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Science News for November 22, 2013


Powerful tool for genetic engineering

Researchers from Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research have discovered a new dual-RNA guided enzyme Cas9 that enhances the potential of exploiting bacterial immune systems for genome engineering. The CRISPR-Cas system has been shown to be faster, more precise and cheaper than existing technologies.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateNov 22, 2013

Sea level rise forecasts helped by insights into glacier melting

Scientists have gained new insight into how glacier movement is affected by melting ice in summer, enabling more accurate predictions of sea level rise. The study found that fast summer ice flow caused by significant melting is cancelled out by slower motion the following winter.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 22, 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.

Chemotherapy: When our intestinal bacteria provide reinforcement

The study shows that cyclophosphamide's effectiveness is enhanced by the immune response triggered by certain beneficial gut bacteria. The intestinal microbiota plays a crucial role in modulating the anticancer immune effects of chemotherapy.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalScience·DateNov 22, 2013

Epigenetic changes may explain chronic kidney disease

Researchers found significant differences in DNA chemical modifications on genes related to kidney fibrosis, suggesting an early role in development. The study provides new insights into the molecular roots of chronic kidney disease and potential targets for new drugs.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalGenome Biology·DateNov 22, 2013

Colossal new predatory dino terrorized early tyrannosaurs

A new species of carnivorous dinosaur, Siats meekerorum, was the apex predator of its time, competing with small-bodied tyrannosaurs for top roles. The giant carcharodontosaur lived alongside tyrannosaurs and filled a gap in the fossil record during the Late Cretaceous period.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 22, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Stuck on flu

Researchers at UC San Diego discovered how flu viruses exploit a mucus-rich barrier to infect cells, and found that blocking neuraminidase activity could prevent infection. This finding could lead to new drugs or therapies that more effectively inhibit viral activity.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalVirology Journal·DateNov 22, 2013

Copper promises cheaper, sturdier fuel cells

Researchers at Duke University have developed copper nanowire catalysts that can efficiently harness solar energy to split water into hydrogen, a promising step towards cheaper and sturdier fuel cells. The material is abundant, inexpensive, and flexible, making it ideal for use in various applications beyond solar energy production.

SourceDuke University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateNov 22, 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.

Research team discovers 'immune gene' in Neanderthals

A research team at the University of Bonn discovered a novel receptor that allows the immune system to recognize dangerous invaders and elicits an immune response. This receptor is found in Europeans but not in early men, suggesting it was inherited from Neanderthals.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 22, 2013

Preschoolers exposure to television can stall their cognitive development

A study found that preschoolers with TVs in their bedrooms and high background TV exposure have weaker understanding of mental states. However, children who had discussions about TV with their parents performed better on theory of mind tasks. This impairment may contribute to disruptive social behaviors.

SourceInternational Communication Association·JournalJournal of Communication·DateNov 22, 2013

New dinosaur discovered in Utah

A new, 30-foot-long dinosaur has been discovered in Utah, revealing a key gap in the fossil record of large predatory dinosaurs in North America. The discovery indicates that carcharodontosaurs dominated the ecosystem for longer than previously thought, before tyrannosaurs took over.

SourceField Museum·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 22, 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.

'Wise chisels': Art, craftsmanship, and power tools

Researchers at MIT are developing smart tools that can mimic the human touch while controlling outcomes to ensure precision. These tools, designed by Amit Zoran and his team, use computer-aided design and feedback mechanisms to create distinctive imperfections and styles in handmade objects.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateNov 22, 2013

Biodiversity higher in the tropics, but species more likely to arise at higher latitudes

A new study reveals that biodiversity is higher in the tropics due to increased genetic diversity among subspecies, which are more likely to arise in harsher environments typical of higher latitudes. This counterintuitive finding suggests that species turnover and extinction rates may be balanced near the equator.

SourceNational Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent)·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateNov 22, 2013

New microscope captures movements of atoms and molecules

A new microscope allows scientists to capture the movements of atoms and molecules at the nanoscale, revealing crucial functions in nanoscale devices. This breakthrough has applications in nanoelectronic technologies and clean-energy industries.

SourceMichigan State University·DateNov 22, 2013

Study finds link between allergies and increased risk of blood cancers in women

A large study found a significant association between a history of airborne allergies, particularly to plants, grass, and trees, and an increased risk of hematologic malignancies in women. The study suggests that chronic immune stimulation may play a role in the development of blood cancers in women.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Hematology·DateNov 22, 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.

Research funding has become prone to bubble formation

A potential science bubble has formed in cognitive neuroscience due to massive investments and promises of game-changing explanations. The value of these investments may not be supported by actual scientific results, highlighting the need for re-evaluating research funding structures.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalPhilosophy & Technology·DateNov 22, 2013

Found: 1 of civilization's oldest wine cellars?

A team of researchers at George Washington University and the University of Haifa have uncovered a 3,000-year-old wine cellar in Israel, containing jars holding nearly 2,000 liters of liquid. The contents are believed to be ancient medicinal wines, with a recipe similar to those used for 2,000 years in ancient Egypt.

SourceGeorge Washington University·DateNov 22, 2013

Education, in-home inspections key to fire prevention

A University of Louisville School of Nursing team is collaborating with the Office of Child Advocacy and the Louisville Fire Department to enhance fire prevention education. The goal is to reduce burn injuries in newborns and senior adults through in-home inspections and education programs.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·DateNov 22, 2013

Extra-Tropical Storm Melissa spinning into history

Extra-Tropical Storm Melissa has weakened and is headed towards the Azores Islands with sustained winds near 45 knots. The storm's core temperature change indicates a transition from warm to cold, similar to a mid-latitude low-pressure system.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 22, 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.

UT Dallas professor wins $2.3 million NIH award

The recipient of the grant proposes a new way to view and study human walking, attaching sensors to mathematically meaningful locations on prostheses and orthotics. This approach aims to create off-the-shelf robotic limbs that allow users to easily control and adjust their devices.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·DateNov 22, 2013

Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption increases endometrial cancer risk

Postmenopausal women who consumed sugar-sweetened beverages had a higher risk of developing the most common type of endometrial cancer compared to those who did not drink such beverages. The study found that women who drank more sugar-sweetened beverages had an increased risk, with the highest intake being associated with a 78% higher ...

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateNov 22, 2013

Extent of obesity not strongest factor for patients when choosing weight loss operation

A study by American College of Surgeons found that patients' choice of bariatric surgery is influenced by type 2 diabetes status, desired weight loss, and tolerance for risk, rather than BMI. Patients with uncontrolled eating patterns were more likely to opt for a reversible procedure like gastric banding.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateNov 22, 2013

Steroid injections for premature babies linked to mental health risk

A new study published in PLOS ONE has found that steroid injections given to pregnant women before premature birth may increase the child's risk of later behavioral and emotional difficulties. The study of over 6,000 children revealed poorer scores on general mental health at ages eight and 16, and a higher likelihood of symptoms of ADHD.

SourceImperial College London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 22, 2013

Archaeologists discover largest, oldest wine cellar in Near East

The largest and oldest ancient wine cellar in the Near East has been discovered in northern Israel, containing 40 jars of strong, sweet wine dating back to around 1,700 B.C. The team found molecular traces of key wine-making ingredients, including honey, mint, and resins, indicating a consistent recipe was followed in each jar.

SourceBrandeis University·DateNov 22, 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.

Political correctness could affect holiday weight gain

A study published in Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes found that people are more likely to choose unhealthy food options for themselves and others when they perceive the other person as overweight. This can lead to poor diet choices, especially during holiday celebrations. The research suggests that marketers should...

SourceDuke University·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateNov 22, 2013

Acid raid, ozone depletion contributed to ancient extinction

Researchers found that sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide releases from Siberian volcanoes could have created acidic rain, damaging plants and organisms. The study suggests that ozone depletion and temperature increases contributed to the end-Permian mass extinction on land.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalGeology·DateNov 22, 2013

Expert assessment: Sea-level rise could exceed 1 meter in this century

A team of 90 international experts expect a sea-level rise of 40-60 centimeters by 2100 and 60-100 centimeters by 2300 under strong emissions reductions. However, unmitigated emissions scenarios predict a high-end value of 1.5 meters or more by 2100 and 4.0 meters or higher by 2300.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·DateNov 22, 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.

Greenland's shrunken ice sheet: We've been here before

A new technique using Arctic fossil records reveals that Greenland's ice sheet was smaller between 3,000-5,000 years ago, with warmest land and ocean conditions during this period. This finding suggests the ice sheet may respond to ocean temperatures, providing a clue to future climate change.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalGeology·DateNov 22, 2013

LSUHSC research finds combo of plant nutrients kills breast cancer cells

Researchers at LSUHSC discovered a combination of six natural compounds from vegetables, fruits, and spices killed 100% of breast cancer cells. The super cocktail suppressed cell growth by over 80%, inhibited invasion, and caused cell death without harming normal cells.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of Cancer·DateNov 22, 2013

An inside look at a MOF in action

A team of researchers from Berkeley Lab has made the first in situ electronic structure observations of a metal-organic framework (MOF) as it adsorbs carbon dioxide gas. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of Near Edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy in probing MOF chemistry and gas adsorption.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 22, 2013

Antidepressant medication does not increase the risk of autism

A large Danish study of over 600,000 children found no significant link between antidepressant medication during pregnancy and the risk of autism. After adjusting for parental psychiatric diagnoses, the researchers determined that taking antidepressants during pregnancy does not further increase the risk of autism.

SourceAarhus University·JournalClinical Epidemiology·DateNov 22, 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.

Smaller islands host shorter food chains

A recent study by Finnish scientists found that smaller island areas support fewer species and shorter food chains. The research team analyzed 20 islands off the Finnish coast and discovered that top predators were often missing from small islands, leading to a loss of control functions in local ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalEcography·DateNov 22, 2013