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Science News Archive March 2013 - Page 4


Page 4 of 30

Dusting for prints from a fossil fish to understand evolutionary change

Scientists have discovered a new species of armored fish in north central Pennsylvania, providing insights into evolutionary changes during the Devonian period. The discovery was made possible by a technique used to analyze fossil impressions, which allowed researchers to create a detailed description of the new species.

SourceDrexel University·JournalProceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia·DateMar 27, 2013

Hot flashes? Active days bring better nights

A study published in Menopause found that higher levels of routine daily physical activity, particularly household and caregiving chores, were associated with better sleep and fewer nighttime awakenings for women with hot flashes. The positive effects were mainly observed in white, non-obese women.

SourceThe Menopause Society·DateMar 27, 2013

Sea hares outsmart peckish lobsters with sticky opaline

Researchers found that the sticky nature of opaline, not its chemical composition, is responsible for reducing sensory responses in lobsters. The study suggests that sea hares can escape predation by using opaline to inactivate a lobster's sense of smell and ability to feed.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·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.

Why sticking around is sometimes the better choice

A meta-analysis of 62 studies across 48 species found that sticking around to care for offspring is the better choice for some males when faced with infidelity. Males tend to be more accepting of offspring fathered by other males in species where risk is low or caring doesn't harm reproductive success.

SourceLund University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 27, 2013

Poultry probiotic cuts its coat to beat bad bacteria

Researchers found that a strain of probiotic bacteria can alter its coat to outcompete harmful bacteria. This ability may prevent the growth of Clostridium perfringens in poultry, reducing the risk of necrotic enteritis and food poisoning.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalPLOS ONE·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.

How hard is it to 'de-anonymize' cellphone data?

A study by MIT and Université Catholique de Louvain found that just four points of reference were enough to uniquely identify 95% of cellphone users in a data set of 1.5 million users. The researchers used statistical physics tools to uncover a simple mathematical relationship between data resolution and identification probability.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 27, 2013

How to build a very large star

A team of astronomers at the University of Toronto propose a mechanism for forming very large stars, where baby stars are fed gas from surrounding older stars, allowing them to grow in mass. They observed evidence of this phenomenon in the Westerhout 3 cloud, located 6,500 light years from Earth.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateMar 27, 2013

New insights into the development of the heart

Studies on zebrafish embryos reveal that the protein Nodal triggers a signaling cascade, allowing cardiac progenitor cells to migrate faster and form an asymmetric heart. The research also shows that another signaling molecule, Bmp, reduces cell migration on the left side of the heart.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMar 26, 2013

Details of gene pathways suggest fine-tuning drugs for child brain tumors

Researchers found that different mutations in the same gene may require different treatments for child brain tumors. A new study identified a second-generation BRAF inhibitor that targets specific mutations, offering hope for personalized medicine.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 2013

Potential Chagas vaccine candidate shows unprecedented efficacy

Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have developed a safe and simple Chagas disease vaccine candidate, TcVac3, which shows over 90 percent protection against chronic infection in mice. The potential vaccine could be approved in as few as five years for use in canines, who are reservoir hosts of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 26, 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.

Researchers build functional ovarian tissue in lab

A team from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center's Institute for Regenerative Medicine has developed engineered ovaries that can sustainably release sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. The bioartificial ovary could potentially replace hormone drugs, offering a more natural approach to hormone replacement therapy.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalBiomaterials·DateMar 26, 2013

Lancet Series examines the state of health in Europe

The Lancet Series reveals significant disparities in male life expectancy between eastern and western Europe, with a gap of over 40 years. Public health policies are also at risk due to EU law's influence from industry and pro-business stances.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 26, 2013

Why sticking around is sometimes the better choice for males

A meta-analysis of 62 studies across 48 different species found that males who stick around to care for offspring are more successful when females are promiscuous. This suggests that males make complex calculations about the benefits and risks of paternal care, and that natural selection favors tolerance in certain situations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 26, 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.

Counting white blood cells at home

A new portable device can count all five subtypes of white blood cells within minutes, providing an accurate differential and enabling the detection of rare basophils. This technology could improve outpatient monitoring of patients with chronic conditions and bring medical care to remote areas.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalLab on a Chip·DateMar 26, 2013

Better treatment for stroke patients on horizon

Researchers have identified two molecules that can predict which stroke patients are at risk of severe long-term disability. The study found elevated levels of endothelin converting enzyme-1 (ECE-1) and big endothelin-1 (BigET-1) in SAH patients who suffered significant disability.

SourceMonash University·DateMar 26, 2013

UGA discovery may allow scientists to make fuel from CO2 in the atmosphere

Researchers at UGA have created a microorganism that can absorb CO2 and generate useful industrial products, including fuel. This discovery could lead to the creation of carbon-neutral fuels from atmospheric CO2, a cleaner alternative to gasoline, coal, and oil.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 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.

Chelation therapy may result in small reduction of risk of CV events

A randomized trial found that chelation therapy with disodium EDTA modestly reduced the risk of a composite of adverse cardiovascular outcomes, but did not support routine use for treatment of patients who have had a heart attack. The study included 1,708 patients and showed no effect on total mortality.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 26, 2013

Uncovering Africa's oldest known penguins

Fossil finds in Africa have shed light on the evolutionary past of penguins, revealing that four species coexisted on the continent five million years ago. Rising and falling sea levels are believed to be responsible for the decline of African penguin diversity.

SourceNational Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent)·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateMar 26, 2013

MU program helps health care workers move past tragedy

A new program at the University of Missouri Health Care System is providing support and training for healthcare workers who experience emotional trauma after a patient's death or unexpected decline. The program has been recognized nationally and its effectiveness has been studied in several studies published in top medical journals.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety·DateMar 26, 2013

$12 million for a center for research on aphasia

A new center at Northwestern University will study over 200 patients to better understand how language is processed and recovers in healthy people and those with stroke or neurological diseases. The center aims to challenge existing clinical practices and promote treatment options for individuals with chronic aphasia.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateMar 26, 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.

APL backpack-sized mini-mapper captures intel in tight spots

Developed for DTRA, EMAPS creates annotated physical maps of areas without GPS coverage, capturing 360-degree photos and sensor readings using lasers and sensors. The system improves upon algorithms for robots and includes human movement allowance, detecting environmental threats and associating critical data with map locations.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateMar 26, 2013

Pig wasting syndrome costing farmers millions

Research models estimate post-weaning multi-systemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) costs British pigs up to £84 per pig, with a two-day quarantine and vaccination strategy saving farmers up to £11,500 per year. The disease affects 30% of cases, causing emaciation and death.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·JournalPreventive Veterinary Medicine·DateMar 26, 2013

Study explores gang activity on the internet

A recent study published in Justice Quarterly found that most online activities of gang members are typical of their age group, with a rate of committing crimes or deviant acts online 70% greater than those not in gangs. Gang members use social networking sites and watch YouTube videos as status symbols.

SourceSam Houston State University·JournalJustice Quarterly·DateMar 26, 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.

Measuring Mars: The MAVEN magnetometer

The MAVEN magnetometer will study the planet's magnetic field to infer how the atmosphere evolved, helping answer why Mars became a frozen desert. By measuring sections of the planet's magnetic field, scientists can create a bigger picture of the overall atmosphere and understand its interactions with solar wind.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 26, 2013

Philadelphia shifts to a Northern accent

A recent study published in Language journal reveals that Philadelphia's traditional Southern accent is being replaced by Northern influences. The research analyzed neighborhood speech patterns over a century, finding two major patterns of change and their possible causes related to geographic neighbors.

SourceLinguistic Society of America·JournalLanguage·DateMar 26, 2013

AGU journal highlights -- Mar. 26, 2013

Researchers study terrestrial water storage data to predict fire activity in the Amazon region months in advance. They find that during high fire years, water storage is below average before the fire season, while in low fire years, it is above average before the dry season.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 26, 2013

Scientists and public school teachers team up to transform science education

A research paper published in Academic Medicine highlights the successful development of an infectious disease curriculum, which increased student engagement and improved understanding of course content. The curriculum was piloted in five Boston Public Schools and showed significant improvements in science literacy and critical thinkin...

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateMar 26, 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.

Vitamin D benefits breathing in tuberculosis patients

A recent study found that vitamin D levels in the blood are linked to improved lung function in adults. The study also discovered that people with a history of tuberculosis had lower vitamin D levels, which improved when levels rose.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMar 26, 2013

New model may pinpoint timing of final menstrual period

A new model developed by researchers at UCLA uses hormone levels to estimate when the final menstrual period will occur in menopausal women. This could help identify accelerated bone loss and increased cardiovascular risk in the year leading up to the final menstrual period.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMar 26, 2013

Squished bug genomics: Insect goo aids biodiversity research

Researchers have developed a new method for assessing biodiversity using DNA-soup from crushed-up insects and next-generation sequencing technology. This bulk-collected insect goo reveals diverse and poorly characterized insect communities, even in small areas.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigaScience·DateMar 26, 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.

Cedars-Sinai study: Obesity may be linked to microorganisms living in the gut

A Cedars-Sinai study suggests that certain microorganisms in the gut may contribute to weight gain by allowing individuals to reap more calories from their food. The study found that people with high concentrations of methane and hydrogen gases in their breath had higher body mass indexes and body fat percentages.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMar 26, 2013

Hope for Galapagos wildlife threatened by marine invaders

UK scientists are investigating the threat of marine invasive non-native species in the Galapagos Islands, which is being exacerbated by increasing tourism. The team aims to identify new species, assess their potential impact on native ecosystems, and develop control measures to protect marine biodiversity.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·DateMar 26, 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.

Certified stroke centers more likely to give clot-busting drugs

A recent study found that stroke patients treated at certified stroke centers are three times more likely to receive clot-busting medication. The research examined hospital discharge data on over 323,000 ischemic stroke patients and found significant improvements in tPA administration at certified primary stroke centers.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJAMA·DateMar 26, 2013

New study identifies unique mechanisms of antibiotic resistance

A clinical isolate of E. coli resistant to carbapenems has been studied, revealing four genetic mutations that enable the bacteria to survive and multiply despite the presence of antibiotics. These mutations involve changes to membrane proteins, regulatory proteins, and a multidrug efflux pump.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateMar 26, 2013

Simulations uncover obstacle to harnessing laser-driven fusion

New simulations uncover flaw in using hollow cones to guide energetic electrons to fuel pellets for laser-driven fusion. Researchers at Ohio State University found that thicker cones hinder the process due to neutralizing effect of free electrons in dense plasma.

SourceOhio Supercomputer Center·JournalPhysical Review E·DateMar 26, 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.

Sequencing without PCR reduces bias in measuring biodiversity

Researchers have developed a new sequencing method that reduces bias in measuring biodiversity by avoiding PCR amplification, allowing for accurate estimation of biomass and identification of species. This method was successfully tested on bulk arthropod samples and identified bacteria and insect species with high accuracy.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGigaScience·DateMar 26, 2013

Vitamin D may lower diabetes risk in obese children and adolescents, MU study finds

Researchers found that vitamin D supplements can help control blood-sugar levels in obese youths, potentially staving off Type 2 diabetes. The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, showed a significant decrease in insulin levels despite no changes in body weight or activity.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMar 26, 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.

NIH funds UT Dallas study on cause of Huntington's disease

The NIH has awarded a $1.67 million grant to UT Dallas researchers, led by Dr. Santosh D'Mello, to investigate the connection between histone deacetylase-3 (HDAC3) and Huntington's disease. The study seeks to understand why specific brain cells degenerate in this devastating disorder.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·DateMar 26, 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.

NREL assembles industry working group to advance solar securitization

The Solar Access to Public Capital (SAPC) working group aims to standardize power purchase agreements and develop robust datasets to assess performance and credit-default risk. This effort is expected to attract additional investors to the solar asset class, potentially lowering the cost of solar energy.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateMar 26, 2013

Researchers form new nerve cells – directly in the brain

New technique allows for direct reprogramming of human cells into nerve cells, opening possibilities for treating Parkinson's disease and other conditions. Researchers at Lund University have made a breakthrough in the field of cell therapy by successfully reprogramming skin cells and support cells into nerve cells.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 2013
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Researchers find novel way plants pass traits to next generation

A recent study by Ohio State University researchers explains how certain plant traits can be passed down through generations without following traditional genetic rules. They discovered an enzyme in corn that targets 'junk DNA' and triggers unexpected changes in gene activity, an example of epigenetics.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMar 26, 2013

Researchers find novel mechanism regulating replication of insulin-producing beta cells

Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have discovered a novel mechanism that regulates the replication of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. The findings, published in Diabetes, provide new insights into how to regenerate beta cells and potentially lead to new therapies for Type 1 and 2 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalDiabetes·DateMar 26, 2013