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Science News for October 3, 2013


Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Updated systemic sclerosis criteria improve disease classification

The 2013 classification criteria for systemic sclerosis are more sensitive than the 1980 measures, enabling earlier identification and treatment of this autoimmune disease. The new criteria improve the classification of systemic sclerosis by clustering items and simplifying the weighting of different criteria.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateOct 3, 2013
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.

Genetics used to sort out poorly known -- and hunted -- whale species

A study by Wildlife Conservation Society and others confirms the existence of two subspecies of Bryde's whales, one coastal and one offshore, with distinct genetic characteristics. The research informs the need to designate both subspecies as separate conservation units with specific management needs.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalJournal of Heredity·DateOct 3, 2013

Molecular imaging predicts risk for abdominal aortic aneurysms

Researchers identify markers that can predict rupture in abdominal aortic aneurysms, including dense white blood cells and C-reactive protein levels. The study suggests that PET/CT scans with positive uptake could provide diagnostic support for surgery, while negative uptake may indicate safe avoidance of unnecessary procedures.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateOct 3, 2013

Blocking nerve cells could prevent symptoms of eczema

Researchers have identified a potential new therapy for eczema by blocking sensory nerves' itch receptors, which may prevent severe consequences like asthma and allergies. The treatment targets the immune system's role in reacting to chemicals that cause itching and inflammation.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalCell·DateOct 3, 2013

Drowsy Drosophila shed light on sleep and hunger

Scientists discovered a function of sNPF, a neuropeptide, in regulating both sleep and food intake in Drosophila. Activating sNPF led to rapid sleep induction, with flies sleeping on food sources for days. This study provides insight into the interaction between sleep and metabolism.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalNeuron·DateOct 3, 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.

New small-molecule catalyst does the work of many enzymes

Researchers have created a man-made catalyst that can alter the chemical profiles of numerous types of small molecules, greatly speeding up the process of drug discovery. The catalyst, called iron CF3-PDP, can accomplish one of these alterations in about half an hour.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 3, 2013

New technique identifies novel class of cancer's drivers

Researchers have identified potential genetic variants in non-coding DNA regions that drive the development of various cancers. The new approach prioritizes these variants based on their predicted impact on human disease, offering a promising tool for finding disease-causing genetic mutations.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalScience·DateOct 3, 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.

Feds fund concept for cheaper, better titanium made in US

A low-cost, energy-efficient method to extract titanium from ore has been selected by ARPA-E, promising a 60% reduction in titanium costs. The CWRU team's direct electrolytic process eliminates the need for expensive reducing agents, simplifying production and boosting domestic titanium manufacturing.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateOct 3, 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.

5 regular meals a day reduce obesity risk among adolescents

A Finnish population-based study with over 4,000 participants found that eating five meals a day reduces the risk of obesity in adolescents. Skipping breakfast, on the other hand, is associated with greater BMI and waist circumference. Maternal weight gain during pregnancy also increases the risk of obesity in offspring.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateOct 3, 2013

3D dynamic imaging of soft materials

Berkeley Lab researchers have developed a unique graphene liquid cell that enables the study of soft materials, including DNA and biological compounds. They have recorded the 3D motion of DNA connected to gold nanocrystals using transmission electron microscopy.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateOct 3, 2013

Naked jets of water make a better pollutant detector

Researchers developed a pollutant detector using a narrow stream of unconfined water, which acts as a waveguide to channel fluorescent light signals. The device was highly sensitive, detecting pollutant levels even lower than EPA standards and distinguishing between harmless and hazardous bacteria.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateOct 3, 2013

Warmer oceans could raise mercury levels in fish

Researchers found that warmer waters increase killifish's metabolic rate, leading to higher methylmercury levels in their tissues. This suggests a global warming impact on mercury bioaccumulation in marine life, posing health risks to people who eat seafood.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 3, 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.

Rett syndrome gene dysfunction redefined

Scientists have redefined the MECP2 protein's role in Rett syndrome, discovering it acts as a global activator rather than repressor. This new understanding can lead to novel therapies for the disease, targeting the AKT/mTOR pathway to reverse symptoms.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateOct 3, 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.

Brain stimulation affects compliance with social norms

A new study found that brain stimulation can directly influence compliance with social norms, particularly in the right lateral prefrontal cortex. Participants who received increased neural activity followed fairness norms more strongly under threat of sanctions, but showed decreased voluntary norm compliance without punishments.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience·DateOct 3, 2013

Improving water security with blue, green, and gray water

Agriculture faces increasing competition for water, but integrated water management plans can increase water security by utilizing blue, green, and gray waters. The symposium highlights the importance of protecting these three water sources to meet the world's growing demand for food.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·DateOct 3, 2013

Scripps Florida scientists identify potential new drug for inherited cancer

Researchers have identified a potential new drug for an inherited form of cancer with no known cure. The new compound, FRAX97, targets a protein family that plays a critical role in the development of Neurofibromatosis type 2. By inhibiting these kinases, tumor growth can be slowed and progression reduced by over 80%.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateOct 3, 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.

NSF grant funds study to unlock secrets of biodiversity

Researchers from five institutions will investigate biological mechanisms driving biodiversity in American Limenitidini butterflies. The project aims to reveal if diversification can be explained by biotic interactions, accelerating adaptation and species evolution.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·DateOct 3, 2013

Old remedy shows promise as new chemo drug for bladder cancer

A Loyola University Medical Center study found that the active ingredient of ipecac syrup effectively inhibits bladder cancer cell growth, especially when combined with cisplatin. The compound has little effect on normal cells and may offer a new treatment option for patients with advanced bladder cancer.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateOct 3, 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.

Genetic analysis of individuals with autism finds gene deletions

A study led by researchers at Mount Sinai found that individuals with autism were more likely to have gene deletions than those without the disorder, which may contribute to miswiring of brain neurons. The study suggests that these deletions could impact genetic testing and have clinical significance.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateOct 3, 2013

Why do humans pig out?

A study published by the University of Copenhagen has found that certain genetic variants can make overeating a normal behavior in pigs, and may also be linked to human obesity. The research used genomic chip technology to map the DNA of nearly 1,200 pigs and discovered key genes involved in human obesity.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 3, 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.

BMC pediatricians warn that cuts to SNAP program will harm children

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a vital public health program that reduces food insecurity, enhances nutrition, and improves child outcomes. Cuts to SNAP would be a misguided investment in American children's health and future success.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 3, 2013

Stem cells help repair traumatic brain injury by building a 'biobridge'

Researchers found that transplanted stem cells guide neural stem cells to the injured brain site via a neurovascular matrix, promoting functional recovery. The study presents evidence for a new concept of stem-cell mediated brain repair, offering a potential treatment for traumatic brain injury.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalPublication Library and Information Science·DateOct 3, 2013

3-D printing: The greener choice

A study by Michigan Technological University finds that making products on a 3D printer uses less energy than producing them in factories and shipping them. The analysis also shows that using renewable resources like PLA plastic can further reduce environmental impact.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateOct 3, 2013

A question of style

A German-Swiss research team has developed a device that sorts conformers of the same compound based on their shape, allowing for direct measurement of reaction rates. The device exploits the difference in dipole moment between conformers and uses it to separate and react them with calcium ions.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalScience·DateOct 3, 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 metabolic means to preserving egg supply and fertility

Researchers have discovered a key signal that keeps oocytes alive: coenzyme A, which maintains enzyme CaMKII on, preventing cell death. This mechanism appears to be conserved in animals, offering potential therapies for preserving women's egg supply and fertility.

SourceCell Press·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 3, 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.

Scientists discover new role for cell dark matter in genome integrity

Researchers at the University of Montreal have discovered a new role for non-coding RNA molecule TERRA in maintaining telomere length and protecting against cancer. By tracking telomerase molecules with TERRA, scientists found that this 'dark matter' plays a crucial role in regulating telomerase activity.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 3, 2013

Health of honey bees adversely impacted by selenium

A recent study by researchers at the University of California, Riverside found that selenium, a naturally occurring metal, has toxic effects on honey bees. The study reveals that organic forms of selenium alter protein conformation and cause developmental problems, while inorganic forms cause oxidative stress.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateOct 3, 2013

The order of words

Research by neuroscientists at SISSA found that adults' preference for their native language's word order affects language learnability. Infants as young as 8-month-old prefer artificial languages mirroring their native structure, while adults tend to stick to their native scheme.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateOct 3, 2013

Neglect of 'science communication environment' puts vaccine acceptance at risk

The introduction of the HPV vaccine was introduced in a manner that generated cultural conflict, leading to low vaccination rates. In contrast, the Hepatitis B vaccine was introduced with less controversy and higher completion rates. The article highlights the importance of using evidence-based strategies to anticipate and avoid recurr...

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateOct 3, 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.

Why blame feels hard to take

Research reveals that people experience a lower sense of agency for actions associated with negative outcomes, making blame harder to accept. The discovery sheds light on notions about personal responsibility and emotional experiences., People tend to take credit for good outcomes but struggle with accepting responsibility for bad ones.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 3, 2013

Component of citrus fruits found to block the formation of kidney cysts

A study published in British Journal of Pharmacology found that naringenin from citrus fruits successfully blocks the formation of kidney cysts, a common disorder leading to loss of kidney function. The component was shown to regulate the PKD2 protein responsible for polycystic kidney disease.

SourceRoyal Holloway, University of London·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateOct 3, 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.

Wealth inequality can promote cooperation

A new study published in Nature Communications found that wealth inequality can promote cooperation when people are distributed a given total amount of wealth somewhat unequally, rather than fully equally. This is because rich benefactors promote cooperation that benefits themselves and their surroundings, leading to the spread of coop...

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 3, 2013

NIST physicists 'entangle' microscopic drum's beat with electrical signals

Physicists at NIST have successfully entangled a microscopic mechanical drum with electrical signals, confirming its potential as a quantum memory in future quantum computers. The experiment also marks the first-ever entanglement of a macroscopic oscillator, opening up new practical uses for the drum.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience·DateOct 3, 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.

Researchers find that bright nearby double star Fomalhaut is actually a triple

Astronomers have confirmed that nearby double star Fomalhaut is actually a triple star system. The discovery was made using precise movements and spectroscopic measurements of astrometric data, revealing a third smaller star in the vicinity. The stars are separated by 5.5 degrees, but their gravitational pull keeps them bound together.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateOct 3, 2013

New X-ray vision can reveal internal structure of objects

Scientists developed a new imaging technique that maps an object's three-dimensional distribution of its nano-properties in real time. This 'X-ray vision' can be used to study materials, geology, environmental science and medical research.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 3, 2013

Identifying people by their bodies when faces are no help

Researchers found that when facial features were ambiguous, participants used body cues such as the nose and face shape to accurately identify individuals. The study suggests that computer-based recognition systems can be improved by incorporating body information, especially in low-quality facial images.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 3, 2013

How Instagram can ruin your dinner

A new study from Brigham Young University finds that overexposure to food imagery on Instagram and other platforms increases satiation, leading to a decrease in enjoyment with repeated consumption. This phenomenon, known as sensory boredom, can result in people becoming tired of certain tastes without even eating the food.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateOct 3, 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.

Three hours is enough to help prevent mental health issues in teens

A 2-year study found that two 90-minute group therapy sessions significantly reduced anxiety, depression, and behavior problems in British youth. The interventions targeted specific risk factors for mental health issues and were delivered by trained educational professionals.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateOct 3, 2013

DNA nanotechnology opens new path to super-high-resolution molecular imaging

A Harvard team has developed a new microscopy method using DNA nanotechnology to overcome the diffraction limit and visualize tiny molecules in cells. The method, called DNA-PAINT, creates 'imager strands' that bind to target molecules, making them appear to blink and enabling sharper images than traditional methods.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·DateOct 3, 2013

Silencing sudden death

A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers has successfully treated a genetic disorder in mice that causes cardiac muscle thickening, weakening the heart. By reducing production of a mutant protein, the treatment prevented HCM manifestations for about six months, offering significant promise for potential human treatment.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience·DateOct 3, 2013
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Chemistry with sorted molecules

Scientists successfully sort individual conformers of a molecule using an electric field, showing that their spatial structure affects their chemical reactivity. The new method provides insight into fundamental reaction mechanisms with potential applications in chemical catalysis and molecule synthesis.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience·DateOct 3, 2013

Alcoholism treatment before, after liver transplantation reduces relapse

Liver transplant recipients who receive substance abuse treatment before and after transplantation have lower alcohol relapse rates than those untreated or only treated prior to transplantation. Continued alcohol abuse post-transplantation also decreases graft survival and increases organ scarring.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateOct 3, 2013

Great potential for faster diagnoses with new method

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a new method that combines advanced tools in physics and biology to improve diagnostic accuracy. By using nanowires to hold proteins, they can measure multiple biomarkers simultaneously, increasing signal quality and making diagnosis faster, cheaper, and more precise.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNanoscale·DateOct 3, 2013

Reading literary fiction improves 'mind-reading' skills

Researchers at The New School found that reading literary fiction enhances Theory of Mind (ToM), the skill of understanding others' mental states. Literary fiction was shown to improve ToM capabilities more effectively than popular or nonfiction texts.

SourceThe New School·JournalScience·DateOct 3, 2013
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Louisiana Tech University physicists contribute to new findings of international research team

Physicists from Louisiana Tech University contribute to an international team that reports first results for the proton's weak charge based on precise new data from Jefferson Laboratory. The Q-weak experiment measured the weak interaction's unique property of parity violation, revealing a tiny asymmetry in electron scattering rates.

SourceLouisiana Tech University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 3, 2013

New advances in the study of human mitochondrial DNA

Researchers from Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona found that over half of the European population exhibits heteroplasmy, a condition where multiple types of mitochondrial DNA coexist. The study sheds light on mutation patterns and selection forces acting on mitochondrial DNA in mammals.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 3, 2013

Genetic study of river herring populations identifies conservation priorities

A genetic and demographic analysis of river herring populations along the U.S. east coast has identified distinct genetic stocks, providing crucial guidance for efforts to manage their declining populations. The most severe declines have occurred in the Southern New England stocks and the Mid-Atlantic stocks, highlighting the need for ...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalEvolutionary Applications·DateOct 3, 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.

Triple-negative breast cancer target for drug development identified

A study published in Cancer Cell identified a previously unknown vulnerability in triple-negative breast cancers, which can be effectively treated with an FDA-approved drug. The researcher found that targeting the cystine transporter xCT significantly inhibited tumor growth in mice and cell culture.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCancer Cell·DateOct 3, 2013

Scientists generate first map of clouds on an exoplane

A team of researchers from MIT has generated the first map of clouds on an exoplanet, Kepler 7b, which reveals a dense layer of clouds on one hemisphere. The study suggests that this cloud cover creates an atmosphere conducive to further cloud formation and regulates the planet's temperature.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateOct 3, 2013

Innovative approach could ultimately end deadly disease of sleeping sickness

A mathematical modeling study suggests that a new approach could reduce or eliminate the deadly disease African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, by creating a genetically modified version of the Sodalis bacteria to kill the parasite. The approach, which uses Wolbachia bacteria to drive the GMO version into fly populati...

SourceOregon State University·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateOct 3, 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.