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Science News Archive March 2013


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Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Pitt team finds immunity protein that ramps up inflammation, and agents that can block it

Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine identified a biological pathway that triggers excessive inflammation in pneumonia and sepsis, leading to improved lung function and survival in animal models. The team developed small molecules to inhibit this protein, offering hope for new treatments for these conditions.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalNature Immunology·DateMar 31, 2013

Congestion in the Earth's mantle

In some Earth's mantle regions, the movement of subducted plates stagnates due to slow diffusion and transformation of mineral components. High-pressure experiments revealed that exchange of elements between minerals slows down significantly at depths of 440-650 kilometers, leading to congestion.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 31, 2013

New models predict drastically greener Arctic in coming decades

Researchers predict a massive 'greening' of the Arctic due to rising temperatures, which could lead to an acceleration of climate warming. The models suggest that tree cover could increase by up to 50% over the next few decades, resulting in significant impacts on the global ecosystem.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 31, 2013

UC Davis researchers discover how cells distinguish friend from foe

Researchers at UC Davis have identified a key protein pathway that distinguishes between harmless and harmful bacteria. The innate immune system recognizes specific sensing proteins that detect invading pathogens, triggering an alarm response to mobilize immune functions.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalNature·DateMar 31, 2013

Teachers' gestures boost math learning

A study published in Child Development found that instructors who use hand gestures while teaching math problems outperform those without gestures. Students who learned from gesture videos performed better on tests compared to those who learned from speech-only videos, with improved retention over time.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalChild Development·DateMar 29, 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.

DNA: How to unravel the tangle

Researchers have created a numeric model of the chromosome that supports experimental data and provides a hypothesis on the bundle's function. The model identifies regions with specific genes, contradicting the chaotic view of the chromosome as a randomly entangled thread.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 29, 2013

Texas physician breaks ground in robotic cervical surgery

A Texas physician has successfully performed a groundbreaking robotic laparoscopic procedure to tighten a pregnant patient's incompetent cervix. The innovative technique, which utilizes the da Vinci Si robotic surgical system, allowed for precise stitching with minimal scars.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalJournal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology·DateMar 29, 2013

Monounsaturated fats reduce metabolic syndrome risk

A randomized, controlled trial found that consuming monounsaturated fats in vegetable oils like canola oil lowered abdominal fat by 1.6 percent compared to other oil blends. This reduction in belly fat may decrease metabolic syndrome risk factors and heart disease risk.

SourcePenn State·DateMar 29, 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.

SIAM announces class of 2013 fellows

The Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) has announced its 2013 Class of Fellows, comprising 33 renowned mathematicians. These individuals were recognized for their outstanding research and service to the mathematical community.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·DateMar 29, 2013

Sensory helmet could mean firefighters are not left in the dark

Researchers at the University of Sheffield have developed a tactile helmet that uses ultrasound sensors to detect distances and provide fire-fighters with additional information. The technology could also be useful for people with visual impairments, acting as an additional sense to guide users.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·DateMar 29, 2013

NASA's Swift sizes up comet ISON

Astronomers use NASA's Swift satellite to estimate the size of comet ISON's icy nucleus based on water and dust production rates. The team finds that the comet is shedding large amounts of dust but relatively little water, indicating that other volatile materials are fueling its activity.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 29, 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.

Estrogen plus progestin use linked with increased breast cancer incidence and mortality

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that estrogen plus progestin use is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer incidence. However, survival after diagnosis did not differ between users and non-users, suggesting higher mortality rates among hormone therapy users.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 29, 2013

Multi-toxin biotech crops not silver bullets, scientists warn

A new study by University of Arizona entomologists reveals that the pyramid strategy for genetically modified crops may not be as durable as previously assumed. The research found that critical assumptions underlying the strategy do not always apply, and that some degree of cross-resistance between toxins can reduce its effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 29, 2013

Making do with more: Joint BioEnergy Institute researchers engineer plant cell walls to boost sugar yields for biofuels

Researchers at Joint BioEnergy Institute develop new strategy to enhance polysaccharide deposition in plant cell walls, reducing lignin content and improving sugar release. This breakthrough could increase cell wall content for the pulping industry, bioenergy applications, and improve crop yields.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateMar 29, 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.

LITHOSPHERE covers Canada, California, the Alps, and the Scandinavian Caledonides

Researchers studied detrital zircon Hf isotopic compositions to connect the Alexander terrane in Canada with northern Caledonian granitoids. In California, a kinematic analysis of mélange fabrics near San Simeon reveals sinistral slip on the Nacimiento fault zone. The Western Alps also experienced short-lived fast erosional exhumation ...

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalLithosphere·DateMar 29, 2013

A new mathematical model for how society becomes polarized

A new mathematical model, based on biased assimilation, shows that polarization stems from people's tendency to accept evidence supporting their opinions and discredit opposing views. The model, developed by Stanford researchers, aims to create Internet-based social systems that counteract polarization.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 29, 2013

Gene discovery may yield lettuce that will sprout in hot weather

A team of researchers identified a lettuce gene and related enzyme that inhibits germination during hot weather, enabling seeds to germinate in warm temperatures. The discovery could lead to lettuces that can grow in high temperatures, improving crop yields.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMar 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.

New research on the effects of traumatic brain injury

Studies found that individuals with dementia and TBI may have distinct clinical characteristics, such as higher fluency and verbal memory scores. Additionally, elderly patients with TBI are at higher risk of premature death due to underlying health conditions or complications after injury.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNeuroRehabilitation An International Interdisciplinary Journal·DateMar 28, 2013

Low vitamin D linked with lower kidney function after transplantation

A study found that low vitamin D levels at three months post-transplantation were associated with lower kidney function and increased scarring at one year. Vitamin D deficiency is common in patients with kidney failure. Maintaining normal vitamin D levels may prevent renal function deterioration after transplantation.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 28, 2013

A social network for young Londoners on the buses

A recent study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that free bus travel has improved the independent mobility and social lives of young Londoners. The research discovered a 'code of honour' among young people, where traveling together is seen as a sign of loyalty, and traveling alone is perceived as a betrayal.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalMobilities·DateMar 28, 2013

UCLA study finds heart failure medications highly cost-effective

A UCLA study found that heart failure medications recommended by national guidelines are highly cost-effective in saving lives and may also provide savings to the healthcare system. The combination of these medical therapies demonstrated the greatest gains in quality-adjusted life years for heart failure patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 28, 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.

Should I trust my intuition?

A study published in Neuron found that rats achieved optimal performance in less than 300 milliseconds, indicating that taking more time doesn't necessarily lead to better decisions. The researchers suggest that, for certain types of decisions, relying on intuition may be the most effective approach.

SourceJLM&A, SA·JournalNeuron·DateMar 28, 2013

Hispanics live longest, whites shortest among dialysis patients

A study of 1.2 million dialysis patients found Hispanics lived the longest, followed by Blacks, with Whites having the shortest survival time. The disparity may be due to differences in health status before kidney failure.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 28, 2013

New study aims to prevent sports-related brain injury in youngsters

A new study out of St. Michael's Hospital found that nearly half of all traumatic brain injuries among Canadian children and youth participating in organized sports occurred in ice hockey, with most caused by body contact or being hit into the boards. The researchers also identified specific prevention tactics for various sports, inclu...

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 28, 2013

Picking apart photosynthesis

Caltech chemists have explained one of the remaining mysteries of photosynthesis, the chemical process by which plants convert sunlight into usable energy and generate oxygen. The discovery provides a new way of approaching the design of catalysts that drive water-splitting reactions in artificial photosynthesis.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMar 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.

Innate immune system can kill HIV when a viral gene is deactivated

A study published in PLoS Pathogens suggests that removing the viral infectivity factor gene from HIV allows the innate human immune system to destroy the virus. The researchers used a humanized mouse model and found that APOBEC3 proteins effectively restrict HIV growth when vif is removed.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMar 28, 2013

NOvA neutrino detector records first 3-D particle tracks

The NOvA neutrino detector has recorded its first three-dimensional images of particles from cosmic rays, a crucial step towards discovering properties of mysterious fundamental particles called neutrinos. The detector will use this data to identify and measure the energy of neutrinos.

SourceDOE/Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory·DateMar 28, 2013

Look out squirrels: Leopards are new backyard wildlife

A new study by WCS-India reveals leopards inhabit landscapes with high human populations and no wilderness, defying conventional conservation strategies. Camera traps captured five adult large carnivores per 100 square kilometers, showcasing adaptability of humans and wildlife to each other's presence.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 28, 2013

Parkinson's disease protein gums up garbage disposal system in cells

Researchers have discovered that Parkinson's disease protein, α-synuclein, forms insoluble aggregates that resist degradation in cells. The accumulation of these clumps impairs the macroautophagy system, a major garbage disposal system within the cell.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 28, 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.

Sustainable fishing practices produce local rewards

Research in Papua New Guinea reveals that local community-led efforts to regulate fish catches benefit both the fishermen and their neighbors. The study found that many larvae produced by managed adults return to the same fish population, highlighting the effectiveness of cooperative management.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 28, 2013

Brain scans might predict future criminal behavior

A new study found that neuroimaging data can predict the likelihood of reoffending following prison release. Inmates with lower anterior cingulate cortex activity were twice as likely to reoffend compared to those with higher activity.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 28, 2013

Teens' struggles with peers forecast long-term adult problems

A new longitudinal study found that teens who struggled to connect with their peers in early adolescence were more likely to have difficulty establishing close friendships in young adulthood. Conversely, those who established autonomy and independence from peer influences had lower risks of problems with alcohol and substance use.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMar 28, 2013

Language used in immigration debates may be as important as the policies

A new study by Hana E. Brown finds that the language used in immigration debates can have long-term effects on policy outcomes, including welfare reform battles. The study shows how different linguistic approaches can create coalitions and shape policy decisions.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateMar 28, 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.

Scientists identify brain's 'molecular memory switch'

Researchers have identified a key molecule responsible for triggering chemical processes in the brain linked to memory formation. The study found that the gene CASK regulates the 'molecular memory switch', enabling it to remain active even after calcium has gone, paving the way for new therapies to reverse memory loss.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalFrontiers in Neural Circuits·DateMar 28, 2013

Creating inclusive child-care spaces

A new study found that 91% of Alberta child-care centres have provided inclusive care in the previous two years. However, many still face challenges, with 36% turning away children with special needs due to capacity issues or inadequate staff training.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalInternational Journal of Inclusive Education·DateMar 28, 2013

15 minutes of fame? Study finds true fame isn't fleeting

A new study by McGill University and Stony Brook University researchers found that true fame is not fleeting. The study analyzed names mentioned in English-language newspapers over several decades and found that most famous individuals remain celebrated for decades, regardless of their field.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateMar 28, 2013

Notre Dame researchers are using new technologies to combat invasive species

Researchers from the University of Notre Dame have created a method using environmental DNA (eDNA) and Light Transmission Spectroscopy (LTS) to detect invasive aquatic species in real-time. This innovative approach enables rapid identification of high-risk species before they cause significant damage.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalConservation Letters·DateMar 28, 2013

Even graphene has weak spots

Researchers found that the seven-atom ring defects at junctions in polycrystalline graphene result in reduced strength due to amplification of tension. This finding is significant for materials scientists using graphene, particularly in composite materials and stretchable electronics.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 28, 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.

Combinations of estrogen-mimicking chemicals found to strongly distort hormone action

A study by University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston researchers found that combining low doses of multiple xenoestrogens can have a dramatically greater effect on hormone signaling than any one compound alone. The combination of bisphenol A, bisphenol S and nonylphenol was found to gang up on estradiol and thwart its response.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalEnvironmental Health·DateMar 28, 2013

Cell reprogramming during liver regeneration

Scientists have found that hepatocytes can transform into biliary cells in response to injury, a process dependent on the activation of endogenous Notch signaling. This discovery provides direct evidence for cellular reprogramming in mammals and may lead to new treatments for diseases involving bile duct deficiency.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalGenes & Development·DateMar 28, 2013

What attracts people to violent movies?

Researchers found that audiences are drawn to violent content due to a desire to confront and understand real-life problems, rather than solely for entertainment. The study used a large binational sample to examine the motivations behind exposure to violent portrayals, suggesting a more complex and nuanced understanding of human behavior.

SourceInternational Communication Association·DateMar 28, 2013

HIV antibodies that are worth the wait

Researchers have discovered that broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) can handle HIV's high mutation rate, offering a promising strategy for vaccine development. The study found that mutations in framework regions strengthened the antibodies' antiviral activity while conserving key structural features.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateMar 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.

Black bears: Here, gone, and back again

A new study reveals that Nevada's black bear population is increasing and expanding its former range due to conservation efforts. The study analyzed historic records and found that the bears were once widespread but vanished by 1931, only to rebound in recent years.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateMar 28, 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.

Mayo Clinic study: Physician spouses very satisfied in relationships

A Mayo Clinic survey found that 85% of physician spouses/partners are satisfied in their relationships, similar to married adults overall. Most work outside the home, with nearly 40% working full-time or more, despite their partners' high non-sleeping time spent at work.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateMar 28, 2013