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Science News for May 28, 2013


More deaths from surgery closer to the weekend

A study published in the British Medical Journal found that patients undergoing planned surgery are more likely to die if they have their operation at the end of the week. The mortality rate was lowest for patients having operations on Monday and increased for each subsequent day of the week, with a significant increase on Fridays.

SourceImperial College London·JournalThe BMJ·DateMay 28, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Evolution in the blink of an eye

A novel songbird disease has rapidly evolved to become more harmful to its host in just two decades, according to a new study. The research found that the disease became more virulent in both regions studied, with birds exposed to later disease strains developing more swollen eyes that took longer to heal.

SourceCornell University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 28, 2013

Engineered stem cell advance points toward treatment for ALS

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have made an engineered stem cell advance that points toward a treatment for ALS. The study, published in Molecular Therapy, found that using adult stem cells to deliver growth factors improved survival and delayed disease progression in rat models with symptoms resembling ALS.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateMay 28, 2013

Changing gut bacteria through diet affects brain function, UCLA study shows

Researchers found that consuming beneficial bacteria probiotics through yogurt altered brain function in healthy women, both at rest and in response to emotional tasks. The discovery highlights the gut-brain connection and potential benefits of dietary changes for brain function.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateMay 28, 2013
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Key hydrogen report now available on OpenEnergyInfo wiki site

The Technical Reference on Hydrogen Compatibility of Materials offers detailed information on the effects of hydrogen on various materials, including steel, aluminum, copper, and nickel alloys. This report helps industry target and develop components with fewer compatibility issues, potentially accelerating the timetable for the hydrog...

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateMay 28, 2013

Research shows copper destroys norovirus

New research from the University of Southampton reveals copper can rapidly destroy norovirus on surfaces, potentially disrupting infection cycles and lowering outbreak risks. The virus can remain infectious on solid surfaces, but copper alloy surfaces containing over 60% copper prove highly effective in destroying it.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·DateMay 28, 2013

Fast-sinking jellyfish could boost the oceans' uptake of carbon dioxide

Experiments show high sinking speed for dead gelatinous plankton species, contributing to the biological pump. Fast sinking provides high-quality food resources for benthic organisms and releases CO2 that can be stored without direct contact with the atmosphere.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateMay 28, 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.

Preventing 'traffic jams' in brain cells

A study by University at Buffalo researchers has identified a novel function of the protein presenilin in controlling the speed of molecular motors along neuronal highways. This regulation may prevent deadly blockages in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, offering hope for new treatments.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateMay 28, 2013

Scientists develop CO2 sequestration technique

Lawrence Livermore scientists have discovered a new technique to remove and store atmospheric carbon dioxide while generating carbon-negative hydrogen. The process uses electrolysis to produce alkaline solution that can neutralize ocean acidification, potentially saving marine ecosystems.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 28, 2013

Childhood bullying increases the propensity to self-harm during adolescence

A new study reveals that childhood bullying can significantly increase the likelihood of self-harm in late adolescence. The research found that those subjected to chronic bullying over several years at primary school were nearly five times more likely to engage in self-harm six to seven years later.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateMay 28, 2013
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Domestic violence and perinatal mental health

A systematic review found that women who have experienced domestic violence are more likely to develop perinatal mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. High levels of symptoms were linked to increased odds of experiencing domestic violence during pregnancy or over a lifetime.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 28, 2013

New ruthenium complexes target cancer cells without typical side effects

Researchers have identified two ruthenium-based complexes that target cancer cells more effectively and are less toxic than current chemotherapies. The complexes, which seem to target cells in hypoxic states, could complement widely used platinum-based therapies like cisplatin.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalMolecular Cancer Therapeutics·DateMay 28, 2013

Malaria protection in chimpanzees

Adult wild chimpanzees exhibit a strong association between age and malaria parasite detection rates, with significantly lower positivity in adults. This suggests that individuals reaching adulthood mount an effective protective immunity against malaria parasites, consistent with human observations.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalBiology Letters·DateMay 28, 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.

White Mountains hikers often underprepared

A study by Brown University found that three out of five hikers brought seven or fewer items, while only 18 percent packed all 10 essential items. Young and inexperienced hikers were most likely to lack multiple items recommended by the State of New Hampshire's HikeSafe program.

SourceBrown University·JournalWilderness and Environmental Medicine·DateMay 28, 2013

Researchers identify novel class of drugs for prostate cancers

Researchers developed a novel class of peptidomimetic drugs that interrupt androgen receptor signaling in prostate cancer cells, preventing growth. The agents show promise as a potential therapeutic approach for men with advanced disease.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 28, 2013

Digital chest tomosynthesis possible lung cancer screening tool

A recent study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that digital chest tomosynthesis (DT) holds promise as a first-line lung cancer screening tool. DT improved sensitivity in detecting lung nodules compared to conventional chest radiography, while providing lower costs and radiation dosages.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateMay 28, 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.

Tobacco companies are not public health stakeholders

A study by US and German experts analyzed secret tobacco industry documents to conclude that the companies have a history of intentional deception. The authors argue that regulatory bodies should not consider tobacco companies stakeholders due to their vested interests, which could manipulate scientific discourse and harm public health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 28, 2013

Decoding the genome of the camel

The camel genome has been fully sequenced for the first time, providing insights into breeding strategies and adaptations to harsh desert environments. The research reveals a close genetic relationship between the Bactrian and dromedary camels, highlighting their unique characteristics.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalJournal of Heredity·DateMay 28, 2013

Small molecule could have big impact on cancer

A novel small molecule has been developed to block the function of androgen receptors, which promote prostate cancer growth. The compound prevents cancer cells from recruiting protein partners and blocks their growth, showing promise for treating prostate cancer.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 28, 2013

First clinical confirmation of H7N9 virus resistance to Tamiflu

Researchers found that treatment with Tamiflu did not reduce viral load in three patients who became severely ill, leading to concerns about resistance. Genetic testing confirmed the presence of a mutation characteristic of neuraminidase inhibitor resistance.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 28, 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.

Diamonds, nanotubes find common ground in graphene

Scientists at Rice University and Honda Research Institute have created a hybrid material that combines diamonds, nanotubes, and graphene for superior thermal management. The researchers successfully grew vertically aligned carbon nanotubes on diamond using graphene as a middleman, demonstrating its potential as a heat sink.

SourceRice University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 28, 2013

University of Huddersfield awarded £93k award from the EPSRC

Dr Gao's project aims to reduce material waste and defects in products like photovoltaic films and micro-engineered products. The UK-based researcher will develop a high-speed inspection technique using white light spectral interferometry and signal processing.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·DateMay 28, 2013

Research highlights the increasing problem of prescription drug abuse among youth

A recent study by University of Cincinnati researchers highlights the increasing problem of prescription drug abuse among youth, with males and high school students at a higher risk. The study found that pro-social behaviors, such as strong connections with parents and teachers, can reduce the odds of abusing prescription drugs.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalThe Journal of Primary Prevention·DateMay 28, 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.

Men, women lie about sex to match gender expectations

A new study found that people tend to distort their sexual behavior to conform to cultural expectations of masculinity and femininity. In contrast, non-sexual behaviors are not subject to the same level of scrutiny, with individuals more willing to admit to stereotypes for their gender in these areas.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSex Roles·DateMay 28, 2013

Advanced paper could be foundation for inexpensive biomedical and diagnostic devices

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology create a new type of paper that repels a wide variety of liquids, including water and oil, using the 'lotus effect'. The modified paper could be used as a foundation for inexpensive biomedical diagnostics and provide an improved packaging material that is recyclable and sustainable.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 28, 2013

Using 1 grant to tackle 2 diseases

Dr. Jennifer Gillette is studying the role of hematopoietic stem cells in directing the creation of new blood vessels at the site of a crisis, such as a heart attack. Her research aims to improve treatment responses for heart disease and potentially benefit cancer patients who receive hematopoietic stem cell transplants.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico Cancer Center·DateMay 28, 2013

Just how secure is quantum cryptography?

Theorists have found new methods to determine the likelihood of quantum encryption scheme failure, enabling device-independent cryptography. This allows for the estimation of failure probabilities without relying on assumptions about the reliability of devices.

SourceOptica·DateMay 28, 2013

Disabled patients who can't afford their meds come to the ER more

A new study found that disabled Medicare patients under 65 who face cost barriers to medication adherence are more likely to have emergency department visits. The study revealed that 38.3% of patients with severe cost-related non-adherence had at least one ER visit, compared to 27.5% without CRN.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateMay 28, 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.

First-ever enterovirus 71 vaccine protects young children

The first-ever enterovirus 71 vaccine has been shown to be highly effective in protecting young children against the potentially deadly hand, foot, and mouth disease. The vaccine demonstrated 90% protection against clinical EV71-associated HFMD and 80.4% against EV71-associated disease for at least 12 months.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 28, 2013

Art appreciation is measureable

Researchers developed a new model that integrates both historical and psychological perspectives on art appreciation. This approach acknowledges the importance of artistic understanding in assessing value and meaning, and can be applied to various forms of art.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalBehavioral and Brain Sciences·DateMay 28, 2013

Researchers provide rationale for use of targeted immunotherapy in sarcomatoid lung carcinomas

Sarcomatoid lung carcinomas are rare and aggressive diseases resistant to chemotherapy. Researchers found higher levels of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) in these tumors, which may lead to the use of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 targeted therapies. This discovery supports potential novel immunotherapy approaches for this difficult-to-treat disease.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateMay 28, 2013

Doctor brands NHS profits from pregnancy 'unacceptable'

The NHS receives millions of pounds annually in revenue from promotions to pregnant women, raising concerns over commercial interests influencing healthcare decisions. Trusted organizations, including the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, profit from selling advertisers access to pregnant women through promotions.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMay 28, 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.

Family studies suggest rare genetic mutations team up to cause schizophrenia

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that individually harmless genetic variations affecting related biochemical processes may team up to increase the risk of schizophrenia. The study suggests a buildup of mutations in a pathway related to the disease can be the culprit for the mental disorder.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateMay 28, 2013

NASA sees developing tropical cyclone near southwestern Mexico

A tropical low-pressure system, System 92E, is developing near southwestern Mexico and may become Tropical Storm Barbara by May 28. The National Hurricane Center expects the storm to consolidate and bring heavy rains to southern Mexico and western Central America.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 28, 2013

Colorado's new alga may be a source of biofuel production

A new strain of algae discovered in Colorado's Rocky Mountains has been found to grow at temperatures approaching freezing and accumulate large intracellular stores of lipids. The algae produces the highest quantity of lipids when grown under high light and low temperatures, making it an ideal source for biofuel production.

SourceWiley·JournalBiotechnology Progress·DateMay 28, 2013

Operative death rates higher at weekend, warn researchers

Researchers found a 'weekday effect' in mortality rates for patients undergoing elective surgery, with higher risks at the weekend and end of working week. The study suggests poorer quality of care may contribute to this, particularly for patients with more diseases or previous admissions.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMay 28, 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.

Psychotherapy's benefits for depression

International researchers found that all seven psychotherapeutic interventions have comparable effects on depressive symptoms, regardless of patient group or therapy type. The therapies worked equally well for individual and group therapy, as well as internet-based interactions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 28, 2013

LSUHSC paper judged best of the year

A new LSUHSC paper has been selected as the Best Paper of the Year by the National Cancer Registrars Association for its innovative evaluation of cancer stages. The study found that lung and prostate cancers had the highest percentages of unknown stages, with non-hospital reporting sources being a key predictor.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·DateMay 28, 2013

Einstein's 'spooky action' common in large quantum systems

In large quantum systems, entanglement becomes ubiquitous above a threshold of about 200 particles, enabling super high-speed communications and quantum computing. The study provides parameters to harness this property.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalCommunications on Pure and Applied Mathematics·DateMay 28, 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.

U of A medical researchers ID genetic marker for sporadic breast cancer

Researchers at the University of Alberta have identified a genetic marker on chromosome 4 associated with sporadic breast cancer in Alberta women. The study, published in PLoS One, used DNA scans from over 7,200 women and found that those with sporadic breast cancer frequently carried this marker.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 28, 2013

Bees tell birds to buzz off

A new study reveals that bumblebees use a 'buzz' warning signal to scare away birds from their freshly built nests. The researchers observed that the birds were distressed and often flew out of the nest when exposed to the buzzing sound.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateMay 28, 2013

For pundits, it's better to be confident than correct

Researchers at Washington State University found that being confident can increase a pundit's followers by nearly 17%, while accuracy only boosts it by 3.4%. The study used over 1 billion tweets to analyze the relationship between confidence and popularity.

SourceWashington State University·DateMay 28, 2013
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.

Penn-led research maps historic sea-level change on the New Jersey coastline

A new study led by the University of Pennsylvania reveals that the New Jersey coast has experienced a 10,000-year record of continuous sea-level rise, with varying rates of increase over time. The research suggests that climate change may trigger catastrophic melting of ice sheets, leading to higher rates of sea-level rise and increasi...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Quaternary Science·DateMay 28, 2013

Women donate less to charity than men in some contexts

A new field experiment by University of Chicago economists found that women are more likely to opt-out of charity donations, especially when given the option. In contrast, men's giving was slightly affected, with women giving only half as much as before in situations where they could avoid donating.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateMay 28, 2013

Saturated fats do not yield better bacon

Research suggests producers feeding high levels of DDGS reduce fat softening by limiting feed in last weeks before harvest. Pigs fed diets with saturated fats did not show firmer belly flop distances, contradicting long-held assumption that they improve fat quality.

SourceAmerican Society of Animal Science·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateMay 28, 2013

Dealing with 'crap' to improve water quality

A former University of California, Riverside graduate student built a system that replicates a human colon, septic tank, and groundwater to understand the impact of bacteria on groundwater. His research found that pathogens could potentially linger longer in aquatic environments, posing a risk to water quality.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMay 28, 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.

Picking up a second language is predicted by ability to learn patterns

A new study suggests that the ability to pick up on statistical regularities is a key factor in learning a second language. American students who performed well on a task measuring their capacity for statistical pattern recognition were found to be more successful in picking up Hebrew over two semesters.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 28, 2013

Scientists find possible solution to an ancient enigma

Scientists discovered that foraminifera may be responsible for the decline of stromatolites and the emergence of thrombolites. The researchers found evidence of foraminifera in both types of structures, suggesting a possible link between their disappearance and appearance.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 28, 2013

Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust funds new research focus at Institute for Genomic Biology

The Institute for Genomic Biology will develop foundational synthetic biology technologies and computational platforms for genetic modification of plants and animals. The grant aims to address grand challenges in human health and environmental sustainability, with potential applications in crop yields and disease treatment.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·DateMay 28, 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.

Scientists pave the way for vaccine to combat devastating avian disease

Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed a vaccine that protects against necrotic enteritis, a severe poultry disease caused by Clostridium perfringens. The vaccine targets the bacterium's NetB toxin, allowing for effective prevention and control of the devastating disease.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBiological Chemistry·DateMay 28, 2013

Study explores 100 year increase in forestry diseases

A new study in the Journal of Quaternary Science explores the historic impact of forest diseases on vegetation change. The research suggests that human activity, such as international seed trade, is a major factor in frequent pathogen outbreaks over the last 100 years.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Quaternary Science·DateMay 28, 2013

The analysis of medical images is improved to facilitate the study of psychotic disorders

Researchers have developed new superresolution and segmentation methods for magnetic resonance images to analyze structural brain differences in psychotic patients and their healthy relatives. These methods improve the quality of images and enable automatic calculations of desired sizes, leading to a better understanding of psychosis.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalSchizophrenia Research·DateMay 28, 2013

New approach may allow faster spinal anesthesia for cancer patients at end of life

Researchers developed a set of equations to estimate the initial dose of intrathecal spinal pain relievers, avoiding the need for epidural anesthesia trials. This approach could shorten time to satisfactory pain control in patients with uncontrolled cancer pain, allowing them to spend more of their remaining days at home.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalAnesthesia & Analgesia·DateMay 28, 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.

Soda and illegal drugs cause similar damage to teeth

A study published in General Dentistry found that soda consumption, especially diet soda, can cause severe tooth erosion and damage similar to methamphetamine and crack cocaine use. The Academy of General Dentistry recommends minimizing soda intake and using sugar-free gum or rinsing with water after consumption.

SourceAcademy of General Dentistry·JournalEuropean Journal of General Dentistry·DateMay 28, 2013