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Science News for May 27, 2013


Crystal-clear method for distinguishing between glass and fluids

Researchers developed a simple model to explain the difference between glass and molten materials, with spherical plastic particles in aqueous solution. The study found that internal tensile stresses persisted in the glassy state, distinguishing it from fluid behavior.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 27, 2013

When perks don't work

A study by University of British Columbia researchers found that consumers experience social awkwardness when given free upgrades in front of others, leading to a decline in satisfaction and shorter browsing times. The study suggests that retailers should offer perks privately to avoid embarrassment.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMay 27, 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.

The Bechstein's bat is more Mediterranean than originally thought

A recent study challenges traditional views on Bechstein's bat distribution, suggesting that historical changes in its habitat rather than climate may be responsible. The research found that the species' ecological niche is narrow and flexible, with adaptable roosting and hunting habits.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateMay 27, 2013

Decision-making preferences among patients with heart attacks

A study of 6,636 patients with heart attacks found that two-thirds prefer an active role in decision-making. Physicians who provide patient-centered care should directly ask patients about their decision-making preferences. The study aims to develop systems that respect these preferences and give patients the opportunity they desire.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 27, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Down syndrome neurons grown from stem cells show signature problems

New study finds Down syndrome neurons have reduced connections and high levels of oxidative stress, which could contribute to accelerated aging and increased susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease. Researchers hope to use these cells to test potential treatments for the condition.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 27, 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.

How do plants grow toward the light?

Researchers at TUM discovered that auxin hormone plays a crucial role in plant growth towards light. By understanding the auxin transport mechanism, they were able to prove its involvement in phototropism for the first time. The study highlights the importance of auxin in regulating plant cell elongation and responding to light signals.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMay 27, 2013

When doctors and patients share in decisions, hospital costs go up

A hospital-based study found that patients who want to participate in their medical decisions end up spending more time in the hospital and raising costs of their hospital stay by an average of $865. The study suggests that encouraging patients to be more involved may not reduce costs, but rather increase length of stay and costs. Prov...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 27, 2013

Salmonella uses protective switch during infection

Researchers found a protective molecular switch in Salmonella Typhimurium that helps the bacteria adapt to hostile environments during infection. This switch, using S-thiolation, may provide insight into fighting systemic illness and could be exploited to develop new treatments.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 27, 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.

All in one shot

Researchers have discovered a common sugar molecule on the cell surface of multiple pathogens, which could be key to developing a broad-spectrum vaccine. The sugar polymer, known as PNAG, is found on the surfaces of bacteria that cause strep throat, pneumonias, malaria, and other deadly infections.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 27, 2013

Snail shell coiling programmed by protein patterning

Research found that snails' coiled shells are driven by a protein gradient and asymmetry in Decapentaplegic expression, contrasting with limpet shells which lack this asymmetry. The study provides an explanation for the evolution of shell coiling in gastropods.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalEvoDevo·DateMay 27, 2013

Surge in children accidentally eating marijuana-laced foods

A new study by the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found a significant increase in unintentional ingestions of marijuana by children since Colorado's drug laws modification in 2009. The number of children treated for exposure to marijuana increased from zero before 2009 to 588 after October 1, 2009.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMay 27, 2013

Communication between physicians and patients important for expectations

A study found that seriously ill patients undergoing hemodialysis tend to be more optimistic than their physicians about their prognosis. Nephrologists rarely discuss estimated life-expectancy with patients, instead leaving it to patients to over-estimate their long-term survival rates.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 27, 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.

KISS ME DEADLY proteins may help improve crop yields

A new regulator for plant hormone signaling, the KISS ME DEADLY family of proteins (KMDs), has been identified by Dartmouth researchers. This discovery may lead to improved agricultural productivity and increased crop yields.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 27, 2013

The formula for turning cement into metal

Researchers from Argonne National Laboratory have created a semi-conductor material by turning liquid cement into liquid metal through electron trapping. This process creates metallic-glass material with positive attributes including conductivity, fluidity, and low energy loss.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 27, 2013

Preterm birth affects ability to solve complex cognitive tasks

Researchers found that preterm children's cognitive performance deficits increase with task complexity and decrease with pregnancy duration. The study suggests that educational interventions could be developed to promote academic attainment in preterm children.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 27, 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.

How patient centered are medical decisions?

A national survey found that adults often did not make informed medical decisions due to insufficient shared decision-making. Healthcare providers need to improve patient engagement by balancing discussions on pros and cons and regularly seeking patient input.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 27, 2013

New safety test predicts reactions to novel drugs and cosmetics

A new skin test called Skimune has been developed by Newcastle University to predict adverse reactions to new drugs and cosmetics. The test uses real human skin and immune cells to identify potential risks, providing a faster and more accurate alternative to animal testing.

SourceNewcastle University·DateMay 27, 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.

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for May 28, 2013

Researchers found that using the oral glucose challenge test (OGCT) with a glucose threshold of 7.2 mmol/L had a sensitivity of 99 percent and specificity of 77 percent for diagnosing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). GDM screening may also reduce complications such as preeclampsia, shoulder dystocia, and high birth weight.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 27, 2013

Stem cell injections improve spinal injuries in rats

A single injection of human neural stem cells produced therapeutic benefits in rats with acute spinal cord injury, including improved function and mobility. The grafted stem cells stimulated host neuron regeneration and partially replaced the function of lost neurons, reducing muscle spasticity.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalStem Cell Research & Therapy·DateMay 27, 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.

Elsevier launches new open access journal: Translational Proteomics

The new journal aims to cover all areas of research in human proteomics, using multi-disciplinary approaches to untangle complex disease processes. It will provide a platform for high-quality, multi-disciplinary studies combining early discovery with clinical applications.

SourceElsevier·JournalTranslational Proteomics·DateMay 27, 2013

Rats have a double view of the world

Researchers at Max Planck Institute found that rats move their eyes in opposite directions, allowing them to maintain a constant binocular field and detect potential threats. This adaptation is thought to increase their chances of survival against birds and other predators.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateMay 27, 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.

Colon cancer screening: Immunological tests are superior

A large-scale study has shown that immunological stool tests are more sensitive than enzyme-based tests in detecting colon cancer and precancerous lesions. The tests detected about twice as many cancer cases and three times as many advanced precancerous lesions, with a higher specificity rate.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalEuropean Journal of Cancer·DateMay 27, 2013