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Science News for April 16, 2013


Building a better capacitor with custom nanorods

Researchers at Michigan Technological University have developed a method to create manganese dioxide nanorods with the optimal crystal structure, enabling high-power and long-lasting capacitors. The nanorods can be used in various applications, including energy storage and solar cells.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 16, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Parents can help their children avoid alcohol pitfalls during transition from high school to college

A new study examines the effectiveness of parent-based interventions in preventing alcohol use among college students. The results show that teens who perceive their friends as more approving of alcohol consumption are more influenced by parental communication about drinking. PBIs can be effective even among those feeling high peer pre...

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateApr 16, 2013

PPP meets mental health needs in northern Uganda

A public-private partnership (PPP) successfully addressed the mental health needs of people in post-conflict northern Uganda, establishing five psycho-trauma centers and increasing clinic attendance from 300 to over 3,000. The most common diagnoses were depression, PTSD, epilepsy, and substance use disorders.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 16, 2013

New approaches to maximize the antitumor activity of interferon

Researchers propose strategies to enhance the therapeutic effects of interferon in cancer treatment. They explore mechanisms of interferon signaling that lead to tumor cell death and suggest directions for future research, such as alternative methods of delivering interferon-activated immune cells.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Interferon & Cytokine Research·DateApr 16, 2013

Anxious about life? Tylenol may do the trick

Researchers found Tylenol reduces psychological effects of fear and anxiety, suggesting the drug inhibits distress signals to the brain. The study built on previous research that acetaminophen can reduce social pain, advancing understanding of how the human brain processes different types of pain.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 16, 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.

NREL survey shows dramatic improvement in B100 biodiesel quality

A recent NREL survey found that 95% of 100% biodiesel (B100) samples met ASTM International fuel quality specifications, representing a dramatic improvement from previous years. The increase is attributed to stricter quality requirements and the voluntary BQ-9000 quality management program.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateApr 16, 2013

Small in size, big on power: New microbatteries the most powerful yet

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed microbatteries that out-power supercapacitors, offering both power and energy. The batteries can charge 1,000 times faster than competing technologies, enabling devices to be smaller and more powerful.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 16, 2013

What really makes us fat?

Research argues that conventional wisdom on obesity causes may be incorrect and that a hormonal disorder could be the real culprit. The author of a new article calls for rigorous trials to determine the true cause of obesity.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateApr 16, 2013

How does acupuncture work? The science behind the therapy explored

A special issue of Medical Acupuncture explores the basic science and mechanisms of action underlying medical acupuncture. The study found associations between neurotransmitters in the brain and patient responses to traditional vs. sham acupuncture, suggesting improved outcomes with matched treatments.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalMedical Acupuncture·DateApr 16, 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.

Security holes in smartphone apps

Researchers at UC Davis found major security issues in popular Android apps like Handcent SMS, WeChat, and Weibo, which can be exploited by malicious code. These vulnerabilities allow attackers to access personal data and forge fake messages.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateApr 16, 2013

NYU Langone research shows early investment in families helps children succeed in school

A new study published in Pediatrics found that ParentCorps, a family-focused program developed at NYU Langone, improves early academic achievement and overall school performance among minority pre-kindergarten students. The program helps parents and teachers engage with families early on in their children's education, using scientifica...

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateApr 16, 2013

How smart are your clothes?

Joanna Berzowska's project harnesses power from the human body to create garments with complex, surprising transformations. The technology is woven into the fibre itself, enabling innovative 'smart textiles' with potential applications in fashion and beyond.

SourceConcordia University·DateApr 16, 2013

Social media can support healthiness of older people

A new review from the University of Luxembourg suggests that social media can provide valuable additional support for older people with sickness and diseases. The study highlights the potential benefits of social media, including enhanced feelings of control and self-efficacy, as well as access to health-related information and social ...

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalGerontology·DateApr 16, 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.

Outcomes for treating heart failure with cell therapy, high-dose ultrasound

Researchers found that shock wave-facilitated cell therapy improved left ventricular ejection fraction and reduced major adverse cardiac events in patients with chronic postinfarction heart failure. The treatment used high-dose ultrasound to precondition the target heart tissue before administering bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateApr 16, 2013

Bed of needles

Scientists developed an adhesive patch that uses swellable microneedle tips to secure skin grafts firmly in place over wounds. The invention offers a trauma- and infection-prone alternative to traditional staples and sutures.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 16, 2013

Virginia Tech research team creates potential food source from non-food plants

A team of researchers at Virginia Tech has successfully transformed cellulose into starch, a process that could provide a previously untapped nutrient source from plants not traditionally thought of as food crops. This breakthrough opens the door to creating food from any plant, reducing land use and water consumption.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 16, 2013

College admission questions rarely identify criminal behavior

A new study found that criminal background checks and pre-admission screening questions are ineffective in predicting students who will commit crimes on college campuses. Only a small fraction of students with prior criminal records were identified as likely to engage in misconduct during college.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalInjury Prevention·DateApr 16, 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.

NREL and Stanford team up on peel-and-stick solar cells

Thin film solar cells can be removed from a silicon substrate by dipping them in water at room temperature. The cells can then attach to almost any surface after exposure to heat of about 90°C for a few seconds.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 16, 2013

NREL and partners demonstrate quantum dots that assemble themselves

Scientists have demonstrated a process where quantum dots can self-assemble at optimal locations in nanowires, improving the efficiency of solar cells, quantum computing, and lighting devices. The breakthrough enables precise positioning of quantum dots relative to the nanowire's center, leading to high optical properties.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 16, 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.

Love at first sniff: Male moths go by first impressions

Researchers found that male moths lose the ability to measure pheromone blend ratios as they fly upwind, leading them to rely on their initial impression. This allows males to mate with females of different strains, resulting in hybrid moth populations.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 16, 2013

Layered '2-D nanocrystals' promising new semiconductor

Researchers have created a new type of semiconductor technology based on two-dimensional nanocrystals, which can be used to create smaller transistors. The material has a bandgap, allowing it to switch on and off, making it suitable for digital transistors.

SourcePurdue University·Journalphysica status solidi (RRL) - Rapid Research Letters·DateApr 16, 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.

Energy efficiency could increase infection risks in hospital wards

A University of Leeds-led study found that closing hospital windows to reduce energy consumption can increase airborne infection risks by fourfold. Alternative ventilation systems, such as small extractor fans, can mitigate these risks and improve patient safety.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalBuilding and Environment·DateApr 16, 2013

Routine EKG finding could signal serious heart problem

A common EKG test may predict serious cardiovascular illness in people with left anterior fascicular block (LAFB), a previously thought benign condition. The study found those with LAFB had a higher risk of atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure and death.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA·DateApr 16, 2013

Impact of portion size on overeating is hard to overcome

A study published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that portion sizes significantly affect food intake, even with mindful eating education. Despite teaching participants about external factors influencing eating habits, they consumed more food when given larger portions.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJournal of Health Psychology·DateApr 16, 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.

Multicenter study confirms low testosterone in 84 percent of lung cancer patients taking crizotinib

A multicenter study found that 84% of lung cancer patients taking crizotinib have low testosterone levels, with 80% experiencing symptoms such as sexual dysfunction or depression. The study suggests that hormone replacement therapies may alleviate these symptoms and provide a new treatment option for affected patients.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalCancer·DateApr 16, 2013

Experiencing existential dread? Tylenol may do the trick

New research suggests that Tylenol can alleviate existential pain and anxiety by inhibiting brain signals associated with distress. The study found that participants who took Tylenol were less harsh in setting bail after writing about their own death, compared to those who took a sugar pill.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 16, 2013

This month in Ecology: Oysters, big rivers, biofuels

Biofuels have significant ecological impacts due to high-intensity agriculture practices that contribute to water pollution and loss of biodiversity. Cellulosic ethanol, made from grasses and perennial native crops, may offer a more sustainable alternative with reduced resource competition and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcology·DateApr 16, 2013

Gene study helps understand pulmonary fibrosis

A genome-wide association study identified a novel genetic locus linked to both the onset and mortality of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The study found that a variant in the TOLLIP gene was associated with an increased risk of death, suggesting an abnormal immune response may be central to the disease.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateApr 16, 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.

New study finds digoxin safe despite recent reports

A new study published in the European Heart Journal has found no evidence that digoxin increases mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study analyzed data from over 3,400 patients and found that digoxin was not associated with an increased risk of death or hospitalization.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateApr 16, 2013

A look at the world explains 90 percent of changes in vegetation

A study by the University of Zurich found that climate variability accounts for 54% of global vegetation activity changes. Human activity caused over 30% of changes, with regions such as Tanzania and Zimbabwe experiencing declines in vegetation activity. The research team will further investigate interactions between humans and climate.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateApr 16, 2013

Experiment shows why some stress is good for you

New research by Daniela Kaufer and Elizabeth Kirby found that acute stress doubles the proliferation of new brain cells in the hippocampus, leading to improved mental performance two weeks later. The study suggests that moderate stress can help individuals perform better when alert, but excessive stress can be harmful.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateApr 16, 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.

Common pregnancy conditions risk future diabetes

A Canadian study of over 1 million women found that pre-eclampsia and gestational hypertension may double the chance of being diagnosed with diabetes years after pregnancy. Women with a history of these conditions, especially combined with gestational diabetes, are at a higher risk of developing future diabetes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 16, 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.

Dying supergiant stars implicated in hours-long gamma-ray bursts

Three unusually long-lasting stellar explosions discovered by NASA's Swift satellite represent a previously unrecognized class of gamma-ray bursts. Dying supergiant stars hundreds of times larger than the sun are likely the cause, producing powerful jets that propel matter at nearly the speed of light.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 16, 2013

Women with HIV shown to have elevated resting energy expenditure

A study published in Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that women with HIV have an elevated resting energy expenditure compared to healthy women. The study also showed that this effect persists even among those on effective antiretroviral therapy, suggesting a direct impact of HIV infection on metabolism.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateApr 16, 2013

Better coordination necessary to reduce hospital readmission rates

Achieving widespread reductions in preventable hospital readmissions among Medicare beneficiaries may take longer than anticipated. Fostering collaborative relationships among providers across care settings is key to reducing preventable readmissions, according to researchers analyzing the State Action on Avoidable Rehospitalizations i...

SourcePenn State·JournalPopulation Health Management·DateApr 16, 2013

Haiti cholera mutations could lead to more severe disease

The altered El Tor strain has acquired two additional signature mutations that may further increase virulence and is evolving to be more like an 1800s version of cholera. This unique pattern of infection accounting for the severity of disease noted during the Haiti cholera outbreak may be triggered by these genetic changes.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalmBio·DateApr 16, 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.

NASA's Wind mission encounters 'SLAMS' waves

The NASA Wind spacecraft has detected 'SLAMS' waves in the region between the Earth's magnetosphere and the sun, showing that these structures may accelerate narrow jets of charged particles. The discovery provides new insights into how radiation and energy from the sun can cross the magnetosphere and impact near-Earth space.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 16, 2013

Society of Neurological Surgeons hosts highly successful boot camp courses

A nationwide program by the Society of Neurological Surgeons has been shown to retain knowledge and skills acquired by PGY1 residents through hands-on learning. The program, which includes patient care and surgical simulations, has demonstrated significant effectiveness in improving residency experiences and patient outcomes.

SourceJournal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateApr 16, 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.

Physician entrepreneurs are key contributors to new medical devices

A study in Medical Care found that startup companies founded by physician entrepreneurs produce high-quality patents for class III medical devices. The researchers suggest that stricter policies on financial relationships between physicians and medical device manufacturers could slow innovation. This could have unintended consequences,...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalMedical Care·DateApr 16, 2013

New material gets itself into shape

Scientists have created a composite material that can bend and twist in response to external stimuli like temperature or moisture. This programmable plasticity enables the material to take on various shapes, making it suitable for applications such as self-shaping ceramic parts and biodegradable implants.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 16, 2013

Adoption of healthy lifestyle low by individuals with CVD

A study found low prevalence of healthy lifestyle behaviors, such as regular physical activity and healthy diets, in individuals with CHD or stroke globally. The data suggests that high-income countries have higher rates of cessation from smoking and healthier lifestyles.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateApr 16, 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.

Stimulating the brain blunts cigarette craving

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry reports that high frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the prefrontal cortex temporarily reduced cue-induced smoking craving in nicotine-dependent individuals. The treatment, which targets brain function and behavior, showed promise as a potential tool for smoking cessation.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateApr 16, 2013

When a KISS (1) goes bad

High levels of kisspeptins in aggressive breast cancers increase tumor grade and metastatic potential, according to Western University research. The study suggests that estrogen receptor status may play a role in kisspeptin's unusual behavior, making it a potential diagnostic biomarker for more aggressive breast cancer.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalEndocrinology·DateApr 16, 2013

Lawrence Livermore scientists discover new materials to capture methane

Scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have discovered new materials capable of capturing methane with high efficiency. The research focused on two applications: concentrating medium-purity methane streams and dilute streams above methane's flammability limit.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 16, 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.

Liverpool Bay sediment discovery could save millions

Scientists at the National Oceanography Centre have discovered that dredged sediment in Liverpool Bay moves back to the port within weeks, saving millions of pounds. The study's findings suggest that computer models can accurately predict particle movement, reducing environmental costs and disturbance.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·JournalJournal of Operational Oceanography·DateApr 16, 2013

Survived cancer? Now look out for cardiovascular risks

A new study reveals that cancer survivors are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease due to shared risk factors like smoking and obesity. The research emphasizes the importance of assessing cardiovascular risk as part of a comprehensive survivorship care plan.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalJournal of Cancer Survivorship·DateApr 16, 2013

Keystone Symposia announces grant from Alfred P. Sloan Foundation

The Keystone Symposia on Molecular & Cellular Biology has received a grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to support an Advanced Life Sciences Training Program for early-career scientists. The two-day conference will provide training in grant-writing and diversity-related challenges.

SourceKeystone Symposia on Molecular & Cellular Biology·DateApr 16, 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.

Biodiversity crisis: The impacts of socio-economic pressures on natural floras and faunas

A new study reveals that proportions of threatened species are more closely related to socio-economic pressures from the early 20th century. This 'extinction debt' implies that current conservation efforts may underestimate true extinction risks, as many species may already be destined for extinction due to temporal delays.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 16, 2013