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Science News Archive March 2013


Page 2 of 30

Boston Public Schools' prekindergarten program boosts children's skills

The Boston Public Schools' prekindergarten program has significantly improved children's language, literacy, math, executive function, and emotional development skills. The study found that the program, which uses research-based curricula and coaching of teachers, was particularly beneficial for Latino children.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Common gene variants explain 42 percent of antidepressant response

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that common genetic variants explain 42% of individual differences in antidepressant response, providing a significant step towards personalized treatment for depression. The research identified multiple genetic markers involved in predicting response to antidepressants.

Multiple moves found harmful to poor young children

A study by Cornell University and National Employment Law Project found that poor children who move three or more times before age 5 experience more attention problems, anxiousness, depression, aggressiveness, or hyperactivity.

Eating more fiber may lower risk of first-time stroke

A study found that each seven-gram increase in total daily fiber intake was associated with a 7 percent decrease in first-time stroke risk. Increasing fiber intake can help reduce risk factors for stroke, including high blood pressure and high LDL cholesterol levels.

Declaring a truce with our microbiological frienemies

Researchers suggest a more flexible understanding of the immune system's interaction with microbes, considering both pathogens and beneficial bacteria. The human body hosts ten times more bacterial cells than human cells, which play crucial roles in improving body functions.

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.

HPV improves survival for African-Americans with throat cancer

African Americans with HPV-positive throat cancer have better outcomes than those without HPV. The study found that HPV has a substantial impact on overall survival in this population. African Americans who are HPV-negative face poorer survival rates compared to Caucasians with or without HPV.

Study reveals how diabetes drug delays ageing in worms

A study published using worms found that metformin, a widely prescribed diabetes drug, delays ageing by altering metabolism in gut bacteria. The drug was shown to extend worm lifespan by mimicking the effects of calorie restriction.

Swarming robots could be the servants of the future

Researchers at the University of Sheffield have developed a swarm of 40 robots that can carry out simple fetching and carrying tasks, and even organize themselves by order of priority. This technology could play a significant role in future medical applications, military operations, and industrial processes.

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.

Mindfulness from meditation associated with lower stress hormone

Research from the Shamatha Project at UC Davis suggests that mindfulness training can lower cortisol levels, a hormone associated with physical and emotional stress. The study found a correlation between high scores in mindfulness and low cortisol levels before and after an intensive meditation retreat.

Rice's Laura Segatori wins NSF CAREER Award

Laura Segatori, a Rice University engineer, has received a NSF CAREER Award to develop a toolkit for probing the workings of cellular processes that lead to diseases like Parkinson's. Her goal is to identify key proteins and learn how to regulate them using nanoparticles.

Mate choice in mice is heavily influenced by paternal cues

Researchers found that hybrid offspring of different house mouse populations prefer mating with individuals from their father's original population, indicating a strong paternal imprinting effect. This preference accelerates the divergence of two house mouse populations and promotes speciation.

Penn researchers show stem cell fate depends on 'grip'

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have found that a stem cell's environment influences its differentiation into various cell types, with 'grip' playing a crucial role. The study suggests that three-dimensional matrices impact mechanotransduction, guiding stem cell fate and differentiation.

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.

Biological transistor enables computing within living cells, Stanford study says

A team of Stanford University bioengineers has created a biological transistor made from genetic material that can compute inside living cells, recording exposure to external stimuli or environmental factors. The transcriptor enables amplifying genetic logic, allowing engineers to monitor environments and improve cellular therapeutics.

Obesity leads to decreased physical activity over time

Researchers confirm that obesity leads to a decrease in physical activity over time, with obese participants showing an 8% drop in moderate to vigorous activity. The study uses objective measurement methods and large sample size to provide insight into the relationship between inactivity and weight gain.

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.

Robot ants successfully mimic real colony behavior

A team of researchers successfully replicated the behavior of a moving ant colony using miniature robots, called Alices. The robots navigated mazes by following chemical pheromone trails and directional random walks, demonstrating that efficient navigation can be achieved with minimal cognitive abilities.

Common -- but without a name

The newly described species, Pyropia plicata, has a distinctive growth form with pleated blades and beautiful coloration. It is highly prized by Maori in New Zealand as karengo and is also eaten worldwide for its high protein content.

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.

Children of deployed parents at higher risk for alcohol, drug use

A new University of Iowa study suggests that deployment of a parent puts children at an increased risk for drinking alcohol and using drugs. The study found a three-to-four-fold increase in binge drinking among children of deployed or recently returned military parents compared to non-military families.

Researchers unveil large robotic jellyfish that one day could patrol oceans

Researchers have unveiled a life-like, autonomous robotic jellyfish, Cyro, the size of a grown man, to study aquatic life, map ocean floors, and monitor ocean currents. The robot is powered by a rechargeable battery and uses a diffused nerve net to control movement, mimicking the behavior of natural jellyfish.

Surgical menopause may prime brain for stroke, Alzheimer's

Women who undergo surgical menopause experience a two-fold increase in cognitive decline and dementia due to premature estrogen loss. Research suggests that this leads to increased sensitivity to stressors and abnormal protein production, which can contribute to Alzheimer's disease. Follow-up studies are needed to confirm the findings.

Protective prion keeps yeast cells from going it alone

A team of scientists has identified a prion that triggers epigenetic changes in yeast, leading to the adoption of a multicellular structure for improved survival. This finding suggests that prions may play a role in beneficial traits and could have implications for understanding human diseases such as cancer.

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.

Rise in CF patient infections explained

A recent study published in The Lancet reveals evidence for transmission of Mycobacterium abscessus between Cystic Fibrosis patients through DNA sequencing, highlighting the global spread of antibiotic-resistant bacterial species. The research team developed new measures to protect Cystic Fibrosis patients from this emerging threat.

New vaccine-design approach targets HIV and other fast-mutating viruses

A team of scientists developed a new technique for designing vaccine immunogens that can stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies effective against multiple strains of HIV. The approach, using artificial proteins engineered to bind germline B cells, offers hope for better protection against fast-mutating viruses.

Study: 'Waste heat' may economize CO2 capture

A Rice University team has found that using waste heat can remove more CO2 from coal-fired power plant emissions economically. The researchers hope to reduce the costs of CO2 capture by creating an integrated reaction column that uses waste heat, engineered materials and optimized components.

Light may recast copper as chemical industry 'holy grail'

Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered a way to reverse copper nanoparticle oxidation using light, potentially leading to an eco-friendly production process for propylene oxide. The discovery has significant implications for the chemical industry, which currently produces large quantities of unwanted chemicals.

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.

Human emotion: We report our feelings in 3-D

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that humans report emotions in three distinct systems: attention, categorization, and intensity. The researchers used brain scans to examine the neural architecture underlying emotional reports.

HIV sufferers need hepatitis safeguards

A new study by Michigan State University found that about four percent of HIV-positive individuals also have hepatitis, highlighting the need for stronger protections against co-infection. The study reveals that behaviors putting people at risk of HIV also increase their risk of getting hepatitis B or C.

Telling tales can be a good thing

A recent study found that mothers tend to elaborate more and use more emotional terms when reminiscing with their children than fathers. This increased interaction helps mothers communicate the importance of their child's feelings and experiences, leading to better emotional well-being.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Better-educated parents feed children fewer fats and less sugar

A study of 14,426 European children found that parents with lower education levels fed their kids more processed products and sugary drinks. In contrast, better-educated parents offered a wider variety of healthy foods, including vegetables, fruit, and whole grains.

Papuan phonebook helps scientists describe 101 new beetle species

German researchers use DNA sequencing and high-resolution photos to identify over 100 previously unknown beetle species in New Guinea's tropical rainforests. The study employs innovative methods, including utilizing the Papuan phonebook to assign names to newly discovered species.

New centers will lead to enhanced geriatric social work training

The Gerontological Society of America has established five Hartford Academic Centers of Excellence in Geriatric Social Work, aiming to enhance training for future geriatric social work practitioners and faculty. The centers will focus on translating new knowledge into policy and practice.

Eating disorders, muscle dysmorphia, and self-perceived masculinity

Research suggests that men with muscle dysmorphia prefer traditional masculine roles, while those with anorexia nervosa display greater adherence to traditional feminine roles. The study highlights the increasing pressures men face to define their masculinity in the modern world.

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.

Researchers successfully map fountain of youth

Researchers successfully mapped telomerase, an enzyme that contributes to cellular rejuvenation and has a role in cancer development. The study's findings have implications for understanding the genetic correlation between cancer and telomere length.

Genetics might determine which smokers get hooked

A genetic risk score has been developed to predict who is likely to become a lifelong heavy smoker. Individuals with high-risk genetic profiles were more likely to start smoking as teens, progress to heavy smoking, and develop nicotine dependence.

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.

Childhood asthma tied to combination of genes and wheezing illness

A recent study has identified a combination of genes and wheezing illness caused by human rhinovirus infection as a key predictor of childhood asthma. Children with a specific genetic variation and history of wheezing were nearly four times more likely to develop asthma by age 6.

How herpesvirus invades nervous system

Researchers at Northwestern University identified a viral protein, VP1/2, that allows herpesvirus to interact with cellular motors and speed through the nervous system. This breakthrough enables the virus to move unobstructed from skin nerves to neuron nuclei, outcompeting most other viruses.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Riding the exosome shuttle from neuron to muscle

Researchers discover exosomes shuttle protein Syt4 from neurons to muscle cells, enabling cell-to-cell signaling mechanisms. This finding may lead to loading therapeutic agents like RNAi into exosomes to target disease-carrying cells.

Pinning down the pain

A key protein in Schwann cells is essential for normal interactions between nerve cells and Schwann cells, regulating the steps that lead to nerve regeneration. Deficiency of this protein may lead to chronic neuropathic pain, motivating the development of a small molecule drug to mimic its function.

Quebec researcher catches DNA 'spelling mistakes' linked to breast cancer

A Quebec researcher has identified 49 new genetic variations linked to breast cancer, almost tripling the known number of risk factors. The discovery was made as part of a massive international study involving over 200,000 participants and will help predict breast cancer risk with greater accuracy.

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.

What's between a slip and a slide?

A new study from the University of Sheffield used a test machine to measure friction on tennis court surfaces, finding that sand particle size affects clay court friction, particularly when wet. The research aims to create international standards for court surfaces to inform players about court conditions and improve player safety.

5 genetic variations increase risk of ovarian cancer

Researchers have discovered five new genetic regions associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer, found in over 40,000 women. These findings may lead to the development of new screening and prevention strategies for high-risk individuals.

Imaging methodology reveals nano details not seen before

Researchers have developed a new imaging methodology that produces 3-D images of nanoparticles at atomic resolution, revealing new details of defects. This method enables the visualization of atoms from different angles and their arrangement in three dimensions.