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Science News Archive March 2013


Page 13 of 30

Is surgery the only option for meniscal tear and osteoarthritis?

A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that physical therapy improves functional status, pain, and physical function in patients with meniscal tears and osteoarthritis. For a third of patients assigned to physical therapy, surgery was still necessary.

New ultra-efficient HPC data center debuts

The new HPC data center at NREL's Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF) is the first of its kind, boasting an annualized average power usage effectiveness (PUE) rating of 1.06 or better. It achieves this by using warm-water liquid cooling and capturing and reusing waste heat to reduce energy consumption.

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.

Human microbe study provides insight into health, disease

Scientists have cracked the genetic code of bacteria linked to periodontitis, a disease marked by inflammation and infection of the teeth's supporting ligaments and bones. The unique genetic code allows SR1 bacteria to introduce a glycine amino acid, limiting gene exchange with other bacteria.

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.

UT Arlington engineer to search for bad algal blooms

Assistant Professor Hyeok Choi's research aims to develop a sensor system that can detect biological toxins wirelessly, providing real-time data for early warning systems. The system will be deployed in areas with high concentrations of harmful algal blooms, enabling water providers to take action.

Study shows community approach effective in fight against diabetes

A community-based diabetes prevention program, led by health workers, successfully reduced blood glucose levels and improved insulin sensitivity in overweight participants with prediabetes. The study replicated the results of the Diabetes Prevention Project, demonstrating a significant reduction in diabetes risk.

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.

Chemical trickery explored to help contain potato pest

Researchers explore naturally occurring egg-hatching factors to control G. pallida, a non-native species causing economic hardship in US potato fields. Using these chemicals to stimulate eggs to hatch when no potato plants are present could be an effective defense against the pest.

Uncontrolled hypertension could bring increased risk for Alzheimer's disease

A recent study published in JAMA Neurology found that unmedicated adults with hypertension and a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease have higher amyloid plaque levels than other groups. Controlling hypertension may significantly decrease the risk of developing amyloid deposits, even in those with genetic risk.

New nanomedicine resolves inflammation, promotes tissue healing

Researchers developed biodegradable nanoparticles that deliver inflammation-resolving drugs to sites of tissue injury, promoting clearance of pathogens or damaged tissue and restoring normal state. The treatment has potential for treating conditions like atherosclerosis and neurodegenerative diseases.

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.

NASA sees leaping lunar dust

Researchers found a new class of dust motion on the moon, where charged particles swarm like bees around partially shaded regions. This phenomenon creates oscillations over 1-10 meter-sized shaded regions, with dust bouncing back and forth between sunlit areas.

New database to speed genetic discoveries

PhenoDB is a new online database that enables clinicians to document cases of unusual genetic diseases, which can then be analyzed by researchers. The database captures standardized information about a person's phenotype, including symptoms and family history, to help understand the genetic variations involved.

Male lions use ambush hunting strategy

A new study reveals that male lions use dense savanna vegetation to hunt prey successfully, often ambushing them from behind vegetation. The findings suggest that changes to vegetation structure could impact the balance of predators and prey.

More parents say they won't vaccinate daughters against HPV, researchers find

A recent study by Mayo Clinic found that over 2 in 5 parents are hesitant to vaccinate their teenage daughters against human papillomavirus (HPV) due to potential side effects. The vaccine is recommended for teens to prevent cervical cancer and genital cancers, with the majority of experts agreeing on its necessity.

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.

Electrons are not enough: Cuprate superconductors defy convention

Researchers have found that cuprate superconductors, known for carrying electrical current without resistance, cannot be fully explained by the traditional concept of Luttinger's theorem, which states that electrons carry current. This discovery reveals that there must be alternative explanations beyond electron behavior.

A*STAR's antibody technology bags regional award

VeriStem Technologies has developed an antibody that selectively targets and kills undifferentiated stem cells, reducing the risk of tumour formation. The company's Cellradication technology has the potential to revolutionize stem cell therapies and bring significant improvements to the healthcare industry.

Putting the clock in 'cock-a-doodle-doo'

A study published in Current Biology found that roosters' crowing is entrained to a circadian rhythm, meaning it follows a natural daily cycle. The researchers used constant light conditions and recorders to observe the birds' behavior, confirming that predawn crowing depends on an internal clock.

Nurse understaffing increases infection risk in VLBW babies

A new study reveals that critically ill very low birth weight (VLBW) infants are at high risk of hospital-acquired infections due to nurse understaffing. The research found that 13.9% of VLBW infants developed infections, resulting in increased mortality rates and long-term developmental issues.

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.

Blind flies without recycling

Studies on the fruit fly Drosophila show that blind flies can't see due to histamine recycling in glial cells. Flies lacking Ebony and Tan genes have impaired vision, but those with Black mutations still struggle to see without histamine recycling. Further research is needed to understand the role of enzyme Black in vision.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Where, oh where, has the road kill gone?

A study published in Current Biology reveals that cliff swallows have decreased their mortality rates due to road collisions over the past three decades. The birds with longer-than-average wingspans are more likely to collide with vehicles, indicating that shorter-winged birds may be adapting to reduce fatalities.

Close-to-the-heart catheters safer for hospitalized children

A new Johns Hopkins Children's Center study reveals that peripheral intravenous catheters are nearly four times more likely to cause complications compared to centrally placed PICC lines. Clinicians should carefully weigh the ease of placement against the higher complication risk for non-central vein placement.

Researchers create map of 'shortcuts' between all human genes

A team of researchers has created a map of gene 'shortcuts' between all human genes, simplifying the search for disease-causing mutations. This tool, called the human gene connectome, uses GPS-like principles to predict the distance and route between any two genes.

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for March 19, 2013

Researchers found that most medical subspecialty practices are unable to accommodate patients who use wheelchairs, citing transfer issues as the primary barrier. A new study suggests hydrochlorothiazide may be a safer treatment option than chlorthalidone for elderly patients with hypertension, due to its lower risk of electrolyte imbal...

Researchers find better management needed for use of IVC filters

A study conducted at Boston Medical Center found that IVC filters are often left in place indefinitely due to low retrieval rates and inconsistent anticoagulant use. A new multi-disciplinary team approach has been implemented to track and retrieve filters, resulting in successful removals of 10 out of 36 eligible filters.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Elite athletes also excel at some cognitive tasks

Researchers found that elite athletes outperformed nonathletes in cognitive tests such as memory recall, task-switching, and peripheral vision detection. Female athletes also showed significant advantages over their male peers in certain tasks, minimizing the typical performance gap between women and men.

AAN issues updated sports concussion guideline

The AAN has released an evidence-based guideline for evaluating and managing athletes with suspected concussions. The new guideline emphasizes that any athlete suspected of experiencing a concussion should immediately be removed from play, and recommends concussion and return to play assessments be done individually. Athletes under hig...

Blood levels of fat cell hormone may predict severity of migraines

Scientists discovered a correlation between adiponectin, a protein hormone from fat tissue, and migraine pain relief. The study found that increased levels of low molecular weight adiponectin were associated with reduced pain severity, while high molecular weight adiponectin was linked to increased pain.

Harvard's Wyss Institute and Sony DADC announce collaboration on Organs-on-Chips

The collaboration aims to accelerate the translation of Organs-on-Chips from benchtop to marketplace, providing more predictive and useful measures of drug efficacy and safety in humans. The Wyss Institute has developed over ten Organs-on-Chips, including lung, heart, liver, kidney, bone marrow, and gut-on-a-chip technologies.

Queen Elizabeth Prize for the inventors of the Internet

Timothy Berners-Lee, British man and inventor of HTML language, receives the Queen Elizabeth Prize for his groundbreaking contributions to the development of the World Wide Web. The prize is the most highly endowed award in engineering science worldwide.

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.

Programmed destruction

A recent Weizmann Institute study has discovered that caspase 8 signaling enzymes, which were previously thought to only induce programmed cell death, can also activate an entirely different process in certain cells - causing inflammation more directly. This finding highlights the need for further research into the signals transmitted ...

Transistor in the fly antenna

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology discovered that insect odorant receptors are self-regulated, allowing them to amplify sensitivity in response to below-threshold odor stimulation. This mechanism enables flies to detect minute amounts of odors, essential for navigation and finding resources.

Cross-cultural parenting: Reflections on autonomy and interdependence

The article highlights how cultural norms influence parenting behaviors, with Western cultures emphasizing autonomy and many Asian, African, and Latino cultures valuing interdependence. Pediatricians can benefit from understanding these differences to provide culturally sensitive guidance and support.

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.

Astrocyte signaling sheds light on stroke research

Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine found that modifying astrocyte signals can limit the spread of damage after an ischemic brain stroke. By regulating neurotransmitter pathways, astrocytes play a critical role in the spread of damage following stroke.

March/April 2013 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

A longitudinal cohort study of 1,310 women found that even three years after being declared free of cancer, women who had a false-positive result consistently reported greater negative psychosocial consequences compared to women with normal test findings. Researchers propose annual blood pressure screening instead of checking at every ...

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.

Clearing up inflammation with pro-resolving nanomedicines

Researchers developed biodegradable nanoparticles that selectively target and resolve inflammation, potentially treating atherosclerosis and neurodegenerative diseases. The nanoparticles release an inflammation-resolving peptide drug, promoting tissue repair and reducing chronic inflammation.

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.

Astronomer gets grant to better measure mysterious black holes

Assistant professor of astronomy Misty Bentz will receive a five-year $862,769 NSF grant to measure distances to galaxies with known black hole masses and obtain clearer images of galaxies to predict black hole masses. This project aims to develop a shortcut for predicting black hole mass in any given galaxy through simple observations.