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Science News Archive November 2013 - Page 24


Page 24 of 30

Plant cell architecture: Growth toward a light source

Researchers discovered how plant cells orient microtubule arrays to bend towards a light source through the action of protein katanin. This process enables plants to grow in response to environmental cues, shedding light on fundamental mechanisms of cell architecture and growth.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience·DateNov 7, 2013

Tricking algae's biological clock boosts production of drugs, biofuels

Researchers have found that manipulating cyanobacteria's clock genes can increase its production of commercially valuable biomolecules. The study discovered that locking the biological clock into a daytime setting increased the amount of biomolecules produced by up to 700 percent.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 7, 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.

Do food blogs serve as a source of nutritionally balanced recipes?

A study analyzing 6 popular food blogs found that vegetarian entrees were lower in calories and saturated fat, while overall recipes were acceptable in calories but excessive in sodium. Nutrition educators and dietitians can work with bloggers to promote healthier recipes online.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateNov 7, 2013

UNH, UC Davis launch network to study environmental microbes

The research aims to identify and classify microscopic eukaryote species using new genome sequencing technology, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the vital environmental functions they play. The network will bring together researchers from different fields to study global patterns of biodiversity and ecosystem function.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·DateNov 7, 2013

Peripheral prism glasses help hemianopia patients get around

A multi-center study showed that peripheral prism glasses significantly outperformed sham devices in helping patients with hemianopia avoid obstacles during everyday walking. After six months, 41% of patients continued to wear the real glasses, reporting improved navigation in various environments.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateNov 7, 2013

Better tests needed to improve patient care, public health

The Infectious Diseases Society of America recommends investing in new diagnostic tests that can identify the bug causing an infection faster and provide results more accurately. These tests would help protect antibiotics and ensure patients receive the best treatment for various infectious diseases.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateNov 7, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The Carolina hammerhead, a new species of shark, debuts

Biologists at the University of South Carolina have discovered a rare shark species, Sphyrna gilberti, which has a distinct genetic signature and is found only in the Santee and Pee Dee river systems. The discovery highlights the fragility of shark diversity and underscores the importance of studying evolutionary history.

SourceUniversity of South Carolina·JournalZootaxa·DateNov 7, 2013

'Tiger stripes' underneath Antarctic glaciers slow the flow

Narrow stripes of dirt and rock beneath massive Antarctic glaciers create friction zones that slow the flow of ice toward the sea. The process is strongly affected by how water infiltrates the space between the ice sheet and the bedrock, researchers found.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScience·DateNov 7, 2013

Artificial heart to pump human waste into future robots

Researchers have created an artificial heart that can pump human waste into future robots, powering eco-friendly systems. The device uses shape memory alloys to mimic the human heart's pumping action and is more mechanically simpler than conventional pumps.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·DateNov 7, 2013

New study shows trustworthy people are perceived to look similar to ourselves

A new study published in Psychological Science found that when we perceive someone as trustworthy, their face is perceived as more similar to our own. Researchers used morphing images and bargaining games to test this idea, finding that trust cues can extend beyond social closeness into physical characteristics.

SourceRoyal Holloway, University of London·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 7, 2013
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.

UT Southwestern researchers identify how body clock affects inflammation

Researchers found that disrupting the circadian clock in mice increases susceptibility to inflammatory disease by controlling the development of key immune cells called interleukin-17-producing CD4+ T helper cells. This discovery could lead to new ways to regulate the immune response and prevent autoimmune diseases.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalScience·DateNov 7, 2013

Obesity may limit overall function 2 years after shoulder replacement surgery

Despite obesity, patients experience improved shoulder function and reduced pain after two years post-surgery, but overall physical function remains unchanged. The study suggests that total shoulder replacement is an effective procedure for pain relief and functional improvement in patients with shoulder arthritis.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateNov 7, 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.

BPA in dialysis machine components may be toxic to patients' cells

Levels of bisphenol A (BPA) in dialysis machine components have been found to be toxic to the immune cells circulating in kidney failure patients' blood. Researchers analyzed the effects of BPA on immune cells and found that alternative polymers for dialyzers' components may reduce BPA elution during dialysis.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·DateNov 7, 2013

Unique change in protein structure guides production of RNA from DNA

Researchers at the Gladstone Institutes have identified a unique change in protein structure that guides the production of RNA from DNA. The study sheds light on key aspects of transcription, including polymerase pausing and acetylation, which are crucial for precise transcription and cellular processes.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 7, 2013

1 worm, 2 mouths

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology find gene eud-1 that determines wide-mouthed predators and narrow-mouthed bacteria eaters, providing insight into phenotypic plasticity. The discovery sheds light on how organisms adapt to changing environments and challenges current understanding of evolutionary adaptations.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell·DateNov 7, 2013

Oxygen levels in tumors affect response to treatment

A recent study from the University of Manchester found that tumor oxygen levels impact treatment response. By analyzing gene expression, researchers can predict which patients will benefit from hypoxia-reducing agents before radiotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateNov 7, 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.

Grandiose narcissism reflects US presidents' bright and dark sides

Researchers found that grandiose narcissism in US presidents is linked to high ratings for public persuasiveness and crisis management, as well as impeachment resolutions. Lyndon B. Johnson scored highest on markers of grandiose narcissism, followed by Theodore Roosevelt.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 7, 2013

Researchers advocate for climate adaptation science

Researchers emphasize the need for better engagement between scientists and stakeholders in addressing climate-related issues such as sea level rise, severe storms, and declining snowpack. A comprehensive approach to research is proposed to develop effective measures for establishing adaptation science.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScience·DateNov 7, 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.

Wireless device converts 'lost' energy into electric power

Researchers at Duke University designed a power-harvesting device that efficiently captures microwave signals and converts them into electrical current. The device has an energy conversion rate of 37%, comparable to solar cells.

SourceDuke University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 7, 2013

Alcohol ads reaching too many young people in TV markets across the United States

Researchers found that in 25 US TV markets, nearly 1/4 of popular youth programs exceeded the industry's voluntary standards for alcohol ad exposure. This could lead to a one-third drop in total youth exposure if ads were eliminated. Exposure to alcohol marketing increases underage drinking and health risks.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalMMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report·DateNov 7, 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.

Online course improves physicians skill level for detecting skin cancer

Primary care physicians who took an online training course about skin cancer detection significantly improved their skill to properly diagnose and manage benign and malignant lesions. The enhanced skill level led to a reduction in unnecessary referrals to dermatology specialists.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalThe Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine·DateNov 7, 2013

Women have greater shortness of breath than men when exercising

A new study published in Experimental Physiology found that women exhibit greater shortness of breath when exercising compared to men. The study suggests that this disparity is caused by a stronger electrical activation of the respiratory muscles, specifically the diaphragm, needed to compensate for smaller lungs and airways.

SourceWiley·JournalExperimental Physiology·DateNov 7, 2013

Bisphenol A is affecting us at much lower doses than previously thought

A recent study by Vandenberg et al. found that bisphenol A (BPA) has significant effects on humans at incredibly low doses, often ten to forty times lower than previous toxicology studies. This new understanding of BPA's impact on human health and wildlife highlights the need for stricter regulations.

SourceLandes Bioscience·JournalEndocrine Disruptors·DateNov 7, 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.

NASA's Hubble sees asteroid spouting 6 comet-like tails

Astronomers have observed an asteroid, P/2013 P5, spouting six comet-like tails of dust, defying the typical appearance of asteroids. The unusual tail structures change dramatically in just 13 days, sparking debate over their origin and suggesting a possible rotational breakup.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateNov 7, 2013

Blocking the active site of thiolase

Researchers at the University of Oulu, Finland, and the Helmholtz Center Berlin have shed light on the structure of thiolase, an enzyme crucial for lipid metabolism in parasites. By blocking the active site, lipid-like substances can be developed to inhibit parasitic metabolism.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalBiochemical Journal·DateNov 7, 2013

Common genetic pathway could be conduit to pediatric tumor treatment

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is active in many difficult-to-treat pediatric brain tumors, offering a potential new target for treatment. Blocking this pathway with an experimental drug reduced tumor growth by up to 73% in laboratory studies.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNeuro-Oncology·DateNov 7, 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.

A fish that pushes in the wrong direction solves a mystery of animal locomotion

Researchers discovered that fish use a counterintuitive fin arrangement to increase both stability and maneuverability. By analyzing slow-motion videos and mathematical models, the team found that the opposing forces generated by the fin movements create stabilizing forces while improving velocity change.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 7, 2013

When is a comet not a comet?

Astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope have observed a unique asteroid with six comet-like tails, challenging current understanding of asteroids and comets. The asteroid's rotation rate may have caused its surface to fly apart, ejecting dust into space.

SourceESA/Hubble Information Centre·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateNov 7, 2013

Hartz IV reform did not reduce unemployment in Germany

A recent study by Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz found that the Hartz IV reform had no significant impact on reducing unemployment in Germany. However, earlier reforms such as Hartz I to Hartz III were more effective in lowering unemployment rates.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalInternational Economic Review·DateNov 7, 2013

A bio patch that can regrow bone

Researchers at the University of Iowa have created a bio patch that can regrow bone by delivering DNA instructions to cells. The patch successfully regenerated bone in test animals and stimulated new growth in human bone marrow stromal cells. This breakthrough technology has potential uses in dentistry, including rebuilding bone for de...

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalBiomaterials·DateNov 7, 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.

Babies named for fathers but not mothers reflect US cultural ideologies

Research reveals that family naming trends in the US follow regional patterns, with people in states emphasizing honor more likely to use patronyms. Matronymns are rare and do not predict any statewide variables. The study highlights gender differences in naming traditions.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateNov 7, 2013

'Freakish' asteroid discovered, resembles rotating lawn sprinkler

Astronomers have discovered an unusual asteroid with six comet-like tails, which change dramatically over just 13 days. The object's rotation rate may be causing its surface to fly apart, ejecting dust in episodic eruptions.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateNov 7, 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.

UT Southwestern researchers discover a new driver of breast cancer

Researchers at UT Southwestern have found that a cholesterol metabolite called 27-hydroxycholesterol promotes tumor growth in estrogen-receptor positive breast cancers. The discovery may explain why endocrine-based therapies are often unsuccessful, providing a new target for therapy.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 7, 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 suggest plan to address hypoxia in Gulf of Mexico

University of Illinois researchers suggest a partnership between farmers and scientists to develop effective practices for reducing nitrogen and phosphorus losses from agricultural fields. The goal is to find widespread regional acceptance and reduce the size of the hypoxic zone in the Gulf of Mexico.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateNov 7, 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.

Scientists identify clue to regrowing nerve cells

Researchers discovered that a protein called HDAC5 plays a crucial role in triggering the regrowth of damaged nerve cells. By activating HDAC5, scientists hope to develop treatments that enhance axon regrowth and potentially restore sensation in nerve injuries.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell·DateNov 7, 2013