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Science News for April 11, 2014


Protein researches closing in on the mystery of schizophrenia

Researchers analyzed proteins in rat brains after giving them hallucinogenic drugs, finding 352 proteins that respond to the drug and cause changes in behavior. These protein changes may be comparable to those in a schizophrenic brain, paving the way for new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateApr 11, 2014

To be an organ donor, specific attitudes trump general support, study finds

Research by the American Psychological Association found that people are more likely to register as organ donors if they have positive attitudes specifically about registering, rather than just supporting the idea of organ donation. Attitudes measured in surveys were key predictors of behavior.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalHealth Psychology·DateApr 11, 2014
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.

Brain cell discovery could open doors to targeted cancer therapies

Researchers have gained new understanding of how brain cells are formed and controlled by a key molecule miR-9, which is linked to brain development and function. This study could help explain what happens when cell production goes out of control in diseases like cancer.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 11, 2014

New data reveals positive outcomes for hepatitis C transplant patients

A new trial involving sofosbuvir demonstrated promising results for patients with recurring HCV post-liver transplant, achieving SVR12 in 62% of cases. Additionally, improvements in clinical conditions associated with hepatic decompensation and liver function tests were observed.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·DateApr 11, 2014

Splice variants reveal connections among autism genes

A team of researchers has discovered a network of protein interactions among autism genes, shedding light on how different variants of the same protein could alter the wiring of the entire system. The study highlights the importance of considering alternative splice forms in understanding autism genetics.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 11, 2014
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.

Sensitive balance in the immune system

A study published in Cell Death & Disease found that an overabundance of c-FLIPR protein disrupts the immune system's balance. Researchers discovered that this imbalance leads to autoantibodies attacking the body's own tissues, resulting in autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·JournalCell Death and Disease·DateApr 11, 2014

UAlberta researchers examine metabolism in defective cells

UAlberta researchers found that activating both AMPK and retrograde response pathways simultaneously can benefit cells with damaged mitochondria. This study provides a new concept for dealing with metabolic problems associated with mitochondrial disorders.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 11, 2014
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.

Berkeley graduate student brings extinct plants to life

A graduate student at UC Berkeley is using a new technique to recreate the appearance of ancient plants, shedding light on their evolution. The study, led by Jeff Benca, uses fossil fragments to create lifelike images of extinct plant species, including Leclercqia scolopendra, a centipede clubmoss from the Devonian Period.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateApr 11, 2014

OU History of Science department receives Sloan Foundation grant

The OU History of Science Department has received a $350,000 grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to build an innovative collaboration platform centered on the Isis Bibliography. The platform will make the entire bibliography available at no cost and provide users with digital tools for managing research and sharing work.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateApr 11, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nobel prize candidates wait often over 20 years to win their prize

The study found that average waiting times for Nobel prizes are increasing exponentially, with average age at which laureates receive the award also rising. This trend threatens to undermine the prestigious award, as the predicted average age among prizewinners could even exceed life expectancy by the end of this century.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature·DateApr 11, 2014

AWI researchers decipher climate paradox from the Miocene

A team of AWI climate scientists deciphered a climate paradox from the Miocene era by analyzing complex model simulations. The expansion of the Antarctic ice sheet led to changes in wind patterns, ocean currents, and sea ice in the Southern Ocean, resulting in warming regions despite cooling elsewhere.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 11, 2014

The ATM strikes back

Researchers developed a self-defending surface that releases hot foam to deter attackers, protecting cash boxes in ATMs. The film is made of plastic layers filled with chemicals that mix when damaged, producing a violent reaction.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateApr 11, 2014

Immunotherapy could help tackle tough liver cancer

Researchers have discovered an immunotherapeutic approach to treating liver cancer, utilizing isolated T-cell receptors that can recognize and eliminate liver cancer cells. This new treatment option holds promise for patients with limited treatment options, including those with advanced stage HCC.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·DateApr 11, 2014
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Viral hepatitis more deadly than HIV in Europe

A recent study found that mortality from viral hepatitis is significantly higher than from HIV/AIDS across EU countries. In 2010, there were nearly 90,000 deaths due to hepatitis C and nearly 31,000 deaths due to hepatitis B, compared to just over 8,000 deaths from HIV/AIDS.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·DateApr 11, 2014

New self-healing plastics developed

Scientists at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology have developed a chemical crosslinking reaction that ensures good short-term healing properties of the material under mild heating. The self-healing mechanism can be initiated by heat, light or chemical substance.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 11, 2014

Greenland ice cores show industrial record of acid rain, success of US Clean Air Act

Researchers found evidence of the U.S. Clean Air Act in Greenland ice cores, showing a link between air acidity and nitrogen preservation. The study suggests that the relationship between emissions and isotopes is less direct than thought, with sulfur and nitrogen emissions contributing to the final signal recorded in the ice cores.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2014
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.

The taming of the shrew

Researchers have discovered that the bicolored shrew acts as a 'pathogen reservoir' for the Borna virus, transmitting it to horses. The virus is not directly contagious and requires an intermediate host to spread, highlighting the importance of keeping shrews away from stables to prevent transmission.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 11, 2014

Odds that global warming is due to natural factors: Slim to none

A new study by McGill University professor Shaun Lovejoy uses statistical analysis to determine the probability that global warming since 1880 is due to natural variability. The study concludes that the natural-warming hypothesis can be ruled out with confidence levels greater than 99%, and most likely greater than 99.9%.

SourceMcGill University·JournalClimate Dynamics·DateApr 11, 2014
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.