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Science News for February 7, 2014


Study identifies protein to repair damaged brain tissue in MS

A study published in Neuron has identified a small protein, Endothelin-1, that can be targeted to promote repair of damaged brain tissue in multiple sclerosis patients. The molecule inhibits myelin repair, and blocking it or using genetic approaches may help restore myelin in the brain.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 7, 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.

Tiny soft medicine factories

Researchers at Aarhus University have developed tiny, degradable 'medicine factories' inside the body that can produce specific medicines in response to specific enzymes. The technology, funded by a €2 million ERC grant, has the potential to revolutionize pain relief and cancer treatment.

SourceAarhus University·DateFeb 7, 2014

WASP gives NASA's planetary scientists new observation platform

WASP offers sub arc-second accuracy and stability, enabling planetary scientists to study Jupiter and other celestial bodies. The device allows for flexible, standardized support of multiple science payloads, freeing researchers to focus on instrument development.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 7, 2014

Fish biomass in the ocean is 10 times higher than estimated

A study published in Nature Communications reveals that mesopelagic fish have a stock estimated at 10,000 million tons, surpassing previous estimates of 1,000 million tons. This discovery has significant implications for the understanding of carbon fluxes in the ocean and the operation of ocean deserts.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study provides surprising new clue to the roots of hunger

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have identified the paraventricular nucleus as a key player in regulating hunger. By mapping neural circuits and manipulating upstream neurons, the team discovered that this brain region communicates with AgRP neurons to drive intense motivation for food.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNature·DateFeb 7, 2014

Against thirst and drought

The MARSOL project aims to address water shortage in the Mediterranean region by storing excess water in aquifers, reducing crop losses and mitigating droughts. Eight field sites across Greece, Portugal, Spain, Malta, Italy, and Israel are being studied for their specific approaches to water storage.

SourceTechnische Universitat Darmstadt·DateFeb 7, 2014
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Thinking skills take biggest hit from anxiety in midlife women with HIV

A new analysis of data from the Women's Interagency HIV Study reveals that anxiety is the biggest factor affecting thinking skills in midlife women with HIV. Mental processing speed and verbal memory were more closely linked to depression, anxiety, and hot flashes in both HIV-infected and healthy women.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·DateFeb 7, 2014

Researchers at UGent and VIB, discovered potential novel treatment against septic shock

Researchers at VIB and UGent have discovered a potential novel treatment for sepsis by neutralizing two harmful cytokines in the blood circulation. This approach may benefit from existing anti-cytokine treatments already in clinical use, offering renewed hope for combating this life-threatening disease.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateFeb 7, 2014

Dating is refined for the Atapuerca site where Homo antecessor appeared

Researchers at the Spanish National Research Centre for Human Evolution have clarified that the sediment of Gran Dolina, where the first remains of Homo antecessor were discovered, is 900,000 years old. This finding has led to major advancements in our knowledge of human evolution and occupation of Eurasia.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateFeb 7, 2014

Study shows drop in crime rates is less where Wal-Mart builds

A new study found that counties where Wal-Mart built stores experienced a less significant drop in crime rates compared to other counties. The study, which analyzed data from over 3,000 US counties, suggests that the retailer's presence may even contribute to higher crime rates in areas with existing social issues.

SourceUniversity of South Carolina·JournalThe British Journal of Criminology·DateFeb 7, 2014

Social or stinky? New study reveals how animal defenses evolve

Researchers analyzed predator-prey interactions among carnivorous mammals and birds of prey to explain the evolution of antipredator traits. They found that noxious spraying is favored by nocturnal animals, while sociality is favored by diurnal species.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEvolution·DateFeb 7, 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.

NASA spots fourteenth tropical cyclone of Southern Indian Ocean season

The fourteenth tropical cyclone of the Southern Indian Ocean season was identified by NASA's Terra satellite on February 7. Cloud top temperatures indicating strong convection and powerful thunderstorms were observed north of the center of circulation. The cyclone is expected to intensify before turning southwest and weakening.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 7, 2014

New method developed for ranking disease-causal mutations within whole genome sequences

Researchers have developed a new method to rank disease-causal mutations within whole genome sequences, providing a more comprehensive approach to identifying genetic variants linked to disease. The Combined Annotation-Dependent Depletion (CADD) method assigns scores to mutations across the entire genome, not just protein-coding regions.

SourceHudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 7, 2014

Diaphragm pacing in spinal cord injury successful in weaning patients from ventilators

A new study published in the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery finds that diaphragm pacing stimulation is effective in weaning patients with spinal cord injuries from mechanical ventilators. The treatment can also bridge patients to independent respiration, allowing them to breathe on their own without assistance.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalJournal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery·DateFeb 7, 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.

Protein structure: Peering into the transit pore

Researchers have successfully imaged the critical transition of proteins passing through a transit pore in cell membranes. The study reveals a side-door within the channel that opens to allow proteins to diffuse into the membrane, and provides new insights into protein function and dynamics.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature·DateFeb 7, 2014

Bottom-up insight into crowd dynamics

Researchers developed a procedure for comparing different crowd models and evaluating their accuracy using real-world data. A bottom-up model focused on individual behavior was found to best match real-world evacuation data, providing insights into safety planning and crowd dynamics.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateFeb 7, 2014

Shape-sifting: NIST categorizes bio scaffolds by characteristic cell shapes

Researchers at NIST have developed a way to measure and classify the shapes cells take in different environments. By analyzing these shapes, they can compare and differentiate various scaffolds used in tissue engineering, enabling more effective cell growth and development into viable tissues.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalBiomaterials·DateFeb 7, 2014
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.

Variability of contact precaution policies in US emergency departments

Researchers found significant disparity in US emergency department (ED) adoption of contact precautions policies, with only specific organisms prompting measures, not symptoms. The study highlights the need for EDs to implement standardized policies to protect patients and staff.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateFeb 7, 2014

New plant species a microcosm of biodiversity

Biologists discovered a new plant species, Piper kelleyi, that is home to an estimated 40-50 insect species, most of which are entirely dependent on the plant for survival. The study highlights the importance of unique plant compounds in driving evolution and biodiversity.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalPhytoKeys·DateFeb 7, 2014

Ice age's arctic tundra lush with wildflowers for woolly mammoths, study finds

A recent study in Nature finds that the Arctic tundra during the last ice age was teeming with colorful wildflowers, providing sustenance for giant grazing animals like woolly mammoths. The research, led by Kansas State University's Joseph Craine, challenges conventional views of the region's vegetation history.

SourceKansas State University·JournalNature·DateFeb 7, 2014

Anderson recognized with TMS Application to Practice Award

Anderson's work on powder metallurgy and rapid solidification has led to the development of innovative materials, including rare earth compounds, magnetic materials, and lightweight porous materials. He is recognized for his ability to address both scientific and technical challenges and bring new materials to commercial use.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·DateFeb 7, 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.

Computer models help decode cells that sense light without seeing

Researchers used computer models to study the melanopsin pigment in the eye, finding it may be more sensitive to light than its counterpart rhodopsin. The study could lead to new technologies and a better understanding of diseases like seasonal affecting disorders.

SourceOhio Supercomputer Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 7, 2014

New application of physics tools used in biology

Researchers found a new application of physics tools in understanding epigenetic memory, which is how organisms create a biological memory of certain conditions. The study highlights the interdisciplinary nature of modern molecular biology and shows how mathematical models can help clarify complex biological problems.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·DateFeb 7, 2014

The biomass of ocean mesopelagic fish is 10 times higher than estimated

Researchers have discovered that ocean mesopelagic fish biomass is at least 10 times higher than estimated, with significant implications for the planet's biogeochemical cycles. These deep-sea fish play a crucial role in transporting CO2 to the ocean floor and increasing oxygen consumption.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 2014

'Steak-knife' teeth reveal ecology of oldest land predators

Researchers have discovered that the oldest land predator, Dimetrodon, had 'steak-knife' teeth with serrated edges, allowing it to efficiently eat large prey. The study suggests a gradual change in feeding habits over 25 million years of evolution.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 2014

Stroke trigger more deadly for African-Americans

African-Americans are 39 times more likely to die from a stroke after an infection compared to other ethnic groups. Infection promotes blood clot formation and fat buildup in arteries, contributing to higher stroke mortality rates among blacks.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 7, 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.

Smithsonian reports GMO soybean pollen threatens Mexican honey sales

Researchers from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute have found GMO soybean pollen in six honey samples from Mexico, sparking concerns over its impact on honey exports. The presence of GMO pollen could lead to significant price cuts or rejection of honey products under European regulations.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 7, 2014

Women fare worse than men following stroke

A study published in Neurology found that women who survived a stroke had a lower quality of life compared to men. At three months post-stroke, women were more likely to report problems with mobility, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression, with these differences diminishing at one year.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 7, 2014

Video by UC Riverside lab receives honorable mention in international competition

The UC Riverside lab, led by Professor Zhenbiao Yang, received an honorable mention for their short movie 'Visualizing Leaf Cells from Within' in the International Science & Engineering Visualization Challenge. The challenge, sponsored by NSF and Science magazine, selected the top winners from 227 submissions across 12 countries.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateFeb 7, 2014