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Science News Archive May 2013


Page 16 of 30

Interim provost Paula Myrick Short named Fulbright Specialist

Paula Myrick Short, interim provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, has been selected as a Fulbright Specialist to engage in short-term collaborative projects at international universities. She will share expertise in reform strategies, leadership development, and policy support to enhance student success.

Scientists develop 'green' pretreatment of Miscanthus for biofuels

Researchers have developed a novel, environmentally friendly approach to pretreating Miscanthus biomass, enabling more efficient conversion into biofuels. The 'green' pretreatment process uses switchable butadiene sulfone, which can be recovered and reused, reducing waste and costs.

No idle chatter: Study finds malaria parasites 'talk' to each other

Researchers discovered malaria parasites can send signals to each other in infected red blood cells, triggering transformation into sexually mature forms that can be transmitted to mosquitoes. This social behavior could provide a target for developing new antimalarial drugs or vaccines.

Canada must addess real climate-change challenge

Canadian governments must work together to share greenhouse gas emissions reduction costs, with provinces contributing equally. The current system is not effective and requires leadership from the Prime Minister and provincial premiers to address the challenge.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

More severe psoriasis explains the higher costs of care for men

A new study from Umea University finds that men with more severe psoriasis receive more frequent and expensive treatment, contributing to higher healthcare costs. The research analyzed data from over 2,200 Swedish patients and found a significant difference in disease severity between men and women.

NASA satellites eye Cyclone Mahasen as Bangladesh prepares for landfall

Cyclone Mahasen is strengthening in the Bay of Bengal, with NASA satellites tracking its movement and predicting a large storm surge along the Bangladeshi coastline. Heavy rainfall totals over 500 mm have been recorded in the northern Indian Ocean, posing significant flooding risks for residents in coastal areas.

Getting fit in middle age can reduce heart failure risk

A study published in the American Heart Association found that middle-aged individuals who improved their fitness levels reduced their heart failure risk by 20% for every one MET improvement. This research highlights the importance of incorporating regular exercise into mid-life routines to decrease the risk of heart failure.

Clam fossils divulge secrets of ecologic stability

A new study reveals that the Devonian clam fauna experienced fluctuations in species abundance, but its ecological stability remained intact. The research suggests that factors like predation pressure and food web dynamics played a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem's stability.

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.

More sleep may decrease the risk of suicide in people with insomnia

A new study found that increased sleep duration is associated with a lower likelihood of moderate or high suicide risk versus low risk. Every one-hour increase in sleep duration was linked to a 72 percent decrease in the likelihood of moderate or high suicide risk, according to researchers.

HiRISE Mars camera reveals hundreds of impacts each year

Researchers using NASA's HiRISE camera have identified almost 250 fresh impact craters on Mars each year, providing a more accurate measure of surface processes on the Red Planet. The cratering rate is estimated at an average of one per area roughly the size of Texas, offering insights into climate change and the planet's activity.

Friction in the nano-world

Researchers at Technical University of Munich discover 'desorption stick', a new type of friction that occurs when polymer molecules interact with surfaces. This mechanism depends on the chemical nature of the surface and solvent, not on movement speed or adhesive strength.

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.

James Cameron to be publicly honored with Scripps Nierenberg Prize

James Cameron will deliver a presentation on his DEEPSEA CHALLENGE expedition and donate an extreme-depth unmanned undersea exploration system known as a 'lander' to Scripps. The lander will be used for future deep-sea exploration endeavors, unlocking the mysteries of Earth's least explored environment.

How teenagers cope with inner-city risks

Research reveals that girls try to avoid or escape risky situations, while boys act tough to prove their street credentials, but both are critical of gangs and youth violence. The study highlights the importance of community and school-based approaches to addressing all forms of violence against women and girls.

Observation of second sound in a quantum gas

In a groundbreaking experiment, scientists detected the second sound wave in an ultracold quantum gas, validating a fundamental theory of superfluidity developed by Lev Landau. The observation was made possible by controlling and manipulating individual atoms using lasers.

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.

Pelvic organ prolapse surgery less effective than expected

A study published in JAMA found that sacrocolpopexy, a common surgical treatment for pelvic organ prolapse, has lower long-term success rates than previously thought. Nearly one-third of women experience treatment failure within five years, while a majority develop urinary incontinence.

Penn Medicine study finds broad support for rationing of some types of cancer care

A new study by Penn Medicine found that most cancer doctors, patients, and the general public support cutting healthcare costs by refusing to pay for drugs without improving survival or quality of life. The survey also revealed that large numbers favored not paying for more expensive drugs when cheaper alternatives are equally effective.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

The developmental genetics of space and time

Researchers identified a case of spatial and temporal conflict in regulating the ventral neurons defective gene, which must be precisely regulated for proper nervous system specification. The study shows that an additional input from a complementary gradient of the Dpp morphogen solves conflicting temporal and spatial responses.

Clinically depressed patients phrase personal goals in less specific terms

Researchers found that depressed individuals express personal goals in vague terms, such as 'to be happy,' rather than specific objectives like improving a running time. This reduced specificity may be linked to the motivational deficits seen in depression, and could inform more effective psychotherapeutic approaches.

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.

H1N1 discovered in marine mammals

Scientists detected H1N1 virus in free-ranging northern elephant seals off California coast, indicating potential for transmission to humans. The discovery highlights the importance of protecting workers handling marine mammals and preventing disease transmission between species.

Tissue damage from metal-on-metal hip implants appears before pain symptoms appear

A new study found that metal-on-metal hip implants can cause inflammation of the joint lining (synovitis) in asymptomatic patients, with MRI scans identifying this inflammation. The study suggests that symptoms alone are insufficient to determine an implant's health and recommends using imaging, such as MRI, to predict potential damage.

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.

World's most extraordinary species mapped for the first time

The study identifies key regions for conservation efforts, highlighting Southeast Asia, southern Africa, and Central America as top priorities. Conservationists must allocate limited resources effectively to protect the world's most unique and threatened species.

Hot on the TRAIL of graft vs. host disease

Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center have discovered that expression of TRAIL in transplanted hematopoietic stem cells is critical for an effective anti-tumor response. This finding has led to the development of new therapeutic strategies to suppress graft-versus-host disease while maintaining anti-tumor activity.

Light cast on lifestyle and diet of first New Zealanders

A team of scientists analyzed isotopes from the bones and teeth of the first New Zealanders, identifying their likely diet and childhood origins. The study suggests that the first group shared similar diets, while others had highly variable diets reflecting their geographical movements.

Body fat hardens arteries after middle age

Researchers at Imperial College London found that middle-aged individuals with higher body fat experience stiffer arteries. This stiffness can lead to increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death.

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.

Repeat brain injury raises soldiers' suicide risk

A survey of 161 military personnel found that those with multiple head injuries face a significantly higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The study's lead author says that knowing this association can provide valuable information for professionals treating wounded combat servicemen and women to help manage the risk of suicide.

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.

Collecting DNA for human rights: How to help while safeguarding privacy

A new report highlights the challenges of collecting DNA for human rights purposes, such as protecting victims of human trafficking. The authors propose multiple approaches and solutions to combat this issue, including collaboration among government authorities, law enforcement, social services, academics, and victim advocates.

Study provides insight into nesting behavior of dinosaurs

Researchers at George Mason University and University of Lincoln found that dinosaurs likely shared incubation duties with both moms and dads, contrary to previous claims of male-only care. This new analysis helps understand the evolution of incubation in birds and sheds light on dinosaur reproductive behavior.

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.

Study finds disagreement on the role of primary care nurse practitioners

A survey of nearly 1,000 primary care clinicians reveals significant disagreements between physicians and nurse practitioners on the scope of nurse practitioner responsibilities, including leadership roles, reimbursement levels, and service provision. The study highlights the need for further analysis of the economic implications and c...

Young women often less healthy than young men before heart attacks

A study found that young women are less healthy and have a poorer quality of life prior to a heart attack compared to men of similar age. Researchers also discovered that women are more likely to have conditions associated with heart disease, such as diabetes and depression.

The DOE Joint Genome Institute expands capabilities via new partnerships

The DOE JGI has established new partnerships to develop emerging technologies in genomics and single-cell analysis, including scalable DNA synthesis and high-throughput sequencing. These collaborations aim to enhance the Institute's capabilities and support DOE missions related to clean energy and environmental characterization.

Innovation in spectroscopy could improve greenhouse gas detection

Researchers at NIST have developed a new technique that allows for rapid scanning of atmospheric gases, enabling faster and more accurate detection of greenhouse gases. This innovation has the potential to improve climate science by combining high-accuracy measurements from various platforms.

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.

Unlocking the manipulation of mosquitoes by malaria parasites

A study published in PLOS ONE found that female mosquitoes infected with malaria parasites are significantly more attracted to human odour than uninfected mosquitoes. The team aims to identify the chemical compounds in human odour that attract infected mosquitoes, which could help develop improved mosquito traps.

New blood test finds allergies before implant surgery

Researchers have developed a blood test that can detect allergies to nickel, cobalt, and bone cement, allowing patients to avoid miserable reactions and expensive revisions. The new test is expected to be widely used in the next couple of years, improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

Catching graphene butterflies

The discovery reveals a fundamental interest in understanding the electronic properties of graphene and its potential applications. The researchers have created multiple clones of Dirac fermions, mimicking massless relativistic particles, and produced an intricate pattern known as the Hofstadter butterfly.

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.

European winter weather harder to forecast in certain years

Researchers found that European winter weather is more challenging to forecast when the Atlantic airflow is weaker, leading to more complicated weather patterns. This phenomenon is linked to the North Atlantic Oscillation, which affects the relationship between atmospheric pressure systems and European weather conditions.

European Research Infrastructures help to solve air quality issues

The Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research advocates for tightening the Air Quality Directive to set better standards, improve air quality, and protect human health. Researchers recommend regulating pollutants like particulate matter, ground-level ozone, and benzo(a)pyrene to reduce the negative impacts of air pollution.

UIC information specialists ease switch to new healthcare codes

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) team created a web-based tool to help physicians, hospitals and clinics make the transition without hiring experts. The study shows that the translations from ICD-9 to ICD-10 are organized into clusters, making it convoluted and entangled.