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Science News Archive June 2013 - Page 8


Page 8 of 30

NASA rocket launch successful; next launch June 24 from Wallops

NASA successfully launched a Terrier-Improved Orion sounding rocket on June 20, carrying experiments built by university students and instructors. The next launch on June 24 will feature two rockets supporting the Daytime Dynamo experiment, which studies global electrical currents in the ionosphere.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 20, 2013

Pistil leads pollen in life-and-death dance

A Brown University research team has discovered the genetically prescribed dance steps of the pollen tube, which leads to its self-sacrifice and allows flowering plants to reproduce. The study highlights the complex intercellular communications involved in pollination.

SourceBrown University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 20, 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.

Stress from 9/11 linked to nationwide resurgence in smoking among Americans who had quit

A Weill Cornell study found that over 1 million Americans who had quit smoking took up the habit again after 9/11, resulting in a 2.3% increase in adult smokers nationwide. The study estimates the cost to government at $530-830 million due to increased Medicare and Medicaid use, productivity losses, and decreased tax revenue.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalContemporary Economic Policy·DateJun 20, 2013

A revolutionary new 3-D digital brain atlas

The BigBrain atlas provides nearly cellular resolution, allowing researchers to see details close to the level of individual cells. This high-resolution model can be used for various applications such as computational modeling, simulating brain functions and analyzing data from MRIs and PET scans.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·DateJun 20, 2013

High rates of burnout and depression among anesthesia residents

A study found high rates of burnout and depression among US anesthesiology residents, with nearly half considered at risk of burnout. The researchers also discovered that these conditions can affect the quality of patient care and increase medical errors.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalAnesthesia & Analgesia·DateJun 20, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Black-white education gap is worsened by unresponsive state policymakers, Baylor study shows

A Baylor University study finds that state policymakers are less responsive to addressing the black-white education gap, particularly for African-American students. Despite efforts from federal-level initiatives like No Child Left Behind and Race to the Top, the research suggests a persisting achievement gap due to political foundations.

SourceBaylor University·JournalAmerican Politics Research·DateJun 20, 2013

Clot-buster trial reveals long-term benefits for stroke patients

A study of over 3000 patients found that those who received rt-PA within six hours of a stroke had fewer problems with self-care and mobility, experienced less pain, and needed less help from others 18 months later. The drug significantly improved life after stroke in the long-term for elderly patients as well.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateJun 20, 2013

Danish chemists in molecular chip breakthrough

A Danish team of chemists has successfully created the world's smallest transistor using a single layer of graphene, paving the way for more sustainable and efficient electronic devices. The breakthrough uses precise placement of molecules to test their functionality, significantly improving testing efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 20, 2013
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Goddard helps set 2 Guinness World Records

Landsat 5, operated by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, set the record for the longest-operating Earth observation satellite with 28 years of service. The center also hosted the largest astronomy lesson event, breaking a Guinness World Record with over 500 participants in Austin, Texas.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 20, 2013

That grocery store cabbage is alive

Researchers discovered that grocery store produce continues to perceive light and alter its biology in response to circadian rhythms. This affects nutrient levels and phytochemicals, which have anti-cancer properties.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 20, 2013

Men who can't produce sperm face increased cancer risk, Stanford-led study finds

A Stanford-led study found that men diagnosed with azoospermia have a significantly higher risk of developing cancer than the general population. The study, which analyzed data from over 2,200 infertile men, found that azoospermic men were nearly three times more likely to receive a cancer diagnosis than non-azoospermic men.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateJun 20, 2013

Researchers identify key player in the genesis of human intestinal immunity

Researchers at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine identified cryptopatches as the foundation for human GALT development, a critical component of intestinal immune function. The study suggests that repairing damaged GALT could lead to therapies for inflammatory bowel diseases and autoimmune disorders.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 20, 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.

Researchers determine factors that influence spinach contamination pre-harvest

A team of researchers found that E. coli contamination on spinach farms is strongly influenced by factors such as time since last irrigation, workers' personal hygiene, and field use prior to planting produce. The study also identified the role of weather in producing contamination as a critical factor.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJun 20, 2013

Reports of retained guidewires draw attention to 'never events' in anesthesia

A report in Anesthesia & Analgesia highlights retained guidewires as a complication that is always preventable yet still occurs. The article analyzes risk factors and contributing factors, including distraction of clinicians and task interruptions, to introduce preventive measures such as mandatory training programs and checklists.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalAnesthesia & Analgesia·DateJun 20, 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.

Uncovering quantum secret in photosynthesis

Researchers have directly observed quantum effects on energy transfer in photosynthesis, discovering coherence is responsible for maintaining transport efficiency and adaptability. This discovery raises questions about the evolution of quantum effects and potential applications in developing more efficient solar cells.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalScience·DateJun 20, 2013

Iron dosing regimens affect dialysis patients' infection risk

A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that administering large doses of intravenous iron over a short period increases dialysis patients' risk of developing serious infections. In contrast, smaller doses given less frequently do not increase infection risk.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJun 20, 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.

NEJM features IgA nephropathy research from Dr. Robert Wyatt

Research by Dr. Robert Wyatt and his team provides insights into the molecular mechanism of IgA nephropathy, a common kidney disease in North America. The study's findings suggest noninvasive tests for diagnosis and monitoring, potentially leading to improved treatment outcomes for patients.

SourceLe Bonheur Children's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 20, 2013

The American Society for Microbiology honors Frank Leo van de Veerdonk

Frank Leo van de Veerdonk has received a 2013 ICAAC Young Investigator Award for his groundbreaking research on fungal immunology. He discovered that mutations in STAT1 are responsible for autosomal dominant chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, a major breakthrough in diagnosing immunodeficiencies with fungal infections.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateJun 20, 2013

Goal of identifying nearly all genetic causes of deafness is within reach

At least half of birth-related deafness and many progressive hearing losses have a genetic basis. New sequencing technologies identify 1,000 mutations linked to hearing loss in 64 human genes. This knowledge will lead to practical treatments and effective genetic counseling.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGenetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers·DateJun 20, 2013

Sounding rocket to observe currents in atmosphere

Scientists are launching a sounding rocket to study the dynamo, a global electrical current sweeping through the ionosphere. The mission will provide insights into the movement of charged particles and neutral winds, crucial for understanding the dynamo's impact on radio signals and potential presence on other planets.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 20, 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.

Smoke engulfs Singapore

In June 2013, NASA's Terra and Aqua satellites captured images of smoke billowing from Sumatran wildfires. The resulting haze descended on Singapore, pushing air quality indices to hazardous levels. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong warned that the haze could last for several weeks.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 20, 2013

Solar splashdown

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured spectacular images of June 7, 2011 solar eruption and splashdown. The event provided an 'up close' view of what happens on distant stars during accretion. Astronomers can now learn about young star growth by analyzing ultraviolet light emission.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalScience·DateJun 20, 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.

International study on fragile newborns challenges current practices

A large clinical trial shows that clopidogrel does not effectively reduce shunt-related blood flow issues in infants with congenital heart diseases. Aspirin alone may be effective in reducing the risk of clot formation, while switching to Plavix is not recommended.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 20, 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.

Light and nanoprobes detect early signs of infection

Researchers use silver-based nanoprobes that reflect distinct optical fingerprints when light is shined on infected samples, detecting specific genetic materials taken from human samples. This technique has the potential to provide fast and reliable information about patients at the point of care.

SourceDuke University·JournalAnalytica Chimica Acta·DateJun 20, 2013

The American Society for Microbiology honors George L. Drusano

Drusano's work in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling has been instrumental in simulating and validating dosing regimens to maximize the safety and efficacy of antibiotics. He is recognized for his groundbreaking research on anti-infective pharmacology and antimicrobial resistance.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateJun 20, 2013

Study finds climate change to shrink bison, profit

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that climate change is likely to reduce the nutritional quality of grasses, causing bison to grow more slowly and weigh less. This could have significant economic implications for cattle producers, with a potential loss of $1 billion in income due to reduced weight gains.

SourceKansas State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 20, 2013

Berkeley Lab confirms thirdhand smoke causes DNA damage

A recent study by researchers from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that thirdhand smoke causes significant genetic damage in human cells. Chronic exposure is worse than acute exposure, with higher concentrations of chemical compounds causing more DNA damage over time.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalMutagenesis·DateJun 20, 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.

Researchers propose new method for achieving nonlinear optical effects

A new method for achieving nonlinear optical effects has been proposed, enabling 'quantum gates' on demand for large-scale quantum circuits. The approach uses a sub-millimeter-diameter resonator to manipulate single photons and overcome the challenges of existing methods.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 20, 2013

Lab reproduction of a marine compound with antibiotic properties

Researchers at IRB Barcelona have successfully synthesized a marine compound, baringolin, which shows promising antibiotic activity at low concentrations. The team aims to improve its solubility and design more active analogues to develop a viable drug in the next 10 years.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJun 20, 2013

Barry expected to dissipate rapidly after landfall

Tropical Storm Barry was captured by NASA's Aqua spacecraft on June 20, 2013, revealing maximum sustained winds of 40 knots and gusts up to 50 knots. Rainfall totals of 3-5 inches are expected in southern Mexico, posing life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 20, 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.

Colliding galaxy pair takes flight

The colliding galaxy duo Arp 142 features a star-forming spiral galaxy NGC 2936 with a compressed gas core triggering new star formation. The elliptical companion NGC 2937 is warped by the encounter, but shows little effect from gravitational pull.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 20, 2013

The link between circadian rhythms and aging

A new study from MIT reveals that a gene called SIRT1, previously shown to protect against diseases of aging, plays a key role in controlling circadian rhythms. The researchers found that boosting SIRT1 levels in the brain could prevent age-related decline in circadian function and potentially lead to health benefits.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateJun 20, 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.

Herding cancer cells to their death

Researchers develop a therapeutic strategy that manipulates cellular heterogeneity to treat advanced melanoma. The approach uses a new drug-like molecule in combination with an existing chemotherapy, targeting only melanoma cells and suppressing tumor growth and metastasis.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Cell·DateJun 20, 2013

Networked cars make traffic safer and more efficient

The simTD system uses radio technology to enable vehicles to share information about traffic situations, road conditions, and external factors. This allows drivers to react faster and make informed decisions, resulting in enhanced safety, efficiency, and comfort on the roads.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateJun 20, 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.

Hong Kong skyscrapers appear to fall in real-world illusion

A study on the Hong Kong Peak Tram found that specific features of the environment can dominate our perception of verticality, making skyscrapers appear to fall. The illusion was greatest on night-time rides and could be enhanced by oblique window frames and lighting fixtures.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 20, 2013