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Science News Archive 2013 - Page 276


Page 276 of 352

A paradox for young docs: New work-hour restrictions may increase, not decrease, errors

A recent study of over 2,300 first-year residents found that the percentage of self-reported medical errors increased after new work-hour restrictions took effect in 2011. The researchers suggest that the reduction in work hours led to a decrease in 'down time' and an increase in communication gaps, contributing to the rise in errors.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMar 25, 2013

Kidney sparing surgery underutilized for patients who need it most

A recent study published in BJU International found that despite growing trends towards kidney-preservation treatments, patients with chronic kidney insufficiency are more likely to undergo total nephrectomy. The researchers emphasize the need for further investigation into treatment selection factors.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalBJU International·DateMar 25, 2013
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

You don't 'own' your own genes

A recent study reveals that 41% of the human genome is covered by longer DNA patents, which could lead to a loss of individual genomic liberty. The study also found that short sequences from patents cover virtually the entire genome, even outside of genes.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalGenome Medicine·DateMar 25, 2013

Using fluctuating wind power

Researchers propose a new strategy to optimize power-generation efficiency in fluctuating wind conditions by predicting maximum turbine generation capacity and incorporating various factors. The approach shows promise in improving power-generation efficiency, but further refinement is needed based on local conditions.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateMar 25, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How can we prepare better for emergencies?

Exercises play a vital role in developing and testing emergency plans, improving staff competences, and fostering multi-agency collaboration. Research reveals that effective exercise design and participation can significantly enhance the UK's ability to respond to emergencies.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateMar 25, 2013

Psychology study shows distance plays key role in gun control arguments

A new psychology study from the University of Texas at Austin suggests that public officials located out of state from their constituents are more likely to gain approval by framing their arguments around the abstract rather than specific incidents. This prompts people to consider the larger picture, according to researchers.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateMar 25, 2013

Glass-blowers at a nano scale

EPFL researchers have developed a method to shrink glass capillary tubes using a scanning electron microscope, resulting in precise control over the tube's diameter. This technique has been patented and shows promise for industrial applications such as ultra-high precision printing and surgery.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 25, 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.

Increased time to pregnancy linked to child's neurological development

A small study found that impaired fertility, rather than fertility treatment, may be key to child's neurological development. Longer time to pregnancy was associated with a 30% increased risk of mild neurodevelopmental problems in children. Further research is needed before couples can be counselled accordingly.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateMar 25, 2013

What a bunch of dodos!

Research by the Zoological Society of London found that over 4,000 years ago, tropical Pacific Islands experienced a catastrophic mass extinction of birds, with around 1,300 species disappearing. The loss was largely due to overhunting and deforestation caused by human arrival.

SourceZoological Society of London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2013

Cleverly designed vaccine blocks H5 avian influenza in models

A new vaccine has proven highly effective against the H5N1 avian influenza virus, when tested in mice and ferrets. The vaccine uses an attenuated version of the H9 virus with an added H5 gene, slowing viral replication and reducing the risk of successful reassortment.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalJournal of Virology·DateMar 25, 2013

Decoding the genetic history of the Texas longhorn

A study by University of Texas at Austin researchers reveals that Texas Longhorns are direct descendants of cattle brought over by Columbus in 1493, with an 85% taurine genome from the Middle East. The breed's genetic diversity is partially responsible for their resilience to harsh climatic conditions.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2013
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.

Scientists confirm first 2-headed bull shark

A team led by MSU assistant professor Michael Wagner confirmed a two-headed bull shark in the Gulf of Mexico. The specimen had two distinct heads, hearts, and stomachs with a single tail, challenging theories about the cause of such deformities.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Fish Biology·DateMar 25, 2013

Compounds found that alter cell signaling, could lead to new breast cancer treatments

Researchers from Scripps Research Institute have identified a class of compounds that can modify cell signaling activity, including anti-inflammatory effects, which could lead to innovative treatments for breast cancer. The study focuses on compounds interacting with the estrogen receptor-α, a key target in breast cancer treatment.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 25, 2013

'Metascreen' forms ultra-thin invisibility cloak

Scientists have created a metascreen cloak that can hide objects from microwaves, providing optimal functionality at specific frequencies and bandwidths. The researchers predict the technique's conformability and robustness will enable cloaking of oddly shaped objects.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateMar 25, 2013

Nouns before verbs?

A new Northwestern University study reveals that infants acquire both nouns and verbs in a more nuanced way than previously thought. The research suggests that the ability to map nouns to objects is robust across languages, but verb mapping is more variable and influenced by linguistic context.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalChild Development Perspectives·DateMar 25, 2013

New model predicts hospital readmission risk

A new model developed at Brigham and Women's Hospital helps clinicians identify high-risk patients for potentially avoidable hospital readmissions. The model uses seven independent factors, including hemoglobin level and length of stay, to predict the risk of readmission.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMar 25, 2013
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

How school report cards can backfire

New research from Michigan State University finds that publicizing performance data for K-12 schools can lead to decreased parent satisfaction and erosion of trust in the schools. The study suggests that clear and easy-to-understand grading systems are crucial, rather than constantly changing them for policy or political purposes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEducational Policy·DateMar 25, 2013

Tearing down the technological 'Tower of Babel' along international borders

A joint US-Canada experiment, CAUSE, successfully demonstrated the ability to exchange information between local, state, and national systems across international borders. First responders could visualize resource deployments using situational awareness tools like Virtual Maine and MASAS, improving response efforts.

SourceUS Department of Homeland Security - Science and Technology·DateMar 25, 2013

How common is 'The John Next Door'?

A new study by Dr. Christine Milrod and Dr. Martin A. Monto found that only about 14% of men have ever paid for sex, and those who do are not particularly different from the general population. The researchers also discovered that arrested customers are more likely to be married, working full-time, and sexually liberal than non-customers.

SourceSAGE·JournalInternational Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology·DateMar 25, 2013

Hunger-spiking neurons could help control autoimmune diseases

Researchers at Yale University have found that AgRP neurons, which regulate appetite, also impact immune cell function. Suppressing these neurons can lead to increased inflammation and vulnerability to autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 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.

Artifacts shed light on social networks of the past

A study of over 800,000 painted ceramic and 4,800 obsidian artifacts reveals dramatic changes in social networks over a 250-year period in the late pre-Hispanic Southwest. Researchers found that people maintained surprisingly long-distance relationships despite physical distances, using walking as their only mode of transportation.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2013

Einstein study reveals new approach for stopping herpes infections

Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have discovered a new approach for stopping herpes infections by identifying the molecular key that herpes viruses use to infect cells. The finding could lead to new drugs for treating or suppressing herpes virus infections.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateMar 25, 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.

Parkinson's drug helps older people to make decisions

A Parkinson's drug has been shown to reverse age-related impairments in decision making in some older people. The study found that treating older adults with a dopamine-boosting drug improved their ability to learn from rewards and make better decisions, comparable to those in their twenties.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 24, 2013

UT MD Anderson scientists uncover the nuclear life of actin

Researchers found that actin's monomeric form interacts with chromatin to regulate gene expression and genome stability. The discovery challenges the dogma that actin functions through polymerization, revealing a novel mechanism for nuclear actin.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMar 24, 2013

Nanowire solar cells raise efficiency limit

Researchers have discovered a single nanowire can concentrate sunlight up to 15 times the normal intensity, raising the potential for highly efficient solar cells. The breakthrough could lead to a significant impact on solar cell development and energy extraction.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalNature Photonics·DateMar 24, 2013
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.

Amniotic fluid stem cells repair gut damage

Stem cells from amniotic fluid have been shown to repair gut damage and improve survival rates in rodents with intestinal damage. The study found that these cells work by releasing growth factors that reduce inflammation and trigger the formation of new tissues.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalGut·DateMar 24, 2013

Surprises in the South polar vortex in Venus' atmosphere

Researchers discovered that the South pole vortex of Venus is composed of two main cloud layers, with centres of rotation at different altitudes forming a constantly evolving permanent structure. This phenomenon, known as super-rotation, occurs due to the planet's slow rotation speed and fast atmospheric rotation rate.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 24, 2013

Catalyst in a teacup: New approach to chemical reduction

Scientists have developed a new method for chemical reduction using a biomimetic catalyst that mimics naturally occurring enzymes. The catalyst-based approach uses cheap, replenishable reagents and works well at room temperature and in air, even allowing for safe use in a teacup. With high efficiency rates, the research has wide applic...

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 24, 2013
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Paint-on plastic electronics: Aligning polymers for high performance

University of Michigan engineers create thin-layer, conducting, highly aligned film for high-performance plastic electronics by designing semiconducting polymers with natural twist and flexible arms. This breakthrough enables faster charge carrier mobility and could lead to cheaper, greener electronics.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 24, 2013

Researchers identify genetic sequence that helps to coordinate synthesis of DNA-packaging proteins

A new genetic sequence has been identified as crucial for coordinating the synthesis of DNA-packaging proteins in cells. This process is essential for maintaining genomic stability and preventing birth defects and cancers. The discovery provides insights into how cells regulate histone protein production, a critical step in chromatin a...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMar 24, 2013

The genomic studies of wheat sheds new light on crop adaptation and domestication

Two recent studies published in Nature provide unprecedented insights into the biology of wheat, shedding light on its adaptation to diverse climates and improving grain quality. The research revealed the role of repeat expansion in genome size during evolution and identified key genes for abiotic stress response, providing a valuable ...

SourceBGI Shenzhen·JournalNature·DateMar 24, 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.

Nature versus nurture -- better looking birds have healthier babies

A study published in Frontiers in Zoology found that female great tits' appearance signals healthy attributes in their offspring, with black stripe correlating to chick weight at two weeks and white cheek patches to immune strength. The research suggests a balance between genetic and environmental factors in determining offspring health.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalFrontiers in Zoology·DateMar 24, 2013

Detecting circulating tumor cells

Researchers have developed a multi-stage, multi-orifice flow fractionation system to detect and separate circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from blood with high efficiency, improving separation efficiency to 98.9%. The device, called MS-MOFF, employs hydrodynamic sorting and can collect viable CTCs after sorting.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalBiomicrofluidics·DateMar 23, 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.

Hip surgery complication rate higher than previously reported

A new case study on over 500 hip procedures found a complication rate of 7.2%, higher than previously reported 1.5%. The multicenter study evaluated all arthroscopic hip procedures using a grading scheme and included a mean age of 32.3 years among participants.

SourceAmerican Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine·DateMar 23, 2013

Physical activity during youth may help reduce fracture risk in old age

A recent study found that exercise interventions in childhood may be associated with lower fracture risks as people age due to increased peak bone mass. Researchers conducted a six-year exercise intervention in children aged 7-9 and found similar fracture risks between the intervention and control groups.

SourceAmerican Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine·DateMar 23, 2013
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.

Advances in inflammatory bowel disease -- what's new, what's next

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation has set a new research agenda for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), prioritizing understanding of environmental factors, genes, bacteria, and epithelial responses. The goal is to develop personalized treatments through comparative effectiveness studies.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalInflammatory Bowel Diseases·DateMar 22, 2013

APL novel method accurately predicts disease outbreaks

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory has developed a novel method called PRedicting Infectious Disease Scalable Model (PRISM) to accurately predict dengue fever outbreaks several weeks before they occur. PRISM extracts relationships between clinical, meteorological, climatic and socio-political data in various regions.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateMar 22, 2013

Penn study finds smoking prolongs fracture healing

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that smoking delays fracture healing and increases post-operative complications. The research, which analyzed over 6,480 patient cases, shows that smokers take roughly six weeks longer to heal than non-smokers.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateMar 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.

Pathologists identify patterns of mutations to help inform design of future trials

A study published by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer found that 54% of patients with early stage node-negative lung adenocarcinoma had tumors with at least one biologically relevant mutation. The researchers also discovered mutations associated with drug resistance in these patients.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateMar 22, 2013