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Science News Archive April 2013 - Page 21


Page 21 of 32

In an economic crash, public health improves

A study found that Cuba's economic crisis, which led to widespread weight loss, had a profound impact on the country's burden of diabetes. Obesity rates increased after the economy recovered, but the initial weight loss had a significant effect on cardiovascular diseases and all-cause mortality.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalThe BMJ·DateApr 10, 2013

U-M researchers find new way to clear cholesterol from the blood

Researchers at the University of Michigan identified a new potential therapeutic target for lowering cholesterol, inhibiting a gene responsible for transporting a protein that interferes with liver cell function. This approach preserved the liver's capacity to clear plasma cholesterol from the blood without affecting overall health.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateApr 10, 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.

Biofilms help Salmonella survive hostile conditions, Virginia Tech researchers say

Researchers discovered that Salmonella biofilms can survive in extremely dry conditions, preserving the bacteria in a protective coating. This finding highlights the need for improved sanitation and new strategies to reduce biofilm formation on equipment, potentially decreasing the likelihood of foodborne outbreaks.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalInternational Journal of Food Microbiology·DateApr 10, 2013

First objective measure of pain discovered in brain scan patterns by CU-Boulder study

Scientists have developed a way to predict pain levels by analyzing brain scan patterns, with accuracy of 90-100%. This breakthrough may lead to the development of reliable methods for doctors to objectively quantify patient pain. The study also explores potential applications in measuring anxiety, depression, and other emotional states.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 10, 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.

Gabriel Hortobagyi honored for mentoring minority researchers

Gabriel Hortobagyi, a renowned breast cancer researcher, is being recognized for his contributions to advancing minority investigators in cancer research. He has developed groundbreaking therapies and treatment regimens that have become standard practices for managing breast cancer.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateApr 10, 2013

Reliability of neuroscience research questioned

A new study by University of Bristol researchers questions the reliability of neuroscience studies, finding that most have only a 20% chance of detecting real effects. The team highlights the problem of 'endemic' low-powered studies producing unreliable research.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 10, 2013

Rates of childhood squint surgery have plummeted over past 50 years

Rates of childhood squint surgery in England have declined significantly over the past 50 years, with a threefold decrease in admission rates. However, there remains a significant geographical variation in the procedure's use, with areas having the highest and lowest rates showing a fivefold difference.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Ophthalmology·DateApr 10, 2013

Scientists use islands to gauge rainfall's effect on landscapes

Researchers used Kauai's unique rainfall gradient to test the relationship between precipitation and erosion, finding a strong correlation between rainfall rates and erosion rates. They also found that factoring precipitation into a widely used mathematical formula improved accuracy in predicting erosion rates.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateApr 10, 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.

Signature of circulating breast tumor cells that spread to the brain found

A team of researchers at Baylor College of Medicine has identified a signature of biomarkers that identifies circulating breast tumor cells destined to seed the brain with deadly cancer. The study shows limitations of current platforms used to identify cancer in this way, but also offers new hope for diagnosis and treatment.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 10, 2013

Limiting greenhouse gas emissions from land use in Europe

New research estimates that Europe can potentially reduce greenhouse gas emissions from land use by over 60% by 2050 through efficient agriculture and forest management. This reduction would be driven primarily by cutting emissions from livestock production and optimizing forest management to increase carbon sequestration.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·DateApr 10, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Training gives kids of AIDS patients a leg up

A simple training program can improve early-childhood development in children of AIDS patients by teaching caregivers how to support their children's social skills and cognitive abilities. The study found that these children made significant gains in language learning, memory, and overall cognitive skills after receiving the training.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateApr 10, 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.

Florida Tech professors present 'dark side of dark lightning' at conference

Scientists at Florida Institute of Technology have developed a physics-based model to calculate radiation doses from intense gamma-ray bursts in thunderstorms. The model suggests that these bursts, known as terrestrial gamma-ray flashes, emit high-energy particles that can pose a radiation hazard to airplane passengers.

SourceFlorida Institute of Technology·DateApr 10, 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.

The beat goes on: Modeling the human heart

Researchers are using computational models to analyze cardiac function, diagnose, and develop new treatments for conditions like atrial fibrillation and cardiac arrhythmia. They also created a framework to study drug interactions and predict pro- or anti-arrhythmic effects.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·DateApr 10, 2013

IU study: 'Backbone' of mental illness stigma common in 16 countries studied

A global study found that a common backbone of prejudice exists in 16 countries, unfairly painting people with conditions like depression and schizophrenia as undesirable for close relationships and positions of authority. The study, led by Indiana University sociologists, analyzed data from 19,508 participants across diverse cultures ...

SourceIndiana University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 10, 2013

CPAP improves work productivity for sleep apnea patients

A study presented at the Sleep and Breathing Conference found that CPAP treatment significantly improved productivity at work among sleep apnea patients. The researchers observed a notable reduction in daytime sleepiness among those who adhered to the treatment programme, with 35 out of 45 participants showing significant improvements.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·DateApr 10, 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.

T cell biology pioneer Allison wins first AACR honor for cancer immunology

James Allison's discovery of the drug ipilimumab, which blocks CTLA-4 and treats T cells not cancer, has led to a significant increase in survival rates for patients with late-stage metastatic melanoma. The AACR-CRI award recognizes his contributions to cancer immunology and builds on Dr. Lloyd Old's pioneering work in harnessing the i...

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateApr 10, 2013

World-first research will save koalas

A joint project between QUT and The Australian Museum has mapped the koala genome, providing insights into their immune system. The study identified genes involved in B cell and T cell activation, suggesting that koalas have a capability to protect themselves against microbial pathogens like Chlamydia.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateApr 10, 2013

UNC researchers engineer 'protein switch' to dissect role of cancer's key players

Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine have created a protein switch that can be used to interrogate the molecular mechanisms of human health and disease. By studying Src kinase, they revealed a previously unknown role in cell motility, consistent with its ties to tumor progression and metastasis.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 10, 2013

Redesigned material could lead to lighter, faster electronics

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new material called germanane, which conducts electrons five times faster than conventional germanium. This discovery has the potential to advance future electronics and improve computer chip performance.

SourceOhio State University·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 10, 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.

Adaptable leaders may have best brains for the job, study finds

Researchers found that adaptable leaders have more complex and differentiated brain networks in areas associated with self-regulation, decision-making, and memory. They also demonstrated greater adaptability and effectiveness in a hypothetical military scenario.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateApr 10, 2013

Fit people have a better attention span than those with bad physical health

Researchers from the University of Granada found that fit individuals have a better sustained attention span and more rapid reaction times compared to those with poor physical health. The study also revealed that temporary perception had the greatest effect on heart rate variability, while sustained perception had the least.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 10, 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.

The surprising ability of blood stem cells to respond to emergencies

Researchers have discovered that hematopoietic stem cells can perceive signals from the body during emergencies and produce specialized white blood cells, such as macrophages. This discovery could lead to new strategies for protecting patients undergoing bone marrow transplants from infections.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalNature·DateApr 10, 2013

1 in 5 seniors on risky meds; more in US South

A recent analysis by Brown University researchers reveals that over 1 in 5 seniors with Medicare Advantage plans received potentially harmful high-risk medications in 2009. The Southeast region had the highest rates of prescription use for these risky medications, particularly among women and those living in poor areas.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateApr 10, 2013

Chickens with bigger gizzards are more efficient

Researchers found that chickens with larger digestive organs eat less feed and produce less waste, potentially saving farmers up to 9.76 tons of feed per hatch. Selecting for this trait could also help identify the genes controlling digestive efficiency in chickens.

SourceAmerican Society of Animal Science·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateApr 10, 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.

Half of all patient complaints in Australia are about 3 percent of doctors

A study in Australia found that 3% of doctors account for 49% of all patient complaints, with those who have multiple complaints being highly likely to receive further complaints. The researchers argue that this issue could be mitigated by introducing formal appraisal of a doctor's practice as part of revalidation.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Quality & Safety·DateApr 10, 2013

Doctors not informed of harmful effects of medicines during sales visits

A study found that sales representatives failed to provide information on common or serious side effects and the type of patients who should not use a medicine in 59% of promotions. Doctors in Toulouse were more likely to be informed about potential harms, suggesting stricter regulatory standards may improve transparency.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateApr 10, 2013

Complaint-prone doctors can be identified before complaints occur

Researchers identified several risk factors, including the number of previous complaints and specialty, which could help predict future complaints. The study suggests that identifying high-risk doctors earlier can lead to targeted interventions to improve quality care.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalThe BMJ·DateApr 10, 2013

Ocean nutrients a key component of future change say scientists

A multi-author review paper reviews ocean nutrient patterns and interactions, highlighting their influence on climate by fuelling biological production. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding nutrient cycles in predicting future environmental changes.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 10, 2013

In sales, confidence and charisma may not seal the deal

A study published in Psychological Science reveals that people with intermediate extraversion scores outperform introverts and extroverts in sales, raking in 24% more revenue than introverts and 32% more than extroverts. Ambiverts strike a balance between assertiveness and listening skills, making them the most effective salespeople.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 10, 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.

Single best practice to prevent DVT reduces hospital costs by more than $1.5 million annually

Researchers at Medstar Health and Georgetown University School of Medicine found that implementing a value-based analysis approach to preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in surgical patients resulted in significant cost savings, with an estimated overall system-wide savings opportunity of $4 million. The study identified limiting the...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateApr 10, 2013

Crime rate calculation method due for overhaul, Wayne State University researchers say

A study published in the Canadian Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice found that a common methodological practice, called capping, undercounts violent crime by 87% and household crime by 36%. The researchers suggest updating this technique to yield more accurate crime reporting.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalCanadian Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice/La Revue canadienne de criminologie et de justice pénale·DateApr 10, 2013

Genes reveal which patients will benefit from scleroderma drug

A study at Northwestern University and Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine found that patients with improved responses to mycophenolate mofetile (MMF) therapy share a distinct gene expression pattern in skin. This signature can potentially guide targeted treatment for patients with scleroderma.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateApr 10, 2013

IDRI and Medicago to present data at the World Vaccine Congress

IDRI and Medicago present data on their H5N1 Avian Influenza VLP vaccine candidate, combining IDRI's GLA adjuvant with Medicago's proprietary manufacturing technology. The trial shows promising results in evaluating the safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine.

SourceAccess to Advanced Health Institute·DateApr 9, 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.

Is medical therapy a better and safer choice than angioplasty

A new study suggests that medical therapy is a viable alternative to angioplasty in treating stable coronary artery disease, reducing the risk of complications and hospitalizations. The study proposes a targeted approach to shared decision-making, considering treatment options, risks, and outcomes for patients.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalPopulation Health Management·DateApr 9, 2013

1-2 punch could be key in treating blindness

Using two therapies together has been shown to effectively restore vision in dogs with inherited blindness. The treatment approach may have implications for human patients as well. Researchers believe that combining gene therapy and selective photoreceptor cell destruction could lead to better therapeutic outcomes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateApr 9, 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.

Defining the scope of skills for family medicine residencies

A team of healthcare professionals at Tufts University developed a list of 76 EPAs to structure competency-based assessment for family medicine residents. The EPAs cover key skills such as patient care, communication, and practice management.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalJournal of Graduate Medical Education·DateApr 9, 2013