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Science News Archive December 2013 - Page 21


Page 21 of 27

Acute kidney injury may be more deadly than heart attacks

A recent study published in Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that acute kidney injury is associated with higher mortality rates compared to heart attacks. Patients who experienced both conditions had a significantly higher risk of death.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 5, 2013

Eating healthy vs. unhealthy diet costs about $1.50 more per day

A meta-analysis found that healthier diet patterns cost significantly more than unhealthy ones, with an average daily difference of $1.50, representing a real burden for some families. The study suggests creating policies to offset these costs and reduce the economic benefits of healthy diets.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalBMJ Open·DateDec 5, 2013

A*STAR scientists discover novel hormone essential for heart development

Researchers at A*STAR's Institute of Medical Biology and Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology have identified a gene encoding a hormone called ELABELA, which is crucial for heart formation in zebrafish embryos. The discovery holds great promise for the development of targeted therapies for heart disease and blood pressure control.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateDec 5, 2013

Database tracks toxic side effects of pharmaceuticals

Researchers from North Carolina State University have updated a toxicology database to track therapeutic drugs and their unintentional toxic effects. The database, which contains over 250,000 statements, helps investigators develop and test hypotheses about how drugs cause adverse events.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalDatabase·DateDec 5, 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.

Cancer mutation likely trigger of scleroderma

Researchers found that a cancer trigger may be the cause of autoimmune disease scleroderma, which causes skin thickening and widespread organ damage. The study suggests that dampening down the immune response in scleroderma could instead be replaced by targeting the underlying cancer.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience·DateDec 5, 2013

Ancient 'fig wasp' lived tens of millions of years before figs

A 115-million-year-old fossilized wasp from Brazil features an ovipositor similar to those of present-day fig wasps, raising questions about the co-evolution of these organisms. The finding highlights the value of studying insect fossils for understanding evolutionary history and plant origins.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalCretaceous Research·DateDec 5, 2013

How mosquitoes are drawn to human skin and breath

Scientists at UC Riverside identified a key target for disrupting mosquito host-seeking behavior, which could aid in controlling disease transmission. They discovered compounds that can block the mosquito's CO2 and skin-odorant receptors, reducing attractiveness and creating an affordable alternative to traditional CO2-based mosquito t...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCell·DateDec 5, 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.

A sudden interest in math -- how teachers can motivate their pupils

Researchers create professional development program to foster classroom dialogue, leading to increased student interest and motivation. The program involves video recordings of seminars and class time analysis, promoting a relaxed control environment and individual attention.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateDec 5, 2013

Astronomers discover planet that shouldn't be there

The discovery of HD 106906 b, a giant planet orbiting its star at 650 times the average Earth-Sun distance, has puzzled astronomers. The planet's unusual orbit and mass throw doubt on existing planet formation theories, leaving scientists searching for alternative explanations.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateDec 5, 2013

NASA eyes another developing depression in northern Indian Ocean

NASA's Aqua satellite detected a low-pressure system with strong convection and high thunderstorm cloud tops in the northern Indian Ocean. The system is expected to develop into Tropical Depression 06B and move north-northeastward towards the Bay of Bengal, with wind speeds estimated at 25-30 knots.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 5, 2013

International study finds lower-dose IUDs are safe and effective

A recent international study found two lower-dose intrauterine contraceptive systems to be highly effective and well-tolerated over a three-year period. The devices were easier to use in women who had not delivered a child or had delivered by cesarean section, making them a suitable alternative for women seeking reduced hormone exposure.

SourceLA BioMed·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateDec 5, 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.

NASA watching a post-Atlantic hurricane season low

System 90L has developed in the eastern Atlantic Ocean and NASA's Aqua satellite captured infrared data on the clouds, revealing strongest thunderstorms northeast of the center. The non-tropical low is generating tropical-storm-force winds but is expected to be affected by strong upper-level winds shear, likely preventing organization.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 5, 2013

When it comes to peer pressure, teens are not alone

Researchers found that adolescent mice consume more alcohol when surrounded by peers, challenging the assumption that peer pressure is solely responsible for teen risk-taking. This study supports Steinberg's previous findings that peer influence primes the reward system in adolescents.

SourceTemple University·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateDec 5, 2013

Deep-sea study reveals cause of 2011 tsunami

A team of international scientists has published studies revealing a submarine earthquake caused the devastating 2011 tsunami in Japan's Tohoku region. The findings suggest that other zones in the northwest Pacific may be at risk of similar huge earthquakes due to unusually thin and slippery geological faults.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·DateDec 5, 2013

Those fruit flies are pickier than you think

A new study found that fruit flies exhibit a strong preference for laying eggs on citrus substrates compared to other types of fruit. The basis for this preference lies in a single odorant receptor called Or19a, which is responsible for detecting the characteristic smell of citrus.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 5, 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.

Scientists calculate friction of Japan's 9.0 earthquake in 2011

An international team of scientists has measured the 'frictional heat' generated during the rupture of Japan's 9.0 Tohoku-Oki earthquake in 2011. The study found that the fault is more slippery than previously thought, with a friction coefficient of 0.08.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScience·DateDec 5, 2013

What is the central analgesic mechanism of acupuncture for migraine?

The study examined changes in brain functional activity and central networks in subjects with migraine undergoing acupuncture at Shaoyang uncommon acupoints. Acupuncture has been shown to be a recommended treatment for migraine sufferers, but the central analgesic mechanism remains poorly understood.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateDec 5, 2013

Aging process accompanied by decreased hippocampal synaptophysin

Research reveals that synaptophysin expression decreases with age in the hippocampus, strongly associated with age-related memory impairment. Caveolin-1 protein also declines with age, suggesting a link between these proteins and age-dependent loss of synaptic plasticity.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateDec 5, 2013

Tracking exercise as vital sign associated with weight loss and better glucose control for patients

A recent study by Kaiser Permanente found that tracking exercise habits leads to small but clinically significant weight loss and improved glucose control in overweight patients. The program, which asks patients about their exercise habits during routine visits, has been implemented across the organization's healthcare system.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateDec 5, 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.

Gut bacteria linked to autism-related behavior in mice

Researchers found that gut bacteria changes are associated with autism-like behaviors in mice, which improved when treated with beneficial bacteria. The study suggests a potential therapeutic role for probiotics in treating gastrointestinal and behavioral symptoms of autism.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateDec 5, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New study explains why promising dementia drugs failed in clinical trials

Researchers used induced pluripotent stem cells to test NSAIDs on human neurons, finding they failed to respond despite initial success in cell and animal models. The study highlights the importance of testing compounds directly in authentic human cells for more reliable drug development approaches.

SourceCell Press·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateDec 5, 2013

UAlberta researchers uncover why combination drug treatment ineffective in cancer clinical trials

Medical researchers at the University of Alberta found that one chemotherapy drug prevents another from working, making combination therapy ineffective. This discovery will guide oncologists on how to combine or avoid certain drugs, ultimately leading to better treatment options for patients.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateDec 5, 2013

Brain cancer cells hide while drugs seek

Researchers found that brain cancer cells temporarily lose their EGFRvIII gene mutation to evade drugs, then re-amplify it after therapy is stopped. This 'hide-and-seek' mechanism makes targeted therapies less effective, with implications for improving treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateDec 5, 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.

New method of DNA editing allows synthetic biologists to unlock secrets of a bacterial genome

Researchers have developed a novel DNA engineering technique to discover potentially valuable functions hidden within bacterial genomes. By reprogramming gene expression, they were able to increase the production of previously unknown compounds with useful biomedical applications.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 5, 2013

Coffee or beer? The choice could affect your genome

A Tel Aviv University study found that moderate caffeine consumption shortens telomeres, a key indicator of aging and cancer risk, while moderate alcohol consumption lengthens them. The research suggests that environmental factors can impact telomere length, which could inform the prevention and treatment of human diseases.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateDec 5, 2013

Progesterone changes may cause cognitive impairment of Alzheimer's disease patients

A study by Dr. Sha Liu and colleagues found that progesterone administration can reverse cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease patients. The research, published in Neural Regeneration Research, used rat models to demonstrate the protective effect of progesterone against Aβ25–35-induced neurotoxicity.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateDec 5, 2013

Home-based exercise as rehabiltation

Researchers found that home-based high-intensity interval training increased maximal oxygen uptake significantly after one year, even among those who didn't follow the prescribed program. Patients who trained at home also showed a strong tendency to engage in more physical activity long-term.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateDec 5, 2013

Vaginally administered ED medication may alleviate menstrual cramping

A new study suggests that vaginal administration of erectile dysfunction medication sildenafil citrate may alleviate moderate to severe menstrual cramps with no reported side effects. Researchers found that the drug relieved pain by increasing blood flow, but the exact mechanism remains unknown.

SourcePenn State·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateDec 5, 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.

New instrument continues gathering sun's effects on the Earth

The Total Solar Irradiance Calibration Transfer Experiment (TCTE) mission aims to provide accurate measurements of the sun's energy impact on Earth. The new instrument, deployed in November 2013, will overlap with the existing TIM instrument to ensure continuous data flow and improve accuracy.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 5, 2013

Laser light at useful wavelengths from semiconductor nanowires

Scientists have demonstrated laser action in semiconductor nanowires that emit light at technologically useful wavelengths and operate at room temperature. The nanowire lasers could represent the next step in developing smaller, faster, more energy-efficient sources of light for various applications.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 5, 2013

Quadriplegics at risk for serious sleep breathing disorder

Researchers investigated sleep breathing in quadriplegic patients and found a significant correlation between spinal cord injury level and sleep-disordered breathing. Those with cervical SCI were more likely to have central sleep apnea, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateDec 5, 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.

Electricity from waste heat with more efficient materials

Researchers developed new thermoelectric materials with improved performance and reduced thermal conductivity, enabling more efficient conversion of waste heat into electricity. The study uses hybrid organic-inorganic compounds to achieve higher efficiency.

SourceAalto University·JournalJournal of Materials Science·DateDec 5, 2013

Resistant against the flu

Researchers at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research found that mice lacking Tmprss2 protein are protected against certain flu viruses, including H1N1. This discovery highlights a potential new approach to treating flu infections by targeting the host's metabolism.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 5, 2013

NIH-funded scientists describe how mosquitoes are attracted to humans

Researchers found that certain mosquito nerve cells detect human odors and CO2, attracting mosquitoes to humans. They identified two compounds, ethyl pyruvate and cyclopentanone, that can neutralize or activate these detectors, potentially developing new control approaches for mosquito-borne diseases.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalCell·DateDec 5, 2013
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.

Study shows how water dissolves stone, molecule by molecule

Scientists at Rice University and MARUM developed a new computerized model to simulate the complex chemistry at the boundary layer, where quartz and water meet. The model accurately predicts dissolution rates, which could revolutionize engineering calculations related to building materials and radioactive waste storage.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateDec 5, 2013

Cancer's game of hide-and-seek

Researchers discovered that glioblastoma (GBM) tumor cells hide the signaling molecule targeted by therapies, adding complexity to current models of drug resistance. The findings suggest alternative approaches that could improve outcomes for cancer patients and may have significant implications for therapeutic regimens.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalScience·DateDec 5, 2013

Single microRNA powers motor activity

New research shows microRNA-128 controls complex functions in the adult brain by adjusting a neuronal signaling pathway. Reducing miR-128 expression led to increased motor activity and fatal epilepsy in mice, while overexpression decreased motor activity and reduced seizure susceptibility.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateDec 5, 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.

Stockings perform better than bandages to treat leg ulcers

A new study published in The Lancet has found that compression stockings are a cost-effective treatment for venous leg ulcers, reducing recurrence and nurse visits. While some patients may not prefer to wear the stockings, they offer improved value for money for the NHS compared to traditional bandages.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 5, 2013

More logging, deforestation may better serve climate in some areas

A Dartmouth College study suggests that more frequent logging or deforestation may better serve the planet and pocketbooks in high-latitude areas where snowfall is common. The research found that including the value of albedo, or surface reflection of incoming solar energy, can shorten optimal forest rotation periods significantly.

SourceDartmouth College·DateDec 5, 2013

Social ties more important than biology when it comes to teen sleep problems

A new study suggests that social ties, including relationships with peers and parents, play a more significant role in teen sleep problems than biological factors. The research found that parental monitoring, pro-social friendships, and time spent on screens can impact adolescent sleep habits.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateDec 5, 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.

Sharks prefer to sneak up from behind, study shows

Researchers found that Caribbean reef sharks prefer to approach humans from behind, indicating they can detect body orientation. The study suggests sharks use this information to hunt more effectively.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateDec 5, 2013

Love connection

Researchers developed an algorithm that pairs people according to their past interests and online mating success, rather than who they say they're interested in. The model improves return rates by 44 percent compared to existing models.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalIEEE Intelligent Systems·DateDec 5, 2013

New genetic research finds shark, human proteins stunningly similar

A recent study has found that great white sharks have more similar proteins to humans than zebrafish, which challenges current understanding of their evolution. This discovery opens up new avenues for studying shark metabolism and biochemistry, potentially revealing insights into the biology of mammals as well.

SourceCornell University·JournalBMC Genomics·DateDec 5, 2013

Studies assess impact of IOM report on nursing reforms

Researchers found that nearly 80% of nurse executives preferred or required BSNs for new hires, but only 25% required degree completion within a timeframe. Hospitals with residency programs also offered more training programs, suggesting a cultural value on employee development.

SourceGeorge Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Healthcare Management·DateDec 5, 2013

Better water purification with seeds from Moringa trees

Scientists have discovered that seed material from Moringa trees can bind to impurities in water, allowing for more efficient purification. The study found that clusters of material produced with the protein are more tightly packed than those formed with conventional flocculating agents, making it easier to separate and treat waste water.

SourceUppsala University·DateDec 5, 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.

Gene found to be crucial for formation of certain brain circuitry

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine identified a gene involved in forming brain circuitry using a powerful new technique. The discovery paves the way for faster progress toward identifying genes involved in complex mental illnesses, such as autism and schizophrenia.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 5, 2013

NASA begins search for what is left of Comet ISON

Scientists believe Comet ISON may have been destroyed upon approaching the sun, leaving behind small rubble pieces. Telescopes will observe and detect any remaining fragments to confirm the comet's status.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 5, 2013

Prostate cancer biomarker may predict patient outcomes

Researchers identified a biomarker for prostate cancer recurrence, revealing that patients with CD151free protein have cancer recur earlier than those without. This discovery may aid in determining patient care and predicting disease progression.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalCancer Research·DateDec 5, 2013