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Science News Archive May 2013 - Page 3


Page 3 of 30

Why animals compare the present with the past

Researchers found that animals used to rich conditions work less hard when conditions suddenly worsen compared to those exposed to poor conditions all along. The 'contrast effect' affects how animals respond to their current situation and is driven by uncertainty.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScience·DateMay 30, 2013

Epigenetic biomarkers may predict if a specific diet and exercise regimen will work

Scientists identify five epigenetic biomarkers associated with better weight loss response in obese adolescents participating in the EVASYON weight loss program. These biomarkers may help predict an individual's response to weight loss intervention and offer therapeutic targets for enhancing its effects.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateMay 30, 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.

Beaumont study: Nerve stimulation helps with overactive bladder

A three-year study published in The Journal of Urology finds that tibial nerve stimulation significantly improves symptoms of overactive bladder. Participants experienced a nearly 30% decrease in daytime trips to the bathroom and almost 40% fewer nighttime trips.

SourceBeaumont Health System·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateMay 30, 2013

Studies link fatigue and sleep to MLB performance and career longevity

Two studies found that fatigue affects strike-zone judgment in MLB players and can predict their career longevity. A significant relationship was also discovered between a player's sleepiness score on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and their likelihood of remaining in the league three seasons later.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateMay 30, 2013

Astronomer John Hawley wins 2013 Shaw Prize in Astronomy

John Hawley and Steven Balbus were recognized for their discovery that magnetic fields make accretion disks unstable, solving a fundamental problem in astrophysics. Their work transformed the field of accretion disk theory and earned them the $1 million Shaw Prize award.

SourceUniversity of Virginia·DateMay 30, 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.

UGA research uncovers cost of resiliency in kids

Researchers found that children who appear to succeed socially may be failing biologically due to chronic stress. Those with high self-esteem and academic success show elevated levels of stress hormones, blood pressure, and BMI, increasing risk for chronic diseases.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 30, 2013

Sleep deprived men over perceive women's sexual interest and intent

A new study found that one night of sleep deprivation increases men's perceptions of both women's interest in and intent to have sex. Sleep-deprived men rated women as having higher sexual intent and interest than well-rested men, reversing the initial perception gap.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateMay 30, 2013

How the turtles got their shells

Researchers studied an extinct South African reptile, Eunotosaurus, to understand the evolution of the turtle shell. The findings revealed that the shell is made up of approximately 50 bones and was gradually modified over millions of years.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 30, 2013

New York City successfully locates HIV-positive patients 'lost to follow-up'

A New York City program successfully located 689 out of 797 HIV-positive patients who were presumed lost to follow-up, with 77% of these patients accepting appointments at an HIV clinic and 57% returning to treatment. The effort aimed to re-engage patients in care and identify new cases of HIV infection among their sexual partners.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalAIDS·DateMay 30, 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.

Climate change threatens extinction for 82 percent of California native fish

A study by scientists from the University of California, Davis predicts that 82 percent of California native fish will become extinct within the next century due to climate change. The research found that native freshwater species are particularly vulnerable to extinction, while non-native species are expected to thrive.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 30, 2013

Young people are overwhelmingly the victims of sexual assaults

A recent study by Penn State criminologists reveals that young people are disproportionately targeted in sexual assaults. The researchers found that females aged 15 are nine times more likely to be raped than 35-year-old females, and males aged 15 are also at high risk.

SourcePenn State·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateMay 30, 2013

Pigeons peck for computerized treat

Researchers at the University of Iowa found that pigeons can learn and solve complex string tasks using computerized touch screens. The birds demonstrated accuracy rates of up to 90% in solving various string configurations.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateMay 29, 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.

Nanomedicines' impact on patients under the microscope

Researchers harness advanced atomic force microscopy to track nanomedicine effects on patients, revealing potential benefits in drug delivery and safety. The technique helps identify nanoparticle accumulation and tissue stiffness, offering insights into nanotoxicology and its impact on patient health.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 29, 2013

Change, conflict cue memories of life's milestones: Study

A study by Connie Svob and Norman Brown found that people are more likely to remember transitional moments from their life stories, such as promotions or pets. The researchers identified distinct elements or life markers that separated the two groups of participants, suggesting a positive predisposition to detect and remember change.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 29, 2013

Re-creating the original colors of treasured ivory carvings from the ancient past

Researchers have successfully re-created the long-lost colors of treasured ivory carvings from ancient Phoenicia, using a non-destructive testing technology. The findings shed new light on the artistic techniques used by Phoenician craftsmen and could be applied to other valuable objects, such as the Elgin Marbles.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateMay 29, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Professor collaborates on most comprehensive analyses of NSAIDs and coxibs

The study analyzes benefits and risks of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors (coxibs), finding that naproxen may have the best benefit-to-risk ratio on cardiovascular disease, while high-dose diclofenac and ibuprofen pose comparable vascular risks.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 29, 2013

New chemical approach to treat Alzheimer's

Scientists at the University of Liverpool and Callaghan Innovation have developed a new chemical approach to harness the natural ability of complex sugars to treat Alzheimer's disease. They produced a library of sugars called heparan sulphates, which can inhibit an enzyme that creates small proteins in the brain causing memory loss.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·DateMay 29, 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.

Apes get emotional over games of chance

Chimpanzees and bonobos display negative emotional responses to failed risk-taking decisions, including vocalizations and tantrums. The apes' emotional responses are influenced by individual differences and species-specific traits.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 29, 2013

Arctic current flowed under deep freeze of last ice age, study says

Researchers reconstructed Arctic circulation through sediments and found that protactinium was being swept out of the Arctic before settling to the bottom. This suggests that the water couldn't have been stagnant, contradicting assumptions about the impact of the last ice age on global ocean currents. The study's findings indicate that...

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalNature·DateMay 29, 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.

Gene therapies for regenerative surgery are getting closer, says review in PRS

Recent progress toward developing effective gene therapies for regenerative surgery has shown promising results in growing skin, bone, and other tissues. However, translating experimental gene therapy methods into clinical trials remains a difficult challenge due to technical and cost-effective issues.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateMay 29, 2013

People can 'beat' guilt detection tests by suppressing incriminating memories

New research by psychologists at the universities of Kent, Magdeburg and Cambridge has shown that some people can intentionally suppress unwanted memories and control their brain activity, thereby abolishing brain activity related to remembering. This finding has major implications for brain activity guilt detection tests.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBiological Psychology·DateMay 29, 2013

A new addition to the Hall of Fame of science venues

The Purdue University R.B. Wetherill Laboratory of Chemistry has been recognized as a National Historic Chemical Landmark by the American Chemical Society (ACS) for its 80-plus years of service as a center for education and cutting-edge research. The laboratory, which has educated generations of chemists and chemical engineers, includi...

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMay 29, 2013

NASA's Swift reveals new phenomenon in a neutron star

Astronomers have observed a spinning neutron star slowing down and spinning at a faster rate, providing clues to understand these dense objects. The discovery has important implications for understanding the extreme physical conditions present within neutron stars.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature·DateMay 29, 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.

Task master: Categorizing rewards improves motivation

A recent study by USC Marshall School of Business professor Scott S. Wiltermuth found that segmenting rewards into arbitrary categories increases motivation. Participants worked longer on tasks when rewards were separated into categories, as they felt they would miss out on potential benefits if they didn

SourceUSC Marshall School of Business·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateMay 29, 2013

Putting the brakes on distracted driving

A University of Alberta sociology researcher identified key characteristics of people who use cellphones while driving, emphasizing social pressure and education as critical in curbing this behavior. The study found that males, those in the 35-44 age group, and lower-income earners are more likely to use their phones behind the wheel.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalTransportation Research Part F Traffic Psychology and Behaviour·DateMay 29, 2013

Artificial sweeteners may do more than sweeten

Researchers found that sucralose increased insulin and blood sugar levels in severely obese people without diabetes. This study suggests that artificial sweeteners may have more significant effects on metabolism than previously thought.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalDiabetes Care·DateMay 29, 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.

Wit, grit and a supercomputer yield chemical structure of HIV capsid

Scientists have determined the precise chemical structure of the HIV capsid using a combination of laboratory techniques and computational simulations. The resulting structure revealed 216 protein hexagons and 12 protein pentagons, which work together to form the cone-shaped capsid.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature·DateMay 29, 2013

New test assesses gestational diabetes risk early in pregnancy

A new test can identify pregnant women at risk of developing gestational diabetes by measuring biomarker levels during the first trimester. Women with elevated levels of the soluble (pro)renin receptor were more likely to develop gestational diabetes.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 29, 2013

Meditation, stretching ease PTSD symptoms in nurses

A recent study found that practicing meditation and stretching can help relieve PTSD symptoms in nurses by regulating stress hormone levels. Cortisol levels responded favorably to mind-body exercises, decreasing PTSD symptoms by 41% in those who participated.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 29, 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.

A molecular chain reaction in Alzheimer's disease

A team of researchers at Lund University has identified the molecular mechanism behind the formation of Alzheimer's disease-causing plaques. The discovery reveals a self-perpetuating and autocatalytic process that creates cell-killing formations, potentially paving the way for new treatments targeting early stages of the disease.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 2013

Human scabs serve as inspiration for new bandage to speed healing

Researchers created a 'cytophilic' wound dressing material that attracts new cells needed for healing, mimicking the underside of scabs. In laboratory experiments, human cells attached quickly to the membrane, suggesting its potential in rapid wound healing.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 29, 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 IRIS: Improving our view of the sun

IRIS will provide high-resolution images and spectra to unravel the interface region, allowing scientists to track solar material as it is accelerated and heated. The mission enables the observation of temperature ranges from 5,000 to 10 million kelvins.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 29, 2013

A statistical model predicts the number of goals for each footballer

Researchers created a mathematical model to estimate goal-scoring potential based on individual qualities, extrinsic factors and intrinsic abilities. The study revealed Messi ranks sixth in overall performance among top strikers.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalEuropean Journal of Sport Science·DateMay 29, 2013

Father and son to present their respective cancer research at ASCO

A 16-year-old student, Matthew Lara, will present his research on the predictors of survival for younger patients with non-small-cell lung cancer at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting. His study found that younger patients tend to have better survival rates than older patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·DateMay 29, 2013

Weight of tissue flaps affects complication risk after breast reconstruction

A study published in PRS Global Open found that the weight of tissue flaps used in breast reconstruction significantly increases the risk of fat necrosis. Flaps weighing over 650 grams had a higher risk of fat necrosis, with African American women being at nearly 12 times higher risk than Caucasian women.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateMay 29, 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.

Walking or bicycling to work influenced by others

A new study found that social influences, including spouse and coworker encouragement, employer support, and community bike-friendliness, significantly impact active commuting. However, factors like age, BMI, and lack of on-street bike lanes also negatively influence active commuting.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Behavior·DateMay 29, 2013