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Science News Archive March 2013


Page 23 of 30

Virus and genes involved in causation of schizophrenia

A study by an international team of researchers has found that a combination of cytomegalovirus infection in the mother and a specific gene variant in the child significantly increases the risk of schizophrenia. The risk is five times higher than usual, according to the research published in Molecular Psychiatry.

Home toxic home

Researchers at Michigan State University have made a groundbreaking discovery about the survival mechanisms of primitive red algae. The algae's ability to thrive in hot and acidic environments lies in part in their membrane proteins, which are also found in human cells and hold promise for treating diseases.

Biologists produce rainbow-colored algae

Researchers engineered Chlamydomonas reinhardtii into a rainbow of colors by producing six different fluorescent proteins in the algae cells. This innovation provides a powerful tool for algae researchers to sort cells, view cellular structures, and create fusion proteins.

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.

NIH study sheds light on role of climate in influenza transmission

A recent NIH study found a strong association between cold-dry and humid-rainy climates and seasonal influenza epidemics worldwide. The research used a climate-based model to map influenza activity globally, accounting for diverse seasonal patterns in temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions.

Emotion-health connection not limited to industrialized nations

A UC Irvine study of 150,000 people in 142 countries found that the link between positive emotions and health is stronger in developing nations. People in Malawi showed a more robust connection between positive emotions and health than residents of the U.S., highlighting the importance of emotional well-being worldwide.

Better living through mindfulness

A new study from the University of Utah reveals that individuals with higher mindfulness traits experience greater emotional stability, better self-control, and lower physiological activation before bedtime. This finding suggests that mindfulness may contribute to improved emotional and physical well-being by enhancing self-regulation ...

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.

Trauma simulation technique makes better journalists

Researchers from Concordia University propose a unique simulation technique to prepare rookie reporters for traumatic events. The study finds that simulation-based training can teach journalists ethical behavior and reduce the risk of further traumatizing victims.

Pushing the boundaries

A new model of cell fusion was created by researchers at Johns Hopkins, revealing two critical components necessary for the process. The discovery may lead to improved treatments for muscular dystrophy, as cell fusion plays a crucial role in muscle regeneration.

The future of ion traps

Researchers explore ion traps as a promising architecture for constructing a quantum computer, leveraging qubits' coherence time and protection from ambient disturbances. The development of micro-fabricated devices and cryogenic cooling techniques aims to push the limits of pressure and storage capacity.

Age matters in weight gain: Overweight at young age takes toll

A longitudinal study found that people who carry excess weight over their lifetime have increased left ventricular mass and relative wall thickness, strong predictors of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The earlier someone becomes overweight, the greater the increase in heart muscle mass later in life.

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.

Is this peptide a key to happiness?

Scientists at UCLA discovered a peptide called hypocretin that increases happiness and alertness in humans, while another peptide MCH plays a key role in sleep regulation. The study provides a potential new approach to treating psychiatric disorders like depression.

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.

New study validates longevity pathway

Researchers validate resveratrol's direct activation of SIRT1, a protein promoting health and longevity. The study suggests potent drugs may treat and prevent age-related diseases.

NASA provides satellite views of Nor'easter on March 7, 2013

A powerful Nor'easter merged two low-pressure areas on March 6, bringing winter weather advisories to the Mid-Atlantic. NASA provided satellite views of the storm's power and movement, showing the heaviest precipitation over New Jersey and Maryland.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Money talks when it comes to losing weight, Mayo Clinic study finds

A Mayo Clinic study found that participants who received financial incentives lost more weight and remained in the program longer than those without incentives. The results suggest that financial incentives can improve weight loss outcomes and adherence, potentially helping to address the growing obesity epidemic in the US.

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.

Child marriages: 39,000 every day

Between 2011 and 2020, over 140 million girls will become child brides, with 50 million under 15. This practice increases the risk of intimate partner violence and HIV infection. The UN calls for an end to child marriage by 2030 to meet Millennium Development Goals.

Net advantage

A new study from NIMBioS found that using insecticide-treated bed nets can positively affect malaria's reproduction number, leading to potential elimination. The use of ITNs could reduce the transmission of malaria by reducing mosquito density and lifespan.

Fatty acids could lead to flu drug

A study published in Cell Press reveals that a compound derived from fats found in fish oils prevents death in influenza-virus-infected mice. The compound, protectin D1, inhibits virus replication and improves survival when given 2 days after infection, offering a promising strategy for treating severe influenza.

Even mild traumatic brain injuries can kill brain tissue

Scientists have found that mild traumatic brain injuries can lead to swelling, reduced blood flow, and death of neurons. Astrocytes, which supply nutrients to neurons, swell quickly and significantly, smothering them and their branches. This secondary damage can occur within hours of the initial injury.

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.

School-based kitchen gardens are getting an A+

A new study found that school-based kitchen garden programs increase children's willingness to try new foods, with cooking classes playing a key role. The program not only teaches environmental sustainability but also skills to prepare and cook healthy meals using fresh produce.

ADHD symptoms persist for most young children despite treatment

A recent study found that nearly 90% of preschoolers with ADHD continued to struggle with symptoms six years after diagnosis. Children taking ADHD medication had just as severe symptoms as those who were medication-free, suggesting a need for improved treatment strategies.

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.

Weight loss linked to higher risk with implanted defibrillators

A multicenter study found that even minor weight loss is associated with worse health outcomes among patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator devices. Patients who lost more than 2 kilograms during the 12-month observation period had a significant increase in risk of heart failure or death.

Worming our way to new treatments for Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have developed a new approach to screening potential treatments for Alzheimer's disease using the C. elegans worm model. The study identified six compounds capable of alleviating tau-induced behavioral abnormalities in the worm model, as well as azaperone treatment, which can decrease abnormal tau accumulation.

Rehab associated with reduced risk of death in women with CAD

A 12-week cardiac rehabilitation program reduced mortality in women with coronary artery disease by two-thirds, yet referrals and attendance among women fall short compared to men. Women who receive a referral but don't attend also have better outcomes, suggesting a referral bias towards healthier individuals.

Prairie dogs disperse when all close kin have disappeared

A study by behavioral ecologist John Hoogland found that prairie dogs are more likely to disperse in the absence of nearby close kin. This unique pattern is attributed to the benefits of cooperation with close kin, including shared resources and defense against predators.

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.

VHIO scientists eradicate lung tumors in a pre-clinical mouse model

Researchers at Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology have successfully eliminated mouse lung tumors by inhibiting the Myc protein, a key regulator of gene expression and cell growth. The study confirms that Myc-targeted therapy is a safe and effective option for treating various types of cancer, with no signs of resistance or side effects.

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.

Long predicted atomic collapse state observed in graphene

Berkeley Lab researchers successfully recreated the elusive atomic collapse state in graphene using artificial nuclei, confirming relativistic quantum mechanics predictions. This breakthrough has significant implications for graphene-based electronic devices and future nanotechnology applications.

Japanese researchers succeed in making generations of mouse clones

Researchers at RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology successfully cloned mice multiple times using somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) technique, overcoming previous limitations. The study published in Cell Stem Cell reveals no accumulation of genetic or epigenetic abnormalities after repeated cloning.

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.

Sniff, sniff. What did you say?

Research in rats reveals that sniffing behaviors convey information about an individual's social status, with dominant rats acting as primary sniffers and subordinate sniffees slowing their breath. This new form of communication allows animals to avoid conflicts and maintain social hierarchy.

The side effects of statin ads

Exposure to statin TV ads was linked to higher rates of high cholesterol diagnosis and statin use, especially among those at low risk for heart disease

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.

Novel marker helps identify preeclampsia risk in pregnancy

A novel marker that measures relative changes in the number of capillaries under the skin can accurately predict preeclampsia risk in pregnancy, improving upon existing screening tests. This non-invasive technique identified high-risk women with 87% accuracy and demonstrated significant benefits for timely medical care.

UMD study provides new clues to how flu virus spreads

A University of Maryland study found that wearing a surgical mask can significantly reduce the release of infectious flu virus in even the smallest airborne droplets. The research provides new evidence on the importance of using masks to prevent the spread of influenza, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.