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Science News Archive May 2013 - Page 7


Page 7 of 30

Registry confirms TAVI efficacy and safety in Asian patients

A multicentre Asian registry reported early experience confirming TAVI efficacy and safety in a physically smaller population. Low stroke and mortality rates were observed, with high procedural success rates, supporting the feasibility of TAVI in Asian patients.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateMay 24, 2013

Researchers identify first drug targets in childhood genetic tumor disorder

Two genetic mutations, PDGFRB and NOTCH3, have been identified as potential therapeutic targets for infantile myofibromatosis (IM), a rare and debilitating disorder. Current treatment options involve repeated surgical removal of tumors, which can be invasive and disfiguring.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 24, 2013

Astronomers measure the elusive extragalactic background light

Researchers used blazar observations to estimate the extragalactic background light (EBL) by measuring the attenuation of high-energy gamma rays. By applying this methodology to blazars at different distances, they were able to study EBL evolution and characterize its build-up over cosmic time.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateMay 24, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How do cold ions slide?

Scientists have simulated the sliding of 'cold ions' on a substrate, discovering that it transitions from smooth to stick-slip regime based on hole depth and chain inhomogeneity. This study contributes to understanding friction at every scale, with implications for nanotechnology development.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalPhysical Review B·DateMay 24, 2013

Understanding the past and predicting the future by looking across space and time

A new paper validates a fundamental assumption in space-for-time substitution, a popular approach for predicting relationships between complex variables. The study used fossilized pollen data to reconstruct ancient ecosystems and found that the model explained about 72 percent of the variation in their time data.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 24, 2013

New fluorescent tools for cancer diagnosis

Researchers at Rockefeller University have developed a multicolor fluorescence labeling method to visualize miRNAs in tissue sections, enabling the identification of tumor-specific miRNAs and distinguishing between different tumor types. This technology shows promise as a molecular diagnostic tool for clinical settings.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 24, 2013

JCI early table of contents for May 24, 2013

Researchers have discovered that targeting regulatory T cells can help eliminate cancer cells, while a new fluorescence labeling method enables the visualization of microRNAs in tissue sections. Additionally, studies suggest that malnourishment exacerbates Giardia infection in mice, leading to severe gastrointestinal problems and growt...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 24, 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.

How sustainable is Switzerland?

A study by researchers at Empa and ETH Zurich found that none of Switzerland's households meet the 2000-watt society target, but those with high standards of living consume significantly less energy. Improving transportation and living habits are key to achieving a sustainable future.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 24, 2013

Modulating the immune system to combat metastatic cancer

Researchers discovered that targeting CTLA-4 and OX-40 proteins on regulatory T cells can help eliminate cancer cells. Mice treated with antibodies against these proteins had smaller tumors and improved survival, including clearance of brain metastases.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 24, 2013

Help at hand for schizophrenics

A recent study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience reveals that healthy individuals who experience auditory hallucinations have a unique brain response compared to those without mental illness. The researchers discovered that the primary auditory cortex of these individuals reacts less to external stimuli, allowing them to dir...

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateMay 24, 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.

The ascent of man: Why our early ancestors took to 2 feet

A new study challenges traditional hypotheses on human evolution by suggesting that bipedalism emerged as a response to the terrain, rather than climate-driven vegetation changes. The research proposes that the development of upright gait was driven by the need for security and food in rocky outcrops and gorges.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalAntiquity·DateMay 24, 2013

OHSU research highlights promising strategy to help vaccines outsmart HIV

Researchers at OHSU have discovered a strategy to increase the number of viral peptides that T cells recognize, allowing them to more effectively respond to HIV. The method uses cytomegalovirus (CMV) to generate SIV-specific T cells that can target multiple viral peptides, providing a better targeting system for the immune system.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalScience·DateMay 24, 2013

Hormone replacement therapy -- clarity at last!

The British Menopause Society and Women's Health Concern have released updated guidelines on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), providing clearer guidance on its role, benefits, and risks. The new recommendations aim to optimize clinical decisions and offer balanced advice for health professionals and women considering HRT treatment.

SourceSAGE·JournalMenopause International·DateMay 24, 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.

Ferrets, pigs susceptible to H7N9 avian influenza virus

Researchers infected ferrets and pigs with the human-derived H7N9 virus, showing that both species can be infected and transmit the virus. While transmission was more efficient in ferrets, the study highlights potential public health implications of the avian virus.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience·DateMay 23, 2013

West coast log and lumber exports decrease

The West coast log and lumber exports from the United States decreased in the first quarter of 2013, with log exports dropping 33% to $297 million. Meanwhile, total US log exports increased by 11%, while total US lumber exports also rose by 2%.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Northwest Research Station·DateMay 23, 2013

Depression common among children with temporal lobe epilepsy

A new study found that children and adolescents with seizures involving the temporal lobe are at risk for clinically significant behavioral problems and psychiatric illness, especially depression. Routine psychiatric evaluation is crucial before epilepsy surgery to improve quality of life.

SourceWiley·JournalEpilepsia·DateMay 23, 2013

Researchers suggest boosting body's natural flu killers

Researchers suggest focusing on boosting natural killer cells to better eliminate influenza virus, potentially overcoming drug resistance issues. Current drugs can boost NK cell activity, improving flu recovery without mutating strain susceptibility.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 23, 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.

UEA scientists make breast cancer advance that turns previous thinking on its head

Researchers at UEA have made a breakthrough in breast cancer research showing that an enzyme called MMP-8 could be acting as a locator to the immune system, which then becomes activated to attack tumors. The findings suggest that this enzyme may help explain why some patients with breast tumors experience better outcomes.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 23, 2013

Vaccine blackjack: IL-21 critical to fight against viral infections

Scientists at Emory Vaccine Center found that IL-21 is necessary for long-lasting antibody responses in mice against viral infections. The molecule stimulates germinal centers and supports T helper cells, leading to the generation of virus-specific long-lived plasma cells.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Virology·DateMay 23, 2013

Gold nanocrystal vibration captured on billion-frames-per-second film

Researchers used a revolutionary X-ray laser to freeze the motion of atoms in gold nanocrystals, revealing unusual supersonic vibrations. The new images support theoretical models for light interaction with metals and have potential applications in understanding material response after perturbation.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience·DateMay 23, 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.

Antibiotics: A new understanding of sulfonamide nervous system side effects

EPFL scientists have identified the molecular basis behind sulfonamide antibiotics' neurological side effects, which can include nausea, hallucinations, and psychosis. By understanding how sulfonamides interact with a patient's nervous system, doctors may be able to customize therapeutic regimes to minimize these side effects.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience·DateMay 23, 2013

Emory, Georgia Tech receive first human exposome center grant in US

The HERCULES Center at Emory University will investigate the impact of environmental exposures on human health. The center, funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, aims to promote a holistic understanding of the human exposome and its effects on complex disorders such as autism, asthma, and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·DateMay 23, 2013

New imaging techniques used to help patients suffering from epilepsy

A new imaging technique developed by Jean Gotman and his colleagues combines electroencephalogram (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to more precisely localize the areas generating epileptic seizures. This allows neurosurgeons to better understand the optimal ways of intervention for patients with epilepsy.

SourceCanadian Association for Neuroscience·DateMay 23, 2013

Motion quotient

A new study found that individuals whose brains are better at automatically suppressing background motion perform better on standard measures of intelligence. The test, which measures the brain's unconscious ability to filter out visual movement, shows a strong correlation with IQ scores.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 23, 2013
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

When oxygen is short, EGFR prevents maturation of cancer-fighting miRNAs

Researchers found that EGFR gummed up the cell's miRNA-processing machinery, preventing tumor-suppressing microRNAs from developing. The epidermal growth factor receptor, known to promote cancer progression, fuels this effect by attaching phosphate groups to a key protein, disrupting its ability to process miRNAs.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature·DateMay 23, 2013

Schools should provide students with daily physical activity, IOM recommends

The Institute of Medicine recommends a Whole-of-School approach to strengthen physical activity in schools. This approach targets physical education, active commuting and other opportunities to help children meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily vigorous or moderate intensity physical activity.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateMay 23, 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.

New filtration material could make petroleum refining cheaper, more efficient

A new metal-organic framework (MOF) material has been developed to separate the highest-octane components of gasoline, potentially making petroleum refining cheaper and more efficient. The MOF selectively traps lower-octane isomers, allowing for a more efficient separation process.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience·DateMay 23, 2013

Future doctors unaware of their obesity bias

A recent study found that nearly four out of ten medical students harbor unconscious biases against obese individuals, affecting clinical care and patient relationships. Medical schools are urged to incorporate bias training into their curricula to mitigate this issue.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·DateMay 23, 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.

Astronomers team up with the public to solve decade old puzzle

A team of astronomers has solved a decade-old puzzle by accurately measuring the distance to star system SS Cygni at 372 light years. The team used radio telescopes and coordinated with amateur astronomers to pinpoint the exact location of the system, confirming their understanding of exotic objects like black holes.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalScience·DateMay 23, 2013

Anxious men fare worse during job interviews, study finds

A recent study found that anxious men experience significantly greater impairments from anxiety during job interviews compared to women. The researchers suggest that societal stereotypes and expectations may contribute to this disparity. Strategies for reducing interview anxiety, such as preparation and practice, are also discussed.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateMay 23, 2013

Monkey teeth help reveal Neanderthal weaning

A new technique using primate tooth analysis has been applied to Neanderthal fossils, revealing that Neanderthal babies were weaned around 7 months old, similar to modern human infants. This method provides a precise estimate of the timing of weaning in extinct species.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature·DateMay 23, 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.

Bacterium from Canadian High Arctic offers clues to possible life on Mars

A bacterium discovered in the Canadian High Arctic can survive at –15°C, the coldest temperature ever recorded for bacterial growth. This microbe adapts to extreme conditions by modifying its cell structure and producing molecular antifreeze, providing insights into the possibility of life on Mars.

SourceMcGill University·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateMay 23, 2013

MRI-based measurement helps predict vascular disease in the brain

Researchers found that aortic arch pulse wave velocity is a strong predictor of white matter hyperintensities, which are associated with accelerated cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. The study used MRI to measure aortic arch pulse wave velocity in 1,270 participants and found a significant association between the two variables.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateMay 23, 2013
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.

King Richard III found in 'untidy lozenge-shaped grave'

Researchers found King Richard III in a hastily dug, lozenge-shaped grave under a Leicester car park, suggesting gravediggers were in a hurry to bury him. The grave was too short for the king's body, and his torso was crammed in, with evidence of hands being tied during burial.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalAntiquity·DateMay 23, 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.

Heart healthy lifestyle may cut kidney disease patients' risk of kidney failure

A study found that individuals with chronic kidney disease who have a heart-healthy lifestyle are less likely to develop kidney failure. Those with four ideal factors for life's simple 7 tool had nearly half their risk cut, while those with five ideal factors didn't develop kidney failure.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 23, 2013

Hubble reveals the Ring Nebula's true shape

The Ring Nebula's true shape has been revealed by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, showing a more complex structure than previously thought. The new observations have allowed researchers to construct the most precise 3-D model of the nebula, revealing details such as a blue, football-shaped structure and dark, irregular knots of dense gas.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 23, 2013

UBC engineer helps pioneer flat spray-on optical lens

Researchers have developed a flat spray-on material that can act as a flat lens, allowing for arbitrary aperture sizes and potentially revolutionizing imaging devices. The technology has significant advancements in ultraviolet light imaging of biological specimens.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature·DateMay 23, 2013

Cradle turns smartphone into handheld biosensor

Researchers at University of Illinois developed a cradle that uses iPhone's built-in camera and processing power as a biosensor to detect toxins, proteins, bacteria, viruses and other molecules. The device can perform on-the-spot tests for environmental toxins, medical diagnostics and food safety.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalLab on a Chip·DateMay 23, 2013

Mayo Clinic genomic analysis lends insight to prostate cancer

Researchers used next-generation sequencing to analyze DNA alterations in adjacent Gleason patterns of the same tumor. The study found that some aggressive prostate cancers have identical genetic markers, enabling better prediction of cancer progression and management.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalCancer Research·DateMay 23, 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.

People with high IQ suppress sensory information

People with high IQ scores have more selective visual perception, discriminating between small moving objects and larger background motions. This ability helps them efficiently process information in a world filled with distractions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 23, 2013