cardiac hormone signaling receptor plays a key role in the link between inflammation and cancer-causing tumors. By blocking this receptor, scientists hope to develop new treatments that cut off tumor growth by cutting off blood supply. The research aims to create in...

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalStem Cells·DateJun 28, 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.

Is it alive or dead?

A Korean team of mechanical engineers has created a novel nanoscale biosensing technique to detect uniform heat signatures from individual cells. This innovation allows for the measurement of cell viability and may lead to early diagnosis of diseases like cancer based on differences in thermal properties.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 28, 2013

Microscopy technique could help computer industry develop 3-D components

A new microscopy technique called Through-Focus Scanning Optical Microscopy (TSOM) can detect tiny differences in the three-dimensional shapes of circuit components. This enables the semiconductor industry to improve chips for the next decade or more by measuring features as small as 10 nanometers across.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 28, 2013

Pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons may be a viable Parkinson's disease treatment

Researchers have successfully transplanted human embryonic stem cells into monkeys with Parkinson's disease, demonstrating robust survival and integration of the cells. The study found that the gene expression of dopamine-producing neurons was transient after transplantation, highlighting the need for further research to optimize cell ...

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateJun 28, 2013

Scientists discover new mechanism regulating the immune response

Researchers at Turku Centre for Biotechnology and Aalto University have discovered a new epigenetic mechanism that regulates lymphocyte function. This breakthrough provides insight into the emergence of immune-mediated diseases such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalImmunity·DateJun 28, 2013
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.

Major changes needed for coral reef survival

A new study finds that all existing coral reefs will be engulfed in inhospitable ocean chemistry conditions if civilization continues on its current emissions trajectory. Deep cuts in emissions are necessary to sustain even a fraction of existing reefs.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 28, 2013

Dendritic cell therapy improves kidney transplant survival, Pitt team says

A single systemic dose of dendritic cells prevented rejection for almost four months in a preclinical animal model of kidney transplantation. The treatment successfully regulated the immune system without side effects, allowing for longer organ survival.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateJun 28, 2013

Registered dietitians help critically ill children get necessary nutrition for recovery

A new report published in Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that documented caloric requirements in medical records lead to higher caloric intake among critically ill children. Registered dietitians had a significant impact on nutritional outcomes, with over 95% determining the documented caloric requirement.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateJun 28, 2013

Rare weight lifting injury required surgery

A young man experienced severe compartment syndrome in his shoulder due to excessive weightlifting, requiring surgery and hospitalization. The case report emphasizes the importance of recognizing unusual musculoskeletal injuries and highlights the role of bedside ultrasound in diagnosis.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateJun 28, 2013
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Survival of the Galapagos sea lion

Scientists from the Zoological Society of London reveal that Galapagos sea lion exposure to humans and pets impairs their immunity, making them more prone to starvation. The research suggests a link between human activity and the emergence of diseases in the Galapagos sea lion population.

SourceZoological Society of London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 28, 2013

Rice U. releases findings from national Portraits of American Life Study

The longitudinal Rice University Portraits of American Life Study found that Americans are more respectful towards religious traditions, but also more divided on key social issues like marriage and abortion. The study also revealed shifts in moral reasoning and religious affiliation, with significant implications for politics and society.

SourceRice University·DateJun 28, 2013

Mimicking living cells: Synthesizing ribosomes

Scientists have successfully synthesized ribosomes from scratch using a novel technology that mimics the natural process. This breakthrough enables the creation of functional ribosomes with exotic functions and could lead to the discovery of new antibiotics and modified protein-generators.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateJun 28, 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.

Complex activity patterns emerge from simple underlying laws

A study using ant experiments and mathematical modeling reveals flexible resource management and characteristic responses by group-living animals. The findings suggest a regime of chaos offers more options for groups than following environmental cycles.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 28, 2013

Type 2 diabetes patients transplanted with own bone marrow stem cells reduces insulin use

A study found that autologous bone marrow-derived stem cell transplantation in patients with type 2 diabetes resulted in a significant reduction in insulin requirement. The treatment was associated with improved glycemic control, and the researchers suggest it may be a promising therapeutic option for managing the disease.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateJun 28, 2013

Exploring dinosaur growth

A team of scientists studied Psittacosaurus dinosaurs to understand their growth patterns. They found that arm bones grew fastest during the first few years of life, while leg bones experienced a massive growth spurt, eventually becoming twice as long as the arms.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 28, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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