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Science News for December 13, 2013


New concerns over safety of common anesthetic

A large study found that patients receiving etomidate for anesthesia may be at increased risk of mortality and cardiovascular events, with a 250% increase in death risk compared to those receiving propofol. The results have sparked concerns over the safety of etomidate use.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalAnesthesia & Analgesia·DateDec 13, 2013

New public attitudes about access to medical information, bio tissue for research

A study found that educating the public about medical information access and bio tissue research improves attitudes, with participants supporting safeguards and anonymity. The study's results suggest that once the general public understands the risks and options, they are more willing to contribute to research.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJournal of Community Genetics·DateDec 13, 2013

Tighten up value for money appraisals of new drugs in England, urges DTB

The DTB suggests that England should reject new drugs if pharmaceutical companies fail to provide supporting evidence, reducing duplication of effort and postcode availability. This follows the example of Scotland and Wales, where such decisions are made by a single UK appraisal service.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalDrug and Therapeutics Bulletin·DateDec 13, 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.

Defending medical oncology to assure quality care for cancer patients

The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) releases a position paper on the role of medical oncologists in cancer care, emphasizing the importance of their specialist training. The paper aims to guarantee access to optimal treatment for Europe's growing number of cancer patients.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateDec 13, 2013

Evidence of savings in accountable care organizations and cancer care

Researchers found a significant reduction in Medicare spending of $721 annually per patient, with no adverse consequences for survival, through the use of accountable care organizations (ACOs). ACOs led to better management of acute care, resulting in fewer hospital admissions among beneficiaries with prevalent cancer.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalHealthcare·DateDec 13, 2013

Swirls in remnants of big bang may hold clues to universe's infancy

Researchers detected twisting patterns in polarization of oldest light in the universe, hinting at complex processes and properties of the earliest moments in the universe's formation. The discovery could help physicists better understand the distribution of mass and define cosmologically important properties.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 13, 2013

UCSF research finds new link between obesity, early decline in kidney function

A new UCSF-led study reveals that body mass index significantly increases the risk of developing chronic kidney disease, even before other obesity-related diseases emerge. Healthy kidneys play a vital role in various bodily functions, and the research emphasizes the importance of intervening early in life with obese patients.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateDec 13, 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.

Nutrition report cards receive high marks in pilot program

A new Cornell University study found that nutrition report cards sent to parents can encourage healthy eating habits in their children. The pilot program showed that students selected fruits and vegetables more frequently, and flavored milk less often, after receiving the reports.

SourceCornell University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 13, 2013

Snail fever expected to decline in Africa due to climate change

A new study predicts that climate change will lead to a decline in the spread of snail fever in Africa, with up to 19% reduction in infectious areas. The parasite's host snails are expected to lose suitable habitats due to rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalActa Tropica·DateDec 13, 2013
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Scientists and practitioners don't see eye to eye on repressed memory

A recent study found that while mainstream psychotherapists and clinical psychologists are more skeptical about recovered memories than they were 20 years ago, there remains a significant gap between researchers and clinicians in their beliefs about memory. The divide has implications for clinical practice and the judicial system.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 13, 2013

UTHealth's Arthur Day, M.D., honored by neurosurgical association

Arthur L. Day, M.D., professor of neurosurgery at UTHealth, received the Founders' Laurel Award for his exceptional service and meritorious accomplishments in medical education. He is recognized internationally for his expertise in cerebrovascular and skull base neurosurgery, particularly in treating pituitary tumors.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateDec 13, 2013

National award honors CHOP scientist for career work in gene therapy for hemophilia

Dr. Katherine High's groundbreaking research in gene therapy has led to novel approaches to correcting hemophilia, with ongoing studies in a current NIH-funded clinical trial. The E. Donnall Thomas Prize recognizes her remarkable contributions to the field, transforming the notion of using genetically engineered mechanisms for treatment.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·DateDec 13, 2013

Changing chemo not beneficial for metastatic B.C. patients with elevated circulating tumor cells

A phase III clinical trial found that switching to a different chemotherapy did not improve overall survival or time to progression for women with metastatic breast cancer and elevated circulating tumor cells. Patients with low CTCs before starting chemotherapy had a median overall survival of 35 months, while those with elevated CTCs ...

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateDec 13, 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.

Clot-busters, caught on tape

Researchers used high-speed photography to study how ultrasound-stimulated microbubbles dissolve killer blood clots. The team found that the bubbles deform the clots' boundaries before burrowing into them, creating fluid-filled tunnels that break up the clots from the inside out.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateDec 13, 2013

Strobe glasses improve hockey players' performance

A Duke University study found that strobe glasses improved hockey players' performance by forcing their visual system to train in difficult conditions. The glasses produced stroboscopic visual conditions, resulting in an 18% improvement in on-ice skills and demonstrating potential benefits for sports performance.

SourceDuke University·JournalAthletic Training & Sports Health Care·DateDec 13, 2013

A stop sign for cancer

Researchers identify two therapeutic targets to block cancer cell growth: PAK and STAT5. The shutdown of either target significantly delays leukemia progression in mice, offering new hope for cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalLeukemia·DateDec 13, 2013

No math gene: Learning mathematics takes practice

The study found that practicing different types of math skills can lead to expertise in those areas. This approach helps students identify their strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to focus on areas where they need improvement.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalPsychological Reports·DateDec 13, 2013

UTHealth named one of nation's NIH stroke network centers

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston has been named a regional stroke center by the National Institutes of Health, with a focus on prevention, treatment, and recovery. Researchers are testing new treatments, including stem cell therapies, to improve stroke care.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateDec 13, 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.

Marine biologists unmask species diversity in coral reefs

A team of marine biologists has discovered that previously unrecognized species diversity was hiding some corals' ability to respond to climate change. The researchers found that two separate lineages of coral, which look deceivingly similar, have different genetic makeup and survival strategies.

SourcePenn State·DateDec 13, 2013

Zebrafish help decode link between calcium deficiency and colon cancer

Researchers decoded cell messages in zebrafish embryos to understand abnormal colonic cell growth, a common precursor to colon cancer. The discovery provides new insights into pathways fueling low-calcium-related cell growth and potential therapies to prevent colon cancer.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalCell Death and Differentiation·DateDec 13, 2013
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.

No 2 people smell the same

Researchers at Duke University found that individuals can be very different in the way they activate their smell receptors, leading to unique perceptions of odor. The study identified 27 new receptors with significant responses to odor molecules, doubling the known number to 40.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 13, 2013

Saving the Great Plains water supply

Significant portions of the Ogalalla Aquifer are at risk of drying up due to excessive drainage. Michigan State University scientists propose policy solutions, including federal crop insurance changes and wholesale precision agriculture strategies, to avert water crisis.

SourceMichigan State University·DateDec 13, 2013

Jailhouse wine is not as delicious as it sounds, could be deadly

A Utah prison outbreak of severe botulism poisoning from homemade pruno highlights the importance of prompt medical attention. The CDC's anti-toxin is rarely administered due to lengthy supply chains, emphasizing the need for emergency physicians to act quickly on clinical suspicion.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateDec 13, 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.

True story: Not everyone lies frequently

Researchers found that many people are honest and truthful in their dishonesty, contradicting the common notion that everyone lies frequently. The study also showed that some individuals who admitted to lying more often actually lied more often, suggesting a lack of self-awareness.

SourceInternational Communication Association·JournalHuman Communication Research·DateDec 13, 2013

The colors of nature: 9 beautiful new wasp species from China

A new study revises the cuckoo wasp genus Cleptes in China, discovering nine beautifully colored new species. The study highlights the genus' unique parasitoid habits, where they lay eggs in host nests and consume provisions after eliminating competition.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateDec 13, 2013

Study breaks blood-brain barriers to understanding Alzheimer's

A study in mice reveals that breakdown of brain blood vessels may amplify problems associated with Alzheimer's disease. Pericytes, a type of blood vessel cell, may provide novel targets for treatments and diagnoses.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 13, 2013

Chimpanzees are rational, not conformists

In experiments, chimpanzees showed flexibility in their behavior when maximizing rewards, but not when conforming to a majority. The study suggests that chimpanzees prefer persevering with successful strategies over adopting the equally effective strategy of the majority.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 13, 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.

New gene discovery sheds more light on Alzheimer's risk

A research team has discovered a second rare genetic mutation that strongly increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease in later life. The mutation is found in the Phospholipase D3 (PLD3) gene, which influences amyloid precursor protein processing and may be a potential therapeutic target.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature·DateDec 13, 2013

Wrist fracture significantly raises risk of hip fracture

A new study found that patients who have suffered a Colles' fracture are at significantly increased risk of subsequent hip fractures. The risk is highest within the first month after the wrist fracture and increases with age. Both Colles' fracture and osteoporosis were significant independent factors that predicted hip fracture.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateDec 13, 2013

UI researcher studies evolution on the molecular level

A University of Iowa researcher studied the evolution of dihydrofolate reductase enzyme from bacteria to humans. Key findings include the preservation of protein dynamics and catalysis across millions of years of evolution.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 13, 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.

Pilot study finds ways to better screen and recover guns from domestic violence offenders

A pilot study has found ways to better screen and recover guns from domestic violence offenders, improving enforcement of existing laws. The study suggests using multiple sources of information, including firearm transaction records and court documents, to identify firearm owners and ensure timely recovery of firearms.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateDec 13, 2013

Duke engineers make strides toward artificial cartilage

Researchers at Duke University have created a composite material with properties similar to those of native cartilage, which could lead to improved artificial replacement tissues. The new material combines the strength and suppleness of native cartilage, addressing previous challenges in replicating its mechanical properties.

SourceDuke University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateDec 13, 2013

New way to predict prognosis in patients with heart failure

A novel approach predicts heart failure outcomes in patients by targeting impaired energy metabolism, a diseased heart's underlying mechanism. This method could help tailor therapeutic interventions and improve treatment planning for physicians.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 13, 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.

Cologne scientist discovers water plumes on Jupiter's moon Europa

Researchers have discovered huge active plumes containing water vapour being released from the surface of Europa, a liquid ocean lies beneath its icy crust. The plumes, comparable to earth geysers in size, will aid further investigations of the moon and potentially make life discoveries

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalScience·DateDec 13, 2013

UT Arlington marketing study shows ethnically diverse workforce may improve customer experience

A recent UT Arlington study suggests that ethnically diverse workforces can lead to improved customer experiences, particularly for Hispanic and Asian customers. The research found that shared ethnicity between employees and customers increases perceptions of favoritism and enhances the overall retail experience.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalJournal of Business Research·DateDec 13, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

CPAP therapy improves golf performance in men with sleep apnea

A new study found that CPAP therapy improves golf performance in middle-aged men with sleep apnea, leading to significant reductions in self-reported excessive daytime sleepiness and improved concentration. The treatment also resulted in a notable drop of 11% in average handicap index, especially among skilled golfers.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateDec 13, 2013

Breakthrough could lead to protection from fatal infections

Researchers at UTMB have discovered a way to block disease pathways that could defeat devastating human infections. A new candidate drug inhibiting Epac has been shown to protect normal mice from fatal rickettsial infection and may also be effective against some viral infections.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 2013

New screening strategy to prevent cardiovascular complications in sports

A new screening strategy using conventional echocardiography has been developed to detect cardiovascular abnormalities in athletes. The study found that adding ECHO exams to the standard protocol increases the accuracy of screening and is cost-effective, identifying 14 cases of cardiovascular abnormalities in healthy athletes.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateDec 13, 2013

Ethanol blends carry hidden risk

Researchers at Rice University found that blending more ethanol into fuel can lead to the release of toxic or explosive gases, which can accumulate in buildings and pose health risks. The study highlights the need for new thinking on managing vapor-intrusion risks due to fuel spills.

SourceRice University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 13, 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.

Study shows new paradigm in breast cancer research

A new clinical trial design, I-SPY 2, has enabled researchers to quickly identify effective treatments for high-risk breast cancer patients. Veliparib has shown a 91% probability of success in triple-negative breast cancer patients.

SourceLoyola Medicine·DateDec 13, 2013