Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive April 2013 - Page 13


Page 13 of 32

Rats' and bats' brains work differently on the move

A new study reveals significant differences between rats' and bats' brain rhythms in navigation, questioning the use of rodent research as a basis for understanding spatial navigation in all mammals. The findings highlight the need to study a broader range of animals to gain a clearer picture of brain processes.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience·DateApr 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.

New algorithm helps evaluate, rank scientific literature

Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a computer program to help evaluate and rank scientific articles in their field. The algorithm assigns relevancy scores to thousands of papers, allowing biocurators to focus on the most informative papers, increasing productivity by 27% and novel data content by 100%. Whil...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 18, 2013

New Earth-like planets found

Two new super-Earths and a Mars-sized planet have been found in the habitable zone of Kepler-62, a star similar to our Sun. These planets are thought to be solid and rocky or rocky with frozen water, making them potentially hospitable to life.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience·DateApr 18, 2013

From mice to humans, comfort is being carried by mom

Infants experience an automatic calming reaction upon being carried, characterized by slowed heart rates, reduced movement, and cessation of crying. This phenomenon, observed in both human and mouse babies, is mediated by the parasympathetic nervous system and may have implications for parenting strategies to prevent child abuse.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 18, 2013
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.

Reinventing drug discovery

A new stem-cell based drug screening technology has identified a compound that prolongs the life of motor neurons in both normal and ALS-affected cells. The study found kenpaullone, which inhibits HGK, an enzyme associated with motor neuron death, to be more effective than two failed drugs in human clinical trials.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 18, 2013

Superstorm Sandy shook the US

A study by University of Utah researchers found that superstorm Sandy caused significant seismic activity along the East Coast as well as in the Atlantic Ocean. The storm's 'standing waves' created energy at the seafloor, detectable by seismometers across the US.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateApr 18, 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.

Inaugural IOF Olof Johnell Science Award presented to Professor Harry Genant

Professor Harry Genant has been recognized with the first IOF Olof Johnell Science Award for his influential work in noninvasive imaging methods, clinical advances, and best practice guidelines. He is a distinguished researcher, author, and educator, with extensive contributions to bone science and policy implementation.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·DateApr 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.

Why do babies calm down when they are carried?

A study by RIKEN Brain Science Institute researchers found that human babies and mouse pups relax when carried due to a combination of nervous, motor, and cardiac responses. This infant calming response is beneficial for both mother and child, reducing maternal burden and promoting interaction.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 18, 2013

When it comes to survival of the fittest, stress is a good thing

Researchers found that female red squirrels produce more stress hormones during pregnancy, which increases their pups' growth rate and chances of survival. The study confirms that natural selection favors faster-growing offspring, and these squirrels can adapt to high population density by anticipating environmental changes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScience·DateApr 18, 2013

How deployment affects families

The symposium aims to explore how parents' deployment affects children's well-being, mental health, and ability to achieve developmental tasks. Researchers will examine the role of combat-related injuries and discuss effective ways to treat post-deployment family struggles.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·DateApr 18, 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.

Fertility needs in high-yielding corn production

Researchers found that high amounts of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and sulfur are needed for modern corn hybrids, with applications made during key growth stages to maximize crop growth. Adequate accounting for nutrients with high harvest index values is vital to maintaining long-term soil productivity.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateApr 18, 2013

Social media, social kids

Research examines how social media influences child development, including social-emotional learning, interpersonal dynamics, and emotional connections. The symposium explores the impact of new forms of media on social skills, value systems, and relationships among children and young adults.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·DateApr 18, 2013

Electronic zippers control DNA strands

Researchers have invented a new way to zip and unzip DNA strands using electrochemistry, enabling fast control at constant temperatures without dramatic changes in solution conditions. This method uses DNA intercalators that bind differently to DNA depending on their electrical state, allowing for rapid and precise control.

SourceNational Physical Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 18, 2013

Tell me where you're from and I'll tell you what tastes you prefer

A new study analyzing over 1,700 European children aged 6-9 years found that their taste preferences for fat, sugar, salt, and umami vary significantly across countries, despite previous assumptions. The research suggests that cultural factors play a crucial role in shaping these preferences, while age also influences them.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateApr 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.

Discovery paves the way for ultra fast high resolution imaging in real time

Researchers from the University of Melbourne have made a groundbreaking discovery that enables ultrafast high-resolution imaging in real time. By generating ultra-short durations of electron bunches, they can achieve both cold and fast electrons, paving the way for new advances in the field.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 18, 2013

Learned helplessness in flies and the roots of depression

Flies develop depression-like symptoms in response to uncontrollable stress, slowing down and taking more frequent rests. The study offers insights into the biological basis of depression and presents a potential method for testing antidepressant drugs.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 18, 2013

Phosphate-binding drug does not improve heart health of patients with mild kidney disease

A study found that a phosphate-binding drug did not reduce cardiovascular measures in patients with early chronic kidney disease, suggesting dietary restriction may be the best way to mitigate phosphate's negative effects on the heart. Higher blood phosphate levels increase the risk of dying from heart-related causes.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 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.

Mental vulnerability associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease

A large population study from Denmark found that individuals deemed mentally vulnerable are at a significantly increased risk of both fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular disease. The study's results showed that mental vulnerability was associated with a 36% higher risk of events, independently of classical risk factors.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateApr 18, 2013

New solar-cell coating could boost efficiency

Researchers at MIT have developed a new solar-cell coating that can boost efficiency to 34%, harnessing the energy of visible light to convert sunlight into electricity more efficiently. The breakthrough could lead to significantly higher solar panel performances, potentially reaching over 30% efficiency.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateApr 18, 2013

Child's counting comprehension may depend on objects counted, study shows

New research from the University of Notre Dame suggests that child learning and performance in counting tasks is affected by the type of object used. The study found that objects with high perceptual detail hindered performance when children already had established knowledge, but improved it when they didn't.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalChild Development·DateApr 18, 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.

Natura 2000 networks: Improving current methods in biodiversity conservation

A new study evaluates the effectiveness of the Natura 2000 network in covering threatened European species, finding that many fish species are poorly covered. The authors recommend increasing site numbers, developing public awareness, and involving local people in conservation strategies to improve efficiency.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNature Conservation·DateApr 18, 2013

New ablation technique holds promise for liver cancer patients

A new minimally invasive tumor ablation technique called irreversible electroporation (IRE) has shown promising results in treating liver cancer patients who cannot undergo surgery or thermal ablation. The study found that IRE successfully destroyed tumor tissue in 70% of patients, with two major complications reported but neither life...

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·DateApr 18, 2013

Scientists find ethnicity linked to antibodies

Researchers discovered that a person's antibody genes, operation, and potential fight-off targets vary from person to person. This study found ethnicity influences immunity, potentially impacting disease risk and treatment responses.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 18, 2013

Cold winters freezing out breast cancer treatment

Research found that low-vitamin D season can reduce breast cancer treatment effectiveness by up to 30%. The study identifies seasonal and genetic factors affecting tamoxifen metabolism.

SourceLawson Research Institute·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·DateApr 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.

UC Berkeley selected to build NASA's next space weather satellite

The University of California, Berkeley will design, build, and operate the Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON) satellite to study the impact of Earth's weather on space weather. The satellite aims to improve forecasts of extreme space weather events that can disrupt GPS signals and radio communications.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateApr 17, 2013

Making fruit easier to eat increases sales and consumption in school cafeterias

A recent study by Cornell University's Food and Brand Lab found that pre-sliced fruit in school cafeterias leads to increased fruit sales and consumption, particularly among younger students. The research showed a significant increase of 73% in students who ate more than half of their apple after the introduction of fruit slicers.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateApr 17, 2013

Reducing the pain of movement in intensive care

A new study published in Critical Care finds that reducing movement in ICUs can decrease severe pain and serious adverse events, while increasing analgesic use. The training program implemented by the University of Montpellier Saint Eloi Hospital increased staff awareness and reduced side effects.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCritical Care·DateApr 17, 2013

Simple reminders may help prevent fractures

A recent study found that simple educational strategies targeting doctors and patients after a fracture significantly improved osteoporosis testing rates, reducing fractures by two fewer per 1,000 patients. Mail-based notice interventions were effective and cost-efficient, with projected savings of $18,000 for every 1,000 patients.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 17, 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.

Going places: Rat brain 'GPS' maps routes to rewards

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that the rat's hippocampus uses remembered spatial information to imagine routes, guiding behavior. This finding has implications for understanding memory and imagination in people with Alzheimer's disease and age-related cognitive decline.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature·DateApr 17, 2013

Patient satisfaction with hospital stay does not reflect quality of surgical care

New Johns Hopkins research finds no link between patient satisfaction scores and surgical care quality scores, but suggests that a better workplace culture for staff can improve patient satisfaction. The study emphasizes the need for better instruments to capture technical skills and medical judgment in measuring hospital quality.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateApr 17, 2013

Social gaming promotes healthy behavior, reveals new research

A new study from USC reveals that adding social gaming elements to a behavior tracking program led participants to exercise more frequently and decrease their body-mass index. The effects were stronger in groups that started with gaming and were sustained after gaming elements were removed.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateApr 17, 2013

Detecting autism from brain activity

Researchers developed an efficient method of analyzing brain activity using magnetoencephalography (MEG) to detect autism in children. The approach showed significant differences in functional connectivity and background noise between autistic and non-autistic brains, with 94% accuracy.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 17, 2013

Common osteoporosis drug slows formation of new bone

A recent study found that zoledronic acid, a common osteoporosis drug, not only slows bone loss but also increases levels of sclerostin, a biomarker that inhibits bone formation. This suggests that combination treatments may be needed to effectively treat osteoporosis and increase bone mass.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 17, 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.

Helping to forecast earthquakes in Salt Lake Valley

Researchers have revised the history of large earthquakes in the area, showing that the Salt Lake City segment has been more active than previously thought. The study contributes to forecasting probabilities for future earthquakes in the Wasatch Front region.

SourceSeismological Society of America·DateApr 17, 2013

Children and teens with autism more likely to become preoccupied with video games

A study found that children with autism spent significantly more time playing video games than typically developing peers, and were more likely to develop problematic gaming habits. Conversely, they spent less time on social media and more time watching TV and engaging in physical activities.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalResearch in Autism Spectrum Disorders·DateApr 17, 2013

The doctor won't see you now? Study: US facing a neurologist shortage

A new study finds that the US is facing a severe neurologist shortage, with a projected need for 11% more doctors to meet current needs by 2025. The demand for neurologists is expected to grow faster than the supply, with average wait times for new and follow-up visits increasing.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 17, 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.

Is your migraine preventive treatment balanced between drugs' benefits and harms?

A new review of medications for preventing episodic migraines found that all approved drugs worked better than placebo in reducing monthly migraine attacks. However, off-label anti-epileptics and antidepressants caused the most bothersome side effects, while off-label beta-blockers and angiotensin-inhibiting drugs had the fewest.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateApr 17, 2013

Teens' brains are more sensitive to rewarding feedback from peers

Research suggests that teenagers' brains are more sensitive to rewarding feedback from peers, changing their calculation of risk. This sensitivity is linked to the unique effect of peer influence on the developing teenage brain, with adolescents taking more risks when observed by peers.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateApr 17, 2013

Massive star factory churned in universe's youth

Astronomers have uncovered a massive star factory in the universe's youth, producing stars at a rate 2,000 times that of our Milky Way. The galaxy, HFLS3, has a reservoir of gas and dust, with over 40 billion stars and 100 billion tons of gas.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalNature·DateApr 17, 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.

Virus-like particles provide vital clues about brain tumors

Researchers at Lund University have discovered that exosome molecular profiles reflect the aggressiveness of brain tumours, offering a new approach for diagnosis and treatment. The study's findings suggest that exosomes could serve as biomarkers to guide patient care and monitor treatment response.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2013

Prototype generators emit much less carbon monoxide, NIST finds

Tests conducted by NIST found that portable generators retrofitted with off-the-shelf hardware emitted 90% less carbon monoxide than standard generators. The reduced emissions are expected to delay the onset and progression of CO poisoning symptoms, leading to fewer deaths and injuries.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateApr 17, 2013