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Science News Archive July 2013 - Page 4


Page 4 of 31

Graduate student awarded NIH fellowship to study electronic cigarettes

A graduate student at UC Riverside has received a $90,000 NIH fellowship to investigate the cytotoxic effects of e-cigarette aerosols on human cell health. The research aims to better understand the potential risks of e-cigarettes and improve their effectiveness as smoking cessation devices.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateJul 29, 2013

Hospital screening tool for suicide risk among self-harmers should be ditched

A screening tool used to detect suicide risk among patients who have self-harmed fails to accurately identify those in need of admission or treatment. The SADPERSONS Scale only picked up a small percentage of patients at high risk of further self harm, highlighting the need for more accurate assessment methods.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalEmergency Medicine Journal·DateJul 29, 2013

Examination of lymph nodes provides more accurate breast cancer prognosis

Researchers at Lund University found that lymph nodes provide a more accurate picture of breast cancer prognosis than breast tissue alone. Analyzing the proliferation, hormone receptor status, and HER2 status of lymph nodes showed significantly improved results in predicting metastases and disease recurrence.

SourceLund University·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·DateJul 29, 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.

Friendships reduce risky behaviors in homeless youth

A new study from the University of California - San Francisco found that friendships play a crucial role in reducing risky behaviors among homeless youth. Homeless young women were found to have lower condom use and a higher likelihood of sex with intravenous drug users, leading to higher rates of STIs.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJul 29, 2013

Plant-based compound may inhibit HIV

Researchers at George Mason University have discovered that genistein, found in soybeans, can inhibit HIV infection by blocking cellular signals. The study's early findings suggest that genistein may be used as a complement treatment for HIV infection, potentially addressing drug toxicity issues.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalRetrovirology·DateJul 29, 2013

Most ward nurses say time pressures force them to 'ration' care

Research published in BMJ Quality & Safety found that most ward nurses report rationing care due to time pressures, with 86% saying they couldn't complete at least one care activity on their last shift. The study suggests that hospitals could use 'missed care' episodes as an early warning system for inadequate nurse staffing levels.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Quality & Safety·DateJul 29, 2013

Are you hiring the wrong person?

A new study by Berkeley-Haas Associate Professor Don Moore found that hiring managers tend to ignore the context of past performance when making judgments about job candidates. This systematic bias in thought, known as correspondence bias, can lead to poor hiring decisions.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 29, 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.

Video killed the interview star

Researchers at McMaster University found that video conferencing in job interviews can lead to less likable candidates and lower ratings for interviewers. The study suggests that face-to-face interviews are essential for accurate assessments and positive evaluations.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalManagement Decision·DateJul 29, 2013

Cell phones could increase cancer risk

A Tel Aviv University study found that the saliva of heavy cell phone users showed higher oxidative stress levels, a process that damages human cells and is linked to cancer. The research adds to growing evidence that cell phone use may be harmful in the long term.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAntioxidants & Redox Signaling·DateJul 29, 2013

Understanding why male mammals choose monogamy

Researchers found that social monogamy in male mammals arose from ancestral species with solitary females, where males formed pairs to guard their mates. This approach explains the spatial distribution of females and provides insight into the evolution of paternal care.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 29, 2013

When fluid dynamics mimic quantum mechanics

MIT researchers have produced the fluidic analogue of the double-slit experiment and electron confinement in a circular corral, demonstrating remarkable accuracy in statistical behavior. This discovery offers insight into rational quantum dynamics and wave-particle duality.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·DateJul 29, 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.

Early exposure to insecticides gives amphibians higher tolerance later

A Pitt-led study found that early exposure to insecticides increases amphibian tolerance to those same insecticides later in life. The researchers also discovered that low-level carbaryl exposure stimulates the production of a key enzyme, making tadpoles more tolerant to lethal doses.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalEvolutionary Applications·DateJul 29, 2013

GOES-R satellite magnetometer boom deployment successful

The successful deployment of the GOES-R satellite's magnetometer boom will enhance space weather forecasting, predicting geomagnetic storms with greater accuracy. This technology improvement supports better protection of property, public safety, and economic development.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 29, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Playing college football linked with high blood pressure risk

A small study found that college football players, especially linemen, may develop high blood pressure over the course of their first season. Researchers noted a significant increase in blood pressure levels among players after the season, with 47% considered pre-hypertensive and 14% having stage 1 hypertension.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJul 29, 2013

Global warming endangers South American water supply

A study by the University of New South Wales reveals that global warming may lead to a decline in seasonal water storage capacity for Argentina and Chile. The North Patagonian Ice-field, vital to maintaining this capacity, is expected to shrink due to changes in westerly winds.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 29, 2013

Could sleeping stem cells hold key to treatment of aggressive blood cancer?

Researchers found that cancer cells are putting healthy stem cells to sleep, preventing them from forming new blood cells. This discovery offers a potential new approach to treating Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML), which affects around 2,500 people in the UK each year.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2013

NASA sees Tropical Storm Flossie near Hawaii

Tropical Storm Flossie brings heavy rainfall and strong winds to the Hawaiian Islands, with dangerously high surf expected. Satellite data shows the storm's movement and expected impact on Kona coffee crops, with moist air causing orographic lift and rain on the windward side.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 29, 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.

Pushing microscopy beyond standard limits

Researchers create a method to convert conventional microscopes into high-resolution imaging systems that outperform standard microscopes. The new system combines the field-of-view advantage of a 2X lens with the resolution advantage of a 20X lens, producing images with 100 times more information.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Photonics·DateJul 29, 2013

Scientists from Mainz and Antananarivo describe Lavasoa Dwarf Lemur as new primate species

Researchers from Mainz and Antananarivo have identified a previously unknown primate species, the Lavasoa Dwarf Lemur, with an estimated population size of less than 50 individuals. The newly described species inhabits isolated forest fragments in southern Madagascar and is considered extremely rare and endangered.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalMolecular Phylogenetics and Evolution·DateJul 29, 2013

Study unravels genetics behind debilitating inflammatory disease Takayasu arteritis

A study by Michigan Medicine researchers has identified five genes that play a major role in the development of Takayasu arteritis, a debilitating disease causing inflammation and damage to major blood vessels. The findings may lead to new therapeutic targets for this under-studied condition.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJul 29, 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.

Like water for batteries

A University of Pittsburgh study reveals that graphite materials are actually hydrophilic due to airborne contaminants. This discovery has significant implications for lithium-ion batteries and super capacitors, which may lead to stronger and more durable devices.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 29, 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.

Pulsating star sheds light on exoplanet

A team of researchers has developed a new method to measure the internal properties of stars, enabling more accurate assessments of their orbiting planets. By using asteroseismology, they were able to determine the mass and rotation rate of a pulsating star, confirming the existence of an exoplanet in its orbit.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2013

Borneo's orangutans are coming down from the trees

Researchers in Borneo have found orangutans regularly coming down from trees to forage or travel, comparable to ground-dwelling macaques. The reason for this behavior remains a mystery, but habitat loss and transformation may be driving the adaptation.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Primatology·DateJul 29, 2013

New coating may help joint replacements bond better with bone

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new coating for medical implants that can boost bone cell growth by nearly 80%, potentially leading to faster healing of joint replacements and broken bones. The coating, made of tiny metal oxide wires, allows bone cells to cling more easily and form a stronger bond with the implant.

SourceOhio State University·JournalCeramics International·DateJul 29, 2013

UCLA researchers double efficiency of novel solar cell

The new device achieves a conversion rate of 7.3%, nearly double the original 4% rate, due to its two-layer design and novel materials. Researchers envision solar-powered windows and smartphone displays that can generate energy while maintaining transparency.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJul 29, 2013

Hope for tigers lives in Sumatra

A recent study has discovered an unexpected density of six tigers per 100km2 in Tambling, a privately managed concession in Sumatra. This estimate is nearly double the highest recorded for the island to date, making it a critical site for tiger conservation.

SourcePanthera·DateJul 29, 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.

Intent to harm: Willful acts seem more damaging

Participants in studies estimated higher monetary damages for intentional harm than unintentional harm, suggesting people perceive intentional harm as more damaging. This finding has implications for legal and policy-related judgments, potentially leading to over-allocation of resources to prevent highly intentional harms.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 29, 2013

Brain implant aims to stifle drug highs

Researchers are developing a brain implant that senses dopamine levels and suppresses reward signals to treat and possibly cure drug abuse. The device will be tested on anesthetized laboratory rats next month.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateJul 29, 2013

Looking at outcomes important to patients may improve results of cataract surgery

A study found that using well-designed tools to assess patient-reported outcomes can lead to new insights for improving cataract care. Patient-reported measures were affected by clinical measures such as visual acuity and ocular comorbidity, but also by factors related to better or worse patient-reported outcomes.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalOptometry and Vision Science·DateJul 29, 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.

NIH math model predicts effects of diet, physical activity on childhood weight

A new mathematical model developed by the NIH predicts how weight and body fat in children respond to adjustments in diet and physical activity. The results suggest that obese children may require more calories per pound of extra weight than adults, and may have therapeutic windows for weight management.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateJul 29, 2013

Major changes urged for cancer screening and treatment

A scientific panel recommends personalized strategies to reduce cancer overtreatment by classifying indolent tumors and improving screening strategies. The goal is to detect consequential cancer while avoiding inconsequential disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA·DateJul 29, 2013

Topical analgesic may provide pain-free 'skin glue' repair of cuts in children

A randomized controlled trial found that over 50% of children who received a topical analgesic experienced no pain during wound repair with tissue adhesive. The study suggested early application of the analgesic to all minor cuts may decrease children's pain during these procedures.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 29, 2013

X chromosomes: Undoing a hairpin doubles gene activity

Researchers found a new switch involved in dosage compensation, which doubles gene activity on the male X chromosome. This switch, revealed to be a hairpin structure, must be unwound by an enzyme before MSL proteins can bind, allowing for functional assembly of the Dosage Compensation Complex.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJul 29, 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.

Hot flashes? Thank evolution

A study comparing mortality and fertility patterns among wild apes and monkeys to humans shows that human females are unique in living beyond their childbearing years. Half of women experience menopause by age 50, and fertility declines earlier than the rest of the body.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2013

Cells move as concentration shifts

Researchers found that cells displace due to changing morphogen concentration levels, attracting cells through chemotaxis. This understanding can improve wound healing and artificial tissue engineering.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJul 29, 2013

Human cells respond in healthy, unhealthy ways to different kinds of happiness

Human cells respond in healthy ways to eudaimonic well-being but in unhealthy ways to hedonic happiness. Research found a significant decrease in stress-related gene expression profiles for those experiencing eudaimonic well-being, while hedonic well-being was linked to an increase.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2013

Young cannabis-smokers aware of the health risks

A study of 12,000 young Swiss men found that those who consume addictive substances like alcohol, tobacco, or cannabis are more likely to seek information on these topics. Despite this, prevention campaigns may not be effective due to the complexity of individual knowledge and behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalInternational Journal of Public Health·DateJul 29, 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.

Evolution of diverse sex-determining mechanisms in mammals

Researchers found a genetic process among rodents that challenges assumptions about sex determination and the pace of evolution. A novel protein domain added to the Sry gene acts as a genetic capacitor, providing protection against mutations but also allowing for rapid evolutionary change.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2013

Cockatoos know what is going on behind barriers

Researchers found that Goffin cockatoos solve spatial memory tasks comparable to those of great apes and four-year-old human toddlers. The birds' performance was surprising, given the complexity of these tasks and their potential ecological implications.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalJournal of Comparative Psychology·DateJul 29, 2013

Study looks beyond averages to track variability in a bacterial population

A recent study by University of Illinois researchers identified behavioral subtypes within a modeled Escherichia coli population based on gene regulation and protein distributions. The findings suggest that tracking specific genes may be sufficient to capture most of the metabolic variability in the entire population.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2013

The invisible driver

A team of engineers at the Technical University of Munich has successfully demonstrated remote control driving on public roads using Visio.M e-mobility project technology. The system uses video cameras, computer encoding, and LTE connectivity to transmit images, sound, and control data between the driver and the vehicle.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateJul 29, 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.

Study predicts potential surge in medically-attended injuries

New research from The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia estimates a potential surge in medically-attended injuries, particularly among currently uninsured young adults who will now be able to access affordable care. The study predicts an increase in demand for treatment among younger patients with mild and moderate injuries.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalClinical Pediatrics·DateJul 29, 2013

Make it yourself and save -- a lot

A Michigan Technological University researcher predicts that personal manufacturing with 3D printing will enter the mainstream, offering consumers significant cost savings. The study analyzed 20 common household items and found that making them with a 3D printer could save up to $1,944 compared to buying them online.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalMechatronics·DateJul 29, 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.

Researchers identify genetic mutation linked to congenital heart disease

A team of Nationwide Children's Hospital researchers identified a genetic mutation in the FOXP1 gene that contributes to congenital heart disease. The study found that a rare mutation in FOXP1 affects Nkx2.5 transcription factor expression, which is implicated in congenital heart disease.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalHuman Mutation·DateJul 29, 2013

Ice-free Arctic winters could explain amplified warming during Pliocene

Researchers found that year-round ice-free conditions in the Arctic could explain amplified warming during the Pliocene Epoch, with warmer temperatures and reduced seasonal cycles. The study used climate models to simulate the effects of ice-free winters and summers, revealing a possible mechanism for Pliocene warming.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateJul 29, 2013

NASA keeping an eye on Dorian's remnants

Tropical Storm Dorian's remnants are producing showers and thunderstorms northeast of the Northern Leeward Islands. The low pressure area is moving westward towards Puerto Rico and the Bahamas, with a medium chance (40%) of regeneration into a tropical cyclone.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 29, 2013

Saliva samples can reveal serious illnesses

Researchers at Malmo University found that saliva samples can reveal traces of serious illnesses, such as cancer and diabetes. This breakthrough could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment with a simple saliva test.

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 29, 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.

Tetrapod nanocrystals light the way to stronger polymers

Researchers develop a technique using fluorescent tetrapod quantum dots to measure polymer fiber tensile strength without altering its mechanical properties. The tQDs act as non-perturbing probes that provide detailed stress monitoring, enabling the creation of stronger and more durable materials.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 29, 2013