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Science News Archive April 2013 - Page 24


Page 24 of 32

Canada loses out on drug pricing: UBC study

A new study reveals that Canada is the country least capable of effectively managing its drug pricing regime due to its unique universal healthcare system. The researchers suggest three principles - pragmatism, discipline, and transparency - for developing an effective pricing strategy.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalHealth Affairs·DateApr 8, 2013

Penn study finds increased sleep could reduce rate of adolescent obesity

A new study found that each additional hour of sleep is associated with a lower BMI for teens. Increasing sleep duration to 10 hours per day could help reduce the prevalence of adolescent obesity. The findings suggest delaying school start times could also aid in reducing obesity rates.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateApr 8, 2013

Tin nanocrystals for the battery of the future

Researchers from ETH Zurich have created tin nanocrystals that can absorb and release lithium ions more effectively, leading to improved energy storage capacity. The smaller crystals are able to store more energy than larger ones, making them ideal for future lithium ion batteries.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 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.

Environmental change triggers rapid evolution

A University of Leeds-led study found significant genetic changes in soil mites after just 15 generations, leading to doubling of age at adulthood and large population size changes. This research demonstrates the interconnectedness of ecology and evolution, with major implications for conservation and fisheries management.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalEcology Letters·DateApr 8, 2013

UPV/EHU researchers propose a new mechanism for cell membrane fission

A study by UPV/EHU researchers has characterised the functioning of a protein responsible for cell membrane splitting, making it possible to see the basic mechanisms of cell life from a fresh perspective. The methodology developed will allow various neuromuscular disorders to be diagnosed.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalScience·DateApr 8, 2013

Smoking may negatively impact kidney function among adolescents

A recent study published in Pediatrics found that exposure to tobacco smoke can damage adolescent kidneys, with effects beginning in childhood. The research used a nationally representative sample of US adolescents and found associations between tobacco use and lower kidney function.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateApr 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.

Arrhythmia drug may increase cancer risk

A new study found that long-term use of arrhythmia medication amiodarone may significantly increase the risk of developing certain cancers. Men and individuals taking high cumulative daily doses were more likely to develop cancer, with a 46% increased risk compared to those taking low doses.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateApr 8, 2013

Surprising predictor of ecosystem chemistry

Carnegie scientists found that plant communities are stronger predictors of ecosystem chemistry than environmental conditions. The study used a new airborne instrument to map multiple ecosystem chemicals and found that plant composition explains up to 61% of variation in plant chemical traits.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 8, 2013

No map, no problems for monarchs

A team of scientists found that monarch butterflies use external cues like the sun and magnetic field as a built-in compass, but not an internal map. They funnelled towards their destination using major geographic landmarks.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 8, 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.

Newly discovered blood protein solves 60-year-old riddle

Researchers at Lund University have discovered a new protein that controls the presence of the Vel blood group antigen on red blood cells. The discovery makes it possible to use simple DNA testing to find blood donors for patients who lack the Vel antigen and need a blood transfusion.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 8, 2013

Particles changing angle: Unexpected orientation in capillaries

Scientists observe unusual orientation behavior of small particles flowing through thin capillaries, which changes direction at narrow points. This discovery has significant implications for technical spinning processes and the understanding of vascular stenosis.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 8, 2013

Reframing stress: Stage fright can be your friend

A new study found that encouraging people to reframe their natural bodily signals as helpful during stressful speaking tasks can improve performance. The study used the Trier Social Stress Test and found that participants who were prepped about the benefits of stress weathered the trial better, with increased blood flow and fewer physi...

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateApr 8, 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.

A hijacking of healthy cellular circuits

Researchers identify a unique mechanism by which glioblastoma cells develop resistance to EGFR-targeting drugs by hijacking the signaling of PDGFRβ. Targeting both receptors simultaneously prevents resistance and suppresses tumors in laboratory models.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Discovery·DateApr 8, 2013

New study finds plant proteins control chronic disease in Toxoplasma infections

Researchers at University of South Florida led by Michael White found that plant proteins, AP2 factors, control the transition from acute to chronic Toxoplasma stage. These factors help the parasite decide when to grow or form tissue cysts that can remain dormant for years.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 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.

Certain breast cancer patients may benefit from combined HER2 targeted therapy without chemotherapy

A subset of breast cancer patients with HER-2 positive tumors may benefit from a combination of targeted treatments that avoid chemotherapy. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, shows high efficacy in eradicating tumors and offers a groundbreaking approach to treatment without significant side effects.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 8, 2013

Ocean explorers want to get to the bottom of Galicia

A team of scientists and technicians led by Rice University is conducting a 45-day expedition in the North Atlantic to gather detailed information about the geology of the ocean basin. The $6 million project aims to study the Galicia rift, where sediment has not deeply buried formations that have existed at the bottom of the ocean for ...

SourceRice University·DateApr 8, 2013

Healthy doctors make healthy patients, study finds

Researchers at UBC and Israel discovered that compliant physicians lead to more patient adherence to screening and vaccination practices. The study found significant differences in patients of doctors who received flu shots and those who did not, highlighting the importance of healthcare professionals' health habits on their patients.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 8, 2013

AACR honors Hagop Kantarjian for outstanding clinical research

Kantarjian's contributions to leukemia treatment have improved survival rates from 50% to 90% with BCR-ABL inhibitors. His work also led to standardization of combination therapies and FDA approval for ruxolitinib, a treatment for myelofibrosis.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateApr 8, 2013

Posture provides clue for future disability

Researchers found a strong association between spinal posture and dependency in activities of daily living (ADL), with those in the highest quartiles having 3.47 times higher risk of dependence. Spinal measurements were taken using a computer-assisted noninvasive device, and data from 804 participants aged 65+ were analyzed.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·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.

Cry me a river of possibility: Scientists design new adaptive material inspired by tears

Researchers at Harvard University developed a tunable material system that can adapt to different environments, functions like self-adjusting contact lenses, pipelines, and textile materials. The bioinspired material is a continuous liquid film that changes shape in response to deformation, offering fine control over various properties.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 8, 2013

Tortuous paths hamper ion transport

Scientists have created a three-dimensional map of electrode materials in lithium-ion batteries, revealing their unique structures and impact on charging speeds. The study's findings suggest that using round particles instead of plate-like ones can significantly improve the battery's performance.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateApr 8, 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.

Children with autism leave 'silly' out

Research shows children with autism have difficulty imitating social behaviors and instead focus on efficient actions. Typically developing children, however, are more likely to copy unnecessary actions, a behavior known as overimitation.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 8, 2013

Stanford seeks sea urchin's secret to surviving ocean acidification

Researchers discovered that purple sea urchins can rapidly evolve in acidic ocean water due to high levels of genetic variation, allowing them to thrive in conditions with high carbon dioxide. This capacity may help some marine species survive in future acidified seas.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 8, 2013

Diabetes patients need to be consulted to improve treatment

A Danish study found that patients who tailor their own treatment in cooperation with their doctor can reduce their risk of complications, including heart attacks, with up to 20%. The study also shows that taking individual needs into consideration is crucial when treating patients with multiple diseases.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalDiabetologia·DateApr 8, 2013

Non-invasive mapping helps to localize language centers before brain surgery

Researchers developed a quick and simple fMRI task to localize critical brain areas governing speech and other functions. The new protocol accurately localized the anterior and posterior language areas of the brain in about 90% of subjects, including patients undergoing surgery for epilepsy or tumors.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalNeurosurgery·DateApr 8, 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.

'Spooky action at a distance' aboard the ISS

Scientists aim to develop first global quantum communication network by testing the limits of quantum entanglement using the International Space Station. The proposed experiment uses Bell's theorem and quantum key distribution to enable secure communication over long distances.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateApr 8, 2013

Shedding light on a gene mutation that causes signs of premature aging

Research reveals ATRX mutations cause DNA damage leading to premature aging symptoms such as shortened lifespan, cataracts and low bone density. The study found mice without the ATRX gene displayed problems in learning and memory, body growth and metabolism.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 8, 2013

Increased rates of hospitalization linked to elder abuse, Rush researchers find

A recent study by Rush researchers found that older adults subjected to elder abuse face a greater risk of hospitalization than their non-abused peers. The study, which analyzed data from over 6,600 community-dwelling older adults, showed that reported elder abuse was independently associated with increased rates of hospitalization.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 8, 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.

Personal preventive health practices of physicians can benefit patients

A study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal found that physicians who followed recommended screening and vaccination practices had more likely patients to also follow these practices. The research involved 1488 physicians and their adult patients in Israel's largest health maintenance organization, Clalit Health Services.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 8, 2013

Suzaku 'post-mortem' yields insight into Kepler's supernova

Astronomers analyzed X-ray observations from the Suzaku satellite to understand the composition of Kepler's supernova, finding it held roughly three times the amount of metals as the sun. This discovery will aid in fine-tuning knowledge of the universe beyond our galaxy.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 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.

Alcohol consumption has no impact on breast cancer survival

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that alcohol consumption before and after diagnosis has no impact on breast cancer survival. However, moderate drinkers may have a reduced risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, with moderate wine consumption associated with a lower risk.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 8, 2013

Researchers find avian virus may be harmful to cancer cells

Researchers at Virginia Tech have identified a genetically engineered Newcastle disease virus as a potential treatment for prostate cancer. The virus efficiently kills prostate cancer cells, including those resistant to hormone treatments and chemotherapy, while sparing normal human cells.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Virology·DateApr 8, 2013

How stepdads can avoid missteps

A Brigham Young University study identified three key factors for closeness in stepfamilies: keeping arguments to a minimum, motherly involvement, and parental agreement. This approach allows stepfathers to build strong bonds with their children despite financial or educational challenges.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalSocial Work·DateApr 8, 2013

Fatheads: How neurons protect themselves against excess fat

Researchers identified an enzyme called ACOT7 that helps neurons get rid of excess fats that can be toxic. In a study, mice with non-working ACOT7 gene showed signs of neurodegeneration when fasting, highlighting the enzyme's role in protecting against fat toxicity.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalMolecular and Cellular Biology·DateApr 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.

Bird flu mutation study offers vaccine clue

Researchers discovered genetic changes enabling H5N1 bird flu to replicate in mammalian noses, paving the way for more effective vaccines against human transmission. The findings suggest that specific mutations can mediate the spread of bird flu between humans.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJournal of General Virology·DateApr 8, 2013

ACMG releases statement on noninvasive prenatal screening

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics has released a policy statement on noninvasive prenatal screening for fetal aneuploidy, highlighting its advantages and limitations. The statement recommends following up positive results with invasive diagnostic tests to avoid patient harm.

SourceAmerican College of Medical Genetics and Genomics·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateApr 8, 2013

Pathological gambling is associated with age

Researchers found that patient age influences the onset of pathological gambling disorder and its clinical course. Younger patients are more likely to be impulsive, while older patients seek to modulate negative emotional states.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalJournal of Gambling Studies·DateApr 8, 2013

Minocycline, an antibiotic, improves behavior for children with fragile X syndrome

Children with fragile X syndrome showed significant improvements in general behavior, anxiety, and mood-related behaviors after three months of minocycline treatment. The study provides evidence for the efficacy of minocycline as a targeted treatment for fragile X syndrome.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateApr 8, 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.

Research demonstrates why going green is good chemistry

A new method of creating chemical reactions, using high-speed ball-milling, eliminates waste and outperforms traditional solutions. This approach has potential applications in pharmaceutical companies, detergents, plastics, and other industries.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateApr 8, 2013

Religious, nonreligious organizations may have similar impact on immigrants

A new study from Rice University reveals that religious and nonreligious organizations in the US have a comparable impact on immigrants' ability to acclimate to American society. Despite differences in motivations, both types of organizations provide similar services and outreach to their communities.

SourceRice University·JournalSociology of Religion·DateApr 8, 2013

Debunking a myth: IUDs proven safe birth control for teenagers

A large study shows IUDs have complication rates similar to adults, and hormonal IUDs are safer than copper ones in all age groups. The research opens doors for more teens to benefit from long-lasting contraception.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateApr 8, 2013

Carbon's role in planetary atmosphere formation

Researchers discovered that iron carbonyl is the main form of carbon trapped in magmas on Mars, releasing carbon monoxide and methane gases. This finding suggests that early Mars' volcanism could have released enough greenhouse gases to warm the planet significantly.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 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.

Polluting plastic particles invade the Great Lakes

Researchers found 85% of collected particles in Lake Erie were smaller than two-tenths of an inch, with 1.5-1.7 million per square mile. Plastic pollution in the Great Lakes may be even worse than in oceans due to their large volume.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 8, 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.