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Science News Archive October 2013


Page 2 of 34

Low-frequency rTMS prevents chronic epileptic seizure

A study by Prof. Xiaoming Wang and team found that low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) suppressed electrical activity in epileptic rats, leading to improved nonlinear electroencephalographic parameters. This suggests a potential antiepileptic effect of low-frequency rTMS in treating chronic epilepsy.

Scientists modify Botox for the treatment of pain

Researchers develop a new molecule combining elements of Botox and tetanus toxin to alleviate inflammatory pain, offering potential relief for chronic pain conditions and epilepsy. The engineered molecule could improve quality of life for those suffering from chronic pain with a single injection providing prolonged pain relief.

Houston we have a problem: Microgravity accelerates biological aging

A new study published in The FASEB Journal found that microgravity accelerates biological aging, causing inflammation among endothelial cells, which leads to atherosclerosis and cell senescence. The research highlights the challenges of sending humans deeper into space for longer periods.

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.

New knowledge about serious muscle disease

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have made significant discoveries about muscular dystrophy, a collective term for neuromuscular disorders affecting 3,000 people in Denmark. The study found that proteins with attached sugar molecules, specifically mannose, play a key role in the disease's progression.

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.

Former missile-tracking telescope helps reveal fate of baby pulsar

Researchers have discovered a steady change in the pulses of the Crab pulsar, indicating its strong magnetic field is moving towards the equator. The findings, made possible by a 42-ft telescope used to track ballistic missiles, provide insights into the star's interior and evolution.

Results of the TATORT-NSTEMI trial presented at TCT 2013

The TATORT-NSTEMI trial found that aspirating blood clots does not significantly reduce microvascular obstruction or the risk of death in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Standard PCI without thrombectomy was shown to be equally effective.

Patient in 'vegetative state' not just aware, but paying attention

Researchers found a patient in a vegetative state who could filter out unimportant information and home in on relevant words. Using brain imaging, scientists also discovered that the patient could follow simple commands, providing new insights into the ability of patients in these states to pay attention.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tagging aquatic animals can disrupt natural behavior

Researchers at University of British Columbia studied the energy cost of satellite tags on aquatic animals, finding significant drag increases on smaller or juvenile animals. The study provides a universal formula to calculate drag for various marine species, promoting accurate data collection and conservation strategies.

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.

Study offers new theory of cancer development

A new study at Harvard Medical School proposes that aneuploidy is a driver of cancer development rather than just a result. Researchers analyzed genome sequence data from over 8,200 pairs of cancerous and normal tissue samples to identify patterns in tumor evolution.

Scientists capture most detailed picture yet of key AIDS protein

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine and TSRI have determined the atomic-level structure of the tripartite HIV envelope protein, known as Env. The findings provide a detailed picture of the complex protein and its sites of vulnerability that could be targeted by future vaccines.

Mid-level health workers as effective as physicians

A study published in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization finds that mid-level health workers, such as midwives and nurses, can deliver clinical outcomes comparable to physicians in certain services. The research analyzed 53 studies conducted in 18 countries and suggests opportunities for all countries to exploit.

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.

Evolution of new species requires few genetic changes

Scientists have found that only a few genetic changes are necessary to spur the evolution of new species, even in populations still in contact and exchanging genes. The study reveals key genetic areas affected by natural selection and differing in just 12 small regions of the genome.

Important breakthrough in identifying effect of epilepsy treatment

Researchers at Royal Holloway University have made a significant discovery about how valproate blocks seizures in the brain. By using a simple amoeba, they identified the specific chemical responsible for seizure progression and found that its decrease can cause even more seizure activity.

How protein suicide assure healthy cell structures

Researchers from Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia discovered that Polo-like kinase 4 (PLK4) must self-destruct to ensure normal centriole formation. This destruction mechanism controls centriole number and prevents diseases like cancer and infertility in fruit fly model organisms.

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.

A new weapon in the fight against superbugs

Researchers have used a novel imaging technique to study the interaction between an antimicrobial peptide and cell membranes, gaining insights into how it kills bacteria. The findings suggest that the peptide creates nanometer-sized pores in the cell membrane, leading to its disintegration and death.

Chickens to benefit from biofuels bonanza

Research reveals Yeast Protein Concentrate (YPC) can be separated from cereal matter and is a cost-competitive substitute for imported soya-based protein feeds. This could partially replace fish meal on commercial fish farms, benefiting 800 million chickens reared for meat production each year.

Can putting your child before yourself make you a happier person?

A study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science found that more child-centric parents experience higher happiness and a sense of purpose from having children. This contradicts popular media claims, suggesting that prioritizing children's well-being can actually improve parental well-being.

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.

New stem cells go back further

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have successfully created induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) that can be kept in a pristine state, paving the way for growing transplant organs to order. The breakthrough enables the production of 'humanized' mouse models containing human-derived tissues.

Dogs know a left-sided wag from a right

Dogs exhibit asymmetric brain organization, with left-brain activation linked to right-tail wagging and right-brain activation tied to left-tail wagging. This difference affects emotional responses in dogs, who display anxious behavior when seeing a dog with a left-tail wag and relaxed responses when seeing a dog with a right-tail wag.

Suzaku study points to early cosmic 'seeding'

Researchers found iron concentration is uniform across Perseus Galaxy Cluster, indicating widespread dispersal of heavy elements in the early universe. The team attributes this to supernova explosions and active black holes, suggesting a period of intense cosmic activity.

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.

LSUHSC's Noel recognized nationally for outstanding achievement

Dr. Noel's landmark study with the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition documented a drastic increase in cases of kids swallowing powerful neodymium magnets. His work led to recalls, lawsuits, and increased awareness about the dangers of these magnets.

Michael M. Yartsev wins Eppendorf/Science Prize

Michael M. Yartsev's research using bats to study neural coding mechanisms underlying three-dimensional spatial memory and navigation has provided novel insights into the mammalian brain. His award-winning essay highlights a discovery that place cells in bats help navigate 3D space, differing from previously identified processes in rats.

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.

Global warming as viewed from the deep ocean

A new study reveals that the Pacific Ocean is absorbing heat at a rate 15 times faster than in the past 10,000 years. This surge in heat absorption may provide scientists with more time to address climate change but is not a solution, according to researchers.

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.

Qigong can help fight fatigue in prostate cancer survivors

A pilot study shows that older patients who practiced Qigong experienced significant declines in fatigue and distress. The mind-body activity, which combines slow movements with deep breathing and meditation, was found to be an effective nonpharmacological intervention for managing prostate cancer-related fatigue.

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.

Go ahead, dunk your cell phone in salt water

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a new way to produce better barrier films using atomic layer deposition, which can protect electronics in harsh environments such as salt water for months. The new coatings can extend the lifetime and reliability of electronic devices.

NASA sees Tropical Storm Krosa approach the Philippines

Tropical Storm Krosa is intensifying as it approaches the northern Philippines, prompting warnings from PAGASA. The storm is expected to make a brief landfall over extreme northern Luzon on Oct. 31 before moving west into the South China Sea.

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.

Moral in the morning, but dishonest in the afternoon

Researchers discovered that self-control decreases over the course of a day, leading to increased dishonesty in the afternoon. Participants were more likely to cheat or engage in unethical behavior when tested later in the day.

Results of the CHILL-MI trial presented at TCT 2013

The CHILL-MI trial found that therapeutic hypothermia using intravenous cold saline and endovascular venous cooling reduced clinical heart failure incidence by 71% in STEMI patients. However, the trial missed its primary endpoint of reducing infarct size.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Bats confirmed as SARS origin

A team of scientists isolated a live virus from horseshoe bats in China, confirming them as the origin of the SARS-CoV. The discovery will help governments design effective prevention strategies for similar epidemics.

Institute explores intimate partner violence across generations

A Sam Houston State University study found that nearly four out of every five families where parents were involved with intimate partner violence had adult children who perpetrated violent acts against partners, and three out of every four families had adult children who became victims of the crime. Most participants, regardless of gen...

NASA eyes a 'decoupled' Tropical Depression Raymond

Tropical Depression Raymond decoupled from its mid-level circulation center, weakening due to cooler sea temperatures and dry air. The storm's lower level circulation has pushed away from the center, causing it to weaken further.