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Science News Archive August 2013


Page 1 of 29

Smokers who survive to 70 still lose 4 years of life

A recent study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that smokers who reach age 70 lose approximately 4 years of life expectancy. The study tracked the health of over 7,000 older men and discovered a significant increase in mortality rates among current and former smokers compared to never-smokers.

Impact of AF on stroke risk eliminated with multiple risk factors

Patients with three or more cardiovascular risk factors, including diabetes and hypertension, have a comparable stroke risk to those with atrial fibrillation. The study found that the risk of stroke associated with atrial fibrillation is eliminated in patients with five or more risk factors.

High dose statins prevent dementia

A large-scale study of 1 million patients found that high-dose statin use was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of developing dementia. The protective effect of statins remained consistent across different age, gender, and cardiovascular risk subgroups.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Diabetic stroke risk after AMI drops in 10-year period

The study found that diabetic patients who received reperfusion therapy and secondary prevention medications had a lower ischemic stroke rate over time. Despite this improvement, diabetic patients were less likely to receive these treatments compared to non-diabetic patients.

Statins prevent cataracts

A recent meta-analysis of 14 studies found that statin use is associated with a statistically significant decrease in cataract cases. The analysis suggests that younger individuals and those using statins for longer periods may benefit most from this effect.

Short-term smoking cessation reverses endothelial damage

A study found that short-term smoking cessation improves arterial function and reduces the risk of heart attacks, but doesn't immediately lower serotonin levels. However, longer-term smoking cessation may be needed to completely reverse the damage caused by smoking.

Rim fire update for August 31, 2013

The Rim Fire is currently 35% contained, with a new containment date set for October 20, 2013. The fire has slowed down due to cooler temperatures and increased humidity, burning approximately 300 acres per hour on average.

GPs undertreat women with AF

Research shows that general practitioners underdiagnose and undertreat women with atrial fibrillation (AF), particularly those with a high stroke risk. A study of over 15,000 French patients found that women were less likely to receive anticoagulant treatment than men, regardless of their age or comorbidities.

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.

Reimbursement systems influence achievement of cholesterol targets

A study found significant differences in LDL-cholesterol target achievement between Germany and the UK, with UK patients receiving more potent statins and higher doses. The UK system's incentive-based reimbursement may drive aggressive treatment, while Germany's restrictive system leads to conservative treatment.

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.

Statins reduce CV events in CAD patients with very low LDL-C

A study of 2,238 CAD patients found that statin treatment reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events across all three groups: very low, low, and high LDL-C levels. Statins also showed significant benefits regardless of LDL-C level, suggesting their potential to reduce cardiovascular risk for all CAD patients.

From cancer treatment to ion thruster

Researchers at Michigan Technological University have developed a new type of micro rocket engine using ferrofluids, which could enable efficient propulsion for nanosatellites. The thrusters use electrically sprayed fluid to produce thrust, with the ferrofluid forming a stationary pattern of sharp tips that can spray jets of fluid.

Brain imaging study reveals the wandering mind behind insomnia

Researchers found that people with primary insomnia have difficulty modulating brain regions used for working memory, leading to decreased efficiency during the day. The study provides a biological marker for treatment success and sheds light on the daytime problems associated with insomnia.

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.

The more the merrier

A study found that female mice mate with multiple males when they produce similar levels of scent markings, indicating a preference for reducing the danger of infanticide. Litters sired by multiple males were larger than single-sired litters under intense competition among males.

Study reveals the face of sleep deprivation

A new study reveals that sleep deprivation causes noticeable changes in facial appearance, including more hanging eyelids, redder eyes, and paler skin. These changes can have social consequences, affecting how others perceive and interact with individuals who are sleep-deprived.

Membranes contain beautiful patterns -- but their function is a mystery

Scientists have identified two distinct patterns in cell membranes: spiral and uniform. The patterns are formed by highly organized lipids and vary according to temperature and lipid molecule type. Further research is needed to understand the significance of these patterns for biological functionality.

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.

Red spruce reviving in New England, but why?

Scientists discovered a surprising rebound in red spruce growth in New England, with trees growing at rates almost twice the average for the last 100 years. The study suggests that reductions in pollution made possible by the Clean Air Act of 1990 may be contributing to this turn-around.

New superheavy elements can be uniquely identified

Researchers at GSI Helmholtz Center and Mainz University successfully identify element 115 using a novel detector system. The experiment confirms the existence of the superheavy chemical element, providing a way to directly identify new elements beyond atomic number 104.

New insights on wildfire smoke could improve climate change models

A team of researchers has discovered key properties of tar balls and soot particles in wildfire smoke, which could improve climate change forecasts. The study provides new insights into how these particles affect climate, including their role in cloud formation and potential warming or cooling effects.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Researchers a step closer to finding cosmic ray origins

Researchers have used data from the IceCube Neutrino Observatory to identify new information about the origin of cosmic rays. The study provides new constraints for models explaining the acceleration and propagation of cosmic rays, with potential implications for understanding their impact on human DNA and electronics in space.

Alaska tundra shows surprising resilience after unprecedented fire

Despite its severity, the 2007 Anaktuvuk River fire in Alaska's North Slope surprisingly allowed vegetation to recover and potentially return to pre-fire conditions. Researchers found that post-fire plant succession resulted in a mixture of shrubs and sedges similar to those before the fire.

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.

Little changes -- large effects

Researchers at the University of York found that small chemical changes to dietary flavonoids significantly impact the production of inflammatory mediators. The study demonstrates the importance of a molecule's shape in its recognition by immune cells, paving the way for designing new drugs and immunomodulators.

AGU Journal Highlights -- Aug. 30, 2013

Researchers found that the Amazon rainforest's stability and resilience to widespread deforestation may be lower than previously thought. Deforestation-induced precipitation changes can trigger a forest-to-grassland shift in different zones of the Amazon, with some areas experiencing sharp declines in rainfall. Meanwhile, scientists al...

Whales feel the (sun)burn!

Researchers found that some whale species darken their skin with UV exposure, accumulating DNA damage, similar to humans. Fin whales, however, were resistant to sun damage, offering insights into evolutionary adaptations to counteract UV radiation.

Mosquitoes smell you better at night, study finds

Researchers found that mosquitoes have higher olfactory sensitivity and protein abundance of odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) at night, making them more effective at detecting human hosts. This discovery has significant implications for developing novel insect control methods to reduce malaria transmission.

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.

Rim Fire update -- Aug. 30, 2013

The Rim Fire has burned over 40,000 acres within Yosemite National Park, destroying at least 111 structures. Firefighters are optimistic that containment can be achieved by September 20, 2013, with the rate of spread slowing in recent days.

A deep-sea squid with tentacle tips that 'swim' on their own

A deep-sea squid, Grimalditeuthis bonplandi, has been found to use its long, thin tentacles with fin-like membranes to create the illusion of swimming clubs. This unique strategy may attract prey and deter predators by mimicking the movements of small animals.

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.

How vegetation competes for rainfall in dry regions

Researchers use mathematical models to predict vegetation pattern formation in dry environments. The Klausmeier model determines the critical rainfall level needed for banded vegetation patterns to form. This study has significant implications for land management and environmental concerns.

New ocean forecast could help predict fish habitat 6 months in advance

Researchers have developed a new tool that can predict fish habitat conditions six months in advance. The JISAO Seasonal Coastal Ocean Prediction of the Ecosystem (J-SCOPE) uses global climate models and regional coastal ocean simulations to forecast ocean temperatures, oxygen levels, and phytoplankton blooms.

Study finds increased menthol cigarette use among young people

A new study on mentholated cigarette use in the U.S. reveals an increase in menthol cigarette smoking among young adults and adolescents, with youth heavy consumers of mentholated cigarettes. The study also shows that non-menthol smoking rates have decreased among all age groups.

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.

Are you an avid Facebook user? It's all about your nucleus accumbens

Researchers found that Facebook users' intensity of use is predicted by activity in the nucleus accumbens, a region involved in processing rewards and reputation. The study suggests social media use may be linked to changes in brain function related to reputation and self-image.

Almost as sensitive as a dog's nose

Scientists developed a new SERS sensor with high sensitivity and reproducibility, detecting a specific organic species in low concentrations. The sensor uses vertically arranged carbon nanotubes to amplify Raman-scattered light signals.

Sunlight induced DNA crash

Researchers at Bonn University have discovered that UV-light induced DNA damage triggers lupus-like autoimmune symptoms by activating the cGAS signaling pathway. This study provides a crucial understanding of the immune mechanism behind lupus and offers potential new therapy targets.

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.

Mega-canyon discovered beneath Greenland ice sheet

Researchers use airborne radar data to uncover a 750km-long, meandering river channel beneath the Greenland Ice Sheet. The canyon is thought to predate the ice sheet and played a crucial role in transporting sub-glacial meltwater into the Arctic Ocean.

New imaging technology promising for several types of cancer

A new form of imaging technology, PET/MRI, is being explored for its potential to improve diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning for various types of cancer. Researchers found that PET/MRI enhanced the ability to detect malignant areas and diagnose several types of cancers more accurately.

Toward an early diagnostic tool for Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have identified a promising avenue for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease through non-invasive brain wave analysis. The study found statistically significant differences in brain wave patterns between healthy individuals and those with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.

Virtual surgical planning aids in complex facial reconstructions

Researchers report successful use of virtual surgical planning for complex maxillofacial reconstruction, achieving predictable outcomes and reduced operating times. The technology enables precise estimates of required bony components and enhances surgeons' ability to make accurate osteotomies.

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.

Research suggests terror bird's beak was worse than its bite

New research suggests that terror birds were likely herbivores, based on the analysis of calcium isotope composition in their fossilized bones. The study found that the terror bird's diet was similar to that of herbivorous mammals and dinosaurs, indicating a non-carnivorous diet.

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.

New nanoparticles make solar cells cheaper to manufacture

Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a new method for creating inexpensive and easily manufactured nanoparticle-based solar cells using phosphorus and zinc. The team's innovative approach could make solar power more accessible to off-grid communities and reduce costs by up to half.