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Science News for March 15, 2013


JCI early table of contents for Mar. 15, 2013

Researchers found that mycolactone, a lipid toxin from Mycobacterium ulcerans, causes cytoskeletal dysregulation by activating the protein N-WASP. This led to defects in cell adhesion and migration, impairing skin integrity. The study suggests using N-WASP inhibitors as potential treatments for Buruli ulcers.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 15, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Unhealthy eating can make a bad mood worse

Researchers discover that unhealthy eating behaviors can worsen moods in women without prior mood changes, leading to a better understanding of the relationship between emotions and eating. The study's findings suggest that this connection may play a role in the development and maintenance of unhealthy eating habits.

SourcePenn State·DateMar 15, 2013

Columbia University Medical Center/NY-Presbyterian experts at AAN

Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have made significant breakthroughs in treating rare genetic disorders. For one, they demonstrated the effectiveness of deoxypyrimidine monophosphates as a treatment for thymidine kinase 2 (TK2) deficiency, a condition causing devastating neuromuscular diseases. Additionally, studies on...

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·DateMar 15, 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.

NASA's Swift, Chandra explore a youthful 'star wreck'

Astronomers have discovered a young supernova remnant, G306.3.9, located in the central regions of the Milky Way galaxy, estimated to be around 2,500 years old. The Swift and Chandra X-ray satellites detected the object, which is one of the 20 youngest known remnants identified.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 15, 2013

New NIST microscope measures nanomagnet property vital to 'spintronics'

Researchers at NIST developed a new microscope that measures collective dynamics of electrons' spins in individual nanomagnets as small as 100 nanometers. This enables the study of spin relaxation process and can help design spintronic devices with reduced energy consumption.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 15, 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.

Earth-directed coronal mass ejection from the sun

A NASA research model revealed that a coronal mass ejection (CME) left the sun at speeds of around 900 miles per second, causing mild to moderate effects on Earth. The CME may also pass by the Spitzer and Messenger spacecraft, with only minor particle radiation associated.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 15, 2013

ChemCam data abundant at Planetary Conference

The ChemCam system has fired more than 40,000 laser pulses at over a thousand locations on Mars, yielding valuable information about the planet's habitat. Researchers from Los Alamos National Laboratory and other institutions will present their findings at the 44th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·DateMar 15, 2013

Cytoskeletal dysregulation underlies Buruli ulcer formation

Researchers discovered that mycolactone, a lipid toxin produced by Mycobacterium ulcerans, disrupts the cellular skeleton through N-WASP activation. This dysregulation impairs skin integrity and cell adhesion, leading to Buruli ulcers. Blocking N-WASP activity with wiskostatin may provide a new treatment approach.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 15, 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.

Swarm intelligence

Researchers found that globally ordered motion breaks down in overcrowded swarms, and a power law describes the average alignment in the direction of motion. Computer simulations revealed new features of individual animal behavior when confronted with high densities and close neighbors.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateMar 15, 2013

MS patients did not benefit from CCSVI intervention

A controlled clinical trial found that interventional endovascular therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS) does not improve patient outcomes. The treatment was safe but made symptoms worse in some cases. The study's findings lead to caution against the general acceptance of this invasive procedure for MS patients.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateMar 15, 2013

Study offers new insights on invasive fly threatening US fruit crops

The invasive spotted-wing vinegar fly (Drosophila suzukii) prefers sweet and soft fruits, posing a significant threat to US fruit crops. Researchers found that certain wild fruits may serve as reservoirs for this species, while other varieties are more likely to be infested.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPest Management Science·DateMar 15, 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.

Hot careers in corrosion

The University of Akron's corrosion engineering program aims to tackle the nation's 70,000 structurally deficient bridges and a $400 billion corrosion problem. The institution is now partnering with the Department of Defense to inspire the next generation of corrosion engineers through an interactive exhibit.

SourceUniversity of Akron·DateMar 15, 2013

Telestroke program increases access to stroke care by 40 percent

A new study reveals that telestroke programs in Oregon increased access to life-saving stroke care by 40%, extending coverage to previously uncovered communities. The program utilizes telemedicine systems to bring expert consultations and treatments, reducing disparities in stroke care access.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateMar 15, 2013

NASA's Webb Telescope gets its wings

The James Webb Space Telescope's primary mirror backplane support structure is nearing completion with the recent assembly of its wings. The complex wing assemblies feature 900 separate parts made of lightweight graphite composite materials.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 15, 2013

PCa markers improve predictive performance of existing clinical variables

A genetic score based on PCa risk-associated SNPs improves predictive performance of existing clinical variables, especially for patients with low PSA levels. The study identified 25 SNPs significantly associated with PCa risk and found that the genetic score was an independent predictor of biopsy outcomes.

SourceEuropean Association of Urology·DateMar 15, 2013

Mobile LIDAR technology expanding rapidly

Mobile LIDAR promises to change the way we see, study, and record the world around us, providing highly detailed and precise maps of landscapes. The technology has vast potential in various fields, including surveying, transportation engineering, and virtual tourism.

SourceOregon State University·DateMar 15, 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.

Inspired by deep sea sponges: Creating flexible minerals

Researchers imitated sea sponge skeleton to produce highly flexible synthetic spicules, exhibiting rubber-like flexibility and resistance to fracture. The new material has potential applications in body armor and other fields.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalScience·DateMar 15, 2013

Sorting out fertility after childhood cancer

Researchers have developed a multi-parameter sorting approach to separate healthy spermatogonial stem cells from cancerous cells, enabling the removal of malignant material during transplantation. This method shows promise for preserving fertility in male childhood cancer survivors.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 15, 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.

Nature: Smallest vibration sensor in the quantum world

Researchers created a quantum sensor that detects the smallest vibrations in a carbon nanotube by measuring the effects of a magnetic spin on its mechanical motion. The device has potential applications in determining individual molecule masses and measuring magnetic forces.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 15, 2013

Lost frog DNA revived: Lazarus Project

A team of scientists has successfully revived the DNA of an extinct Australian frog species, Rheobatrachus silus, using somatic cell nuclear transfer. The 'Lazarus Project' aims to bring back the bizarre gastric-brooding frog, which uniquely swallowed its eggs and gave birth through its mouth.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·DateMar 15, 2013

Dating in middle school leads to higher dropout, drug-use rates

Research from the University of Georgia found that middle school students who date are four times more likely to drop out and report higher substance use. Teachers reported better study skills among those who never or rarely dated during this period.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Research on Adolescence·DateMar 15, 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.

Drug-resistant MRSA bacteria -- here to stay in both hospital and community

Researchers predict that drug-resistant MRSA strains will coexist in both hospital and community settings, with hospital strains surviving due to aggressive antibiotic usage patterns. This finding is reassuring as it suggests that the more invasive community strains will not replace hospital strains.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMar 15, 2013

Depression in kids linked to cardiac risks in teens

Research suggests depression in childhood increases risk of obesity, smoking and physical inactivity in adolescence, leading to higher rates of heart disease. Depression appears to be a key factor in the development of cardiac risk behaviors, even after remission.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateMar 15, 2013

Study uncovers new cells in the urethra which may detect hazardous substances

A recent study has identified a previously unknown cell type in the urethra of mice, which expresses cholinergic receptors and may serve as sentinels to detect hazardous substances. This finding could provide insight into cellular interaction and defensive measures against pathogens, potentially preventing urinary tract infections.

SourceEuropean Association of Urology·DateMar 15, 2013