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Science News for December 24, 2012


Big transfusions add risk for heart attack patients with anemia

A new meta-analysis of 10 studies involving over 203,000 patients with anemia and heart attacks found that liberal blood transfusions increased the risk of death by 12% and had twice the odds of another heart attack. The study calls for rigorous randomized trials to determine when transfusions are appropriate.

SourceBrown University·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateDec 24, 2012

Why some grasses evolved a more efficient photosynthesis and others didn't

A study by Brown University biologists found that the PACMAD clade of grasses developed an anatomical predisposition to C4 photosynthesis due to evolutionary pressures. The clade's bundle sheath cells became larger, facilitating more efficient CO2 transfer when temperatures rise or plants become stressed.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 24, 2012

Ultrasound diagnoses appendicitis without X-rays

A new study by Washington University School of Medicine found that children suspected of having appendicitis are more likely to receive ultrasound scans instead of CT scans at St. Louis Children's Hospital, reducing radiation exposure. Researchers aim to find ways to reduce CT imaging use without compromising patient care.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateDec 24, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Amazon deforestation brings loss of microbial communities

A recent study found that Amazon deforestation results in a significant loss of microbial diversity, leading to reduced ecosystem resilience. The research team discovered that the conversion of rainforest to agricultural pastures causes a homogenization of bacterial communities, resulting in a net loss of diversity.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 24, 2012

Deforestation in the Amazon equals net losses of diversity for microbial communities

A recent study found that deforestation in the Amazon rainforest leads to a net loss of diversity among microbial organisms, which are crucial for ecosystem function. The research revealed biotic homogenization and reduced genetic variation in bacteria across converted forests, compromising ecosystem resilience.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 24, 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.

Fluctuating environment may have driven human evolution

Researchers found that the environment transitioned rapidly between a closed woodland and an open grassland, triggering evolutionary changes. The team used lake sediments and biomarkers to reconstruct the types of vegetation present, revealing a correlation between environmental changes and planetary movement.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 24, 2012

NYU biologists identify proteins vital to chromosome segregation

Researchers have identified key proteins involved in loading a vital protein into the centromere, a critical region for cell division. Disruption of this process can lead to abnormal numbers of chromosomes, common in 90% of cancer cases.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 24, 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.

Enzyme accelerates malignant stem cell cloning in chronic myeloid leukemia

A study published in PNAS reveals that inflammation enhances the activity of enzyme ADAR1, leading to increased self-renewal and therapeutic resistance in cancer stem cells. Targeting this pathway with a small molecule inhibitor may help prevent relapse and progression of chronic myeloid leukemia.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 24, 2012

Study examines overuse of ambulatory health care services in United States

An analysis of nationally representative survey data found significant improvement in the delivery of underused care, including better use of antithrombotic therapy and aspirin for atrial fibrillation. However, the study also found limited changes in reducing inappropriate care, such as overuse of antibiotics for asthma exacerbations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateDec 24, 2012

Bumblebees do best where there is less pavement and more floral diversity

Research suggests that reducing pavement and increasing natural habitat can improve nesting opportunities for wild bees. Bees will also forage further away from their home nest if the surrounding landscape is less heterogeneous, seeking out species-rich patches.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 24, 2012
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

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