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Science News for June 20, 2013


Review: Composition of care team critical to improved outcomes for nursing home patients

A systematic review of studies on long-term-stay patients' care found that interdisciplinary teams involving the patient's own physician and a pharmacist had better odds of improving nursing home care quality. The review, published in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, highlights the importance of team-based car...

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Directors Association·DateJun 20, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA rocket launch successful; next launch June 24 from Wallops

NASA successfully launched a Terrier-Improved Orion sounding rocket on June 20, carrying experiments built by university students and instructors. The next launch on June 24 will feature two rockets supporting the Daytime Dynamo experiment, which studies global electrical currents in the ionosphere.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 20, 2013

Pistil leads pollen in life-and-death dance

A Brown University research team has discovered the genetically prescribed dance steps of the pollen tube, which leads to its self-sacrifice and allows flowering plants to reproduce. The study highlights the complex intercellular communications involved in pollination.

SourceBrown University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 20, 2013

Stress from 9/11 linked to nationwide resurgence in smoking among Americans who had quit

A Weill Cornell study found that over 1 million Americans who had quit smoking took up the habit again after 9/11, resulting in a 2.3% increase in adult smokers nationwide. The study estimates the cost to government at $530-830 million due to increased Medicare and Medicaid use, productivity losses, and decreased tax revenue.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalContemporary Economic Policy·DateJun 20, 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.

A revolutionary new 3-D digital brain atlas

The BigBrain atlas provides nearly cellular resolution, allowing researchers to see details close to the level of individual cells. This high-resolution model can be used for various applications such as computational modeling, simulating brain functions and analyzing data from MRIs and PET scans.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·DateJun 20, 2013

High rates of burnout and depression among anesthesia residents

A study found high rates of burnout and depression among US anesthesiology residents, with nearly half considered at risk of burnout. The researchers also discovered that these conditions can affect the quality of patient care and increase medical errors.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalAnesthesia & Analgesia·DateJun 20, 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.

Black-white education gap is worsened by unresponsive state policymakers, Baylor study shows

A Baylor University study finds that state policymakers are less responsive to addressing the black-white education gap, particularly for African-American students. Despite efforts from federal-level initiatives like No Child Left Behind and Race to the Top, the research suggests a persisting achievement gap due to political foundations.

SourceBaylor University·JournalAmerican Politics Research·DateJun 20, 2013

Clot-buster trial reveals long-term benefits for stroke patients

A study of over 3000 patients found that those who received rt-PA within six hours of a stroke had fewer problems with self-care and mobility, experienced less pain, and needed less help from others 18 months later. The drug significantly improved life after stroke in the long-term for elderly patients as well.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateJun 20, 2013

Danish chemists in molecular chip breakthrough

A Danish team of chemists has successfully created the world's smallest transistor using a single layer of graphene, paving the way for more sustainable and efficient electronic devices. The breakthrough uses precise placement of molecules to test their functionality, significantly improving testing efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 20, 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.

Goddard helps set 2 Guinness World Records

Landsat 5, operated by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, set the record for the longest-operating Earth observation satellite with 28 years of service. The center also hosted the largest astronomy lesson event, breaking a Guinness World Record with over 500 participants in Austin, Texas.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 20, 2013

That grocery store cabbage is alive

Researchers discovered that grocery store produce continues to perceive light and alter its biology in response to circadian rhythms. This affects nutrient levels and phytochemicals, which have anti-cancer properties.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 20, 2013

Men who can't produce sperm face increased cancer risk, Stanford-led study finds

A Stanford-led study found that men diagnosed with azoospermia have a significantly higher risk of developing cancer than the general population. The study, which analyzed data from over 2,200 infertile men, found that azoospermic men were nearly three times more likely to receive a cancer diagnosis than non-azoospermic men.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateJun 20, 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.

Researchers identify key player in the genesis of human intestinal immunity

Researchers at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine identified cryptopatches as the foundation for human GALT development, a critical component of intestinal immune function. The study suggests that repairing damaged GALT could lead to therapies for inflammatory bowel diseases and autoimmune disorders.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 20, 2013

Researchers determine factors that influence spinach contamination pre-harvest

A team of researchers found that E. coli contamination on spinach farms is strongly influenced by factors such as time since last irrigation, workers' personal hygiene, and field use prior to planting produce. The study also identified the role of weather in producing contamination as a critical factor.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJun 20, 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.

Reports of retained guidewires draw attention to 'never events' in anesthesia

A report in Anesthesia & Analgesia highlights retained guidewires as a complication that is always preventable yet still occurs. The article analyzes risk factors and contributing factors, including distraction of clinicians and task interruptions, to introduce preventive measures such as mandatory training programs and checklists.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalAnesthesia & Analgesia·DateJun 20, 2013

Uncovering quantum secret in photosynthesis

Researchers have directly observed quantum effects on energy transfer in photosynthesis, discovering coherence is responsible for maintaining transport efficiency and adaptability. This discovery raises questions about the evolution of quantum effects and potential applications in developing more efficient solar cells.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalScience·DateJun 20, 2013

Iron dosing regimens affect dialysis patients' infection risk

A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that administering large doses of intravenous iron over a short period increases dialysis patients' risk of developing serious infections. In contrast, smaller doses given less frequently do not increase infection risk.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJun 20, 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.

NEJM features IgA nephropathy research from Dr. Robert Wyatt

Research by Dr. Robert Wyatt and his team provides insights into the molecular mechanism of IgA nephropathy, a common kidney disease in North America. The study's findings suggest noninvasive tests for diagnosis and monitoring, potentially leading to improved treatment outcomes for patients.

SourceLe Bonheur Children's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 20, 2013

The American Society for Microbiology honors Frank Leo van de Veerdonk

Frank Leo van de Veerdonk has received a 2013 ICAAC Young Investigator Award for his groundbreaking research on fungal immunology. He discovered that mutations in STAT1 are responsible for autosomal dominant chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, a major breakthrough in diagnosing immunodeficiencies with fungal infections.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateJun 20, 2013

Goal of identifying nearly all genetic causes of deafness is within reach

At least half of birth-related deafness and many progressive hearing losses have a genetic basis. New sequencing technologies identify 1,000 mutations linked to hearing loss in 64 human genes. This knowledge will lead to practical treatments and effective genetic counseling.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGenetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers·DateJun 20, 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.

Sounding rocket to observe currents in atmosphere

Scientists are launching a sounding rocket to study the dynamo, a global electrical current sweeping through the ionosphere. The mission will provide insights into the movement of charged particles and neutral winds, crucial for understanding the dynamo's impact on radio signals and potential presence on other planets.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 20, 2013

Smoke engulfs Singapore

In June 2013, NASA's Terra and Aqua satellites captured images of smoke billowing from Sumatran wildfires. The resulting haze descended on Singapore, pushing air quality indices to hazardous levels. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong warned that the haze could last for several weeks.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 20, 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.

Solar splashdown

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured spectacular images of June 7, 2011 solar eruption and splashdown. The event provided an 'up close' view of what happens on distant stars during accretion. Astronomers can now learn about young star growth by analyzing ultraviolet light emission.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalScience·DateJun 20, 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.

International study on fragile newborns challenges current practices

A large clinical trial shows that clopidogrel does not effectively reduce shunt-related blood flow issues in infants with congenital heart diseases. Aspirin alone may be effective in reducing the risk of clot formation, while switching to Plavix is not recommended.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 20, 2013

Light and nanoprobes detect early signs of infection

Researchers use silver-based nanoprobes that reflect distinct optical fingerprints when light is shined on infected samples, detecting specific genetic materials taken from human samples. This technique has the potential to provide fast and reliable information about patients at the point of care.

SourceDuke University·JournalAnalytica Chimica Acta·DateJun 20, 2013

The American Society for Microbiology honors George L. Drusano

Drusano's work in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling has been instrumental in simulating and validating dosing regimens to maximize the safety and efficacy of antibiotics. He is recognized for his groundbreaking research on anti-infective pharmacology and antimicrobial resistance.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateJun 20, 2013

Study finds climate change to shrink bison, profit

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that climate change is likely to reduce the nutritional quality of grasses, causing bison to grow more slowly and weigh less. This could have significant economic implications for cattle producers, with a potential loss of $1 billion in income due to reduced weight gains.

SourceKansas State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 20, 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.

Berkeley Lab confirms thirdhand smoke causes DNA damage

A recent study by researchers from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that thirdhand smoke causes significant genetic damage in human cells. Chronic exposure is worse than acute exposure, with higher concentrations of chemical compounds causing more DNA damage over time.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalMutagenesis·DateJun 20, 2013

Researchers propose new method for achieving nonlinear optical effects

A new method for achieving nonlinear optical effects has been proposed, enabling 'quantum gates' on demand for large-scale quantum circuits. The approach uses a sub-millimeter-diameter resonator to manipulate single photons and overcome the challenges of existing methods.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 20, 2013

Lab reproduction of a marine compound with antibiotic properties

Researchers at IRB Barcelona have successfully synthesized a marine compound, baringolin, which shows promising antibiotic activity at low concentrations. The team aims to improve its solubility and design more active analogues to develop a viable drug in the next 10 years.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJun 20, 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.

Barry expected to dissipate rapidly after landfall

Tropical Storm Barry was captured by NASA's Aqua spacecraft on June 20, 2013, revealing maximum sustained winds of 40 knots and gusts up to 50 knots. Rainfall totals of 3-5 inches are expected in southern Mexico, posing life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 20, 2013

Colliding galaxy pair takes flight

The colliding galaxy duo Arp 142 features a star-forming spiral galaxy NGC 2936 with a compressed gas core triggering new star formation. The elliptical companion NGC 2937 is warped by the encounter, but shows little effect from gravitational pull.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 20, 2013

The link between circadian rhythms and aging

A new study from MIT reveals that a gene called SIRT1, previously shown to protect against diseases of aging, plays a key role in controlling circadian rhythms. The researchers found that boosting SIRT1 levels in the brain could prevent age-related decline in circadian function and potentially lead to health benefits.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateJun 20, 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.

Herding cancer cells to their death

Researchers develop a therapeutic strategy that manipulates cellular heterogeneity to treat advanced melanoma. The approach uses a new drug-like molecule in combination with an existing chemotherapy, targeting only melanoma cells and suppressing tumor growth and metastasis.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Cell·DateJun 20, 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.

Networked cars make traffic safer and more efficient

The simTD system uses radio technology to enable vehicles to share information about traffic situations, road conditions, and external factors. This allows drivers to react faster and make informed decisions, resulting in enhanced safety, efficiency, and comfort on the roads.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateJun 20, 2013

Hong Kong skyscrapers appear to fall in real-world illusion

A study on the Hong Kong Peak Tram found that specific features of the environment can dominate our perception of verticality, making skyscrapers appear to fall. The illusion was greatest on night-time rides and could be enhanced by oblique window frames and lighting fixtures.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 20, 2013

Ups-and-downs of Indian monsoon rainfall likely to increase under warming

Computer simulations suggest that Indian monsoon daily variability will likely increase under future global warming, leading to severe impacts on agriculture and communities. The study's findings highlight the need for adaptation measures to account for this increased variability, such as intelligent insurance schemes.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 20, 2013

Most unscheduled hospital admissions now come through the ER

A recent study confirms the growing role of emergency physicians in healthcare beyond the emergency department. Most unscheduled hospital admissions now come through the ER, indicating a shift in how patients are referred to hospitals.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalMedical Care·DateJun 20, 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.

A cheaper drive to 'cool' fuels

Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed an inexpensive catalyst that converts carbon dioxide into synthetic fuels for powering cars, homes, and businesses. The catalyst uses solar energy to convert CO2 into carbon monoxide, a valuable commodity chemical with many industrial applications.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 20, 2013

The American Society for Microbiology honors Baligh Yehia

Baligh Yehia has received the 2013 ICAAC Young Investigator Award for his pioneering work in HIV health services and quality research. He is recognized for his contributions to developing policies on healthcare reform, access to medical care, and performance measurement.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateJun 20, 2013

Student engagement more complex, changeable than thought

A new study suggests that student engagement, crucial for success in school, is malleable and can be enhanced by creating a supportive school environment. Researchers found that students who felt their work was meaningful and related to their goals were more emotionally and cognitively engaged.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalLearning and Instruction·DateJun 20, 2013

Study of insect bacteria reveals genetic secrets of symbiosis

Researchers discovered a three-way symbiosis involving six different organisms, including the smallest known genome, and found evidence of horizontal gene transfer between bacteria and their hosts. This study sheds light on fundamental questions of life's origin and the role of symbiotic relationships in shaping organismal complexity.

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalCell·DateJun 20, 2013
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

BigBrain: An ultra-high resolution 3-D roadmap of the human brain

The BigBrain project presents a landmark three-dimensional digital reconstruction of the human brain with a spatial resolution of 20 microns. This allows for unprecedented exploration of brain microstructure and cellular level details, facilitating new insights into neurobiology, cognition, and aging.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 20, 2013

'Forrest Gump' mice show too much of a good thing, can be bad

The study found that the mice had terrible attention spans and struggled with working memory and spatial memory due to the excessive release of acetylcholine. This highlights the importance of ACh in differentiating cues, but also suggests that too much of a good thing can be detrimental

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·DateJun 20, 2013

The Red Queen was right: we have to run to keep in place

UC Berkeley researchers found that a decrease in new species origins is crucial to extinction, alongside increased extinction rates. This study applies to slow changes over millions of years and provides insights into the pressures on modern flora and fauna.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateJun 20, 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.

Making a beeline for the nectar

A new study by Levente Orbán and Catherine Plowright found that bumblebees prefer radial patterns over concentric patterns when searching for nectar. The researchers tested flower-naive bees using radio-frequency identification technology and video recordings, exposing them to two types of patterns: concentric and radial.

SourceSpringer·DateJun 20, 2013

Chlamydia promotes gene mutations

Researchers at Max Planck Institute discover Chlamydia promotes gene mutations, impairing DNA damage response and leading to uncontrolled cell growth. The infection can cause chronic damage, increasing risk of cervical and ovarian cancer.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJun 20, 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.

Animal study shows promising path to prevent epilepsy

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified a receptor, TrkB, that may be key to preventing epilepsy. The study found that inhibiting TrkB with a drug can prevent the onset of epilepsy in mice after prolonged seizures.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNeuron·DateJun 20, 2013

Emergency helicopter airlifts help the seriously injured

Research published in Critical Care journal suggests that air ambulances are effective and worthy of investment, despite high initial costs. Patients transferred by helicopter tend to have more severe injuries but experience improved survival rates due to faster treatment and care at the scene and during transport.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCritical Care·DateJun 20, 2013

Compound enhances SSRI antidepressant's effects in mice

A synthetic compound has been discovered to enhance the effects of SSRIs, a commonly prescribed antidepressant. By blocking secondary 'vacuum cleaners' in the brain, the compound increases serotonin levels, offering new potential targets for treating depression. Researchers hope this discovery will lead to more effective treatments.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·DateJun 20, 2013

CNIO researchers discover a new gene involved in obesity

Researchers at the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) have discovered a link between telomere protection and obesity, with the RAP1 gene playing a key role. The study found that mice lacking RAP1 gained weight and developed metabolic syndrome, highlighting a new potential mechanism in human obesity.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 20, 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.

How did a third radiation belt appear in the Earth's upper atmosphere?

Researchers at UCLA have discovered a previously unknown third radiation ring, which briefly appeared between the inner and outer Van Allen belts in September 2012. The new study provides insight into the formation and decay of this temporary radiation belt, revealing its distinctively slow decay rate.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 20, 2013

Brain images of previously unattainable quality

The BigBrain model is based on data from over 7,400 tissue samples and provides a detailed understanding of the normal structure of different functional areas of the brain. The high-resolution model will contribute to precise identification and evaluation of changes in the brains of patients with neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalScience·DateJun 20, 2013

Does your salad know what time it is?

Scientists found they could use light to coax postharvest vegetables to produce more cancer-fighting antioxidants at certain times of day. This study suggests that storing fruits and vegetables in dark conditions may reduce their ability to keep daily rhythms.

SourceRice University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 20, 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.