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Science News for October 27, 2013


New material for quantum computing discovered out of the blue

Researchers have discovered that copper phthalocyanine can remain in 'superposition' states, a key characteristic of quantum computing, for surprisingly long times. This could lead to significant advancements in quantum technologies, including data storage and manipulation.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·DateOct 27, 2013

Supermagnets present ongoing child health risks

A recent study by Canadian researchers found a significant increase in magnet-related ingestions among children, with multiple magnet ingestion rates increasing most in the last three years. The powerful magnets are up to 10 times stronger than traditional magnets and remain available online despite product recalls.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateOct 27, 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.

Study identifies biomarker linked to poor outcomes in pregnant lupus patients

A study at Hospital for Special Surgery identified an imbalance of angiogenic factors as a predictor of poor pregnancy outcomes in lupus patients. Elevated levels of anti-angiogenic protein sFlt1 and lower levels of placental growth factor (PIGF) were associated with increased risk of preeclampsia and other complications.

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·DateOct 27, 2013

Study with totally blind people shows how light helps activate the brain

Researchers at the University of Montreal discovered that even completely blind people can detect light through a novel photoreceptor in the retina, allowing their brains to 'see' and respond to environmental changes. This study found that light enhances brain activity during cognitive tasks, improving alertness and mood.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Cognitive Neuroscience·DateOct 27, 2013

Treasures found and lost in US National Parks

Scientists have made significant discoveries in US National Parks, including a vast Yellowstone magma reservoir and ancient plant fossils. Rising seas threaten coastal parks like Cape Hatteras and Everglades, highlighting the need for climate change response efforts.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateOct 27, 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.

Bird buffet requires surveillance

Research by Guy Beauchamp reveals semipalmated sandpipers feed differently depending on group position, with peripheral birds acting as sentinels. The study sheds light on the mechanisms behind group living and its benefits for survival.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalBiology Letters·DateOct 27, 2013

International group finds 11 new Alzheimer's genes to target for drug discovery

A global collaboration of researchers has identified 11 new genetic areas of interest contributing to late onset Alzheimer's Disease. The study expands the scope of disease understanding to include new areas such as the immune system, where a genetic overlap with other neurodegenerative diseases was found.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 27, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Rainbow research reveals young children with asthma visit emergency department most often

A recent study by University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital found that children aged 1 to 3 years accounted for one-fifth of all emergency department visits caused by asthma complications. Additionally, the study revealed that nearly half of all ED visits due to asthma occurred in boys, and fall months had a higher prop...

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·DateOct 27, 2013

Novel mutations define 2 types of bone tumor

Scientists have identified two types of rare bone tumors linked to specific mutations in the H3F3A and H3F3B genes. These mutations are found in nearly 100% of patients suffering from chondroblastoma and giant cell tumor of the bone, offering a new diagnostic tool and potential treatment.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 27, 2013

UNC neuroscientists discover new 'mini-neural computer' in the brain

Researchers found that brain dendrites actively process information, multiplying the brain's computing power. Dendritic spikes are selectively generated depending on visual stimuli, indicating local processing within dendrites. This discovery has exciting implications for understanding neurological disorders and brain circuitry.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature·DateOct 27, 2013

What do we know -- and not know -- about fracking?

Scientists examine fracking's impact on water, air, and human health through research that is still being played catch-up. The medical geology field has emerged to address the shale gas boom's concerns about environmental issues.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateOct 27, 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.

Smart neurons: Single neuronal dendrites can perform computations

Researchers have discovered that single neuronal dendrites can perform computations, producing specific electrical signals in response to visual stimulation. This finding challenges the long-held assumption that computation occurs only with large numbers of neurons working together.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·DateOct 27, 2013

How to manage nature's runaway freight trains

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding how burned landscapes respond to rainfall, enabling the development of treatments to mitigate damage. Debris flow models have helped explain where these events are most likely to occur and how large they might be.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateOct 27, 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.

A nanofibrous conduit suitable for repair of long-segment sciatic nerve defects

A study published in Neural Regeneration Research found that a nanofibrous PHBV conduit can repair long-segment sciatic nerve defects with similar functional recovery rates to autologous nerve grafting. The conduit's flexible and porous structure allows for optimal nutrient transport, making it suitable for long-term use.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateOct 27, 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.

Yoga practice beneficial to patients with COPD

A study by the American College of Chest Physicians found that yoga training improved lung function, breathing, and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The 12-week program involved physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·DateOct 27, 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.

Study finds new genetic error in some lung cancers

A study at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute discovered a gene fusion that fuels the growth of some lung adenocarcinomas, making targeted therapies effective for patients with specific genetic changes. The finding suggests that drugs targeting NTRK1's protein product could be effective in treating these patients.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 27, 2013

X-rays overused in ICU: Ultrasound safer, just as effective

Researchers found that bedside ultrasound reduced x-ray usage by 5 times and CT scans by 3.5 times, without affecting mortality rates or health outcomes. This cost-effective alternative is a significant improvement over traditional imaging methods.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·DateOct 27, 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.

Scientists eye longer-term forecasts of US heat waves

Researchers at NCAR have fingerprinted a distinctive atmospheric wave pattern that can foreshadow the emergence of summertime heat waves in the United States. By analyzing a 12,000-year simulation of the atmosphere, they found that this pattern is associated with an increased likelihood of US heat waves 15-20 days out.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalNature Geoscience·DateOct 27, 2013

Radioactive waste: Where to put it?

Geologists are exploring shales as a potential site for America's spent nuclear fuel, with some formations showing natural groundwater pressure anomalies that can be analyzed on a large scale. A new computer model is also being developed to evaluate the behavior of various forms of nuclear waste and waste containers in different rocks.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateOct 27, 2013

NIH-supported study identifies 11 new Alzheimer's disease risk genes

Researchers identified 11 new genes associated with late-onset Alzheimer's disease, including SORL1 and CASS4, which affect amyloid and tau protein accumulation. The study also found connections between these genes and inflammation, synaptic function, and brain cell activity.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Aging·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 27, 2013

New mechanism underlying Danhong injection for cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury

Researchers found that Danhong injection enhances the expression of transforming growth factor-beta 1 and GM130, maintaining neuronal Golgi morphology and structure after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. This study suggests a potential neuroprotective effect of Danhong injection in treating cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateOct 27, 2013
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.

Sandy's lessons include: Put parks, not houses, on the beach

Researchers predict that future storms could cause even more damage to New York City's barrier islands, such as Staten Island and Long Island. To mitigate this risk, the scientists propose building parks on these areas instead of rebuilding homes in flood zones.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateOct 27, 2013