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Science News Archive February 2013 - Page 25


Page 25 of 28

Benefits of CT outweigh cancer risks in young adults

A new study published in Radiology found that CT scans are associated with a significantly lower risk of death than radiation-induced cancer in young adults. The study analyzed imaging records of patients 18 to 35 years old who underwent chest or abdominopelvic CT exams between 2003 and 2007.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateFeb 5, 2013

Newly discovered plant structure may lead to improved biofuel processing

Scientists at the University of Georgia have identified a direct connection between plant cell wall glycans and proteins, potentially revolutionizing biofuel processing. The discovery may lead to more efficient conversion of plants into ethanol, providing a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateFeb 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.

Are deaf and hard-of-hearing physicians getting the support they need?

A recent study found that deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHoH) physicians spend significant personal time arranging for accommodations, highlighting the need for institutional support. The survey of 56 DHoH clinicians revealed that adapting accommodations to individual needs is key to success.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2013

Lower proportion of Medicare patients dying in hospitals

A study analyzing Medicare claims data found a decrease in hospital deaths, but increased ICU stays and healthcare transitions in the last months of life. Hospice use increased from 21.6% to 42.2%, while short hospice stays grew, suggesting that increasing hospice use may not lead to reduced resource utilization.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 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.

Evidence that at least 1 mammal can smell in stereo

A study by Kenneth Catania at Vanderbilt University has found that common moles rely on stereo sniffing to detect odor gradients, a skill previously thought to be limited to visual and auditory perception. This discovery opens new avenues for research into the capabilities of other mammals that heavily rely on their sense of smell.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 5, 2013

Vitamin D, omega-3 may help clear amyloid plaques found in Alzheimer's

Researchers found that vitamin D3 and omega-3 fatty acids improved the immune system's ability to clear amyloid plaques from the brain. The study identified key genes and signaling networks regulated by these substances, which may help control inflammation and improve plaque clearance.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2013

21 minutes to marital satisfaction

A brief writing intervention helped couples sustain marital satisfaction by reducing distress from conflicts and improving passion and intimacy. The intervention, which involved just three seven-minute writing exercises, was effective regardless of relationship duration.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 5, 2013

Human bacteria sequencing project involving CU raises $340,000 online

The University of Colorado Boulder's American Gut project has raised over $340,000 through crowdfunding to sequence the gut bacteria of thousands of people worldwide. The initiative aims to understand how diet and lifestyle affect human health and disease, with potential implications for autoimmune diseases and food allergies.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateFeb 5, 2013

Olive oil component alleviates intestinal ischemia and reperfusion

Researchers found that oleuropein aglycone, a compound in olive oil, significantly reduces inflammation and tissue damage caused by intestinal ischemia and reperfusion injury. The study suggests potential therapeutic benefits for patients with spinal cord injuries, arthritis, and pleurisy.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateFeb 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 'retention model' explains enigmatic ribbon at edge of solar system

Researchers propose that charged particles trapped in the region create the ribbon as they escape as neutral atoms, producing higher fluxes of ENAs and forming the bright ribbon seen by IBEX. The model shows good association with observed data, offering insights into the nearby galactic magnetic field and its strength.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·DateFeb 5, 2013

GSA Bulletin starts 2013 with 13 new papers published online ahead of print

The GSA Bulletin has published 13 new papers covering topics such as Holocene record of strong earthquakes in the Lake Tahoe region and evaporite tectonics in the Cumberland basin. The studies reveal a history of major earthquakes throughout the Holocene, with some fault ruptures occurring every 2,600 years.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateFeb 5, 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.

Enigmatic 'ribbon' of energy discovered by NASA satellite explained

Scientists have proposed a theory that explains the formation of a mysterious 'ribbon' of energy and particles at the edge of our solar system. The retention theory suggests that neutral hydrogen atoms from the solar wind become trapped by intense waves in the magnetic field, creating the ribbon.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·DateFeb 5, 2013

Some omega-3 oils better than others for protection against liver disease

Research at Oregon State University found that DHA supplementation reduced liver fibrosis by over 65% in laboratory animals. This study suggests that DHA may be a more effective dietary supplement than EPA for preventing nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and other liver diseases.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateFeb 5, 2013

2012: The Webb telescope's big year of progress

In 2012, the James Webb Space Telescope made significant progress with the delivery of two primary mirrors, the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), and the Fine Guidance Sensor and Near-Infrared Imager and Slitless Spectrograph (FGS/NIRISS). The telescope's center section backplane structure was also completed, supporting the mirrors and o...

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 5, 2013

Cancer in African Americans: Gap closing for some sites; Widening for others

A new report from the American Cancer Society finds that cancer death rates are narrowing for African Americans, with nearly 200,000 deaths avoided since 1990. However, racial disparities remain for certain cancers, including colorectal and female breast cancer, highlighting the need for improved access to healthcare and screening.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·DateFeb 5, 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.

Can you predict how a disease will spread in a population?

Researchers developed a predictive model of spatial epidemic spread in territorial animals, quantifying transmission events and propagation speed based on demography, animal wandering patterns, and contagiousness. This model has potential to inform targeted prevention strategies for zoonotic diseases with animal origins.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·DateFeb 5, 2013

NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite sees a fading Felleng

NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite captured a night-time image of extra-tropical cyclone Felleng, showing clouds and precipitation pushed east and southeast due to wind shear. The storm has completed its transition and is expected to dissipate in the next couple of days.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 5, 2013

Samoan obesity epidemic starts at birth

A new study by Brown University found that Samoan babies experience rapid weight gain in early infancy, which may foreshadow a future trend of obesity in developed nations. The researchers tracked the growth and weight gain of nearly 800 American Samoan babies born between 2001 and 2008.

SourceBrown University·JournalPediatric Obesity·DateFeb 5, 2013

3 NIH-sponsored clinical trials test influenza treatments

The NIH is sponsoring three clinical trials to test new treatments for influenza, including oseltamivir, combination antiviral drugs and plasma enriched with anti-influenza antibodies. The trials aim to improve treatment options for people with severe illness or chronic health conditions.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 5, 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.

Blowing hot and cold: US belief in climate change shifts with weather

A US study found that local weather trends, particularly temperature fluctuations, significantly influence public opinion on global warming. The researchers suggest that headline-making weather can strongly impact climate beliefs, especially among those without strong convictions.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalClimatic Change·DateFeb 5, 2013

Obesity in dads may be associated with offspring's increased risk of disease

A new study from Duke University Medical Center suggests that a father's obesity may alter a genetic mechanism in the next generation, potentially raising the risk for diseases like cancer. Researchers found that paternal obesity was associated with lower DNA methylation at the IGF2 gene in offspring.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalBMC Medicine·DateFeb 5, 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.

RNA promotes metastasis in lung cancer

Researchers discovered that long non-coding RNA MALAT1 regulates genes involved in metastasis, leading to impaired mobility and tumor growth. By silencing MALAT1, the team found reduced metastasis formation in mice, opening a promising approach for lung cancer treatment.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalCancer Research·DateFeb 5, 2013

JSCM publishes issue on NIDRR-funded project on practice-based evidence in SCI rehabilitation

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine published the final phase of the SCIRehab Project, which investigated inpatient rehabilitation practices for acute spinal cord injury. The study found associations between interventions and patient outcomes, informing clinical decision-making and guiding clinicians in selecting interventions.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalJournal of Spinal Cord Medicine·DateFeb 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.

Flexible classroom design saves money, improves flexibility, accessibility of instruction

Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a flexible classroom design that slashes administrative costs while improving engagement and accessibility for students. The design allows instructors to adjust the layout according to student needs, making it easier for students with special needs to participate.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalComputers and Composition·DateFeb 5, 2013

Old age offers no protection from obesity's death grip

A new study finds that obesity increases risk of death with age, contradicting earlier research on the 'obesity paradox'. The analysis of over 800,000 adults reveals that obese individuals face a higher risk of mortality as they get older.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateFeb 5, 2013

Exposure to pesticides in food, air and water increases risk of type 2 diabetes

A study published in Environmental Research found a direct relationship between pesticide exposure and type 2 diabetes prevalence. Pesticide concentrations were significantly higher in the adipose tissue of people with type 2 diabetes, suggesting that pesticides may be an underlying factor in its development.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateFeb 5, 2013

Hospice use rises; So does aggressive care

A recent study found that while more seniors are dying with hospice care than a decade ago, they are increasingly doing so for very few days right after being in intensive care. This suggests that palliative care often happens as an afterthought, and patients may not receive the full measure of comfort and psychological support they need.

SourceBrown University·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 5, 2013

Using single quantum dots to probe nanowires

Scientists use single quantum dots to excite plasmons in metal wires, creating precise images of electric field intensity with 12-nm accuracy. This technique enables new hybrid electronics by combining photonics and electronics for efficient sensing and processing.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 5, 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.

Seeing the software world from a dependency perspective

Researchers propose novel protocol structure model to analyze and verify service-oriented systems, incorporating dependencies for synchronous, asynchronous, and broadcast communications. The model combines features of partial orders and Petri nets to tackle complex software development challenges.

SourceScience China Press·DateFeb 5, 2013

Obesity leads to vitamin D deficiency

A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found a strong association between obesity and vitamin D deficiency. The research, led by Dr Elina Hypponen, used genetic markers to explore the link between body mass index (BMI) and genes associated with vitamin D synthesis and metabolism.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 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.

Low vitamin D levels may increase risk of Type 1 diabetes

Researchers found that white, non-Hispanic young adults with higher serum levels of vitamin D had about half the risk of developing Type 1 diabetes than those with lower levels. The study suggests that inadequate vitamin D intake may be an important risk factor for autoimmune diseases.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateFeb 4, 2013

University of Leicester announces discovery of King Richard III

The University of Leicester has discovered the remains of King Richard III using a wealth of evidence including DNA, radiocarbon dating and skeletal analysis. The skeleton was found in Leicester city centre and matches two of Richard III's maternal line relatives, confirming his identity.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·DateFeb 4, 2013

New study finds water tubing-related injuries up 250 percent

A recent study found that water tubing-related injuries increased by 250% over a 19-year period, with 65+ injuries treated in U.S. emergency departments daily during summer. The most common types of injuries were sprains and strains, followed by soft tissue injuries.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalJournal of Physical Activity and Health·DateFeb 4, 2013

Study highlights important role that patients play in determining outcomes

A University of Oregon study finds that patients with higher levels of motivation, knowledge, and confidence in managing their health have substantially lower healthcare costs. The researchers recommend assessing patient activation scores to support more engaged patients and improve outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalHealth Affairs·DateFeb 4, 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.

NOAA: Tortugas marine reserve yields more, larger fish

The NOAA report reveals that 'no-take' protections in the Tortugas Ecological Reserve have boosted fish populations and fisheries, including a resurgence of spawning mutton snapper. Commercial catches of reef fish have increased without financial losses for regional fishers.

SourceNOAA Headquarters·DateFeb 4, 2013

Scientists prevent development of deafness in animals engineered to have Usher syndrome

Researchers have developed a novel therapeutic approach to treat deafness and balance impairment by injecting mice with an antisense oligonucleotide that targets a specific gene mutation. The treatment, which was tested on mice engineered to model human Usher syndrome, successfully rescues hearing and cures balance problems.

SourceRosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2013

3D printing breakthrough with human embryonic stem cells

Researchers have successfully printed human embryonic stem cells using a novel valve-based technique, enabling the creation of three-dimensional tissues and structures. The breakthrough could speed up drug testing and pave the way for transplantable organs without donation.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBiofabrication·DateFeb 4, 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.

AB blood type strong risk factor for venous blood clots

A large study found that ABO blood type is a strong risk factor for venous blood clots. The research, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, also identified other genetic mutations associated with an increased risk of these conditions.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 4, 2013

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for Feb. 5, 2013

A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that exercising regularly earlier in life can significantly lower the risk of developing dementia later in life. Researchers analyzed data from over 19,000 adults and found a strong association between midlife fitness levels and reduced risk of all-cause dementia. Additio...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2013

USC scientists design mouse with more human-like immune response

USC researchers create genetically engineered mice with CD1d molecules similar to humans to trigger natural killer T cells and potentially develop effective immunotherapies. The discovery aims to improve the efficacy of existing drugs and vaccines against human diseases.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2013

Survey reveals fault lines in views on climate change

A new survey by a University of Alberta researcher found that 99% of respondents agree the climate is changing, but disagree on causes. The study identified five distinct beliefs on climate change and found common points of interest to promote collaboration.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalOrganization Studies·DateFeb 4, 2013

Biodiversity exploration in the 3-D era

A team of researchers from Hellenic Centre for Marine Research used X-ray computed tomography to create detailed 3D representations of tiny animals, facilitating the study of morphology and improving taxonomy. The method enables virtual rotation, magnification, and dissection of specimens, extracting new scientific information.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateFeb 4, 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.

Monogamous birds read partner's food desires

Researchers found that male Eurasian Jays can share food with their female partner according to her current desire, suggesting a 'state-attribution' ability. This behavior is crucial for species living in long-term relationships and may improve mate bonding.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2013

Scientists turn toxic by-product into biofuel booster

Researchers develop bi-functional enzyme to increase alkane output in bacteria and plants, eliminating hydrogen peroxide inhibition. The combo enzyme boosts reaction efficiency by producing oxygen, a key component required for activity.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2013