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Science News for May 5, 2013


Some prostate cancer patients more likely to die after weekend ER visits

A recent study by Henry Ford Health reveals that prostate cancer patients with metastasis are more likely to die after weekend emergency department visits compared to weekdays. The study found that these patients have a 23% increased likelihood of death after weekend visits, despite being older and healthier on average.

SourceHenry Ford Health·DateMay 5, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Microwave oven cooks up solar cell material

Researchers used a microwave oven to produce a nanocrystal semiconductor for more efficient photovoltaic solar cells and LED lights, biological sensors, and systems to convert waste heat to electricity. The method produces the material quickly and uses less toxic metals than other semiconductors.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Crystal Growth·DateMay 5, 2013

Media advisory: Brain cell injections may quiet epileptic seizures

Researchers at the University of California at San Francisco have made a breakthrough in treating epilepsy by transplanting new inhibitory nerve cells into the brains of adult mice. This innovative approach has shown promising results in reducing seizure occurrence and reversing associated learning and memory problems.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 5, 2013

Preterm infants may need 800 IU of vitamin D3 per day

A new study finds that preterm infants require a daily dose of 800 IU of vitamin D3 to reduce the risk of vitamin D insufficiency. Higher doses led to better bone mineralization, but excess levels caused no major effects.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateMay 5, 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.

Scientists alarmed by rapid spread of Brown Streak Disease in cassava

The Cassava Brown Streak Disease has been identified as the most serious threat among various cassava viruses, with outbreaks reported in several countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola. The disease is caused by a highly infectious virus that can claim 100% of a farmer's harvest without their knowledge.

SourceBurness·DateMay 5, 2013

Childhood disability rate jumps 16 percent over past decade

The childhood disability rate has increased by 16 percent over the past decade, with a significant spike in neurodevelopmental disabilities among children. Meanwhile, physical health-related disabilities have decreased, particularly among children under six years old.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateMay 5, 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.

Study adds to evidence that cigarettes are gateway to marijuana

Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics reveals that college students who use both tobacco and marijuana smoke more cigarettes per month than users of tobacco only. The study also found that concurrent marijuana and tobacco use is associated with increased risk of smoking more tobacco.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateMay 5, 2013

Magnesium may be as important to kids' bone health as calcium

A recent study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that magnesium intake and absorption are significantly associated with bone density in children. Unlike dietary calcium, which was not significantly linked to bone mineral content or density.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateMay 5, 2013

Improving materials that convert heat to electricity and vice-versa

A research team from the University of Michigan has developed a new class of thermoelectric materials made with organic semiconductors that can convert waste heat into electricity more efficiently. The material, PEDOT:PSS, achieves a figure-of-merit of 0.42, nearly doubling the efficiency of existing organic semiconductors.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 5, 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.

Discovery may help prevent chemotherapy-induced anemia

Cancer chemotherapy can cause peripheral neuropathy and delay recovery after bone marrow transplantation. Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine discovered that nerve damage in the bone marrow also causes anemia by impairing hematopoietic stem cell regeneration.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 5, 2013

More hurricanes for Hawaii?

A new study projects a significant increase in tropical cyclones affecting Hawaii, with conditions becoming more favorable for hurricane formation due to global warming. The study suggests that despite potential decreases in tropical cyclones globally, Hawaii may experience a rise in near-shore storms.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii ‑ SOEST·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 5, 2013

Camaraderie of sports teams may deter bullying, violence

A study found that female high school athletes were less likely to engage in physical fights and carry weapons compared to non-athletes. However, athletic participation did not have a significant impact on bullying or violence among male students.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateMay 5, 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.

Cyberbullying rampant among high school students

A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that cyberbullying is prevalent among high school students, with 16.2% reporting electronic bullying in the past year. Girls and whites are disproportionately affected, highlighting the need for targeted awareness and prevention strategies.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateMay 5, 2013

Epilepsy cured in mice using brain cells

Researchers at UCSF controlled seizures in epileptic mice with a one-time transplantation of MGE cells, which inhibit signaling in overactive nerve circuits. The treatment showed promising results, eliminating seizures in half of the treated mice and reducing spontaneous seizures in the rest.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 5, 2013

Genome sequencing provides unprecedented insight into causes of pneumococcal disease

A study using genome sequencing technology revealed that pneumococcal bacteria population shifted from targeted vaccine strains to rare, pre-existing types, explaining the vaccine's effectiveness. This breakthrough enables real-time surveillance of bacterial populations, improving understanding of vaccination effectiveness and future d...

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 5, 2013

Discovery helps show how breast cancer spreads

Researchers have discovered that breast cancer patients with dense breasts are more likely to develop aggressive tumors. A protein called DDR2 plays a key role in this process, facilitating the spread of cancer cells by activating a multistep pathway.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMay 5, 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.

A new cost-effective genome assembly process

A new cost-effective genome assembly process has been developed by a collaboration between DOE/JGI, Pacific Biosciences, and the University of Washington. The HGAP method produces final assemblies with >99.999% accuracy using single molecule real-time DNA sequencing, eliminating the need for circular consensus sequencing.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalNature Methods·DateMay 5, 2013