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Science News Archive 2013 - Page 49


Page 49 of 352

Reducing 2.1 million emergency room visits, 1 count at a time

A new study suggests that asthma inhalers with dose counters can significantly reduce emergency room visits by 55 percent. The study found that patients who use these inhalers are more likely to know if they have enough medication left and receive timely treatment, resulting in fewer severe attacks. According to the American College of...

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·DateNov 8, 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.

Researchers uncover origins of cattle farming in China

Research reveals morphological and genetic evidence for cattle management in north-eastern China around 10,000 years ago. The discovery of an ancient cattle jaw with unique wear patterns and genetic signatures suggests that humans may have started domesticating cows in more regions than previously believed.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 8, 2013

Gut reaction

Researchers found that diet complexity affects gut bacteria composition, with complex diets promoting beneficial Lactobacillales and simple diets increasing harmful Proteobacteria. The study suggests steroid hormone nuclear receptors play a role in microbiota maintenance.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateNov 8, 2013

NASA's TRMM satellite sees Super-typhoon Haiyan strike Philippines

The NASA TRMM satellite captured detailed data on Super-typhoon Haiyan before it struck the Philippines, revealing sustained winds of up to 195 mph. The storm's extreme power was showcased in the satellite imagery, with a well-defined eye surrounded by moderate rain and multiple rainbands.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 8, 2013

NSF awards to UT Arlington researchers will fuel sustainable solutions

The University of Texas at Arlington has been awarded $49 million in grants from the National Science Foundation for sustainable chemistry and engineering projects. Researchers Fred MacDonnell and Qiming Zhang are working on converting carbon dioxide to methanol using solar power and developing more efficient solar cell technologies.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateNov 8, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mother's immunosuppressive medications not likely to put fetus at risk

A Vanderbilt study found that women with chronic autoimmune diseases who take immunosuppressive medications during their first trimester of pregnancy are not putting their babies at significantly increased risk of adverse outcomes. The study included over 600 infants and used health plan data from three geographically diverse health pl...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateNov 8, 2013

High-energy physicists predict new family of four-quark objects

Researchers at the BESIII experiment have observed two new charged charmonium-like states, Zc(4020) and a neutral X(3872), in high-energy collisions. These discoveries suggest the existence of a previously unknown family of four-quark objects.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 8, 2013

Battle against resistant bacteria takes huge leap forward

A new method developed in collaboration with Unisensor A/S can determine the optimal antibiotic treatment for a given bacterial infection within 2-4 hours, reducing the response time by half. This faster diagnosis can help prevent the development of resistant bacteria and shorten disease courses.

SourceAarhus University·DateNov 8, 2013

Instrument neglect can lead to 'saxophone lung' in musicians

Researchers warn of the dangers of neglecting to clean reed instruments, which can lead to Saxophone Lung, an allergic pulmonary disease caused by specific fungi. Proper diagnosis is crucial, as corticosteroids alone are insufficient in treating this condition.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·DateNov 8, 2013

Depression therapy effective for poor, minority moms

A new study finds that short-term depression therapy through weekly home visits can relieve symptoms in low-income minority mothers, even in the face of poverty and trauma. The intervention improved depressive symptoms for 8 months after treatment ended, with participants regaining a sense of hope and control over their lives.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalDevelopment and Psychopathology·DateNov 8, 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.

Anaphylaxis from shrimp allergy is rare in children

Anaphylaxis from shrimp allergy is rare in children, affecting only 7.8 percent of cases, according to a study. The most common reactions are angioedema and skin symptoms like hives, with asthma being a potential risk factor for anaphylactic reactions.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·DateNov 8, 2013

New therapeutic target identified for ALS and frontotemporal degeneration

Scientists have discovered a novel approach to treating ALS by targeting toxic RNA, which aggregates into foci in the brain. The new therapy uses antisense oligonucleotides to selectively degrade the toxic RNA without affecting normal RNA production.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 8, 2013

Volunteers join scientists in finding out who gets rid of cow dung

A team of scientists collaborated with local volunteers to measure dung decomposition across Finland. Large tunnelling Dor beetles were found to remove dung twice as fast as smaller dung-dwelling beetles and earthworms. Climate also played a significant role in dung disappearance.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalEcology·DateNov 8, 2013

Snap to attention: Polymers that react and move to light

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed polymers that 'snap' when triggered by light, converting light energy into mechanical work. This phenomenon enables flexible devices with potential applications in robotics and biomedical engineering.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 8, 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.

Novel LEDs pave the way to cheaper displays

Researchers have developed a novel type of OLED that shows promise for high conversion efficiencies, potentially leading to cheaper displays. The new compounds can store electrical energy for longer periods, allowing for more efficient light generation and reduced heat production.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateNov 8, 2013

Biochar and water to solve problems in West Africa

A new research project led by Aarhus University scientists aims to improve agricultural production in Ghana using irrigation and biochar. The initiative seeks to increase crop yields, reduce deforestation, and protect the environment while providing more employment opportunities and a better economy for local communities.

SourceAarhus University·DateNov 8, 2013

CTCA doctor featured expert speaker at Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer

Dr. Walter Quan from Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) presents two new treatment options for previously-treated advanced cancer patients, showing major benefits with minimal side effects. The first treatment involves combination chemoimmunotherapy, while the second utilizes dose-dense outpatient intravenous Interleukin-2.

SourceCancer Treatment Centers of America·DateNov 8, 2013

Vitamin D supplements may improve kidney transplant recipients' health

A study of 264 kidney transplant recipients found that vitamin D supplementation was associated with improved patient outcomes, including lower risk of organ rejection and death. The research suggests that maintaining adequate vitamin D levels may be crucial for optimal health in kidney transplant patients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·DateNov 8, 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.

Penn study identifies new trigger for breast cancer metastasis

A Penn study reveals that low levels of mitochondrial DNA in tumor cells from aggressive breast cancer patients can lead to the development of metastatic properties. The research, published in Oncogene, breaks ground in understanding cancer progression and may offer a biomarker for personalized treatment approaches.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalOncogene·DateNov 8, 2013

Holiday health: Asthma with a side of allergies

A study by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology reveals that asthma sufferers allergic to cats has more than doubled over an 18-year period. Those with asthma are also 32% more likely to be allergic to cats than those without asthma.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·DateNov 8, 2013

CNIO scientists decipher how the immune system induces liver damage during hepatitis

Researchers found that the immune system's JunB gene causes liver cells to become inflamed during hepatitis, leading to irreversible damage. The study proposes a new mechanism by which AP-1 acts as a double-edged sword in the liver, contributing to both viral defense and disease progression.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 8, 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.

Universals of conversation

A cross-linguistic study found that words signaling problems with understanding, such as 'Huh?', have similar form and function in languages worldwide. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of human communication and the role of universal linguistic devices.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 8, 2013

Slacktivism: 'Liking' on Facebook may mean less giving

A new study from the University of British Columbia's Sauder School of Business found that people are more likely to donate when their token support is private, not public. Publicly showing support on social media can actually decrease the likelihood of donating later.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 8, 2013

Sun unleashes another X-class flare

The sun recently emitted a powerful X1.1 flare, disturbing the layer where GPS and communications signals travel. Increased flares are common during the sun's peak activity cycle, which is currently ramping up toward solar maximum conditions.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 8, 2013

State of residency can increase children's risk of hay fever

A study by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology found that children in southeastern and southern states are more likely to develop hay fever. Climate factors such as temperature, precipitation, and UV index contribute to this increase.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·DateNov 8, 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*STAR scientists uncover potential drug target to nip cancer in the bud

Researchers at A*STAR's Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology have discovered an enzyme, Wip1 phosphatase, that plays a critical role in regulating tumour growth. By inhibiting the action of this enzyme, cancer growth can be stunted and tumours can be cured without developing resistance.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalCancer Cell·DateNov 8, 2013

Study shows veterans psychologically impacted by Boston Marathon Bombing

A study found that Boston-area military veterans diagnosed with PTSD experienced flashbacks and unwanted memories after the Boston Marathon Bombing in April 2013. The researchers urge healthcare systems to be prepared to treat individuals affected by such tragedies.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Traumatic Stress·DateNov 8, 2013

Allergic to gummy bears? Be cautious getting the flu shot

Individuals with a known gelatin allergy can experience mild to severe reactions from the flu shot, including hives, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. Precautions should be taken when receiving the vaccine, such as having a board-certified allergist administer it.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·DateNov 8, 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.

Drug may guard against periodontitis, and related chronic diseases

Researchers found that Oxantel inhibits biofilm formation by targeting an enzyme crucial for bacterial growth, offering a potential therapy for periodontitis. Periodontitis is linked to various health risks, including diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateNov 8, 2013

And the winner in the battle of the healthier sex is…

Adult females are more prone to allergies, asthma and autoimmune diseases compared to males, with gender differences changing after puberty. Genetics play a role in determining allergy and asthma risk, with personalized medicine being key to effective treatment.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·DateNov 8, 2013

TGen-led study reveals TWEAK-Fn14 as key drug target

A TGen-led study reveals TWEAK-Fn14 as a key drug target for preventing cancer spread, particularly brain cancer. Four compounds inhibit the binding of TWEAK to Fn14, including L524-0366, which suppressed glioma cell migration without cytotoxic effects.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 8, 2013
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Safe long term storage of CO2 is possible

The CO2CARE EU project has successfully demonstrated the safe and sustainable closure of a CO2 storage site, meeting key requirements for geological carbon capture and storage. The Ketzin pilot site's termination marks the first site to be closed within a scientific project.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·DateNov 8, 2013

New method predicts time from Alzheimer's onset to nursing home, death

A new method predicts the time from Alzheimer's disease onset to full-time care, nursing home residence, or death with high specificity. The method uses a complex model based on data gathered from a single patient visit and can predict outcomes such as time to assisted living or incontinence.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·DateNov 7, 2013

Bacterial toxin sets the course for infection

Scientists have discovered a molecule called CNFy produced by the bacteria Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, which facilitates the infection process by manipulating the host cells' molecular switches. This allows the bacteria to inject toxins into immune cells more efficiently, leading to inflammation and tissue damage.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 7, 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.

Hope builds for a drug that might shut down a variety of cancers

A team of researchers has identified a family of enzymes crucial for cancer growth in p53 mutant cells. Targeting these enzymes with novel agents may prevent the growth of p53 mutant cancers, benefiting patients with breast, ovarian, lung, colorectal, and brain tumors. The study suggests that inhibiting Type 2 PIP kinases could shut do...

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalCell·DateNov 7, 2013

Human muscle stem cell therapy gets help from zebrafish

Researchers have discovered that zebrafish chemicals can differentiate human stem cells into muscle cells in the laboratory, making muscle cell therapy a more realistic clinical possibility. The discovery has the potential to revolutionize treatments for muscular dystrophy and diabetes.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCell·DateNov 7, 2013

Prevalence of kidney failure treatment is skyrocketing worldwide

The global prevalence of kidney failure treatment is skyrocketing, with a 165% increase in dialysis treatments over the past two decades. Dialysis therapy has seen significant growth, particularly in countries with universal access, where adjusted prevalence increased by 134%.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·DateNov 7, 2013

USC study identifies mechanism that makes ordinary stem cells create tumors

A USC study has identified a cellular signaling pathway that converts healthy mesenchymal stem cells in the jaw into tumor cells, leading to benign but potentially harmful tumors. The researchers hope that this understanding can be used to develop target-specific treatments for these tumors.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateNov 7, 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.

Preparing for hell and high water

An international team of researchers urges the development of science needed to manage climate risks and capitalize on unexpected opportunities. Climate preparedness research integrates social and climate science, engineering, and other disciplines.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateNov 7, 2013

Living through war leads to in-group solidarity

Research suggests that living through war leads to increased solidarity among members of one's own group, shifting motivations toward greater equality. This effect is most pronounced when the war experience occurs during middle childhood and adolescence, leaving a lasting impact on psychology.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 7, 2013

Solar activity playing a minimal role in global warming, research suggests

A new study by Professor Terry Sloan and Professor Sir Arnold Wolfendale found that changes in solar activity had a negligible impact on global temperatures. The researchers compared data on cosmic rays entering the atmosphere with global temperature records, concluding that less than 14% of the twentieth century's warming was attribut...

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateNov 7, 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.

Kidney Week 2013: New approaches to assessing and protecting kidney health

Researchers developed a saliva test for diagnosing acute kidney injury, found Mediterranean diet linked to reduced risk of chronic kidney disease, and explored mindfulness meditation's benefits on blood pressure in patients with kidney disease. Initiating dialysis can cause significant burdens and loss of independence in elderly patients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·DateNov 7, 2013

Pregnant woman with limited English speaking skills find comfort in prenatal support groups

A University of Michigan Health System study found that prenatal group visits for expectant Japanese women who discussed childbirth and baby care topics with peers felt less anxious and better prepared. The groups allowed women to connect on a personal level, share experiences, and take control of their pregnancy.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine·DateNov 7, 2013
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.

Nanoparticles can overcome drug resistance in breast cancer cells

Breast cancer cells with high levels of microsomal glutathione S-transferase-1 (MGST-1) resistant to chemotherapy can be killed using nanoparticles carrying doxorubicin. This approach enhances the effectiveness of drug treatment while minimizing adverse reactions.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalBiomaterials·DateNov 7, 2013

Defining allergy fact from fiction

Allergy expert Dr. David Stukus debunks common myths, including artificial dyes, vaccines, at-home blood tests, dietary restrictions, and pet allergies. He emphasizes the importance of consulting a board-certified allergist for proper evaluation and treatment.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·DateNov 7, 2013