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Science News for March 13, 2013


Lower incidence of genital warts in young girls

A Swedish national registry study found that HPV vaccination before age 14 significantly reduced the incidence of genital warts in girls. The study also revealed socioeconomic disparities in vaccination rates, with higher educated parents more likely to vaccinate their daughters.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 13, 2013

Breakthrough in battle against leukemia

Researchers have identified a carbohydrate modification on leukaemic cells that can be targeted to eradicate cancer. The study, published in Journal of Experimental Medicine, offers hope for new treatment options against drug-resistant forms of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

SourceGriffith University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMar 13, 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.

Polycystic ovary syndrome puts glucose control in double jeopardy

Research shows PCOS affects both insulin and non-insulin approaches to glucose control, with declines in non-insulin activity seen in women with high insulin resistance. The study found visceral fat predicted difficulty controlling glucose via insulin, while subcutaneous fat was linked to regulation by non-insulin means.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMar 13, 2013

Chicken pox vaccine saving children's lives

A national study of chicken pox admissions found a 68% drop in hospitalizations since the introduction of the vaccine in 2006. The results show that unvaccinated children were more likely to require intensive care treatment, highlighting the importance of herd immunity.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalThe Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal·DateMar 13, 2013

Symbols, such as traffic lights, on menus effective in educating diners

Research suggests that combining numeric calorie labels with symbolic labels, such as traffic lights, is a more effective way to influence patrons to select healthier options. The study found that the combination label reduced total calories ordered by about 69 calories on average, while numeric labels alone had less impact.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateMar 13, 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.

Ancient, highly active galaxies discovered

A team of astronomers has discovered two ancient, highly active galaxies in the early Universe, formed soon after the Big Bang. These galaxies are characterized by an unusually high rate of star formation and will help improve our understanding of star formation in the early Universe.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature·DateMar 13, 2013

Study reveals 10 factors in wrongful conviction cases

A recent study has identified 10 statistically significant factors that distinguish wrongful convictions from 'near misses' in the US. These factors include state death penalty culture/state punitiveness, prosecution withheld evidence, and forensic evidence errors.

SourceAmerican University·DateMar 13, 2013

Events in the future seem closer than those in the past

A new study suggests that our experiences of space and time have more in common than previously thought, with people perceiving the future as closer to the present. The researchers found that a temporal Doppler effect occurs when movement through space is toward the future, making it feel closer to the present.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 13, 2013

Whale's streaming baleen tangles to trap food

Researchers found that whale baleen traps food particles at natural swimming speeds by tangling in flowing water. The flexible material, composed of keratin, forms plates with internal fibrous cores and bristly fringes that trap particles as whales skim or lunge through the ocean.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMar 13, 2013

Sex at zero gravity

Researchers from the University of Montreal studied how hypergravity and microgravity affect plant reproduction, brain diseases, and cancer. They found that changes in gravity impact cellular traffic flow and construction of the cellular envelope, leading to compromised cell functioning and potential implications for human health.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 13, 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.

Drug treatment corrects autism symptoms in mouse model

Researchers at UC San Diego used a newly discovered function of an old drug to restore cell communications in a mouse model of autism, reversing symptoms. The findings suggest that correcting abnormalities in a mouse is a long way from a cure for humans but offer encouragement to test this approach in a small clinical trial.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 13, 2013

UI study of Midwest finds increase in heavy rainfalls over 60 years

Heavy rains in the Midwest have increased significantly over the past 60 years, according to a study published by the University of Iowa. The research suggests that rising surface temperatures are contributing to this trend, as warmer air can absorb more water vapor, leading to an increase in precipitation.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Climate·DateMar 13, 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.

Goats' milk with antimicrobial lysozyme speeds recovery from diarrhea

Researchers at UC Davis found that goats' milk carrying higher levels of the antimicrobial protein lysozyme successfully treated diarrhea caused by bacterial infection in young pigs. The study suggests that such milk may eventually help prevent human diarrheal diseases, which claim millions of lives annually.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 13, 2013

Bradley Hospital researchers find age-related changes in how autism affects the brain

A new study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry has found that autism spectrum disorders affect brain activity differently in children and adults. The research suggests that brain changes associated with autism continue to develop into adulthood, highlighting the need for targeted treatments.

SourceLifespan·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateMar 13, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

ALMA finds 'monster' starburst galaxies in the early universe

Astronomers using ALMA telescope discover starburst galaxies earlier than thought, representing massive galaxies in energetic youth. These galaxies are forming 1,000 stars per year, compared to just 1 for the Milky Way, making them 'monstrous bursts of star formation'.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalNature·DateMar 13, 2013

Answering messages behind the wheel is as dangerous as being twice over the limit

Scientists found that using a handsfree kit or sending text messages while driving has the same effect on reaction capacity as consuming alcohol above the legal limit. The study, conducted in Australia and Spain, used a simulation test involving 12 healthy volunteers who drove at speeds of 60-80 km/h.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalTraffic Injury Prevention·DateMar 13, 2013

Protein may alter inevitability of osteoarthritis

A naturally occurring protein called lubricin appears to protect against osteoarthritis, a common condition affecting over 70% of the population between 55-77 years old. Researchers found that mice with higher levels of lubricin did not develop traumatic or injury-induced osteoarthritis.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 13, 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.

Immune cells cluster and communicate 'like bees,' researcher says

A new study by UCSF researchers reveals that T cells gather together and share information, helping to mount a coordinated response to invading pathogens. The discovery sheds light on the mechanism behind vaccine effectiveness, which relies on T-cell aggregation to form long-term memory.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Immunology·DateMar 13, 2013

Vitamin D may lower blood pressure in African-Americans

A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that vitamin D supplementation can help reduce systolic blood pressure in African-American adults. The study showed modest but significant gains, suggesting that widespread use of vitamin D supplementation could have substantial public health benefits for this demographic.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalHYPERTENSION·DateMar 13, 2013

ALMA exposes hidden star factories in the early universe

Astronomers use ALMA to observe distant galaxies that churned out tens of thousands of stars each year at dawn of the universe. The study finds that these galaxies are more abundant than thought and host intense bursts of star formation.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature·DateMar 13, 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.

Feynman's double-slit experiment brought to life

Researchers have successfully replicated Feynman's famous double-slit thought-experiment using a gold-coated silicon membrane and a moveable mask. This achievement demonstrates the mysterious properties of electrons, including their ability to produce an interference pattern when fired at the wall one at a time.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateMar 13, 2013

Tapeworm DNA contains drug weak spots

Researchers have mapped tapeworm genomes to identify potential drug targets using existing drugs, which could lead to faster and more effective treatments. The discovery has significant implications for the development of urgently needed therapies for these devastating diseases.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature·DateMar 13, 2013

Playing computer games for fun and research

A new project called Wordovators will study how people create, learn and use new words through mathematical modeling and large-scale computer games. Players from around the world will be recruited to perform tasks and challenges in invented languages.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateMar 13, 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.

American University researcher awarded $2.4 million NIH grant

A study will determine if a two-question screener accurately identifies underage drinking issues among children and teenagers. The researchers aim to assess the screener's effectiveness across different factors such as ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and family structure.

SourceAmerican University·DateMar 13, 2013

New monoclonal antibody developed that can target proteins inside cancer cells

A new human monoclonal antibody, ESK1, has been developed to target proteins associated with many types of cancer, including leukemia and breast cancer. The antibody recognizes a protein called WT1, which is overexpressed in these cancers, and can kill cancer cells in preclinical research.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 13, 2013

Surprising control over photoelectrons from a topological insulator

Scientists have found a way to flip the spin polarization of electrons emitted from topological insulators by controlling the polarization of the incident light. This discovery opens up new possibilities for studying and manipulating electronic states in these materials.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 13, 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.

Implementing HPV vaccinations at a young age is significant for vaccine effectiveness

A Swedish study found that females with university-educated parents were 15 times more likely to receive an HPV vaccine before age 20. The researchers also noted a decrease in genital warts incidence among unvaccinated women over 20 years old, suggesting a self-selection bias where high-risk women preferentially sought vaccination.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 13, 2013

Structured weight loss program helps kids from low-income families lower BMI

A structured weight management program improved weight loss outcomes for overweight and obese children in low-income households. The study found that 53% of participants met or exceeded the Expert Committee Recommendations Regarding the Prevention, Assessment, and Treatment of Childhood and Adolescent Overweight and Obesity.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAcademic Pediatrics·DateMar 13, 2013
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Polo takes the bait

Researchers at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research have made a groundbreaking discovery about a protein called Matrimony (Mtrm), which traps and inactivates the powerful Polo kinase. This finding has significant implications for cancer treatment, as Polo kinase is widely considered to be misregulated in many types of cancer.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 13, 2013

Scientists discover novel chemical that controls cell behavior

Researchers at the University of New Mexico Cancer Center have identified a first-in-class chemical compound, CID2950007, that inhibits Cdc42 GTPase activity, controlling cell migration and adhesion. This novel compound shows promise in preventing cancer metastasis and may also be effective against infectious diseases.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 13, 2013
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Younger doctors more likely to train and work closer to home

New research shows that 36% of UK-trained doctors attend medical school in their hometown, while 34% settle in the same region for their first career post. This trend may be linked to increasing emphasis on 'work-life balance' and shorter training periods.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateMar 13, 2013

Burgess Shale worm provides crucial missing link

A 505-million-year-old fossil, Spartobranchus tenuis, provides a crucial missing link in the evolutionary history of hemichordates. The finding pushes back the fossil record of enteropneusts by 200 million years.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature·DateMar 13, 2013

High-performance, NW-OPTs open the way for optoelectronic device miniaturization

Research team at UNIST developed high-performance NW-OPTs, showing enhanced charge-carrier mobility and higher external quantum efficiencies compared to thin-film OPTs. This breakthrough enables bottom-up fabrication of optoelectronic nanodevices with high operational stability and easy control of photoswitching voltages.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 13, 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.

NIST mechanical micro-drum used as quantum memory

Researchers at NIST have successfully demonstrated the use of a mechanical micro-drum as a quantum memory, storing and retrieving information with 65% efficiency. This innovation exploits a mechanical form of quantum physics and has potential applications in quantum computing and precise force sensing.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature·DateMar 13, 2013

Behind the wheel of company profits

A new study by University of Leeds and Euromed Management School Marseille ranks 17 leading car makers according to their sustainable value. Fiat topped the list with improved efficiencies in 2008, while Toyota and BMW suffered worst results in a decade.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·DateMar 13, 2013

Strange phallus-shaped creature provides crucial missing link

A new species of acorn worm, Spartobranchus tenuis, has been discovered in Canada's Burgess Shale fossil beds, providing a crucial missing link in understanding hemichordate evolution. The discovery pushes the fossil record back 200 million years to the Cambrian period, shedding light on biodiversity during this time.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature·DateMar 13, 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.

Critical dairy cow fertility focus of new $3 million study

Researchers aim to identify genetic markers for improved dairy cow fertility, focusing on cyclicity and pregnancy timing. The study will involve collecting DNA from cows in five states and analyzing variables such as time from calving to conception.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·DateMar 13, 2013

New approaches for controlling pesticide exposure in children

A new study emphasizes the importance of reducing pesticide reliance and adopting integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to minimize exposure in children. The research found pesticides in all homes studied, with traditional pesticides ineffective in controlling infestations.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 13, 2013

Paving the way for greater use of ancient medical knowledge

Researchers have developed an algorithm that can explain how traditional medicinal compounds work in the body, bridging the gap between Western and traditional medicine. This breakthrough may lead to more effective treatments for various diseases.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·DateMar 13, 2013

Canadians support interventions to reduce dietary salt

A national survey found that 80% of Canadians agree the food industry should reduce salt content in food. The majority supported public health interventions, such as lowering sodium in grocery foods and educating consumers about healthy eating habits. However, there was little support for taxation or subsidies related to sodium reduction.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·DateMar 13, 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.

No attention-boosting drugs for healthy kids, doctors urge

Experts at Yale University and the American Academy of Neurology call for limiting or ending the use of memory-enhancing drugs in healthy children. They cite concerns over long-term health safety, incomplete decision-making capacity, and risks of over-medication and dependency.

SourceYale University·JournalNeurology·DateMar 13, 2013

New MRI method fingerprints tissues and diseases

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University developed a new MRI method that can differentiate white matter from gray matter in the brain in about 12 seconds. The technology uses unique fingerprinting to identify tissues and diseases, promising faster and cheaper scans with more accurate diagnoses.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature·DateMar 13, 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.

Computer models predict how patients will respond to HIV drugs

Researchers developed computer models that accurately predict how patients with failing HIV treatments will respond to new therapies, identifying alternative effective regimens. The models were trained on thousands of global clinic data and showed promise for improving patient outcomes in resource-limited settings.

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalJournal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy·DateMar 13, 2013

Sun spits out 2 CMEs

Two CMEs were emitted by the sun on March 12-13, 2013, traveling at speeds of around 400 miles per second. These events are expected to have a minimal impact on Earth, with no particle radiation and limited geomagnetic storm effects.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 13, 2013

Neuron loss in schizophrenia and depression could be prevented with an antioxidant

Researchers found that mice deficient in glutathione, a molecule essential for cellular protection against oxidations, had impaired parvalbumin neurons when stressed at young age. However, treatment with N-acetylcysteine from birth onwards protected these neurons, suggesting a potential preventive measure for psychiatric disorders.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 13, 2013

It's all in the way we move

A team of researchers from the University of the Witwatersrand analyzed the movement patterns of bipedal kangaroos and wallabies, comparing them to quadrupedal marsupials. They found that bipedal marsupials experience greater joint forces in their hind limbs, which provides insight into the structural uniqueness of these joints.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 13, 2013

Predictability: The brass ring for synthetic biology

Researchers unveil public domain DNA sequences and statistical models to engineer microbes with precision, increasing reliability and accuracy. This technological foundation enables more precise genetic engineering in the future.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 13, 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.

Bursts of star formation in the early universe

A team of astronomers has found galaxies producing stars at a prodigious rate when the universe was just a billion years old. The discovery, enabled by the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA), provides valuable data for refining theoretical models of star and galaxy formation in the early universe.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateMar 13, 2013

Study: Probiotics reduce stress-induced intestinal flare-ups

A University of Michigan study reveals that probiotics can reverse the effect of stress on gut microbiota, reducing inflammation and alleviating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. The study also highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy gut microbiome through lifestyle changes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateMar 13, 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.

Extreme water

A team of researchers studied water under extreme conditions, discovering its structure transforms from ordered to disordered at supercritical temperatures. This knowledge provides an improved estimate of water's behavior during geochemical and geological processes.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 13, 2013

New technique creates stronger, lightweight magnesium alloys

Engineers have created a new technique to strengthen magnesium alloys, introducing nano-spaced stacking faults to increase strength by approximately 200 percent. The resulting material has high specific strength, making it lighter than steel but stronger, with potential for replacing steel in some applications.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalMaterials Research Letters·DateMar 13, 2013

Doing business with a parrot

A new study at the University of Vienna found that Goffin cockatoos wait up to 80 seconds for higher-quality food rewards, showing impressive self-control. The birds traded their initial items more often for their most preferred food and adjusted to differences in trade value, mirroring human economic decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalBiology Letters·DateMar 13, 2013

AAN: Doctors caution against prescribing attention-boosting drugs for healthy kids

The American Academy of Neurology warns against prescribing neuroenhancing drugs to healthy children and teens, citing potential long-term health risks and impaired decision-making abilities. The organization emphasizes the importance of exploring alternative solutions, such as improved sleep habits, nutrition, and study regimens.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMar 13, 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.

UT study identifies ways children can meet recommended activity goals

A new study by UT researchers identified specific ways to increase physical activity in children, such as mandatory PE and playground design changes. The study found that these approaches can help kids achieve the recommended daily activity goal of 60 minutes.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMar 13, 2013

ALMA rewrites history of Universe's stellar baby boom

Astronomers use ALMA to detect 26 distant galaxies, revealing the most distant detection of water in the cosmos. The findings show that star birth bursts occurred much earlier than previously thought, with some galaxies as bright as 40 trillion Suns.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateMar 13, 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.

NASA sees large decrease in Cyclone Sandra's rainfall intensity

NASA's TRMM satellite detected a significant drop in rainfall intensity of Cyclone Sandra from March 11 to 13, with the heaviest rain falling south of the storm's center. The weakening tropical cyclone moved into an area of high wind shear and cold sea surface temperatures, expected to transform it into a cold-core system.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 13, 2013

Normal prion protein regulates iron metabolism

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that normal prion protein PrPc plays a crucial role in regulating iron metabolism, which may contribute to neuronal death in CJD. Iron imbalance caused by prion aggregation leads to neurotoxicity and brain cell death.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateMar 13, 2013