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Science News Archive August 2013


Page 4 of 29

Rim Fire update Aug. 28, 2013

The Rim Fire has spread deeper into Yosemite National Park, destroying 111 buildings and threatening thousands of homes. The fire has a relatively flat path, making it difficult for firefighters to control, with almost all containment coming from the southwest edge.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UK children less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD

New research suggests that UK children are far less likely to be diagnosed with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared to their US counterparts. The study found that only 1.5% of parents in the UK reported a diagnosis of ADHD in children aged between 6-8, in contrast to 6.3% in the USA.

New studies in The Lancet reveal global impact of mental and substance disorders

Mental and substance use disorders were the leading cause of non-fatal illness worldwide in 2010, with depressive disorders accounting for 40% of the burden. The analysis also found that mental and substance use disorders were responsible for more deaths than HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, with opioids causing the greatest health burden.

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.

Autistic children can outgrow difficulty understanding visual cues and sounds

A recent study published in Cerebral Cortex found that high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children's difficulty understanding visual cues and sounds improves during adolescence. The researchers tested 222 children aged 5 to 17, including those with ASD, on their ability to integrate auditory and visual speech signals.

Intestinal flora linked to health of obese people

Research reveals that individuals with lower bacterial species in their intestines are more susceptible to developing complications related to obesity, including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. A diverse flora appears to play a crucial role in maintaining overall health.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists identify ALS disease mechanism

Researchers have identified a link between VCP gene mutations and toxic protein buildup in ALS patients, providing a new approach for developing treatments against the devastating disease. The study suggests that activating autophagy to clear stress granules could offer a new strategy for treating neurodegenerative diseases.

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.

Magnetic charge crystals imaged in artificial spin ice

Researchers have directly visualized magnetic charge crystallization in an artificial spin ice material for the first time. The team developed a new annealing protocol to realize the full potential of complex magnetic interactions in these materials.

GSA Today science: Biofilms, MISS, and stromatolites

Biofilms interact with sediment dynamics to form distinctive structures called microbialites. Stromatolites, with their multilayered structure, are a well-known example of microbial activity in early Earth's history. However, the formation mechanisms and differences between stromatolites and microbial induction of sedimentary structure...

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.

Kids' fast food ads emphasize giveaways more than food

Research published in PLOS ONE found that fast-food marketing aimed at children emphasizes giveaways and movie tie-ins more frequently than ads targeted at adults. The study also highlights the importance of aligning advertising to children with health promotion efforts to address concerns about obesity.

Forensic experts may be biased by the side that retains them

A study found that forensic psychologists and psychiatrists who believed they were working for the prosecution assigned higher risk scores to sexually violent offenders than those who thought they were working for the defense. The researchers hope this finding will prompt experts to re-examine their training and practice methods.

New ASCB Kaluza Prize recognizes graduate student research

The ASCB Kaluza Prize recognizes graduate students for their outstanding research contributions. The competition is open to ASCB members and applicants, with a focus on the quality and significance of the work rather than journal impact factors. The $5,000 prize winner will be honored at the 2013 ASCB Annual Meeting.

Researchers predict greener Greenland

Researchers predict significant growth of trees and bushes in large parts of ice-free Greenland by 2100, with southern regions likely to become greener. The analysis identifies over 400,000 square kilometers suitable for forest flora, offering new opportunities for activities such as hunting and commercial exploitation.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

1 in 4 has alarmingly few intestinal bacteria

A recent study published in Nature found that approximately 1 in 4 individuals have fewer than average intestinal bacteria, leading to reduced diversity and increased inflammation. This lack of gut bacteria is associated with a higher risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

NASA's SDO mission untangles motion inside the sun

Scientists have overturned previous notions of how the sun's writhing insides move from equator to pole and back again. The team found a double-layered circulation system with two cycles on top of each other, providing new opportunities for studying solar magnetism and cycles.

Pain relief technique cuts hospital stay by one-third for some surgical patients

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that adding a transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block to surgical care reduced hospital stays by less than one day and postoperative narcotics use. The TAP block procedure, which poses no significant risks to patients, allows for quicker recovery and lower healt...

Wake up and smell the reef: Fish larvae sniff their way back home

A new study reveals that fish larvae of cardinalfish and damselfish use olfactory cues to detect the presence of coral reefs, allowing them to navigate their way back home. The researchers used an o-DISC device to track larval movement and orientation in response to odor cues.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Parasitic worm genome uncovers potential drug targets

Researchers have identified five enzymes essential to the survival of a parasitic worm infecting livestock worldwide, including two already studied as potential drug targets against other pathogens. The genome of Haemonchus contortus provides valuable insights into how treatments work and reveals new drug and vaccine targets.

4 alcohol brands dominate popular music mentions

A new study found that four major alcohol brands, including Patron and Hennessy, are frequently mentioned in popular music, particularly among urban audiences. Alcohol use is often portrayed positively in these songs, which may contribute to increased youth drinking behavior.

The science of collaboration

Researchers propose a rigorous evidence-based approach to identify what works and doesn't work in collaborations, aiming to improve the efficiency of drug development. Thousands of organizations have come together in over 100 multi-stakeholder collaborations to solve specific problems.

Researchers discover a potential cause of autism

A study by University of North Carolina Health Care researchers found that problems with topoisomerases can affect brain development and potentially lead to autism spectrum disorder. The discovery has significant implications for ASD detection and prevention, as inhibiting these enzymes could have a profound effect on neurodevelopment.

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.

The 'woman who understood Newton'

Laura Bassi was a renowned physicist in the 18th century, making groundbreaking contributions to experimental physics through conversation, demonstration, experimentation, and explanation. Her work and legacy were recognized with numerous professorships and academy memberships, despite facing controversy and restrictions on her career.

Hybrid screening strategy emerges for colorectal cancer

A new study suggests a hybrid screening strategy that combines annual or biennial fecal immunological tests with a single colonoscopy at age 66 may reduce colorectal cancer incidence and mortality while lowering costs. This approach can deliver health benefits comparable to current strategies, making it an attractive alternative.

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.

A genetic treasure hunting in sorghum may benefit crop improvement

A team of researchers from BGI Shenzhen has made a groundbreaking genetic discovery in sorghum, revealing the crop's vast genetic variation and complex domestication history. The study provides a valuable resource for the genetic improvement of sorghum and other grass species.

Long-term memory in the cortex

Researchers find that motor cortical circuits store associative memories, not just the hippocampus. This discovery suggests a new approach to treating neurological diseases like amnesia and Alzheimer's.

Anderson to receive GSA's 2013 Nathan Shock New Investigator Award

The Gerontological Society of America has awarded Rozalyn M. Anderson the 2013 Nathan Shock New Investigator Award for her work on how metabolism contributes to disease vulnerability, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. The award is presented at GSA's Annual Scientific Meeting in New Orleans.

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.

Generational shift in attitudes among young footballers towards gay teammates

A recent study has found that attitudes towards gay athletes among young British players have shifted significantly over the past decade. Young footballers on the verge of becoming professionals are now more likely to be supportive of gay teammates, with all participants openly accepting one of their colleagues coming out.

Tennessee high school students publish in top science journal

Two Tennessee high school students, Dalton Chaffee and Hayes Griffin, published their research on mate choice in the journal Evolution, shedding new light on how mate selection is influenced by sexual imprinting. The study revealed that females' ability to identify preferred mates affects the evolution of sexual imprinting.

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.

No evidence of residential property value impacts near US wind turbines

A comprehensive US study of over 50,000 home sales near 67 wind facilities found no measurable impact on nearby property values. The researchers controlled for various factors using sophisticated techniques, supporting previous findings that widespread impacts from wind turbines are likely to be small or non-existent.

Calcium supplements may not prevent bone loss in women with breast cancer

A recent study published in Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology found that calcium and vitamin D supplements do not prevent bone mineral density loss in women undergoing breast cancer treatment. Women with breast cancer experience a higher rate of bone loss than healthy counterparts, increasing their risk of fractures.

Contagious savings

Researchers found that commercial Alternative Quality Contract programs reduce spending and improve quality for Medicare beneficiaries served by participating providers. Providers in these plans implement systemic changes that result in higher-value care for all patients, not just those covered by the plan.

Fernand's remnants still drenching eastern Mexico

Tropical Storm Fernand's remnants are still streaming moisture over eastern Mexico, causing heavy rainfall and cloud cover in the region. The National Meteorological Service of Mexico expects intense and heavy rain to hit northeastern states, east and central Mexico, with a warning remaining in effect for heavy rainfall.

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.

A strategy for combating drug-resistant cancers

Researchers have identified a compound, I-Lys, that disrupts the interaction between CASP7 and XIAP in drug-resistant cancer cells, leading to activation of cell death and reduction in malignancies. The study suggests a promising approach for combating drug-resistant cancers.

Early diabetes interventions may also reduce heart disease risk

A recent study found that intensive lifestyle changes and metformin treatment reduced cholesterol levels and improved triglyceride profiles, lowering the risk of heart disease. The Diabetes Prevention Program analyzed over 1,600 participants, showing positive changes in blood particle distribution.

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.

NREL study suggests cost gap for Western renewables could narrow by 2025

A new NREL study indicates that wind and solar power electricity generation could become cost-competitive with natural gas by 2025 in certain regions of the West. The report identifies areas where renewable energy development is likely to occur, including Wyoming, New Mexico, Montana, and Idaho.

UTHealth, Swedish researchers uncover mystery in blood clotting disorder

Researchers from UTHealth and Lund University have discovered a genetic variant in the Factor V gene causing an abnormal form of the protein FV-Short, leading to excessive TFPI formation and uncontrolled bleeding. The study provides insight into the clotting process and offers potential treatment possibilities for the rare condition.

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.

Personalized AF management needed to close mortality gap

The European Society of Cardiology emphasizes the need for personalized AF management to close the mortality gap. Current therapies have only improved mortality by 5-10%. A new taxonomy of AF is proposed based on its pathophysiology, and biomarkers, imaging, and ECG are being studied to improve treatment.

Control scheme dynamically maintains unstable quantum system

Scientists have successfully controlled a cloud of 40,000 rubidium atoms to maintain them in a non-equilibrium state analogous to the inverted pendulum. By applying bursts of microwave radiation, they stabilized the system's internal spins and prevented it from evolving towards stability.

Can toxicity of a DNA drug be predicted and minimized?

A novel machine learning-based approach predicts hepatotoxic potential of antisense oligonucleotides based on chemical sequence. The method achieved 74% accuracy in predicting toxicity and was used to redesign a therapeutic oligonucleotide with reduced potential for liver harm.

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.

Investigational oral regimen for hepatitis C shows promise in NIH trial

A new all-oral drug regimen has been found to be highly effective in clearing the hepatitis C virus and well tolerated in patients who historically have had unfavorable prognoses. The study showed a cure rate of about 70 percent using regimens without interferon, offering hope for those with chronic HCV infection.