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Science News Archive March 2013 - Page 29


Page 29 of 30

Neighborhood poverty and health insurance figure in late-stage diagnosis of breast cancer

A large US study has found that living in high-poverty areas or being uninsured significantly increase the risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer at a later stage. The study's findings highlight the importance of addressing health insurance coverage and poverty levels as key predictors of late-stage breast cancer diagnosis.

SourceNorth American Association of Central Cancer Registries, Inc.·JournalHealth & Place·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.

Unhealthy drinking widespread around the world, CAMH study shows

A new CAMH study shows that alcohol is the third leading cause of disease and injury worldwide, with vast differences in drinking patterns across regions. The research found that North Americans and Canadians drink significantly more than the global average, with a detrimental drinking pattern characterized by bingeing.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalAddiction·DateMar 4, 2013

Sometimes, the rubber meets the road when you don't want it to

The US Department of Homeland Security has developed two new technologies, Pit-BUL and NightHawk, which use remote-controlled spike strips to stop vehicles. These devices can be deployed from a safe distance and provide added safety for law enforcement officers, allowing them to halt speeding vehicles without putting their lives at ris...

SourceUS Department of Homeland Security - Science and Technology·DateMar 4, 2013

Don't be fooled: Flowers mislead traditional taxonomy

Researchers found that floral morphologies are less reliable than other traits in determining the relationships of papilionoid species and genera. Other morphological characteristics may indicate relationships more reliably, according to the study published in the American Journal of Botany.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateMar 4, 2013

60 percent loss of forest elephants in Africa confirmed

Conservationists confirm a staggering 62% loss of African forest elephants over the past decade due to poaching. The species' survival is threatened by human density, infrastructure development, and poor governance.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 4, 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.

Mom's placenta reflects her exposure to stress and impacts offsprings' brains, Penn Vet team finds

A new study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine found that maternal stress exposure affects the developing brains of male and female offspring differently. The researchers discovered a biomarker, Ogt, which may signal to the fetus that its mother has experienced stress.

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

NASA Goddard lab works at extreme edge of cosmic ice

At NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, researchers create ultrathin layers of amorphous ice to replicate extreme chemistry found in space. They find that water helps amino acids last longer when exposed to cosmic radiation, producing new chemical byproducts.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 4, 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.

'Shelf life' of blood? Shorter than we think

Researchers found that red blood cells in blood stored longer than three weeks gradually lose their flexibility to deliver oxygen-rich cells. The study's findings suggest that the current practice of transfusing blood stored up to six weeks may need reconsideration.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAnesthesia & Analgesia·DateMar 4, 2013

Single inhaler asthma therapy better at preventing attacks than recommended treatment

A recent study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine found that a single inhaler therapy using beclometasone/formoterol combination is more effective in preventing asthma attacks than the traditional combination of corticosteroid and rapid-onset long-acting β2 agonist. This approach reduces hospital admissions and healthcare cos...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateMar 4, 2013

AIDS journal publishes findings of 2 important studies in Mar. 2013 issue

Two important studies published in the March issue of AIDS found that current CDC HIV screening guidelines may be too conservative, especially for low-risk groups, and that heavy drinking leads to increased HIV risk for men who have sex with men. The studies suggest that frequent testing and addressing risky behaviors can help prevent ...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalAIDS·DateMar 4, 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.

Man-made material pushes the bounds of superconductivity

Researchers have engineered a unique multilayer material that achieves extraordinary superconducting properties, including increased current-carrying capabilities and improved magnetic field stability. The breakthrough could lead to real-world applications in electronic devices, transportation, and power transmission.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 3, 2013

Getting around the Uncertainty Principle

Physicists at University of Rochester and University of Ottawa have made direct measurements of light's polarization states for the first time. This breakthrough overcomes key challenges to Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle, enabling faster quantum information processing.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Photonics·DateMar 3, 2013

Study maps human metabolism in health and disease

A team of international researchers has created an instruction manual for the human genome, providing a framework to understand the relationship between genetic makeup and lifestyle. The model explains how individual biological parts operate differently within each person, paving the way for tailored treatments in personalized medicine.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 3, 2013

Cancer vaccines self-sabotage, channel immune attack to injection site

UT MD Anderson scientists found that a common substance in cancer vaccines facilitates a buildup of T cells at the vaccination site, summoning more T cells and causing lesions. Switching to saline adjuvant reversed the effect, allowing T cells to target tumors. A new clinical trial is expected to test this concept.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 3, 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.

Genetic risk factors for common eye disorder come into focus

Researchers have identified seven new genetic regions associated with AMD, explaining up to 65% of the genetics of the disease. The study combined existing data from over 17,000 patients and 60,000 people without AMD, revealing genes involved in immune system signaling, lipid metabolism, and blood vessel development.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 3, 2013

International consortium discovers 7 new genomic regions associated with AMD

The study identified seven new loci near genes that are associated with increased risk of age-related macular degeneration. The analysis included data from over 17,000 people with advanced AMD and 60,000 without, revealing a variety of biological functions implicated in the disease.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 3, 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.

Gene discovery reveals importance of eating your greens

The study found that green leafy vegetables interact with a cell surface receptor to switch on the T-bet gene, producing innate lymphoid cells crucial for immune surveillance and gut health. These immune cells may aid in treating bacterial infections, promoting good bacteria, and preventing bowel cancers.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalNature Immunology·DateMar 3, 2013

Adding to the list of disease-causing proteins in brain disorders

Researchers have found new candidate disease proteins for neurodegenerative disorders, including two RNA-binding proteins with prion-like segments associated with inherited forms of ALS and multisystem proteinopathy. Mutations in these proteins accelerate the formation of self-organizing fibrils that contribute to disease.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateMar 3, 2013

International consortium builds 'Google Map' of human metabolism

A new virtual reconstruction of human metabolism, Recon 2, has been built to identify causes of diseases and develop new treatments. The model provides a detailed map of metabolic pathways, allowing researchers to pinpoint specific gene expressions and their effects on disease progression.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 3, 2013

Researchers discover how to shutdown cancer's powerful master protein

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have made a breakthrough in treating diffuse large B-cell lymphoma by targeting the master regulatory transcription factor Bcl6. By shutting down this protein, patients may experience fewer side effects and improved treatment outcomes.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature Immunology·DateMar 3, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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

Researchers have discovered seven new genetic loci associated with increased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition that affects central vision and can lead to blindness. The study, supported by the National Eye Institute, represents the most comprehensive genome-wide analysis of AMD genetics.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 3, 2013

Mysterious electron stash found hidden among Van Allen belts

Researchers detect never-before-seen phenomenon in Earth's magnetosphere, revealing a long-lived zone of high-energy electrons stored between the Van Allen radiation belts. This finding may impact the planning of future space missions.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateMar 2, 2013

Volcanic aerosols, not pollutants, tamped down recent Earth warming, says CU-Boulder study

A new CU-Boulder study suggests that volcanic aerosols, rather than industrial pollution, have counteracted as much as 25% of human-caused global warming since 2000. The research, led by Ryan Neely, used sophisticated computer models to separate coal-burning emissions from Asia from volcanic contributions worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 1, 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.

The patient satisfaction chasm

Researchers found that hospital management fails to engage frontline clinicians in improving patient satisfaction, despite most believing it's achievable. Clinicians reported receiving feedback only 34% of the time, highlighting the need for more structured plans and active role from hospital management.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalBMJ Quality & Safety·DateMar 1, 2013

Turn trash into cash... and save energy

Researchers at Michigan Technological University have developed a process to recycle old milk jugs into plastic filament for 3D printing, reducing energy consumption and costs. The open-source RecycleBot process uses free software and low-cost materials to produce usable plastic filament.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalRapid Prototyping Journal·DateMar 1, 2013

Pregnancy permanently changes foot size

A new study by the University of Iowa confirms that pregnancy leads to permanent changes in a woman's feet, including increased length and width. The arch of the foot flattens out, potentially contributing to an increased risk of arthritis in women.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation·DateMar 1, 2013

How do bacteria clog medical devices? Very quickly

Researchers at Princeton University found that bacteria can clog medical devices like stents in a short period of time by forming sticky biofilms. The study used controlled environments with rough surfaces and pressure-driven fluid, demonstrating the need for real-world conditions to understand device failures.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 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.

Short algorithm, long-range consequences

MIT researchers have developed an algorithm that solves graph Laplacians in nearly linear time, using a spanning tree to simplify the calculation. This approach has significant implications for various applications, including scheduling, image processing, and online product recommendation.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMar 1, 2013

Mother Teresa: Anything but a saint…

Mother Teresa's image was constructed through a media relations campaign, with facts such as her dubious care for the sick, questionable political contacts, and suspicious management of funds uncovered. Despite these issues, she built an image of holiness through mass media promotion, including a eulogistic film and numerous awards.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalStudies in Religion/Sciences Religieuses·DateMar 1, 2013

Cancer doesn't change young girls' desire to have children, Moffitt Cancer Center study shows

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center found that healthy adolescent females have predetermined expectations for becoming parents but worry about fertility and childbearing due to a life-threatening illness like cancer. The study validated a tool to assess teenage girls' hopes and feelings about reproduction.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateMar 1, 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.

A coordinated response to cardiac stress

Researchers at Yale University identified a molecular mechanism by which the growth of new blood vessels and heart muscle are coordinated. Nitric oxide triggers the destruction of RGS4, allowing for physiological changes associated with the relaxation of blood vessels, while promoting cardiac growth.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 2013

Towards more sustainable construction

A team of graduate students from Concordia University developed a watchdog tool to evaluate the level of compliance between urban planning goals and environmental impact assessments of development projects. The study found that the proposal adopted in 2009 for the Turcot highway interchange was inadequate for long-term sustainability.

SourceConcordia University·JournalEnvironmental Impact Assessment Review·DateMar 1, 2013

Big data: Searching in large amounts of data quickly and efficiently

A team of researchers at Saarland University developed the Hadoop Aggressive Indexing Library (HAIL), a technique that enables fast and efficient searching in large datasets. By generating indexes for multiple criteria, HAIL can query big datasets up to 100 times faster than traditional methods.

SourceSaarland University·DateMar 1, 2013

JCI early table of contents for Mar. 1, 2013

Scientists identified nitric oxide's role in degrading a protein that attenuates cardiac growth, linking vascular changes to heart size. A nanogel-based treatment targeting an immunosuppressive drug directly to tissues associated with immune cells may help treat systemic lupus erythematosus.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 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.

Wild pollinators increase crop fruit set regardless of honey bees

A large-scale study found that wild insects consistently enhance fruit set for a broad range of crops and agricultural practices on all continents. The researchers concluded that losses of wild insects from agricultural landscapes will likely impact both natural heritage and harvests.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalScience·DateMar 1, 2013

Malign environmental combination favors schizophrenia

Researchers at ETH Zurich discovered a link between prenatal infections, stress during puberty, and schizophrenia-relevant brain changes. The study suggests that the combination of these two factors significantly contributes to the development of the disorder.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateMar 1, 2013

Misplaced molecules: New insights into the causes of dementia

A shortage of TDP-43 protein leads to muscle wasting, stunted nerve cells, and vascular dysfunction in ALS and FTD patients. The study found that the loss of function plays a critical role in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2013

Living through a tornado does not shake optimism

Residents of a town struck by a tornado reported being less vulnerable to injury from future tornadoes, but their numerical estimates were pessimistic. Living in neighborhoods affected by the storm initially increased optimism, which decreased over time.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateMar 1, 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.

Fish migrate to safer environments

A new study from Lund University in Sweden shows that roach fish migrate to surrounding streams and wetlands to escape cormorant predators, highlighting the first evidence of migration as a strategy to avoid predation. The researchers used innovative tracking methods to determine which fish were eaten by cormorants.

SourceLund University·JournalBiology Letters·DateMar 1, 2013

A nanogel-based treatment for lupus

Researchers developed a nanogel-based delivery system targeting immunosuppressive drug mycophenolic acid at tissues associated with immune cells. The treatment showed improved survival rates and delayed kidney damage in mouse models of lupus.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 2013

BPA raises risk for childhood asthma

Researchers found an association between early childhood BPA exposure and elevated risk for asthma in young children. Post-natal exposure was associated with increased risk of wheeze and asthma, while BPA exposure during pregnancy had an inverse association with risk of wheeze at age 5.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMar 1, 2013

New study reveals how sensitive US East Coast regions may be to ocean acidification

US East Coast regions will be disproportionately affected by ocean acidification, with the Gulf of Maine being particularly vulnerable. The study found that waters with low alkalinity to DIC ratios are more susceptible to acidification, and the Labrador Coastal Current may contribute to this effect.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateMar 1, 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.