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Science News Archive 2013 - Page 160


Page 160 of 352

Vaccinating boys plays key role in HPV prevention

A new study from University of Toronto Professor Peter A. Newman reveals that vaccinating boys aged 11-21 is crucial for reducing cancer rates across sexes. The lack of a well-established connection between HPV in men and life-threatening illnesses hinders male vaccination rates.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalSexually Transmitted Infections·DateJul 22, 2013

BMC surgeon recommends off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting be abandoned

Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) has failed to show significant improvements in short-term morbidity and mortality compared to traditional on-pump CABG surgery, according to a recent study published in Circulation. The technique may be abandoned unless surgeons can demonstrate comparable outcomes.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalCirculation·DateJul 22, 2013

Physician bonuses help drive increases in surgery with minimal patient benefit: McMaster study

A McMaster University study found that financial incentives for Ontario surgeons led to an increase in the use of laparoscopic colon cancer surgery. The research suggests that this may not result in significant improvements in patient outcomes, despite potential benefits such as shorter hospital stays and smaller visible scars.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalAnnals of Surgical Oncology·DateJul 22, 2013
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.

OU awarded OCAST applied research grant

A University of Oklahoma research team has received a $236,000 grant to develop and commercialize IV-VI semiconductor mid-infrared detectors. The OU detector outperforms commercially available products and could gain significant market share, creating local high-tech businesses and jobs.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateJul 22, 2013

Migration for more money does not bring more happiness

A study of over 42,000 people found that migrants from Eastern European countries didn't become happier after settling in Western Europe. In fact, those from Poland were significantly less happy. The researcher suggests that happiness is already present before migration and doesn't increase as a result.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalMigration Studies·DateJul 22, 2013

Skipping breakfast may increase coronary heart disease risk

A study of 26,902 male health professionals found that skipping breakfast was associated with a 27% increased risk of heart attack or death from coronary heart disease. Men who reported eating late at night also had a higher risk of coronary heart disease, but this may not be a major public health concern due to low prevalence in the s...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJul 22, 2013

Hospice workers struggle on front lines of physician-assisted death laws

A new study reveals a complex system of perspectives among hospice organizations and workers regarding physician-assisted death. Despite being historically opposed, many caregivers now struggle to balance their core beliefs with the new laws, leading to varied reactions and approaches.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Pain and Symptom Management·DateJul 22, 2013
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.

New hope for hormone resistant breast cancer

Researchers have discovered a novel approach to combat hormone-resistant breast cancer, exploiting the epigenetic 'silencing' of the BCL-2 gene. This process may be detectable in blood samples, offering a diagnostic marker for resistant tumors.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalMolecular Cancer Therapeutics·DateJul 22, 2013

Declining sea ice strands baby harp seals

A Duke University study reveals that shrinking sea ice cover in the North Atlantic is disproportionately affecting young harp seals, causing them to strand. The research found no link between genetic diversity and stranding rates, instead highlighting the impact of climate change on younger animals.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 22, 2013

Geochemical 'fingerprints' leave evidence that megafloods eroded steep gorge

Researchers have discovered direct geochemical evidence linking massive floods to the formation of the world's deepest gorge, the Tsangpo Gorge in the Himalayas. The study found that the presence of uranium-bearing zircon grains downstream was higher than expected, indicating a sudden and catastrophic event.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalGeology·DateJul 22, 2013

First high-resolution national carbon map -- Panama

Researchers have developed a high-fidelity national carbon map of Panama using field data, satellite imagery, and LiDAR measurements. The maps provide unprecedented accuracy in estimating carbon stocks at the national level, with an uncertainty of around 10% per hectare.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalCarbon Balance and Management·DateJul 22, 2013
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.

Gallo Center scientists identify key brain circuits that control compulsive drinking in rats

Researchers discovered that inhibiting neural pathways between the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens reduces compulsive drinking in rats. The study's findings suggest a potential link to FDA-approved medications targeting these pathways, which could accelerate the development of new treatments for human compulsive drinking.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 22, 2013

Bees 'betray' their flowers when pollinator species decline

The study found that removing one bumblebee species from an ecosystem reduces floral fidelity among remaining bees, leading to fewer seeds produced by larkspur wildflowers. This suggests global declines in pollinators could have a significant impact on food crops and flowering plants.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2013

Sea level rise: New iceberg theory points to areas at risk of rapid disintegration

Researchers have developed a new model that simulates the calving process of icebergs, predicting areas at risk of rapid disintegration due to climate change. The model suggests that stretches of ice on Antarctica and Greenland are vulnerable to catastrophic collapse, potentially exacerbating sea level rise over the next 100 years.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 22, 2013
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.

Putting the brakes on inflammation

A team of researchers has discovered a previously unknown mechanism that prevents the immune system from going into overdrive, shedding light on autoimmune diseases, allergies and chronic inflammation. The discovery could lead to new therapeutics for disorders caused by faulty immune responses.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalImmunity·DateJul 22, 2013

Off-grid sterilization with Rice U.'s 'solar steam'

Researchers at Rice University developed a solar-powered sterilization system using nanomaterials to kill microbes and viruses in human waste. The 'solar steam' technology has an overall energy efficiency of 24 percent, making it suitable for off-grid use and sanitation for billions of people.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2013

No benefit associated with echocardiographic screening in the general population

A study found that echocardiographic screening in the general public for structural and valvular heart disease was not associated with a reduction in risk of death, myocardial infarction (heart attack) or stroke. Despite low prevalence of structural heart disease, screening led to unnecessary tests and potential harm.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 22, 2013

When college diversity delivers benefits: UMD study

A University of Maryland-led study found that socio-economic diversity is essential for promoting a positive campus racial climate. Students with higher levels of interaction with those from different backgrounds reported more contacts with other races and overall mixing with diverse backgrounds.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·DateJul 22, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Hunting pushing central African forests toward ecological collapse

The study warns that current hunting trends in Central African forests could lead to complete ecological collapse. The authors emphasize the need for sustainable hunting management plans to avoid an environmental catastrophe. Protecting megafauna like elephants and apex predators is crucial to maintaining intact ecosystems.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateJul 22, 2013

Researchers identify 146 contemporary medical practices offering no net benefits

A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings documents 146 contemporary medical practices that have been reversed due to lack of evidence. The study analyzed 10 years of original articles from the New England Journal of Medicine, finding that only a minority tested current medical practices, and 40% found them ineffective.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateJul 22, 2013

Study examines use of transthoracic echocardiography

A study of 535 patients undergoing transthoracic echocardiography found that only 31.8% resulted in an active change in care, with most TTEs classified as appropriate yet failing to improve outcomes. The low rate highlights the need for efficient use of healthcare resources while maintaining high-quality care.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 22, 2013

Studies suggest new key to 'switching off' hypertension

Researchers developed new compounds that mimic catestatin, a naturally used blood pressure regulator. The findings suggest these compounds could be used to control hypertension and potentially lead to new treatments for the disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalBioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry·DateJul 22, 2013
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.

A new method for clicking molecules together

Researchers at EPFL have developed a new method for connecting molecules like drugs or polymers to thiols using the alkynes, allowing for quick and efficient alkynylation reactions. The breakthrough has far-reaching implications for chemical biology, drug design, and materials science.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 22, 2013

Greening of the Earth pushed way back in time

A new study from the University of Oregon has found evidence of life on land dating back 2.2 billion years, four times earlier than previously thought. The discovery of ancient fossils in South African soil provides insight into the 'Great Oxidation Event' that marked a significant rise in oxygen levels in the atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalPrecambrian Research·DateJul 22, 2013

Health risks from arsenic in rice exposed

A new study has found a link between high levels of arsenic in rice and elevated genetic damage in humans. Researchers discovered that people consuming rice with more than 0.2 mg/kg arsenic showed higher frequencies of micronuclei, a sign of chromosomal damage.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·DateJul 22, 2013
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Breastfeeding could prevent ADHD

Researchers found that breastfed children were less likely to develop ADHD later in life, with bottle-fed children three times more likely to have the disorder. The study suggests breastfeeding may have a protective effect against ADHD development.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalBreastfeeding Medicine·DateJul 22, 2013

Learning a language depends on good connection between regions of the left hemisphere of the brain

A study by researchers from IDIBELL and University of Barcelona found that language learning depends on the structure and function of the arcuate fasciculus, a bundle of nerve fibers connecting auditory regions with motor areas. Individuals with more myelinated connections in this area performed better at word learning.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2013

Teen eating disorders increase suicide risk

A new study found that adolescent girls who experience depressive and anxious symptoms, and have a history of binge eating behaviors, are more likely to report suicidal thoughts. The study suggests that prevention programs targeting individuals at high risk of psychiatric problems could be effective in reducing suicide attempts.

SourceSpringer·JournalPrevention Science·DateJul 22, 2013

To savor the flavor, perform a short ritual first

A new study published in Psychological Science suggests that rituals we perform before eating, even seemingly insignificant ones, can change our perception of food. The researchers found that short, fabricated rituals can produce real effects on the taste and enjoyment of food.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 22, 2013

Land-clearing Blazes in Indonesia

Land-clearing blazes in Indonesia are fueled by the palm-oil and pulpwood industries, releasing greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. The fires can remain underground for hours before igniting again, making firefighting difficult.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 22, 2013
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.

Fires in Idaho

NASA's Aqua satellite detected multiple forest fires in Idaho's western region, including the Lodgepole Fire, Ridge Fire, Thunder City fire, and Papoose Fire. The Papoose Fire is currently the largest at 6,504 acres, with containment expected on July 22, 2013.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 22, 2013

Chemical reaction could streamline manufacture of pharmaceuticals and other compounds

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have discovered a new chemical reaction that can create phenolic compounds from aromatic hydrocarbons quickly and cheaply. This process resolves a long-standing challenge in organic chemistry, enabling the mass production of essential compounds such as pharmaceuticals and agricultural ch...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature·DateJul 22, 2013
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.

University of Hawaii Cancer Center researchers report

Researchers found that approximately 13% of smokers used e-cigarettes as a means of quitting, with younger smokers more likely to use them. E-cigarette users were also found to be more motivated to quit smoking compared to those who tried other cessation aids.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii Cancer Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJul 22, 2013

Chips that mimic the brain

Researchers developed a neuromorphic system that can carry out complex sensorimotor tasks in real time, exhibiting cognitive abilities. The system combines artificial neurons into networks that implemented neural processing modules, closely resembling mammalian brain structures.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2013

Tropical ecosystems regulate variations in Earth's carbon dioxide levels

A new study found that tropical ecosystems are extremely sensitive to temperature changes, releasing more carbon dioxide when temperatures rise. This is equivalent to 1/3 of global emissions from fossil fuels and deforestation, making it a critical diagnostic tool for understanding the global carbon cycle.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2013
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.

New study finds 'nighttime heat waves' increasing in Pacific Northwest

A new study by Oregon State University found that nighttime heat waves are on the rise in the Pacific Northwest, with five occurring between 2006-09 and another since this June. Elevated humidity traps heat at night, unlike daytime events influenced by downslope warming.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology·DateJul 22, 2013

Most flammable boreal forests in North America become more so

Recent decades have seen a dramatic increase in wildfires in the Yukon Flats of Alaska, with fire frequency surpassing the limit seen during the Medieval Climate Anomaly. This shift towards deciduous forests has significant implications for carbon storage and climate warming, as dry deciduous trees can become highly flammable.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2013
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.

Making big 'Schroedinger cats'

Physicists at the University of Calgary successfully tested quantum mechanics on a large scale, creating a system in two substantially different states at once. This breakthrough demonstrates the application of quantum superposition principles to everyday macro objects.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 21, 2013

Ancient ice melt unearthed in Antarctic mud

Scientists discovered ancient melting of East Antarctic ice sheet 5-3 million years ago during Pliocene Epoch, causing sea levels to rise 20 meters. This finding provides insights into future sea level rise due to global warming.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 21, 2013

Iberian lynx threatened by climate change

The Iberian lynx, the world's most endangered cat species, is threatened by climate change and may go extinct in 50 years. Climate change must be incorporated into strategies to reintroduce the species to new habitats for survival.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJul 21, 2013

2 in 1 solution for low cost polymer LEDs and solar cells

Researchers from UNIST developed a new plasmonic material that enhances performance in both polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs) and polymer solar cells (PSCs), achieving world-record high efficiency, with PLEDs reaching up to 27.16 cd A-1 and PSCs producing enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) of up to 8.31%.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNature Photonics·DateJul 21, 2013
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.

Hydrogen cars quickened by Copenhagen chemists

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a new fuel cell design that produces as much electricity as current models but requires significantly less platinum, a rare and valuable precious metal. The discovery, published in Nature Materials, could lead to more economically viable fuel cell production.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 21, 2013

Current efforts will not save the world's most endangered cat

A new study finds that current conservation efforts for the Iberian lynx are insufficient to save the species from extinction within 50 years, as climate change is not accounted for in management plans. The research highlights the importance of integrating climate models into biodiversity management.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJul 21, 2013

Antioxidants -- too much of a good thing?

A recent study published in The Journal of Physiology found that high doses of the antioxidant compound resveratrol, commonly found in red wine and supplements, can block cardiovascular benefits of exercise in older men. This counterintuitive result highlights the complex relationship between antioxidants and exercise.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateJul 21, 2013

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who has the lowest noise of them all

A Vienna-Boulder collaboration demonstrates a novel technology for producing mirrors with reduced mechanical loss, enabling advancements in precision measurement and fundamental physics research. This breakthrough could accelerate progress in the development of narrow linewidth laser sources and large area crystalline coatings.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Photonics·DateJul 21, 2013
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.

Study links mental illness to early death in people with epilepsy

A study published in The Lancet found that people with epilepsy are ten times more likely to die prematurely than the general population, with mental illness being a major contributor. The research revealed a strong correlation between psychiatric diagnoses and increased risk of accidents and suicide.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 21, 2013

A first in front line immunity research

Researchers have characterised the binding of IFNβ proteins to cells, providing a breakthrough in understanding immune response mechanisms. This study offers new avenues for developing treatments with reduced side effects and improved effectiveness.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Immunology·DateJul 21, 2013

Paper-thin e-skin responds to touch by lighting up

Engineers at UC Berkeley created the first user-interactive sensor network on flexible plastic, responding to touch with instant light emission. The new e-skin technology has potential applications in robots, wallpapers, dashboard displays, and health monitors.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 21, 2013

Loss of African woodland may impact on climate, study shows

A study by the University of Edinburgh reveals that deforestation in south-central Africa is driven by population growth and agriculture demands. Sustainable fuel alternatives and reduced burning practices can mitigate this loss, while forest cover north of the Congo basin shows a contradictory trend.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateJul 21, 2013