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Science News for April 21, 2014


Why alcoholism saps muscle strength

Researchers found that mitochondria unable to self-repair are responsible for muscle weakness in both long-time alcoholics and patients with mitochondrial disease. The study identified a key protein, Mfn1, involved in skeletal muscle cell fusion.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateApr 21, 2014

Lack of breeding threatens blue-footed boobies' survival

A study published in Avian Conservation and Ecology reveals that the iconic Blue-footed Booby population has declined by over 50% in less than two decades. The drastic drop is attributed to a lack of sardines in their diet, leading adult birds to elect not to breed, which in turn causes the population to shrink.

SourceWake Forest University·JournalAvian Conservation and Ecology·DateApr 21, 2014

Today's Antarctic region once as hot as California, Florida

Parts of ancient Antarctica reached temperatures similar to today's California coast and Florida heat due to high CO2 levels. The study used a new method to measure past temperatures, providing insights into the sensitivity of the climate system to greenhouse gases.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2014
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.

Ecology team improves understanding of valley-wide stream chemistry

Researchers applied a geostatistical approach to assess headwater stream chemistry at high resolution, finding patterns that vary over short and long distances. The analysis reveals the influence of landscape processes on stream network chemistry, challenging traditional assumptions about water quality.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2014

Scientists find key steps linking dietary fats and colon cancer tumor growth

Researchers have identified PPAR delta as a crucial molecule linking dietary fats to colon cancer progression. The study found that deleting PPAR delta in a mouse model of colon cancer stopped key steps required for tumor growth, providing new clues for developing therapeutics.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2014

'Dustman' protein helps bin cancer cells

Researchers have discovered a new role for Cullin-5 in killing cancer cells by targeting proteins that drive cell division. The study suggests a possible test to identify responsive patients and develop more effective drugs.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 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.

Mental illness not usually linked to crime, research finds

A study of 429 crimes committed by 143 offenders with serious mental disorders found that only 7.5% were directly related to symptoms of mental illness. Most offenders who committed crimes with mental illness symptoms also had unrelated crimes for other reasons, such as poverty or substance abuse.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalLaw and Human Behavior·DateApr 21, 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.

The future of high-speed rail in the US and beyond

Wayne State University leads a two-and-a-half-year study on the imagination of high-speed rail in America, examining what motivates decision makers and users to champion or use trains. The research aims to understand how railway futures are shaped by urban growth plans and transportation visions.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateApr 21, 2014

Scientists target receptor to treat diabetic retinopathy

Researchers found that activating a receptor, Gpr109a, can inhibit inflammation in the retina and prevent vision damage in diabetes. The new grant will enable long-term studies to evaluate the therapeutic potential of this approach.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateApr 21, 2014

Earth Week: Bark beetles change Rocky Mountain stream flows, affect water quality

Research by hydrologists and scientists found that the death of millions of trees in Rocky Mountain regions due to bark beetles increases groundwater flow and changes water quality. The study used water chemistry to identify the source of streamflow and found a significant increase in late-summer groundwater contributions.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature Climate Change·DateApr 21, 2014
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.

Queuing theory helps physicist understand protein recycling

Using the subway analogy, a physicist is applying queuing theory to study protein traffic jams in cells. By understanding these bottlenecks, he aims to discover mechanisms for alleviating them and develop new tools for synthetic biology. This research has the potential to impact areas such as development, inflammation and cancer.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateApr 21, 2014

Malfunction in molecular 'proofreader' prevents repair of UV-induced DNA damage

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh discovered a malfunction in the molecular 'proofreading' machinery that repairs DNA damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) light. The protein UV-DDB makes stops along the DNA strand and transiently attaches to it, causing a proofreading change in its conformation, preventing repair in damaged areas.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2014
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.

'Upside-down planet' reveals new method for studying binary star systems

Astronomers confirm first self-lensing binary star system, where the closer star's mass is measured by its magnifying effect on light from its companion. This discovery improves research on white dwarfs and galaxy age, using gravitational lensing to reveal new insights into these celestial objects.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·DateApr 21, 2014

New approach may help manage the most troubling symptoms of dementia, lessen use of drugs

A new approach called DICE aims to reduce behavioral problems in dementia by empowering caregivers, patients, and health providers. The DICE method involves Describe, Investigate, Evaluate, and Create steps to change dementia patients' behavior through environmental modifications and other interventions.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 21, 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.

Grant to fund research on possible cell contaminants

Scientists at the University of Texas at Dallas are investigating the potential human health effects of multi-walled carbon nanotubes, tiny structures used in various products. The researchers will use advanced microscopy techniques to track how these nanotubes interact with human cells and determine their impact on health.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·DateApr 21, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Teachers' scare tactics may lead to lower exam scores

A recent study published by the American Psychological Association found that students who felt threatened by their teachers' messages about failing performed worse on exams than those who did not. The researchers suggest that teachers should consider using more positive and supportive messages to motivate students.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalSchool Psychology Quarterly·DateApr 21, 2014

MSU physicists push new Parkinson's treatment toward clinical trials

Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a promising new treatment for Parkinson's disease using a molecular tweezer that prevents protein aggregation. The molecule, CLR01, speeds up protein reconfiguration and has shown success in slowing the first step of aggregation, paving the way for clinical trials.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 21, 2014

Study: Centuries of sand to grow Mississippi Delta

Researchers found that the river's supply of sand, a key ingredient for rebuilding marshlands, will remain constant for at least 300 years. The study suggests that despite reduced sediment loads, the abundance of sand in the lower Mississippi River channel will continue to replenish wetlands.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 21, 2014
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

A plague in your family

The study analyzed 224 strains of Yersinia family members, revealing parallel independent evolution of pathogenicity in species like Yersinia pestis and enterocolitica. The researchers found that acquisition of specific genes and loss of metabolic functions are key traits for pathogenic species.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2014

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for April 22, 2014

The American College of Physicians advocates for a patient- and family-centered approach to physician training, recognizing the value of partnerships between healthcare professionals and their loved ones. The organization's proposal includes establishing guidelines for active participation of patients and families in medical care.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 21, 2014

Taking the pulse of mountain formation in the Andes

Scientists have found evidence that the Andes mountain range formed through periodic rapid pulses, not continuous gradual uplift. The Altiplano plateau rose by about 2.5 kilometers between 16 million and 9 million years ago, indicating a rapid rate in geologic terms.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateApr 21, 2014
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Progress made in developing nanoscale electronics

Scientists have successfully directed charges through single molecules using a bi-layer arrangement of organic molecules, enabling precise control over electronic properties. This breakthrough brings us closer to nanoscale circuitry, which could be used in various applications such as OLEDs and biomedical devices.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateApr 21, 2014

A protein required for integrity of induced pluripotent stem cells

A study reveals that SIRT1 is required for correct and safe cell reprogramming, ensuring healthy functioning of induced pluripotent stem cells. The protein helps maintain telomeres and prevents chromosome aberrations and DNA damage.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateApr 21, 2014

Safer alternatives to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain killers

Researchers have identified a potential new class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that target the mPGES-1 enzyme, which reduces oxidative damage and slows atherosclerosis in macrophages. This could lead to safer pain relief options without increasing heart disease risk.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2014

Scientists successfully use krypton to accurately date ancient Antarctic ice

Researchers have developed a new technique using radiometric krypton dating to accurately determine the age of Antarctic ice, dating back up to 1.5 million years. This breakthrough could help reconstruct Earth's climate history and understand the mechanisms that trigger ice ages.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2014
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.

Edible flowers may inhibit chronic diseases

Common edible flowers in China have excellent antioxidant capacity due to their high phenolic content, which has anti-inflammatory activity and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.

SourceInstitute of Food Technologists·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateApr 21, 2014

Fast, simple-to-use assay reveals the 'family tree' of cancer metastases

Researchers developed an assay to analyze poly-G repeat mutations in human cancer samples, revealing evolutionary relationships among tumor sites. The study found that individual patients had varying levels of genetic differences between primary tumors and metastases, suggesting early or late metastatic spread.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2014
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.

The anti-inflammatory factory

Researchers at Lomonosov Moscow State University and Pittsburgh University have identified a new biosynthetic pathway for lipid mediators, producing molecules that regulate inflammation and cell death. The study's findings could lead to the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 21, 2014

NASA sees wind shear affecting newborn Tropical Cyclone Jack

Tropical Cyclone Jack strengthened quickly after forming on April 20, but strong vertical wind shear is expected to weaken the storm. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center notes that despite this, the storm continued to build thunderstorms and elongate to the southeast.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 21, 2014

How often are unauthorized immigrant workers trafficked and abused?

A recent study published in The ANNALS found that more than 30% of undocumented migrant laborers are victims of labor trafficking, while 55% experience other forms of labor abuse. The research highlights the importance of improving working conditions for vulnerable workers and addressing the root causes of exploitation.

SourceSAGE·JournalThe Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science·DateApr 21, 2014

People selectively remember the details of atrocities that absolve in-group members

Researchers found that participants were more likely to forget justifications for atrocities committed by Afghan soldiers than American soldiers. However, they showed no memory impairment for unrepeated justifications when the perpetrator was American, highlighting the role of in-group membership in shaping memories.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 21, 2014
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.

Ginseng can treat and prevent influenza and RSV, researcher finds

Research by Sang-Moo Kang of Georgia State University found that ginseng can improve survival rates of human lung epithelial cells infected with the influenza A virus. Red ginseng extract also reduced inflammation and improved immune response. Additionally, Korean red ginseng extract inhibited RSV replication and suppressed inflammator...

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalNutrients·DateApr 21, 2014

Birthplace of the domesticated chili pepper identified in Mexico

An international team of researchers, led by a plant scientist at the University of California, Davis, reports that the domesticated chili pepper originated in central-east Mexico. The region, extending from southern Puebla and northern Oaxaca to southeastern Veracruz, was previously thought to be less suitable for the crop's origins.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2014