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Science News for February 12, 2013


CVD time bomb set to explode in Gulf region in 10-15 years

The Gulf region is expected to experience a massive wave of cardiovascular disease in the next 10-15 years, driven by high obesity rates and diabetes prevalence. Prevention services are lacking, but experts call for a public health strategy to promote physical activity and healthy diets.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateFeb 12, 2013

UTHealth: Alcohol consumption may be in response to smoking cessation

Researchers at UTHealth found that alcohol use can increase smoking and smoking urges in women attempting to quit. Higher, more volatile smoking urges were reported before drinking, suggesting a potential vicious cycle where smoking urges lead to alcohol consumption.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalExperimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology·DateFeb 12, 2013

Detecting cocaine 'naturally'

A team of researchers has adapted natural mechanisms to detect specific molecules like cocaine more accurately and quickly. The new biosensor responds optimally even with a large concentration window, paving the way for applications in cancer-targeting drugs and administration.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 12, 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 long-term success rates for eradication of Barrett's esophagus after endoluminal therapies

A study from researchers at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania reports that endoluminal therapies combining resection and ablation techniques have a high success rate in eradicating Barrett's esophagus, with durable results. Persistent vigilant surveillance is required due to recurrence risks.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateFeb 12, 2013

Negative stereotypes about boys hinder their academic achievement

A new study published in Child Development found that children as young as 4 think boys are academically inferior to girls and believe adults share these stereotypes. Conveying egalitarian messages can help close the gender gap by refraining from practices like dividing classes by gender, according to researchers.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateFeb 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.

Cheap, strong lithium-ion battery developed at USC

Researchers at USC have created a new lithium-ion battery design that uses silicon nanoparticles to improve capacity and recharge more quickly. The batteries hold three times as much energy as comparable graphite-based designs and can recharge within 10 minutes.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNano Research·DateFeb 12, 2013

Helping or hovering? A parent's dilemma

A new study shows that college students with overcontrolling parents experience negative well-being outcomes, including depression and decreased life satisfaction. The study suggests that helicopter parenting behaviors can undermine children's autonomy, competence, and social relationships.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Child and Family Studies·DateFeb 12, 2013

Building a biochemistry lab on a chip

Lab-on-a-chip technologies use micro-fabrication techniques to integrate various laboratory functions onto microchips. Researchers have demonstrated the ability to heat nanoliter volume droplets individually and in an array using VLSI silicon-based devices, enabling biochemical reactions and DNA melting detection.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2013

Lower autism risk with folic acid supplements in pregnancy

Women who took folic acid supplements from four weeks before conception to eight weeks into pregnancy had a 40 per cent lower risk of giving birth to children with childhood autism. The findings only apply to a lower risk of childhood autism, the most severe form of autism.

SourceNorwegian Institute of Public Health·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 12, 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.

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.

PeerJ publishes its first articles

PeerJ, founded on principles of affordability, innovation, and Open Access, publishes its first 30 peer-reviewed articles, offering a rapid, peer-reviewed journal with a Creative Commons license. The organization assembles an Editorial Board of 800 esteemed academics to ensure rigorous peer review and high standards in publication.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateFeb 12, 2013

African-American, Caucasian women should take identical vitamin D doses

Researchers found that African-American and Caucasian women absorb and metabolize vitamin D at the same rate. Vitamin D deficiency can cause abnormalities in calcium, phosphorus, and bone metabolism, leading to conditions like osteomalacia and muscle weakness.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 12, 2013

Anti-Muellerian hormone predicts IVF success

A recent study found that women with high anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels are 2.5 times more likely to have a successful IVF cycle than those with low levels. High AMH levels also signal increased chances of pregnancy and live birth, regardless of the number of eggs retrieved.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 12, 2013

Kids teach parents to respect the environment

A new study shows that children can influence their parents' attitudes and behaviors towards the environment through education. The research, conducted in the Seychelles, found that children participating in wildlife clubs increased their parents' knowledge of wetlands and led to more environmentally friendly practices.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateFeb 12, 2013
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Nature Methods study: Using light to control cell clustering

A new study from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and UC Berkeley uses blue light to activate specific proteins into large clusters, controlling cell signaling. This technique has potential applications in understanding cellular function and optimizing energy production.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalNature Methods·DateFeb 12, 2013

New study examines victims and cyberstalking

A new study reveals that cyberstalking victims experience increased self-protective behaviors, including changing jobs or email addresses, and face higher financial costs compared to traditional stalking victims. The study also finds that cyberstalking victims exhibit greater fear over time, suggesting a more severe condition.

SourceSam Houston State University·JournalJustice Quarterly·DateFeb 12, 2013
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Size of lunch dictates force of crunch

A new study reveals that bite force is influenced by the size of both the eater and the eatee, peaking at an optimal level of muscle stretch. The research found that too much or too little stretch leads to reduced bite force, with some fish able to crush stronger tubes when their muscles are optimally stretched.

SourceBrown University·JournalBiology Letters·DateFeb 12, 2013

Neuroprosthesis gives rats the ability to 'touch' infrared light

Duke researchers develop a brain-machine interface that enables rats to detect and track infrared light, demonstrating the first time a sense has been augmented in adult animals. The breakthrough suggests new possibilities for restoring vision or sensing in people with damaged brains.

SourceDuke Center for Neuroengineering·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 12, 2013

HIPPO global-scale air chemistry dataset now available

The HIPPO dataset provides high-resolution measurements of over 90 unique atmospheric species, including greenhouse gases and aerosols. Key findings include quantified seasonal amounts of carbon dioxide taken up and released by land plants and oceans, as well as elevated concentrations of methane near the Arctic Ocean.

SourceHarvard University·DateFeb 12, 2013

Does race make a difference in monitoring of opioid pain therapy?

A study reveals racial differences in chronic pain management, with black patients experiencing less frequent pain level documentation and more urine drug tests. This may impact the effectiveness of pain management for black patients who overcome barriers to opioid prescriptions.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalPain·DateFeb 12, 2013

The Geological Society of America Journal Geology: Dynamic geoscience

This study investigates the sedimentary fingerprint of the 2011 Mississippi River flood across the Louisiana coast, identifying key indicators of sediment provenance. Chemostratigraphy also reveals a complete Late Permian to Early Triassic sequence in western Utah, shedding light on the Permian-Triassic mass extinction event.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateFeb 12, 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.

Some autism behaviors linked to altered gene

Researchers discovered a genetic mutation in CELF6 that disrupts serotonin signaling and leads to common autism behaviors like communication difficulties and resistance to change. The findings provide new insights into the biological pathways underlying autism.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateFeb 12, 2013

Mainz scientists confirm original tetrahedral model of the molecular structure of water

Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz confirmed the original tetrahedral model of water's molecular structure, attributing its unique features to hydrogen bonds between molecules. The findings resolve a controversy that emerged in 2004, which was later attributed to temporary fluctuations in the bond network.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 12, 2013

Folic acid supplements early in pregnancy may reduce child's risk of autism by 40 percent

A Norwegian study found that mothers who took folic acid supplements during early pregnancy had a 40% reduced risk of having children with autistic disorder. The timing of the supplements was critical, with the greatest reduction in risk observed when taken between 4 weeks before to 8 weeks after the start of pregnancy.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 12, 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.

NASA Goddard team to participate in dark energy mission

The European Space Agency has selected NASA's Goddard team to join the Euclid mission, a space telescope designed to probe the mysteries of dark energy and dark matter. The project aims to explore the cosmic infrared background and provide insight into stellar and galactic populations in the early universe.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 12, 2013

Alcohol abusers' depression often related to drinking

A 30-year study of nearly 400 men found that nearly one-third of major depressive episodes were seen only while they were drinking heavily. Heavy drinking is often mistaken for depression, but the symptoms typically resolve within weeks to a month of abstinence.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateFeb 12, 2013

Parents' praise predicts attitudes toward challenge 5 years later

A new longitudinal study found that toddlers whose parents praised their efforts more than they praised them as individuals had a more positive approach to challenges five years later. Process praise was shown to improve children's persistence and performance on challenging tasks.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateFeb 12, 2013

Teaching teens that people can change reduces aggression in school

A new study found that teaching teenagers that people can change reduces aggressive reactions to peer conflicts. The research suggests that believing people's traits are fixed leads teens to respond aggressively, but an intervention that teaches the potential for change can reduce this behavior.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateFeb 12, 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.

Spotting the invisible cracks in wind turbines

Researchers developed a new analytical method to detect fatigue in wind turbines' parts while the turbine is in operation. This method distinguishes between mechanical properties and interfering noise, enabling precise detection of material fatigue or untightened screws.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateFeb 12, 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.

Discovering cell surface proteins' behavior

A new study by SFU chemist Bingyun Sun and colleagues reveals that the number of sugars (N-Glycans) on membrane proteins correlates with their function in five animal species. The correlation has been conserved through evolution, suggesting a universal mechanism for stabilizing glycoproteins.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 12, 2013

NASA provides satellite views of nor'easter lifespan

NASA released an animation of NOAA satellite imagery showing the lifetime of the historic nor'easter that brought over 2 feet of snow to New England states on Feb. 8-9, 2013. The storm left over 650,000 without power and led to travel bans in several governors' states.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 12, 2013

New material promises better solar cells

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology discovered a new class of materials that can be used to create highly efficient ultra-thin solar cells. The oxide heterostructures separate electrons and holes using an electric field, increasing efficiency.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 12, 2013

Flood research shows human habits die hard

A new report from Griffith University shows that most households did not make any changes to reduce their flood vulnerability despite lessons learned from the 2010-11 Australian floods. The research found that residents prioritized general home improvements over resilience measures, and insurers often only paid to replace like-for-like.

SourceGriffith University·DateFeb 12, 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.

Field experiment finds significant electoral fraud in Moscow

A field experiment conducted during the December 2011 parliamentary elections in Russia suggests that fraud had a significant impact on the results. The researchers estimate that fraud accounted for at least 11 percentage points of the vote recorded for the ruling United Russia party in Moscow, resulting in the party retaining its majo...

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2013

Ice age extinction shaped Australian plant diversity

Researchers found that most tough-leaved shrubs and trees in South East Australia went extinct during the ice ages, contradicting the long-held theory that evolution drives biodiversity. The study suggests that extinction is equally important to diversity as evolution.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 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.

Birth order linked to increased risk of diabetes, metabolic disorders

A study found a 21% drop in insulin sensitivity among first-born children, leading to higher daytime blood pressure and increased risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes. First-borns tend to be taller and slimmer than their later-born counterparts due to changes in the mother's uterus during pregnancy.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 12, 2013

Explosive breakthrough in research on molecular recognition

Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a receptor-free nanomechanical infrared spectroscopy method to detect trace amounts of explosives in complex mixtures. This technique increases selectivity and sensitivity, allowing for the detection of specific molecules even with high concentrations of interfering molecules.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·DateFeb 12, 2013

Flu outbreaks modeled by new study of classroom schedules

Researchers at Penn State University have developed a method to determine how to focus disease-control strategies based on individuals most likely to spread the infection. By analyzing classroom schedules and human-networking theory, they created a low-cost but effective way to predict disease outbreaks in closed groups.

SourcePenn State·JournalBMC Medicine·DateFeb 12, 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.

Scopolamine: An old drug with new psychiatric applications

A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry reveals that scopolamine can rapidly improve mood in depressed patients. Additionally, the drug shows promise as a treatment for anxiety disorders by disrupting contextual processing during extinction learning.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateFeb 12, 2013

Young children may go above and beyond when helping adults

Young children may go above and beyond when helping adults, overriding specific requests for unhelpful items in favor of something more useful. In one experiment, most 3-year-olds recognized that an adult wasn't making the best decision and decided to be helpful instead.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateFeb 12, 2013

Molecular master switch for pancreatic cancer identified, potential predictor of treatment outcome

A team from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has identified a molecular master switch for pancreatic cancer, which could serve as a potential predictor of treatment outcome. The researchers found that Prrx1 and Sox9 regulate the emergence of an intermediate cell type that can give rise to cancer.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalGenes & Development·DateFeb 12, 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.

Crew rotation and passenger connections spread flight delays

A study by Spanish National Research Council proposes a new methodology to assess air traffic congestion. Researchers found that crew rotation and passenger connections systematically spread flight delays, revealing a domino effect.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 12, 2013

NASA satellites find freshwater losses in Middle East

A new study using NASA's Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites has found that the Middle East region lost 117 million acre feet of freshwater reserves between 2003 and 2012. The majority of this loss, approximately 73 million acre feet, was due to reductions in groundwater.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 12, 2013

A system that improves the precision of GPS in cities by 90 percent

Researchers at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid have developed a new GPS system that improves position determination by up to 90% in urban settings. The system combines conventional GPS with accelerometers and gyroscopes to reduce margin of error, enabling applications such as cooperative driving and autonomous vehicles.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalSensors·DateFeb 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.

Research from the 2013 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium highlights new insights on high-risk prostate cancer prevalence and treatment, compares benefit of surveillance and surgery for management of small kidney tumors

Research from the 2013 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium highlights new insights on high-risk prostate cancer prevalence and treatment. Studies show that African-American men and older men of any race are more likely to have aggressive prostate cancer, while surveillance for small kidney tumors is a safe alternative to surgery for elderl...

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 12, 2013

Cardiovascular risk may remain for treated Cushing's disease patients

Researchers found that cured Cushing's disease patients who had depression when symptoms started were at elevated risk of mortality and cardiovascular disease. Men were more susceptible than women due to a lack of follow-up care, while patients with diabetes were also at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 12, 2013

Differential parenting found to affect whole family

A new study found that differential parenting behavior in one child can lead to increased mental health problems in all family members. Mothers with high cumulative risk factors exhibited more extreme variations in affection and discipline across their children.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateFeb 12, 2013

Whole genome sequencing better at tracing TB outbreaks than standard test

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that whole genome sequencing is more effective at tracing TB outbreaks than standard genotyping tests. The new test revealed that first outbreak isolates were falsely clustered by classical genotyping, providing valuable insights into the evolution of M. tuberculosis.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 12, 2013

Marketing technique: Activating gender stereotypes just to knock 'em down

A new study by USC Marshall Professor Valerie Folkes and Ohio State University Professor Shashi Matta investigates how firms can activate gender stereotypes to sell more products. The researchers found that stressing competence and quality can influence consumer behavior in a positive way, rendering the product more appealing.

SourceUSC Marshall School of Business·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateFeb 12, 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.

Can therapy dogs be beneficial for children with autism spectrum disorder?

A review of published studies suggests that interactions with therapy dogs can help children with ASD develop emotional attachments and interaction in a social setting, leading to improved interpersonal communication. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings and build on the current evidence.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateFeb 12, 2013

Model aims to help companies make products we actually want

Researchers developed an integrated model to capture both product innovation and customer evaluation processes. The conceptual model illustrates the interaction between innovation and customer response, aiming to help companies adapt their innovation processes more efficiently.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Product Innovation Management·DateFeb 12, 2013

Sex and gender competency essential to medical care

Research highlights the importance of considering sex and gender in medical treatment, leading to better health outcomes. The Sex and Gender Women's Health Collaborative aims to integrate sex and gender influences into medical education and clinical training through its digital resource.

SourceSex and Gender Women's Health Collaborative·DateFeb 12, 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.

Romantic delusions allow online dating scams to flourish

Almost 230,000 people in the UK have been conned by online romance fraudsters since 2007, research suggests that dating companies need to issue clear warnings on their sites to prevent users from falling victim. The study recommends targeting advice at vulnerable individuals with high romantic ideals or previous mental health problems

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateFeb 12, 2013

Cities can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70 percent, says U of T researcher

A new study by University of Toronto Professor Chris Kennedy and World Bank climate change specialist Lorraine Sugar shows that cities can make a positive difference in reducing GHG emissions. They propose realistic steps such as increasing bicycling infrastructure and encouraging electric cars to achieve a 70% reduction in emissions.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalCanadian Journal of Civil Engineering·DateFeb 12, 2013

Diclofenac used and recommended globally, despite cardiovascular risks

A study finds diclofenac is the most commonly used NSAID in 15 countries and is included on essential medicines lists of 74 low- to high-income countries. Despite its cardiovascular risks, researchers call for diclofenac to be removed from national lists and have its global marketing authorisations revoked.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 12, 2013

Emerging cancer drugs may drive bone tumors

Emerging cancer drugs targeting tumor cells may also stimulate osteoclasts to tear down bone, increasing the risk of tumor spread. Researchers recommend closely monitoring patients' bone health when taking these drugs.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCancer Discovery·DateFeb 12, 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.

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.