Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive May 2013 - Page 14


Page 14 of 30
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.

More than one-third of Texas women still receive unnecessary breast biopsy surgery

A study published in Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that 35% of Texas women diagnosed with a breast mass between 2000 and 2008 underwent unnecessary surgical biopsies. This represents thousands of women who had surgery unnecessarily, while also driving up healthcare costs.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMay 17, 2013

Diagnosing heart attacks: There's an app for that

A new experimental iPhone application has been shown to transmit diagnostic heart images faster and with greater reliability than current methods. The app could help save lives by speeding treatment for STEMI, the deadliest type of heart attack.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMay 17, 2013

GPS solution provides 3-minute tsunami alerts

Researchers used GPS data to measure ground deformation caused by a large underwater earthquake, providing accurate warning of the resulting tsunami in just a few minutes. This method can provide fast, detailed, and accurate tsunami alerts, overcoming limitations of traditional seismological methods.

SourceEuropean Geosciences Union·JournalNatural Hazards and Earth System Sciences·DateMay 17, 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.

Youth who have their first drink during puberty have higher levels of later drinking

A new study reveals that individuals who initiate alcohol consumption during puberty tend to drink more and more frequently than those starting after puberty. The research suggests that the pubertal stage may serve as a risk window for early-onset drinking, and intervention programs should be directed towards young people in puberty.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateMay 17, 2013

Underrepresented minority students receive fellowships in digestive disease and nutrition research

The American Gastroenterological Association has announced the inaugural AGA Investing in the Future Student Research Fellowship Award recipients, supporting underrepresented minority students in digestive disease and nutrition research. The program aims to stimulate an interest in gastroenterological research and provide students with...

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·DateMay 17, 2013

New study recommends using active videogaming ('exergaming') to improve children's health

A new study published in The Journal of Pediatrics suggests that high-intensity exergaming can improve vascular health and reduce energy expenditure in children. High-intensity gaming sessions elicited an equivalent energy expenditure to moderate-intensity exercise, while low-intensity games had no impact on vascular function.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateMay 17, 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.

New malaria test kit gives a boost to elimination efforts worldwide

A new LAMP test kit can detect even the lowest levels of malaria parasites in under an hour, improving diagnosis for imported UK cases and field use in Uganda. The simple test requires minimal equipment and training, making it accessible to non-specialist health workers.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateMay 17, 2013

Corruption influences migration of skilled workers

A new study by EMBO reports found that corruption in countries hinders the attraction and retention of highly skilled workers. The level of corruption directly affects the availability of skilled workers, leading to negative consequences for a country's economy.

SourceEMBO·JournalEMBO Reports·DateMay 17, 2013

Cracking the ice code

Researchers John Isbell and Erik Gulbranson study ancient climate shifts to understand modern-day drastic climate change. They find evidence of 22 individual ice sheets in Gondwana, suggesting dramatic temperature swings and atmospheric CO2 levels fluctuations.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin - Milwaukee·DateMay 17, 2013

Front-row seats to climate change

Climate change is stressing amphibian populations worldwide, with USGS research revealing that extreme rainfall events and droughts can decrease their numbers. Scientists examined the impact of changes in rainfall patterns on amphibian life cycles, finding that a balance between deluges and droughts is crucial for survival.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalWetlands·DateMay 17, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Clinical support for patient self-management is rhetoric rather than reality

New research suggests healthcare professionals are not utilizing patient self-management support effectively, despite its potential to improve sustainability and reduce costs. The study found that while some patients benefited from the approach, it did not lead to significant improvements in patient outcomes or service usage.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalThe BMJ·DateMay 17, 2013

Stroke patients respond similarly to after-stroke care, despite age difference

A recent study published in the Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development found that patients who have suffered a stroke respond equally to care efforts, regardless of their age. The research looked at 3,196 patients treated for ischemic strokes and found little difference in health quality across different age groups.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalThe Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development·DateMay 17, 2013

New research suggests possible direction for treatment of autism

A new study suggests that environmental enrichment, which involves sensory stimulation and play, can significantly improve behaviors in autistic children. The therapy was found to be effective even for older children up to age 12, whereas traditional treatments are typically most effective at a young age.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalBehavioral Neuroscience·DateMay 17, 2013

Satellite sees Tropical Storm Alvin's life end quickly

Tropical Storm Alvin quickly weakened into a remnant low pressure area, embedded within the Inter-tropical Convergence Zone, after being named on May 15. The National Hurricane Center issued its final advisory on May 17, predicting winds would gradually diminish and not regenerate.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 17, 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.

NASA sees Cyclone Mahasen hit Bangladesh

Tropical Cyclone Mahasen brought heavy rains and tropical storm force winds to southern Bangladesh, resulting in reported deaths of at least 13 people. NASA's TRMM satellite measured the cyclone's rainfall rates from space, providing valuable insights into its impact.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 17, 2013

Promising doped zirconia

Researchers have explored iron-doped zirconia, bridging the gap between theoretical predictions and experimental measurements. The study found that oxygen vacancies play a crucial role in providing its unique electronic and magnetic properties.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateMay 17, 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.

Individuals who drink heavily and smoke may show 'early aging' of the brain

A study finds that active smokers with alcohol dependence show more problems with memory, problem-solving skills, and cognitive efficiency than non-smokers. The effects become greater with increasing age, suggesting that chronic cigarette smoking and excessive alcohol consumption exacerbate neurocognitive decline in older adults.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateMay 17, 2013

Attacking MRSA with metals from antibacterial clays

A new approach to developing effective topical antibacterial agents uses metal ions from antibacterial clays, demonstrating potent activity against MRSA and E. coli. The study identifies key metal ions responsible for the antibacterial properties, including iron, copper, cobalt, nickel, and zinc.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 17, 2013

Earth's iron core is surprisingly weak, Stanford researchers say

Scientists have measured the strength of iron under extreme pressures, simulating conditions at the center of the Earth. The study found that iron in the inner core is weaker than previously thought, with implications for understanding Earth's evolution and geomagnetic field.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 17, 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.

NASA's STEREO detects a CME from the sun

A powerful coronal mass ejection (CME) was detected by NASA's Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory on May 17, 2013, traveling at speeds of around 745 miles per second. The CME is expected to cause a geomagnetic storm when it connects with the Earth's magnetic envelope.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 17, 2013

Moffitt Cancer Center researchers analyze how Spanish smoking relapse booklets are distributed

Researchers found that active and passive distribution methods may not have reached the intended audience, highlighting the need for culturally relevant tobacco information in Spanish. The study's findings suggest that alternative distribution strategies could improve the reach of relapse prevention materials.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalJournal of Cancer Education·DateMay 17, 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.

The Lancet: Women Deliver special issue

A new meta-analysis of seven trials in Bangladesh, India, Malawi, and Nepal found that grassroots women's groups can dramatically reduce maternal and newborn deaths. Additionally, an analysis of official development assistance for reproductive health reveals that less than a tenth of funding is directed towards family planning.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 17, 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.

Women's reproductive ability may be related to immune system status

A study published in American Journal of Human Biology found a negative relationship between inflammation markers (C-reactive protein) and progesterone levels in premenopausal rural Polish women. Estradiol and age of first menstruation were also significant predictors of C-reactive protein levels.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·DateMay 17, 2013

UT Arlington physicist's tool has potential for brain mapping

A new tool developed by UT Arlington physicist Samarendra Mohanty has the potential to map and track neuronal interactions in the brain. The fiber-optic, two-photon, optogenetic stimulator uses low-energy near-infrared light to precisely excite neurons, allowing researchers to understand how brain connections function.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalOptics Letters·DateMay 16, 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.

Sea level: One-third of its rise comes from melting mountain glaciers

A new study reveals that glacier melting is responsible for about one-third of the observed sea-level rise, with other factors like ice sheets and thermal expansion contributing equally. The research used satellite data from NASA's ICESat and GRACE missions to calculate glacier mass changes globally.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience·DateMay 16, 2013

Genetic risk for schizophrenia is connected to reduced IQ

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found a link between genetic risk for schizophrenia and lower IQ, suggesting common genetic variants may contribute to cognitive decline. The research analyzed data from 937 individuals and found that those with higher genetic risk had lower IQ at age 70 but not at age 11.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMay 16, 2013

World's biggest ice sheets likely more stable than previously believed

Researchers found ancient shorelines can be pushed up by Earth's hot mantle, making them appear higher now than they originally were millions of years ago. This challenges the previous assumption that high shoreline heights reflect ice sheet collapse and suggests the ice sheets may have been more stable in the past.

SourceCIFAR·JournalScience·DateMay 16, 2013

World's melting glaciers making large contribution to sea rise

A new study found that the world's glaciers lost an average of roughly 260 billion metric tons of ice annually between 2003 and 2009, contributing to ocean rise of 0.03 inches or 0.7 millimeters per year. This loss exceeds previous estimates, highlighting the crucial role of smaller ice bodies in global sea level rise.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience·DateMay 16, 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.

Cancer survivors battle with the blues

Depressive symptoms observed in cancer survivors between one and ten years after diagnosis increase the risk of premature death. Cancer survivors with depression are twice as likely to have died early compared to those without depression.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Cancer Survivorship·DateMay 16, 2013

NASA sees heavy rainfall as Cyclone Mahasen made landfall

Cyclone Mahasen brought heavy rainfall to southern Bangladesh, with the TRMM satellite capturing areas of intense thunderstorms north of the storm's center. The cyclone is expected to weaken and move across northeastern India due to rugged terrain and strong wind shear.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 16, 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.

Vitamin C does not lower uric acid levels in gout patients

New research published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found that vitamin C supplementation had a weak effect on lowering uric acid levels in gout patients. The study suggests that vitamin C may not be a viable therapy for reducing uric acid levels in patients with established gout.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateMay 16, 2013

A*STAR and Cytos bring Singapore's first influenza vaccine to clinical testing

A*STAR and Cytos have initiated a Phase 1 clinical trial for Singapore's first H1N1 influenza vaccine candidate based on Cytos' proprietary bacteriophage Qbeta virus-like particle (VLP) technology. The vaccine aims to provide an effective means of combating influenza epidemics and pandemics in Singapore and the ASEAN region.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·DateMay 16, 2013

Vicious cycle: Obesity sustained by changes in brain biochemistry

Researchers at Brown University found a link between protein processing and appetite regulation, suggesting that ER stress may play a key role in obesity. Intervening with certain chemicals has the potential to restore normal alpha-MSH production, potentially breaking the cycle of obesity.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 16, 2013

High-testosterone competitors more likely to choose red

A new study published in Psychological Science found that high-testosterone males are more likely to choose the color red when competing. The research suggests that this association may be related to biological systems and affect how opponents respond. However, actual performance in the competitive task was not influenced by color choice.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 16, 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.

Students' diet and physical activity improve with parent communications

College students who communicate more with their parents are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables and engage in physical activity. The study found that 14% more fruits and veggies were consumed, and 50% more physical activity occurred when students spoke with their parents for 30 minutes or more.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateMay 16, 2013

Predicting risky sexual behavior

Researchers surveyed over 800 participants to identify variables that predict high-risk sexual behavior. The cultural factor proved most reliable in predicting high-risk sexual behavior, with gender stereotyping, sexual fantasy, and pornography usage playing significant roles.

SourceInternational Communication Association·DateMay 16, 2013

Endothelium, heal thyself

The endothelium, a cellular layer lining blood vessels, has an efficient barrier function maintained by its ability to heal micro-wounds. New research shows that biomechanical signals trigger the recovery response, generating reactive oxygen species to close gaps and restore functionality.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateMay 16, 2013

Can math models of gaming strategies be used to detect terrorism networks?

Researchers have developed a mathematical model that uses game theory to disrupt the flow of information in terrorist networks. The model, inspired by a two-player outdoor game called Seepage, can identify the most effective points for disrupting messages in hierarchical social networks.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Discrete Mathematics·DateMay 16, 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.