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Science News for February 1, 2013


Novel radiation therapy method shortens prostate cancer treatment time

A new radiation therapy method using volume-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) has been shown to significantly reduce prostate cancer treatment time by approximately 14%. The study found that VMAT patients had shorter average room times, with some patients experiencing similar treatment times as those using gold-marker tracking.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology·DateFeb 1, 2013

Nurses at forefront of genomics in health care

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) emphasizes the importance of genomic knowledge for nursing care, highlighting its relevance to advancing patient care. Genomic studies published in the Journal of Nursing Scholarship provide insights on genetic applications in nursing practice, including cancer risk assessment and prevention.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Nursing Scholarship·DateFeb 1, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Genetically modified tobacco plants produce antibodies to treat rabies

Scientists produced a monoclonal antibody in transgenic tobacco plants that neutralizes the rabies virus by preventing it from attaching to nerve endings. This new antibody opens the prospect of adequate rabies prevention for low-income families in developing countries.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateFeb 1, 2013

Autism speaks through gene expression

Scientists at Johns Hopkins University and Tel Aviv University found that mutations in the NHE9 gene lead to a profound loss of function in an ion transporter, which may trigger seizures. This discovery could lead to new diagnosis or treatment options for autism patients.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateFeb 1, 2013

A gut feeling about neural stem cells

Scientists at the University of Melbourne have successfully transplanted neural stem cells into mice, which then migrated to the gut and developed into functional neurons. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for intestinal motility disorders such as Hirschsprung's disease.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 1, 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.

Mental health parity reduces out of pocket expenses for patients

A study found that mental health parity reduced total and out-of-pocket spending for patients with major depression, bipolar disorder, and adjustment disorder. Despite no significant change in service utilization, individuals with more severe illnesses experienced lower expenses due to the policy.

SourceMcLean Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateFeb 1, 2013

Finding out how today's teens tick

The UK government has invested £3.5 million in the Millennium Cohort Study to track the lives of 19,000 children born in 2000-01 as they enter adolescence. The study aims to understand risk behaviors, educational choices, and social relationships among teens.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateFeb 1, 2013

If you are impulsive, take modafinil and count to 10

Researchers found that modafinil improved response inhibition in patients with initially poor impulse control, but had a detrimental effect in those with low initial impulsivity levels. The study suggests personalized medicine approaches may be necessary when prescribing modafinil for treatment of alcohol dependence.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateFeb 1, 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.

Overdose education, bystander nasal naloxone rescue kits associated with decreased opioid overdose death

A study found that overdose education and naloxone distribution programs in Massachusetts led to a significant reduction in opioid overdose death rates. The programs educated people at risk of overdose and provided them with naloxone rescue kits, which are safe and effective antidotes for reversing life-threatening opioid overdose effe...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe BMJ·DateFeb 1, 2013

Programming cells: The importance of the envelope

The study reveals two independent mechanisms for fixing heterochromatin to the inner face of the nuclear envelope, using lamin A/C and the lamin-B receptor. This discovery sheds light on how the nuclear architecture in rod cells of nocturnal animals differs from normal cells.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalCell·DateFeb 1, 2013

Routes towards defect-free graphene

A new technique has been developed to grow graphene without defects, enabling the creation of larger sheets with aligned flakes and improved electron flow. This breakthrough has significant implications for industrial-scale graphene manufacturing and the development of graphene-based technologies in electronics, energy, and healthcare.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 1, 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.

Bioelectric signals can be used to detect early cancer

Biologists at Tufts University have identified a unique bioelectric signal in cells that are likely to develop into tumors, which they can use to detect early cancer. By manipulating the electrical charge across cells' membranes, they can lower the incidence of cancerous cells and suppress abnormal cell growth.

SourceTufts University·JournalDisease Models & Mechanisms·DateFeb 1, 2013

Study: Infection preventionists know safe care

A study found that hospital infection preventionists generally agree on the effectiveness of certain practices in preventing healthcare-associated infections. These practices include alcohol-based hand rub, aseptic urinary catheter insertion, and maximum sterile barriers during central venous catheter insertion. However, non-certified ...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateFeb 1, 2013

Aarhus University builds research station in North Greenland

The new research station will be equipped with modern laboratory facilities, equipment, and unmanned drones to monitor air composition. Researchers from Denmark and abroad will collaborate on interdisciplinary studies of climate change, sea ice, ecosystems, and atmosphere.

SourceAarhus University·DateFeb 1, 2013

Propping open the door to the blood brain barrier

Researchers investigate using heparin to optimize therapeutic delivery with ultrasound into the brain, increasing treatment efficacy for CNS diseases. Initial results show promising potential in enhancing drug permeability and reducing side effects.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateFeb 1, 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.

Majority of primary care physicians prefer delivering radiology test results to patients themselves

The majority of primary care physicians prefer delivering radiology test results to patients themselves, feeling medico-legally obligated by recommendations within reports. This preference is influenced by the wording and location of recommendations, highlighting the need for improvements in radiology reporting practices.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology·DateFeb 1, 2013

Increases in extreme rainfall linked to global warming

A global review of rainfall data found that extreme rainfall events are increasing in intensity and frequency due to rising temperatures. The study, published in the Journal of Climate, shows a 7% increase in extreme rainfall for every degree rise in atmospheric temperature.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Climate·DateFeb 1, 2013

Trauma patients, community say they support exception from informed consent research

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine reveals high levels of approval among trauma patients, families, and communities to participate in clinical trials without express consent. The findings provide important clues for increasing studies aimed at improving care for time-sensitive injuries.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery·DateFeb 1, 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.

Humanitarian aid workers in Uganda show signs of stress, depression, and burnout

A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that 68% of Ugandan humanitarian aid workers experienced symptoms of depression, while 53% had anxiety disorders and 26% posttraumatic stress disorder. The study suggests that organizational environment significantly influences mental health and wellbeing.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Traumatic Stress·DateFeb 1, 2013

Needless abdominal CT scans can be avoided in children, study says

A study of over 12,000 children has identified seven factors that can help physicians determine if a CT scan is necessary following blunt trauma to the abdomen. Children with none of these factors have only a 0.1% chance of having an abdominal injury requiring acute intervention.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2013

Imaging unveils temperature distribution inside living cells

A research team in Japan has developed a new imaging method that allows for detailed intracellular temperature maps, revealing the temperature difference varies greatly depending on the location in the cell. This breakthrough may lead to a better understanding of diseases like cancer and its pathogenesis.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateFeb 1, 2013

Type II diabetes and the Alzheimer's connection

Scientists found that people with type 2 diabetes face twice the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease due to peptide deposits. Researchers discovered the molecular interactions between amyloid beta and amylin peptides, which may lead to protein aggregation and disease progression.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateFeb 1, 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.

Cats and humans suffer from similar forms of epilepsy

Cats and humans share a similar form of epilepsy caused by an autoimmune response targeting nerve cell proteins. Researchers have discovered antibodies reacting to these proteins in the blood of affected cats, which is consistent with a similar human condition.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalJournal of Veterinary Internal Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2013

$5 million awarded in Sixth Starr Cancer Consortium Grant Competition

The Sixth Starr Cancer Consortium Grant Competition awarded $5 million to five collaborative cancer research projects at Memorial Sloan-Kettering, The Rockefeller University, and Weill Cornell Medical College. These projects aim to deepen understanding of cancers and transform detection and treatment through innovative approaches.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2013

Moffitt Cancer Center researchers develop automated breast density test linked to cancer risk

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have developed an automated method to estimate mammographic breast density, a major risk factor for breast cancer. The new approach assesses the variation in grayscale values in mammograms, providing a viable, automated mammographic density measure that can be used in clinical settings.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 1, 2013

Caring friends can save the world

New research from Concordia University found that caring relationships in friendships can foster a desire to make a positive impact on one's community and world. Adolescents who exhibit empathic care towards their friends are more likely to develop concern for others beyond their immediate circle.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·DateFeb 1, 2013

University of Houston selected to receive support from National Park Service

The University of Houston has been selected to receive support from the National Park Service for a trail development project in Southeast Houston. The project aims to improve hike and bike connections between three neighborhood parks and the Brays Bayou trail, providing recreational access to nearby park lands and natural landscapes.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateFeb 1, 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.

New methods for quantifying antisense drug delivery to target cells and tissues

Two new methods for detecting and measuring the levels of antisense drugs in cells have been developed, allowing researchers to track PMO delivery to individual cells and quantify its presence in tissue. These methods will advance the field of PMO research and provide valid alternatives to current time-consuming detection techniques.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBioResearch Open Access·DateFeb 1, 2013

Can plants be altruistic? You bet, says new CU-Boulder-led study

A new CU-Boulder-led study reveals that plants can exhibit altruistic behavior, prioritizing the growth and well-being of their closely related offspring. The research found that endosperm in seeds sharing the same mother and father grew more heavily than those with genetically different parents.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2013

New study sheds light on link between dairy intake and bone health

Researchers found that higher dairy intake, particularly from milk and yogurt, is associated with improved bone mineral density in the hip. However, cream consumption was linked to lower bone density. The study suggests choosing low-fat dairy products can increase nutrient intake and reduce saturated fat consumption.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalArchives of Osteoporosis·DateFeb 1, 2013

Tracking the evolution of antibiotic resistance

Researchers developed an automated device called morbidostat to track the evolution of antibiotic resistance at the genetic level. The team identified key genes involved in creating drug-resistant states and documented real-time changes in genes that gave bacteria an advantage in evolving to outwit antibiotics.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateFeb 1, 2013

How do corals survive in the hottest reefs on the planet?

Researchers at National Oceanography Centre and New York University Abu Dhabi discovered corals can thrive at high seawater temperatures, up to 36 degrees Celsius. The study found special algae strains that facilitate this heat resistance, providing new insights into coral survival and potential for reef conservation.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·DateFeb 1, 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.

The nanomechanical signature of breast cancer

Researchers found that breast cancer tissue has a mix of stiff and soft zones, whereas healthy tissue has uniform stiffness. This discovery may help improve breast cancer diagnosis and therapy by identifying potential for cancer spread. The study used advanced microscopy techniques to analyze tissue properties at the nanoscale.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateFeb 1, 2013

Gap geometry grasped

A new algorithm analyzes void space in sphere packing to study the geometry of liquids and their flow through porous media. The method can also be applied to protein structure analysis, revealing key quantities such as buried cavity sizes and solvent accessibility.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateFeb 1, 2013

JCI early table of contents for Feb. 1, 2013

Researchers have found that transplanted neural stem cells can migrate to the gut and develop into functional neurons, providing a promising new treatment for gastrointestinal motility disorders. Additionally, a protein called MFGE8 has been identified as an important regulator of inflammation, blocking inflammasome activity and limiti...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 1, 2013