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Science News Archive 2013 - Page 39


Page 39 of 352

Ancient, modern DNA tell story of first humans in the Americas

Researchers have discovered a direct ancestral link between ancient human remains and Native American communities, revealing insights into the initial peopling of the Americas. By analyzing genomes of ancient and modern populations, scientists can reconstruct the evolutionary history and adaptations of early Americans.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateNov 18, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Poultry probiotic's coat clues to ability to battle bugs

Researchers have characterised the coat of a potential poultry probiotic, Lactobacillus johnsonii, which consists of two exopolysaccharides that play important roles in colonisation and adhesion. The unique EPS structures may help the bacteria compete with pathogenic C. perfringens.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 18, 2013

Program helps at-risk family members of patients with heart disease improve their own heart health

Family members of patients with coronary heart disease improved cholesterol levels, physical activity, and dietary habits after participating in a year-long intervention program. The program included counselling sessions, goal setting, and feedback, resulting in reduced body mass index and waist circumference.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 18, 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.

Blue gene active storage boosts I/O performance at JSC

The installation of Blue Gene Active Storage at JSC enables scientists to exploit the performance of the supercomputer, facilitating interactive access to large amounts of data. The system's non-volatile memory technology features high bandwidth and very high access rates, addressing the increasing costs of data transport.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·DateNov 18, 2013

Avoiding poisons: A matter of bitter taste

A recent study published in Molecular Biology and Evolution found that herbivores have a greater number of Tas2r bitter taste receptor genes than omnivores and carnivores. The researchers correlated the Tas2r gene repertoire with dietary compositions, revealing a significant relationship between plant diet fraction and Tas2r gene number.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateNov 18, 2013

Early surgery for hip fractures in older adults may improve outcomes

A randomized controlled trial found that early surgery for hip fractures in older adults can significantly reduce complications and improve outcomes. The study involved 60 patients aged 45 or older who received either accelerated care or standard care, with the former resulting in shorter wait times and improved surgical results.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 18, 2013

Human error most common cause of birth asphyxia

A 15-year study found human error is the most common cause of infant asphyxiation at birth in Norway, with 50% attributed to poor fetal monitoring. The study suggests training for midwives and obstetricians, along with high-quality audits, could help reduce compensation claims after birth asphyxia.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateNov 18, 2013

Bacteria use lethal cytotoxins to evade antibiotic treatment

Researchers discovered a mechanism behind VapC20 toxin in M. tuberculosis, which destroys the bacteria's protein factory by cleaving a key location. This discovery could lead to new ways of treating pathogenic bacteria by impairing their cytotoxin use.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 18, 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.

Boredom research has now become more interesting

Researchers identify five types of boredom, including apathetic boredom, which resembles learned helplessness or depression, in a study published in Motivation and Emotion. The findings show that people tend to experience one type of boredom at a time, rather than randomly switching between different types.

SourceSpringer·JournalMotivation and Emotion·DateNov 18, 2013

More than skin deep: New layer to the body's fight against infection

Scientists at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have discovered that Langerhans cells, a single cell type thought to be behind the skin's immune defense, are actually two different types. This finding could lead to new insights into treating skin infections and skin cancers.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateNov 18, 2013

Chaotic physics in ferroelectrics hints at brain-like computing

Researchers at ORNL led by Sergei Kalinin discovered complex and unpredictable patterns on ferroelectric material's surface when written in dense arrays. The study suggests the possibility of memcomputing, where information storage and processing occur on the same physical platform.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 18, 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.

Amber provides new insights into the evolution of the Earth's atmosphere

Scientists analyzed 538 amber samples to reconstruct ancient atmospheric compositions, finding that oxygen levels were significantly lower than today. This suggests a link between low oxygen and high carbon dioxide concentrations, which may have influenced climate and life evolution.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·DateNov 18, 2013

Poorer, rural counties have lower CPR training rates

A study found that rural, poorer counties in the US have lower CPR training rates, particularly among communities of color. The disparity is attributed to geographic, population, and healthcare characteristics. Researchers call for targeted training programs to narrow existing gaps.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 18, 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.

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.

SlipChip counts molecules with chemistry and a cell phone

Scientists at Caltech created a lab-on-a-chip device using SlipChip technology that can accurately measure the concentration of HIV RNA molecules in a sample. The digital approach uses amplification chemistry to produce a fluorescent signal, allowing for precise quantification despite changes in environmental conditions.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateNov 18, 2013

Texting your way to weight loss

Researchers at Duke University found that daily texting can help obese black women lose weight. The Shape Plan intervention used tailored behavioral goals, brief feedback, and tips to track participants' progress. After six months, 26 women lost nearly 3 pounds, while 24 gained 2.5 pounds.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateNov 18, 2013

Study asks: Is a 'better world' possible?

A Michigan State University sociologist argues that neighborhood integration and cohesion cannot co-exist due to how people form relationships. The study suggests that finding a balance between the two is necessary, as integrating neighborhoods often leads to decreased social cohesion.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Community Psychology·DateNov 18, 2013

Adult survivors of childhood cancer at risk of becoming frail at an early age

A St. Jude Children's Research Hospital study found that young adult childhood cancer survivors are more likely to be frail than their peers, increasing their risk of death and chronic disease. Frailty is associated with advanced age in the general population but was not linked to lifestyle factors in female survivors.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateNov 18, 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.

Respiratory disorder in the ocean

A German-Peruvian science team found that ocean eddies play a crucial role in distributing oxygen and nutrients in the oxygen minimum zones. This discovery helps improve model computations to predict future expansions of low-oxygen areas in the ocean, addressing the threat of ocean de-oxygenation.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalBiogeosciences·DateNov 18, 2013

Manipulation of protein could help stop spread of cancer cells

Manipulating protein PRH can hinder the ability of cancer cells to penetrate into neighboring environments, potentially preventing their spread. The findings suggest that PRH regulation of Endoglin may represent a novel method for controlling migration and treating multiple cancers.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalOncogene·DateNov 18, 2013

Promiscuous mouse moms bear sexier sons

Researchers found that female mice who competed socially for mates produce more urinary pheromones, making their sons more attractive to females. However, this increased attractiveness comes at a cost, as the sons have shorter lifespans due to the energy-intensive production of pheromones.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2013

People new to power more likely to be vengeful

Researchers found that individuals with less experience in holding power tend to seek revenge more than those who feel more self-assured. The study also showed that body posture can affect revenge tendencies, with expansive postures leading to greater vengeance among those new to power.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalBritish Journal of Social Psychology·DateNov 18, 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.

Rural and southern regions lack annual training in CPR

A study from Duke University Medical Center found that rural and southern US counties have low rates of annual CPR training. These communities are often far from hospitals, and lower CPR training rates contribute to higher heart disease mortality rates.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 18, 2013

Wilson Center awarded European Union grant for synthetic biology work

The Synthetic Biology Project at Woodrow Wilson International Center has been awarded a €4 million EU grant to foster responsible governance of synthetic biology. The project aims to initiate mutual learning among stakeholders from science, industry, and civil society.

SourceWoodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars/Science and Technology Innovation Program·DateNov 18, 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.

Study questions hypothermia treatment for cardiac arrest

A recent study led by Lund University researchers has found that therapeutic hypothermia treatment for cardiac arrest is just as effective at a body temperature of 36°C as it is at 33°C, without the increased risk of side effects. This finding has important implications for patient rehabilitation and recovery after cardiac arrest.

SourceLund University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 18, 2013

In pandemic, parents who get reminders more likely to get kids vaccinated

A University of Michigan study found that reminder letters sent to parents of children with chronic conditions increased vaccination rates. The Michigan Care Improvement Registry was used to identify high-risk kids and prompt vaccinations during the 2009-10 H1N1 pandemic.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateNov 18, 2013

Faster surgery may be better for hip fractures: McMaster study

A study of 60 people aged 45 years or older found that accelerated surgery within six hours reduced major complications by 30% compared to standard care. Faster surgery may be better for hip fractures, say researchers at McMaster University.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 18, 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.

2 studies on the use of breast MRI

Two studies on breast MRI usage found a significant increase in its use for diagnostic evaluations and screenings, particularly among high-risk women. The studies also revealed disparities in the use of breast MRI, with some groups receiving more frequent screening than others.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 18, 2013

For anxious children and teens, context counts, UCLA researchers say

Researchers at UCLA have identified the medial prefrontal cortex as a key player in how anxious youths interpret neutral information. Increased activity in this brain region is observed when teenagers with anxiety disorders view faces that might be perceived as threatening, highlighting the importance of context in shaping their percep...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalBiology of Mood & Anxiety Disorders·DateNov 18, 2013

Bacteria recycle broken DNA

Researchers discovered bacteria can take up small fragments of damaged DNA, including ancient DNA, and integrate it into their genome. This process, called Anachronistic Evolution, has significant implications for the spread of antibiotic resistance in hospitals.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 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 superconductor-surrogate earns its stripes

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have revealed the origins of a 'stripe phase' in a material linked to superconductivity. By studying ultrafast optical techniques and X-ray scattering, they found that electrons become concentrated in stripes throughout the material, leading to an energy threshold for electrical currents.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 18, 2013

Most teen mental health problems go untreated

A new study by Duke University professor E. Jane Costello found that more than half of adolescents with psychiatric disorders receive no treatment. Treatment rates vary greatly depending on the disorder and provider, with teens suffering from phobias or anxiety disorders being the least likely to be treated.

SourceDuke University·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateNov 18, 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.

Incentives may spur homeless to save more, Pitt professor's research shows

A University of Pittsburgh professor's research shows that competition can increase the saving behavior of the working homeless. The study found that residents who participated in a competition offered a prize of $100 for saving the largest percentage of their pay increased their savings rate by 33%.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Economic Behavior & Organization·DateNov 18, 2013

Penn produces graphene nanoribbons with nanopores for fast DNA sequencing

Researchers at Penn University have developed a new technique for fast and sensitive DNA sequencing using graphene nanoribbons with nanopores. The team's innovative method allows for faster measurement of DNA sequences, as the electrical current flowing through the ribbon is modulated by each base.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 18, 2013

New models predict where E. coli strains will thrive

Researchers used genomic sequences to reconstruct metabolic repertoire for each strain, predicting its environmental niche. The analysis could help develop ways to control deadly E. coli infections and identify new strains.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2013

New hope for victims of traumatic brain injury

Researchers at Tel Aviv University demonstrate hyperbaric oxygen therapy can revive brain functions and improve life quality for mild TBI patients. The treatment improved cognitive function, memory restoration, and language use, offering a new hope for millions of victims.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 18, 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.

Obesity found to be major risk factor in developing basal-like breast cancer

A recent study published in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment found obesity to be a major risk factor for developing basal-like breast cancer in women. Researchers at the University of North Carolina discovered that obesity alters the cellular microenvironment of mammary glands, promoting the growth of basal-like tumors.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·DateNov 18, 2013

Underwater 'tree rings'

Researchers have found a dramatic decrease in sea ice cover over the last 150 years, with annual growth increments doubling since the Little Ice Age. This discovery provides new insights into climate reconstruction and extends knowledge back to the mid-1800s.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2013

Medication adherence after hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome

A study found that patients who received personalized attention from a pharmacist improved their medication adherence rates, with 89.3% adherent in the intervention group compared to 73.9% in usual care. However, there was no significant difference in achieving blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level targets.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 18, 2013

New treatment more effective at reducing blood clots in brain-injured patients, MU surgeons find

Researchers at MU School of Medicine found a new protocol using preventive blood thinners reduces life-threatening blood clots in brain-injured patients. The study compared outcomes between 107 and 129 patients treated with or without the medication, showing zero instances of deep-venous clotting among those who received it.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateNov 18, 2013