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Science News Archive 2013 - Page 304


Page 304 of 352

Protecting health care workers

Healthcare workers who wear special fitted face masks are less likely to get clinical respiratory and bacterial infections. The study, published in the American Journal of Critical Care Medicine, found that continuous use of N95 masks provides significant protection against both types of infections.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalAmerican Journal of Critical Care·DateFeb 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.

Cell scaffolding protein fascin-1 is hijacked by cancer

A meta-analysis found that increased fascin-1 is associated with increased risk of mortality in breast, colorectal, and oesophageal carcinomas. Fascin-1 was also linked to disease progression and metastasis in some cases, but not others.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateFeb 25, 2013

NASA spots active Southern Indian Ocean's Tropical Storm 18S

Tropical Storm 18S formed over the weekend of Feb. 23-24 with maximum sustained winds near 35 knots (40 mph) and powerful thunderstorms around its core. The storm is currently headed in a similar direction to Cyclone Rusty, which is nearing landfall in northwestern West Australia.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 25, 2013

Study reveals stem cells in a human parasite

Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that adult, non-sexual stem cells in S. mansoni can migrate to various parts of its body and replenish tissues. This finding may provide insight into the parasite's extraordinary staying power.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature·DateFeb 25, 2013
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.

Promoting poultry health through diet

University of Illinois researchers found that dietary fiber, particularly pectin, negatively impacted birds' ability to digest nutrients, while adequate threonine levels improved growth performance and intestinal morphology. Chicks fed high-threonine diets showed increased cytokine responses to coccidiosis infections.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPoultry Science·DateFeb 25, 2013

BPA may affect the developing brain by disrupting gene regulation

Researchers found that BPA suppresses a vital nerve cell function gene and raises concerns about the chemical's impact on central nervous system development. The study suggests that BPA could contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders like Rett syndrome, which is characterized by mutations in the MECP2 gene.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 25, 2013

Majority of Missouri tan salons allow pre-teens

A Missouri survey found that 65% of tanning salon operators would allow children aged 10-12 to use tanning beds, despite evidence showing a link between tanning bed use and an increased risk of skin cancers. Many employees claimed no risks or benefits from indoor tanning, but these claims are false.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateFeb 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.

Intense acupuncture can improve muscle recovery in patients with Bell palsy

A randomized controlled trial found that acupuncture with intense stimulation (de qi) improves facial muscle recovery, disability, and quality of life in patients with Bell palsy. The study suggests de qi is a key factor in achieving therapeutic effects in this condition.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 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.

Rethinking wind power

Research suggests that large-scale wind farms' generating capacity may peak at between 0.5 and 1 watt per square meter, significantly lower than previous estimates. This limitation could impact the feasibility of scaling wind power to meet a third of global energy needs within the next half-century.

SourceHarvard University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateFeb 25, 2013

Macroweather is what you expect

A new kind of fluctuation analysis reveals three atmospheric regimes: weather, macroweather, and climate. Macroweather has different types of variability than both weather and climate, making climate modeling more precise. This recognition may open up new approaches for predicting the climate.

SourceMcGill University·JournalEos·DateFeb 25, 2013

Electronic health communications often unavilable to lower income patients

A significant majority of uninsured and underinsured patients use email and text messaging in their everyday lives, but many clinics do not offer patient portals or secure messaging. Patients are interested in using electronic communication with providers, which could improve clinical communication and efficiency.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateFeb 25, 2013

NASA sees Cyclone Rusty threatening Western Australia

Cyclone Rusty is a large tropical cyclone approaching Western Australia, causing warnings and alerts for residents. The storm's slow movement will result in higher than usual rainfall and flooding, as well as very rough surf and coastal erosion.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 25, 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.

Nottingham technology in heart development breakthrough

Researchers from the University of Leeds used the abdominal fetal ECG device developed by The University of Nottingham to create a comprehensive model of a fully functioning fetal heart. The study found that human hearts develop more slowly compared to other mammals, with little organisation in their walls until 20 weeks into pregnancy.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalInterface·DateFeb 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.

A new look at high-temperature superconductors

Researchers at MIT have detected fluctuating charge-density waves in high-temperature superconductors, a key finding that could help understand the phenomenon and potentially lead to room-temperature superconductors. The new technique sheds light on the exotic state of matter, which has remained poorly understood despite intense research.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 25, 2013

Doing good is good for you: Volunteer adolescents enjoy healthier hearts

Adolescents who volunteered regularly for 10 weeks showed improved cardiovascular health by having lower levels of inflammation and cholesterol. The volunteers also experienced increased empathy, altruistic behavior, and mental health benefits, which contributed to their improved heart health.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateFeb 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.

Prenatal DHA reduces early preterm birth, low birth weight

Researchers found that prenatal DHA supplementation increased mean birth weight and gestational age, reducing the risk of very low birth weight and early preterm delivery. The study supports the use of dietary supplements during pregnancy to improve infant health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateFeb 25, 2013

Some family physicians' offices discriminate against people with low socio-economic status

A study led by Dr. Stephen Hwang of St. Michael's Hospital found that family physicians' offices in Toronto tend to give preference to patients with chronic health conditions and high socio-economic status. The researchers telephoned office staff playing the role of individuals seeking primary care, and observed a significant differenc...

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 25, 2013

Memory strategy may help depressed people remember the good times

Researchers found that using the method-of-loci technique improved recalling positive memories for individuals with depression, potentially elevating their mood. The study suggests this memory strategy may be an effective tool in managing depression.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateFeb 25, 2013

EAU Patient Information now available in Spanish and Greek

The EAU has made its patient information available in Spanish and Greek to cater to patients from diverse linguistic backgrounds. This move aims to provide trustworthy information on urological diseases to all European patients, with translations coordinated by national societies.

SourceEuropean Association of Urology·DateFeb 25, 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.

Cortisone can increase risk of acute pancreatitis

A new study from Karolinska Institutet reveals that cortisone increases the risk of acute pancreatitis. Patients treated with cortisone are recommended to avoid alcohol and smoking to minimize the risk. The study found a 70% higher risk of developing acute pancreatitis among those taking cortisone tablet form.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 25, 2013

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for Feb. 26, 2013

The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends against daily supplementation with vitamin D ≤ 400 IU and calcium ≤ 1,000 mg for fracture prevention in postmenopausal women. Daily supplementation has no net benefit and increases the risk of kidney stones, according to a systematic evidence review.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 25, 2013

Higher levels of several toxic metals found in children with autism

Research at Arizona State University has found that children with autism have higher levels of several toxic metals in their blood and urine compared to typical children. The study's findings suggest a strong association between toxic metal levels and variations in autism severity.

SourceArizona State University·JournalBiological Trace Element Research·DateFeb 25, 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.

Can qigong reduce cocaine cravings in early addiction recovery?

A pilot study shows that qigong therapy significantly reduced cocaine cravings and depression symptoms in individuals undergoing residential substance abuse treatment. This promising treatment approach may have profound consequences in drug rehabilitation programs.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateFeb 25, 2013

Clues to climate cycles dug from south pole snow pit

Researchers have discovered a 22-year record of atmospheric chemistry in Antarctic snow, revealing clear connections between oxygen anomalies and global El Nino events. This breakthrough enables the reconstruction of paleoclimate cycles, providing new insights into Earth's climate history.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 25, 2013
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Scientists create new maps depicting potential worldwide coral bleaching by 2056

A new study projects that most coral reefs will experience annual bleaching events by 2045, with a quarter experiencing them up to five years earlier. Reducing carbon emissions can delay these events in nearly a quarter of reef areas for over two decades.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 25, 2013

Tweaking gene expression to repair lungs

Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered a way to repair lung damage caused by asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by tweaking gene expression. They found that epigenetic regulators, including HDAC2, play a critical role in regulating lung development and regeneration.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateFeb 25, 2013

Virus shows promise as prostate cancer treatment

A modified Newcastle disease virus has been developed to target prostate cancer cells without harming normal cells, offering a new treatment option for hormone-refractory patients. This oncolytic virus uses a retargeted design to minimize off-target losses and reduce the amount of virus needed for treatment.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalJournal of Virology·DateFeb 25, 2013
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.

Fragments of continents hidden under lava in the Indian Ocean

Researchers found evidence of a previously unknown micro-continent, Mauritia, beneath the Indian Ocean using dating methods and plate tectonics analysis. The discovery suggests that such micro-continents may occur more frequently than previously thought and were carried by lava to their current location.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 24, 2013

Distinct niches in bone marrow nurture blood stem cells

Scientists found that distinct niches exist in bone marrow to nurture different types of blood stem cells, which could improve the success of stem cell transplants and chemotherapy. The discovery suggests that targeting specific support cells may be therapeutic for treating certain cancers.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateFeb 24, 2013

Laser mastery narrows down sources of superconductivity

Researchers at MIT and Brookhaven Lab use ultrafast spectroscopy techniques to study electron waves in custom-grown materials. They discover that CDWs are an independent instability and likely competing with the HTS state, not its root cause.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 24, 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.

Taking the gamble out of DNA sequencing

USC scientists have developed an algorithm to predict the value of DNA sequencing, which could make it more affordable for clinics. The algorithm uses a model from ecology known as capture-recapture to estimate population sizes, with potential applications in public health, astronomy, and biology.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Methods·DateFeb 24, 2013

Ability of brain to protect itself from damage revealed

Researchers at the University of Oxford have identified a natural biological mechanism that allows brain cells to survive during a stroke, enabling the development of potential neuroprotective drugs. The 'endogenous neuroprotection' discovered in rats has shown to increase cell survival by stimulating production of hamartin protein.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 24, 2013

New type of gene that regulates tumor suppressor PTEN identified

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a new pseudogene that regulates the tumour-suppressing PTEN gene, enabling its potential reversal. This finding could lead to more effective cancer treatments by reprogramming cancer cells and preventing resistance.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateFeb 24, 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.

Scientists find bone-marrow environment that helps produce infection-fighting T and B cells

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered an osteoblastic niche in the bone marrow that nurtures early lymphoid progenitors, specialized blood-forming cells responsible for producing T cells and B cells. This finding may lead to improved safety and effectiveness of bone-marrow transplants and treatments for illnesse...

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature·DateFeb 24, 2013

UN sustainable energy initiative could put world on a path to climate targets

A new study suggests that achieving the UN's Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All) objectives by 2030 could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help limit global temperature rise to 2°C. The initiative includes providing universal access to modern energy, doubling renewable energy globally, and improving energy efficiency.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 24, 2013

Scientists find surprising new influence on cancer genes

A new study reveals that pseudogenes can regulate cancer-related genes like PTEN, potentially leading to new treatments. The research found that pseudogenes sharing sequences with PTEN can control its activity in two ways.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateFeb 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.

Analytical trick accelerates protein studies

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a new technique to accelerate protein analysis, allowing for the simultaneous identification of proteins in multiple samples. This breakthrough could lead to faster diagnosis of cancer and the discovery of novel drug targets.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Methods·DateFeb 24, 2013

Graphene: A material that multiplies the power of light

Researchers at ICFO have discovered that graphene can convert a single photon into multiple excited electrons, generating larger electrical signals. This feature makes graphene an ideal building block for devices relying on converting light into electricity, with potential applications in solar cells and efficient light detection.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 24, 2013

Quantum algorithm breakthrough

Researchers at the University of Bristol successfully implemented a full quantum circuit to calculate unknown eigenvalues using a quantum algorithm without prior knowledge. This achievement marks an important step towards practical quantum computing, enabling applications in quantum simulations and metrology.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Photonics·DateFeb 24, 2013