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Science News for January 12, 2014


It's all coming back to me now: Researchers find caffeine enhances memory

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that caffeine enhances long-term memory in humans by improving pattern separation. The study used a double-blind trial where participants received either a placebo or a 200-milligram caffeine tablet, and showed that more members of the caffeine group correctly identified new images as simil...

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJan 12, 2014

Immune system development linked to leukemia

Researchers discovered a genetic signature that implicates key immune system mechanism in driving acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common form of childhood cancer. The study found that genomic rearrangement and deletions of DNA segments drive cancer progression.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 12, 2014

Non-coding DNA implicated in type 2 diabetes

Researchers found that variations in non-coding DNA sequences influence insulin-producing cell behavior in people with type 2 diabetes. Genome sequences controlling gene activity were identified, and genetic variants associated with diabetes risk were also linked to these clusters.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 12, 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.

High levels of molecular chlorine found in arctic atmosphere

High levels of molecular chlorine have been detected in the Arctic atmosphere, with concentrations peaking at 400 parts per trillion. The discovery highlights the potential for molecular chlorine to influence atmospheric chemistry and has implications for mercury cycling and ozone formation.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 12, 2014

Nature study discovers chromosome therapy to correct a severe chromosome defect

A research team, including Anthony Wynshaw-Boris and Shinya Yamanaka, successfully used induced pluripotent stem cell reprogramming to correct a defective ring chromosome with a normal one. This approach has potential to treat birth defects, mental disabilities, and growth limitations caused by chromosomal abnormalities.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature·DateJan 12, 2014
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.

UNC researchers find new route for better brain disorder treatments

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine and The Scripps Research Institute found a way to modulate specific pathways in opioid receptors, allowing for more precise targeting of brain diseases. This breakthrough could lead to better treatment options for chronic pain, Parkinson's disease, and depression with fewer side effects.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature·DateJan 12, 2014

Climate engineering -- what do the public think?

A new study found that the public has a strong negative view of climate engineering, with approaches like carbon capture and cloud brightening being better received. The results suggest that even well-regarded techniques still have a net negative perception.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 12, 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.

Multi-institutional team finds targetable mutation in rare brain tumor

A multi-institutional team has discovered a gene mutation associated with several cancers also drives a rare brain tumor called papillary craniopharyngioma. The BRAF mutation was found in 94% of tested papillary tumors, suggesting it could be targeted by existing therapies.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 12, 2014