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Science News for September 21, 2012


Mount Sinai researchers identify predictors for inpatient pain

Researchers at Mount Sinai identified reliable predictors of pain in inpatients, enabling interdisciplinary teams to develop targeted intervention plans. These plans resulted in decreased pain levels and increased patient satisfaction across various departments, with reported pain levels decreasing by 3.6% per quarter.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Quality·DateSep 21, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nudge or think: What works best for our society?

A recent study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) explores the effectiveness of 'nudge' and 'think' techniques in encouraging citizen participation. The researchers found that nudge techniques, such as doorstep canvassing and public recognition, yielded better results but were not always sustained in the long term.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateSep 21, 2012

Nunavut's mysterious ancient life could return by 2100

Scientists predict that climate change will rehabilitate the ecosystem of around 2.5 million years ago on Bylot Island in Nunavut, Canada. The island's fossilized forest is between 2.6 and 3 million years old, with wood samples preserved in peat and permafrost.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·DateSep 21, 2012

Satellite spots Tropical Storm Nadine and 2 developing lows

Tropical Storm Nadine has cleared of convection, indicating a decrease in thunderstorms. A low-pressure area is forming in the central Atlantic, while another in the eastern Pacific shows promising signs of organization and warm sea surface temperatures.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 21, 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.

New ways to protect female fertility

Researchers found that blocking the activity of PUMA and NOXA proteins may lead to new strategies to protect women's fertility. The study also showed that missing these proteins can provide protection against radiation damage, potentially delaying menopause and prolonging female fertility.

SourceMonash University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateSep 21, 2012

Key immune cell may play role in lung cancer susceptibility

Researchers found that genetic diversity in natural killer cells contributes to lung cancer susceptibility. In mice, manipulating the immune system can significantly block tumor growth. The study suggests a key role for natural killer cells in lung cancer, potentially offering new targets for therapy.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCancer Research·DateSep 21, 2012

Historian uncovers rare writings by 18th century political icon

A historian has discovered three previously unknown essays by Edmund Burke, a prominent British statesman from the 18th century. The newly attributed manuscripts offer insight into Burke's philosophical thinking and intellectual influences, which likely shaped his 30-year parliamentary career.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalThe Historical Journal·DateSep 21, 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.

Horticultural hijacking

Researchers reveal that beneficial root bacteria, like Bacillus subtilis, suppress plant immunity to control the relationship, boosting growth through nitrogen conversion. This complex interaction raises questions about the benefits and drawbacks of these symbiotic relationships.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateSep 21, 2012

Bacteria's key innovation helps understand evolution

Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered how E. coli evolved to consume citrate, a previously inaccessible food source. The study reveals that multiple mutations were required for the bacteria to develop this new trait, and that complex traits can evolve quickly and repeatedly in microbial populations.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateSep 21, 2012
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Study shows anaesthetic-related deaths reduced dramatically

A global study has found that anaesthetic-related deaths have declined dramatically over the past five decades, with a 90% reduction in post-anaesthetic fatalities since before the 1970s. The study, published in The Lancet, also revealed an 88% decrease in mortality rates within 48 hours of surgery globally.

SourceLawson Research Institute·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 21, 2012

23 nuclear power plants are in tsunami risk areas

A Spanish research study has identified 23 nuclear power plants in Asia and beyond as being at high risk due to tsunamis, including Fukushima I. The study found that 74 reactors are located in the east and southeast of Asia, with some countries like China, Japan, South Korea, India, and Pakistan also facing significant risks.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalNatural Hazards·DateSep 21, 2012

How do we make moral judgments? Insights from Psychological Science

New research reveals that our moral judgments can be driven by intuition and emotional reactions, but also regulated through reappraisal. Additionally, studies show that visual imagery plays a crucial role in shaping our moral decisions, particularly in cases involving difficult trade-offs.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 21, 2012

New study shows providing non-caloric beverages to teens can help them avoid excessive weight gain

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that adolescents who eliminated sugar-sweetened beverages for one year gained less weight than those who didn't. The study showed that providing non-caloric beverages to teens can be an effective intervention to help combat adolescent obesity.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 21, 2012

Growing corn to treat rare disease

Researchers at Simon Fraser University have developed a novel technology to produce an enzyme used to treat lysosomal storage disease, reducing costs by up to $300,000 per year. The breakthrough uses greenhouse-grown maize seeds to manipulate messenger RNAs and control sugar processing, paving the way for more affordable treatments.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 21, 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.

Addictive properties of drug abuse may hold key to an HIV cure

A Florida State University researcher is studying the unique ability shared between histone deacetylase inhibitors and psychostimulant drugs to control gene expression. The goal is to root out dormant HIV cells evading treatment and develop new treatments, potentially leading to an HIV cure.

SourceFlorida State University·DateSep 21, 2012

Nursing and social work students learning to work together at UT Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington's College of Nursing and School of Social Work will use a $900,000 grant to develop an interprofessional education program for graduate students. The program will focus on teaching nurses and social workers to work collaboratively through in-person collaboration, virtual meetings, and simulations.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateSep 21, 2012

Denosumab reduces burden of giant-cell tumor of the bone

A phase II study found denosumab decreased giant cells and increased new bone formation in patients with giant-cell tumor of the bone, offering an alternative to radical surgery. The treatment reduced tumor burden by 90% or greater in all 20 patients, improving outcomes for young patients who previously required joint replacements.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateSep 21, 2012

Einstein hosts its first stem cell institute symposium

The Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research at Albert Einstein College of Medicine hosted its first stem cell institute symposium, showcasing the latest research on induced pluripotent stem cells and hematopoietic stem cells. The event featured four presentations by renowned speakers fr...

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·DateSep 21, 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.

'Kick-starting' male fertility

Researchers found that eggs that don't fertilise due to defective PLCz protein can be treated with human PLCz, initiating fertilisation and improving pregnancy chances. The study strengthens potential use of PLCz in treating male infertility.

SourceCardiff University·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateSep 21, 2012

Documenting women's experiences with chromosome abnormalities found in new prenatal test

A new study has documented the experiences of women receiving abnormal prenatal chromosomal microarray testing results, revealing a range of negative reactions. The research highlights the importance of providing emotional support and nuanced counseling to help parents navigate the ambiguities of genetic testing.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateSep 21, 2012

Naked mole-rats may hold clues to pain relief

Researchers studied how naked mole-rats adapt to acidic environments, finding that they don't respond to acidification with physiological or behavioral responses. This lack of response is thought to be related to their unique nerve system, which may offer clues to alleviating pain in humans.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 21, 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.

ESMO 2012 Congress: Press conference schedule

The European Society for Medical Oncology has released the ESMO 2012 Congress press conference schedule, featuring live streaming and remote participation. Media representatives can access updated information on the official ESMO website.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateSep 21, 2012

Light squeezed on a quantum scale

Griffith University researchers have developed a new technique for ultra-precise motion tracking using quantum-enhanced optical phase tracking. By combining

SourceGriffith University·JournalScience·DateSep 21, 2012

Debt and income concerns deter medical students from primary care careers

A study of over 2,500 medical students found that those anticipating high debt levels and prioritizing income were more likely to choose high-paying specialties. The findings highlight the need for measures to encourage primary care careers, such as incentive pay and scholarships.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalMedical Education·DateSep 21, 2012

Cell death discovery suggests new ways to protect female fertility

Melbourne researchers have discovered a new way to protect female fertility by targeting two proteins that cause egg cell death. The study found that blocking the activity of PUMA and NOXA can prevent damaged eggs from dying, potentially maintaining fertility in women undergoing cancer treatment.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalMolecular Cell·DateSep 21, 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.

Civil engineering research to explore manhole rehabilitation

A UT Arlington civil engineering assistant professor is teaming up with a private sector engineer to develop a tool for rehabilitating manholes. The project aims to improve the structural capabilities of common manhole materials and provide vital information for decision-makers.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateSep 21, 2012

Money key factor in driving med students from primary care careers

A recent study by researchers at North Carolina State University found that many medical students are opting for higher-paying specialties like dermatology and radiology due to the significantly higher incomes they offer. In contrast, primary care physicians earn substantially less, with a median income of just under $200,000 per year.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalMedical Education·DateSep 21, 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.

Unusual symbiosis discovered in marine microorganisms

Researchers found a unique partnership between tiny algae and specialized bacteria that fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, supporting the oceans' fertilization and contributing to global carbon cycles. The discovery provides insights into an early stage in photosynthesis evolution, analogous to chloroplasts in plants.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateSep 21, 2012

Simple ovarian cancer symptom survey that checks for 6 warning signs may improve early detection

A simple three-question paper-and-pencil survey can effectively identify women experiencing symptoms that may indicate ovarian cancer. The study involved 1,200 women and found that the screening tool identified 5% of women with a positive symptom score, resulting in one diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalOpen Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateSep 21, 2012

Tropical cyclones in the Arabian Sea have intensified due to earlier monsoon onset

Tropical cyclones in the Arabian Sea have intensified since 1997, attributed to decreased vertical wind shear. The earlier occurrence of these storms is linked to a warming Asian landmass and an advanced southwesterly monsoon onset. This shift creates more favorable conditions for tropical cyclone formation and intensification.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii ‑ SOEST·JournalNature·DateSep 21, 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.

Columbia researchers report novel approach for single molecule electronic DNA sequencing

Researchers at Columbia University have developed a novel approach for single molecule electronic DNA sequencing that can accurately distinguish four DNA bases using nanopores. The technique, called Nano-SBS, uses distinct chemical tags to label DNA building blocks, overcoming the challenge of small differences among the four nucleotides.

SourceColumbia University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 21, 2012

Giving lithium to those who need it

New research found that lithium-responsive patients exhibit increased expression of anti-apoptotic genes like Bcl2 and IRS2, while those who don't respond show decreased Bcl2 levels. This study provides insight into personalized treatment for bipolar disorder.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBiology of Mood & Anxiety Disorders·DateSep 21, 2012