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Science News Archive September 2013 - Page 12


Page 12 of 32

FDA and NIH create first-of-kind Tobacco Centers of Regulatory Science

The FDA and NIH have created the first-of-kind Tobacco Centers of Regulatory Science (TCORS) program, which aims to generate research to inform tobacco product regulation and protect public health. The program will support research in seven core areas, including diversity of tobacco products, reducing addiction, and communications.

SourceNIH/Office of the Director·DateSep 19, 2013

The coelacanth leads a monogamous life

Researchers analyzed the genetic makeup of coelacanth offspring and found high overlap between mothers and their offspring, suggesting a single father. The study suggests that coelacanth females are monogamous, likely due to mating with a single male for successful fertilization.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 19, 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 possible strategy for helping 'tired' cells affected by mitochondrial disease

A study led by Dr. Luca Scorrano and Dr. José Antonio Enríquez found that the OPA1 gene can regulate cellular metabolism, potentially leading to new treatments for mitochondrial diseases. The researchers discovered that increasing OPA1 activity enhances energy production and cell growth.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalCell·DateSep 19, 2013

Circadian clock is key to firing up cell's furnace

The circadian clock enables cells to use stored fuel efficiently when we fast, with NAD+ and Sirtuin 3 playing a critical role. Disrupting the clock leads to metabolic disorders, but providing NAD+ supplements can restore mitochondrial function.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateSep 19, 2013

Mantas, devil rays butchered for apothecary trade now identifiable

Researchers from the University of Washington have discovered differences in dried filters from filter-feeding rays that allow them to be identified as either giant mantas or devil rays. The study provides valuable insights into the conservation of these gentle-natured rays, which are often hunted for their supposed health benefits. Th...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Morphology·DateSep 19, 2013

Worm research: Right combination of sugars regulates brain development

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen discovered that mir-79, a tiny molecule, plays a crucial role in regulating neural development in roundworms. By controlling the addition of specific sugars to signaling molecules, mir-79 guides nerve cell migration and ensures proper nervous system function. This finding has important implic...

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalScience·DateSep 19, 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.

CYGNSS hurricane satellite mission passes key review milestone

The CYGNSS hurricane satellite mission has passed NASA's Systems Requirements Review and Key Decision Point-B, moving into the next phase of development. The constellation of eight microsatellites will use GPS signals to measure ocean surface properties and determine how hurricanes form and strengthen.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·DateSep 19, 2013

Mayo Clinic researchers identify biomarker for smoker's lung cancer

Researchers have identified ASCL1 as a biomarker for aggressive adenocarcinomas in smokers' lungs. The protein is associated with increased expression of the RET oncogene, a key driver of cancer progression. Blocking ASCL1 may slow tumor growth and offer a promising target for potential drugs.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalOncogene·DateSep 19, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

National labs and Air Force partner to improve aircraft component design

The Air Force Research Laboratory partnered with national laboratories to develop a novel capability for nondestructively mapping material substructure and grain level stresses. This capability has been applied to nickel and titanium alloys, providing insight into deformation and forming the basis for modeling tools.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateSep 19, 2013

Songbirds may have 'borrowed' DNA to fuel migration

Researchers found that Audubon's warblers share mitochondrial DNA with myrtle warblers, a different species that migrates annually. The study suggests that the songbird may have co-opted the myrtle's mitochondria to better power its travels.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalEvolution·DateSep 19, 2013

Researchers tease apart workings of a common gene

A study found that a single nucleotide polymorphism in the BDNF gene leads to shrinkage of neurons from the hippocampus, reducing connectivity between brain cells. The discovery offers mechanistic insight into why some depression and anxiety runs in families.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 19, 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.

Clues to the growth of the colossus in Coma

Researchers have discovered large arms of hot gas in the Coma galaxy cluster, which are estimated to be around 300 million years old. The smooth shape of these arms suggests a calm setting for the hot gas in Coma, contrary to theoretical models that expect strong turbulence.

SourceChandra X-ray Center·JournalScience·DateSep 19, 2013

Container's material properties affect the viscosity of water at the nanoscale

At the nanoscale, water flows more like ketchup due to container material properties. Researchers found that hydrophilic materials increase water's effective viscosity, making it harder for molecules to move. This study could redefine fluid dynamics and impact designs of tiny mechanical systems.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 19, 2013

Can financial incentives inspire exercise?

A systematic review suggests that small rewards increase the odds of maintaining an active lifestyle in patients with heart disease. The study found that receiving coupons and vouchers can help patients stick to new fitness regimes and continue exercising after a cardiac program.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateSep 19, 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.

Psychopathic traits in teenagers not cast in stone

Researchers found a small group of youths with high and stable psychopathic traits had the most difficult relationships with their parents and reported higher levels of delinquency. Despite this, developmental tracks are not cast in stone and effective therapeutic intervention can change the course of development.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment·DateSep 19, 2013

Could dog food additive prevent disabling chemotherapy side effect?

Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered that a chemical commonly used as a dog food preservative, ethoxyquin, may prevent the painful nerve damage found in cancer patients taking chemotherapy drug Taxol. The study shows that adding ethoxyquin to mice prevented two-thirds of nerve degeneration caused by Taxol.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateSep 19, 2013

Coma: Researchers observe never-before-detected brain activity

Scientists discover Nu-complexes, a new type of brain activity detected in human and cat comas beyond the flat EEG line. This finding opens up avenues for understanding learning and memory processes during coma and may lead to more effective treatments.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 18, 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.

Services lacking for young gay black men

A new study by Michigan State University scholars highlights the lack of resources for young gay black men who experience trauma, depression, substance abuse, and high-risk sexual behavior. The study found nearly a third of participants reported experiencing sexual assault at an average age of 10, with many experiencing multiple forms ...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of HIV/AIDS & Social Services·DateSep 18, 2013

African dust storms in our air

Researchers found that African dust particles more than doubled during a major Saharan dust intrusion in Houston, Texas, raising concerns about health risks for vulnerable populations. The study provides new insights into the impact of Saharan air outbreaks on climate and human health, including potential effects on hurricane activity.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateSep 18, 2013

Long-stressed Europa likely off-kilter at one time

Researchers analyzed Europa's cracks to determine if the moon spun around a tilted axis at some point. The analysis suggests that a small tilt of about one degree occurred in the past, which could explain the orientation of the long cracks. This finding may also affect estimates of Europa's ocean age and heat generation.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalIcarus·DateSep 18, 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.

Beyond quantum simulation: JILA physicists create 'crystal' of spin-swapping ultracold molecules

Researchers created a crystal-like arrangement of ultracold gas molecules that can swap quantum spin properties, potentially simulating or inventing exotic materials. The novel structure was achieved by manipulating the molecules' spins with microwave pulses, creating a 'superposition' of two opposite spins.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature·DateSep 18, 2013
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.

Nanoscale neuronal activity measured for the first time

Scientists at Queen Mary University of London developed a new technique to measure electrical activity in synapses, enabling three-dimensional visualisation of neuronal networks. This breakthrough opens a new window into understanding brain function at the nanometre scale.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNeuron·DateSep 18, 2013

Nanocrystal catalyst transforms impure hydrogen into electricity

Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory have created a high-performing nanocatalyst that transforms impure hydrogen into electricity, addressing challenges of carbon monoxide poisoning. The novel core-shell structure, combining ruthenium and platinum, exhibits perfect atomic ordering and superior performance parameters.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 18, 2013

4 new species of 'legless lizards' discovered living on the edge

Four new species of 'legless lizards' have been discovered in California, including the silver-bellied A. alexanderae and purple-bellied A. grinnelli, with the first species added to the state's list from one to five. The discoveries highlight the importance of preserving biodiversity and the need for further surveys.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalBreviora·DateSep 18, 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 help tame tidal wave of genomic data using SDSC's trestles

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara develop new algorithm MSP that assembles genomes with extreme efficiency, reducing memory consumption by two-thirds. The new method enables faster and more efficient processing of large genomic datasets, paving the way for smaller, less expensive clusters to assemble large genomes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateSep 18, 2013

CWRU researchers find what stresses parents with a chronically ill child

A systematic review by CWRU researchers found that parents of chronically ill children experience significant stress due to the added demands of caregiving, including managing medical treatments and school issues. The study suggests that parenting stress can be intervened upon with targeted support and coping strategies.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Pediatric Psychology·DateSep 18, 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.

In water as in love, likes can attract

A team led by chemist Richard Saykally and theorist David Prendergast has observed contact pairing between guanidinium cations in aqueous solution, governed by water-binding energy. This phenomenon challenges the long-held assumption that like charges repel, suggesting a new understanding of ion interactions in water.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateSep 18, 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.

Modeling and managing schizophrenia

Researchers developed an Awareness Information Net (AIN) model to monitor patient behavior and spot problems, enabling timely intervention by carers, experts, and patients. The collaborative approach has the potential to raise awareness of schizophrenia in society, helping others cope with its consequences.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Advanced Intelligence Paradigms·DateSep 18, 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.

Why parents think your partner isn't good enough

A study published in Evolution & Human Behavior suggests that parents and children's mate preferences conflict due to an evolutionary struggle for resources. This conflict arises when parents distribute resources unevenly among their children, leading them to prioritize a partner who offers less support.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEvolution and Human Behavior·DateSep 18, 2013

New pediatric infection prevention guidelines for residential facilities

The new guidelines provide standardized guidance and educate staff and volunteers on the principles of infection prevention to reduce the risk of infection for children and families in pediatric residential settings. The guidelines include practices such as standard precautions, health screening, and mandatory vaccination practices.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateSep 18, 2013

Wide variation in UK sleep disorders services which doesn't match need

The UK's sleep disorder services are severely lacking, with high rates of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in certain regions going undiagnosed and untreated. Despite the rising demand due to an aging population, many areas have limited access to specialized care, leading to a concerning mismatch between need and supply.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThorax·DateSep 18, 2013

Sam Houston State studies DNA preservation in mass disasters

Researchers at Sam Houston State University are investigating new methods to preserve tissue samples and speed up the DNA identification process after mass disasters. The goal is to improve DNA preservation and processing, enabling faster victim identification and closure for families.

SourceSam Houston State University·DateSep 18, 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.

True colors: Female squid have 2 ways to switch color, according to a UCSB study

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara discovered that female common market squid possess two distinct systems for reflecting light: Bragg reflection and Mie scattering. These systems allow the squid to switch between transparent and white colors, with the latter appearing as a result of condensation and dehydration of reflectins-based proteins.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateSep 18, 2013