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Science News Archive July 2013


Page 1 of 31

Location of body fat can elevate heart disease, cancer risk

Individuals with abdominal fat are at greater risk of heart disease and cancer compared to those with a similar BMI who carry their fat in other areas. The study used CT scans to assess ectopic fat locations around the heart tissue and aortic artery.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJul 10, 2013

Wonders of nature inspire exotic man-made materials

Researchers create metamaterials with unprecedented properties by mimicking the structures of geckoes' toes and mother of pearl. These materials could lead to improved aircraft coatings and other innovative applications.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysics World·DateJul 31, 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.

BIDMC's George Tsokos, M.D., receives NIH MERIT award

George Tsokos, MD, has received a prestigious MERIT Award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for his longstanding work investigating molecular T-cell defects underlying systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The funding will support his project and provide insights into disease diagnosis and therapeutic targets.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·DateJul 31, 2013

Insect-inspired super rubber moves toward practical uses in medicine

Scientists have made significant strides in harnessing the properties of resilin, a natural protein that enables insects to flap their wings and jump. Resilin has been modified for use in diagnostics, engineered to act like human cartilage, and developed into hybrid materials for cardiovascular applications.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Macro Letters·DateJul 31, 2013

Robots strike fear in the hearts of fish

Researchers at NYU-Poly used bio-inspired robots to study fear responses in zebrafish, finding that alcohol can modulate these reactions. The findings may lead to new methodologies for understanding anxiety and developing substances that alter emotions.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 31, 2013

New Journal of Integrated Pest Management articles useful for farmers and military

The latest issue of the Journal of Integrated Pest Management features articles on controlling corn earworms, beetles, and other pest management issues. The Research Program for Deployed Warfighter Protection also highlights its accomplishments in developing new public health pesticides and repellent systems.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Integrated Pest Management·DateJul 31, 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.

Another scientific proof of the difference in social perception between men and women

A recent study found that oxytocin improves social interaction interpretation in both men and women, but with distinct effects on kinship vs. competition for each sex. Men's competitive relationships improved with oxytocin, while women's kinship identification enhanced, highlighting the hormone's impact on sex-specific social behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Haifa·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateJul 31, 2013

Cleveland Clinic study finds lowest risk treatment for severe carotid and coronary disease

A retrospective study from Cleveland Clinic found that patients who underwent stenting of the carotid artery followed by open heart surgery had the best outcomes. The researchers compared three common treatment approaches and found that this combination had significantly lower risks of serious events after one year.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJul 31, 2013

How do student characteristics predict university graduation odds?

A study of over 2,500 students found that higher GPA, fulltime enrollment status, black race, a higher number of transfer credits, and expected family contribution are key predictors of graduation. The findings challenge traditional assumptions about improving university graduation rates.

SourceSAGE·JournalSAGE Open·DateJul 31, 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.

First experimental signs of a New Physics beyond the Standard Model

Researchers at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique detect deviations in B meson decay consistent with New Physics predictions. The findings suggest the existence of a new particle, Zprima, which could explain dark matter and gravitational interactions.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·DateJul 31, 2013

Understanding the effects of genes on human traits

A novel approach has been developed to scan the entire genome, allowing researchers to better understand the effect of genetic variants on protein translation. This method could lead to the development of biomarkers for personalized medicine and new therapies for complex diseases such as diabetes and schizophrenia.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2013

Autism symptoms not explained by impaired attention

Researchers found that moving attention fluidly and orienting to social information are not key components of autism. Children with high-functioning autism and those without autism showed similar signatures in shifting attention and responding to social stimuli.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateJul 31, 2013

Personality and social psychology at the 2013 APA Convention

Researchers found that keeping a secret can change the way people interact with others, leading to more deceptive behavior among friends and superficial positivity towards acquaintances. Additionally, high neuroticism and low conscientiousness are consistently associated with increased risk of obesity across various samples. Confrontin...

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·DateJul 31, 2013

ITN achieves scientific manuscript first -- provides open, interactive access to clinical trial data

The ITN has made its clinical trial data and analysis code publicly available through the TrialShare portal, allowing researchers to access raw study data, confirm published conclusions, and perform interactive analyses. This move aims to enhance scientific collaboration and speed up the sharing of research results.

SourceBenaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 31, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Bird brains predate birds themselves

A new study published in Nature reveals that at least a few non-avian dinosaurs had brains as large or larger than those of Archaeopteryx, indicating they may have had the neurological hardwiring necessary for flight. This challenges the idea that Archaeopteryx was uniquely transitional between feathered dinosaurs and modern birds.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalNature·DateJul 31, 2013

Penn: New variants at gene linked to kidney disease, sleeping sickness resistance

A study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics found new genetic variants that protect against human African trypanosomiasis, or sleeping sickness, also increase the risk of developing chronic kidney disease. These variants were most common in Fulani pastoralist groups living in western and central Africa.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJul 31, 2013

Chemists develop innovative nano-sensors for multiple proteins

Chemists at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz developed a new method for parallel protein analysis, detecting hundreds or thousands of different proteins. The test strips bearing gold nano-particles can identify specific proteins in tiny samples, making it suitable for rapid disease diagnosis and environmental toxin detection.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 31, 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.

1 size doesn't fit all

A new study published in American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology reveals that ethnicity-based birth weight charts are more accurate than traditional population-based standards. These charts can help identify small but healthy babies, reducing parental anxiety and unnecessary healthcare costs.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateJul 31, 2013

Therapy for severe vasculitis shows long-term effectiveness

A new study by the NIH-funded Immune Tolerance Network found that rituximab is as effective as standard therapy in inducing and maintaining disease remission in people with severe forms of vasculitis. The drug requires shorter treatment duration, reducing the risk of long-term side effects such as cancer, infertility, and infection.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 31, 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.

UT Austin researchers successfully spoof an $80 million yacht at sea

Researchers from UT Austin successfully spoofed an $80 million yacht at sea using a custom-made GPS device. The team demonstrated that spoofing attacks can be carried out covertly and with significant difficulty in detecting, posing a serious threat to marine vessels and other forms of transportation.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateJul 31, 2013

Key factors for wireless power transfer

A team of researchers discovered that resonance frequency matching, alignment of the magnetic field, and impedance matching are crucial for efficient wireless power transfer. This technology could enable dynamic charging of electric vehicles on highways, increasing their driving ranges indefinitely.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateJul 31, 2013

Bartke earns GSA's 2013 Robert W. Kleemeier Award

Bartke, a renowned gerontologist, has made groundbreaking contributions to understanding aging and longevity. His work on the growth hormone/IGF/insulin axis pathway has significantly advanced our knowledge of this complex process.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateJul 31, 2013

NASA technologist makes traveling to hard-to-reach destinations easier

A NASA technologist has developed a fully automated tool, the Evolutionary Mission Trajectory Generator (EMTG), that gives mission planners detailed directions for efficiently steering spacecraft to distant interplanetary destinations. The tool can calculate multiple trajectories in minutes, reducing the time required to design missions.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 31, 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.

Genetic link to gestational diabetes

Researchers identified two genes, HKDC1 and BACE2, associated with glucose and insulin levels in pregnant women but not in the general population. This study suggests that genetic risk profiles could one day identify individuals at elevated risk for developing gestational diabetes.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalDiabetes·DateJul 31, 2013

New Explorer mission chooses the 'just-right' orbit

The TESS mission will map the locations of over 500 transiting exoplanets, including small planets around bright stars. This is the first time NASA has studied a large number of small planets with advanced instruments.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 31, 2013

Wilson earns GSA's 2013 Maxwell A. Pollack Award for Productive Aging

Wilson has been recognized for her work in translating research into practical application and policy, particularly through the Healthy IDEAS project, which improves outcomes for mental health conditions among older adults. She is also a leader in promoting social worker competencies to promote older adults' well-being.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateJul 31, 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.

VCU physicists discover theoretical possibility of large, hollow magnetic cage molecules

VCU physicists have discovered the theoretical possibility of creating large, hollow magnetic cage molecules that could be used for targeted non-invasive drug delivery. The molecules, which are larger than the original Buckminster fullerene, carry giant magnetic moments and could serve as effective vehicles for delivering drugs to tumors.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJul 31, 2013

The pathway to potato poisons

Scientists have mapped out the biochemical pathway responsible for manufacturing glycoalkaloids in plants, which are toxic substances found in potatoes and other edible plants. The research could facilitate breeding of toxin-free crops and development of new crop varieties.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateJul 31, 2013

'Highway from hell' fueled Costa Rican volcano

Scientists suggest that Costa Rica's largest stratovolcano, Irazú, erupted in the 1960s due to magma rising from the mantle over a few months, rather than thousands of years. This fast-rising magma could provide an early warning tool for detecting oncoming volcanic disasters.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalNature·DateJul 31, 2013

Using gold and light to study molecules in water

Using a device that detects molecules in real-time, researchers can now observe biomolecule interactions in a sample of water. This technology has major implications for medicine, enabling scientists to study proteins, medicines, and cells with unprecedented precision.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 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.

New signal stabilizes atherosclerotic plaques

A new mouse model study reveals that interleukin-17 can stabilize atherosclerotic plaques by promoting their stability. This discovery provides crucial information on the role of the immune system in atherosclerosis and may lead to the development of new therapies.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 31, 2013

Digest this: Cure for cancer may live in our intestines

Researchers discovered a biological mechanism that preserves intestinal tracts in mice treated with lethal doses of chemotherapy, increasing survival rates by up to 75%. The findings could revolutionize cancer therapy by allowing humans to tolerate stronger doses of chemotherapy and radiation, potentially curing later-stage metastasize...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature·DateJul 31, 2013

Computational biology: Cells reprogrammed on the computer

Researchers at the University of Luxembourg's LCSB have developed a computational model that accurately predicts cell reprogramming, eliminating the need for stem cells. The breakthrough could lead to treatments for diseases like Parkinson's by repurposing healthy skin cells into functional nerve cells.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalStem Cells·DateJul 31, 2013

Exercise is good for you, but it won't cut hot flashes

A 12-week aerobic exercise program showed no significant reduction in hot flashes among postmenopausal women. However, white women and those with initial fitness levels improved with exercise. Exercise had small positive effects on sleep quality, insomnia, and depression.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·DateJul 31, 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.

August 2013 Lithosphere concentrates on China, the Himalaya, India, and North America

Researchers studied China's Qinling and Tibetan Plateau orogens, finding evidence of late-stage foreland growth. In India, scientists proposed a cost-effective method for locating diamonds using geological, geochemical, and geochronological data. Additionally, a Middle Paleozoic continental arc was identified in southern China, providi...

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalLithosphere·DateJul 31, 2013

Anemia linked to increased risk of dementia

A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that anemia is associated with a nearly 41% higher risk of developing dementia. People with anemia at the start of the study were more likely to develop dementia over 11 years.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJul 31, 2013

Brain maps to benefit epileptic surgery

A new brain mapping technique using magnetoencephalography (MEG) has been developed to help surgeons plan for surgical treatment in epilepsy. The study, published in Human Brain Mapping, produced detailed spatial maps of critical language functions to improve surgical outcomes.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateJul 31, 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.

Georgia Tech uncovers iOS security weaknesses

Researchers at Georgia Tech found two security weaknesses that allow malware to be installed on iOS devices via Trojan Horse-style applications and peripherals. A proof-of-concept attack called Jekyll can hide malicious code in approved apps, while a malicious charger called Mactans can install arbitrary apps without user interaction.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateJul 31, 2013

Oregon lab changes game for synthesizing new materials

Researchers at the University of Oregon have developed a game-changing approach to synthesize thousands of new compounds with ultra-low thermal conductivity. The team designed layered elemental precursors that self-assemble into metastable compounds with predictable nano-architectures and specific crystallographic orientations.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 31, 2013

Rubber slat mats could improve animal well-being

Researchers found that pregnant sows housed on rubber slat mats had a reduced risk of swelling and wounds on the limbs, but an increased risk of sole and heel lesions. The study suggests that rubber slat mats could improve animal well-being by reducing locomotory problems in swine.

SourceAmerican Society of Animal Science·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateJul 31, 2013

Placebo effects of different therapies not identical

Research found that responses to placebos are influenced by diverse factors including route of administration, environmental cues, and learning. Participants' expectations correlated with pain thresholds and tolerance, suggesting a complex relationship between placebo effects and individual traits. Sham acupuncture's effect on genuine ...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 31, 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.

Study offers promising new direction for organ regeneration and tissue repair

A research team has identified a new approach to enhance normal tissue growth, which could have widespread therapeutic applications for patients with various medical conditions. The study found that epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) play a critical role in accelerating tissue growth and regeneration.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2013

Fertility therapy not associated with long-term cardiovascular disease

Researchers found no association between fertility treatment and long-term cardiovascular disease, contradicting previous theories. Women who received fertility therapy had a lower risk of death and major cardiovascular events compared to those without the treatment.

SourceWomen's College Hospital·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJul 31, 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.

Could planting trees in the desert mitigate climate change?

Researchers propose carbon farming as an environmentally friendly method to sequester massive amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere. A new study shows that one hectare of Jatropha curcas plants could capture up to 25 tonnes of atmospheric carbon dioxide per year, making it a competitive alternative to other geoengineering techniques.

SourceEuropean Geosciences Union·JournalEarth System Dynamics·DateJul 31, 2013

Entomological Society of America announces 2013 fellows

The Entomological Society of America has elected ten new Fellows, Dr. Charles Vincent and Dr. Jeffrey G. Scott, who have made significant contributions to entomology in research, teaching, extension, or administration. The fellows will be recognized at the ESA's 61st Annual Meeting in Austin, Texas.

SourceEntomological Society of America·DateJul 31, 2013