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Science News Archive June 2013 - Page 24


Page 24 of 30

Alpine lakes reflect climate change

A new study forecasts higher surface water temperatures in Austrian lakes by 2050 due to climate change, posing risks to water quality and ecosystems. Warmer waters could lead to enhanced nutrient loads and algal blooms.

SourceSpringer·JournalHydrobiologia·DateJun 6, 2013

New DNA test on roo poo identifies species

A new DNA test has been developed to identify kangaroo species from their droppings, providing valuable information for population management and conservation. The test has already identified several species outside of their known range, with implications for biodiversity management and climate change impacts.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalWildlife Research·DateJun 6, 2013

$18 million to study deadly secrets of flu, Ebola, West Nile viruses

A team of researchers plans to model how humans respond to viral pathogens like influenza, Ebola and West Nile, aiming to provide a detailed molecular understanding for drug development. The study will focus on the host response during infection, using high-throughput screening and advanced data processing methods.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateJun 6, 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.

More cases of Alzheimer's disease in China in 2010 than any other country worldwide

China experiences a significant increase in Alzheimer's cases from 1.93m in 1990 to 5.69m in 2010, highlighting the need for improved awareness and resources to tackle this growing public health issue. The study suggests that global estimates of Alzheimer's disease may need revision upwards by at least 5 million cases, or almost 20%.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 6, 2013

Rewinding development: A step forward for stem cell research

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen's Danish Stem Cell Center have made a groundbreaking discovery in regressing embryonic stem cells to an early stage of development. This breakthrough could provide new insights into conditions such as miscarriages and placenta-related disorders.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 6, 2013

Quantum teleportation between atomic systems over long distances

Scientists at the University of Copenhagen successfully teleported quantum information between two glass containers filled with billions of caesium gas atoms. The experiments demonstrated stable results every time, paving the way for future quantum communication networks.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 6, 2013
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.

Herpes virus exploits immune response to bolster infection

Researchers discovered that herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) binds to a receptor called MARCO, which enhances its ability to infect cells and cause disease. This interaction may lead to serious health complications in people with compromised immune systems, such as atopic dermatitis.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 6, 2013

Superb lyrebirds move to the music

Male superb lyrebirds' choreographed dance movements are linked to specific songs, with females selecting the best performers. The birds' dancing skills are crucial for mating, with years of practice before maturity.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 6, 2013

Molecular VELCRO for chromosome stability

Researchers have discovered a molecular mechanism that helps stabilize chromosome ends, preventing cell death. The 'telosome' protein complex, formed by sequence repeats and transcription factors, protects chromosomal ends through a VELCRO-like structure.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCell·DateJun 6, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

2011 Draconid meteor shower deposited a ton of meteoritic material on Earth

The 2011 Draconid meteor shower deposited a large amount of meteoritic material on Earth, including fragments that may have formed from the comet Giacobini-Zinner. Researchers analyzed six fireballs and found they had a possible similar composition to carbonaceous chondrites.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 6, 2013
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Magpies take decisions faster when humans look at them

Researchers found that magpies take quicker decisions when humans are observing them, even if they don't perceive humans as a threat. This skill may have evolved to aid in survival near humans for centuries.

SourceLaboratory of Behavioral Ecology and Evolution at Seoul National University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 6, 2013

Access to health care among Thailand's poor reduces infant mortality

A new study by the Consortium on Financial Systems & Poverty finds that Thailand's healthcare reform led to a significant reduction in infant mortality rates among the poor. The '30 Baht Program' increased hospital payments for indigent care, resulting in more poor people seeking medical treatment and improved health outcomes.

SourceConsortium on Financial Systems & Poverty·DateJun 6, 2013

Rutgers findings may predict the future of coral reefs in a changing world

Researchers at Rutgers University have discovered the biological process of how corals create their skeletons, which form massive and ecologically vital coral reefs. The study found that specific proteins produced by corals can form limestones, even in more acidic water, suggesting coral reefs may survive ocean acidification.

SourceRutgers University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 6, 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.

Increased NMR/MRI sensitivity through hyperpolarization of nuclei in diamond

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a technique to hyperpolarize carbon-13 nuclear spins in diamond, enhancing NMR/MRI sensitivity by many orders of magnitude. This method uses a low-strength magnetic field and is applicable to various applications, including molecular detection and quantum information processing.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 5, 2013

Chinese wasps are taking on the emerald ash borer

Research reveals parasitic wasp Tetrastichus planipennisi populations are increasing and expanding in Michigan, suggesting they will play a critical role in suppressing the invasive EAB. By 2012, rates of parasitism on EAB increased from 1.2% to 21.2%, with 92% of sampled trees hosting wasp broods.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·DateJun 5, 2013

MBARI research shows where trash accumulates in the deep sea

A recent study by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) has mapped out areas of deep-sea debris in the ocean, revealing a significant accumulation of trash in Monterey Canyon. The researchers found that plastic bags and metal objects were the most common types of debris, with many pieces smothering or choking marine life.

SourceMonterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute·DateJun 5, 2013

New microfluidic method expands toolbox for nanoparticle manipulation

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a new flow-based method for manipulating and confining single particles in free solution, addressing current challenges in nanoscience. The microfluidic trap enables precise positioning control over tiny nanoparticles, enabling exploration of new technologies.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 5, 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.

Wild turkey damage to crops and wildlife mostly exaggerated

A recent literature review published in Journal of Integrated Pest Management found that complaints about wild turkeys causing crop damage are often exaggerated. The study revealed that while wild turkeys can cause minor damage to certain crops and specialty operations, their impact is typically overstated.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Integrated Pest Management·DateJun 5, 2013

Autism discovery paves way for early blood test and therapeutic options

Researchers found individuals with autism spectrum disorders have significantly decreased metabolism of amino acid L-tryptophan, leading to potential early blood screening tests. The study also identified genes involved in L-tryptophan metabolism, paving the way for therapeutic options.

SourceGreenwood Genetic Center·JournalMolecular Autism·DateJun 5, 2013

Researchers reveal malaria's deadly grip

Researchers discovered how malaria parasites stick to blood vessels by binding to endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR). This finding may lead to new means of combating malaria, including vaccines and drugs. The discovery sheds light on the mechanisms behind severe malaria symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature·DateJun 5, 2013

Use caution with computerized concussion test, UT Arlington researcher says

A new study by UT Arlington researcher Jacob Resch found that the ImPACT test miscategorized healthy participants as impaired up to 46% of the time, particularly on verbal and visual memory tests. The research emphasizes the need for multiple concussion assessments to ensure accurate diagnoses.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalJournal of Athletic Training·DateJun 5, 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.

Obese mums may pass health risks on to grandchildren

A new study from the University of Edinburgh found that moderately obese mothers can pass health risks to their grandchildren, while sparing their own children. The research, conducted on mice, could inform health policy on obesity.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalEndocrinology·DateJun 5, 2013

Study says fathers should ask kids: 'Am I the dad you need me to be?'

A new study suggests that fathers should ask their children for feedback on their parenting to improve the relationship. Researchers found that girls tend to believe in a father's enduring aspects, while boys think dads do good depending on the situation. Fatherhood expert Jeff Cookston offers five tips to improve dad-child relationships.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalJournal of Family Issues·DateJun 5, 2013

Doctors should screen for frailty to prevent deaths

Frailty affects 5-10% of people over 70, leading to increased death rates, poor function, and hospitalizations. Screening with the FRAIL questionnaire can identify frail individuals and guide treatment with exercise, nutrition supplements, vitamin D, and reduced medications.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Directors Association·DateJun 5, 2013

Teacher collaboration, professional communities improve many elementary school students' math scores

A new study by UNC Charlotte researchers shows that teacher collaboration and professional learning communities improve many elementary school students' math performance. However, few schools have effectively developed both environments, and the study highlights the need for school leaders to create supportive districts that provide re...

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalSociology of Education·DateJun 5, 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.

Georgia State University research finds Clean Air Act increased Atlanta rainfall

A study by Georgia State University researcher Jeremy Diem found that a decrease in pollution following the passage of the Clean Air Act of 1970 led to an increase in summer rainfall for the Atlanta metropolitan area. Precipitation levels dropped in the 1950s and 1960s due to air pollution, but rebounded in the late 1970s as pollution ...

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateJun 5, 2013

Going wild could improve winged workforce

A team of scientists is investigating the potential of wild bumble bees as a supplementary workforce to honey bees in improving crop pollination. They aim to increase wild bumble bee populations, which could complement the work of honey bees and address declining wild honey bee populations.

SourceMichigan State University·DateJun 5, 2013

Young star suggests our sun was a feisty toddler

Astronomers studied young star TW Hydrae to understand the birth of our Sun, finding it was clumpy and episodic in accretion. The study revealed that accretion drove magnetic activity on TW Hydrae.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·DateJun 5, 2013
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Over 120,000-year-old bone tumor in Neandertal specimen found

Researchers have identified a fibrous dysplasia tumor in a Neanderthal rib from Croatia, dating back over 120,000 years. This discovery predates previous evidence of this type of cancer by tens of thousands of years, challenging the notion that bone tumors were rare in ancient human populations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 5, 2013

New screening technique paves the way for protein drugs from bacteria

Researchers developed a new screening technique that allows for highly efficient glycoprotein production in bacteria, increasing yields seven times compared to laboratory tests. This breakthrough could lead to more affordable and effective protein-based drugs for diseases like diabetes, cancer, and arthritis.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalBiotechnology and Bioengineering·DateJun 5, 2013

Tiny bubbles in your metallic glass may not be a cause for celebration

Scientists studied how microscopic bubbles form and expand in metallic glass under negative pressure, finding they indicate a brittle breakdown is in progress. The research aims to optimize metallic glass alloys for high-strength and fracture-resistant applications.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 5, 2013
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Entrepreneurs pray more, see God as personal, Baylor researchers find

Baylor researchers found that entrepreneurs in the US pray daily and attend services in congregations that encourage business and profit-making. The study suggests that faith communities may play a role in preparing individuals for entrepreneurship.

SourceBaylor University·JournalJournal for the Scientific Study of Religion·DateJun 5, 2013

Cat's Paw Nebula 'littered' with baby stars

The Cat's Paw Nebula is forming stars at an unprecedented rate of 200,000 suns' worth of material, with over 2,000 extremely young and still trapped inside their dusty cocoons. The cause of this 'mini-starburst' remains unclear, but its proximity to Earth makes it an ideal target for detailed study.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·DateJun 5, 2013

NIH scientists discover how HIV kills immune cells

Scientists at NIH discover how HIV kills immune cells by triggering a signal that causes infected cells to die. Treating HIV-infected individuals with drugs blocking viral replication may improve CD4+ T cell survival and immune function.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature·DateJun 5, 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.

Rural living presents health challenges for cancer survivors

Rural cancer survivors experience poorer health due to higher rates of smoking and lack of physical activity. The study found that 25% of rural smokers compared to 16% of urban smokers reported lower rates of regular exercise, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalCancer Causes & Control·DateJun 5, 2013

NJIT researcher shows data mining EMRs can detect bad drug reactions

A recent study by NJIT Assistant Professor Mei Liu has validated previously reported adverse drug reactions and identified new ones using data mining from electronic medical records (EMRs). The research correlated abnormal laboratory results with specific drug administrations to detect adverse reactions.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateJun 5, 2013

Metal-free catalyst outperforms platinum in fuel cell

Researchers have discovered an inexpensive and easily produced metal-free catalyst that performs better than platinum in oxygen-reduction reactions. The catalyst is more stable and tolerant of carbon monoxide poisoning and methanol crossover.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 5, 2013

Targeting an aspect of Down syndrome

University of Michigan researchers have discovered how a defective gene in Down syndrome is regulated and its impact on neurological development. By studying fruit fly neurons, they identified two molecular pathways that converge to regulate the gene's abundance, offering a possible therapeutic approach to an aspect of the syndrome.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNeuron·DateJun 5, 2013

Detecting lead hotspots in urban gardens requires different sampling strategies

Researchers analyzed soil lead in an urban garden plot and found highly variable concentrations across the 49x98 foot garden. A prominent hotspot was detected in the northwest corner, where a paint shop had been located, exceeding the EPA's 400 ppm threshold for safe levels.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalRisk Analysis·DateJun 5, 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.

Giant planets offer help in faster research on material surfaces

A new, fast and accurate algorithm developed by Polish researchers can calculate the Chandrasekhar function with accuracy up to over a dozen decimal digits. This method is crucial for understanding physical and chemical properties of materials' surfaces studied under laboratory conditions.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalComputer Physics Communications·DateJun 5, 2013

Formula-feeding linked to metabolic stress and increased risk of later disease

A new study found that formula-fed rhesus monkeys experienced metabolic stress, similar to those who were breastfed, which may explain the link between early feeding practices and chronic diseases. Reducing protein content in infant formula could be beneficial in reducing metabolic stress.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateJun 5, 2013

New program to help heart patients navigate care, reduce readmissions

The American College of Cardiology is developing a patient navigator program to provide personalized services to heart disease patients and reduce readmissions. The program aims to create a culture of patient-centered care and support patients during their hospital stay and post-discharge period.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateJun 5, 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.

Big multiple sclerosis breakthrough

A phase 1 clinical trial shows a new treatment safely reduces immune system reactivity to myelin in multiple sclerosis patients by 50-75%. The therapy, which uses specially processed white blood cells, preserves the function of the normal immune system. Researchers hope to launch a phase 2 trial to prevent MS progression.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 5, 2013