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Science News Archive 2013 - Page 324


Page 324 of 352

Seeing the software world from a dependency perspective

Researchers propose novel protocol structure model to analyze and verify service-oriented systems, incorporating dependencies for synchronous, asynchronous, and broadcast communications. The model combines features of partial orders and Petri nets to tackle complex software development challenges.

SourceScience China Press·DateFeb 5, 2013

Obesity leads to vitamin D deficiency

A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found a strong association between obesity and vitamin D deficiency. The research, led by Dr Elina Hypponen, used genetic markers to explore the link between body mass index (BMI) and genes associated with vitamin D synthesis and metabolism.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 5, 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.

Low vitamin D levels may increase risk of Type 1 diabetes

Researchers found that white, non-Hispanic young adults with higher serum levels of vitamin D had about half the risk of developing Type 1 diabetes than those with lower levels. The study suggests that inadequate vitamin D intake may be an important risk factor for autoimmune diseases.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateFeb 4, 2013

University of Leicester announces discovery of King Richard III

The University of Leicester has discovered the remains of King Richard III using a wealth of evidence including DNA, radiocarbon dating and skeletal analysis. The skeleton was found in Leicester city centre and matches two of Richard III's maternal line relatives, confirming his identity.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·DateFeb 4, 2013

New study finds water tubing-related injuries up 250 percent

A recent study found that water tubing-related injuries increased by 250% over a 19-year period, with 65+ injuries treated in U.S. emergency departments daily during summer. The most common types of injuries were sprains and strains, followed by soft tissue injuries.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalJournal of Physical Activity and Health·DateFeb 4, 2013

Study highlights important role that patients play in determining outcomes

A University of Oregon study finds that patients with higher levels of motivation, knowledge, and confidence in managing their health have substantially lower healthcare costs. The researchers recommend assessing patient activation scores to support more engaged patients and improve outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalHealth Affairs·DateFeb 4, 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.

NOAA: Tortugas marine reserve yields more, larger fish

The NOAA report reveals that 'no-take' protections in the Tortugas Ecological Reserve have boosted fish populations and fisheries, including a resurgence of spawning mutton snapper. Commercial catches of reef fish have increased without financial losses for regional fishers.

SourceNOAA Headquarters·DateFeb 4, 2013

Scientists prevent development of deafness in animals engineered to have Usher syndrome

Researchers have developed a novel therapeutic approach to treat deafness and balance impairment by injecting mice with an antisense oligonucleotide that targets a specific gene mutation. The treatment, which was tested on mice engineered to model human Usher syndrome, successfully rescues hearing and cures balance problems.

SourceRosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2013

3D printing breakthrough with human embryonic stem cells

Researchers have successfully printed human embryonic stem cells using a novel valve-based technique, enabling the creation of three-dimensional tissues and structures. The breakthrough could speed up drug testing and pave the way for transplantable organs without donation.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBiofabrication·DateFeb 4, 2013

AB blood type strong risk factor for venous blood clots

A large study found that ABO blood type is a strong risk factor for venous blood clots. The research, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, also identified other genetic mutations associated with an increased risk of these conditions.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 4, 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.

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for Feb. 5, 2013

A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that exercising regularly earlier in life can significantly lower the risk of developing dementia later in life. Researchers analyzed data from over 19,000 adults and found a strong association between midlife fitness levels and reduced risk of all-cause dementia. Additio...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2013

USC scientists design mouse with more human-like immune response

USC researchers create genetically engineered mice with CD1d molecules similar to humans to trigger natural killer T cells and potentially develop effective immunotherapies. The discovery aims to improve the efficacy of existing drugs and vaccines against human diseases.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2013

Survey reveals fault lines in views on climate change

A new survey by a University of Alberta researcher found that 99% of respondents agree the climate is changing, but disagree on causes. The study identified five distinct beliefs on climate change and found common points of interest to promote collaboration.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalOrganization Studies·DateFeb 4, 2013

Biodiversity exploration in the 3-D era

A team of researchers from Hellenic Centre for Marine Research used X-ray computed tomography to create detailed 3D representations of tiny animals, facilitating the study of morphology and improving taxonomy. The method enables virtual rotation, magnification, and dissection of specimens, extracting new scientific information.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateFeb 4, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Monogamous birds read partner's food desires

Researchers found that male Eurasian Jays can share food with their female partner according to her current desire, suggesting a 'state-attribution' ability. This behavior is crucial for species living in long-term relationships and may improve mate bonding.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2013

Scientists turn toxic by-product into biofuel booster

Researchers develop bi-functional enzyme to increase alkane output in bacteria and plants, eliminating hydrogen peroxide inhibition. The combo enzyme boosts reaction efficiency by producing oxygen, a key component required for activity.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2013

Penn study confirms no transmission of Alzheimer's proteins between humans

A new Penn study found no evidence to support concerns that abnormal disease proteins are infectious and can be transmitted from one person to another. Researchers analyzed data from a cohort of patients who received human growth hormone therapy and found no cases of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or other neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateFeb 4, 2013

Experimental therapy crosses blood-brain barrier to treat neurological disease

Researchers have developed an experimental molecular therapy that crosses the blood-brain barrier to reverse neurological lysosomal storage disease in mice. The therapy uses a modified enzyme called IDUAe1, which penetrates the blood-brain barrier and delivers large-molecule therapeutic agents to treat brain diseases.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 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.

Avoiding a cartography catastrophe

A systematic review assesses the reliability of global mapping of infectious diseases, finding that only a small percentage have been mapped reliably. The study suggests using novel solutions like crowdsourcing to gather data, such as analyzing Twitter messages about disease.

SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateFeb 4, 2013

Cells predict onset of graft-versus-host disease in men receiving BMTs from female donors

Researchers discovered a specific B lymphocyte marker that indicates the onset of cGVHD, a devastating syndrome where the patient's tissues are attacked by transplanted immune cells. This easily measured marker could help guide new therapies to mitigate or prevent cGVHD, which affects half of all bone marrow transplant procedures.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2013

Polar bear researchers urge governments to act now and save the species

Polar bears face an imminent threat from rapid Arctic ecosystem changes, which could lead to population declines of up to 50%. Governments must develop conservation plans to mitigate the effects of climate change. The authors' study suggests that a single severe ice year could erase half of a polar bear population in a single year.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalConservation Letters·DateFeb 4, 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.

Sunlight may help ward off rheumatoid arthritis in women

Regular sunlight exposure is linked to lower risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis in older women due to increased production of vitamin D. However, younger women who cover up with sunscreen may not experience the same protective benefits, according to a large-scale study.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateFeb 4, 2013

Could the humble sea urchin hold the key to carbon capture?

Experts at Newcastle University have discovered a way to convert CO2 into harmless calcium or magnesium carbonate using Nickel nanoparticles. This process has the potential to significantly reduce CO2 emissions from industries such as power stations and chemical processing plants.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalCatalysis Science & Technology·DateFeb 4, 2013

Tropical rainfall patterns varied through time

Researchers analyzed lake sediment to reconstruct climate patterns in Nicaragua during the Medieval Climate Anomaly and Little Ice Age. The study found that factors currently producing drier climates resulted in wetter conditions a few hundred years ago.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalGeology·DateFeb 4, 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.

Men are fromMarsEarth, women are fromVenusEarth

A recent study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology reveals that men and women share a significant number of psychological traits, with most characteristics falling along a linear gradation for both genders. The authors conclude that traditional gender categories are not as rigid as stereotypes suggest.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateFeb 4, 2013

Birds may need a hand to weather climate change

A new study predicts that climate change will lead to significant declines in suitable climates for many bird species, requiring enhanced protection and management of key sites. Conservation efforts will need to adapt to assist birds in moving to climatically suitable areas, with some species facing relocation in extreme cases.

SourceDurham University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateFeb 4, 2013

Scientists notch a win in war against antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute used sophisticated computer modeling and biotechnology to target ROS production in E. coli, rendering the bacteria more susceptible to existing antibiotics. The study provides a promising approach to boost the global antibiotic arsenal against deadly superbugs like tuberculosis.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 4, 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.

TV viewing, exercise habits may significantly affect sperm count

A new study led by Harvard School of Public Health found that sedentary TV viewing can nearly halve sperm counts, while moderate to vigorous exercise may boost them. Men who watched more than 20 hours of TV weekly had a 44% lower sperm count, while those who exercised for 15 or more hours weekly had a 73% higher sperm count.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2013

Paired genes in stem cells shed new light on gene organization and regulation

A recent study published in PNAS reveals that DNA transcription produces mRNA and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) pairs, which are transcribed coordinately as stem cells differentiate into other cell types. The finding could redefine our understanding of gene organization and regulation.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2013

High-dose Vorinostat effective at treating relapsed lymphomas

A phase 1 clinical trial found that high-dose Vorinostat, combined with standard chemotherapy, was effective in treating relapsed lymphomas, particularly Hodgkin and diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. The study resulted in a 70% response rate, including complete responses in some patients.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·DateFeb 4, 2013

Study shows Facebook unfriending has real life consequences

A study by University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus researcher Christopher Sibona found that 40% of people would avoid someone who unfriended them in real life. The factors predicting avoidance include the person's emotional response, geographical distance, and the strength of the relationship before the unfriending.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·DateFeb 4, 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.

Your history may define your future: Tell your doctor

A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that patients who use a web-based risk appraisal tool are more likely to have important family history documented, leading to better cancer screening and reduced mortality. The tool may help increase communication between physicians and patients about their risk factors.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2013

Researchers pioneer treatment for viral infection common in children

Scientists at Imperial College London have discovered a new way to treat Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections in children. By boosting the accumulation of T cells and selectively attracting regulatory T cells, they aim to reduce inflammation and fight infection.

SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 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.

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.

NOAA adds red tide alerts to Beach Hazards Statements

Red tide alerts have been added to Beach Hazards Statements by NOAA, providing public warnings for moderate or high respiratory impacts and environmental threats in southwest Florida. The new service aims to broaden awareness about harmful algal blooms and their potential impacts on human health.

SourceNOAA Headquarters·DateFeb 4, 2013

Injection-free vaccination technique could address global vaccine challenge for HIV, malaria

Researchers at King's College London have developed an injection-free vaccine technique that uses dried live vaccines delivered to the skin without needles, offering a potential solution to global vaccine challenges. The technique has been shown to be effective in inducing immune responses comparable to traditional needle-based methods.

SourceKing's College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 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.

Imaging biomarker predicts response to rapid antidepressant

A study found that a biomarker based on brain activity in the visual cortex can predict response to scopolamine, an experimental rapid-acting antidepressant. Patients with depression showed lower visual cortex activity, which correlated with treatment response.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateFeb 4, 2013

The last Neanderthals of southern Iberia did not coexist with modern humans

A new study in PNAS challenges the long-held theory that Neanderthals persisted in southern Iberia alongside modern humans. Researchers used a novel radiocarbon dating technique to date bone samples from two sites, finding that Neanderthal occupation occurred approximately 45,000 years ago, rather than later than previously thought.

SourceUNED National Distance Education University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2013

Grooming helps insects keep their senses sharpened

Researchers at North Carolina State University found that insect grooming, particularly antennal cleaning, helps maintain sharp olfactory senses. Grooming removes both environmental pollutants and chemicals produced by insects themselves, enabling them to detect food, danger, and potential mates effectively.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2013

Some cancer mutations slow tumor growth

Researchers found that passenger mutations can slow or halt tumor growth when they accumulate. These deleterious mutations can tip the balance in favor of their effects, leading to reduced cell fitness. The study suggests a new approach to treating cancer by enhancing the impact of these mutations.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2013

Gene variants found to affect human lifespan

Researchers identified seven gene variants associated with human longevity, including deletions and duplications that impact alternative splicing. These variations may provide protection against diseases, allowing individuals to live longer.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 4, 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.

20 NASA balloons studying the radiation belts

The BARREL mission uses balloons to collect data on radiation belt particles, complementing NASA's Van Allen Probes. The team tracks particle movement and behavior, aiming to understand where radiation escapes the belts.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 4, 2013

Poor mental health leads to unhealthy behaviors among low-income adults

Low-income adults with poor mental health are more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors such as binge drinking and smoking. The study found that symptoms of depression and anxiety, rather than unhealthy behaviors, predict later levels of these health-compromising actions.

SourceSpringer·JournalTranslational Behavioral Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2013