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Science News Archive July 2013


Page 9 of 31

High rate of early delirium after surgery in older adults

A study found that nearly half of older adults undergoing surgery with general anesthesia developed delirium in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), with 45% of patients experiencing delirium. Delirium is linked to decreased cognitive function and an increased risk of nursing home admission. The study suggests that even brief episodes ...

Trust in physician eases talks about medical expenses

A study found that strong doctor-patient relationships facilitate conversations about healthcare costs, particularly when patients feel trust their physician. Patients are more willing to discuss personal out-of-pocket costs than insurer costs, and older and sicker individuals are more receptive to discussing costs.

The ferromagnetic Kondo effect

Researchers at SISSA have developed a circuit simulating the ferromagnetic Kondo effect, a phenomenon linked to spin of metal electrons. The team predicts this effect can be observed with sufficient low temperature, which would change material properties like resistivity.

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.

Neural simulations hint at the origin of brain waves

Scientists from EPFL's Blue Brain Project and the Allen Institute join forces to simulate brain wave behavior using a detailed computer model. The simulation reveals similarities between modeled brain activity and measured EEG signals in rodents, offering insights into the neural circuitry behind brain waves.

Adenoviruses may pose risk for monkey-to-human leap

UCSF researchers have discovered a new adenovirus that can spread from primate to primate and potentially from monkeys to humans. The study suggests that adenoviruses may pose a risk for cross-species infections, highlighting the need for vigilance in tracking animal viruses.

How do babies learn to be wary of heights?

Infants develop wariness of heights after gaining locomotor experience, contradicting the idea that they follow a maturational script. The study suggests that exploration and movement strategies are crucial in developing skills and learning to adapt to terrain.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Hospital mammography recall rates higher

A new study published in Radiology found that hospital mammography recall rates are higher than those at community office practices. The study, which analyzed data from 2008 to 2011, identified patients with previous surgeries and biopsies as a key factor contributing to the increased recall rate.

Gene transduction inhibits post-epileptic hippocampal synaptic reconstruction

Researchers found that intracerebroventricular injection of neuropeptide Y gene suppressed mossy fiber sprouting, inhibited abnormal synaptophysin expression, and reduced epileptic seizures. This study suggests a recombinant adeno-associated virus expression vector carrying the neuropeptide Y gene as a potential therapeutic approach.

Patient warming systems may affect ventilation in OR, study suggests

A recent study suggests that forced-air patient warming systems may affect airflow in operating rooms, potentially increasing exposure to bacteria and other contaminants during surgery. Conductive warming systems, on the other hand, do not disrupt ventilation airflows over the surgical site.

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.

New genetic cause of pulmonary hypertension identified

Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center discovered a new genetic mutation, KCNK3, linked to pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a rare fatal disease. The mutation affects potassium channels in the pulmonary artery and can be reversed with a phospholipase inhibitor.

Environmental toxins enter the brain tissue of polar bears

Researchers have detected perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the brain tissue of polar bears, which could have severe impacts on human health. The study suggests that PFASs are crossing the blood-brain barrier and accumulating in all parts of the brain, highlighting the need for further research into their effects.

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.

NIH funds new grants exploring use of genome sequencing in patient care

The NIH has awarded four new grants to explore the use of genome sequencing in medical care, including informing couples about reproductive risks and detecting genomic alterations that can lead to cancer. The grants total approximately $6.7 million in the first year and aim to advance treatment and improve patient outcomes.

Survey assesses views of physicians regarding controlling health care costs

A survey of US physicians found that they generally agree on quality initiatives to reduce costs but express less enthusiasm for payment model changes. Most believed trial lawyers and patients have a significant role in reducing costs, while practicing physicians reported having limited responsibility. Physicians were enthusiastic abou...

Researchers unravel secrets of mussels' clinginess

Researchers have unraveled the secrets of mussels' clinginess, discovering that their byssus threads can withstand impact forces nine times greater than stretching in one direction. The unique distribution of stiffness along the threads enables them to absorb nutrients while minimizing damage from waves.

Non-toxic flame retardants

Researchers at Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) have developed non-toxic flame retardants, replacing conventional halogenated chemicals. The new compounds, derived from organic phosphorus, have been shown to be effective without harming the manufacturing process or environment.

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.

Pre-clinical animal research must improve

A systematic review of guidelines for in vivo animal experiments identified key procedures to enhance preclinical efficacy studies. Researchers recommend prioritizing sample size calculation, randomized treatment allocation, and disease phenotype characterization to improve clinical relevance.

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.

Atmospheric rivers set to increase UK winter flooding

A new study finds that atmospheric rivers are projected to increase in frequency and intensity under future climate change scenarios, leading to more severe and frequent winter floods in the UK. The research suggests that thermodynamic changes in the atmosphere, rather than natural climate variability, are driving these changes.

Building a good-neighbor policy between livestock industry and communities

A study by University of Illinois economist Peter Goldsmith highlights the need for better communication between the livestock industry and local communities. The research found that more effective communication can help reconcile important issues and build common experiences, leading to a more factual conversation.

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.

Mechanical tension promotes nerve regeneration of skin pathological scars

A study published in Neural Regeneration Research found that mechanical tension contributes to the formation of hyperplastic scars and stimulates nerve growth factor expression. This suggests a possible role of the cutaneous nervous system in hypertrophic scar formation, providing new insights into scar tissue development.

Choosing a wave could accelerate airplane maintenance

Aerospace engineers can now detect adhesive failures in hard-to-reach places more quickly and precisely using the right ultrasonic frequency. The selection process could save time and effort for engineers performing maintenance on complex composite materials.

Controlling genes with light

Researchers have developed a new technology that can quickly turn genes on and off by shining light, enabling precise control over gene expression. This innovation has potential applications in understanding learning and memory, as well as studying epigenetic modifications.

Wave of blue fluorescence reveals pathway of death in worms

Researchers have identified a pathway of self-destruction that triggers the spread of cell death in worms, causing a 'blue Grim Reaper' to track death through the body. This discovery sheds light on how ageing causes death and provides insights into preventing it.

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.

6 months of computing time generates detailed portrait of cloth behavior

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University and the University of California, Berkeley, simulated almost every important configuration of cloth after six months of computation. The team developed an iterative technique that continuously samples cloth motions, automatically detecting areas where data is lacking or where errors occur.

Between B cells and T cells

Researchers discovered that the transcription factor EBF1 is crucial for maintaining B cell identity and preventing alternative fates. When EBF1 was switched off, transplanted B cells forgot their previous identity and developed into T cells and natural killer cells.

Valley networks suggest ancient snowfall on Mars

Researchers at Brown University found evidence of orographic precipitation causing water-carved valleys on Mars, indicating ancient snowfall. The study's findings shed light on early Martian climate and atmosphere.

Concerted proton hopping in water

Researchers analyze proton diffusion mechanism using theoretical calculations, finding that protons hop quickly between water molecules, followed by rest periods. The discovery may be relevant to enzymes and macromolecules, improving understanding of proton transfer in aqueous systems.

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.

Optimists better at regulating stress

A study by Concordia University researchers found that optimists tend to have more stable cortisol levels, indicating better regulation of stress. In contrast, pessimists struggle to control their stress response, especially during high-stress situations.

Purple bacteria on Earth could survive alien light

University of Miami researchers found that purple bacteria can survive in extreme alien light by distributing photons across multiple reaction centers, allowing each one enough time to recover. This discovery suggests new possibilities for life on Earth and elsewhere in the universe.

Devastating long-distance impact of earthquakes

Researchers at the University of Bonn used computer simulations to show that seismic waves can focus over long distances, triggering mud eruptions. The study found that a dome-shaped structure under the mud volcano focused energy into the mud layer, liquifying it and injecting it into nearby faults.

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.

Male guppies ensure successful mating with genital claws

Male guppies develop genital claws to increase sperm transfer during mating, with a study showing clawed males transferred up to three times more sperm than declawed males. This adaptation suggests sexual conflict between the sexes played a role in the diversification of the fish's genitalia.

Keeping centrioles in check to ensure proper cell division

A team of scientists has discovered a crucial mechanism controlling centriole separation during cell division, shedding light on the process and its potential links to cancer. The study's findings suggest that the dense mass surrounding centrioles, called PCM, plays a key role in regulating their separation.

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.

A new weapon against stroke

A UC Davis study reveals that astrocytes can protect brain tissue and reduce disability due to stroke. The research found that a specific type of astrocyte called Olig2PC-Astros has greater antioxidant effects and improves learning and memory in rats.

Want to be safe? Move to the City. No, really.

A study found that large cities have a lower risk of injury death compared to rural areas, with a 40% higher risk of unintentional injury death in the most rural counties. The risk of firearm-related deaths varied by age and race, but was generally higher in rural areas.

MU, K-State research team collaborate to save the bacon

A recent study by a MU, K-State research team disproved the theory that Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) binds to CD169 molecules in pigs. This discovery will help scientists narrow their search for an ultimate cure.

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.

Cannabis constituent has no effect on MS progression, study shows

A large clinical study found no evidence that THC slows progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) progression. However, participants at the lower end of the disability scale showed some benefits. The study suggests that further research is needed to confirm these findings.

New species of Hero Shrew found in equatorial Africa

Scientists describe a new species of Hero Shrew with an interlocking spine that may represent intermediate character states between other shrews. The new species possesses features that enable it to position itself between palm trunks and access beetle larvae, providing a unique adaptation for survival.

Perfecting digital imaging

Researchers at Harvard University are developing new techniques to improve digital imaging, including a method to mimic the appearance of translucent objects and optimize screen hardware for adaptive displays. Their work has the potential to advance artificial vision, 3D displays, and video editing.

A new player in brain disease and stroke

Researchers discover histone H1 protein's role in neurodegenerative disease and stroke; protein can trigger immune response and drive brain cell death. The study may lead to the development of new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and stroke.

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 strategy for fiber tracking in human brain

Researchers developed a new method for reliable fiber tracking with accurate orientation, outperforming existing methods in tracking white matter bundles. The approach showed superior results in detailed images of fiber bundles.