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Science News for May 4, 2012


Expensive hospital readmissions linked to health-care-associated infections

A new study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology found a strong link between healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and patient readmission after an initial hospital stay. Patients with positive clinical cultures for MRSA, VRE or C. difficile were 40% more likely to be readmitted within a year.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateMay 4, 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.

Spotlight on Sentinel-2

The upcoming Sentinel-2 mission will fill the gap in research and operations, providing frequent coverage and high-resolution imagery. This will enable the monitoring of land cover, forests, agriculture, and glaciers, leading to better management of the environment and understanding of climate change.

SourceEuropean Space Agency·DateMay 4, 2012

Different recipes for success in the world of plants

Researchers found that non-native plant species use different strategies, such as blooming later in the year and occupying specific habitats, to increase their frequency of occurrence. This differentiation is important for understanding modern ecosystems and recognizing potential dangers from introduced species.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalEcology Letters·DateMay 4, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

HPV vaccine completion rate among girls is poor, getting worse

The HPV vaccine completion rate among girls has dropped significantly since 2006, with only 38.2% completing the series within 365 days. Girls who receive the first dose from a gynecologist or obstetrician are more likely to complete the series.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalCancer·DateMay 4, 2012

Plant diversity is key to maintaining productive vegetation

A new study published in Science magazine reveals that plant diversity is essential for maintaining productive ecosystems. The research found that each species plays a unique role in maintaining soil fertility and biomass production over time.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateMay 4, 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.

Better prognosis for breast cancer in Germany

Heidelberg University Hospital's Breast Center reports excellent treatment results for breast cancer patients in Germany. Eighty-six percent of patients survived the first five years after onset of treatment and 80% remained disease-free during this period.

SourceHeidelberg University Hospital·JournalThe Breast·DateMay 4, 2012

Scientists identify prostate cancer stem cells among low-PSA cells

Researchers discovered a population of low-PSA prostate cancer stem cells that are resistant to hormone therapy and chemotherapy. These cells can differentiate into other cancer cell types and have long-term tumor-propagating capacity.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMay 4, 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.

A single stem cell mutation triggers fibroid tumors

Researchers at Northwestern University have identified the molecular trigger of uterine fibroids, a single stem cell mutation that activates other cells to grow uncontrollably. The study suggests a new direction for developing therapies to treat these tumors, which affect an estimated 15 million women in the US.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateMay 4, 2012

Early spring means more bat girls

A University of Calgary study found that earlier spring births result in a higher female-to-male sex ratio among big brown bats. This skewed sex ratio may be due to natural selection favoring females' reproductive success.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 4, 2012

Sunlight and air powers access to sterile water

Researchers at the University of Hull are developing a system to produce constant supplies of sterile water, eliminating the need for chemicals or electricity in remote communities. The device uses porphyrin molecules that react to sunlight to kill bacteria and parasites, making the water safe for healing wounds.

SourceUniversity of Hull·DateMay 4, 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.

Ancient volcanic blast provides more evidence of water on early Mars

New research provides evidence of early Mars being saturated with water and having a significantly thicker atmosphere. The study used ancient volcanic eruptions and Martian surface observations to determine the atmospheric pressure billions of years ago.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 4, 2012

Economics study homes in on factors influencing value of great art

An economic model by Arzu Aysin Tekindor breaks down the value of great art, finding that artist style and subject have a significant impact on prices. The study found that works sold in New York tend to fetch more than those in London, and paintings with iconic subjects increase their value by over three-quarters.

SourceWashington State University·DateMay 4, 2012

Slaughtering animals without prior stunning should be curbed, if not banned

A former British Veterinary Association president argues that slaughtering animals without prior stunning is 'not acceptable' and should be restricted to those communities that require it for religious beliefs. The practice is linked to animal welfare concerns, with many animals experiencing pain and distress before loss of consciousness.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalVeterinary Record·DateMay 4, 2012

Low testosterone levels could raise diabetes risk for men

A recent study from the University of Edinburgh found that low testosterone levels in men can increase their risk of developing diabetes. The research discovered that testosterone plays a crucial role in regulating insulin sensitivity, and its impairment is linked to insulin resistance.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalDiabetes·DateMay 4, 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.

Beehive extract shows potential as prostate cancer treatment

A compound isolated from honeybee hive propolis has been found to slow the growth of prostate cancer cells and tumors in mice by shutting down their system for detecting sources of nutrition. The compound CAPE arrests early-stage prostate cancer by suppressing proteins involved in cell proliferation, offering a promising co-treatment a...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateMay 4, 2012

New technique uses electrons to map nanoparticle atomic structures

Scientists have developed a new technique that allows for the mapping of nanoparticle atomic structures using transmission electron microscopes, removing barriers to widespread use. The method produces highly similar results with x-ray synchrotron data and has potential applications in energy, medicine, and materials science.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateMay 4, 2012

Are educators showing a 'positive bias' to minority students?

A Rutgers University study found that public school teachers provide more positive feedback to minority students than to their white peers, even when the work is of equal merit. This 'positive bias' can hinder intellectual growth and achievement in minority students.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Educational Psychology·DateMay 4, 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.

Using nanoclays to build better asphalt pavement

Researchers at Michigan Technological University have discovered that adding nanoclays to asphalt materials can stiffen the mixture, potentially preventing rutting. The study found that even tiny amounts of nanoclays can improve the viscosity of the asphalt, providing better stiffness and durability.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·DateMay 4, 2012

'Game-powered machine learning' opens door to Google for music

Researchers developed a solution called 'game-powered machine learning' that enables computers to automatically label every song on the internet using examples provided by unpaid music fans. This approach is as accurate as using paid music experts and saves time and money.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2012

Comorbidities increase risk of mortality in COPD patients

A new study found that comorbidities are independently associated with an increased mortality risk in COPD patients. The study identified 12 comorbidities, including lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and congestive heart failure, as significantly increasing the risk of death.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMay 4, 2012

Hubble to use moon as mirror to see Venus transit

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope will observe the moon for seven hours before, during, and after a rare Venus transit on June 5-6. The telescope will capture reflected sunlight and isolate the small fraction of light that passes through Venus' atmosphere to study its atmospheric makeup.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 4, 2012

Colors burst into contemporary architecture

Researchers at Polytechnic University of Valencia analyze the use of color in modern architecture, identifying four concepts: transformation, fragmentation, movement, and innovation. Chromatic versatility transforms buildings through changing appearance and perception.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalColor Research & Application·DateMay 4, 2012
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Analyzing energy potential

Researchers develop data logger to analyze and harness energy from vibrations, enabling wearable devices, IoT systems, and industrial applications. The technology replaces traditional battery-powered devices with sustainable energy harvesting.

SourceFraunhofer-Gesellschaft·DateMay 4, 2012

Scientists aim to kill lung tumors

Researchers have identified a molecule, PDE4, that plays a key role in regulating the division of tumor cells and blood vessel growth in lung cancer. By blocking PDE4, they were able to significantly reduce tumor growth in laboratory experiments and mouse models.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalOncogene·DateMay 4, 2012

Karin Melnick receives AMS Centennial Fellowship

Karin Melnick has been awarded the prestigious AMS Centennial Fellowship for her outstanding research achievements in differential-geometric aspects of rigidity. The fellowship provides a stipend of US$80,000 and comes with an expense allowance.

SourceAmerican Mathematical Society·DateMay 4, 2012

Scientific evidence proves why healers see the 'aura' of people

Researchers at the University of Granada found that many healers exhibit emotional synesthesia, allowing them to associate people with colors and emotions. This neurological condition enables them to read people's feelings and provide empathy.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalConsciousness and Cognition·DateMay 4, 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.

Study: Men who do load-bearing exercise in early 20s may be shielded from osteoporosis

A large-scale study found that young men who engaged in load-bearing sports for four hours a week or more increased bone mass and gained larger bones compared to sedentary individuals. This is thought to offer protection against osteoporosis, which affects men and women alike, leading to porous and weak bones that fracture over time.

SourceBurness·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateMay 4, 2012