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Science News for May 3, 2013


Unusual comparison nets new sleep loss marker

Scientists have identified a human gene, ITGA5, that becomes more active after sleep deprivation, offering a potential new marker for detecting sleep loss. The discovery was made through cross-translational research with fruit flies, which allowed the researchers to identify genes in humans and then test them in flies.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 3, 2013

Hubble sees the remains of a star gone supernova

The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has observed the remains of a star that exploded as a supernova around 600 years ago. The wispy gas structure, known as SNR B0519-69.0, is located in the Large Magellanic Cloud and features a striking blood-red color.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 3, 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.

Injectable nano-network controls blood sugar in diabetics for days at a time

A team of researchers has developed an innovative injectable nano-network that can effectively control blood sugar levels in diabetics by releasing insulin when needed, maintaining normal levels for over a week. The technology has the potential to improve the health and quality of life of diabetes patients.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalACS Nano·DateMay 3, 2013

NASA's Fermi, Swift see 'shockingly bright' burst

Astronomers detected a record-breaking gamma-ray burst from a dying star in a distant galaxy, producing the highest-energy light ever recorded. The GRB, GRB 130427A, lasted for hours and was detectable by multiple telescopes on the ground and space-based observations.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 3, 2013

Predicting the path to death and helping patients cope with end-stage heart failure

Researchers identified five trajectories for patients with end-stage heart failure, providing a framework to predict the path to death and improve quality of life. The study's findings can help caregivers plan for the last months of life, enabling patients to gain control over their illness.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Palliative Medicine·DateMay 3, 2013

NASA study projects warming-driven changes in global rainfall

A NASA-led modeling study projects that global warming will lead to an increase in heavy rainfall and a decrease in moderate rainfall worldwide. The study suggests that regions around the equator, such as the Pacific Ocean and Asian monsoon areas, will experience significant increases in heavy precipitation.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 3, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Agricultural fires dot Mexico

Hundreds of deliberate fires were detected in Guerrero, Oaxaca, Michoacan, Colima, and Jalisco regions. The fires are managed by farmers to clear land and enhance crops, but also produce smoke degrading air quality.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 3, 2013

'Going negative' pays for nanotubes

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a way to create liquid crystals from negatively charged carbon nanotubes, allowing for easier functionalization and potentially leading to stronger, more conductive fibers. This breakthrough could significantly improve the creation of macro materials out of microscopic nanotubes.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateMay 3, 2013

NASA high school STEM challenge announces winning team

The 2012-2013 first place team in the NASA RealWorld-InWorld Engineering Design Challenge consists of five high school juniors and seniors who developed innovative engineering designs for the James Webb Space Telescope. The winning team will present their design concept to Dr. John Mather at a VIP event at NASA Goddard.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 3, 2013

Mathematicians help to unlock brain function

Researchers from Queen Mary University of London used complex networks to map human brain connections, finding symmetrical neurons may drive synchronized activity across distant regions. This breakthrough adds to recent findings on neural network growth and development.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 3, 2013

SAGE and AOSSM launch the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine

The Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine publishes quality research, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses on orthopaedic sports medicine topics. The first three published articles include studies on ACL reconstruction, running-related injuries, and knee kinematics.

SourceAmerican Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine·JournalOrthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine·DateMay 3, 2013
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.

$1 million for smart energy solutions

Concordia University's NSERC Smart Net-zero Energy Buildings Strategic Network has received $1 million in new funding from Natural Resources Canada. This grant will support research and testing of progressive technologies to create net-zero energy homes and commercial buildings.

SourceConcordia University·DateMay 3, 2013

Gray hair and vitiligo reversed at the root

Researchers developed a new compound called PC-KUS that reduces hydrogen peroxide accumulation in the hair follicle, reversing gray hair. The treatment also works on vitiligo, a skin condition causing loss of pigment, with successful repigmentation outcomes observed.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateMay 3, 2013

Monkey math

A study with zoo baboons found that they can accurately discriminate between different quantities, relying on a cognitive approach known as the analog system. This ability is shared by humans and children who have not yet learned to count, suggesting a fundamental talent for making approximate quantity judgments.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateMay 3, 2013

Fires in Eastern Russia

Agricultural fires are a common occurrence in eastern Russia, particularly during the planting season. The Russian military uses specially equipped transport airplanes to put out over 90 fires, highlighting the need for monitoring and intervention.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 3, 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.

New mouse model confirms how type 2 diabetes develops

Researchers created a new mouse model to study the development of type 2 diabetes, using middle-aged mice fed fatty food until old age. The study confirmed that inflammation in pancreatic islets leads to the disease, while DPP-4 inhibitors maintain good insulin production and prevent inflammation.

SourceLund University·JournalDiabetologia·DateMay 3, 2013

Telling time on Saturn

A University of Iowa undergraduate student has discovered that Saturn's magnetosphere changes with the seasons, helping to clarify the planet's day length. The findings may alter our understanding of the Earth's magnetosphere and Van Allen radiation belts.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·DateMay 3, 2013

Computer simulations reveal the energy landscape of ion channels

Researchers used computer simulations to investigate the energy landscape of ion channels, identifying a critical amino acid that regulates their function. The study provides new insights into ion channel mechanisms, which are essential for developing targeted therapies.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMay 3, 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.

New mechanism discovered in meiosis

Researchers have identified a new mechanism governing critical processes in sexual reproduction during meiosis. The discovery reveals that a step-2 enzyme is modified by SUMO proteins, altering its function and working together with an unaltered enzyme to form SUMO chains.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMay 3, 2013

Princess Anne gives award to Utah biologist

Utah biologist Çagan Şekercioğlu has won the prestigious Whitley Gold Award for conservation twice, including this year, for his work safeguarding bird-rich wetlands in northeast Turkey. He was awarded by Princess Anne at a ceremony in London.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateMay 3, 2013

Anesthesia selection impacts outcomes in patients with sleep apnea undergoing joint replacement

Using regional anesthesia instead of general anesthesia decreases major complications in patients with sleep apnea undergoing total joint replacement. This study found that neuraxial anesthesia improves outcomes, reducing pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and infectious complications, as well as acute renal failure and hospital length of stay.

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·JournalRegional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine·DateMay 3, 2013

Carnegie Mellon Research shows self-affirmation improves problem-solving under stress

A new study from Carnegie Mellon University reveals that self-affirmation can protect against the negative effects of stress on problem-solving performance. Participants who underwent a brief self-affirmation exercise showed improved problem-solving abilities under time pressure, suggesting a potential strategy for boosting performance.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 3, 2013

Identifying inhibitors of human proteins that promote tumor formation

A novel high-throughput screening method has identified agents that can block EZH2 methyltransferase, a key enzyme in tumor development. This approach uses AlphaLisa technology to detect methylation and accelerates the identification of small molecule inhibitors for cancer treatment.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAssay and Drug Development Technologies·DateMay 3, 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.

Tohoku earthquake and tsunami focus of BSSA special issue

The 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami are the subject of a special issue in the Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America. Researchers investigated the rupture process, seismic radiation, geodetic deformations, and tsunami waves. The study sheds light on the processes at work during giant earthquakes.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateMay 3, 2013

NASA sees Springs Fire rage Near Malibu, Calif.

The Springs Fire has reached the beach in Ventura County and is pushing toward the upscale city of Malibu due to howling Santa Ana winds and dry vegetation. As of early Friday morning, the fire had grown to 10,000 acres and was 10% contained, with over 2,000 homes under threat.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 3, 2013

Birth of a black hole

Astronomers may witness the birth of a black hole for the first time using a new analysis that predicts a distinct burst of light just before the black hole forms. The study suggests that this signature light burst could be detectable in nearby galaxies and provide valuable insights into black-hole formation.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 3, 2013

George Washington University biologist discovers new dinosaur in China

A new species of small theropod dinosaur has been identified in northwestern China, with fossil remains estimated to be less than a year old. The discovery, made by a team led by George Washington University biologist James Clark, provides insights into the early evolution of meat-eating dinosaurs.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalJournal of Systematic Palaeontology·DateMay 3, 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.

The risks of H7N9 infection mapped

A study maps H7N9 risk in eastern China by analyzing bird migration patterns and poultry distribution. The model predicts future infection risks across central and western China, aiding surveillance and control of H7N9 infections.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalInfectious Diseases of Poverty·DateMay 3, 2013

NASA sees sun emit mid-level flare

A mid-level solar flare with an M5.7-class rating was detected by NASA on May 3, 2013, affecting GPS and communication signals. The flare caused a temporary disruption to radio signals before subsiding.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 3, 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.

More than a game: Exploring new digital frontiers

Researchers will explore sustainable business models for digital games with scientific goals, developing new algorithms to analyze player behaviors. The £1.2 million project brings UK game industry closer to scientists, teachers, and healthcare workers to drive innovation.

SourceUniversity of York·DateMay 3, 2013