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Science News for March 25, 2012


Dental plaque bacteria may trigger blood clots

Researchers have discovered that Streptococcus gordonii can mimic human proteins to activate platelets and form unwanted blood clots. This triggers endocarditis, which can lead to growths on heart valves or inflammation of blood vessels.

SourceMicrobiology Society·DateMar 25, 2012

The long, err, short of it

A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital suggests a strong link between telomere shortening and poor cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Telomeres are DNA-protein complexes that protect chromosomes from deteriorating, and their length is associated with increased risk of heart attack and death.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·DateMar 25, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Low LDL cholesterol is related to cancer risk

Researchers found low LDL cholesterol in patients with no history of cholesterol-lowering drugs existed before cancer diagnosis, suggesting an underlying mechanism. The study's lead investigator noted that the relationship between low LDL-C and cancer exists for many years prior to diagnosis, highlighting the need for further examination.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 25, 2012

UCLA scientists identify novel pathway for T-cell activation in leprosy

Researchers identified a protein called NOD2 that triggers the activation of dendritic cells, which deliver critical information about the pathogen to T-cells. The study found this pathway to be potent in fighting leprosy, but inhibited in more serious forms of the disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 25, 2012

Community hospitals can safely perform elective angioplasty

A recent study found that community hospitals can safely and effectively perform elective angioplasty without on-site cardiac surgery units. The study showed no significant differences in death rates or complications between patients undergoing elective angioplasty at facilities with and without on-site cardiac surgery units.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 25, 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.

Community-based prevention programs improve psychological, heart health

Researchers found that intensive community-based lifestyle interventions tailored to individual needs can significantly reduce multiple risk factors for heart disease. The study highlights the importance of addressing psychological factors alongside traditional cardiovascular risk factors to achieve synergistic effects.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 25, 2012

Widespread CPR training saves lives

A nationwide CPR training effort in Denmark led to a significant increase in bystander CPR, from 20% in 2001 to 44% in 2010, resulting in improved cardiac arrest survival rates. The study found patients treated with CPR or AEDs by bystanders were about four times more likely to survive 30 days after the cardiac event.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 25, 2012

Single molecules in a quantum movie

Researchers have successfully captured a quantum interference pattern from single dye molecules using live imaging. The experiment visualizes the dualities of particle and wave, randomness and determinism, locality and delocalization in a tangible way. This study has significant implications for understanding quantum physics and develo...

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 25, 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.

Significant mismatch between PCI capable-hospitals and need

A study found a significant mismatch between the growth of cardiac catheterization laboratories and the need for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures. PCI centers have grown 12.9% over eight years, but STEMI rates have declined, leaving many patients without access to care.

SourceMinneapolis Heart Institute Foundation·DateMar 25, 2012

Some scum! Microbe in pond scum enlisted in new cancer test

Researchers are using pond scum microbes called Euglena to develop a new test for detecting cancer cells in the bloodstream. The test uses the microbe as a natural cargo carrier to identify and analyze circulating tumor cells, which enable cancer to spread.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 25, 2012

Diabetes drug can prevent heart disease

Researchers found metformin increases heart-pumping capacity, reduces fat accumulation, and limits cell death in rats. Long-term effects suggest the medicine's benefits persist for a year or more.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalDiabetes·DateMar 25, 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.

Using viruses to beat superbugs

Researchers are revisiting bacteriophages as antibacterial agents to combat growing antibiotic resistance. Effective against high bacterial loads, these viruses can target specific bacterial strains without infecting human cells.

SourceMicrobiology Society·DateMar 25, 2012

Snacking on raisins may offer a heart-healthy way to lower blood pressure

A randomized controlled trial found that consuming three servings of raisins per day can significantly reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with mild hypertension. Raisins' high potassium content is believed to be the key factor behind this effect.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 25, 2012

Nuclear power plants can produce hydrogen to fuel the 'hydrogen economy'

Scientists have developed a technology to produce hydrogen from heat in nuclear power plants, which could reduce global warming by burning only water vapor. This process is more efficient than current methods using natural gas or coal, and experts envision widespread adoption of nuclear-powered hydrogen production.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 25, 2012

Sleeping too much or too little can be bad for your heart

A large population survey found that adults getting less than six hours of sleep a night are at significantly greater risk of stroke, heart attack, and congestive heart failure. Those sleeping more than eight hours also have a higher prevalence of heart problems, including chest pain and coronary artery disease.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 25, 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.

Mouse lemur social interactions: Tell-tale lice

A team of researchers tracked mouse lemur lice to understand their social interactions, finding that lice transfer occurred between 43% of males, with peak transfers during breeding season. Louse transfer showed greater distances and geographic areas than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalBMC Ecology·DateMar 25, 2012

Underweight patients face increased risks during defibrillator implantation

A large-scale study found that underweight patients are twice as likely to experience complications or die during ICD insertion compared to obese and normal-weight patients. Smaller body size is associated with longer hospital stays, more complications, and increased risk of dying from the procedure.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 25, 2012

Genetics of flu susceptibility

A genetic finding has identified a human gene that influences how we respond to influenza infection. People carrying a particular variant of the IFITM3 gene are more likely to be hospitalized with severe flu symptoms than those with other variants.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature·DateMar 25, 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.

Pregnancy increases risk of heart attack

A new study found that pregnancy increases the risk of heart attack, with more severe attacks and different causes than in non-pregnant women. The standard approach to managing heart attacks during pregnancy may not always be best, and alternative treatments may be needed to prevent complications.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 25, 2012

Diabetes associated with higher risk of cardiovascular problems in men

A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that men with type 2 diabetes treated with insulin without a history of cardiovascular disease are at higher risk for major cardiovascular events. The study showed an accelerated rate of new cardiovascular events in these patients, with a 16% rate over four years.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·DateMar 25, 2012

Scratching the surface of social interaction

Researchers tracked the transfer of parasitic lice on brown mouse lemurs to infer their social contacts and habits. The study found that lice were transferred between 43% of males during the breeding season, indicating conflicts over females.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Ecology·DateMar 25, 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.

Simple strategies boost use of guidelines to treat chest pain

A three-pronged intervention improved physician adherence to evidence-based protocols for treating acute coronary syndrome, raising the rate of total adherence by 18 percent. The study's strategies, including nurse case management and educational materials, were adaptable to other countries.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 25, 2012

New research can save tropical forests

Scientists have measured the carbon content of Sri Lanka's natural forests, finding that nearly half of greenhouse gas emissions originate from deforestation. The study suggests alternative ecosystems can bind carbon while providing food and protection for local populations.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateMar 25, 2012

Interventional radiologists see 'significant' symptom relief in MS patients

A minimally invasive endovascular treatment for CCSVI shows promise in improving physical- and mental health-related quality of life in individuals with multiple sclerosis. The study found significant short-term improvements in over 75% of those with relapsing remitting and primary progressive forms of MS.

SourceSociety of Interventional Radiology·DateMar 25, 2012

The time is ripe for Salmonella

Scientists found that Salmonella bacteria attach differently to ripe and unripe tomatoes, with filaments forming on ripe ones. This could affect how pathogens are maintained on surfaces, according to researchers at Imperial College London.

SourceMicrobiology Society·DateMar 25, 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.

Platelet inhibitor reduces size of large heart attacks

A new study has shown that delivering abciximab directly to the site of a heart attack can significantly reduce damage to the heart muscle. The treatment was found to be effective in reducing infarct size by up to 15% compared to no treatment or aspiration thrombectomy.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 25, 2012

Preserving arson evidence with triclosan

Triclosan effectively preserves gasoline and fire starters in charred remains, enabling crime scene investigators to determine arson intent. This preservation method could help law enforcement officials catch criminals and reveal the true extent of arson problems.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 25, 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.

OB/GYN screening may help detect heart disease risk

A pilot program at OB/GYN clinics screened 2,234 women for cardiovascular risk factors or disease. Cardiovascular assessment in these settings may enhance primary prevention and education to female patients. Many women are unaware of their heart disease risk factors, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 25, 2012

Paul Raeburn receives American Chemical Society's prestigious journalism award

Paul Raeburn, a nationally recognized science journalist and author, has received the James T. Grady-James H. Stack Award for his work in interpreting chemistry for the public. The award is presented annually by the American Chemical Society to recognize outstanding achievements in communicating chemistry to the general public.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 25, 2012

When targeting obesity in sixth-graders, gender matters

Research suggests that interventions targeting obesity in adolescents should be tailored to gender differences, with exercise and sports benefiting boys and drinking milk predicting healthier weight in girls. Regular physical activity and improved school lunches are also key predictors of obesity.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 25, 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.

Minimally invasive treatment for ruptured aneurysm: Safe, reduces mortality

A minimally invasive interventional radiology treatment called endovascular aortic repair is associated with lower mortality rates and shorter hospital stays compared to open surgical repair for ruptured aneurysms. The study found that women had worse outcomes after the procedure, highlighting the need for further research in this area.

SourceSociety of Interventional Radiology·DateMar 25, 2012

Vaccinating chickens could prevent food-borne illness

A vaccine targeting Campylobacter in chickens could drastically reduce food-borne illness cases, saving the UK economy millions annually. The leading cause of food-borne illness, responsible for 30% of cases in the UK, is found in the gut of many animals, including chickens.

SourceMicrobiology Society·DateMar 25, 2012

Compound in soy products may help lower blood pressure

A study found that moderate isoflavone intake can lower systolic blood pressure in young adults, with a notable benefit for African Americans. Isoflavones may help compensate for endothelial dysfunction, a condition that plays a bigger role in hypertension in African Americans.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 25, 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.

A double ring ceremony prepares telomerase RNA to wed its protein partner

Researchers discovered a two-step ritual in which RNA telomerase partners are prepared for interaction, revealing novel pharmaceutical approaches to cancer and diseases of aging. The study sheds light on the complex process of telomerase biogenesis and its connection to seemingly unrelated diseases.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalNature·DateMar 25, 2012

Inner weapons against allergies: Gut bacteria control allergic diseases

Researchers discovered that gut bacteria play a crucial role in controlling allergic inflammation by regulating basophil responses and limiting IgE production. The study's findings suggest that targeting the commensal bacterial population may be beneficial in treating allergic diseases, offering new therapeutic options for asthma and o...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 25, 2012

The body's bacteria affect intestinal blood vessel formation

Gut bacteria influence intestinal blood vessel formation through a previously unknown mechanism, according to researchers at the University of Gothenburg. The study found that intestinal bacteria promote mucosal cells to attach sugar molecules to specific proteins, inducing signaling for new blood vessel formation.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature·DateMar 25, 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.

Weather records due to climate change: A game with loaded dice

Recent extreme weather events show a clear link to global warming, according to a new analysis of scientific evidence. The study found that warming temperatures lead to more frequent heatwaves and heavy rainfall, but the relationship with storms is less clear.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 25, 2012