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Science News for August 28, 2012


ESC Acute Cardiovascular Care Association launched

The ESC has launched a new acute cardiovascular care association, expanding its scope to cover the entire first seven days of acute cardiovascular disease. The association aims to improve quality of care through an integrated patient-oriented approach.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 28, 2012

Beliefs drive investors more than preferences, study finds

A new study found that individual investors' decisions are primarily motivated by their beliefs about a stock's future rather than their feelings toward losses and gains. Investors act on their beliefs to speculate on stock prices, suggesting that the 'disposition effect' may be driven more by complex reasons than emotions.

SourceOhio State University·JournalReview of Financial Studies·DateAug 28, 2012

Less is more for reef-building corals

Research finds that coral reefs' ability to adapt to environmental changes is linked to the number and variety of single-celled algae they host. Inflexible corals, which host a single type of algae, are more resistant to stress than flexible corals, which host multiple types.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii ‑ SOEST·DateAug 28, 2012
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.

PRAGUE-12 trial: Randomized open multicenter study

The PRAGUE-12 trial revealed that surgical ablation using the MAZE procedure significantly improves sinus rhythm presence one year post-operatively among patients with permanent AF. However, it had no impact on mortality, stroke or other hard clinical outcomes during a one-year follow-up.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 28, 2012

NASA sees Tropical Storm Bolaven making landfall in North Korea

Tropical Storm Bolaven is generating heavy rainfall and has been causing concern for flooding as it makes landfall in North Korea and southeastern China. The storm's cloud cover was extensive, blanketing the region with heavy precipitation rates greater than 75 mm/hr.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 28, 2012

Not all lung cancer patients who could benefit from crizotinib are identified by FDA-approved test

A recent University of Colorado Cancer Center case study found a patient with ALK+ lung cancer who tested negative for the EML4-ALK fusion gene using the FDA-approved FISH assay, yet showed dramatic response to crizotinib. Next-gen sequencing revealed genetic shards that may have avoided detection by the test.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateAug 28, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Kepler discovers planetary system orbiting 2 suns

Astronomers discover the first transiting circumbinary multi-planet system, Kepler-47, which contains two planets orbiting around a pair of stars. The inner planet is the smallest known transiting circumbinary planet and orbits every 49 days, while the outer planet orbits every 303 days and is in the habitable zone.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalScience·DateAug 28, 2012

Patient and family engagement key to improved health care

The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation's Patient Care Program aims to improve healthcare by engaging patients and their families, reducing costs, and increasing patient safety. The program focuses on eliminating all preventable harms to adult patients in acute-care settings and reconfiguring clinical processes, care teams, and technolog...

SourceThe Reis Group·DateAug 28, 2012
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.

Early use of stents better than medical therapy alone for certain patients

Patients with stable coronary artery disease who have at least one narrowed blood vessel benefit from early stent placement, reducing hospitalization and urgent revascularization needs. The study used fractional flow reserve to identify eligible patients, which significantly reduces the risk of adverse events.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 28, 2012

NASA watching Isaac's approach to US Gulf Coast

Tropical Storm Isaac is expected to make landfall in the US Gulf Coast, bringing storm surge and heavy rainfall. NASA satellites are providing critical data for forecasters to track the storm's progress.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 28, 2012

30-day mortality after AMI drops with improved treatment

Improved treatment and management of acute myocardial infarction have led to significant reductions in 30-day mortality, from 12.9% to 3.9%, and in-hospital complications. The analysis suggests that the declines are due to both increased use of recommended interventions and earlier use of medications.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 28, 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.

Is long-term weight loss possible after menopause?

A new study finds that post-menopausal women's eating behaviors associated with short-term weight loss are not effective or sustainable for the long term. Strategies such as increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, and decreasing meat and cheese intake, may improve long-term weight loss outcomes.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateAug 28, 2012

Protein found to regulate red blood cell size and number

Researchers identified protein cyclin D3 as regulating RBC production, affecting size and quantity. The protein's role was confirmed through experiments on mouse and human cells, shedding light on the control of RBC characteristics.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalGenes & Development·DateAug 28, 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.

Male snails babysit for other dads

In a surprising discovery, male marine whelks carry the eggs of other males on their backs, with only one in four belonging to them. This unusual behavior provides insight into the complex family dynamics of these snails.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEcology Letters·DateAug 28, 2012

New method: Research team analyzes stress biology in babies

A research team found that infants' cortisol levels rise after waking up, with shorter pregnancies linked to lower cortisol rises. This new method could lead to diagnosing illnesses in hormone-producing organs and understanding the stress system's development in humans.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·DateAug 28, 2012

1.25 million euro for thermoacoustic imaging project

A new imaging technique called near-field thermoacoustics has the potential to benefit medical practitioners and biology researchers. The technique uses harmless electromagnetic radiation to create high-contrast images of normal tissues, tumors, and other pathological changes.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateAug 28, 2012
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.

Stanford researchers discover the 'anternet'

Ants use an algorithm to determine how many foragers to send out based on food availability, similar to internet protocols discovering available bandwidth. The discovery could inform the design of networked systems with ant-inspired algorithms.

SourceStanford University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateAug 28, 2012

Why are there so many species of beetles and so few crocodiles?

A recent study by UCLA researchers found that beetle diversity exceeds that of crocodiles, contradicting the long-held theory that older lineages produce more species. The team proposes that adaptive zones, which determine a lineage's ecological limit, play a crucial role in shaping species richness.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 28, 2012

General surgeons identify postoperative complications posing strongest readmission risk

Researchers found that postoperative gastrointestinal complications, infections, and sepsis carry the highest risk of hospital readmission. Patients with multiple complications are four times more likely to be readmitted than those with none. A reduction in these complications can significantly decrease readmission rates and financial ...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateAug 28, 2012
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.

The FAME 2 trial

The FAME 2 trial found that FFR-guided PCI plus optimal medical therapy significantly reduced the need for urgent revascularisation and hospital readmission in patients with stable coronary artery disease. The study also showed a lower risk of primary endpoint events, including death and heart attack.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 28, 2012

The beat goes in the brain

Researchers at the University of Illinois's Beckman Institute used periodic visual stimuli and EEG recordings to demonstrate that the brain's natural oscillations can be precisely timed to future repetitions of an event. This entrainment leads to a heightened visual awareness of the next event, improving processing in critical environm...

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Cognitive Neuroscience·DateAug 28, 2012

6 NARSAD Young Investigator Grants awarded to CAMH

Six CAMH researchers have received NARSAD Young Investigator Grants to investigate biological factors underlying schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and suicidal behaviour. The grants will fund research using advanced genetics, brain stimulation and brain imaging techniques, promising new treatments.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·DateAug 28, 2012

Women 40% less likely to die after TAVI than men

A recent study by the European Society of Cardiology has found that women with severe aortic stenosis experience lower mortality rates after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), with a 40% reduced risk compared to men. Despite higher risks of procedural complications, women outperformed men in terms of mortality.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 28, 2012
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.

Personalized antiplatelet treatment improves outcome after PCI

A study found that personalized antiplatelet treatment using platelet function testing improved clinical outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Non-responders to clopidogrel were given higher doses or alternative therapies, reducing stent thrombosis and acute coronary syndrome rates.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 28, 2012

Global platelet reactivity and high risk ACS patients

The study found that global platelet reactivity is a significant predictor of ischemic events in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who are at high risk. Patients who do not respond to clopidogrel therapy have a higher prevalence of adverse cardiovascular events, including ischemic events and cardiac death.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 28, 2012

Diagnosis often missed for Hispanic children with developmental delay, autism

A study of over 1,000 children found that Hispanic kids are more likely to be diagnosed with developmental delay than expected, highlighting the need for increased awareness and culturally relevant information. The results also suggest that bilingual children who receive secondary language exposure may have lower cognitive scores.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalAutism·DateAug 28, 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.

Omission of aspirin from antiplatelet regimen: The WOEST study

The WOEST study reveals that omitting aspirin in patients treated with oral anticoagulants and having a coronary stent is safe. Results show less bleeding and lower mortality rates compared to traditional triple therapy. This finding has significant implications for future treatment guidelines.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 28, 2012

Kindergarten readiness: Are shy kids at an academic disadvantage?

A University of Miami study found that shy preschool children start with lower academic skills and show slower gains than their peers. Children displaying shy behavior early on are at a greater risk of academic struggles, whereas loud and disruptive kids may benefit from specific educational strategies.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalJournal of School Psychology·DateAug 28, 2012

Study finds gene that predicts happiness in women

A new study has identified a gene that appears to make women happy, but not men. The low-expression form of the MAOA gene is associated with higher self-reported happiness in women.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalProgress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry·DateAug 28, 2012

Chinese credit card usage growing quickly, MU study finds

The study found that 30% of Chinese urban households own credit cards, with a growth rate of 40% per year between 2004 and 2009. However, most non-card holders are unaware of safety issues and have little knowledge of credit card consequences.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Family and Economic Issues·DateAug 28, 2012
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Why retire later?

A University of Michigan study proposes eliminating social security payroll taxes starting at age 55 to encourage workers to stay on the job. This would result in a 10.6% increase in take-home pay and a 1.5-year extension of working life.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Public Economics·DateAug 28, 2012

Study of tribe could help find East Asian skin color genes

Scientists investigate the genetic differences between East Asians and Europeans to understand why East Asians have lighter skin but lower skin cancer rates. The study focuses on the Senoi indigenous tribe in Peninsular Malaysia, which is believed to include a mix of African and Asian ancestry.

SourcePenn State·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 28, 2012
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.

Better air quality indicators are needed for the world's cities

Better air quality indicators are needed to address the risks of global urbanization on health. The World Health Organization estimates that outdoor air pollution causes 1.34 million premature deaths annually, with many low- and middle-income countries lacking reliable data.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 28, 2012

The raccoon spreads dangerous diseases as it invades Europe

The expanding raccoon population in Europe threatens native species and human health with infectious diseases such as rabies and Baylisascaris procyonis. The spread of these illnesses is linked to the raccoon's adaptability, high reproductive potential, and lack of natural predators.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalBiological Invasions·DateAug 28, 2012
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.

URMC researchers connect new genetic signature to leukemia

Researchers at URMC have identified a new genetic signature for leukemia that can be used to target rogue cells. They found approximately 70 genes associated with the growth and survival of leukemia cells, opening up new avenues for drug discovery.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateAug 28, 2012

Ten year decline in ischemic stroke after AMI

A Swedish registry analysis found a significant decline in ischemic stroke risk after AMI over the past decade. The risk decreased by 21% from 4.7% in 1998-2000 to 3.8% in 2007-2008, likely due to improved care and modernization of coronary care.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 28, 2012

Can branding improve school lunches?

Researchers found that branding apples with Elmo stickers increased children's preference for fruit over cookies. The study suggests that similar tactics can be used to promote healthier eating in school cafeterias.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateAug 28, 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.

New PLOS collection: Child mortality estimation methods

A new collection of articles introduces methodological innovations for estimating child mortality, crucial for monitoring progress toward the MDG goal. The UN IGME's evidence-based estimates are necessary for planning national and global health strategies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 28, 2012

Space-warping white dwarfs produce gravitational waves

A team of astronomers has detected gravitational waves at optical wavelengths in light from a pair of eclipsing white dwarf stars. The effect, predicted by Einstein's theory of general relativity, causes the stars to inch closer together and orbit each other faster.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 28, 2012
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

ICU study awarded grant from Moore Foundation

A multi-center study of intensive care units (ICUs) led by UCSF faculty aims to better understand the nature of team-based care and patient involvement in ICU settings. The study, funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, is expected to decrease healthcare costs and improve patient safety.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateAug 28, 2012

Advanced CT scans accurately assess coronary blockages

A new study using ultra-fast CT scanners accurately assesses coronary blockages and determines which patients need revascularization. The results showed an excellent correlation with traditional means of assessment, allowing for more certainty in diagnosing patients with chest pain without evidence of a heart attack.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateAug 28, 2012

Entomological Society of America names 2012 Honorary Members

The Entomological Society of America has selected three new entomologists, Dr. Elizabeth F. Beckmeyer, Dr. Steve Clement, and Dr. Victoria Y. Yokoyama, as Honorary Members for their 20+ years of significant involvement in the Society's affairs. They will be honored at the Awards Ceremony in Knoxville, Tennessee this November.

SourceEntomological Society of America·DateAug 28, 2012

30-day mortality after AMI drops with improved treatment

Analysis of four French registries from 1995 to 2010 shows significant improvements in management and outcomes for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients, resulting in a notable decrease in 30-day mortality rates. This improvement is attributed to increased use of coronary angiography/PCI and early adoption of recommended medications.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 28, 2012
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.

Kepler discovers planetary system orbiting two suns

Kepler-47b and Kepler-47c are the smallest known transiting circumbinary planets, with masses of 8 and 20 times that of Earth. The outer planet, Kepler-47c, is located within the habitable zone and orbits every 303 days, making it a promising candidate for hosting liquid water.

SourceInternational Astronomical Union·JournalScience·DateAug 28, 2012

Ten year decline in ischemic stroke after AMI

Ischemic stroke risk after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) dropped significantly, from 4.7% in 1998-2000 to 3.8% in 2007-2008, due to improved AMI care. Reperfusion therapy, blood clot dissolving therapy, and statins were found to be independent predictors of reduced stroke risk.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 28, 2012

Johns Hopkins' Armstrong Institute receives $8.9 million patient safety grant

The Johns Hopkins Armstrong Institute for Patient Safety and Quality has received an $8.9 million grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to focus on hospital intensive care units and prevent harms by engaging patients and their families in their care. The institute aims to improve outcomes using a systems engineering approach...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateAug 28, 2012
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.

How 'beige' fat makes the pounds melt away

Scientists have decoded signals that boost the burning of fat, focusing on the conversion of white fat cells into beige fat cells. Beige fat cells are efficient at converting energy from food into heat and can form from white fat cells.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience Signaling·DateAug 28, 2012

Smoking after stroke increases death risk by 3-fold

Patients who resume smoking after a stroke are at three times the risk of dying within a year, with early relapse increasing mortality. The study highlights the importance of comprehensive smoking cessation interventions for post-stroke patients.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 28, 2012

Chinese scientists successfully crack the genome of diploid cotton

The genome sequence of diploid cotton (Gossypium raimondii) has been completed, providing a valuable resource for studying cotton quality and output. The study reveals insights into the genetic characteristics and evolutionary mechanisms underlying cotton, with potential applications in improving its fiber production.

SourceBGI Shenzhen·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 28, 2012

Botany student proves 'New England Banksia' a distinct species

A botany student has confirmed the existence of a new species, New England Banksia, previously classified as a variety of the Hairpin Banksia. The study, published in PhytoKeys, used molecular evidence to support the distinct species status of New England Banksia.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalPhytoKeys·DateAug 28, 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.

Metabolism in the brain fluctuates with circadian rhythm

A new study reveals that brain clock oscillations are driven by cellular metabolism, which affects the production and flow of chemical energy in cells. The researchers found that redox reactions in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) oscillate on a 24-hour cycle, opening and closing channels of communication in brain cells.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience·DateAug 28, 2012

Exploring exercise benefits for breast cancer patients

A multidisciplinary team will recruit 1,500 breast cancer patients to examine the effects of exercise and physical fitness on survival and recovery. Researchers will assess physical activity, body composition, and biomarkers to better understand the optimal exercise prescription for fighting breast cancer.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·DateAug 28, 2012

Evaluate children's stress after natural disasters

A University of Miami study reveals that children experiencing both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression are more likely to face longer-term adverse reactions after a disaster. Helping children cope with stressors after the event can improve their psychological functioning.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateAug 28, 2012

Better vaccines for tuberculosis could save millions of lives

Researchers propose a novel vaccine strategy using lipidated-promiscuous-peptide vaccines to overcome limitations of existing BCG vaccine, which fails to prevent disease in adults, especially in endemic regions. This new approach has shown promise in animal models and is being tested in human clinical trials.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Molecular Medicine·DateAug 28, 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.

Magnetic vortex reveals key to spintronic speed limit

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory precisely measured a key parameter of electron interactions called non-adiabatic spin torque, guiding the reading and writing of digital information. The findings define the upper limit on processing speed that may underlie a spintronic revolution.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 28, 2012