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Science News for December 23, 2013


Mongooses synchronize births to escape despotic females

In a study on banded mongooses, researchers found that older, dominant females kill entire litters if they did not contribute to them, but allow communal litters with their own young to survive. This coordination is crucial for the group's productivity.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 23, 2013

Role of chronic medical conditions in readmissions

Researchers identify underlying chronic medical conditions as a key factor in reducing hospital readmission rates. The study found that patients with comorbidities such as cancer, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease are at higher risk of potentially avoidable readmissions.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·DateDec 23, 2013

Study finds axon regeneration after Schwann cell graft to injured spinal cord

Researchers have discovered a novel approach to bridge the glial scar following chronic spinal cord injury using self-donated Schwann cells. This breakthrough enables regenerated and elongated brainstem axons to cross the bridge, potentially leading to improved hind limb movement in rats with spinal cord injury.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateDec 23, 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.

Transient receptor potential channel A1 may contribute to hyperalgesia

Research by Yi Dai and team found that allyl isothiocyanate activates transient receptor potential channel A1, leading to calcitonin gene-related peptide release in sensory neurons. Knockdown of this channel prevents calcitonin gene-related peptide release, supporting the role of transient receptor potential channel A1 in hyperalgesia.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateDec 23, 2013

Combination of cell transplantation and gene therapy for Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have developed a technique combining cell transplantation and gene therapy to target BACE1, the key enzyme in amyloid beta protein production. This approach reduces Aβ protein production by downregulating the BACE1 gene, offering new therapeutic avenues for Alzheimer's disease.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateDec 23, 2013

Hospital-diagnosed maternal infections linked to increased autism risk

A Kaiser Permanente study found that hospital-diagnosed maternal bacterial infections during pregnancy were associated with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorders in children. The study included 407 children with autism and 2,075 matched children who did not have autism.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateDec 23, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

In men, high testosterone can mean weakened immune response, Stanford study finds

A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that men with high testosterone levels have a weakened immune response to the flu vaccine, whereas women and men with lower testosterone levels have a stronger response. The study also discovered that testosterone interacts with genes in a way that dampens immune response.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 23, 2013

1,000-year-old vineyards discovered

The terraced fields of Zaballa were used for intensive vine cultivation in the 10th century, according to archaeologists. The study provides material evidence of early vine cultivation and highlights the importance of considering abandoned settlements as part of archaeological heritage.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalQuaternary International·DateDec 23, 2013

Walking the walk: What sharks, honeybees and humans have in common

A study by University of Arizona anthropologist David Raichlen found that human hunter-gatherers use a Lévy walk pattern while searching for food, similar to sharks and honeybees. The pattern involves short movements in one area followed by longer treks to another area.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 23, 2013

Researchers identify gene that influences the ability to remember faces

A study found that a single change in the oxytocin receptor gene structure affects face memory skills, suggesting an important role of oxytocin in social information processing. This discovery may lead to new strategies for improving social cognition in disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 23, 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.

Study shows value of calcium scan in predicting heart attack, stroke among those considered at risk

A new study published in the European Heart Journal found that coronary artery calcium screening is an accurate and personalized assessment for individuals at high or low risk of a heart attack or death from coronary artery disease. The study used data from almost 7,000 adult participants and showed that 15% of those considered at very...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateDec 23, 2013

Making sad sense of child abuse

A Tel Aviv University study analyzed allegations of child abuse, finding that children tend to accommodate physical abuse but fight or flee sexual abuse unless severe. The research may aid in prosecution and treatment, emphasizing the importance of understanding children's responses to abuse.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·DateDec 23, 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.

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for Dec. 24, 2013

The article discusses the use of unlicensed vaccine Bexsero to combat meningitis outbreaks in the US, as well as new guidelines for BRCA mutation screening in high-risk women. The American College of Physicians also explains how Medicaid expansion will benefit poor citizens and their physicians by increasing access to healthcare.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 23, 2013

Resistance makes waves

Scientists have found that charge-density waves destroy superconductivity at a maximum of minus 135 degrees Celsius. To develop high-temperature superconductors, researchers must search for substances not subject to these periodic fluctuations.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateDec 23, 2013

Infectious diarrhea germs stick to healthcare worker hands

A new study found that nearly one in four healthcare workers' hands were contaminated with C. difficile spores after routine care of patients infected with the bacteria. Effective hand hygiene is crucial to prevent the spread of this highly contagious bacteria.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateDec 23, 2013

Pregnant women need not avoid peanuts, evidence shows

A new study from Boston Children's Hospital found that pregnant mothers who consumed peanuts during pregnancy had a lower risk of their children developing peanut allergies. The research suggests that early exposure to peanuts may actually increase tolerance and reduce the risk of childhood food allergy.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateDec 23, 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.

Testosterone-regulated genes may affect vaccine-induced immunity

A new study suggests that testosterone levels may affect the body's response to vaccines, with men often experiencing weaker antibody responses than women. Researchers found that men with high levels of testosterone had suppressed immune responses, which could be linked to their sex-specific differences in infections and vaccinations.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 23, 2013

New approach to vertex connectivity could maximize networks' bandwidth

Researchers have developed a new technique for addressing vertex-connectivity problems, which could lead to communications protocols that coax as much bandwidth as possible from networks. The approach is based on decomposing the network into connected dominating sets, allowing for faster information flow and increased robustness.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateDec 23, 2013

Cone snails are for life and not just at Christmas

A new study finds that cone snail species are under increasing threat of extinction, with 67 species currently threatened or near-threatened worldwide. The loss of these creatures could rob future generations of an undiscovered reservoir of powerful neurotoxins used in life-saving drugs.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 23, 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.

Democracy pays

In a public goods game, participants preferred institutions with punishment for tax evaders to increase cooperation. A majority decision ensured the institution was established, promoting group benefits. Democratic choices led to more cooperative behavior and greater profits.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 23, 2013

Genetic clue to fighting new strains of flu

Researchers at the University of Melbourne have identified a genetic marker that signals increased susceptibility to emerging influenza strains. This breakthrough allows clinicians to develop early intervention strategies for high-risk patients.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 23, 2013

Coral Centre awarded 7 years of funding

The ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies has been awarded $28m for research on sustainable coral reef management. The centre will focus on understanding the interaction between coral reefs and people, with a goal to foster their sustainable use.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·DateDec 23, 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.

Antibiotics before heart surgery protect against infection

A new study found that preoperative antibiotic therapy administered within two hours of cardiac surgery decreased the risk of developing surgical site infections (SSIs) significantly. SSIs were less common among patients who received prophylaxis during the optimized period than those who received it at a different time.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateDec 23, 2013

Fewer than 1 in 10 Canadians in ideal cardiovascular health

The CANHEART health index found that 9.4% of Canadian adults and 16.6% of youth were in ideal cardiovascular health, while 37.3% of adults and 49.7% of youth had poor heart health. The study suggests that addressing behaviours can reduce cardiac risk factors.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateDec 23, 2013
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.

Gene therapy method targets tumor blood vessels

Researchers developed a gene delivery method targeting tumor blood vessels in mice, avoiding healthy tissues. The approach uses a deactivated virus carrying a gene of interest to hijack abnormal blood vessels and alter the tumor microenvironment.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 23, 2013

Beatboxing poses little risk of injury to voice

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have found that beatboxers use the whole vocal tract to produce a range of sounds, spreading the energy among several structures and minimizing wear on any single part. This technique may be protective of the vocal folds and could help singers relieve stress on their vocal cords.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Voice·DateDec 23, 2013

Increase in consultations for Medicare patients before cataract surgery

A study found that preoperative medical consultation for cataract surgery became more common among Medicare patients, with significant variations in referral rates by patient age, race, and location. The research highlights an area of opportunity for reducing unnecessary healthcare resources.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateDec 23, 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.

Johns Hopkins review throws doubt on wound care treatment

A Johns Hopkins systematic review of 66 research papers found most skin ulcer treatments are technically flawed, with weak evidence supporting some treatments over standard compression therapy. The review suggests a need for well-designed studies to compare current minimally invasive surgical interventions to gold standard care.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateDec 23, 2013

Library that can determine resistance

Researchers have developed a comprehensive library of guide RNAs that can be used to identify the role of every gene in different cell types. This library was created using CRISPR technology and found that 50 out of 52 guide RNAs successfully cut both copies of specific genes, leading to a thorough understanding of how resistance occurs.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateDec 23, 2013

Common antibiotic may combat dry eye disease

Researchers identify azithromycin as a potential therapy for meibomian gland dysfunction, leading to improved treatment options for dry eye disease. The study suggests that topical azithromycin could directly stimulate the function of human meibomian gland epithelial cells.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateDec 23, 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.

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Bruce lose its eye

Tropical Cyclone Bruce's eye showed distinct features on December 21, but became cloud-filled two days later. The cyclone weakened rapidly due to wind shear and was expected to turn extra-tropical by December 25.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 23, 2013

Enormous aquifer discovered under Greenland ice sheet

Researchers mapped a large aquifer in southeast Greenland using Operation IceBridge radar data, covering an area larger than West Virginia, with the potential to raise sea levels by 0.016 inches per inch. The perennial aquifer is a heat reservoir for the ice sheet, and its filling and discharging mechanisms are not yet fully understood.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 23, 2013

An expert consensus on acute thoracolumbar spine and spinal cord injury in China

A group of Chinese experts collaborated to establish a standard for the management of acute thoracolumbar spine and spinal cord injury. The consensus, published in Neural Regeneration Research, provides guidelines for evaluating and treating these injuries based on evidence-based medicine and clinical experiences.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateDec 23, 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.

Motor excitability predicts working memory

A study by researchers from the University of Basel found that individuals with high motor excitability have better working memory than those with low excitability. The research used transcranial magnetic stimulation to measure motor cortical excitability and its correlation with working memory performance, revealing a positive correla...

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalAnnals of Clinical and Translational Neurology·DateDec 23, 2013

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Amara spinning down

Tropical Cyclone Amara weakened significantly after encountering wind shear, dropping from Category four hurricane to a minimal tropical storm. The cyclone lost maximum sustained winds near 35 knots/40 mph/62 kph and is expected to dissipate into a remnant low-pressure area in the next day or two.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 23, 2013