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Science News Archive 2013


Page 41 of 352

Physical fitness improves survival, prevents some heart attacks

A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that higher levels of physical fitness lower the risk of having heart attacks and increase survival in those with coronary artery disease. The study included over 9,800 adults with coronary artery disease and showed a 75% lower risk of dying from any cause among the fittest patients.

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.

Environmental toxins linked to heart defects

Research suggests that exposure to specific environmental toxins during pregnancy may increase the risk of congenital heart defects in children. The study found a strong correlation between certain chemicals and rates of congenital heart defects, particularly septal defects and conotruncal defects.

Paths out of uncertainty

The study reveals that natural fluctuations in the climate system are the primary cause of differences in short and medium-term projections. Despite this, researchers have found ways to make predictions about local climate extremes for certain regions and large areas, highlighting the importance of considering regional variability.

Childhood cancer treatment takes toll on hearts of survivors

Research shows childhood cancer survivors are more likely to experience premature heart disease and a decline in arterial function, with a 9% decrease in arterial health seen among leukemia survivors who completed chemotherapy. Lifestyle changes can help mitigate these risks.

Scientists invent self-healing battery electrode

Researchers developed a stretchy polymer that coats the electrode, binds it together, and spontaneously heals tiny cracks during battery operation. This self-healing coating extends silicon electrodes' lifespan up to 10 times, making them suitable for electric vehicles and cell phones.

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.

1 minute of CPR video training could save lives

Researchers found that a one-minute CPR video training improved responsiveness, chest compression depth, rate, and hands-off interval time. The study suggests ultra-brief video training could be an effective universal intervention for improving CPR skills in public venues.

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.

News tips for Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013

A retrospective study found that pre-hospital plasma transfusions reduced trauma patient mortality by 8% and improved coagulation status by 40%. Although not statistically significant, survival to hospital discharge also showed a 13% improvement.

'What could possibly go wrong?' A lot

A recent case series of serious injuries at the Tough Mudder event highlights the risks associated with extreme sports events. Participants experienced a range of severe injuries, including multiple electrical burns, seizure-induced Todd's paralysis, and face and head trauma.

Whither the teakettle whistle

A team of engineers has accurately modeled the whistling mechanism in a classic stovetop kettle, identifying two-mechanism process of whistle production and potential solutions to noisy plumbing issues. The study's findings reveal that swirling vortices create the siren sound, which could help eliminate annoying noises.

Ocean acidification: Hard to digest

Researchers found that ocean acidification impairs digestion in larvae of the green sea urchin, leading to reduced growth and fertility. The study used novel pH micro-electrode techniques to investigate digestion and digestive enzymes in the larvae.

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.

Protein quality: It matters

Research presented at SupplySide West highlights the superiority of whey protein in building and maintaining lean muscle, maintaining weight and aging healthy. Whey protein is a complete protein containing all essential amino acids, with benefits including reducing hunger, improving exercise recovery and reducing muscle loss with aging.

New hologram technology created with tiny nanoantennas

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new hologram technology using tiny nanoantennas that can control light with unprecedented efficiency. The metasurface, thousands of V-shaped nanoantennas, enables the creation of ultra-efficient devices for sensing, displays and information processing.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Variation of halogens in martian soil calls for an atmosphere-surface cycle

A team of scientists found evidence for bromides converting to reactive gases in Martian soil, leading to variable sulfur-chlorine ratios. This could alter existing models of aqueous processes and oxidants on Mars, affecting the search for life. The study also suggests that volatilized halogens may have impacted subsurface distribution.

Chronic diseases hinder good cancer survival rates

Studies reveal that comorbidities like diabetes and cardiovascular disease decrease one- and five-year survival rates for breast cancer patients. This indicates the need to reevaluate treatment approaches and optimize care for patients with concurrent diseases.

Success of climate talks vital for 2°C target

A comprehensive analysis of Durban Platform scenarios suggests that climate talks can deliver an outcome consistent with the 2-degree target if global climate action is substantially strengthened. However, delaying action would require higher emission decline rates and larger economic costs.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

DOE awards $25.4 million for 'extreme scale' supercomputer interconnect design

The DOE has awarded $25.4 million to five leading companies for the development of next-generation supercomputers, advancing exascale computing technology vital to national security and scientific research. The partnerships will focus on designing energy-efficient, high-bandwidth interconnects for future HPC architectures.

Large-scale analysis finds inappropriate lab testing throughout medicine

A recent study analyzing 1.6 million results from 46 commonly ordered lab tests found that 30% of tests are probably unnecessary, while equally as many necessary tests may be going unordered. The research suggests that ordering the right tests during initial evaluations can lead to fewer errors and better patient care.

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.

Sunspots: Coming and going

Two large sunspots, AR1890 and AR1897, are active on the sun, with AR1890 producing significant flares and AR1897 nearing its appearance on Earth-side of the sun. The sun's 11-year activity cycle is increasing towards solar maximum conditions, leading to an uptick in flares.

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.

Nanoparticles to probe mystery sperm defects behind infertility

Scientists at Oxford University have developed a technique using nanoparticles to investigate the mechanisms underlying 'mystery' cases of infertility. The method involves loading porous silica nanoparticle envelopes with compounds to identify or treat causes of infertility, demonstrating no detrimental effects on sperm function.

Can certain herbs stave off Alzheimer's disease?

Researchers found that antioxidant extracts from spearmint and rosemary reduce deficits in mild cognitive impairment, a precursor to Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests these herbal compounds might have beneficial effects on altering age-associated cognitive decline.

Rising concerns over tree pests and diseases

New research reveals a growing concern over tree pests and diseases, which can lead to widespread death of trees and disrupt ecosystem services. The review highlights the need for new approaches to pest management that take into account multiple services and stakeholders.

Team-based approaches needed to fight high blood pressure

Comprehensive hypertension programs that coordinate care using multiple resources may lead to better overall blood pressure control. Lifestyle changes for patients were strongly recommended as well. The advisory provides eight principles for developing an effective high blood pressure treatment algorithm.

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.

JCI early table of contents for Nov. 15, 2013

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that two p53 isoforms regulate aging- and tumor-associated replicative senescence in T lymphocytes. Additionally, a new gene therapy approach may not require immunosuppression, as regulatory T cells promote long-term expression.

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.

Tasmania home to first alpine sword-sedge

A team of researchers from Australia has discovered a high-altitude species of sedge in Tasmania, Lepidosperma monticola, which is unique to alpine vegetation and the smallest known species of the genus. The new species grows on mountains at elevations above 700m and can be distinguished by its fruit morphology.

Bait research focused on outsmarting destructive beetle

A new study from the University of Alberta has identified key tree chemical compounds that play critical roles in the beetle's pheromone production and attraction. The research reveals that adding a volatile tree chemical to bait can increase beetle capture rates, providing hope for quicker monitoring and early detection of infestations.

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.

How teens choose their friends

A national study led by Michigan State University scholar finds that course-taking influences teenage friendships. Students in similar academic pursuits form close bonds, and small classes often create opportunities for friendships.

Overcoming brittleness: New insights into bulk metallic glass

Researchers have discovered a new class of bulk metallic glasses that exhibit enhanced fatigue endurance, thanks to a unique staircase-like fracture mechanism. This breakthrough paves the way for widespread adoption in industries such as smartphones, biomedical implants and aerospace engineering.

Tipping the balance between senescence and proliferation

Researchers found that two p53 isoforms, Δ133p53 and p53β, play a crucial role in regulating senescence. The study suggests that altering the ratio of these isoforms may be an effective therapeutic strategy for treating immunosenescence disorders.

Revisiting quantum effects in MEMS

Researchers found that quantum effects on MEMS operating conditions have been overestimated, affecting device stability. The study's results indicate changes in stability based on metal coatings and silicon doping levels.

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.

NASA-led firefly mission to study lightning

A NASA-led mission called Firefly aims to study lightning and terrestrial gamma ray flashes from space. The instrument will gather data for up to a year, shedding light on the global electric circuit's most critical component.