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Science News Archive June 2013 - Page 18


Page 18 of 30

Questions rise about seeding for ocean C02 sequestration

A new study on ocean microbes calls into question the potential use of algal blooms to trap carbon dioxide. Diatoms are found to be using more iron than needed for photosynthesis, storing it in their shells and reducing the amount available for other phytoplankton.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 12, 2013

Deep biosphere harbors active, growing communities of microorganisms

Researchers found evidence of actively metabolizing and proliferating bacteria, archaea, and fungi in the deep biosphere, with implications for global biogeochemical cycles. The study revealed diverse biochemical pathways and movement mechanisms, including flagellar-driven locomotion and gliding.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalNature·DateJun 12, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Jammed molecular motors may play a role in the development of ALS

Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago discovered that genetic mutations associated with inherited ALS can cause delays in nutrient and protein transport within nerve cells. This slowdown can lead to cell death, contributing to the neurodegenerative disorder.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 12, 2013

Spanish researchers sequence the genome of global deep ocean

A team of Spanish researchers has sequenced the global deep ocean genome using over 2,000 samples of microorganisms collected from the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. This groundbreaking study reveals a vast unknown species of microorganisms with intense biological activity.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·DateJun 12, 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.

Sleep mechanism identified that plays role in emotional memory

Researchers have identified a sleep mechanism that enables the brain to consolidate emotional memory and found that Ambien heightens recollection of and response to bad memories. This discovery has implications for individuals with anxiety disorders, such as PTSD, who are prescribed Ambien to help them sleep.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Cognitive Neuroscience·DateJun 12, 2013

EULAR honors outstanding contributions to rheumatology

Professors Barry Bresnihan and Jean-Michel Dayer received the Meritorious Service Award from EULAR for their dedication to advancing rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. They have conducted pivotal research that substantially improved patient lives, particularly in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·DateJun 12, 2013

University of Toronto breakthrough allows fast, reliable pathogen identification

Researchers from the University of Toronto have created an electronic chip that can analyze samples for panels of infectious bacteria in a matter of minutes. The technology can identify multiple pathogens and determine antibiotic resistance, addressing the urgent need for rapid diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 12, 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.

Fingernails reveal clues to limb regeneration

Scientists at NYU Langone Health have discovered a population of self-renewing stem cells in the nail matrix that depend on Wnt signaling proteins to regenerate bone and tissue. This breakthrough holds promise for therapies to help people regenerate lost limbs, affecting an estimated 1.7 million Americans with amputations.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateJun 12, 2013

Resilience in trying times -- a result of positive actions

A new study by John Helliwell and colleagues found that communities with better social capital and pro-social behaviors are more resilient during crises, leading to improved happiness. The research suggests that social trust and quality social networks play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of economic shocks.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Happiness Studies·DateJun 12, 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.

World Oceans Month brings mixed news for oysters

Ocean acidification is altering shell formation rates and energy usage in young oysters, leading to increased mortality. However, interventions at hatcheries, such as buffering water with antacids, may help mitigate these effects.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 12, 2013

Swiss ball improves muscle strength and walking performance in ankylosing spondylitis

A study presented at EULAR 2013 found that a progressive muscle strengthening programme using a Swiss ball significantly improves functional capacity, muscle strength, and mobility in patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis. The programme also showed no harmful effects on disease activity, leading to improved treatment satisfaction.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·DateJun 12, 2013

Laws help limit junk foods in schools

A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that laws and district policies limiting sugar content in foods reduced sweets sales to 32.3% of schools. The availability of sugar-sweetened beverages decreased significantly, with only 3.6% of schools with a ban compared to 13.1% without one.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJun 12, 2013

Infants express non-verbal sympathy for others in distress

Researchers found that 10-month-old infants preferentially reach for the victim rather than the aggressor in an animated sequence test. This suggests that infants may exhibit rudimentary sympathy toward others in distress based on their evaluation of roles in interactions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 12, 2013

Luminous bacterial proteins detect chemicals in water

Researchers have developed a color sensor method using luminous bacterial proteins to detect pharmaceutical residues and pollutants in water. The method uses a red and green fluorescent dye, with the dyes shining green when present and red when not present, making it suitable for detecting a wide range of substances.

SourceHelmholtz Association·DateJun 12, 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.

Turtles watch for, snack on gelatinous prey while swimming

Researchers found that loggerhead turtles rely on sight to identify and move towards gelatinous, floating prey like jellyfish and other organisms. They can snack on these low-energy foods approximately twice every hour, suggesting they may rely on such prey for energy more than previously thought.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 12, 2013

Moving iron in Antarctica

A new study at Georgia Tech suggests that diatoms stuff more iron into their silica shells than needed, limiting its availability and reducing productivity. This can negatively affect the ecosystem, including plankton production and competition for iron.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 12, 2013

New method successfully scores joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis

A new study demonstrates the efficacy of a radiographic scoring method to evaluate joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis, revealing progressive destruction even under TNF-blocking therapies. Patients with pre-existing damage showed significant increases in joint damage, highlighting the importance of early and accurate evaluation.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·DateJun 12, 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.

Hot flashes before menopause? It can happen

A study of 1,500 women reveals that hot flashes and night sweats can occur before menopause, particularly among white women, Asian women, and those with certain dietary habits. The findings shed light on the complex factors influencing midlife symptoms and provide reassurance for women experiencing unexpected hot flashes.

SourceThe Menopause Society·DateJun 12, 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.

Nanoelectronics Center at UT Austin receives $7.8 million award

The University of Texas at Austin's Nanoelectronics Center will receive a five-year, $7.8 million award from SRC and NIST to develop novel ultra-low-power transistor research. The goal is to create transistors that consume significantly less energy than current devices, with potential applications in mobile computing and manufacturing.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateJun 12, 2013

An ultrasensitive molybdenum-based image sensor

A new molybdenum-based image sensor has been developed, featuring a single pixel that requires only 1/5th the light energy of current silicon-based sensors. This breakthrough enables high sensitivity in low-light conditions, opening up new possibilities for astrophotography and biological imaging.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 12, 2013

Hands-free talking and texting are unsafe

A new study by the University of Utah found that hands-free devices can overload drivers' attention and impair their ability to drive safely. The study used advanced metrics to assess driver mental workload and reaction time, revealing a five-fold increase in infotainment systems in new vehicles by 2018

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateJun 12, 2013

Age-related smelling loss significantly worse in African-Americans

Research reveals African-Americans have a greater decline in their sense of smell as they age, which can lead to impaired nutrition and increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases. The study found that racial disparities in olfactory function cannot be explained by social, environmental or medical factors.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·DateJun 12, 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.

NYC-style cap on soda size would target the overweight, not the poor

A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health suggests that restricting large sugar-sweetened beverages in food service establishments would primarily affect overweight individuals, including teenagers. The proposed restrictions aim to reduce obesity, which is linked to excess calories from sugary drinks.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJun 12, 2013

Caregiving dads treated disrespectfully at work, new study finds

A new study by the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that caregiving dads are treated disrespectfully at work due to non-traditional gender roles. The study suggests that employees who violate traditional gender norms, such as men doing less caregiving and domestic tasks, face harassment in the office.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Social Issues·DateJun 11, 2013

Discovery of the gene responsible for multiple intestinal atresia in newborns

Researchers have identified the TTC7A gene as the cause of multiple intestinal atresia (MIA), a rare and life-threatening condition. The discovery will enable the development of prenatal diagnostic tests for pregnant women and screening tests for carriers, offering new hope for affected families.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Medical Genetics·DateJun 11, 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.

Protein database for biomedical research

The new ProteomicsDB contains over 11,000 datasets from human cancer cell lines and tissues, enabling real-time analysis of large data sets. The database provides instant value for researchers to test analytical hypotheses and develop new drugs with reduced side effects.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateJun 11, 2013

Training and advising pediatricians in antibiotic usage improves compliance with Rx guidelines

A study by The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that educating pediatricians about appropriate antibiotics for common respiratory infections led to a significant decrease in broad-spectrum prescribing. This intervention improvedRx guideline compliance, resulting in better antibiotic use and potentially reduced resistance.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJAMA·DateJun 11, 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.

Flu vaccines aimed at younger populations could break annual transmission cycle

A new report suggests that vaccinating more children and young adults for influenza could significantly reduce the number of lives lost and economic burden associated with seasonal influenza. The study's findings suggest that programs targeting these age groups would have the best payoff in breaking the annual transmission cycle.

SourceOregon State University·JournalVaccine·DateJun 11, 2013

Mount Sinai researchers provide 1st prospective characterization of a genetic subtype of autism

Researchers from the Seaver Autism Center at Mount Sinai identified common clinical symptoms of Phelan-McDermid Syndrome, including severe to profound intellectual disability, seizures, and low muscle tone. The study provides important guidance for developing a standardized assessment methodology for this disorder.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Autism·DateJun 11, 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.

Retailers should referee customer conflict

A new study suggests retailers can mitigate conflict by calling out bad shopping etiquette. In an experiment, shoppers who left clothing in disarray received less help from fellow customers after being reprimanded.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJun 11, 2013

New tasks become as simple as waving a hand with brain-computer interfaces

Researchers have demonstrated that brain-computer interfaces can learn as users practice simple motor skills like waving a hand. After just 10 minutes of practice, the brain's activity transitions from learning to automatic actions, indicating successful learning.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2013

Study finds cancer guidelines do not fully meet IOM standards

Researchers found that none of the 169 cancer clinical practice guidelines met all eight criteria set by the Institute of Medicine. However, some guidelines were rated as 'good,' highlighting the need for a balance between ideal standards and practical implementation.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 11, 2013

Experimental vaccine shows promise against TB meningitis

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine developed an experimental vaccine that prevents the virulent TB bacterium from invading the brain and causing TB meningitis. The new vaccine was tested in guinea pigs and showed promise in reducing brain damage and death, with higher levels of protective antibodies and interferons.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 11, 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.

Research paints new picture of 'dinobird' feathers

The study analyzed chemical traces from the first complete Archaeopteryx feather, revealing a patterned plumage. The findings contradict previous assumptions that all feathers were black and provide crucial insights into the evolution of bird feathers.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalJournal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry·DateJun 11, 2013

Tillage and reduced-input rotations affect runoff from agricultural fields

Researchers compared nutrient and sediment loss from no-till, conventional tillage, and reduced-input rotation watersheds, finding that no-till reduces soil erosion but may increase dissolved phosphorus. Reduced-input rotations strike a balance between conventional tillage and no-till, but led to higher levels of soil loss.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateJun 11, 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.

Obesity increases the risk of preterm delivery

Women with obesity have a higher risk of giving birth to preterm infants, particularly those born extremely preterm. Obesity-related diseases and increased inflammation contribute to this increased risk.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA·DateJun 11, 2013

Frequent soccer ball 'heading' may lead to brain injury

Researchers found white-matter abnormalities in soccer players who headed the ball over 885-1,550 times a year, associated with cognitive impairment. Players with more than 1,800 headings per year showed poorer memory scores, suggesting frequent heading may cause brain injury.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalRadiology·DateJun 11, 2013