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Science News Archive October 2013


Page 11 of 34

Why plants usually live longer then animals

Scientists at VIB and Ghent University identified a new protein, ERF115 transcription factor, which regulates quiescent center cells. This discovery explains why plants can live for hundreds of years while animals typically do not.

Bigger, better, faster

Researchers at EMBL have determined the 3D structure of RNA polymerase I, revealing a unique 'Swiss-army knife' strategy that allows it to produce RNA molecules faster than its counterpart, RNA polymerase II. The protein's larger size and efficiency are due to its built-in modules, which prevent the need for external recruitment.

King of beasts losing ground in Uganda's paradise

African lions in Uganda have decreased by over 30% in the past decade due to poisoning and human-related conflicts. The species' decline poses a significant threat to the country's tourism industry and ecosystem balance.

Barrier to HIV cure bigger than previously thought

A new study published in Cell suggests that the latent reservoir of HIV-infected patients is significantly larger than previously estimated, making it a major barrier to cure. The findings highlight limitations of current treatment strategies and could lead to the development of more effective interventions.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Reservoir of hidden HIV larger than previously thought

Researchers at Howard Hughes Medical Institute discovered that the pool of inactive HIV viruses in a patient's body is larger than expected, with some retaining the ability to become active even after treatment. This finding suggests that targeting the inactive viruses, known as proviruses, is crucial for achieving a complete cure.

Coyote more likely to make a meal out of moose than we thought: Study

Researchers found that eastern coyotes and coyote × wolf hybrids in central Ontario have killed adult moose, challenging the long-held notion of their inability to tackle such prey. The study also discovered that younger and older adult moose are more vulnerable due to inexperience and deteriorating body condition.

Study ties bone marrow transplant to negative sexual side effects

A study by the American Society of Hematology found that bone marrow transplant is linked to diminished sexual health in both men and women. Chronic graft-versus-host disease and total body irradiation are particularly damaging, with men experiencing a decline in libido and dysfunction.

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.

American University to study Pennsylvania performing arts organizations

The study will focus on three leading Philadelphia arts organizations: the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Opera Philadelphia, and the Pennsylvania Ballet. The research aims to understand how these organizations cope with changing landscapes and explore best practices for other institutions.

Obesity may increase the risk of Clostridium difficile infection

Research finds obesity may significantly increase the risk of C. difficile infection, particularly in those with no prior healthcare exposure. Additionally, patients with inflammatory bowel disease are also at higher risk, highlighting the need for improved clinical surveillance and monitoring.

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.

WUSTL researchers developing hospital patient early warning system

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis are developing an early warning system using machine learning algorithms to identify hospitalized patients at risk of deterioration or life-threatening events. The system aims to reduce readmissions and improve patient outcomes by providing real-time alerts to physicians.

Unique chemistry in hydrogen catalysts

Researchers at UC Davis and Stanford University have identified a key step in assembling hydrogen-generating catalysts, which are based on precisely organized clusters of iron and sulfur atoms. This study reveals how bacteria naturally build these catalysts and could pave the way for more efficient production of clean energy.

Physicists decode decision circuit of cancer metastasis

Physicists at Rice University have deciphered the operating principles of a genetic switch that cancer cells use to decide when to metastasize and invade other parts of the body. The research found a three-way genetic switch that explains previously confusing experimental results, opening new avenues for cancer treatment.

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.

Samurai sword protein makes strategic cuts in cell skeletons

In a plant cell model system, the katanin enzyme carefully cuts misaligned microtubules at crossovers to form parallel bands. This activity organizes and maintains the cytoskeleton's pattern, essential for its functions in shape and molecular transport.

How are children affected by maternal anxiety and depression?

A new study from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health found that maternal anxiety and depression can lead to increased risk of emotional and disruptive problem behaviors in children as early as 18 months old. The study also highlights the importance of early prevention and intervention, particularly for mothers with high levels of ...

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.

Participation in mindfulness-based program improves teacher well-being

A mindfulness-based professional development program, CARE for Teachers, improves teachers' well-being, efficacy, and classroom environments. The program combines emotion skills instruction, mindful awareness practices, and compassion-building activities to reduce stress and improve social-emotional learning.

Killer apps that could keep you healthy

Two student-developed mobile apps, FoodFeed and FL•U, have been created to combat health threats. FoodFeed provides alerts on food recalls, illness outbreaks and health code violations, while FL•U allows users to share flu-like symptoms and view localized outbreak maps.

UMass Amherst researcher quantifies the effectiveness of video ads

A UMass Amherst researcher conducted the largest-ever scientific study on video ad effectiveness, analyzing over 257 million ads and 367 million videos. The study found that viewers who return to a site have higher completion rates for all ad categories, while ads inserted in long-form content are more likely to be watched to completion.

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.

When scaling the quantum slopes, veer for the straight path

Researchers at Princeton University discovered nearly straight paths in quantum control landscapes, allowing for more efficient manipulation of atoms and molecules. This breakthrough could lead to improved measurements and design of quantum systems, including quantum computers.

NASA's SDO sees sun emit a mid-level solar flare

A mid-level solar flare, classified as an M9.4 event, was observed by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) on October 23, 2013. This flare had a significant impact on Earth's atmosphere, causing disruptions to radio signals and potentially affecting GPS communications.

Coral chemicals protect against warming oceans

Researchers have discovered coral animals produce dimethylsulphoniopropionate (DMSP), a molecule that helps protect them against heat stress and influences cloud formation. This finding could be crucial for regulating local climate and mitigating the effects of rising seawater temperatures.

Berkeley Lab researchers get a detailed look at a DNA repair protein in action

A team of researchers from Berkeley Lab and the Scripps Research Institute used a new technique to study the role of MutS in DNA's mismatch repair system, providing new insight into genome integrity. The study validated the 'beads-on-a-string' model of DNA repair and revealed details about MutS that could be valuable for drug design an...

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.

UCSB anthropologist examines the motivating factors behind hazing

A UCSB anthropologist examines the enduring practice of hazing, finding a connection between its persistence across cultures and our shared evolved psychology. He suggests that group benefits may be a key factor in hazing behavior, as individuals with automatic benefits are more likely to haze.

A protein safeguards against cataracts

Researchers have discovered how αA-crystallin and αB-crystallin proteins prevent protein clumping in the ocular lens, paving the way for new treatment approaches. The molecular switch mechanism triggers protein activation when cells are stressed, such as under heat or stress.

A simple test may catch early pancreatic cancer

A simple blood test detecting epigenetic alterations may reveal the earliest signs of pancreatic cancer, a disease with nearly always fatal outcomes. The test's sensitivity and specificity are 97% and 85%, respectively, offering a promising step towards reducing mortality from this cancer.

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.

Johns Hopkins launches new bioethics fellowship program

The Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics has launched a new two-year postdoctoral fellowship program in bioethics, funded by the Hecht-Levi Foundation. The program aims to support at least 10 promising young scholars in their research and career development.

Complete care improves patient outcomes

Kaiser Permanente's Complete Care model has shown steady improvement in quality scores, with an average increase of 13% compared to the national average. The program uses Proactive Office Encounters to address patient needs, promoting preventive care and improving chronic condition management.

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.

Stealth nanoparticles lower drug-resistant tumors' defenses

Researchers have developed a new Trojan-horse approach using stealth nanoparticles to sneak into tumor cells, lower their defenses and attack them with drugs. The nanoparticles showed significantly enhanced therapeutic effects and shrunk tumors by 8-fold in mice, offering a potential strategy to treat aggressive breast cancer.

Researchers show how plants tell the time

Plants have a 24-hour circadian rhythm that allows them to measure time and adjust their biology accordingly. Researchers found that sugar production plays a key role in regulating this internal clock.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Name that tune

A new algorithm based on the Parsons code successfully identifies individual dolphin whistles, reducing time and errors in classification. This innovation enables researchers to study dolphin social behavior and develop a better understanding of their communication.

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.

TopoChip reveals the Braille code of cells

Researchers use TopoChip platform to test thousands of surface patterns and catalog cellular responses, revealing the 'Braille code' of cells. The approach has potential applications in improving medical device performance and reducing negative reactions to artificial implants.

New eye treatment effective in laboratory tests

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have developed a promising technique for treating human eye disease by targeting microRNAs, which can stop abnormal blood vessel growth. The approach shows promise in preventing blindness in diseases like neovascular macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

A step towards early Alzheimer's diagnosis

Researchers at Linköping University have identified six proteins in spinal fluid that can be used as markers for the illness, offering a potential step towards early diagnosis. The study found that these proteins are associated with the breakdown of brain cells and toxic accumulations of beta amyloid protein.

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.

Data reaffirms test's ability to identify benign thyroid nodules

A study led by a CU School of Medicine researcher has confirmed the Gene Expression Classifier (GEC) test can accurately identify benign thyroid nodules, significantly reducing the need for unnecessary surgeries. The test was found to have a very high negative predictive value, with only one nodule out of 71 identified as cancerous.

Vacuums provide solid ground for new definition of kilogram

Researchers are developing novel systems to accurately redefine the kilogram using vacuum technology, promising a more precise and reliable measurement. The current kilogram definition relies on the International Prototype Kilogram, which has increasing discrepancies with national prototypes every 100 years.

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.

Birthing a new breed of materials

Researchers have discovered a new breed of materials with properties unlike those of their parent compounds, including conductive interfaces and topological insulators. These interfacial materials offer potential applications in tiny devices that consume less power.

Paper-based device could bring medical testing to remote locales

A new, inexpensive paper-based device has been developed to detect disease markers in patients' blood, offering a potential solution for medical testing in remote regions. The device uses simple materials and no electronics, allowing it to be easily operated by users with limited resources.