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Science News Archive July 2013 - Page 29


Page 29 of 31

Non-invasive brain stimulation helps stroke patients gain prolonged language recovery

Researchers developed a non-invasive brain stimulation technique using transcranial magnetic stimulation to improve language function in stroke patients with chronic aphasia. The technique demonstrated long-term improvement in language production, enabling continued development of language capacity months after treatment.

SourceThe Journal of Visualized Experiments·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateJul 2, 2013

NASA sees tropical storm dalila weaken, new low pressure area form

Tropical Storm Dalila has weakened near the southwestern Mexico coast, while a new tropical low pressure area called System 97E has formed in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. The storm's maximum sustained winds dropped to 65 mph on July 2, and it is now moving away from the coast into open waters.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 2, 2013

Brain sets prices with emotional value

A study by Duke University researchers has discovered that the brain's ventromedial prefrontal cortex, a small area between the eyes, calculates both emotional and economic values. The vmPFC plays a key role in value tradeoffs, such as determining whether to part with hard-earned money for a product.

SourceDuke University·DateJul 2, 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.

Poor planning skills found to contribute to income-achievement gap

A new study identifies poor planning skills as a contributing factor to the income-achievement gap in children, which can emerge as early as kindergarten. The study found that lower household income during infancy is associated with poorer performance on reading and math in fifth grade.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateJul 2, 2013

Weekly yoga class yields similar lower back pain relief as 2 classes

A weekly yoga class provided similar lower back pain relief as twice weekly classes in a study of predominantly low-income adults. The results suggest that attending a medically appropriate weekly yoga class could benefit patients interested in trying yoga for lower back pain.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalEvidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine·DateJul 2, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Coronal mass ejection headed toward Mercury and Venus

A coronal mass ejection was detected heading towards Mercury and Venus on July 1, 2013. The CME is expected to pass by NASA's Messenger, Spitzer, and STEREO-B satellites with only slight particle radiation associated with it.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 2, 2013

Breakthrough: Sensors monitor cells at work

Researchers have created a groundbreaking way to measure transporter proteins in living organisms, providing insights into metabolic networks and regulation. This breakthrough has major implications for plant biology and human health research, enabling monitoring of transporters like the Rhesus factor.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·DateJul 2, 2013

Low levels of toxic proteins linked to brain diseases, study suggests

Researchers discovered that low levels of a toxic protein may cause more harm than high levels in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. Short protein threads formed at low levels can lead to disease progression, whereas longer filaments are thought to be protective.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 2, 2013

Fishing in the sea of proteins

For the first time, a large complex of proteins and RNA has been identified in chloroplasts, which cuts non-coding regions out of messenger RNA to create a protein blueprint. The study reveals that this splicing complex contains 23 different proteins encoded in the cell nucleus.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·DateJul 2, 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.

Women worldwide know less about politics than men

A study by the Economic & Social Research Council found that women know less about politics than men globally, regardless of country's gender equality rating. The research reveals a significant gap in news coverage, with women being underrepresented and cited less often.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateJul 2, 2013

Why do we gesticulate?

Studies of early development in fishes reveal a single compartment in the hindbrain controlling vocal and pectoral mechanisms, which may explain why humans use hand gestures when speaking. This neural connection could be key to understanding the evolution of language.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJul 2, 2013

Growth in cerebral aneurysms increases risk of rupture

A study found that cerebral aneurysms of all sizes are 12 times more likely to rupture if they grow in size. The researchers observed growth in nearly 18% of asymptomatic cerebral aneurysms and found a strong association between aneurysm growth, initial size, and tobacco smoking.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJul 2, 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.

Smoking cessation, weight gain, and subsequent CHD risk

Researchers found that smoking cessation lowered the risk of coronary heart disease among postmenopausal women with and without diabetes. However, weight gain after quitting weakened this association, particularly for women who gained 11 lbs or more, according to a study using data from the Women's Health Initiative.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJul 2, 2013

A good night's sleep increases the cardiovascular benefits of a healthy lifestyle

A large population study found that sufficient sleep increases the protective benefits of exercise, healthy diet, and non-smoking on cardiovascular disease. Adding sufficient sleep to these factors resulted in a 65% lower risk of composite CVD and an 83% lower risk of fatal events.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateJul 2, 2013

Brown fat responsible for from heart disease-related deaths in winter

A new study published in Cell Metabolism suggests that cold exposure can accelerate the growth of atherosclerotic plaque in blood vessels, leading to increased risk of heart disease-related deaths. Brown fat activation has been linked to the formation of unstable plaques that can rupture and cause blockages in the heart and brain.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 2, 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.

New forensic technique may help track illegal ivory

A new method for dating elephant tusks using radiocarbon levels could help enforce the ivory ban and save African elephants from extinction. The technique, developed by Columbia University researchers, can be applied to other endangered wildlife and is affordable for government agencies.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 1, 2013

Researchers find 2 new methods to determine ALK status

Researchers have developed two new methodologies to determine ALK status in non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. The first method improves IHC assay sensitivity using a novel hapten and tyramide amplification, detecting low levels of ALK protein expression. The second method combines brightfield IHC with in situ hybridization f...

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateJul 1, 2013

Study examines out-of hospital stroke policy at Chicago hospitals

A citywide policy recommending pre-hospital triage of suspected stroke patients led to increased use of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and emergency medical services. Admissions for stroke and transient ischemic attack also increased, with faster onset-to-treatment times.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateJul 1, 2013

Researchers have discovered a new proteasome regulatory mechanism

Researchers have identified a key proteasome regulatory mechanism that affects cellular protein balance and may hold promise for treating neurodegenerative diseases. Decreased insulin/IGF-1 signalling increases proteasome activity, accelerating protein degradation and cell death.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 1, 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.

Fires in Manitoba, Canada

A total of 27 fires are currently burning in northeast Manitoba, with areas at risk due to dry conditions. The wildfires have burned approximately 126,000 hectares and pose a significant threat to local communities.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 1, 2013

Study identifies priorities for improving global conservation funding

A study identifies 40 countries as most poorly funded for biodiversity conservation, harboring 32% of threatened mammalian species. The researchers suggest how funding should change to achieve the UN's 2020 goals on reducing extinction.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 1, 2013

Climbing the social ladder is strongly influenced by your grandparents' class

Researchers found a significant association between grandparents' and grandchildren's social class positions, even after parents' education and income were considered. The 'grandparents effect' suggests that grandparents' class background influences children's occupational choices.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateJul 1, 2013

Bioengineering fungi for biofuels and chemicals production

Researchers explore fungal biology and bioengineering applications to produce enzymes for releasing sugars from biomass, converting to biofuels and biobased chemicals. Advances in technology enable the development of new industrial processes.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalIndustrial Biotechnology·DateJul 1, 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.

New treatment for schizophrenia discovered in Finland

Researchers at the University of Helsinki have found that high doses of famotidine can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and affect the histamine system in the brain. After four weeks of treatment, symptoms of schizophrenia decreased statistically significantly in patients who received famotidine.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychopharmacology·DateJul 1, 2013

Improving crop yields in a world of extreme weather events

A UC Riverside-led team has discovered a new chemical called quinabactin that mimics a naturally occurring stress hormone in plants to improve drought tolerance. This breakthrough could provide a powerful tool for farmers to protect their crops under extreme weather conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 1, 2013

Supersense: It's a snap for crocs

Research found that crocodylians have unique multi-sensory organs called dome pressure receptors or Integumentary Sensory organs, which grant fingertip sensitivity and detect surface pressure waves. These sensors also help regulate body temperature and detect suitable habitats.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalEvoDevo·DateJul 1, 2013

Study identifies priorities for improving global conservation funding

A new study has identified countries with the worst and best funding for biodiversity conservation, revealing a need for improved global distribution of conservation funds. The research found that underfunded countries often harbor high levels of threatened mammal biodiversity, highlighting opportunities for targeted conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 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.

UCSB astronomer uncovers the hidden identity of an exoplanet

Astronomer Diana Dragomir reveals the hidden identity of super-Earth HD 97658b, measuring its size and mass for the first time. The exoplanet's density suggests a thick atmosphere, but it orbits too close to its star to support liquid water oceans.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 1, 2013

CWRU researchers trace inner-city women's health issues to childhood traumas

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University traced chronic health problems of adult inner-city women to childhood abuse and neglect. The study found that childhood trauma affects physical health in adulthood through lifetime drug dependence, smoking, and psychological distress.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·DateJul 1, 2013

Doctor-patient communication about dietary supplements could use a vitamin boost

A new UCLA-led study found that primary care physicians rarely discuss the risks and benefits of dietary supplements with their patients. The study analyzed audio recordings from over 1,400 office visits and discovered that only six out of 738 supplements were discussed in detail regarding all five major topics.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalPatient Education and Counseling·DateJul 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.

1 in 5 UK NHS staff report bullying by colleagues

Research published in BMJ Open found that 19.9% of respondents had been bullied by colleagues within the past six months, with medical and dental staff reporting the highest levels of bullying. The study also highlighted the impact of bullying on psychological distress, job satisfaction, and increased intentions to leave the profession.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateJul 1, 2013

JCI early table of contents for July 1, 2013

Researchers have made significant progress in developing new gene therapies to treat Sickle Cell Disease, malaria, and Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IIIA. In the Journal of Clinical Investigation, scientists successfully delivered a replacement gene to the brain in mice and dogs with MPSIIIA using intra-cerebrospinal fluid gene therapy.

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

Nuke test radiation can fight poachers

Researchers developed a new method using radioactive carbon-14 from nuclear bomb tests to determine the age of ivory, helping to combat illegal poaching. The method has immediate applications in enforcing international trade bans and reducing demand for ivory.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 1, 2013

Age affects how married couples handle conflict

A study by San Francisco State University found that older married couples tend to increase their avoidance of conflict discussions over time. This shift may be driven by age-related changes in socioemotional goals, where individuals prioritize less conflict and more positive experiences.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateJul 1, 2013

After the shooting, political violence lives on in kids' behavior problems

A new study by Duke University researchers found that short-term exposure to intense political violence can increase delinquent and aggressive behaviors in children. Children exposed to the violence displayed a range of increased problem behaviors, including bullying, vandalism, and skipping school.

SourceDuke University·JournalPsychology of Violence·DateJul 1, 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.

Can watching an avatar translate to real-life weight loss?

A new pilot study found that watching an avatar model healthy weight loss behaviors could lead to significant weight loss for overweight women. After four weeks of treatment, the women in the study lost an average of 3.5 pounds.

SourceGeorge Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Diabetes Science and Technology·DateJul 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.

Biomedical research revealing secrets of cell behavior

Researchers at Arizona State University have made significant progress in understanding cell fate determination, a process that governs how cells develop and transition. By using mathematical modeling and synthetic biology techniques, they created artificial gene networks and observed the behavior of cells as they approached their tipp...

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 1, 2013

Brain differences seen in depressed preschoolers

A key brain structure that regulates emotions works differently in depressed preschoolers compared to their healthy peers, according to new research. The findings suggest the children's brains may be experiencing an exaggeration of a normal developmental response to emotions.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJul 1, 2013

Tallying the wins and losses of policy

A new study found that China's payments for ecosystem services programs led to significant forest growth and environmental benefits. However, the programs also had negative impacts on rural households and their livelihoods, highlighting the need for more sustainable policies.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateJul 1, 2013

Insecticide causes changes in honeybee genes, research finds

New research by the University of Nottingham reveals that low levels of neonicotinoid insecticide can alter honeybee gene activity, affecting their development and lifespan. The study's findings support the European Commission's temporary ban on three such pesticides.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 1, 2013
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.

Identifying climate impact hotspots across sectors

The study identifies regions with severe climate impact changes in various sectors, including water availability in the Mediterranean. It reveals that locations with strong model agreement are more reliable hotspots than those identified by a single projection, highlighting the need for risk management.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 1, 2013

It's about time: Disrupted internal clocks play role in disease

Researchers found that circadian rhythm disruption and alcohol combination leads to liver disease, a previously unrecognized risk factor. The study suggests that lifestyle factors like shift work and poor sleep can promote gut leakiness and increase disease susceptibility.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 1, 2013

Pre-pregnancy diabetes increases risk of MRSA among new mothers

A study found that pregnant women with pre-pregnancy diabetes are more than three times as likely to become infected with MRSA before hospital discharge. Researchers also found no association between gestational diabetes and MRSA infection.

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