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Science News Archive November 2008


Page 15 of 20

Study doubles species diversity of enigmatic 'flying lemurs'

A new report published in Current Biology reveals that the Sunda colugo has at least three separate species, with each geographic region harboring its own unique species. The findings have important conservation implications for these enigmatic mammals.

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.

New performance measures on performance measurement and reperfusion therapy

The document provides a comprehensive assessment of care by establishing new performance measures, including the importance of acute reperfusion therapy and the need for accountability in providing timely treatment. It also addresses concerns about exclusion criteria and the determination of when measurement stops.

Evidence does not support current guidelines for use of beta-blocker therapy

A meta-analysis of 33 trials found no significant reduction in mortality risk with beta-blockers in non-cardiac surgery patients, but did reduce heart attack and vessel blockage risk; however, it also increased stroke risk. The authors call for reevaluation of guidelines until conclusive evidence is available.

3 clinical features identified to avoid misdiagnosis of TIAs

Studies found three clinical features that can help accurately diagnose transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), including the speed of onset and a patient's medical history. These features correctly classified 79% of cases, leading to improved diagnosis accuracy and reduced risk of misdiagnosis.

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.

Battling bacteria in the blood: Researchers tackle deadly infections

New computer-based models describe how bacteria act within blood vessels and can be filtered out, offering insights into treatment options for bacteremia and sepsis. The models validate laboratory experiments in mice and have implications for developing new treatments for deadly bacterial infections.

Wake Forest Baptist to receive nearly $2 million to expand geriatrics program

The grant will support the development of leaders in geriatric medicine and teaching programs, as well as new training opportunities for medical students and residents. The Wake Forest University School of Medicine will also establish a curriculum for specialty physicians to integrate geriatrics principles into their teaching programs.

Liquid or solid? Charged nanoparticles in lipid membrane decide

Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered a new way to stimulate patchiness in phospholipid membranes using charged nanoparticles. This phenomenon allows the membrane to coexist in two phases - solid and liquid - depending on what binds to it, offering a new mechanism for modulating stiffness in membranes.

Crossing the digital divide

A new study by the Oregon Evidence-based Practice Center finds that patients are more likely to use interactive health IT systems when they perceive a real health benefit and receive tailored feedback. The most effective disease self-management systems provide a complete feedback loop with active participation from physicians, current ...

What makes an axon an axon?

Scientists have discovered that a protein banished from mature axons allows them to transform into dendrites. This process could occur after nerve cell damage, raising possibilities for the reverse transformation.

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.

Caring for the caregiver: Redefining the definition of patient

A recent Indiana University study reveals that 25% of family caregivers of Alzheimer's patients visit the emergency room or are hospitalized every six months. The study emphasizes the need for a broader definition of patient to include both the individual with dementia and their caregiver.

Eliminating soda from school diets does not affect overall consumption

Reducing availability of sugar-sweetened beverages in schools had limited effect on total consumption by adolescents. Consumption of SSB decreased across all students, regardless of whether they attended an intervention or control school, suggesting that successful reduction can occur but may not lead to significant change.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tillage, rotation impacts peanut crops

A new study published in Agronomy Journal reveals that reduced tillage can increase peanut crop yields, but the effects of crop rotation and tillage on pest development are more complex. The research found an independent relationship between tillage and rotation practices with respect to peanut yield and pest development.

November/December 2008 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

Studies examine racial and ethnic disparities in hypertension care and control, finding that racial disparities contribute to nearly 8,000 preventable deaths from heart disease and stroke annually. Researchers also investigate how medication prescribing and blood pressure control vary between ethnic groups in England, revealing signifi...

Reynolds Foundation awards UT Southwestern grant to expand geriatric training

The Donald W. Reynolds Foundation has awarded UT Southwestern Medical Center a nearly $2 million grant to expand geriatric training in the medical school curriculum. The Southwestern Aging and Geriatrics Education (SAGE) program will improve physician trainees' knowledge, skills, and attitudes towards caring for elderly patients.

No drop in IQ seen after bypass for child heart surgery

Researchers found no significant difference between pediatric patients who underwent cardiopulmonary bypass and those who did not, in terms of I.Q. scores and neuropsychological tests. The study provides good news for school-aged children with less complex heart defects undergoing surgery.

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.

Getting little sleep may be associated with risk of heart disease

A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that sleeping less than seven and a half hours per day is associated with future risk of heart disease. Patients with shorter sleep duration plus overnight increased blood pressure had a higher incidence of heart disease.

Sexual intimacy and breast cancer survivors: New research

A new study by Indiana University found that young female breast cancer survivors experience significant problems related to sexual arousal, desire, and orgasm. Many reported vaginal dryness, genital pain, premature menopause, fatigue, and fertility issues, highlighting the need for research on strategies to address these challenges.

Study improves recovery for mothers with depression

A new therapy programme has been developed to treat depression in women in developing countries, improving recovery rates and reducing serious consequences. The programme, using community health workers, was tested in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and showed significant results.

Antibiotic use increases at academic medical centers

Between 2002 and 2006, antibiotic use increased significantly at academic medical centers, driven by broader-spectrum agents and vancomycin. This trend is concerning, as it can lead to the development of drug-resistant bacteria, increasing illness, death, and healthcare costs.

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.

Pollinator decline not reducing crop yields just yet

Despite pollinator decline, global crop yields have consistently grown at 1.5% per year since 1961 due to agricultural improvements. However, research detected warning signs of growing demand for pollinators and declining yield growth in highly dependent crops.

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.

New study finds obese women more impulsive than other females

A new study by University of Alabama at Birmingham researchers found that obese women display significantly weaker impulse control than normal-weight women. The study's findings suggest that eating-related disinhibition may be a key factor in this difference.

Stroke patients soon may have fun, high-tech tool

Researchers at the University of Central Florida are developing a virtual reality program to help stroke survivors improve their range of motion. The program, which will track patients' progress, aims to make physical therapy exercises more engaging and enjoyable, encouraging patients to work harder and increase their mobility.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

When a good nanoparticle goes bad

Nanoparticles were found to be better at increasing chemical reaction rates than others due to their unique properties. However, even the most effective nanoparticles can become ineffective over time through spontaneous degradation.

Research hightlights, AAO-SOE Joint Meeting, Nov. 9 sessions

A study found that interleukin-6, a biochemical marker in the blood, is significantly higher in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and correlates with oxidative stress. Additionally, collagen crosslinking treatment has shown promising results in stabilizing keratoconus patients' vision.

Eye conditions linked with obstructive sleep apnea

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have identified associations between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and various eye diseases, including primary open-angle glaucoma, normal-tension glaucoma, flopsy eyelid syndrome, nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, and papilledema. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for patients with OSA.

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.

Mental health linked to stillbirth and newborn deaths

Women with serious mental illnesses are at least twice as likely to experience stillbirths or newborn deaths compared to those without such conditions. Research revealed that mothers with schizophrenia have a higher risk of stillbirth, while those with other psychotic illnesses face significant complications during childbirth.

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.

Flu shots may cut risk of blood clots forming in veins

Research suggests that flu vaccination can lower the risk of venous thrombotic embolism (VTE) in people with cardiovascular disease. The protective effect was more pronounced in those under 52 years old. Further studies are needed to confirm this relationship and explore underlying mechanisms.

HIV's disguises no match for 'bionic assassins'

Researchers have engineered killer T-cells with a receptor that can recognize and destroy HIV-infected cells, regardless of the virus's disguise. This technology may lead to a powerful therapy for HIV treatment and could also be applied to other infectious agents.

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.

Quintet of proteins forms new, early-warning blood test before heart attack strikes

A team of Johns Hopkins biochemists identified five key proteins that may form the basis of an accurate early warning test for impending heart attacks. The test could provide advance warning to paramedics and physicians during the critical window before ischemia causes substantial heart tissue damage, allowing for urgent treatment to p...

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Yale researchers unravel mystery of brain aneurysms

A study published in Nature Genetics has identified three chromosome segments where common genetic variations can create significant risk for ruptured aneurysms, leading to strokes. The findings could lead to new screening tests and therapies to strengthen blood vessels in the brain.

Cancer drugs my build and not tear down blood vessels

Researchers found that blocking VEGF levels in a tumor props up existing blood vessels, making them stronger and more normal. This makes the tumor more susceptible to chemotherapy drugs, offering a new strategy for cancer treatment.

MP3 headphones interfere with implantable defibrillators, pacemakers

Researchers found that 14 out of 60 patients experienced detectable interference when MP3 headphones were placed near their implanted devices. Prolonged exposure to high magnetic fields can cause pacemakers to deliver signals without regard to the patient's heart rhythm, while defibrillators may temporarily deactivate.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Simple brain mechanisms explain arbitrary human visual decisions

Scientists report that a simple decision-making task does not involve the frontal lobes, instead relying on the parietal lobe to process sensory information and control responses. This finding challenges the traditional view of human decision-making as willful acts, suggesting that many decisions may be driven by automatic processes.

Hispanics less likely to have repeat revascularizations 1 year after angioplasty

A study by the American Heart Association found that Hispanic patients were 57% less likely than Caucasian patients to undergo coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) one year after successful angioplasty. Hispanics also had a trend toward lower rates of overall repeat revascularization procedures, including stenting and bypass surgery.

Annuals converted into perennials

Researchers have discovered that only two genes are necessary for converting annuals into perennials, allowing plants to store energy in specialized cells and continue growing for a long time. This breakthrough has significant implications for agriculture and the evolution of plant life strategies.

AAO-SOE Joint Meeting Nov. 9 glaucoma research highlights

A study found a correlation between optic nerve damage in glaucoma patients and significant carotid artery narrowing, potentially increasing stroke risk. Additionally, a survey on religious beliefs and fasting reveals that adherence to faith-related taboos can impact patient compliance with ocular treatment.

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.