Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2013 - Page 307


Page 307 of 352

The ethics of access: Comparing 2 federal health care reform efforts

A team of University of Michigan doctors analyze the shortcomings of the Affordable Care Act and Reagan-era emergency access law, emphasizing the need for preventive care and coordinated care. The authors conclude that modern healthcare reform must address these gaps to bring the nation closer to a goal of comprehensive care for all.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateFeb 20, 2013

New imaging device that is flexible, flat, and transparent

The new device uses a polymer sheet with fluorescent particles to capture incoming light and channel it to an array of sensors. This allows for the creation of high-resolution images without any internal components or electronics. The technology has potential applications in user interface devices that can respond to gestures alone.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateFeb 20, 2013

Antioxidants in your diet may not reduce risk of stroke or dementia

A new study published in Neurology found no correlation between antioxidant intake and risk of developing stroke or dementia. The study suggests that individual antioxidants and food sources may be more important than total antioxidant levels in reducing the risk of these conditions.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 20, 2013

Omega-3 lipid emulsions markedly protect brain after stroke in mouse study

A new study reveals that omega-3 fatty acid emulsions can decrease damaged brain tissue by 50 percent or more after an ischemic stroke. The findings suggest these emulsions may be able to reduce long-term neurological and behavioral problems seen in human survivors of neonatal and adult strokes.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 20, 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.

Does bariatric surgery impact medical costs associated with obesity?

A recent study found that bariatric surgery does not lower overall healthcare costs in the long term. Instead, it results in higher inpatient costs and lower prescription and office-visit costs. The research analyzed data from over 29,000 patients who underwent bariatric surgery between 2002 and 2008.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateFeb 20, 2013

Researchers say sunlight yields more efficient carbon dioxide to methanol model

Scientists at the University of Texas at Arlington have developed a method for converting carbon dioxide into liquid methanol fuel using copper oxide nanowires and sunlight. The new process is more efficient and environmentally friendly than current methods, which require toxic elements or high operating pressures.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalChemical Communications·DateFeb 20, 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.

Cost of medication and stigma leading asthma sufferers to risk health

Research shows that asthma sufferers in the UK are putting their lives at risk by relying on short-acting bronchodilators instead of preventive medication. The main reasons for this behaviour include cost and stigma, with many young adults feeling embarrassed to use inhalers in public.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalBMJ Open·DateFeb 20, 2013

Low-pitched song indicates fairy-wren size

A new international study shows that a male fairy-wren's low-pitched song is linked to its body size, providing insight into reliable communication between animals. The study, led by University of Melbourne researcher Dr Michelle Hall, found that larger males sing at lower pitches.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 20, 2013

First signals from brain nerve cells with ultrathin nanowires

Researchers at Lund University have successfully implanted an ultrathin nanowire-based electrode into a laboratory animal's brain, capturing signals from the nerve cells. This breakthrough allows for potential long-term monitoring and treatment of conditions like Parkinson's disease.

SourceLund University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 20, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Trustworthy mating advice deepens bond between straight women and gay men

A new psychology study from the University of Texas at Austin suggests that friendships between straight women and gay men are rooted in the absence of deceptive mating motivations. Gay men may provide more trustworthy love advice to straight women because they don't have conflicts with them, unlike other women or straight men.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalEvolutionary Psychology·DateFeb 20, 2013

Being stoic for the spouse's sake comes at a high cost

Researchers studied how couples cope with child loss and found that suppressing emotions can worsen grief. The study suggests that clinicians should guide clients away from 'staying strong' for partners to ease their suffering.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 20, 2013

MIT researchers build Quad HD TV chip

The new chip performs real-time HEVC encoding and decoding, enabling four times the resolution of current TVs. It achieves this through pipelining and matrix multiplication to reduce computational complexity.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 20, 2013

Cooling may prevent trauma-induced epilepsy

A new study in rats indicates that gentle brain cooling after injury may prevent seizures in humans, a finding that could lead to a safe and relatively simple way to treat patients with head injuries.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateFeb 20, 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.

Creeping epidemic of obesity hits Asia Pacific region

The Asia Pacific region is experiencing a creeping epidemic of obesity, with quadrupled rates in China and increased prevalence among countries such as Japan and Australia. Experts attribute the rise to sedentary lifestyles, Westernized diets, and cultural attitudes that prioritize food as a way of showing hospitality.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateFeb 20, 2013

Data pooling in biobanks: The BIOPOOL project

The BIOPOOL project aggregates data from European biobanks to facilitate faster and more accurate cancer diagnoses. This initiative enables clinicians to compare biopsy images of patients with those of numerous other patients, reducing the need for invasive tests and improving treatment outcomes.

SourceBrunel University·DateFeb 20, 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.

Study shows long-term efficacy of minimally invasive therapy for patients with Barrett's esophagus

A new study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that minimally invasive therapies can effectively remove damaged cells from patients with Barrett's esophagus, reducing cancer progression. In over two-thirds of cases, patients had no signs of disease return for years.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateFeb 20, 2013

Study advances LSUHSC research, shows fish oil component reduces brain damage in newborns

Researchers discovered a novel use of a fish oil component that reduced brain trauma in newborn mice by about 50%. The study found that injecting docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) within two hours of ischemic stroke significantly decreased neonatal brain damage. DHA provided protection while other omega-3 fatty acids did not.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 20, 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.

A self-healing protective coating for concrete

Scientists have developed a self-healing protective coating for concrete cracks that can repair itself using sunlight. The coating contains microcapsules loaded with a material that seals cracks upon cracking, providing an environmentally friendly solution to protect infrastructure from deterioration.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 20, 2013

Secrets of human speech uncovered

A team of UCSF researchers has uncovered the neurological basis of speech motor control, revealing a hierarchical and cyclical structure that exerts split-second control over articulators in fluent speech. The study has potential implications for developing computer-brain interfaces and treating speech disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature·DateFeb 20, 2013

Common acne drug not associated with increased risk of IBD

A new study published in JAMA Dermatology has found that the common acne drug isotretinoin does not increase the risk of inflammatory bowel disease. The research, led by Dr. Mahyar Etminan, statistically adjusted for severe acne and found no association between the drug and IBD.

SourceChild & Family Research Institute·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateFeb 20, 2013

Bracelet-like device controls chronic acid reflux, study finds

A new device encircles the esophagus valve to control chronic acid reflux, easing symptoms in 92% of patients and allowing 87% to stop using acid-suppressing drugs. Installation is minimally invasive, taking one to two hours, and patients experience significant improvement with 94% satisfaction.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 20, 2013

NASA's SDO shows a little rain on the sun

On July 19, 2012, NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) detected a rare event: coronal rain. This phenomenon occurs when hot plasma in the sun's corona cools and condenses along strong magnetic fields. The SDO's footage shows the plasma as it slowly falls back to the solar surface, outlining the magnetic fields.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 20, 2013
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Researchers find crime drama viewers more likely to aid sexual assault victims

A recent study at Washington State University found that viewers of primetime crime dramas are more inclined to intervene on behalf of sexual assault victims. The research suggests that prime-time television can be an effective medium for educating the public about sexual assault and encouraging bystander intervention.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateFeb 20, 2013

Signaling pathway linked to fetal alcohol risk

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified a signaling pathway that may determine genetic susceptibility for the development of FASD. The study found that phosphorylation events inside cells can render L1 adhesion molecules more vulnerable to alcohol's inhibitory effects, providing new targets for diagnosis and therapy.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 20, 2013

Digital processing system avoids 17.4 million drug errors in US in 1 year

A digital processing system has been found to significantly reduce medication errors in US hospitals, with a potential to avoid over 50 million incidents nationwide. The system halves the likelihood of a drug error and cuts errors by 12.5% nationally, resulting in 17.4 million avoided errors in one year.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateFeb 20, 2013

Bullied children can suffer lasting psychological harm as adults

A study by Duke University Medical Center found that bullied children are at higher risk for psychiatric disorders, including anxiety and depressive disorders, as adults. The research used a large group of participants initially enrolled as adolescents and followed them into adulthood to assess the long-term effects of bullying.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateFeb 20, 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.

Study: Resveratrol shows promise to protect hearing, cognition

A study published by Henry Ford Hospital found that resveratrol can reduce noise-induced hearing loss and cognitive decline in rats. The researchers discovered that resveratrol inhibits the inflammatory process and oxidative stress caused by loud noise, providing protection against age-related hearing and cognitive impairment.

SourceHenry Ford Health·DateFeb 20, 2013

Healthy rivalry could boost sport and business performance

New research shows that criticism from team members can lead to downward spirals, but external criticism can boost performance by encouraging a 'them and us' mentality. This study offers a method for improving performance following setbacks in both sport and business.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateFeb 20, 2013
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

New taxonomy of platinum nanoclusters

Researchers have catalogued the structural diversity of metallic nanoclusters into families using a new numerical simulation method. This breakthrough enables tailoring of specific properties and has potential applications in nanocatalysis and magnetic storage.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateFeb 20, 2013

Myth that UK supply of innovative new pharma drugs is drying up

Research finds no significant linear trend pointing to a decline in UK new drug introductions between 1982-2011, contrary to widely-held views. The number of new drugs introduced has fluctuated, with dips followed by surges, indicating an overall slight increase over the past 40 years.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateFeb 20, 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.

New bioengineered ears look and act like the real thing

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College and Cornell University have developed bioengineered ears that can grow cartilage over a three-month period. The study's breakthrough could provide a new solution for children born with congenital ear deformities, as well as individuals who have lost part or all of their external ear.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 20, 2013

Staff satisfaction at hospitals may affect the quality of patient care

A new study by Imperial College London found that hospital staff satisfaction is closely tied to the quality of patient care. The research suggests that hospitals with lower mortality rates tend to have more satisfied staff, and that non-clinical staff are just as likely to be satisfied as clinical staff.

SourceImperial College London·JournalGlobal Journal on Quality and Safety in Healthcare·DateFeb 20, 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.

UCLA life scientists identify drug that could aid treatment of anxiety disorders

A new study suggests that scopolamine can help boost the effectiveness of exposure therapy for anxiety disorders by disrupting contextual processing. Researchers found that administering scopolamine to rats during anxiety-extinction led to fear-recovery being thwarted, suggesting a potential breakthrough in preventing relapse.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateFeb 20, 2013

Smoking cessation in old age: Less heart attacks and strokes within 5 years

A recent study by Professor Hermann Brenner and colleagues found that smoking cessation in older adults significantly reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Within five years of quitting, smokers experience a reduction of over 40% in cardiovascular disease risk compared to non-smokers.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalEuropean Journal of Epidemiology·DateFeb 20, 2013

Prescription problems for vets on reflux drug

A new Northwestern University study found that US veterans diagnosed with GERD are frequently prescribed high doses of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and kept on the drug for too long. The researchers evaluated over 1,600 patients and found that nearly 25% were given high total daily dose prescriptions.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateFeb 20, 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.

Preclinical study shows potential of new technologies to detect response to cancer therapy earlier

A preclinical study uses ultrasonic molecular imaging and Dynamic Contrast Enhanced-Perfusion Imaging to measure response to pancreatic cancer therapy. The study reveals that these new technologies can detect molecular signs of tumor response after just 2 days, improving the early identification of therapeutic response.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalTechnology in Cancer Research & Treatment·DateFeb 20, 2013

'I'm not just fat, I'm old!'

A study published in Journal of Eating Disorders found that women's conversations about weight, known as 'fat talk,' were more prevalent during younger years. In contrast, discussions about aging, or 'old talk,' increased with age and were less frequent. Women who engaged in both types of talk tended to have a more negative body image.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Eating Disorders·DateFeb 20, 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.

Perceptions of health improve with pension receipt, researcher says

A University of Missouri researcher found that receiving pensions improves health perceptions in older men and women, with women reporting better well-being initially. However, after five years, men's well-being improved before declining, while women's benefits persisted.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateFeb 20, 2013