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Science News Archive April 2013 - Page 23


Page 23 of 32

First genetic factor in prostate cancer prognosis identified

Researchers identified BRCA2 gene mutation as first genetic factor for prostate cancer prognosis, associated with advanced disease and higher mortality rates. The study suggests a need for new treatment strategies for patients carrying these mutations.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 9, 2013

Decontamination of unused medical supplies reduces health-care costs

Unused medical supplies can become contaminated with multidrug-resistant organisms, leading to increased healthcare costs. Hydrogen peroxide vapor disinfection has been shown to effectively sanitize the outside of packages, reducing contamination rates and associated costs.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateApr 9, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Google searches about mental illness follow seasonal patterns

A new study found that Google searches for information on all major mental illnesses followed seasonal patterns, with winter queries consistently higher than summer ones. This suggests that mental illness may be more strongly linked to seasonal patterns than previously thought.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateApr 9, 2013

NREL employees lauded by industry peers

NREL employees Debbie Lew, Greg Brinkman, Maureen Hand, Trieu Mai, and Brian Parsons were awarded for their contributions to wind and solar integration studies. The Utility Variable-Generation Integration Group recognized their work on grid operations with high renewable power shares.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateApr 9, 2013

New treatment holds promise for resistant lung cancer

A new chemotherapy regimen combining Tarceva and Alisertib appears safe in patients with non-small cell lung cancer that has not responded to previous treatments. The study found minimal side effects and stabilization of tumors in some patients, paving the way for further research.

SourceFox Chase Cancer Center·DateApr 9, 2013

Surf's up: Turbulence tells sea urchins to settle down

Researchers at UC Davis found that turbulence in waves signals purple sea urchin larvae to start searching for suitable habitat. The two-step process involves an initial response to turbulence, followed by a chemical signal triggering settlement and transformation into juvenile sea urchins.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 9, 2013

Does class shape men's attitudes toward home improvement projects?

A new study reveals how social class influences men's attitudes towards DIY home improvement. Upper-class men use DIY to experience physical labor and feel fulfilled, while lower-class men treat it as a chore to assert their masculinity and provide for their families.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateApr 9, 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.

A new vision for educating tomorrow's scientists

The American Chemical Society presents a report outlining changes needed in graduate education in chemistry, aiming to prepare scientists for addressing global challenges like climate change and sustainable development.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 9, 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.

Nanotechnology imaging breakthrough

Researchers developed a technique to measure the structure of gold nanocrystals under extremely high pressures, resolving distortion issues with X-ray beams. This breakthrough could lead to improvements in nanomaterials and a better understanding of planetary interiors.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 9, 2013

Satellite sandwich technique improves analysis of geographical data

University of Cincinnati student researcher Bo Yang develops method to combine thermal data from separate satellite systems, creating detailed maps of regional temperature fluctuations. This technique simplifies the process of analyzing parallel data, allowing geographers to derive daily surface temperature and emissivity information.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateApr 9, 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.

Study suggests federal guidelines for treating teen PID need clarification

A Johns Hopkins study found that official guidelines leave room for interpretation, leading to variable treatment choices and outcomes. Clinicians expressed ambivalence about hospitalizing patients, particularly those with recent abortions or social circumstances making inpatient care challenging.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalSexually Transmitted Diseases·DateApr 9, 2013

New gene associated with almost doubled Alzheimer's risk in African-Americans

African-Americans with a variant of the ABCA7 gene have nearly double the risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer's disease compared to those without the variant. The study, led by Columbia University Medical Center, suggests that lipid metabolism may play a more important role in Alzheimer's disease among African-Americans.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateApr 9, 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.

New technology spots drugs' early impact on cancer

Researchers have developed a new preclinical technology that enables quick determination of a treatment's effectiveness against gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) as early as 24 hours after administering the compound. This tool can help identify new drugs or drug combinations and quickly identify the most effective treatments for ...

SourceFox Chase Cancer Center·DateApr 9, 2013

£670,000 EPSRC grant for new professor

A £670,000 project led by Professor Ian Glover aims to transform fault detection techniques, predicting and diagnosing imminent system failures. The technology enables quicker diagnosis, reducing maintenance needs and associated costs.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·DateApr 9, 2013

NIH-funded researchers create next-generation Alzheimer's disease model

Researchers have created a new genetically engineered rat model that closely represents the brain changes associated with Alzheimer's disease, including tau pathology and extensive neuronal cell death. The rats developed memory and learning problems with age, supporting the idea that increases in beta-amyloid causes the disease.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·DateApr 9, 2013

Better wheat for a warming planet

Researchers at WSU will develop climate-resilient wheat varieties to tackle rising temperatures and limited water in growing regions. The project aims to identify genes associated with heat tolerance, benefiting all wheat-growing regions worldwide.

SourceWashington State University·DateApr 9, 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.

'Diseases of affluence' spreading to poorer countries

Research shows that diseases traditionally associated with wealth are now prevalent in middle-income countries, while obesity and high blood pressure are rising in poorer nations. The study suggests improved diagnosis and lifestyle changes in wealthy countries may be driving the shift.

SourceImperial College London·JournalCirculation·DateApr 9, 2013

Dedicated cleaning staff shown to reduce C. difficile contamination in hospital rooms

A study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology found that a dedicated daily cleaning crew can effectively reduce C. difficile contamination in hospital rooms. The intervention included a standardized disinfection process, which significantly improved disinfection rates compared to traditional cleaning practices.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateApr 9, 2013

High pressure gold nanocrystal structure revealed

Researchers have successfully imaged the changes in morphology of gold nanocrystals under pressures of up to 6.5 gigapascals, solving a long-standing problem in measuring nanomaterial structures. The study shows that the nanocrystals undergo plastic flow, becoming more fluid-like at high pressure, and reveals new insights into the beha...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 9, 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.

Selling concert tickets? Consider parking when setting the price

A study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that sellers tend to focus on a product's desirability, while buyers consider both its desirability and usability. This difference in focus leads to price discrepancies between what sellers ask for tickets and what buyers are willing to pay.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateApr 9, 2013

NREL launches initiative to build solar performance database

The US Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has launched an initiative to build an open-source database of real-world performance from solar facilities. The Open Solar Performance and Reliability Clearinghouse (O-SPaRC) aims to provide critical data on the long-term performance of residential and commercia...

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateApr 9, 2013

Class project inspires research article in Ecology

A meta-analysis of 161 studies on prey diversity found that mixed diets enhance animal fitness, but not as well as specialized diets. Generalized diets may offer flexibility and less risk of predation, rather than nutritional benefits.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalEcology·DateApr 9, 2013

Iceman Ötzi had bad teeth

Researchers studied the teeth of the Neolithic mummy Ötzi, finding severe oral diseases such as advanced periodontitis and tooth decay. The Iceman's diet, which included starchy foods like bread and cereal porridge, contributed to his dental problems.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalEuropean Journal Of Oral Sciences·DateApr 9, 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.

Sea level rise: Jeopardy for terrestrial biodiversity on islands

A new study finds that sea level rise will lead to significant habitat loss and threaten the survival of endemic species in Southeast Asian and Pacific islands. The researchers predict that even a one-meter sea level rise could result in the loss of up to 14.7% of all islands in the region.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateApr 9, 2013

1 factor that can help determine black men's college success

A study at Ohio State University found that 'grit' is a key factor in predicting college success for black men. Grit refers to the dedication to pursuing and achieving a goal despite obstacles and failures. This factor affects college grades almost as much as high school GPA and ACT scores, highlighting its importance.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of African American Studies·DateApr 9, 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.

Environmental change can lead to rapid species evolution

Researchers found rapid genetic changes in laboratory soil mites leading to population growth and increased fertility, rescuing populations from extinction. The study demonstrates the intertwined nature of ecology and evolution.

SourceUmea University·JournalEcology Letters·DateApr 9, 2013

Cancers don't sleep: The Myc oncogene can disrupt circadian rhythm

The Myc oncogene can disrupt the 24-hour internal rhythm in cancer cells, suggesting potential for improved cancer treatments. By promoting the expression of Rev-erbα and NAMPT, Myc upregulates genes that suppress circadian oscillations, leading to altered metabolism and potentially increased replication rates in cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateApr 9, 2013

On Yak-a-mein soup, a.k.a, 'Old Sober'

Researchers have found that Yak-a-mein soup, a traditional Korean dish, contains ingredients like cysteine and salts that can help alleviate hangover symptoms. The soup's nutrients can also aid in replenishing lost sodium, potassium, and other essential minerals.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 9, 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.

Natural soil bacteria pump new life into exhausted oil wells

Researchers have developed a biotechnology-based approach to enhance oil recovery using natural soil bacteria. The AERO System stimulates the growth of native reservoir bacteria, breaking down oil and forcing it to flow more freely, increasing production by 9-12% from exhausted wells.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 8, 2013

Adding cetuximab to chemotherapy enables select patients with advanced colorectal cancer and liver metastasis to undergo surgery, extending survival by several months

A Phase III clinical trial found that adding cetuximab to chemotherapy enables previously inoperable patients to undergo surgery, tripling the rates of successful surgery for liver metastasis. The combination also extends median overall survival by 10 months compared to chemotherapy alone.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 8, 2013

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

The American College of Physicians (ACP) releases new recommendations for prostate cancer screening, focusing on shared decision-making and clear patient preference. Men between 50-69 years old should discuss the benefits and harms of PSA testing with their doctor before undergoing screening. The ACP also recommends against screening f...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 8, 2013

Egyptian wedding certificate key to authenticating controversial Biblical text

A scientist has revealed how an ancient Egyptian marriage certificate played a pivotal role in confirming the veracity of inks used in the Gospel of Judas. The discovery sheds new light on the intensive scientific efforts to validate the controversial text, which suggests that Jesus requested that his friend, Judas Iscariot, betray him...

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 8, 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.

'Pharmaceutical' approach boosts oil production from algae

Researchers at UC Davis have identified several compounds that can increase oil production in green algae by up to 85% without affecting growth. The team used a high-throughput screening approach similar to pharmaceutical drug discovery to find these compounds.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateApr 8, 2013

New evidence dinosaurs were strong swimmers

Researchers have identified evidence of a dinosaur's ability to swim with coordinated leg movements, as indicated by 15-meter claw marks found on a Chinese riverbed. The marks suggest the presence of a two-legged dinosaur that was swimming along the river and only its tippy toes were touching bottom.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalChinese Science Bulletin·DateApr 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.

New 'transient electronics' disappear when no longer needed

Scientists have developed transient electronics that can be implanted in the body to relieve pain or battle infection for a specific period, then dissolve harmlessly. The devices perform normally until the encapsulating layer disappears, offering potential applications in consumer electronics with pre-engineered service life.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 8, 2013

Link between obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome may be exaggerated

Studies found women with PCOS identified through general population screening had similar obesity rates as those without the condition. However, women actively seeking treatment had significantly higher obesity rates. This challenges the long-held assumption that obesity is a hallmark of PCOS.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 8, 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.

A fly mutation suggests a new route for tackling ALS

Researchers have identified a gene in fruit flies that, when mutated, blocks self-destruction of damaged axons, which could hold clues for treating motor neuron diseases like ALS. The preservation of this signaling mechanism from flies to humans suggests its importance and potential as a treatment strategy.

SourceGenetics Society of America·DateApr 8, 2013

Global solar photovoltaic industry is likely now a net energy producer

The global solar photovoltaic (PV) industry is making positive strides in reducing its energy debt, with electricity generated by all installed PV panels likely surpassing energy used to manufacture new modules. Continued technological advances and efficient conversion of sunlight into electricity are key factors driving this progress.

SourceStanford University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 8, 2013

Human shadow cast over the Caribbean slows coral growth

A study found that airborne particles from volcanic activity and air pollution slow coral growth in the Caribbean. Coral skeletons preserve records of growth, which corresponded closely to sea surface temperatures and light levels.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 8, 2013