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Science News Archive March 2013 - Page 3


Page 3 of 30

Environmental enrichment important factor impacting cell transplantation and brain repair

Researchers found that environmental enrichment, including running and exposure to novel objects, improved neurobehavioral function in mice after transplanting adipose-derived stem cells. Exercise-induced fibroblast growth factor 2 enhanced brain repair by promoting angiogenesis, neurogenesis, and astrocytic activation.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateMar 27, 2013

Ultrafine particles raise concerns about improved cookstoves

A new study questions the effectiveness of improved cookstoves in reducing air pollutants, particularly ultrafine particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs. The research found that while overall soot emissions are lower, these stoves still release three times more worrisome ultrafine particles than traditional open fires.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 27, 2013

Scripps scientists image deep magma beneath Pacific seafloor volcano

Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography have captured a unique image of a site deep in the earth where magma is generated. The cross-section area of the melting region rivals the size of San Diego County, providing insights into the fundamental processes of plate tectonics.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateMar 27, 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.

Seeing happiness in ambiguous facial expressions reduces aggressive behavior

A study found that encouraging young people to see happiness rather than anger in facial expressions leads to a decrease in their levels of anger and aggression. The researchers also discovered that this effect can be induced in healthy adults, suggesting that emotion processing plays a causal role in anger and aggressive behavior.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 27, 2013

New research looks at novel ways to combat drug resistance

Scientists investigate multidrug transporters and anionic lipids to improve antibiotic, anti-malarial, and cancer treatment effectiveness. By understanding lipid-protein interactions, they aim to develop novel drugs that can control these protein complexes.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·DateMar 27, 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.

Better than X-rays: A more powerful terahertz imaging system

A new laser-powered terahertz source and detector system has been developed, offering 1,500 times more power and sensitivity than existing technologies. This enables deeper tissue imaging and sensing applications with improved efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 27, 2013

The placodonts are fellow Europeans

A new find in a 246-million-year-old sediment layer reveals the skull of a juvenile placodont, confirming its European origin and providing insight into the group's early evolution. The discovery highlights the significance of crushing dentition in placodonts, with pointed teeth appearing earlier than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 27, 2013

Michigan Tech researcher slashes optics laboratory costs

A Michigan Technological University lab has introduced a library of open-source, 3-D-printable optics components that significantly reduce costs. The study found cost reductions of over 97%, enabling a broader audience to participate in optical experimentation.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 27, 2013

Blowing in the wind: How accurate is thermography of horses' legs?

A recent study found that thermography of horses' legs is highly reproducible and less sensitive to camera position changes. However, gentle drafts can significantly affect temperature readings, rendering diagnoses unreliable. To achieve accurate results, veterinarians should perform thermography in draft-free surroundings.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalEquine Veterinary Journal·DateMar 27, 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.

Sex discrimination begins in the womb

A study by Michigan State University researchers found that women in India are more likely to receive prenatal care when pregnant with boys. The research suggests that sex discrimination begins in the womb, leading to unequal access to healthcare for girls. This can have long-term effects on children's health and well-being.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Human Resources·DateMar 27, 2013

Proteins in detail

Researchers have successfully studied the shape of proteins using a novel strategy combining computational modeling and experimental techniques. This breakthrough has implications for understanding protein functions and diseases such as cancer, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 27, 2013

Cancer biologists find DNA-damaging toxins in common plant-based foods

A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine has identified DNA-damaging toxins in commonly consumed plant-based foods, including liquid smoke flavoring, black and green teas, and coffee. The toxins, pyrogallol and gallic acid, can activate the p53 gene, which is associated with cancer.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalFood and Chemical Toxicology·DateMar 27, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

RIT researchers develop advanced video and image processing

Researchers at RIT are developing advanced intelligence processing technologies to handle large volumes of high-resolution, remotely sensed images. They aim to distinguish objects, scale, complexity and organization using topological features and segmentation methodologies.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·DateMar 27, 2013

New type of solar structure cools buildings in full sunlight

A team of researchers at Stanford University has designed a new structure that reflects most sunlight and efficiently radiates heat into space, cooling buildings even in the daytime. The device can achieve net cooling powers in excess of 100 watts per square meter, offsetting up to 35% of air conditioning needs.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 27, 2013

Missed opportunities to help smokers with mental illness

Despite declining smoking prevalence, people with mental health disorders remain significantly more likely to smoke and are less likely to receive cessation support from their GP. GPs can effectively intervene with nicotine replacement therapy and other medications, but often miss opportunities due to unequal consultation rates.

SourceWiley·JournalAddiction·DateMar 27, 2013

Getting under the shell of the turtle genome

The western painted turtle genome shows a slow evolution rate compared to humans and pythons, with 19 brain genes and 23 heart genes expressed in low oxygen conditions. The study reveals potential insights into human health disorders related to anoxia and hypothermia.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateMar 27, 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.

SIAM/ASA Journal on Uncertainty Quantification launches

The new journal focuses on research advances in uncertainty quantification, covering topics like finance, disaster preparedness, and porous media flows. The inaugural volume features papers on novel methods for reducing computational complexity and estimating information content in data assimilation.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM/ASA Journal on Uncertainty Quantification·DateMar 27, 2013

New test for skin sensitization without using animals

Scientists developed a cell-based alternative test that uses mouse skin cells in the laboratory to detect skin sensitisers. The test was found to be highly accurate, correctly identifying actual sensitizers in 92% of cases and producing no false positives.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical Research in Toxicology·DateMar 27, 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.

Study finds anti-smoking drug improves smokers' chances of stopping

A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that varenicline significantly improved abstinence rates compared to bupropion and placebo. Smokers who took varenicline experienced better emotional functioning and lower levels of sadness, regardless of whether they abstained from smoking or not.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMar 27, 2013

Virtual games help the blind navigate unknown territory

Researchers have developed a virtual gaming environment to assist blind individuals in improving navigation skills and developing cognitive spatial maps of unfamiliar buildings. The technology uses audio cues and computer-generated layouts to mimic real-world navigation tasks, allowing users to generate accurate mental layouts.

SourceThe Journal of Visualized Experiments·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateMar 27, 2013

New fossil species from a fish-eat-fish world when limbed animals evolved

Researchers have discovered a new fossil species, Holoptychius bergmanni, in the Canadian Arctic during the Devonian period. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary transition from finned vertebrates to limbed vertebrates and provides insights into the life of large predatory fish in this ecosystem.

SourceDrexel University·JournalProceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia·DateMar 27, 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.

Controversial worm keeps its position as the progenitor of mankind

A new study published in Nature Communications confirms the controversial worm Xenoturbella bocki as a key evolutionary organism. Genetic studies reveal that it belongs to the group of deuterostomes, to which humans also belong, sparking important biological and biomedical implications.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 27, 2013

How does innovation take hold in a community? Math modeling can provide clues

A mathematical model analyzes the spread of energy-efficient technologies in a community, highlighting the role of social networks and personal factors. The study provides tools for local authorities to assess the success of intervention strategies and reduce household energy bills and carbon emissions.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Applied Dynamical Systems·DateMar 27, 2013

Cold cities less sustainable than warm cities, research suggests

Research suggests that cold cities like Minneapolis require three-and-a-half times more energy for climate control compared to warm cities like Miami. Dr. Michael Sivak's study analyzed heating and cooling degree days, appliance efficiencies, and power-generating plant efficiencies to reach this conclusion.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 27, 2013

The hunt for a successor to lithium for bipolar disorder

Researchers are exploring how lithium works in the body to develop a safer medication for treating bipolar disorder. They aim to create a second-generation successor without lithium's drawbacks, such as thyroid problems and kidney failure.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMar 27, 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.

A new way to lose weight?

Researchers at Harvard University have discovered that drastic changes in the gut microbes of mice occur following gastric bypass surgery, resulting in rapid weight loss. The study suggests that manipulating microbial populations could become a valuable tool to address obesity.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 27, 2013

Just 'weight' until menopause

Research reveals that estrogen deficiency after menopause leads to increased fat storage in the abdomen, associated with a higher risk of health issues. Post-menopausal women experience changes in cellular processes, leading to more fat being stored overall, which can be a target for future medical advances.

SourceConcordia University·JournalDiabetes·DateMar 27, 2013

America: Time to shake the salt habit?

A review of literature suggests that lowering salt intake is associated with decreased cardiovascular disease and mortality. National studies in Finland and Great Britain show a significant decrease in death due to stroke and coronary heart disease after instituting a national salt-reduction program.

SourceMedical College of Wisconsin·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 27, 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.

Fewer children mean longer life?

Research from the University of Gothenburg found that birds with few offspring and delayed reproduction have better-protected telomeres, leading to longer lives. This study sheds light on the correlation between reproduction and aging in animals, particularly species like barnacle geese and elephants.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateMar 27, 2013

York scientists discover driving force behind prostate cancer

Scientists at the University of York have discovered a cancer-inducing DNA realignment in human prostate cancer stem cells that can lead to more effective therapies targeting the root cause of the disease. This breakthrough has challenged previous understanding of solid cancers and offers new opportunities for targeted treatments.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 27, 2013

Pesticide combination affects bees' ability to learn

Researchers found that exposure to combined pesticides interferes with the learning circuits in bees' brains, causing slower learning or forgetting important associations. This has profound implications for honeybee colony survival as bees unable to learn will not be able to find food.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 27, 2013

Dana-Farber Scientists find potential loophole in pancreatic cancer defenses

Dana-Farber scientists have identified a novel glutamine pathway that fuels the growth and spread of pancreatic cancer cells, which may be vulnerable to targeted drugs. The research suggests that inhibiting this pathway could make tumors more susceptible to standard treatments without harming healthy tissues.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNature·DateMar 27, 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.

4 cells turn seabed microbiology upside down

Scientists have retrieved four seabed archaeal cells and mapped their genome, revealing they live on protein degradation. This breakthrough opens up new knowledge for microbiologists, allowing them to study individual microorganisms directly from nature.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature·DateMar 27, 2013

Penn engineers enable 'bulk' silicon to emit visible light for the first time

For the first time, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have successfully enabled 'bulk' silicon to emit broad-spectrum, visible light. This breakthrough enables the use of elemental silicon in both electronic and photonic components, paving the way for more efficient and integrated devices.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Photonics·DateMar 27, 2013

Stressful life events may increase stillbirth risk, NIH network study finds

A National Institutes of Health network study found that pregnant women who experienced financial, emotional, or other personal stress had an increased chance of having a stillbirth. The researchers asked over 2,000 women about stressful life events and found that most women reported at least one event in the previous year.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateMar 27, 2013

Graduate student wins award for designing safer schools

The graduate student's research focuses on improving school security through architectural design, proposing solutions such as castle designs and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. The study highlights the importance of incorporating security features into school design without compromising aesthetics or budget constraints.

SourceSam Houston State University·DateMar 27, 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.

EEG identifies seizures in hospital patients, UCSF study finds

A study by UCSF researchers found that EEGs can identify seizures in up to 7.4% of hospitalized patients, highlighting the underutilization of this diagnostic tool. Seizures are treatable with FDA-approved anticonvulsants, and prompt diagnosis can lead to shorter hospital stays and improved patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateMar 27, 2013

New insights into how genes turn on and off

Researchers have discovered that 37% of the placental genome has regions of lower methylation, called partially methylated domains (PMDs), where gene expression is turned off. This could enhance our understanding of epigenetics and its impact on human development, cancer research and autism.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 27, 2013

Transmission routes of spreading protein particles

Researchers found that certain protein particles can multiply and spread from one cell to the next, contributing to the development of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. This discovery may lead to new methods for treatment by preventing the spreading of disease-related protein particles.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 27, 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.

Restrictive Medicaid eligibility criteria associated with higher rates of delayed medical care

Research from Brigham and Women's Hospital finds that states with restrictive Medicaid eligibility criteria have higher rates of patients delaying needed medical care. Regions with the highest rates of delayed medical care are primarily in the southeast, including Florida and Texas, where Hispanics are at a higher risk for delaying care.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 27, 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.

The first caffeine-'addicted' bacteria

Researchers genetically engineered E. coli bacteria to metabolize caffeine, enabling its use for decontamination of wastewater and production of medications for asthma. This breakthrough could also lead to the development of a sensor to measure caffeine levels in beverages.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateMar 27, 2013