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Science News Archive May 2013 - Page 21


Page 21 of 30

Perfectly doped quantum dots yield colors to dye for

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a method to introduce exactly four copper ions into each quantum dot, enabling fine-tuning of optical properties and production of vibrant colors. The study opens up possibilities for producing spectacular dyes with consistent results.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalACS Nano·DateMay 10, 2013

New magnetic graphene may revolutionize electronics

Researchers have successfully given graphene magnetic properties, opening up new possibilities for the development of graphene-based spintronics. This breakthrough has the potential to transform the electronics industry by adding a new dimension to traditional electronics.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 10, 2013
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.

GBIF enables global forecast of climate impacts on species

Research using GBIF data found nearly two-thirds of plants and half of animals could lose more than half their climate range by 2080. Swift action to limit emissions can reduce losses by 60% and buy additional time for species adaptation.

SourceGlobal Biodiversity Information Facility·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 10, 2013

Markets erode moral values

Researchers found that markets significantly lower moral standards, with subjects willing to accept killing a mouse for money. In market conditions, people focus on competition and profits over moral concerns, leading to an erosion of moral values.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience·DateMay 10, 2013

NYU-Poly's Oded Nov maps the silicon brain

Researchers aim to explore patterns of human collaboration in creating large-scale knowledge repositories. They seek to create a 'human-genome map' of online behavior, enabling observation and improvement of social knowledge creation processes.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·DateMay 10, 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.

CU study suggests link between tumor suppressors and starvation survival

A University of Colorado Boulder study suggests that a tumor suppressor gene helps cells fend off stress and survive under starvation conditions. The research found that the Rb gene regulates the expression of multiple genes to help organisms survive longer when encountering starvation.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 10, 2013

The Elephant's Tomb in Carmona may have been a temple to the god Mithras

Researchers from the University of Pablo de Olavide suggest that the Elephant's Tomb in Carmona, Spain was originally a temple for worshipping the god Mithras. The structure features an equinox window that aligns with celestial bodies, reinforcing this theory.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalArchivo Español de Arqueología·DateMay 10, 2013

Research reveals possible reason for cholesterol-drug side effects

A University of Arizona research team has identified unusual swellings within neurons caused by statin drugs, which may lead to cognitive declines. Removing statins results in the disappearance of these 'beads-on-a-string' effects, offering promise for personalized medication and therapy.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalDisease Models & Mechanisms·DateMay 10, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cocaine vaccine passes key testing hurdle

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College have developed an anti-cocaine vaccine that prevents the drug from reaching the brain and producing a high. The vaccine works by generating antibodies against cocaine, rendering it ineffective, and has shown promising results in non-human primates.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateMay 10, 2013

Allergic disease worsens respiratory symptoms and exacerbations in COPD

Research reveals that COPD patients with allergic disease experience worsened respiratory symptoms and increased risk of exacerbations. These findings suggest that addressing allergic disease may help improve respiratory health in COPD patients, according to a new study.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMay 10, 2013

Potential flu pandemic lurks

Researchers at MIT have identified strains of H3N2 circulating in birds and pigs that could potentially cause a pandemic if they jump to humans. Current flu vaccines may not offer protection against these strains.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 10, 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.

A cautionary tale on genome-sequencing diagnostics for rare diseases

Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute discovered that three children with Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation had mutation-only in some cell types, raising questions about inheritance and genomic sequencing. The study highlights the importance of using multiple diagnostic tests to accurately diagnose rare diseases.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 10, 2013

Sacred lotus genome sequence enlightens scientists

The sacred lotus genome sequencing reveals its close resemblance to the ancestor of all eudicots, a group including apple, cabbage, and soybean. The study found that duplicated genes related to wax formation and survival in mineral-starved habitats were retained, making lotus an ideal reference plant for studying other eudicots.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalGenome Biology·DateMay 10, 2013

Wildfires in Siberia

NASA's Aqua satellite provided satellite images of Siberian wildfires, indicating a high likelihood due to dry conditions. The MODIS instrument detected hotspots in the region, which were then mapped over satellite images for clickable analysis.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 10, 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.

UCLA stem cell researchers move toward treatment for rare genetic nerve disease

Researchers used induced pluripotent stem cells to create a disease-in-a-dish model of ataxia telangiectasia, a rare genetic disorder causing neurodegeneration and immune system failure. The study identified potential new therapeutic drugs that can increase ATM protein activity and improve DNA repair.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 10, 2013

Not all cytokine-producing cells start out the same way

A new study reveals distinct characteristics between inducible and natural IL17-producing T cells, with different signals required for cytokine production. The findings suggest a specific role of Akt protein complex in regulating cytokine production by these cell types.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Immunology·DateMay 10, 2013

Advance in tuberous sclerosis brain science

A new study in mice reveals that the timing of gene mutation during thalamus development significantly affects TSC-like behavioral symptoms and disease severity. The research highlights the importance of the thalamus in brain function and suggests a potential target for future treatments.

SourceBrown University·JournalNeuron·DateMay 9, 2013
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.

Your immune system: On surveillance in the war against cancer

Researchers identified immune gene signatures that predict cancer recurrence in certain breast cancer types, such as basal-like or triple negative disease. These signatures can help doctors make informed treatment decisions and may lead to valuable new strategies in personalized medicine.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalGenome Biology·DateMay 9, 2013

No-win situation for agricultural expansion in the Amazon

A new study predicts that large-scale Amazon deforestation will reduce the region's natural carbon sink and inflict climate feedbacks, decreasing pasture and soybean productivity. By 2050, biomass on the ground could decline by up to 65% due to forest removal and resulting climate change.

SourceWoodwell Climate Research Center·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMay 9, 2013

Scientists develop device for portable, ultra-precise clocks and quantum sensors

Researchers at the University of Strathclyde and Imperial College London have developed a portable device for producing ultracold atoms for quantum technology. The device uses micro-fabricated diffraction gratings to cool and trap large numbers of atoms, enabling accurate measurements in various fields.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 9, 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.

Nobody likes a 'fat-talker,' Notre Dame study shows

College-age women rate overweight peers with positive body talk as most likeable, while those engaging in 'fat talk' are deemed less likable. The study highlights the negative impact of self-abasing remarks on social perception and potential eating disorder risks.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·DateMay 9, 2013

Study finds brain system for emotional self-control

A new study from UCL Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Ghent University found that different brain areas are activated when individuals choose to suppress an emotion compared to when they are instructed to do so. This discovery could have implications for therapies targeting mental health conditions.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBrain Structure and Function·DateMay 9, 2013

Social connections drive the 'upward spiral' of positive emotions and health

Researchers found that people with higher vagal tone experience more positive emotions, which in turn increase social connections. This leads to improved physical health through the upward spiral effect. The study suggests that positive emotions are a crucial psychological nutrient for building health.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 9, 2013

The Liverpool Care Pathway -- improvement in quality of end-of-life care

This study assesses the effectiveness of the Liverpool Care Pathway on quality of end-of-life care for adult cancer patients. The LCP provides a structured programme to improve care dimensions, resulting in clinically significant improvements in respect, kindness, dignity, family emotional support, self-efficacy, and coordination of care.

SourceSAGE·JournalPalliative Medicine·DateMay 9, 2013

Where on Earth did the moon's water come from?

Scientists found that the Moon's water originated from the Earth, suggesting the proto-Earth was already wet at the time of the Giant Impact. The study used hydrogen isotopes to determine the origin of water in the Moon and matched it with carbonaceous chondrites on Earth.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience·DateMay 9, 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.

Scientists show how nerve wiring self-destructs

Researchers at WashU Medicine found a gene called Phr1 that governs the self-destruction of injured axons. Removing this gene can prevent axonal degeneration in adult mice, offering a potential target for new drugs to maintain nerve function.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 9, 2013

Operating without interrupting warfarin reduces risk of bleeding after cardiac device surgery

A new study found that patients who underwent cardiac device surgery without interrupting warfarin treatment had a 80% lower risk of developing significant hematomas compared to those bridged with heparin. This approach also reduced prolonged hospital stays, re-interruption of anticoagulation, and re-operations.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa Heart Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 9, 2013

New technique to improve quality control of lithium-ion batteries

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new technique to detect flaws in lithium-ion batteries during manufacturing, including uneven coating and thickness variations. The 'flash thermography measurement' method uses heat and thermal imaging to quickly identify defects, which can impact battery life and reliability.

SourcePurdue University·DateMay 9, 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.

New advance in biofuel production

Joint BioEnergy Institute researchers have made a breakthrough in biofuel production by developing an enzyme-free ionic liquid pre-treatment method. This technique reduces the cost of producing advanced biofuels and decreases water consumption, making it a more sustainable alternative to traditional methods.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalBiotechnology for Biofuels·DateMay 9, 2013

Turning old hearts

Harvard Stem Cell Institute researchers have identified a protein, GDF-11, that reverses the effects of aging on mouse hearts. The protein was found to reduce heart size and thickness, similar to healthy younger mice.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCell·DateMay 9, 2013

Parental addictions linked to adult children's depression

A new study by University of Toronto researchers found that parents with addiction issues are more likely to have depressed adult children. The study analyzed data from 6,268 adults and found a significant association between parental addictions and increased odds of depression in adulthood.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPsychiatry Research·DateMay 9, 2013
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Obese students' childbearing risk varies with high school obesity rates

A study found that high school obesity rates are associated with increased childbearing risk in obese females, which may be due to reduced stigma and more partnership opportunities. The researchers suggest that health officials should consider the impact of obesity prevalence on pregnancy risks in schools.

SourcePenn State·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateMay 9, 2013

Exit discovered in cellular garbage truck

A team of researchers led by Professor Jean Gruenberg has identified an exit in the cellular garbage truck, a structure responsible for sorting molecules and ensuring inter-cell digestion and regulation. The study reveals how Alix protein uses this route to avoid cellular digestion and how vesicular stomatitis uses it to infect cells.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMay 9, 2013
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.

How state and local governments can address the obesity epidemic

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health recommend menu labeling regulations for smaller chain restaurants, including listing lowest calorie food items first. This approach has been shown to reduce calorie consumption and lead to healthier choices.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 9, 2013

Patients should have right to control genomic health information

Bioethicists argue that patients should not be forced to receive genomic information about future health risks without their consent. The ACMG recommendations on reporting incidental findings in clinical genome sequencing are seen as problematic due to concerns over patient autonomy and cost implications.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Biotechnology·DateMay 9, 2013

Water on moon, Earth have a common source

Scientists discover that water on the Moon's mantle originated from primitive meteorites, not comets, raising questions about the formation of the Moon. The findings also suggest that most of the water on Earth comes from the same source.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience·DateMay 9, 2013

Power plants: UGA researchers explore how to harvest electricity directly from plants

UGA researchers have developed a way to interrupt photosynthesis and capture electrons from plant cells, resulting in electrical current levels two orders of magnitude larger than previously reported systems. This technology could lead to more efficient solar panels and even competitive alternatives like plant-based systems.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMay 9, 2013

Scientists demonstrate pear shaped atomic nuclei

Researchers at the University of Liverpool have observed pear-shaped atomic nuclei, challenging current understanding and informing experimental searches for electric dipole moments. The discovery aids in refining nuclear theories and directs atomic EDM search programs.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNature·DateMay 9, 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.

Early infant growth rate linked to composition of gut microbiota

A study published in PLOS Computational Biology found a link between the composition of an infant's gut microbiota and their growth rate. The researchers identified specific bacterial groups associated with expected or reduced growth rates, shedding light on the potential impact of early life gut microbiota on infant development.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMay 9, 2013

Discovery pinpoints cause of 2 types of leukemia

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have isolated a molecular mutation causing two rare forms of leukemia. The study suggests that patients with these conditions could be helped by existing FDA-approved drugs, paving the way for potential treatment breakthroughs.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 9, 2013

Loss of eastern hemlock will affect forest water use

A new study by US Forest Service scientists finds that eastern hemlock decline due to invasive insect infestation will impact forest transpiration and alter seasonal stream flow patterns. The replacement of hemlock with species like rhododendron or sweet birch may lead to reduced winter stream discharge and increased summer stream flow.

SourceUSDA Forest Service ‑ Southern Research Station·JournalEcological Applications·DateMay 9, 2013

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope finds dead stars 'polluted with planet debris'

Researchers have found evidence of building blocks for Earth-sized planets in the atmospheres of two burned-out stars called white dwarfs. The silicon and low levels of carbon in these dead stars suggest that asteroid-like debris is falling onto them, potentially creating rocky planet assembly around stars.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 9, 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.

Scripps Research Institute scientists find key to gene-silencing activity

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute discovered how to control natural gene silencing processes, leading to a powerful new class of drugs against viral infections, cancers and diseases. The study found that guide RNAs can be designed to destabilize or stabilize the miRNA-Argonaute complex.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMay 9, 2013

Mapping the embryonic epigenome

A large research team elucidated how precise chemical modifications across the genome turn genes on and off during early human development. The study found that master genes governing development are silenced by histone methylation, while genes orchestrating cellular differentiation are primarily silenced by DNA methylation.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalCell·DateMay 9, 2013