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Science News for July 30, 2012


Pollution can make citizens – both rich and poor – go green

A Michigan State University study reveals that exposure to environmental harm increases the likelihood of environmentally-friendly behaviors among urban Chinese residents, regardless of economic status. People are more likely to act when they feel a sense of personal responsibility and can take control of their actions.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAMBIO·DateJul 30, 2012

Dying of cold: Hypothermia in trauma victims

A new study found that 14% of trauma victims developed hypothermia upon arrival, with head injuries and intubation being independent risk factors. The study recommends controlling infusion fluid temperature and using heated ambulances to reduce the incidence of hypothermia.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCritical Care·DateJul 30, 2012

Humpback whales staying in Antarctic bays later into autumn

A new study found large numbers of humpback whales remaining in Antarctic bays until late autumn, with densities estimated at up to 1.75 whales per square kilometer. This challenges previous thought that the annual migrations would begin earlier.

SourceDuke University·JournalEndangered Species Research·DateJul 30, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nurse staffing, burnout linked to hospital infections

A study found that nurse burnout is associated with higher healthcare-associated infection rates and increased costs for hospitals. Analyzing data from over 7,000 registered nurses, researchers discovered that each additional patient assigned to a nurse corresponds to roughly one additional infection per 1,000 patients.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateJul 30, 2012

Higher retail wages correlate with lower levels of employee theft

A study by Clara Xiaoling Chen and Tatiana Sandino found that higher wages are associated with lower levels of employee theft, even after controlling for other factors. The researchers suggest that paying relatively higher wages discourages employee theft as employees wish to retain their job or exhibit positive reciprocity.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Accounting Research·DateJul 30, 2012

'... But names could really hurt me'

Child psychological abuse is linked to disorders of attachment, developmental and educational problems, socialization problems and disruptive behaviour. The effects of psychological maltreatment during the first three years of life can be particularly profound.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 30, 2012

Berkeley-Haas study identifies success factors of extraordinary CIOs

A recent Berkeley-Haas study reveals the most critical success factors of extraordinary CIOs, including invisible yet influential drivers that set them apart from their peers. The research, conducted by the Fisher CIO Leadership Program, sheds light on industry trends and best practices.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalCalifornia Management Review·DateJul 30, 2012

Liver cancer cells stop making glucose as they become cancerous

Researchers at Ohio State University found that liver cancer cells lose the ability to produce glucose due to microRNA-23a overexpression. Suppressing miR-23a might reverse this process and offer a new treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common form of liver cancer.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalHepatology·DateJul 30, 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.

Research team discovers eating habits of Jurassic age dinosaur

A team of researchers has discovered the eating habits of Diplodocus, a giant herbivorous sauropod dinosaur from the Jurassic period, using a three-dimensional model of its skull. The study found that branch stripping was the most stress-free eating behavior for the dinosaur.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalZeitschrift für Didaktik der Naturwissenschaften·DateJul 30, 2012

New coating evicts biofilms for good

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new coating called SLIPS that can prevent the formation of biofilms on surfaces. The technology, which is smooth and slippery due to an immobilized liquid layer, has been shown to reduce the formation of disease-causing bacteria by up to 96%.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 30, 2012

Mechanism of lung cancer-associated mutations suggests new therapeutic approaches

Researchers have identified how EPHA3 gene mutations may promote lung cancer. The study found that loss of the gene diminishes its tumor-suppressive effect, potentially sparking tumor growth. The findings suggest that therapies targeting a downstream pathway may be beneficial for tumors with mutant EPHA3.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 30, 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.

New genetic target found for diuretic therapy

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have identified a new genetic target, pendrin, for diuretic therapy. The study suggests that targeting pendrin could lead to a targeted treatment option for patients with severe fluid overload who may not respond well to current diuretics.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 30, 2012

Tiny airborne pollutants lead double life: UBC, Harvard research

Researchers have visual evidence that tiny airborne pollutants separate into distinct chemical compositions, with implications for modeling global climate change and predicting air quality conditions. This separation affects the rates of chemical reactions, light reflection and absorption, and cloud formation.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 30, 2012

1 in 5 streams damaged by mine pollution in southern West Virginia

A new study by Duke University scientists reveals that surface coal mining is severely impacting water quality in southern West Virginia. The research found that just five percent of upstream land conversion can lead to the degradation of up to 22% of streams, with salinity levels and insect biodiversity declining substantially.

SourceDuke University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 30, 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.

Diagnostic imaging increases among stage IV cancer patients on Medicare

A study found that stage IV cancer patients on Medicare are more likely to undergo high-cost diagnostic imaging procedures, which may be driven by the increasing number of treatment options available. The use of imaging has steadily increased between 1995 and 2006, with costs rising faster than overall cancer care costs.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 30, 2012

RATS research may teach rodents to detect explosives

The US Army Research Laboratory is developing a system to train rats to detect improvised explosive devices and mines. Trained rats can search smaller spaces than dogs and are easier to transport, making them ideal for mine removal and homeland security tasks.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·DateJul 30, 2012

Researchers identify link between kidney removal and erectile dysfunction

A multi-center study found that patients who undergo complete kidney removal are 3.5 times more likely to develop erectile dysfunction compared to those with kidney reconstruction. Researchers suggest that total kidney removal may also increase the risk of metabolic diseases and decrease quality of life.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateJul 30, 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.

In Massachusetts, 'individual mandate' led to decreased hospital productivity

A recent study published in Health Care Management Review found that mandatory individual insurance coverage in Massachusetts led to a significant near-term drop in hospital productivity. The results raise concerns about the potential impact of universal health insurance coverage on US hospital productivity and overall healthcare costs.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalHealth Care Management Review·DateJul 30, 2012

Parents find terms 'large' or 'gaining too much weight' less offensive than 'obese'

Medical researchers at the University of Alberta found that parents prefer terms like 'large' or 'gaining too much weight' when discussing their child's weight, rather than the term 'obese'. This suggests that using more neutral and descriptive language can reduce stigma and improve the physician-patient relationship.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalPediatric Obesity·DateJul 30, 2012

Would sliding back to pre-PSA era cancel progress in prostate cancer?

The study suggests that eliminating the PSA test would result in more men being diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer, leading to higher mortality rates. Prostate cancer death rates have been reduced by nearly 40% over the past 20 years, largely due to early detection through PSA testing.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalCancer·DateJul 30, 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.

Later Stone Age got earlier start in South Africa than thought

A recent study has pushed back the estimated emergence of the Later Stone Age in South Africa to approximately 44,000 to 42,000 years ago. This finding suggests that early humans inhabited the region during this time period, coinciding with the migration of modern humans from Africa to Europe around 45,000 years ago.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 30, 2012

Shared decision-making between doctors and patients can reduce antibiotic use

A training tool called DECISION+2 helps physicians involve patients in decision-making, reducing the need for antibiotics for acute respiratory infections. The study found that patients who used DECISION+2 were significantly less likely to report using antibiotics immediately after consultation.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 30, 2012

Health care savings, naturally

A Harvard researcher has found that using traditional, natural medicines can provide significant economic benefits, with households in Madagascar receiving between $30 and $45 per year. The study suggests that if Americans relied on these remedies, they could save up to 63% of their annual healthcare bill.

SourceHarvard University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 30, 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.

Archeologists unearth extraordinary human sculpture in Turkey

A colossal human figure, 1.5m tall, with intricate details and Hieroglyphic Luwian inscription, was discovered at the Tayinat gate complex in southeastern Turkey. The sculpture is part of a monumental gate complex that dated back to the Neo-Hittite Kingdom of Patina.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·DateJul 30, 2012

Grin and bear it -- smiling facilitates stress recovery

Researchers studied how different types of smiling affect stress recovery, finding that Duchenne smiles had the greatest impact on reducing heart rates and improving mood. Smiling may be a simple yet effective way to cope with stressful situations.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 30, 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.

Parents can increase children's activity by increasing their own

A recent study published in Journal of Physical Activity and Health found that parents can positively impact their children's physical activity by increasing their own activity levels. When mothers reached or exceeded a daily step goal, their children took significantly more steps on average.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalJournal of Physical Activity and Health·DateJul 30, 2012

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for July 31, 2012 online issue

The American College of Physicians recommends against routine electrocardiogram (ECG) screening for asymptomatic adults at low risk for coronary heart disease, as it may lead to unnecessary procedures and overtreatment. The Task Force also found inadequate evidence that ECG screening in this population reduces the risk for CHD events.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 30, 2012

Offshore use of vertical-axis wind turbines gets closer look

Researchers aim to reduce turbine center of gravity, machine complexity, and maintenance costs. Curved VAWT blades pose manufacturing challenges, while unsteady loading and lack of aerodynamic braking systems remain hurdles for large-scale offshore power generation.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateJul 30, 2012

Emotion detectives uncover new ways to fight-off youth anxiety and depression

A novel intervention called Emotion Detectives Treatment Protocol (EDTP) has shown significant reductions in anxiety and depression severity after treatment. The program adapts age-appropriate techniques from adult and adolescent protocols to educate children about emotions, problem-solving skills, and behavior activation.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalBehavior Therapy·DateJul 30, 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.

MIT News Release: 10-year-old problem in theoretical computer science falls

Researchers have developed multiprover interactive proofs that are resilient against entanglement, a breakthrough that has implications for cryptography and quantum physics. The findings provide insight into the complexity of computational problems and demonstrate the limitations of quantum information in cheating mechanisms.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJul 30, 2012

Scientists probe link between magnetic polarity reversal and mantle processes

Researchers at the University of Liverpool have discovered a connection between changes in heat flow from the Earth's core into the base of the overlying mantle and variations in the long-term reversal rate of the magnetic field. The study suggests that this process may lead to an increase in large igneous provinces, potentially affect...

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 30, 2012

Telling the tale of the wealth tail

Researchers propose a mechanism of individual interaction to understand collective macroscopic behavior, finding power-law tails in some models. The diversity of saving propensity among individuals plays a role in shaping the distribution of wealth.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateJul 30, 2012

Modern culture 44,000 years ago

A team of international researchers has dated and directly analyzed organic artifacts from Border Cave in South Africa, revealing evidence of San material culture dating back 44,000 years. This finding pushes the timeline for the emergence of modern human culture earlier than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 30, 2012
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Surgical patient safety program lowers SSIs by one-third following colorectal operations

A surgical patient safety program combining accurate outcome measurement, leadership support, and engaged frontline providers reduces SSI rates in patients undergoing colorectal procedures by 33 percent. The program led to a notable reduction in wound infections, resulting in cost savings of up to $280,000 at the institution.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJul 30, 2012

What would happen without PSA testing?

The study found that without PSA testing, approximately 25,000 cases of advanced prostate cancer would occur in 2008, three times the actual number observed. This would result in more men experiencing aggressive disease with limited treatment options.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateJul 30, 2012