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Science News for November 11, 2013


Could deceased heart attack victims expand donor pool?

Researchers in the UK found that organs from selected DCD donors with pre-hospital cardiac arrest had no significant impact on graft or transplant recipient survival compared to other deceased donors. The study suggests using these organs could boost the donor pool without adverse outcomes for liver transplant recipients.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateNov 11, 2013

Understanding ourselves by studying the animal kingdom

Studies on armadillos, fruit flies, nematodes, and monkeys reveal insights into progressive blindness, brain structure, and decision-making. The findings also highlight the importance of animal models in understanding human brain function and developing medical diagnostic devices.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateNov 11, 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.

New look identifies crucial clumping of diabetes-causing proteins

Researchers have identified a crucial intermediate step in the formation of plaque that causes type 2 diabetes. The protein amylin aggregates into plaques that kill cells, but animals resistant to the disease prevent this by targeting an earlier clumping process.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 11, 2013

Biosensor could help detect brain injuries during heart surgery

A new biosensor developed by Johns Hopkins University researchers can detect a protein associated with brain injuries, alerting doctors to devise new treatments or begin treatment more quickly. The device could help minimize brain damage and improve long-term outcomes for patients who undergo heart surgery.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalChemical Science·DateNov 11, 2013

Protein illustrates muscle damage: McMaster researchers

Researchers at McMaster University have identified a protein called Xin that serves as a biomarker for muscle damage. Xin is only detectable after muscle injury and shows a strong correlation with the degree of damage, regardless of the cause.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateNov 11, 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.

Changing the conversation -- polymers disrupt bacterial communication

Researchers have discovered that polymers can disrupt the way bacteria communicate with each other, leading to unexpected clustering behaviors. This finding has significant implications for the design of materials as antimicrobials, bioprocessing, and synthetic biology.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature Chemistry·DateNov 11, 2013

Hospitals vary in monitoring and treatment of children with brain injury, reports study in Neurosurgery

A study published in Neurosurgery found significant variations in hospitals' management of children with traumatic brain injury, particularly in ICP monitoring and craniectomy. The study analyzed data from over 7,000 children treated at 156 US hospitals and found that rates of these interventions varied significantly between hospitals.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalNeurosurgery·DateNov 11, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New research finds high tungsten levels double stroke risk

A new study published in PLOS ONE found that high concentrations of tungsten are strongly linked with an increased occurrence of stroke. The research, conducted by the University of Exeter, analyzed data from a large US health survey and found that tungsten could be a significant risk factor for stroke, even in people under 50.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 11, 2013

Mathematical analysis helps untangle bacterial chromosomes

Researchers at San Francisco State University use mathematical analysis to model the separation of bacterial chromosomes, revealing a stepwise process. This study could lead to the design of better antibacterial drugs and a deeper understanding of DNA topology.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 11, 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.

Nail gun injuries on the rise

A new study found that nail gun injuries are increasingly common, especially among young males in work settings. The researchers also noted that public consumers are at risk of injury from these devices.

SourceWiley·JournalEmergency Medicine Australasia·DateNov 11, 2013

Teen night owls likely to perform worse academically, emotionally

A new study from the University of California, Berkeley found that teenagers who go to bed late during the school year are more prone to academic and emotional difficulties. The study analyzed data from over 2,700 U.S. adolescents and found that school-year night owls had lower GPA scores and were more vulnerable to emotional problems.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateNov 11, 2013

Methane-munching microorganisms meddle with metals

Researchers have uncovered a unique way that microorganisms on the ocean floor consume methane, utilizing a rare metal called tungsten. The discovery provides insights into how these extreme environments might change in a warming world.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateNov 11, 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.

New research identifies why young adults return to the parental home

A new study reveals that young adults are more likely to return to their parents' home after completing full-time education or experiencing a relationship break-up. The study found that men are more likely to live with their parents, but the gender gap is narrowing, and women's decisions may be influenced by different factors.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalDemography·DateNov 11, 2013

When care is omitted -- new research on a taboo topic

A study by the University of Basel found that four out of thirteen nursing activities are left undone across Europe, with psychoeducational care being the most omitted. The research highlights the negative impact on job satisfaction and suggests optimizing nurse work environments can help reduce this issue.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalBMJ Quality & Safety·DateNov 11, 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.

When your body needs calories, you are more inclined to help the poor

A study published in Psychological Science found that people who are hungry are more inclined to support left-wing welfare policies, challenging the traditional notion of what drives political opinions. The researchers suggest this is due to an ancestral impulse to share resources when food is scarce.

SourceAarhus University·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 11, 2013

Visualizing the past: Nondestructive imaging of ancient fossils

A new study by Carole Gee integrates visualization techniques to examine ancient fossils, providing a nondestructive method for studying fossil conifer seed cones up to 150 million years old. The technique uses microCT and 3D image segmentation, allowing researchers to visualize internal structures without damaging the specimens.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateNov 11, 2013

Of hurricanes, fungus and Parkinson's disease

Researchers found that a volatile organic compound emitted by fungi, 1-octen-3-ol, attacks genes responsible for dopamine transport and packaging, leading to Parkinson's-like symptoms in fruit flies. The study suggests a potential link between fungal exposure and the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 11, 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.

Livermore researchers find tie between global precipitation and global warming

A new study by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory scientists shows that global precipitation changes are directly affected by human activities and cannot be explained by natural variability alone. The research found that thermodynamic changes and shifts in atmospheric circulation patterns are contributing to the observed changes.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 11, 2013

Gun use in PG-13 movies has more than tripled since 1985

A new study found that gun use in PG-13 movies has more than tripled since 1985, with an average of 700 segments featuring gun violence per film. The increased gun violence is concerning because it may be strengthening the 'weapons effect', where people become more aggressive after seeing a gun.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateNov 11, 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.

Device may help doctors diagnose lethal heart rhythm in womb

A new technology has been developed to diagnose and possibly treat a deadly heart condition in unborn babies. The magnetic EKG, or magnetocardiogram, was used to diagnose long QT syndrome in fetuses with 89% accuracy, identifying those at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 11, 2013

22 million women aged over 50 are affected by osteoporosis in the European Union

More than 22 million postmenopausal women in the European Union are at risk of developing osteoporosis, which can lead to debilitating fractures, pain, and premature death. The disease is expected to increase by 23% from 2010 to 2025, with a total health burden estimated at 1,180,000 lost QALYs.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalArchives of Osteoporosis·DateNov 11, 2013

IDSA announces new open access journal, names Paul Sax, M.D., editor

The Infectious Diseases Society of America has launched a new open access journal, Open Forum Infectious Diseases, which will publish clinical, translational, and basic research findings in infectious diseases. The journal will be fully peer-reviewed and accessible online at no cost.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalOpen Forum Infectious Diseases·DateNov 11, 2013

The doctor will text you now: Post-ER follow-up that works

A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that diabetic patients treated in the emergency department who received automated daily text messages improved their blood glucose levels and self-reported medication adherence. The program reduced the need for emergency department visits and was well-received by participants.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateNov 11, 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.

Discovery may lead to new treatments for allergic diseases

Researchers have identified a new pathway that kills eosinophils before they can cause harm. The study found that targeting this pathway could lead to new therapies for devastating eosinophilic disorders.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature Immunology·DateNov 11, 2013

MU study finds domestic violence more common among orthopedic trauma patients than surgeons think

A recent MU study found that 74 percent of orthopaedic trauma surgeons substantially underestimated the prevalence of domestic violence injuries among their patients. Only 23 percent had received any training on recognizing and responding to intimate partner violence. The researchers encourage orthopaedic surgeons to seek education on ...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 11, 2013

Putting Lupus in permanent remission

Researchers at Northwestern University have successfully tested a nontoxic therapy that suppresses Lupus in blood samples of people with the autoimmune disease. The study found that the peptides can block and reduce autoantibody production to almost baseline levels, showing potential as a vaccine-like therapy.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalClinical Immunology·DateNov 11, 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.

@Toxicology in the Twittersphere: More than just 140 characters

A study found that Twitter is used by individuals and organizations involved in clinical toxicology and poison control to share information on diagnosis, management, and conferences. The audit yielded 51 relevant accounts with an average of 1,084 followers.

SourceWiley·JournalEmergency Medicine Australasia·DateNov 11, 2013

Understanding immune system memory -- in a roundabout way

Researchers have identified the role of the STAT3 gene in immune system memory, revealing how it directs chemical messenger molecules to various destinations. This discovery sheds light on a rare immunodeficiency disorder and may lead to improved vaccines and treatments.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateNov 11, 2013

What are you scared of?

Scientists at EMBL discovered that different brain regions handle various fears, with mice displaying distinct brain activity responses to threats from same-species and predator species. This finding could lead to targeted treatments for specific phobias and panic attacks in humans.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 11, 2013

APOL1 gene speeds kidney disease progression and failure in blacks, regardless of diabetes status

African Americans with APOL1 gene variant experience faster chronic kidney disease progression and increased risk of kidney failure compared to those without the variant. The study found that APOL1 risk variants increase CKD progression in African Americans, regardless of their diabetes status.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 11, 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.

Bacteria may allow animals to send quick, voluminous messages

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that bacteria are responsible for conveying detailed information through scent posts of hyenas, allowing other animals to quickly gather information about their health and surroundings.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 11, 2013

Levitating foam liquid under the spell of magnetic fields

Researchers Nathan Isert and colleagues use diamagnetic levitation to study coarsening behavior of foams with varying liquid fractions. They experimentally verify decades-old theoretical predictions for bubble size growth in dry and liquid foams.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateNov 11, 2013

Expanding primary care capacity by reducing inefficiency

A study suggests that reducing inefficiency in primary care practices can yield dramatic gains in physician capacity and reduce burnout. Modest improvements, such as delegating tasks to non-physicians and reengineering workflows, could result in millions of additional patient visits per year.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateNov 11, 2013

Signal found to enhance survival of new brain cells

Scientists have found a critical mechanism to keep newborn neurons alive, which may help understand underlying causes of diseases like Alzheimer's and mental illness. The discovery suggests that parvalbumin-expressing interneurons release GABA, a chemical signal that promotes the survival of new brain cells.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 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.

Some 'healthy' vegetable oils may actually increase risk of heart disease

A study found that replacing saturated fats with polyunsaturated oils like corn and safflower oil may not reduce heart disease risk. In fact, rates of death from cardiovascular disease increased in the treatment group. Health Canada should modify its health claim for omega-6 oils.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 11, 2013

CWRU team building an MRI-guided robotic heart catheter

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are working on an MRI-guided robotic heart catheter to accurately navigate and target tissues in the heart. The technology aims to reduce complications associated with current treatments for arterial fibrillation, allowing doctors to more precisely ablate the affected tissue and restore no...

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateNov 11, 2013

Mission to Mars moon could be a sample-return twofer, study suggests

A new study suggests that Phobos' surface contains tons of Martian debris, including dust, soil, and rock blown off the Martian surface by large projectile impacts. This finding could enable a sample-return mission to Mars to be flown as part of a single mission, with the Russian space agency planning to launch its second attempt in 2020.

SourceBrown University·JournalPlanetary and Space Science·DateNov 11, 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.

New cause found for muscle-weakening disease myasthenia gravis

Scientists have discovered an antibody to the protein LRP4, which plays a critical role in enabling the brain to communicate with muscles. This finding explains why some patients with myasthenia gravis may not have any obvious signs of the disease despite having low levels of antibodies.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 11, 2013

Green poison-dart frog varies mating call to suit situation

A study found that green poison-dart frogs vary their mating calls according to the availability of potential mates, adjusting their behavior to balance the risk of predation and securing a mate. In certain contexts, green males appear more conspicuous to females than red males, but less visible to predators.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateNov 11, 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.

PeerJ PrePrints now free for all authors

PeerJ has introduced a new policy allowing all authors to publish unlimited preprints on their platform without needing a paid publication plan. This move reflects the growing demand for preprint services among researchers and aims to increase accessibility to scientific publishing.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateNov 11, 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.

Penn team elucidates evolution of bitter taste sensitivity

A new study reveals a genetic mutation that makes certain people sensitive to bitter compounds appeared advantageous for African populations, with potential roles in immune response and metabolism. The research found strong correlations between specific gene variants and increased bitterness sensitivity in East Africans.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateNov 11, 2013

Errant gliding proteins yield long-sought insight

Bacteria and other organisms use proteins to quickly adapt to changing environments by regulating gene expression. A new study reveals how transcription factors bind to DNA and glide along the spiral path in search of binding sites.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 11, 2013

F1000Research launch data plotting tool

F1000Research has launched a new data plotting tool that enables users to replot, analyze, and interpret the supporting data from journal articles. The tool allows for easy visualization of numerical values in CSV files as scatter plots, helping researchers spot outliers and correlations.

SourceFaculty of 1000·DateNov 11, 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.

Uninsured face hurdles choosing health insurance

A new study found that the uninsured struggle to choose health insurance plans due to a lack of understanding about key terms. The research suggests that healthcare navigators can play an important role in simplifying information and improving communication to help people make informed decisions.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalMedical Care Research and Review·DateNov 11, 2013

First genetic mutations linked to atopic dermatitis identified in African-American children

Researchers have identified two genetic variations associated with persistent atopic dermatitis in African-American children, shedding light on the skin disorder's mechanisms. The study found that loss-of-function mutations to Filaggrin-2 were linked to increased risk of AD in African American children.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateNov 11, 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.

Feast and famine on the abyssal plain

Researchers found that large pulses of organic material sink to the deep seafloor, providing enough food for years at a time. The study used multiple instruments to track marine snow and its impact on life in the deep.

SourceMonterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 11, 2013

November/December 2013 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

Researchers found that patients surveyed at federally supported community health centers generally reported high-quality care, with excellent or very good ratings for overall quality of services, clinician care, and referrals. The study also found that higher patient ratings of access to care and patient-centered communication were ass...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 11, 2013