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Science News Archive September 2013


Page 4 of 32

Biologists confirm role of sperm competition in formation of new species

Researchers at Syracuse University's College of Arts and Sciences have confirmed that diversifying sperm competition is a critical step in the formation of new species. The study, published in Current Biology, reveals how postcopulatory sexual selection drives rapid evolutionary changes in ejaculate and female reproductive tract traits.

Landmark report sets priorities to address malnutrition

A landmark report identifies critical knowledge gaps in nutrition science, calling for research on environmental trends, lifecycle issues, and intervention gaps. The report aims to accelerate global commitment to solving malnutrition through evidence-based solutions.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

High-tech brain imaging seeks to unlock secrets of a genetic disease

A team of researchers led by LA BioMed's Patricia Dickson will use state-of-the-art brain imaging to study the brains of disease models with mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS), a genetic disease causing cognitive deterioration, memory loss and dementia. The goal is to gain greater understanding of MPS brain disease and develop new treatments.

UTSW study unlocks origin of brown fat cells important in weight maintenance

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that brown fat cells are generated through new cell formation rather than converting white fat cells. This finding could lead to therapeutic strategies to activate precursor cells to produce more brown fat cells for weight management and related diseases.

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.

Study reveals dramatic fall in death rates after hip replacements

A study led by the University of Bristol found mortality rates in the first 90 days following hip replacement surgery have dramatically decreased from 0.6% to 0.3%, with four treatment options associated with lower death rates: spinal anaesthetic, posterior approach, heparin and mechanical thromboprophylaxis.

Quitting smoking easier for social media users

A recent study found that people who engage in health-specific social networking sites are more likely to quit smoking and maintain abstinence. The study suggests that increased social connectedness on these sites leads to a stronger sense of community, trust, and self-efficacy, ultimately aiding smokers in quitting

New data show agricultural anabolic steroids regenerate in aquatic ecosystems

Researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno and the University of Iowa discovered that agricultural anabolic steroids can persist in aquatic environments through a reversion mechanism. The study found that these substances can regenerate themselves at night, up to 70% of their initial mass, after rapid breakdown in sunlight.

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.

New dwarfism mutation identified in dogs

A new mutation in the ITGA10 gene has been identified as a cause of dwarfism in two dog breeds, Norwegian Elkhounds and Karelian Bear Dogs. The study reveals that the mutation affects bone growth and can lead to skeletal abnormalities.

Pan-cancer studies find common patterns shared by different tumor types

The Pan-Cancer Initiative has identified common genetic patterns across various tumor types, enabling researchers to extend therapies effective in one cancer type to others with a similar genomic profile. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment by recognizing similarities between seemingly distinct tumors.

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.

European law could be unbearable for Croatia's brown bears

A study by Imperial College London finds that EU law could reduce tolerance for brown bears in Croatia, leading to increased conflict between humans and bears. The current system involving hunting ensures local support for the animals' survival, but EU legislation may disrupt this.

NIH renews funding for University of Maryland vaccine research

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has renewed a 10-year contract with the University of Maryland School of Medicine's Center for Vaccine Development, providing up to $135 million in annual funding. The center will conduct basic research, clinical studies, and vaccine development to combat existing and emerging i...

Aphasia and bilingualism: Using one language to relearn another

A recent review suggests that training the less proficient language before or after aphasia onset results in bigger transfer effects on the untreated language. Semantic therapy approaches, such as stimulating word meanings, also facilitate transfer of therapy effects from one language to another.

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 of 'sister' stem cells uncovers new cancer clue

Research shows that DNA methylation plays a key role in generating non-genetic differences between sister cells, which could lead to cancer treatment breakthroughs. The study highlights the importance of controlling DNA methylation to reduce variation in cancer cells and increase treatment efficacy.

Curiosity's SAM instrument finds water and more in surface sample

The Curiosity rover's Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument suite found 2% water in Martian surface soil, indicating a significant resource for the planet. The analysis also revealed perchlorate and chlorate compounds, suggesting they could be distributed globally.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Lunar orbiters discover source of space weather near Earth

Researchers from UCLA and international partners use a unique alignment of six spacecraft to measure the release of magnetic energy close to Earth. They discover that this energy is stored in Earth's magnetosphere and released through a process called magnetic reconnection, which powers Earth's auroras and radiation belts.

Study examines health of kidney donors

A recent study examining the health of kidney donors has found that complications and hospital length-of-stay have declined since 1998. The researchers studied over 69,000 living kidney donors between 1998 and 2010, finding that rates of complications and length-of-stay for donors were comparable with other low-risk abdominal surgeries.

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.

Observations reveal critical interplay of interstellar dust, hydrogen

A team of astronomers reports key observations that confirm a theory describing how dust grains in interstellar space align themselves in the presence of magnetic fields. The findings have significant implications for understanding interstellar medium and novel observational tactics to probe magnetic fields.

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.

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.

A genetic map for complex diseases

Scientists from the University of Chicago have developed a unique genetic map that identifies associations between single-gene diseases and complex diseases. The study analyzed over 120 million patient records and found statistically significant correlations between 2,909 disease pairs, including previously unknown comorbidities such a...

Researchers describe unusual Mars rock

Researchers analyzing Martian rocks using Curiosity rover's chemical instruments found a pyramid-shaped volcanic rock called a mugearite, similar to those on Earth. The discovery suggests the presence of water deep below Mars' surface, a crucial ingredient for life.

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.

Beautiful brushstrokes drawn from data

A team of researchers has developed a program called RealBrush that allows graphic artists to quickly produce realistic brushstrokes on their computers. The program uses machine-learning approaches and Big Data storage techniques to create, bend, and shape various types of brushstrokes.

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.

UNC scientists identify brain circuitry that triggers overeating

Researchers pinpointed the precise cellular connections responsible for triggering overeating behavior in mice, suggesting a neurological basis for obesity and eating disorders. The study highlights a potential target for drug treatments to correct malfunctioning brain circuits.

Can bacteria combat oil spill disasters?

Scientists discover two types of bacteria that can convert hydrocarbons into fatty acids, which form along the cell membrane. Oleispira antarctica is well-suited for cold polar seas and deep sea environments, while Alcanivorax borkumensis excels in processing alkanes with specific carbon chain lengths.

Study finds steroids may persist longer in the environment than expected

A new study by the University of Iowa found that anabolic steroid trenbolone acetate and two other drugs can partially regenerate themselves in the environment, potentially prolonging their impact on aquatic life. The research suggests that these compounds may persist longer than expected, making it harder to assess environmental risks.

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.

Ballet dancers' brains adapt to stop them getting in a spin

Researchers found differences in brain structure between ballet dancers and rowers that enable dancers to suppress signals from the balance organs, allowing them to perform pirouettes without feeling dizzy. This adaptation may help improve treatment for patients with chronic dizziness.

NIH expands Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation Units

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded contracts to nine institutions, including Group Health Research Institute, to expand vaccine and treatment evaluation units. These centers will conduct clinical trials for promising candidate vaccines and therapies, aiming to protect the public from infectious diseases.

Lithium in the brain

Research reveals lithium's unique mode of action in treating depression and bipolar disorders. Lithium accumulation in white matter suggests a new target for psychotropic drugs.

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.

Intestinal mucus has anti-inflammatory functions

Researchers at IMIM discovered that intestinal mucus prevents inflammatory reactions against commensal bacteria and dietary antigens, offering a promising complementary way to treat ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The study also suggests potential applications in cancer therapy due to mucus' anti-inflammatory properties.

NIH launches first phase of microbiome cloud project

The NIH has launched the first phase of the Microbiome Cloud Project, a collaboration with Amazon Web Services that provides a free public dataset of genetic information on microbes. This initiative aims to facilitate analysis and discovery by reducing computing infrastructure and technical expertise requirements.

Do beetles have maternal instincts?

Researchers found evidence of maternal care in eight species of Chrysomelinae beetles, including defense mechanisms against predators and parasitoids. The study reveals complex subsocial behaviors and provides insight into the natural history of these insects.

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.

Scientists rig hospital-grade lightweight blood flow imager on the cheap

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have created a biological imaging system that can track blood flow in the lab and clinic using a webcam and laser pointer. The new system is significantly cheaper than existing equipment and has potential applications for imaging changes in tissues, including those outside the lab.