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Science News Archive May 2013


Page 2 of 30

Android antiviral products easily evaded, Northwestern study says

Researchers tested 10 popular Android antiviral products and found they could be easily circumvented by simple transformations, such as changing virus binary code or file names. The products' shortcomings are due to overly simple content-based signatures and lack of static analysis.

Human activity echoes through Brazilian rainforest

The disappearance of large fruit-eating birds from Brazilian forests has led to smaller, less successful seeds in nearby palm trees. The study found that the absence of these birds triggered a rapid evolution of forest palms, resulting in smaller seeds.

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.

The inside story behind the approval of the gene therapy drug Glybera

Glybera, first gene therapy drug approved in the Western world, was developed after a decade-long search for its genetic mutation. The European Medicines Agency granted marketing approval on November 2, 2012, after several rejections and appeals. Glybera's efficacy was questionable, but its safety was not an issue.

Twitter a popular source for vaccination information, debate

A study found that 33% of vaccination-related tweets carried a positive tone, while 54% were neutral. The majority (14%) contained medical information substantiated by scientific research. Reputable health organizations and news outlets dominated the most shared sources.

Worldwide lecture tour touts point-of-care health care

Wearable sensors and digital communication systems offer fast, inexpensive and efficient mobile health information, reducing extended hospitalization and in-patient costs. Big data and preventive healthcare are also being developed to enable personalized medicine practice and early therapeutic intervention.

Does Type 2 diabetes really exist?

Leading diabetes expert argues that 'Type 2 diabetes' is a category error, implying an entity that doesn't exist. This mislabeling has led to sub-optimal treatment for patients. Professor Edwin Gale proposes replacing the term with 'idiopathic hyperglycaemia', emphasizing individualized treatments based on varied causes.

Immune system to fight brain tumors

Researchers at Lund University have developed a vaccine-based treatment that stimulates the immune system to fight brain tumors, with promising results in animal experiments. The treatment has shown significant effectiveness in curing rats of their brain tumors.

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.

Sharks worth more in the ocean than on the menu

A new study shows that shark ecotourism generates over $314 million annually and is expected to more than double to $780 million in the next 20 years. The landed value of global shark fisheries has been declining for the past decade, with an estimated 38 million sharks killed per year to feed the fin trade.

Ancient Egyptians accessorized with meteorites

Researchers have found conclusive proof that Ancient Egyptians used meteorites to create symbolic accessories. The evidence comes from a prehistoric iron bead discovered in Egypt, which was dated to around 3350-3600BC. Analysis of the bead's composition confirms its meteorite origins.

Omega-3 fatty acids may help heal a broken heart

Researchers discovered that compounds derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3s) reduce inflammation in acutely injured blood vessels, promoting better artery healing after procedures like angioplasty and bypass surgery. These naturally occurring compounds could improve long-term results of cardiovascular procedures.

Good kidney health begins before birth

Research found that low birth weight and prematurity are linked to low nephron numbers, increasing the risk of high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease. The study suggests clinicians use birth weight as a parameter for screening patients.

Global warming caused by CFCs, not carbon dioxide, study says

A recent study published in International Journal of Modern Physics B suggests that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are responsible for global warming, contradicting conventional wisdom. The research, led by Qing-Bin Lu, reveals a strong correlation between CFC levels and global temperatures.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Scientists capture first images of molecules before and after reaction

Researchers at UC Berkeley use a state-of-the-art atomic force microscope to take the first atom-by-atom pictures of chemical bonds, revealing how a molecule's structure changes during a reaction. This breakthrough technique will help chemists fine-tune reactions and study heterogeneous catalysis.

Poor sleep linked to PTSD after heart attack

Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a heart attack are relatively common and associated with poor sleep quality. The study found that survivors with PTSD have a doubled risk of having another cardiac event or dying within one to three years.

Cruise to Mars illuminates radiation risk to future astronauts

A recent study published in Science provides insight into radiation hazards for deep space missions, including those to Mars. The research measures radiation exposure on the Curiosity rover's journey to and from Mars, revealing a significant risk to astronauts, with doses potentially exceeding career limits.

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.

Biologists take snapshot of fleeting protein process

Researchers have captured the first three-dimensional crystalline snapshot of the initial step in actin filament formation, crucial for understanding cell shape and cancer. The study's dual-mutant approach helped overcome challenges in forming crystals, revealing critical contacts involved in nucleation.

Parent input ignored in school closings

A Michigan State University researcher found that parents' concerns are frequently ignored when closing urban schools, and that teacher quality and economic investment are key factors that are not considered. Khalifa's study argues that school administrators should consider community voices and vested interests when making decisions.

New mathematical model links space-time theories

The new mathematical model by Professor Kostas Skenderis links flat space-time to negatively curved space-time, governed by laws similar to electromagnetism. The research aims to find a combined understanding of the Universe, combining individual theories to describe its nature.

Landsat 8 satellite begins watch

The USGS has taken operational control of Landsat 8, the latest in a series of remote-sensing satellites that have been monitoring Earth's landscape since 1972. With this shift, at least 400 scenes will be collected daily to be processed and archived, supporting scientific research and decision-making on environmental issues.

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.

New gene delivery method: magnetic nanoparticles

Researchers have developed a new gene delivery method using magnetically targeted nanoparticles that can effectively deliver genes to injured arteries without causing side effects. The technique, which uses stents as a platform for magnetic guidance, shows promise in overcoming current limitations of gene therapy vectors.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers discover new weapon in fight against cervical cancer

Scientists at the University of Leeds have discovered a molecule that targets and destroys a key protein associated with the development of cervical and other cancers. The RNA aptamer latches onto the carcinogenic protein, significantly reducing its presence in cells in laboratory-derived cervical cancer cells.

SwRI-led team calculates the radiation exposure associated with a trip Mars

The Southwest Research Institute-led Radiation Assessment Detector made detailed measurements of the energetic particle radiation environment inside the spacecraft, providing important insights for future human missions to Mars. The data show an average galactic cosmic ray dose equivalent rate of 1.8 milliSieverts per day in cruise.

New single virus detection techniques for faster disease diagnosis

Researchers developed optics-based methods for determining viral load by counting individual virus particles, allowing for faster and cheaper testing. These new methods could conduct measurements in a medical office or hospital instead of a laboratory, providing rapid results and fast turnaround.

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.

New technique alleviates painful bone metastases

A new research study from Fox Chase Cancer Center presents a breakthrough in pain relief for patients with bone metastases. The MR-guided focused ultrasound technique shows promise in providing quick and largely tolerable side effects relief, with most patients reporting significant improvement within three days.

NASA's MMS team assembles final observatory

The Magnetospheric Multiscale mission team successfully assembled the fourth and final observatory for NASA's MMS mission. This achievement marks a new challenge in engineering, as the team built four identical spacecraft simultaneously, a feat rarely accomplished even by experienced professionals.

NASA sees Hurricane Barbara quickly weaken to a depression

Hurricane Barbara strengthened into a hurricane before making landfall, but quickly weakened into a tropical depression after interacting with the Mexican coast. Satellite imagery showed cloud tops warming and thunderstorms fragmenting around the storm's center.

Getting better without antibiotics

Research suggests that 70% of women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections improve within a week without antibiotic treatment. The study's findings indicate that women may be more willing to delay antibiotic use than expected, highlighting the potential benefits of alternative treatments.

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.

Mars curiosity rover provides strong evidence for flowing water

The Mars Curiosity Rover has discovered strong evidence of flowing water on Mars, with rocks showing characteristics similar to those formed by rivers and streams. The findings suggest a warmer and wetter past environment on the planet, which may have supported life.

New discovery permits rapid diagnosis and treatment of sepsis

Researchers discovered that severe trauma injuries or burns lead to defective neutrophils, which contribute to septic complications. Measuring neutrophil motility could become a biomarker for predicting risk of septic complications and personalizing treatments.

Interleukin-22 protects against post-influenza bacterial superinfection

Researchers have shown that interleukin-22 reduces lung inflammation during influenza A virus infection and protects against secondary bacterial infection. The study suggests that interleukin-22 may play an important role in maintaining epithelial integrity, providing a potential benefit for patients with flu.

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.

Stretchable, transparent graphene-metal nanowire electrode

Researchers at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology have developed a hybrid transparent and stretchable electrode combining graphene and silver nanowires. The new material exhibits high electrical and optical performance, preserving mechanical flexibility and resistivity even when bent or folded.

A newly discovered hormone makes ovaries grow

Researchers at Stanford University and Akira University in Japan have discovered a new hormone called R-spondin2 that promotes follicle development and stimulates ovary growth. The hormone, produced by human female eggs, may lead to new infertility treatment options when used with traditional Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH).

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.

Is enough being done to make drinking water safe?

Researchers found only two technologies showed good evidence of effectiveness in reducing arsenic contamination, but most studies were of poor quality. The reluctance of users to adopt these technologies was also a major issue, with many people believing they would not be affected or finding them too difficult to use.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Minority children drink more sugary fruit juice than their white peers

A new study from the University of California - San Francisco found that African-American and Latino children are increasing their consumption of 100 percent fruit juice, which often has just as much sugar as soda. The study suggests that parents need more education on healthy beverages to replace sugary drinks with water or milk.

When friends create enemies

A University of Pittsburgh study found that hackers can identify over 60% of a target's private friends through the mutual-friends feature on Facebook. This can lead to inferring personal information, such as political affiliations or embarrassing details.

Rounded stones on Mars evidence of flowing water

Researchers have found rounded pebbles on Mars that indicate flowing water, with sizes between 4-40mm. The findings suggest a prolonged warm period with flowing streams and a denser atmosphere, potentially making Mars habitable for microbial life.

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.

TCE exposure linked to increased risk of some cancers

A cohort study published in JNCI found a statistically significant elevated standardized incidence ratio for primary liver cancer among workers exposed to trichloroethylene. However, no significant risk was observed for kidney cancer or non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The authors suggest that further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Many solid tumors carry genetic changes targeted by existing compounds

Researchers discovered that nearly two-thirds of solid tumors have genetic mutations that can be targeted by existing compounds. This finding suggests that routine tumor sequencing may become a standard practice in cancer treatment, enabling doctors to personalize treatment regimens for patients.

Team solves one of the moon's mysteries

A Purdue University-led team has mapped the location and development of mass concentrations, or mascons, on the lunar surface, resolving a decades-long mystery. The findings provide valuable insights into the moon's origin and evolution and will aid in navigating future lunar missions.

Gender, race, and HIV therapy: Insights from the GRACE study

The GRACE study found that access to treatment was the most positive factor for patient enrollment, while difficulties in adherence included being a primary caregiver and transportation issues Women of color reported feeling differently about their health after participating in the trial

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.

Ancient streambed found on surface of Mars

A team of scientists from NASA's Curiosity rover mission has discovered ancient rounded pebbles on the Martian surface, formed only by water transport. This finding supports the prospect that Mars could have hosted life in the past.

Report shows billions worldwide suffer from major tooth decay

The report shows that over half the global population suffers from untreated tooth decay or cavities, with severe periodontitis and caries on the rise. The study reveals a significant increase in oral conditions globally between 1990 and 2010, primarily due to population growth and ageing.