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Science News Archive July 2013 - Page 9


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 ...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalAnesthesia & Analgesia·DateJul 24, 2013

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.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJul 24, 2013

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.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 24, 2013

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.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNeuron·DateJul 24, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 24, 2013

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.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 24, 2013

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.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJul 24, 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.

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.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateJul 24, 2013

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.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalAnesthesia & Analgesia·DateJul 24, 2013

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.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 24, 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.

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.

SourceAarhus University·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateJul 23, 2013

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.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·DateJul 23, 2013

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...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJul 23, 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.

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 23, 2013

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.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry·DateJul 23, 2013
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.

Pathways activated in most K9 bone tumors not driving the worst bone tumors

A recent study found that in K9 osteosarcoma samples, NOTCH signaling was elevated overall but aspects of Notch signaling were noticeably deactivated in the worst cancers. The researchers also discovered that HES1 protein expression was lower in aggressive tumors, contradicting previous expectations.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalBMC Veterinary Research·DateJul 23, 2013

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 23, 2013

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.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 23, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAgriculture and Human Values·DateJul 23, 2013

Mount Sinai researchers identify vulnerabilities of the deadly Ebola virus

Researchers at Mount Sinai identified a critical protein called VP35 that deactivates the innate immune system, allowing Ebola viruses to spread. Overexpressing a cellular protein called PACT inhibited viral replication, providing a potential target for new treatments.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJul 23, 2013

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.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateJul 23, 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.

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Adhesion and Adhesives·DateJul 23, 2013

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateJul 23, 2013

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 23, 2013

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.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateJul 23, 2013

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.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Immunology·DateJul 23, 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.

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.

SourceBrown University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 23, 2013

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.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2013

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.

SourceConcordia University·JournalHealth Psychology·DateJul 23, 2013

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.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 23, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 23, 2013

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.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalBiology Letters·DateJul 23, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 23, 2013

Significant other's excessive fears can compromise patient's recovery from SAH

Researchers discovered that significant others' excessive fears about SAH recurrence negatively impact patients' psychosocial recovery. Patients whose significant others were the most fearful experienced compromised recovery, with worse general health and limitations in everyday activities.

SourceJournal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateJul 23, 2013

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 23, 2013

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.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateJul 23, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Virology·DateJul 23, 2013

Bee faithful? Plant-pollinator relationships compromised when bee species decline

Research found that removing even one bumblebee species from an ecosystem significantly reduces pollination effectiveness and plant seed production. The study showed that reduced competition among pollinators disrupts floral fidelity, leading to less successful plant reproduction.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2013

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.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateJul 23, 2013

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.

SourceField Museum·JournalBiology Letters·DateJul 23, 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.

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.

SourceHarvard University·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateJul 23, 2013

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.

SourceFaculty of 1000·JournalF1000Research·DateJul 23, 2013

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.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateJul 23, 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.

Mayo Clinic-led study: US physicians, patients' best interests, health care costs

A new study reveals that US physicians believe they have a responsibility to address healthcare costs, but their primary concern is always the well-being of their patients. Most (85%) agree that containing costs is their responsibility, while nearly 80% prioritize patients' best interests over cost concerns.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateJul 23, 2013