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Science News for March 22, 2013


Advances in inflammatory bowel disease -- what's new, what's next

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation has set a new research agenda for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), prioritizing understanding of environmental factors, genes, bacteria, and epithelial responses. The goal is to develop personalized treatments through comparative effectiveness studies.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalInflammatory Bowel Diseases·DateMar 22, 2013

APL novel method accurately predicts disease outbreaks

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory has developed a novel method called PRedicting Infectious Disease Scalable Model (PRISM) to accurately predict dengue fever outbreaks several weeks before they occur. PRISM extracts relationships between clinical, meteorological, climatic and socio-political data in various regions.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateMar 22, 2013

Penn study finds smoking prolongs fracture healing

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that smoking delays fracture healing and increases post-operative complications. The research, which analyzed over 6,480 patient cases, shows that smokers take roughly six weeks longer to heal than non-smokers.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateMar 22, 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.

Pathologists identify patterns of mutations to help inform design of future trials

A study published by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer found that 54% of patients with early stage node-negative lung adenocarcinoma had tumors with at least one biologically relevant mutation. The researchers also discovered mutations associated with drug resistance in these patients.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateMar 22, 2013

Scientists discover layer of liquified molten rock in Earth's mantle

Researchers have discovered a hidden layer of liquified molten rock in the Earth's mantle, which may be responsible for the sliding motions of massive tectonic plates. The finding has significant implications for understanding geologic functions and processes related to volcanism and earthquakes.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateMar 22, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Computer simulations yield clues to how cells interact with surroundings

Researchers used a computer model of integrin to explore its molecular machinery and interactions with the cell environment. The model suggests that integrins cluster together in response to external forces and recruit more integrins when subjected to higher forces.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 22, 2013

Epigenetics studies take root in plants

Mary Gehring's lab uses Arabidopsis as a model for human embryonic development to study gene expression in seeds. Her findings could lead to new insights into diseases caused by chromosomal modifications.

SourcePew Charitable Trusts·DateMar 22, 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.

Did evolution give us inflammatory disease?

Researchers found 21 genomic regions with a 'signature' for both inflammatory disease susceptibility and natural selection. These variants rose in frequency to help protect humans against viruses and bacteria, but now increase the risk of autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalThe American Journal of Human Genetics·DateMar 22, 2013

New chemo drug gentler on fertility, tougher on cancer

A new chemotherapy drug, arsenic trioxide, has been developed to be less toxic to female fertility while being more effective against cancer. The drug is packed into a nanobin, a tiny Trojan horse that delivers the drug directly to tumor cells.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 22, 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 affects fracture healing

A recent study by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that smoking significantly increases the risk of nonunion in fractures involving long bones. The average time to fracture healing is also longer for smokers compared to nonsmokers, highlighting the negative impact of smoking on bone health.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMar 22, 2013

When a gene is worth 2

A study led by Paula Duque discovered a gene ZIFL1 that encodes two proteins with different biological roles in plants. The researchers found that the gene's two proteins are involved in hormone transport and drought tolerance, challenging the long-held notion that each gene can only codify for one protein.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMar 22, 2013

Delay in shifting gaze linked to early brain development in autism

A study found that infants with a higher risk of developing autism take longer to shift their gaze, indicating possible differences in brain structure and organization. The research suggests that this measurable delay could be a precursor to well-known symptoms of autism.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMar 22, 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.

Acoustic monitoring of Atlantic cod reveals clues to spawning behavior

Researchers used acoustic monitoring to record cod grunts in the wild for the first time, finding that male cod produce low-frequency sounds during spawning season. The study provides insights into cod behavior and distribution, informing conservation efforts.

SourceNOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center·JournalICES Journal of Marine Science·DateMar 22, 2013

Modest changes in military dining facilities promoted healthier eating

A year-long study found that minor modifications to military cafeteria food services resulted in significant improvements in soldiers' nutritional intake, including reduced fat consumption. Customer satisfaction also increased on four criteria, with more favorable results observed over time.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateMar 22, 2013

Alley receives AAAS Public Engagement Award

Richard B. Alley, a renowned geoscientist, has been awarded the AAAS Public Engagement in Science Award for his outstanding contributions to popularizing climate science. His work has helped demonstrate that past regional to global climate changes occurred rapidly and significantly impacted the environment.

SourcePenn State·DateMar 22, 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.

WSU researchers to study effect of fatigue on attention

Researchers at WSU will study the effects of fatigue on attention and decision-making to improve 24-hour operations and safety. The study aims to develop an individualized fatigue prediction model and identify genetic markers that explain person-to-person differences in responding to fatigue.

SourceWashington State University·DateMar 22, 2013

Certain bacteria suppress production of toxic shock toxin: Probiotic potential looms

Researchers discovered that certain lactobacillus bacteria can dampen the production of toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 in the vagina. This finding has implications for understanding and treating vaginal infections, emphasizing the need for improved diagnostic tools and probiotic management strategies.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMar 22, 2013

Outdoor education helps minority students close gap in environmental literacy

A North Carolina State University study found that outdoor education programs significantly improved environmental literacy among minority students. The research showed that time spent outdoors had a positive impact on African-American and Hispanic students, leading to better ecological knowledge and cognitive skills.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 22, 2013

It all hinges on the bottom line

A new study by Concordia University researchers found that companies with financial restatements are more likely to have poor corporate governance, including high growth rates and less independent oversight. These firms are also more likely to replace top executives and auditors in an attempt to improve their public image.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Corporate Finance·DateMar 22, 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.

Removing orbital debris with less risk

The study compares in-orbit debris removal options, considering their potential risk of creating new debris or disabling working satellites. Inflatable drag enhancement devices are found to have the lowest risk, while electromagnetic tethers pose a high risk for disabling operational satellites.

SourceGlobal Aerospace Corporation·JournalJournal of Spacecraft and Rockets·DateMar 22, 2013

Genetic analysis saves major apple-producing region of Washington state

Researchers at the University of Notre Dame used genetic analysis to identify a harmless fruit fly in Washington state, preventing costly quarantine measures. The study's findings demonstrate the potential for rapid and accurate identification of insect species, which could have significant implications for agriculture and public health.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·DateMar 22, 2013

Hip replacement reduces heart failure, depression and diabetes risk

A new study found that total hip replacement (THR) is associated with reduced mortality, heart failure, depression, and diabetes rates in Medicare patients with osteoarthritis. THR also shows potential long-term benefits in terms of prolonged lifespan and reduced disease burden.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMar 22, 2013

Live tracking of vulnerable South Atlantic seabirds

Researchers have fitted satellite transmitters to wild frigatebirds on Ascension Island, providing real-time information on their locations. The data highlight areas used by the birds and show where they may need protection to conserve this iconic species.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·DateMar 22, 2013

Atherosclerosis: Specific microRNAs promote inflammation

A team of medical researchers has identified a specific microRNA, miR-342-5p, that plays a key role in promoting inflammation in atherosclerosis. Inhibiting this microRNA has been shown to retard the progression of the disease in animal models.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalCirculation·DateMar 22, 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.

Nerve mapping technology improves surgery for compressed nerves

A small study involving 42 patients found that mechanomyography (MMG) technology effectively measures nerve function and determines whether nerves are compressed. After decompression, 70% of nerves had normal threshold values, while 98% showed a drop in threshold greater than 1mA.

SourceHenry Ford Health·DateMar 22, 2013

Study highlights variations in spinal component costs

A study at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found significant variations in spinal component costs, with pedicle screws, anterior cervical plates, and posterior interbody cages costing $400 to $7,200 per patient. Greater transparency and coordinated implant selection and purchase processes could reduce these costs by up to ...

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMar 22, 2013