Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive May 2013 - Page 20


Page 20 of 30

Openly gay: Does it affect performance appraisal?

A study by Clemson University researchers suggests that knowing an actor is gay has no impact on ratings of their performance. The study found that perceptions of masculinity are affected, but not acting ability.

SourceClemson University·JournalPsychology of Popular Media Culture·DateMay 13, 2013

Seabird bones reveal changes in open-ocean food chain

Researchers analyzed Hawaiian petrels' ancient and modern remains, finding a drastic shift in diet towards lower-level prey. This change coincides with the growth of industrialized fishing, prompting concerns for other species' fate.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Routine screening for depression not recommended for adults with no apparent symptoms of depression

New guidelines from the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommend against routine screening for depression in adults without apparent symptoms. The recommendations are based on a lack of high-quality evidence on the benefits and harms of screening. Clinicians should be alert to the possibility of depression in patients wi...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 13, 2013

Photonic quantum computers: A brighter future than ever

Researchers from the University of Vienna and University of Jena have successfully realized a boson sampling computer utilizing photon mobility. This breakthrough may lead to the first outperformance of classical computers in near future.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 13, 2013

Early formula use helps some mothers breastfeed longer

Researchers at UC San Francisco found that giving small amounts of formula to infants experiencing high early weight loss can increase the length of time their mothers end up breastfeeding. This study provides evidence for the benefits of 'early limited formula' in some newborns.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMay 13, 2013

Higher child marriage rates associated with higher maternal and infant mortality

A study published in Violence Against Women reveals that countries with high girl child marriage rates have significantly higher maternal and infant mortality rates. The research suggests a 70% reduction in maternal mortality could be achieved by reducing girl child marriage rates by just 10%. The findings support greater advocacy and ...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalViolence Against Women·DateMay 13, 2013

Saving the parrots: Texas A&M team sequences genome of endangered macaw birds

A Texas A&M University research team has successfully sequenced the complete genome of a Scarlet macaw, providing new insights into avian evolution and conservation. The genome analysis revealed significant differences between the macaw and chickens, shedding light on genetic factors influencing longevity and intelligence.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 13, 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.

Family trees for yeast cells

Researchers have developed a new method to analyse the genomes of yeast families, which is several hundred times faster than current methods. The new method uses barcode-enabled sequencing and allows for the analysis of tetrad relationships between spores, enabling the study of complex traits.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalNature Methods·DateMay 13, 2013

How much a single cell breathes

Researchers have developed a method to precisely control the distance between electrodes and cells, allowing for accurate measurement of single-cell oxygen consumption. This enables quick analysis of cell activity and metabolic processes.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 13, 2013

MOOCs FORUM journal debuts summer 2013

The new journal MOOCs FORUM, launched in summer 2013, focuses on the development, design, and deployment of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). The journal aims to provide a neutral platform for critical evaluation of MOOC components and modules.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalMOOCs FORUM·DateMay 13, 2013

Research letter evaluates calories, fat, and sodium content in restaurant meals

A study evaluating restaurant meal nutrition found that breakfast, lunch, and dinner options were high in calories (56% of daily recommendation), fat (89%), and sodium (151% of recommended daily intake). The research highlights the need for public health initiatives to address nutritional profiles in restaurant meals.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 13, 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.

Living close to major road may impair kidney function

A study of over 1,100 adults who had a stroke found that those living closest to major roads had lower kidney function and increased cardiovascular death rates. Exposure to air pollution from traffic was linked to reduced renal function and an increased risk of cardiovascular events.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateMay 13, 2013

Solar panels as inexpensive as paint? It's possible due to research at UB, elsewhere

Researchers at UB have made significant breakthroughs in developing photovoltaic cells that produce more power and cost less to manufacture. These devices use organic materials and plasmonic-enhanced technology to increase efficiency. The team aims to make solar panels as affordable as paint, paving the way for widespread adoption.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 13, 2013

Agent Orange exposure linked to life-threatening prostate cancer

A new analysis found a significant link between Agent Orange exposure and high-grade prostate cancer among US Veterans. Exposure to the herbicide was associated with a 52% increase in overall risk of prostate cancer detection by biopsy, as well as a 75% increase in risk of high-grade prostate cancer.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateMay 13, 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.

Study defines level of dengue virus needed for transmission

Scientists have identified the minimum dose of dengue virus needed to infect mosquitoes when bitten. This finding has significant implications for preventing the spread of the disease. The study provides a target for experimental vaccines and drugs to prevent the virus from reaching humans.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2013

'I care about nature, but ...'

A study by Technische Universität München found that entrepreneurs who prioritize their business goals over environmental concerns do so unconsciously, despite having strong values. Entrepreneurs with high self-efficacy and a challenging business climate were more likely to disengage from pro-environmental values.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateMay 13, 2013

Receptor proteins could hold clues to antibiotic resistance in MRSA

Scientists at Imperial College London have identified four new receptors for the signalling molecule c-di-AMP, which is essential for bacterial growth and division. The discovery provides vital clues for developing new antibiotics targeting these pathways.

SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 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.

Grammar errors? The brain detects them even when you are unaware

University of Oregon neuroscientists found that people's brains detect grammatical errors without conscious awareness, generating an early negative ERP response. Despite participants' lack of awareness, their brains processed the errors implicitly, suggesting a brain mechanism recognizing and reacting to them.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·DateMay 13, 2013

Circadian clock gene rhythms in brain altered in depression, UC Irvine Health study finds

Researchers found that genes controlling circadian clock rhythms are profoundly altered in the brains of people with severe depression, suggesting a physical basis for many symptoms. The study provides clues for potential new classes of compounds to rapidly treat depression by resetting abnormal clock genes.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2013

To suppress or to explore? Emotional strategy may influence anxiety

Researchers discovered that individuals who use an emotional regulation strategy called reappraisal tend to experience less anxiety than those who suppress their emotions. Reappraisal involves reframing a problem in a positive light, finding the positives and focusing on challenging situations.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalEmotion·DateMay 13, 2013

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for May 14, 2013

The US is on high alert for a potential Chinese Avian Flu pandemic, with over 100 infected and 24 deaths reported. The US Preventive Services Task Force also recommends screening all adults for alcohol misuse to reduce preventable deaths.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 13, 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.

Alligator stem cell study gives clues to tooth regeneration

Researchers from USC Keck School of Medicine have uncovered unique cellular and molecular mechanisms behind tooth renewal in American alligators. The study found that alligator teeth are complex units of three components, including a functional tooth, replacement tooth, and dental lamina, which contain stem cells for regeneration.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2013

NASA sees a strengthening Tropical Cyclone Mahasen

Tropical Cyclone Mahasen is projected to track north through the Bay of Bengal and make landfall later this week. The storm's maximum sustained winds are expected to increase over the next couple of days, reaching hurricane force by May 15.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 13, 2013

Reversing paralysis with a restorative gel

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have invented an innovative method to repair damaged peripheral nerves, with the help of a biodegradable implant and a Guiding Regeneration Gel (GRG) that increases nerve growth. The therapy has already shown promising results in animal models and is expected to be tested clinically soon.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·DateMay 13, 2013

Energy supply from hydropower projects depends on rainforest conservation

Research shows that conserving rainforests in the Amazon River Basin can increase electricity production from hydropower projects by up to 30%. The study highlights the critical role of rainforests in generating rainfall and river flow, which ultimately power production.

SourceSimons Consulting·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 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.

Tumor-activated protein promotes cancer spread

Researchers found that a tumor-activated protein, VEGF-C, activates integrin α4β1 on lymphatic vessels in lymph node tissues, making them more attractive to metastatic tumor cells. This highlights the way tumors can have long-range effects on other parts of the body, impacting tumor metastasis or growth.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2013

Individual and small-chain restaurant meals exceed recommended daily calorie needs

A new study reveals that individual and small-chain restaurant meals significantly exceed recommended daily calorie needs, with an average single meal containing two to three times the estimated calorie needs of an individual adult. The findings suggest that limiting menu labeling to large chain restaurants may not be enough to lower t...

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 13, 2013

'Look but don't touch'

Researchers at ICFO have successfully demonstrated a new quantum-mechanical measurement technique, allowing for the observation of spinning electrons in atoms without disturbing them. This achievement exceeds the standard quantum limit and paves the way for the observation of individual atoms.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 12, 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.

Mutation causing wrong-way plumbing explains 1 type of blue-baby syndrome

A study published in Nature Medicine reveals that a mutation in the Semaphorin 3d molecule disrupts the development of pulmonary veins, leading to Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection (TAPVC). The condition causes poorly oxygenated blood throughout the body, resulting in cyanosis. Researchers found that Sema3d mutations cause ab...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Immunology·DateMay 12, 2013

Carnivorous plant throws out 'junk' DNA

The Utricularia gibba genome, smallest sequenced from a complex plant, contradicts the notion that vast quantities of noncoding DNA are crucial for complex life. The bladderwort has purged most of its genetic material, including noncoding 'junk' DNA, while maintaining a functional set of genes similar to those of other plant species.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNature·DateMay 12, 2013

Graphene joins the race to redefine the ampere

A graphene single-electron pump provides a fast enough electron flow to create a current standard, overcoming the Achilles heel of metallic pumps. This innovation marks a major step forward in using graphene to redefine the ampere.

SourceNational Physical Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 12, 2013
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Researchers take important step in unlocking what causes congenital heart disease

A large-scale sequencing analysis of congenital heart disease has identified a specific biological pathway that is critical to its development. The study found that spontaneous mutations affect genes involved in this pathway, which is essential for human development and can lead to structural heart problems in infants.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNature·DateMay 12, 2013

Spontaneous mutations are major cause of congenital heart disease

Research finds that spontaneous genetic mutations are a major cause of congenital heart disease, accounting for 10% of severe cases. The mutations affect genes involved in regulating gene expression and DNA packaging, leading to increased risk of heart defects.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateMay 12, 2013

Chemistry breakthrough sheds new light on illness and health

Researchers have developed a new dye that surpasses current contrast agents in terms of image quality and duration, opening up possibilities for live-cell filming and reduced costs. The breakthrough could lead to expanded use of imaging technology in developing countries, where access to medical equipment is limited.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalMethods and Applications in Fluorescence·DateMay 12, 2013
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Nano-breakthrough: Solving the case of the herringbone crystal

Researchers at the University of Michigan and MIT have discovered a method to control the arrangement of nanocrystals into complex patterns, including the herringbone style. By understanding the interactions between particles, they can design materials with specific properties, revolutionizing the field of nanotechnology.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMay 12, 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.

Invasion of the slugs -- halted by worms...

Research found that earthworms increase nitrogen content of plants and reduce slug damage by 60% due to improved plant defenses. High plant diversity also results in lower slug damage, suggesting a complex interaction between the two species.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Ecology·DateMay 12, 2013

World first clinical trial supports use of Kava to treat anxiety

A world-first clinical study by an Australian team has found Kava significantly reduced symptoms of people suffering from Generalised Anxiety Disorders. The study revealed Kava could be an alternative treatment to pharmaceutical products, with no significant adverse reactions or differences in liver function between the groups.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychopharmacology·DateMay 11, 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.

Secret streets of Britain's Atlantis are revealed

A detailed analysis of the archaeological remains of Dunwich, dubbed 'Britain's Atlantis', has produced an accurate map of the town's streets and buildings. The study used advanced underwater imaging techniques to examine the ruins on the seabed, shedding new light on the town's layout and structures.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·DateMay 10, 2013

Cancer drug prevents build-up of toxic brain protein

Researchers used low doses of leukemia drug nilotinib to clear toxic proteins from mouse brains affected with Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. The treatment improved movement and functionality in treated mice compared to untreated ones, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for these diseases.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateMay 10, 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.

Study supports alternative model for personality disorders in upcoming DSM-5

A new study published in Journal of Psychiatric Practice reports a hybrid categorical-dimensional diagnostic model proposed for DSM-5 aligns well with the current approach to personality disorder diagnoses. The findings support the adoption of this alternative model, which combines core dimensions of personality disorder with various m...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Practice·DateMay 10, 2013

Background noise in the operating room can impair surgical team communication

A new study found that high levels of OR noise can have a disruptive effect on a surgeon's auditory processing abilities and cause a decrease in speech comprehension. The researchers tested 15 surgeons with varying years of experience under different listening conditions, including quiet, filtered noise, background noise, and music.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMay 10, 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.