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Science News for March 16, 2012


Depression increases death risk in coronary stent patients

A recent study by the European Society of Cardiology has found that depression increases the risk of death in patients who have a coronary stent implanted. After seven years of follow-up, depressed patients were 1.5 times more likely to die than non-depressed patients.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateMar 16, 2012

Nanopills release drugs directly from the inside of cells

Researchers developed nanoparticles called nanopills to release proteins with therapeutic effects, successfully recovering activity in 'sick' mammalian cells. The technology has been licensed and is being developed by biotech firm Janus Developments.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 16, 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.

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.

Treating psoriasis to prevent heart attacks and strokes

A clinical study found that treating psoriasis with adalimumab significantly decreased vascular inflammation, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The study also showed a 51% decrease in C-reactive protein levels among treated patients, compared to a 2% decrease in the control group.

SourceMontreal Heart Institute·DateMar 16, 2012

Glacier-fed river systems threatened by climate change

Glacier-fed river ecosystems face extinction due to climate change, with up to 11-38% loss of species adapted to glacial streams. Researchers from the University of Copenhagen warn that this could have unknown consequences for ecosystem functioning.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 16, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Environmental factors in Tiny Tim's near fatal illness

Researcher Russell Chesney hypothesizes that 18th century London's crowded living conditions, poor diets, and low sunlight exposure contributed to high rates of rickets and tuberculosis in children like Tiny Tim. Improved nutrition, vitamin D from sunlight and cod liver oil could have prevented the boy's fatal condition

SourceLe Bonheur Children's Hospital·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateMar 16, 2012

Obesity raises death risk tied to sleeping pills

Researchers found that obese patients taking sleeping pills have a significantly higher risk of mortality, nearly doubling the rate even among those prescribed fewer than 18 pills per year. The study also revealed a stronger association in men and young adults, with obesity emerging as a marker of increased vulnerability.

SourceScripps Health·DateMar 16, 2012

Study determines critical skills for PCPs to safely manage opioid risk in chronic pain patients

The study found that primary care physicians need training on monitoring opioids and assessing risk factors, whereas specialists emphasize the importance of formulating treatment plans and teaching medication safety. The findings highlight the need for targeted education programs to improve public health.

SourceInflexxion, Inc.·JournalJournal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions·DateMar 16, 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.

Past in monsoon changes linked to major shifts in Indian civilizations

A new study reveals that the Indian monsoon has undergone significant changes over the last few millennia, from a steady humid monsoon to extended periods of drought. The research provides insights into the impact of the monsoon on past cultures and could help model future monsoons.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 16, 2012

Hiding in plain sight, new frog species found in New York City

Researchers uncover a previously unknown species of leopard frog in NYC, using DNA analysis to distinguish it from other similar-looking frogs. The species is believed to have had a wider range but went extinct in the city's larger territory.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalMolecular Phylogenetics and Evolution·DateMar 16, 2012

Who wouldn't pay a penny for a sports car?

In a study of hundreds of online auctions, Northwestern University researchers found that all participants use the optimal strategy, making the auction a game of pure chance. The 'bursty' strategy, which combines exploitation and exploration, is used by participants but ultimately leads to no advantage.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 16, 2012

Researchers print live cells with a standard inkjet printer

Researchers from Clemson University have developed a method to create temporary holes in the membranes of live cells using a standard inkjet printer. This allows them to introduce molecules inside the cells that wouldn't otherwise fit, enabling studies on cell mechanics and responses to mechanical forces.

SourceThe Journal of Visualized Experiments·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateMar 16, 2012

Computer scientist Jeffrey Bigham wins NSF Career Award

Bigham's proposal, Closed-Loop Crowd Support of People with Disabilities, aims to leverage the crowd to provide real-time feedback and support to individuals with visual impairments or other disabilities. The NSF CAREER Award will support his research over the next five years.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateMar 16, 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.

New technology to aid crystallization prediction

Visual HABIT software helps predict crystal properties in different chemical environments, reducing early-stage laboratory research and development costs. The technology enables companies to adopt a 'bottom-up' approach to product design in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and fuel sectors.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·DateMar 16, 2012

An invasive Asian fly is taking over European fruit

The Asian fly species Drosophila suzukii is taking over European fruit, particularly cherries and red fruits, causing significant damages to crops. The study found that the fly can lay eggs in unaffected fruit, leading to destruction of the fruit by its larvae.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Applied Entomology·DateMar 16, 2012

Cell-signaling pathway has key role in development of gestational diabetes, says Pitt team

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have identified a cell-signaling pathway that plays a key role in increasing insulin secretion during pregnancy, leading to the development of gestational diabetes. The study found that blocking this pathway can lead to impaired glucose regulation and reduced beta cell mass.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalDiabetes·DateMar 16, 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.

Novel plastics and textiles from waste with the use of microbes

The Academy of Finland Centre of Excellence develops microbial cells to produce organic acids for industrial applications, including manufacturing bioplastics and medical materials. The method allows for efficient conversion of plant biomass sugars into sugar acids and their derivatives, offering alternatives to oil-based raw materials.

SourceAcademy of Finland·DateMar 16, 2012

Ultracold experiments heat up quantum research

Researchers at the University of Chicago experimentally demonstrate quantum criticality in ultracold atoms, a phenomenon that may connect the atomic realm to deep questions of cosmology. This breakthrough could lead to simulations of the early universe by studying systems in states of quantum criticality.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience·DateMar 16, 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.

Closing hole in the heart no better than drugs in preventing strokes

A landmark clinical trial found that plugging a hole in the heart is no more effective than medication in preventing strokes. The study enrolled 909 patients with patent foramen ovale (PFO) and suffered previous strokes or transient ischemic attacks, and found that closure device was not superior to drug therapy alone.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 16, 2012

New research lowers past estimates of sea-level rise

Scientists have reevaluated past sea-level rise estimates, finding that the seas rose 20-43 feet higher than today during an extremely warm period 400,000 years ago. This new research helps narrow the range of global sea-level projections for the future, providing a more accurate understanding of potential changes.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateMar 16, 2012

Nano rescues skin

Researchers have developed nanoparticles of chitosan, a natural polysaccharide from shrimp shells, with effective antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Escherichia coli. These nanoparticles also stimulate skin cell growth, enhancing wound healing and potentially leading to anti-aging benefits.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Nano and Biomaterials·DateMar 16, 2012

NASA sees cyclone Lua strengthening for March 17 landfall

Cyclone Lua is strengthening as it approaches the Pilbara coast in Northern Australia, with forecasters predicting a landfall on March 17. The storm's cloud top temperatures indicate signs of strengthening, including compact clouds and tropical storm-force winds extending out to 160 nautical miles.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 16, 2012

Inflammatory biomarkers improve the clinical prediction of mortality in COPD

A recent study found that adding inflammatory biomarkers improves the clinical prediction of mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The addition of a panel of selected biomarkers significantly improved the ability of clinical variables to predict mortality, with a C-statistic of 0.726.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 16, 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.

Checking off symptoms online affects our perceptions of risk

A new study found that the order in which symptoms are presented online significantly affects perceived risk of illness, with unchecked boxes offering reassurance. Researchers suggest grouping common and mild symptoms at the top of lists to encourage early health screenings.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 16, 2012

Solved: The mystery of the blood orange

Researchers have discovered that a retrotransposon element is responsible for inducing anthocyanin production in blood oranges when exposed to cold conditions. This finding has significant implications for the future of blood orange production, potentially allowing for reliable worldwide cultivation and increasing their availability as...

SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMar 16, 2012

Fundamental steps needed now in global redesign of Earth system governance

A group of 32 leading experts argues for immediate and ambitious reforms in global environmental governance to address critical tipping points in the Earth system. The authors propose a new framework for sustainability governance, including the creation of a Sustainable Development Council and upgrades to the UN Environment Program.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateMar 16, 2012

Early spring drives butterfly population declines

Early snowmelt in the Colorado Rocky Mountains decreases flower numbers and nectar availability, leading to a decline in the Mormon Fritillary butterfly population. The study found that early snowmelt in consecutive years explained most of the variation in population growth rate.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalEcology Letters·DateMar 16, 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.

Plastics in electrical waste: Disposal or recycling?

Researchers find high concentrations of heavy metals and restricted brominated flame retardants in mixed plastics from disassembled electrical and electronic equipment. The study emphasizes the importance of implementing strict quality management to prevent substance release into the environment or new products.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·DateMar 16, 2012