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Science News for April 20, 2012


ALS patients differ on treatment choices in later phases of disease

Researchers found that ALS patients who receive feeding tubes before emergency situations fare better, with longer median survival and lower mortality rates. Patients also have polarized preferences for expensive treatments like Riluzole, which modestly prolongs length of life.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateApr 20, 2012

Tackling the European market of nanoimprint lithography

The EU nanoimprint lithography market is evolving rapidly, with numerous applications across industries. Key findings include the development of production tools and materials, and the potential up-scaling of nanoimprinting to large areas and high-throughput.

SourceCatalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2)·DateApr 20, 2012
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Range of diagnostic spinal fluid tests needed to differentiate concurrent brain diseases

A team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has demonstrated that a range of diagnostic spinal fluid tests are needed to differentiate between brain diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. The studies found that biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid, including tau and amy...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateApr 20, 2012

Marine scientists urge government to reassess oil spill response

Researchers propose a new model for understanding deep-water oil spills, emphasizing the importance of retaining most oil at depth and questioning dispersant efficacy. The study highlights gaps in scientific understanding and argues for increased research funding to better prepare society for future spills.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalBioScience·DateApr 20, 2012

Clinical news alert from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Researchers investigated non-emergent musculoskeletal injuries in soldiers returning from combat, finding that nearly 19% required orthopaedic consultations. Another study estimated the incidence of symptomatic venous thromboembolism after elective knee arthroscopy, revealing a relatively low risk for complications.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateApr 20, 2012
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.

Meat eating behind humans' spreading over the globe

A study by Lund University researchers reveals that meat-eating is linked to the timing of weaning in mammals, which may have contributed to human population expansion globally. The study found that carnivorous species, including humans, have shorter breast-feeding periods than herbivores and omnivores.

SourceLund University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 20, 2012

Study finds that mild winters are detrimental to butterflies

A recent study found that mild winters can be detrimental to certain butterfly species due to their higher metabolic rates and limited ability to conserve energy. However, some caterpillars adapted to warmer winters showed improved resilience by lowering their metabolic sensitivity.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 20, 2012

Potato consumption lower than expected

A new analysis of NHANES data shows that school-aged children consumed less than 1% of their daily caloric intake from white potatoes, while adults averaged around 3-4% of total calories. White potatoes are packed with essential nutrients, including potassium and dietary fiber.

SourceStrategic Communications·DateApr 20, 2012

Hinode and SOHO paint an asymmetrical picture of the sun

Researchers analyze Hinode and SOHO data to show the north pole's magnetic field is weakening faster than predicted, while the south pole's polarity remains unchanged. The findings suggest an imminent solar maximum, potentially occurring before 2013, with significant implications for solar activity and space weather forecasts.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 20, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UTMB scientist awarded $150,000 by March of Dimes

The March of Dimes Foundation has awarded UTMB assistant professor Muge Kuyumcu-Martinez a two-year $150,000 grant to support her research on congenital heart defects. The award will enable her to study the protein kinase C pathway and its interactions with genes using cell-culture and transgenic mouse experiments.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·DateApr 20, 2012

SEBM Young Investigator Awards for 2012

The Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine (SEBM) has awarded ten young investigators for their groundbreaking research in the field of biomedical sciences. The awardees include Jie Xie and Zachary Berwick from Indiana University, who investigated human adipose-derived stem cells and coronary microvascular dysfunction respectively.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·DateApr 20, 2012

Women with heart disease more likely to have baby girls

A new study at the World Congress of Cardiology found that women with diagnosed heart disease are more likely to give birth to female babies. The study, which reviewed 200 pregnant women with cardiac disease, found that 75% of their children were female.

SourceWorld Heart Federation·DateApr 20, 2012
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.

Scientists find Achilles' heel in life-threatening malaria parasites

Researchers found a common protein target among severe malaria strains, which can be blocked by antibodies to prevent rosette formation and severe illness. The discovery may inform the development of new treatments or vaccines against life-threatening cases of malaria.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateApr 20, 2012

Single-neuron observations mark steps in Alzheimer's disease

A study published in Nature Communications reveals the progressive decline of function in cortical circuits due to Alzheimer's disease. Researchers observed correlations between beta-amyloid increases and dysfunctional developments in individual neurons, neuronal circuits, sensory cognition, and behavior.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 20, 2012
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.

Your left side is your best side

Researchers found that images of the left side of the face are rated as more pleasant than those of the right side, possibly due to increased emotion intensity. The study also showed a strong preference for left-sided portraits in real-life photographs and confirmation from pupil size measurements.

SourceSpringer·JournalExperimental Brain Research·DateApr 20, 2012

Low-cost optical components through nanoimprinting lithography

The NaPANIL project demonstrated the potential of nanoimprinting lithography to create low-cost optical components with various applications. The project showcased three main demonstrators: an OLED Head-Up Display, a Functional Light Directional Element, and a Planar Diffactive Optical Element.

SourceCatalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2)·DateApr 20, 2012
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.

Omega-3 fatty acids may help to reduce the physical harm caused by smoking

A recent study found that short-term treatment with omega-3 fatty acids improves arterial stiffness and moderates the negative effects of smoking on vascular elastic properties in smokers. The cardioprotective effects of omega-3 fatty acids are attributed to their anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic properties.

SourceWorld Heart Federation·DateApr 20, 2012

Warwick scientists uncover how 'checkpoint' proteins bind chromosomes

Researchers at the University of Warwick discovered the precise mechanism by which spindle checkpoint proteins bind chromosomes. This breakthrough understanding could lead to the development of more selective and effective cancer drugs, potentially reducing debilitating side effects.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 20, 2012
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.

History is key factor in plant disease virulence

A new study reveals that the pattern of gene regulation in plant pathogens is shaped by their past environments, not just their genetic makeup. This finding has significant implications for disease control and may require a new approach to regulating microbial activity.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 20, 2012

New genetic mechanism of immune deficiency discovered

Researchers have identified a novel genetic mechanism underlying idiopathic CD4 lymphopenia, an immunodeficiency characterized by low levels of CD4 T cells. The mutation affects Unc119's ability to activate T cells and reduce Lck signaling, leading to impaired T cell proliferation.

SourceNational Jewish Health·DateApr 20, 2012

Doctors find cochlear implants restore hearing in rare disorder

Researchers at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center found cochlear implantation provides robust and long-term hearing restoration for patients with advanced otosclerosis. The study used newer surgical techniques to minimize complications, demonstrating an effective treatment option for this challenging group of patients.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·DateApr 20, 2012

WSU announces $5 million investment to support organic ag, model farm

The university's organic farm will be expanded from four acres to nearly 30 acres with the new investment, providing a leading platform for organic teaching and research. This $5 million donation by alumni and natural foods pioneers Chuck and Louanna Eggert will greatly enhance WSU's role in promoting sustainable agriculture nationwide.

SourceWashington State University·DateApr 20, 2012
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.

Study finds soda consumption increases overall stroke risk

Consuming sugar-sweetened and low-calorie sodas is associated with a higher risk of stroke, while decaffeinated coffee may reduce the risk. Higher soda consumption also leads to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and lower physical activity rates.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateApr 20, 2012

SEBM Distinguished Scientist Awards for 2012

Lloyd L. Anderson and Holly A. LaVoie receive SEBM's 2012 Distinguished Scientist Award for their groundbreaking contributions to biomedicine. The awards ceremony will take place on April 22nd in San Diego, honoring these pioneering scientists.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·DateApr 20, 2012
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

NCEAS researchers offer new ecological model for deep-water oil spills

Researchers have created a new conceptual model for understanding deep-water oil spills, emphasizing the importance of mid-water and deep ocean impacts. The study highlights major gaps in scientific understanding and calls for further investigation into long-term effects.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalBioScience·DateApr 20, 2012

SEBM Best Paper Awards for articles published in 2011

The Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine (SEBM) recognizes the best papers published in 2011, with winners awarded in Clinical/Preclinical and Translational Research, Experimental Biology, and Interdisciplinary Research. The Interdisciplinary Research Award honors Nobel Laureate Dr. Alan MacDiamid.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·DateApr 20, 2012
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.