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Science News Archive March 2013 - Page 28


Page 28 of 30

ADHD takes a toll well into adulthood

A long-term follow-up study of 367 children with ADHD found that nearly a third still had ADHD as adults and were more likely to have psychiatric disorders, commit suicide, or be incarcerated. The study highlights the need for continued treatment and monitoring beyond childhood.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMar 4, 2013

For birds, red means 'go'

Certain Australian native flowers have shifted from using insects as pollinators and evolved flower colour to the red hues favoured by birds. The study found that bird-pollinated flowers have spectral signatures that are best discriminated by those birds.

SourceMonash University·JournalNew Phytologist·DateMar 4, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The right dose for oncology

A new tool developed by EPFL researchers can accurately determine the optimal dose of chemotherapy for individual patients, reducing the risk of resistance mechanisms and relapse. The method measures a cancerous cell's electrical conductivity to assess the treatment's effect, allowing oncologists to make more patient-specific decisions.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 4, 2013

How the brain loses and regains consciousness

A new study tracked brain activity in human volunteers as they lost and regained consciousness, revealing distinctive patterns linked to different stages of general anesthesia. The findings could improve monitoring systems used during surgery, reducing the risk of rare cases where patients wake up during operations.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2013

Discovery opens door to new drug options for serious diseases

Researchers have discovered how oxidative stress can turn a benign cellular protein into a powerful accomplice in neuronal death. This finding could lead to new therapeutic approaches for debilitating diseases, including those related to inflammation, aging and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2013

National Sleep Foundation poll finds exercise key to good sleep

The National Sleep Foundation's 2013 Sleep in America poll found a strong association between exercise and better sleep. Exercisers reported better sleep quality and reduced symptoms of insomnia compared to non-exercisers. Additionally, regular exercise was linked to lower risk of sleep apnea and improved overall health.

SourceNational Sleep Foundation·DateMar 4, 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.

Vitamin deficiency screening needed for refugees

A new study has found a significant prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency among refugees arriving in Australia. The research highlights the importance of regular screening to prevent severe malnourishment and its consequences, including developmental defects in unborn children.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 4, 2013

Discovery of 'executioner' protein opens door to new options for stroke ALS, spinal cord injury

Researchers have discovered a protein that turns into a 'cell executioner' when damaged by oxidative stress, opening up new options for treating conditions such as ALS and spinal cord injuries. This modified protein is linked to various health problems, including heart disease, cancer, and aging.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2013

Vanderbilt study finds maternal diet important predictor of severity for infant RSV

A Vanderbilt study found that maternal diets high in carbohydrates during pregnancy correlate with severe RSV cases in infants. The study, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, suggests a dose-dependent relationship between carbohydrate intake and RSV severity.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 4, 2013

Study identifies ways to increase HIV testing, reduce HIV infection

The study demonstrates that community efforts can significantly increase HIV testing rates, especially among men and young individuals. The intervention communities showed a 45% higher rate of testing for men compared to control communities, leading to a 14% reduction in new HIV infections.

SourceHIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN)·DateMar 4, 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.

Speech emerges in children with autism and severe language delay at greater rate than thought

A new study published in Pediatrics reveals that 70% of children with autism spectrum disorders achieve phrase or fluent speech by age eight, driven by nonverbal intelligence and social interest. The study also found that core abilities, such as nonverbal intelligence and social engagement, have a greater influence on communication dev...

SourceKennedy Krieger Institute·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMar 4, 2013

Colon cancer screening doubles with new e-health record use

Researchers used electronic health records to identify patients overdue for colon cancer screening and encouraged them to be screened. The centralized approach doubled on-time screening rates and saved health costs over two years.

SourceGroup Health Research Institute·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 4, 2013

Losing weight sooner has best chance to reverse heart damage, mouse study shows

A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that weight loss benefits the heart health of young obese mice, reversing poor heart function and reducing fat deposits. However, this effect was lost in older mice with longer periods of obesity, highlighting the importance of early weight loss in preventing heart damage.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Cardiovascular Translational Research·DateMar 4, 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.

Human Y chromosome much older than previously thought

A newly discovered Y chromosome variation has pushed back the age of the most recent common ancestor for the Y chromosome lineage by almost 70 percent. The findings suggest that the Y chromosome divergence occurred around 300,000 years ago, before the emergence of anatomically modern humans.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMar 4, 2013

NASA transfers operational control of environmental satellite

Suomi NPP, a partnership between NASA and NOAA, supports Earth science research and weather forecasting by providing critical data for global change science and improving short-term weather forecasts. The satellite's observations help advance science and increase the accuracy of meteorological predictions.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 4, 2013

UCSB physicists make discovery in the quantum realm

A team of physicists at UCSB has made a discovery that provides new understanding in the quantum realm. By manipulating light on superconducting chips, they have developed an unprecedented level of control over photons, enabling the shaping of released photons into different wave forms.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 4, 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.

Global warming will open unexpected new shipping routes in Arctic, UCLA researchers find

New UCLA research finds global warming will make Arctic shipping routes accessible due to melting sea ice, allowing ordinary vessels to navigate previously inaccessible areas. By mid-century, ships will be able to traverse the Arctic Ocean without icebreakers, and even the Northwest Passage may become viable for commercial shippers.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2013

A vaccine that works in newborns?

Researchers have identified a potent compound that activates immune responses in newborns' white blood cells substantially better than anything previously tested, potentially making vaccines effective right at birth. The compound, VTX-294, produced strong immune responses and triggered production of cytokines and co-stimulatory molecules.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 4, 2013

Contraception in women over 40

Women over 40 face declining fertility and require effective contraception to prevent pregnancy. Various methods are considered safe and effective, including copper IUDs, progestin implants, and sterilization, with benefits outweighing risks for most women.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 4, 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.

Parkinson's disease brain rhythms detected

Scientists at UCSF have discovered a way to detect abnormal brain rhythms associated with Parkinson's disease by implanting electrodes within the brains of people with the disease. This finding may lead to developing next-generation brain stimulation devices to alleviate symptoms.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2013

Stress hormone foreshadows postpartum depression in new mothers

A new study found that pregnant women who received strong social support from their families had lower levels of a stress hormone and reduced depressive symptoms after giving birth. The researchers also discovered that emotional support was the most powerful form of support, while father support was not as strong of a protective factor.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateMar 4, 2013

Contraband tobacco use hinders smoking cessation

A study published in CMAJ found that people who smoke contraband cigarettes are less likely to stop smoking compared to those who smoke premium or discount cigarettes. Contraband cigarettes are widely available and significantly cheaper than legitimate options.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 4, 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.

Accurate water vapor measurements for improved weather and climate models

A new laser hygrometer has been proven suitable as a transfer standard for atmospheric water vapor measurements, improving the accuracy of weather and climate models. The SEALDH system has demonstrated excellent performance in field conditions, with a detection limit in the ppm range and an ability to work autonomously.

SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·JournalApplied Physics B·DateMar 4, 2013

Vortex loops could untie knotty physics problems

University of Chicago physicists create linked and knotted vortex loops, a feat long elusive in lab experiments. Their work relates to turbulence, plasma physics, ordinary fluids, and superfluids, offering potential solutions to longstanding puzzles.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 4, 2013

SMU psychology department awarded more than $1 million in grants

The SMU psychology department has been awarded over $1 million in grants to collaborate with the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women's University in Peshawar, Pakistan. The partnership aims to enhance faculty development, curriculum growth, and research collaborations between the two institutions.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·DateMar 4, 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.

One law to rule them all -- sizes within a species appear to follow a universal distribution

A study by Andrea Giometto reveals that body sizes in aquatic microorganisms follow a mathematical expression common to all species, influencing size distributions and ecosystem balance. This finding could lead to new insights into population dynamics and the existence of universal laws governing natural ecosystems.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2013

Pharmaceutical advertising down but not out

Despite declining marketing efforts, pharmaceutical promotion remains prevalent, with free samples and physician detailing accounting for over 70% of expenditures. The study found no significant change in the proportion of marketing to primary care physicians or specialists, highlighting ongoing conflicts of interest.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 4, 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.

What predicts distress after episodes of sleep paralysis?

Researchers found that fear, threat, and assault during sleep paralysis episodes were associated with increased post-episode distress. Cognitive styles, distress sensitivity, and supernatural beliefs also played a role in predicting distress levels.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateMar 4, 2013

Protein synthesis blocker may hold key to reducing effects of traumatic events

Researchers found that a protein synthesis blocker can significantly reduce fear and stress in rats after they experienced a mildly traumatic event. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests that this approach could have clinical implications for treating posttraumatic stress disorder.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2013

Fermat's Last Theorem and more can be proved more simply

Case Western Reserve University professor Colin McLarty has simplified the proof of Fermat's Last Theorem by using only finite-order arithmetic, reducing reliance on strong set theory. This breakthrough, inspired by Grothendieck's work, opens new avenues for number theorists to tackle similar problems.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateMar 4, 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.

Brain adds cells in puberty to navigate adult world

Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered that the brain adds new cells during puberty to help navigate complex social cues, a process previously thought to be limited to two brain regions. The findings suggest that these new cells play a crucial role in adult reproductive function and behavior.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2013

Lawrence Livermore helps find link to arsenic-contaminated groundwater

A team of researchers found that bacteria in Bangladesh's aquifers use surface-derived organic carbon, which is naturally released from sediment into groundwater. This process predates recent human interaction and suggests that intensive pumping has not yet significantly affected arsenic release.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2013

7 genetic risk factors found to be associated with common eye disorder

A comprehensive study has identified seven new regions of the human genome associated with increased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The study, led by Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, found that AMD is not caused by a single genetic change but rather by many events that accumulate over time.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 4, 2013

HIV infection appears associated with increased heart attack risk

A large study of veterans found that HIV infection is independently associated with an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI or heart attack), even after adjusting for standard risk factors. The study also identified other risk factors, including low CD4 cell count and hepatitis C virus, as contributing to the increased risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMar 4, 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.

MIT researchers develop solar-to-fuel roadmap for crystalline silicon

A team of MIT researchers has published a detailed analysis of the factors that limit the efficiency of artificial leaf systems, which could lead to the production of a commercial viable prototype. The study suggests that combining the right solar cells and catalysts can improve efficiencies of 16 percent or more.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2013

Scores that evaluate newborn intensive care units are inconsistent

A new study published in Pediatrics found that scoring methods for evaluating Newborn Intensive Care Units (NICU) are inconsistent, leading to unreliable comparisons. The research suggests that these scores may not level the playing field well enough and can be unfair to hospitals with high numbers of sick infants.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMar 4, 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.

'Very low' risk of infections in advanced brain procedures

A study published in Neurosurgery found that patients undergoing cerebral angiography and neurointerventional procedures are at a very low risk of infection, even without preventive antibiotics. The authors suggest that the minimally invasive nature and short duration of these procedures may contribute to this low risk.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalNeurosurgery·DateMar 4, 2013

First evidence that obesity gene is risk factor for melanoma

Researchers have discovered a connection between a genetic variant in the FTO gene and an increased risk of developing melanoma. The study, published in Nature Genetics, suggests that this gene plays a role in various diseases beyond obesity and BMI.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 4, 2013

Pregnant mothers with strong family support less likely to have postpartum depression, study finds

A new study by UCLA life scientists suggests that pregnant women who receive strong social support from their families during pregnancy have lower levels of a stress hormone and reduced risk of postpartum depression. The research found that emotional support was the most powerful form of support, and early interventions may provide a b...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateMar 4, 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.

Study shows mirabegron effective and well tolerated for overactive bladder

A phase III trial shows mirabegron reduces incontinence episodes and daily urinations, improving urgency and nocturia in adults with overactive bladder. The study also confirms the drug's balanced efficacy and safety profile, making it a potential alternative for patients with inadequate antimuscarinic therapy.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateMar 4, 2013

Why your brain tires when exercising

A new study published in PNAS reveals that excessive serotonin release triggers central fatigue, a condition where the brain and nervous system become exhausted during exercise. The findings may help develop better drugs for conditions like spasticity and cerebral palsy, as well as improve understanding of antidepressant side effects.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2013

Survey finds public support for legal interventions to fight obesity, noncommunicable diseases

A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study found significant public support for government actions to address obesity and noncommunicable diseases, particularly those promoting healthy choices. Support was highest for menu labeling requirements and lower for penalizing certain behaviors or health conditions.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMar 4, 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.