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Science News Archive December 2013 - Page 14


Page 14 of 27

Diet and physical activity may affect one's risk of developing kidney stones

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that even small amounts of physical activity can significantly decrease the risk of developing kidney stones. The research also discovered that consuming more than 2200 calories per day may increase the risk of developing kidney stones by up to 42%.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 12, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Physical activity may slow kidney function decline in patients with kidney disease

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that increased physical activity can slow the progression of kidney disease in patients. The researchers discovered that each 60-minute increment in weekly physical activity was linked with a 0.5% slower decline per year in kidney function.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 12, 2013

New diagnostic test can detect chlamydia trachomatis in less than 20 minutes

A new assay uses recombinase polymerase amplification to detect Chlamydia trachomatis directly from urine samples, showing high sensitivity levels and specificity. The test has the potential to be applied in numerous point-of-care settings due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateDec 12, 2013

Mitt Romney's face looks different to Republicans and Democrats

A new study suggests that people's mental representation of Republican candidate Mitt Romney's face differs based on their political persuasion. Researchers found that when presented with subtle changes to Romney's face, participants who supported him rated the images as more trustworthy and competent.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 12, 2013

A new species of horse, 4.4 million years old

A team of researchers, including a scientist from Case Western Reserve University, have announced the discovery of a new species of fossil horse from 4.4 million-year-old deposits in Ethiopia. The newly named Eurygnathohippus woldegabrieli had three-toed hooves and grazed grasslands and shrubby woods.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateDec 12, 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.

For altitude training, a narrow window for success

Researchers discovered a narrow window of 2,000 to 2,500 meters above sea level offers the best performance enhancement compared to higher or lower elevations. This finding could help competitive endurance athletes develop effective altitude training regimens.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateDec 12, 2013

Is smoking cannabis and driving the new drinking and driving?

The 2013 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey found that one in eight students took prescription opioids recreationally, while 14% reported driving under the influence of cannabis. Hazardous drinking among youth remains a concern, with 8% reporting injuries or harming others while intoxicated.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·DateDec 12, 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.

Diabetes drugs affect hearts of men, women differently

Researchers found that diabetes drugs have different effects on the hearts of men and women, with metformin improving heart function in women but worsening it in men. The study suggests that sex differences play a role in how patients respond to treatments.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateDec 12, 2013

Worms and hot baths: Novel approaches to treating autism

Researchers found that using hot baths to raise body temperature and worm eggs to stimulate immunoregulatory factors may attenuate symptoms of autism. The study suggests that inflammation may contribute to the disorder, and these novel approaches could be future treatment options.

SourceAmerican College of Neuropsychopharmacology·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateDec 12, 2013

Drug cuts breast cancer cases by more than 50 percent in high risk women

A new study published in The Lancet found that anastrozole significantly reduced the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women with a family history or other risk factors. After five years, 40 women in the treatment group developed breast cancer compared to 85 in the placebo group.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 12, 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.

Toxic substances in banana plants kill root pests

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute discovered that banana plants accumulate specific toxins in infected root tissues to resist parasitic nematode Radopholus similis. The localized accumulation of defense substances inhibits further propagation of the pest, leading to its death.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2013

UNL-led team finds less is more with adding graphene to nanofibers

A UNL-led team discovered that using small amounts of graphene oxide as a template improves carbon nanomaterials, leading to enhanced strength and other properties. The process could lower the cost of making composites significantly by requiring only small quantities of expensive nanoparticles.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateDec 11, 2013

East Antarctica is sliding sideways

Researchers have recorded GPS measurements showing West Antarctic bedrock being pushed sideways by East Antarctica's harder mantle. The movement is significant for understanding current and future ice loss on the continent. The discovery highlights extreme differences in mantle properties between East and West Antarctica.

SourceOhio State University·DateDec 11, 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.

Older mice fed wolfberries show reduced risk for flu virus with vaccine

Researchers at Tufts University found that wolfberries can increase immune system activity and protect against the flu virus in older mice who received the flu vaccine. The study suggests potential benefits for humans as well, where age-related weakening of the immune system reduces vaccine effectiveness.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateDec 11, 2013

Pregnant job applicants can act to dispel discriminatory stereotypes

A study from Rice University found that pregnant women face more interpersonal hostility in the job search process than non-pregnant women. Addressing stereotypes, particularly inflexibility and commitment levels, can nearly triple their chances of avoiding such treatment.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateDec 11, 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.

Researchers named to National Academy of Inventors

Three University of Utah Health Sciences faculty members, Carl Wittwer, Lisa Cannon-Albright, and Glenn Prestwich, have been elected as fellows of the National Academy of Inventors for their groundbreaking research and inventions. Their work has resulted in major disease-related discoveries, numerous patents, and biomedical inventions ...

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·DateDec 11, 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.

ASU researchers discover chameleons use colorful language to communicate

Researchers at Arizona State University discovered that chameleons change colors to convey important information during social interactions, such as territory disputes and mating. The study found that the intensity and speed of color changes can predict which chameleon will win a fight or approach an opponent.

SourceArizona State University·JournalBiology Letters·DateDec 11, 2013

Cancer 'avalanche effect' refuted

A research group at Lund University has shown that the 'avalanche effect' theory of cancer development is not correct. Cancer cells can have over 100 chromosomes, but a single initial change does not lead to unstoppable further mutations.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2013

Queen's leads 6-million-euro European study to combat bowel cancer

A €6 million European study led by Queen's University aims to develop new diagnostics and therapies for bowel cancer. The research will investigate two major genetic factors contributing to the aggressive spread of colorectal cancer, with the goal of improving patient survival rates.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·DateDec 11, 2013

Picturing pain could help unlock its mysteries and lead to better treatments

Researchers have developed a new imaging method to visualize high concentrations of a sodium channel protein associated with pain, potentially leading to improved pain management and treatment monitoring. The technique uses a small molecule attached to saxitoxin, which accumulates at sites of nerve damage in rats.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 11, 2013

Gender identity and single-sex schools

Research from Concordia University shows that girls in single-sex schools report feeling more pressure to act like typical girls, while those in mixed-sex schools are less likely to be victimized by their peers. This highlights the negative repercussions of not conforming to gender roles in all-girls schools.

SourceConcordia University·JournalSex Roles·DateDec 11, 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.

Is peer-review systemically misogynist?

A study analyzing 5.4 million peer-reviewed articles found that women are significantly under-represented in authorship and citations, with men dominating fields like engineering and computer science. Regional and disciplinary differences were also observed, highlighting the need to address gender disparities in science research.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature·DateDec 11, 2013

Diabetes link with dementia to be examined

Researchers at Lund University are studying the connection between type 2 diabetes and dementia, specifically focusing on insulin resistance and pericyte cells in the brain. They hope to discover new biomarkers that can signal early stages of dementia in diabetes patients, allowing for potential treatment targets.

SourceLund University·DateDec 11, 2013

Even when test scores go up, some cognitive abilities don't

A new study found that schools with high test scores do not necessarily improve fluid intelligence skills in students. Despite raising knowledge and boosting test scores, educational practices have little impact on fluid cognitive skills such as working memory capacity and problem-solving.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 11, 2013

Mothers that have a vaginal birth without epidural anesthesia are happier

A University of Granada study found that early breast-feeding and natural deliveries contribute to higher maternal satisfaction. The researchers monitored 60 mothers and discovered a strong correlation between positive birth experiences and continued breastfeeding, reducing the risk of postpartum depression.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalNutrición Hospitalaria·DateDec 11, 2013

CCS issues guidelines to improve early diagnosis & effective treatment of heart failure in children

The Canadian Cardiovascular Society has developed new guidelines to assist practitioners in recognizing and managing heart failure in children with undiagnosed heart disease. The guidelines highlight the importance of early diagnosis and effective treatment, which can improve heart function and increase survival rates.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·DateDec 11, 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.

NYU student cybersecurity researchers take honors at computer conferences

A team of NYU students, led by Jeyavijayan Rajendran and Michael Sam, won the Best Student Paper award at the ACM Conference on Computer and Communications Security. Their research developed original techniques to improve integrated circuit security through camouflaging, making it harder for attackers to reverse-engineer chips.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·DateDec 11, 2013

Researchers uncover mechanism controlling Tourette syndrome tics

Scientists at the University of Nottingham have discovered a mechanism controlling tics in children with Tourette Syndrome. The study found that brain changes can alter excitability ahead of voluntary movements, suggesting a potential therapy to help young people overcome tics.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalJournal of Neuropsychology·DateDec 11, 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.

IceBridge wraps up successful Antarctic campaign

IceBridge collected data on many facets of Antarctic land and sea ice, including ice elevation and thickness. The mission also took measurements of sea ice in the Ross Sea, an area with comparatively little attention compared to other parts of the Southern Ocean.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 11, 2013

Variety of genetic risk behind bone cancer in dogs

Researchers identify diverse genetic risk factors for osteosarcoma in dogs, including known human cancer genes and novel findings. The study sheds light on the disease's mechanisms and potential connections to human bone cancer.

SourceUppsala University·JournalGenome Biology·DateDec 11, 2013

Avoiding radiotherapy is an option for some older patients with breast cancer

Researchers have found that omitting radiotherapy in older patients with hormone-receptor positive breast cancer who undergo surgery and hormone therapy is a viable option, resulting in a lower rate of unnecessary treatment. The study suggests that these patients are at low risk of recurrence, making radiotherapy optional.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateDec 11, 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.

Skip the balloon after placing carotid stent, surgeons suggest

A small study found that inflating a balloon inside the artery after placing the stent increases patients' risk of low blood pressure, slow heart rate, stroke, or heart attack. Skipping this step may be beneficial in preventing these complications.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Vascular Surgery·DateDec 11, 2013

Staph can lurk deep within nose, Stanford study finds

Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine have found that the nose is a reservoir for Staphylococcus aureus, a major cause of disease. The study suggests that targeting these hidden sites may be more effective in preventing infections.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateDec 11, 2013

Turning a blind eye

A recent study by USC Marshall faculty explores the influence of moral preferences on ethical behavior, finding that considering others' ethics can reduce dishonesty. The research suggests that people with formalist and utilitarian moral backgrounds respond differently to third-party beneficiaries' perspectives, with formalists being l...

SourceUSC Marshall School of Business·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateDec 11, 2013
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Half of psychiatrists reject private and federal insurance, preferring cash

A study found that psychiatrists are increasingly refusing to accept Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance, leaving many patients without affordable mental health care options. The number of psychiatrists is also dwindling due to retirement and a lack of new medical students choosing the specialty.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateDec 11, 2013

AGU honors outstanding journalists

The American Geophysical Union (AGU) has honored four journalists for their outstanding coverage of Earth and space sciences. Geoffrey Haines-Stiles and Erna Akuginow have won the Robert C. Cowen Award for Sustained Achievement in Science Journalism, while freelance writer Tim Folger received the Walter Sullivan Award for Excellence in...

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·DateDec 11, 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.

Maternal health program in India failing to deliver, study shows

A new study from Duke University finds that the Chiranjeevi Yojana program in Gujarat, India, has failed to deliver on its promise of reducing infant and maternal deaths. The program, which aimed to provide free childbirth care at private hospitals, saw no statistically significant change in birth outcomes or healthcare utilization.

SourceDuke University·JournalBulletin of the World Health Organization·DateDec 11, 2013