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Science News Archive May 2013 - Page 27


Page 27 of 30

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

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
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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

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

Don't txt n drive: Teens not getting msg

A recent study found that nearly 43% of high school students admit to texting while driving, with higher prevalence among males and older teens. The American Academy of Pediatrics warns that this behavior significantly increases the risk of accidents, making it more dangerous than driving under the influence.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateMay 4, 2013

Toxic waste sites cause healthy years of life lost

A study by a Mount Sinai researcher found that toxic waste sites with high levels of lead and chromium cause a significant number of 'healthy years of life lost' among individuals living near the sites. The study calculated 828,722 lost years of full health due to disease, disability, or early death.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMay 4, 2013

Poverty threatens health of US children

The American Academy of Pediatrics is calling for a national agenda to address the issue of childhood poverty, which affects 22% of US children. Childhood poverty has severe consequences on child health, including increased infant mortality, chronic diseases, and poor nutrition.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateMay 4, 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.

Cancer treatment could target inflammation in CVD

Researchers found that PRRT decreases inflammation in atherosclerotic plaques, as measured by DOTATATE PET/CT, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits for cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that this treatment may reduce the occurrence of heart attacks by lowering inflammation levels.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateMay 4, 2013

Experts to focus on the science of gun safety

A symposium at a pediatric meeting will address how to protect youths from violence, with speakers discussing screen violence and aggression, violent media, guns and suicide, and community efforts to prevent gun violence. The event aims to translate research findings into actionable public health strategies.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateMay 4, 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.

Don't be quick to toss your toothbrush after a sore throat

A recent study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that toothbrushes are not a common source of Group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria, which causes strep throat. The research found that even after being used by children with strep throat, toothbrushes did not consistently harbor GAS bacteria.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateMay 4, 2013

Childhood obesity starts at home

A new study reveals that preschool children living in 'walkable' neighborhoods are less likely to be obese. The research highlights the importance of urban planning and neighborhood design in preventing childhood obesity.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateMay 4, 2013

When less is more: New protocol limits use of SPECT MPI

A new stress test protocol investigating reduced perfusion imaging in low-risk patients undergoing SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging has been found to be diagnostically safe. The study predicted that using exercise ECG stress testing alone would have no adverse effects on prognosis at five years.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateMay 4, 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.

Unusual comparison nets new sleep loss marker

Scientists have identified a human gene, ITGA5, that becomes more active after sleep deprivation, offering a potential new marker for detecting sleep loss. The discovery was made through cross-translational research with fruit flies, which allowed the researchers to identify genes in humans and then test them in flies.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 3, 2013

Hubble sees the remains of a star gone supernova

The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has observed the remains of a star that exploded as a supernova around 600 years ago. The wispy gas structure, known as SNR B0519-69.0, is located in the Large Magellanic Cloud and features a striking blood-red color.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 3, 2013

Injectable nano-network controls blood sugar in diabetics for days at a time

A team of researchers has developed an innovative injectable nano-network that can effectively control blood sugar levels in diabetics by releasing insulin when needed, maintaining normal levels for over a week. The technology has the potential to improve the health and quality of life of diabetes patients.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalACS Nano·DateMay 3, 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.

NASA's Fermi, Swift see 'shockingly bright' burst

Astronomers detected a record-breaking gamma-ray burst from a dying star in a distant galaxy, producing the highest-energy light ever recorded. The GRB, GRB 130427A, lasted for hours and was detectable by multiple telescopes on the ground and space-based observations.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 3, 2013

Predicting the path to death and helping patients cope with end-stage heart failure

Researchers identified five trajectories for patients with end-stage heart failure, providing a framework to predict the path to death and improve quality of life. The study's findings can help caregivers plan for the last months of life, enabling patients to gain control over their illness.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Palliative Medicine·DateMay 3, 2013

NASA study projects warming-driven changes in global rainfall

A NASA-led modeling study projects that global warming will lead to an increase in heavy rainfall and a decrease in moderate rainfall worldwide. The study suggests that regions around the equator, such as the Pacific Ocean and Asian monsoon areas, will experience significant increases in heavy precipitation.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 3, 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.

Agricultural fires dot Mexico

Hundreds of deliberate fires were detected in Guerrero, Oaxaca, Michoacan, Colima, and Jalisco regions. The fires are managed by farmers to clear land and enhance crops, but also produce smoke degrading air quality.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 3, 2013

'Going negative' pays for nanotubes

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a way to create liquid crystals from negatively charged carbon nanotubes, allowing for easier functionalization and potentially leading to stronger, more conductive fibers. This breakthrough could significantly improve the creation of macro materials out of microscopic nanotubes.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateMay 3, 2013

NASA high school STEM challenge announces winning team

The 2012-2013 first place team in the NASA RealWorld-InWorld Engineering Design Challenge consists of five high school juniors and seniors who developed innovative engineering designs for the James Webb Space Telescope. The winning team will present their design concept to Dr. John Mather at a VIP event at NASA Goddard.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 3, 2013

Mathematicians help to unlock brain function

Researchers from Queen Mary University of London used complex networks to map human brain connections, finding symmetrical neurons may drive synchronized activity across distant regions. This breakthrough adds to recent findings on neural network growth and development.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 3, 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.

SAGE and AOSSM launch the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine

The Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine publishes quality research, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses on orthopaedic sports medicine topics. The first three published articles include studies on ACL reconstruction, running-related injuries, and knee kinematics.

SourceAmerican Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine·JournalOrthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine·DateMay 3, 2013

$1 million for smart energy solutions

Concordia University's NSERC Smart Net-zero Energy Buildings Strategic Network has received $1 million in new funding from Natural Resources Canada. This grant will support research and testing of progressive technologies to create net-zero energy homes and commercial buildings.

SourceConcordia University·DateMay 3, 2013

Gray hair and vitiligo reversed at the root

Researchers developed a new compound called PC-KUS that reduces hydrogen peroxide accumulation in the hair follicle, reversing gray hair. The treatment also works on vitiligo, a skin condition causing loss of pigment, with successful repigmentation outcomes observed.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateMay 3, 2013

Monkey math

A study with zoo baboons found that they can accurately discriminate between different quantities, relying on a cognitive approach known as the analog system. This ability is shared by humans and children who have not yet learned to count, suggesting a fundamental talent for making approximate quantity judgments.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateMay 3, 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.

Fires in Eastern Russia

Agricultural fires are a common occurrence in eastern Russia, particularly during the planting season. The Russian military uses specially equipped transport airplanes to put out over 90 fires, highlighting the need for monitoring and intervention.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 3, 2013

New mouse model confirms how type 2 diabetes develops

Researchers created a new mouse model to study the development of type 2 diabetes, using middle-aged mice fed fatty food until old age. The study confirmed that inflammation in pancreatic islets leads to the disease, while DPP-4 inhibitors maintain good insulin production and prevent inflammation.

SourceLund University·JournalDiabetologia·DateMay 3, 2013

Telling time on Saturn

A University of Iowa undergraduate student has discovered that Saturn's magnetosphere changes with the seasons, helping to clarify the planet's day length. The findings may alter our understanding of the Earth's magnetosphere and Van Allen radiation belts.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·DateMay 3, 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.

Computer simulations reveal the energy landscape of ion channels

Researchers used computer simulations to investigate the energy landscape of ion channels, identifying a critical amino acid that regulates their function. The study provides new insights into ion channel mechanisms, which are essential for developing targeted therapies.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMay 3, 2013

New mechanism discovered in meiosis

Researchers have identified a new mechanism governing critical processes in sexual reproduction during meiosis. The discovery reveals that a step-2 enzyme is modified by SUMO proteins, altering its function and working together with an unaltered enzyme to form SUMO chains.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMay 3, 2013

Princess Anne gives award to Utah biologist

Utah biologist Çagan Şekercioğlu has won the prestigious Whitley Gold Award for conservation twice, including this year, for his work safeguarding bird-rich wetlands in northeast Turkey. He was awarded by Princess Anne at a ceremony in London.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateMay 3, 2013

Anesthesia selection impacts outcomes in patients with sleep apnea undergoing joint replacement

Using regional anesthesia instead of general anesthesia decreases major complications in patients with sleep apnea undergoing total joint replacement. This study found that neuraxial anesthesia improves outcomes, reducing pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and infectious complications, as well as acute renal failure and hospital length of stay.

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·JournalRegional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine·DateMay 3, 2013
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Carnegie Mellon Research shows self-affirmation improves problem-solving under stress

A new study from Carnegie Mellon University reveals that self-affirmation can protect against the negative effects of stress on problem-solving performance. Participants who underwent a brief self-affirmation exercise showed improved problem-solving abilities under time pressure, suggesting a potential strategy for boosting performance.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 3, 2013

Identifying inhibitors of human proteins that promote tumor formation

A novel high-throughput screening method has identified agents that can block EZH2 methyltransferase, a key enzyme in tumor development. This approach uses AlphaLisa technology to detect methylation and accelerates the identification of small molecule inhibitors for cancer treatment.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAssay and Drug Development Technologies·DateMay 3, 2013

Tohoku earthquake and tsunami focus of BSSA special issue

The 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami are the subject of a special issue in the Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America. Researchers investigated the rupture process, seismic radiation, geodetic deformations, and tsunami waves. The study sheds light on the processes at work during giant earthquakes.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateMay 3, 2013

NASA sees Springs Fire rage Near Malibu, Calif.

The Springs Fire has reached the beach in Ventura County and is pushing toward the upscale city of Malibu due to howling Santa Ana winds and dry vegetation. As of early Friday morning, the fire had grown to 10,000 acres and was 10% contained, with over 2,000 homes under threat.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 3, 2013
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Birth of a black hole

Astronomers may witness the birth of a black hole for the first time using a new analysis that predicts a distinct burst of light just before the black hole forms. The study suggests that this signature light burst could be detectable in nearby galaxies and provide valuable insights into black-hole formation.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 3, 2013

George Washington University biologist discovers new dinosaur in China

A new species of small theropod dinosaur has been identified in northwestern China, with fossil remains estimated to be less than a year old. The discovery, made by a team led by George Washington University biologist James Clark, provides insights into the early evolution of meat-eating dinosaurs.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalJournal of Systematic Palaeontology·DateMay 3, 2013

The risks of H7N9 infection mapped

A study maps H7N9 risk in eastern China by analyzing bird migration patterns and poultry distribution. The model predicts future infection risks across central and western China, aiding surveillance and control of H7N9 infections.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalInfectious Diseases of Poverty·DateMay 3, 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.

NASA sees sun emit mid-level flare

A mid-level solar flare with an M5.7-class rating was detected by NASA on May 3, 2013, affecting GPS and communication signals. The flare caused a temporary disruption to radio signals before subsiding.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 3, 2013

More than a game: Exploring new digital frontiers

Researchers will explore sustainable business models for digital games with scientific goals, developing new algorithms to analyze player behaviors. The £1.2 million project brings UK game industry closer to scientists, teachers, and healthcare workers to drive innovation.

SourceUniversity of York·DateMay 3, 2013

Kids with brains that under-react to painful images

Researchers found that children with conduct problems show reduced brain activity in response to others' pain, potentially indicating early vulnerability to psychopathy. The study suggests tailoring interventions to individual profiles of atypical processing may help prevent future antisocial behavior.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 2, 2013

Researchers estimate a cost for universal access to energy

Universal access to modern energy could be achieved with an estimated investment of $65-86 billion per year up until 2030. The proposed investments equate to just 3-4% of current global energy system investments. Improved access to clean-cooking fuels and stoves could avert between 0.6 and 1.8 million premature deaths in 2030.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMay 2, 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.

Troubling levels of toxic metals found in lipstick

Researchers detected lead, cadmium, chromium, aluminum, and five other metals in commonly used lip products, with some exceeding safe daily intake limits. The study highlights the need for greater oversight by health regulators to ensure cosmetic products meet safety standards.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMay 2, 2013

Unethical advertising at launch of antidepressants

A recent Lund University study analyzed antidepressant ads in the Swedish Medical Journal between 1994 and 2003, finding that 34% were deemed misleading by industry self-regulation. The review process was criticized for being ineffective, with only 0.009% of sales revenue fined for unethical marketing.

SourceLund University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 2, 2013