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Science News for November 12, 2013


Penn and Drexel team demonstrates new paradigm for solar cell construction

Researchers from Penn and Drexel have demonstrated a novel solar cell construction method, which may improve energy absorption efficiency and reduce manufacturing costs. The discovery is based on a material exhibiting the bulk photovoltaic effect, allowing for more efficient harvesting of visible light.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature·DateNov 12, 2013

Parental monitoring lowers odds of a gambling problem

Research found that adolescents with poor parental supervision were more likely to be problem gamblers between ages 16-22. Parental monitoring is a known effective intervention throughout early adolescence and can help prevent future problems with gambling.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAddiction·DateNov 12, 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 links between social status and brain activity

New studies uncover the connection between social status and specific brain structures and activity, particularly in the context of social stress. The findings suggest that adult rats living in disrupted environments produce fewer new brain cells, while people with larger social networks have bigger and better-connected brain regions.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateNov 12, 2013

Hebrew University professor receives honor in Istanbul

Prof. Amnon Cohen, a renowned expert on the Ottoman Empire, was recognized by the Turkish Historical Society as an honorary fellow. He has conducted extensive research on Israel's development under Ottoman rule and served as an advisor to Israeli defense ministers.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·DateNov 12, 2013

American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology and the Obesity Society Clinical Practice Guideline offers roadmap to treat adults affected by obesity, overweight

The new guideline recommends individualized weight loss plans including reduced calorie diet, increased physical activity, and behavioral strategies to achieve healthy body weight. Healthcare providers should work with trained professionals to help patients reach a health body weight.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 12, 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.

Thin, active invisibility cloak demonstrated for first time

The cloak effectively hides objects from radio waves by radiating an electromagnetic field that cancels out reflections. The system can be scaled up to cloak larger objects and has potential applications in telecommunications and surveillance.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPhysical Review X·DateNov 12, 2013

Shared medical appointments -- Key factors for successful implementation

Researchers identified key factors facilitating or hindering the adoption of shared medical appointments (SMAs) in three physician offices. Successful SMA implementation requires careful planning and effective communication among healthcare providers.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalPopulation Health Management·DateNov 12, 2013

New textbook tackles the sustainable recycling of manure

A new textbook sheds light on environmentally friendly technologies that can manage and recycle animal manure effectively and sustainably. The book highlights the need for robust interdisciplinary collaboration among professionals in environmental technology, industrial farm animal production, and agriculture to implement these solutions.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·DateNov 12, 2013

Studies explore potential origins of addiction and treatments

Studies suggest novel therapies for nicotine and heroin addiction are effective, with magnetic stimulation helping smokers quit and reducing rats' motivation to take heroin. Chronic pain also increases the risk of overdose among people with addiction, according to research findings presented at Neuroscience 2013.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateNov 12, 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.

New discovery on early immune system development

Researchers have discovered that the immune system forms in the embryo's yolk sac before blood stem cells, potentially leading to a better understanding of childhood diseases such as leukaemia. The study provides new insights into the development of immune-competent cells and their relationship with blood stem cells.

SourceLund University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateNov 12, 2013

Medicine: The heart's metronome

Researchers from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München elucidated the mode of action of one crucial component of the heart's intrinsic pacemaker, HCN1 channels. These channels control heartbeat and cardiac rhythmicity by regulating ion flow across cell membranes.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalCirculation·DateNov 12, 2013

Successful grant applications and scholarly impact in neurosurgery

Faculty members with NIH grant funding have significantly higher h-index values than those without funding, indicating greater scholarly impact. Higher academic ranks are also associated with increased h-index and NIH funding amounts among NIH-funded faculty members.

SourceJournal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateNov 12, 2013

New study analyzes sharp rise in US drug poisoning deaths by county

A new study reveals a sharp rise in US drug poisoning deaths by county, with both urban and rural areas experiencing significant increases. Rural areas showed a greater percentage increase in death rates, highlighting the need for targeted policies and programs to address this growing public health concern.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateNov 12, 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.

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.

Johns Hopkins research may improve early detection of dementia

Researchers developed a statistical model that can identify individuals with mild cognitive impairment who are at risk of developing dementia, enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment. The model takes into account various factors such as age, sex, race, and education to provide a more accurate prognosis.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNeuropsychology·DateNov 12, 2013

New ethics guidelines from American Thyroid Association published in Thyroid journal

The American Thyroid Association has developed new ethics guidelines specific to the field of thyroidology, addressing ethical dilemmas and questions that arise in patient care. The guidelines provide clear guidance on disclosure of conflicts of interest and professional integrity, offering timely recommendations for endocrine practice.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThyroid·DateNov 12, 2013

Stepparents are not always evil

Researchers found that in regions with limited economic opportunities, stepparents were more likely to neglect their stepchildren, while in areas with greater resources, they treated all children equally. The 'Cinderella effect' is not inevitable, and parental care depends on factors beyond biological relationships.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalBiodemography and Social Biology·DateNov 12, 2013

Structure of bacterial nanowire protein hints at secrets of conduction

Researchers have determined the atomic resolution structure of a bacterial nanowire protein, revealing its shape and form suggest ways for electrons to shuttle along the wire. The study's findings could lead to new applications such as bacterial fuel cells, carbon cycling, and biocomputers.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 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.

Solar working group releases standard contracts

The SAPC working group has developed three standard contract templates for residential and commercial solar power projects, with the goal of increasing consumer transparency and private-sector investment. The contracts cover residential leases and commercial power purchase agreements, allowing developers to increase business opportunit...

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateNov 12, 2013

A longitudinal study of grapheme-color synaesthesia in childhood

Researchers followed 80 child synesthetes over 4 years, observing development of strong associations for around 50% of graphemes by age 7. The study also found that some children's synesthesia disappears as they grow older, likely due to changes in brain organization.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateNov 12, 2013

Evidence of 3.5 billion-year-old bacterial ecosystems found in Australia

A team of scientists discovered well-preserved remnants of a complex ecosystem in nearly 3.5 billion-year-old sedimentary rock sequence in Western Australia. Advanced chemical analyses point to a biological origin of the material, suggesting that complex mat-forming microbial communities likely existed almost 3.5 billion years ago.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalAstrobiology·DateNov 12, 2013

Mindfulness inhibits implicit learning -- the wellspring of bad habits

Researchers found that individuals with low mindfulness scores performed better on tasks requiring implicit learning, suggesting that mindfulness can prevent the development of automatic habits. This finding implies that mindfulness may help individuals avoid forming both positive and negative habits through unconscious processes.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·DateNov 12, 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.

Mayo Clinic: Add bone deterioration to diabetes complications

A Mayo Clinic study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research found that patients with type 2 diabetes have lower bone material strength, highlighting the need for conventional measurements to be reevaluated. The research suggests potential detrimental effects of poor glucose control on bone quality.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateNov 12, 2013

NASA sees Veteran's Day solar flare

A significant solar flare peaked at 12:14 a.m. EST on Nov. 10, 2013, emitting harmful radiation that disturbed the atmosphere and impacted GPS signals. This X1.1 class flare is part of an active period in the sun's 11-year activity cycle, which has seen several flares since October 23, 2013.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 12, 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.

Duke wins $15 million renewal to study nanotech safety

The Center for Environmental Implications of NanoTechnology (CEINT) at Duke University has been awarded a $15 million grant renewal to continue studying the environmental impact of nanoparticles. The research focuses on understanding where nanoparticles accumulate, how they interact with other chemicals, and their effects on ecosystems.

SourceDuke University·DateNov 12, 2013

News media reinforce sexual exploitation stereotypes

Research from the University of British Columbia found that Canadian print news articles frequently use words that legitimize sexual exploitation and portray victims as 'business' or 'trade'. The study suggests improvements are needed for accurate reporting to avoid perpetuating stereotypes.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalThe Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality·DateNov 12, 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.

UEA research reveals why timing of bird migration is changing

Research at UEA found that individual birds arrive at the same time each year, but overall arrival dates are advancing due to climate-driven changes in bird hatching and nesting. This advance is linked to the aging of the bird population, with younger birds migrating earlier as a result.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·DateNov 12, 2013

NASA satellites see Cyclone 03A make landfall in Somalia

Cyclone 03A made landfall in east central Somalia on Nov. 11 with sustained winds of tropical-storm force, before moving inland where it is dissipating over eastern Ethiopia. NASA satellites captured images of the storm before and after landfall, showing concentrated thunderstorms around its center.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 12, 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.

Researchers at Penn add another tool in their directed assembly toolkit

The University of Pennsylvania researchers have developed a new tool to direct the assembly of particles and materials using elastic energy. This technique, combined with a new template design, allows for the creation of complex patterns and structures. The team's findings could lead to breakthroughs in fields such as displays, sensors...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2013

American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology joint clinical practice guideline

The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology joint clinical practice guideline recommends a heart-healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy oils, while limiting saturated fat, trans fat, and sodium. The guideline also emphasizes the importance of regular physical activity,...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 12, 2013

UTHealth study aims to change traditional approach to preventing pressure ulcers

A recent UTHealth study found that nursing homes using high-density foam mattresses may not need to turn residents every two hours to prevent pressure ulcers. The study showed no difference in pressure ulcer incidence for residents turned at intervals of two, three, or four hours.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 12, 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.

Clinical trial finds concurrent therapy not necessary to achieve high pathological in breast cancer

A new phase III trial has shown that trastuzumab and anthracyclines can be given sequentially to achieve high pathological complete response rates in HER-2 positive breast cancer patients. The treatment regimens had similar cardiac safety profiles, with no significant difference between concurrent and sequential administration.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateNov 12, 2013

Men support cracking glass ceiling

A new study finds that men tend to support gender equality in the workplace and report higher job satisfaction when they believe a woman can become CEO. The research, which surveyed over 6,500 workers from six formerly socialist countries, suggests that promoting women's advancement leads to increased productivity and revenue for firms.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalKyklos·DateNov 12, 2013

New solar cell is more efficient, less costly

A new solar cell design featuring copper electrodes has surpassed traditional heterojunction cells in efficiency without special equipment or expensive materials. The innovative approach could disrupt the solar industry by reducing costs and increasing production capabilities.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateNov 12, 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.

Deaths from pancreatic cancer rise, fall along racial lines

Pancreatic cancer death rates have increased in whites but decreased in African Americans over the past few decades. The study found that while smoking prevalence has decreased in both groups, other risk factors such as obesity and low vegetable intake may be contributing to the rising mortality rates in whites.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 12, 2013

Putting the brakes on immunity

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered a powerful mechanism that regulates the lifecycle of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell involved in allergies and autoimmune diseases. By targeting a specific receptor, scientists may be able to develop new treatments for eosinophilic disorders like asthma.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature Immunology·DateNov 12, 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.

Studies explore potential origins of addiction and treaments

Novel therapies for nicotine and heroin addiction show promise, while research reveals underlying brain mechanisms driving compulsive disorders like addiction and pathological gambling. Understanding these processes may lead to non-pharmaceutical interventions and new treatment approaches.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateNov 12, 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.

Biomaterial-delivered chemotherapy could provide final blow to brain tumors

Researchers have discovered a new method of delivering chemotherapy drugs directly to brain tumours using a polymer originally designed to mend broken bones. The therapy has shown promising results, reducing toxic side effects and potentially leading to more effective treatment and prolonged patient survival.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 12, 2013

Molecular dissection of respiratory syncytial virus infection

A study revealed RSV infection induces distinct global gene expression patterns in young children, identifying a 'biosignature' for diagnosis and disease severity assessment. The research also uncovered suppressed non-specific immune system genes and elevated inflammation genes in infants under 6 months.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 12, 2013

Like shopping at home

A study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that customers become emotionally attached to commercial spaces, leading to increased loyalty and commitment. This attachment is driven by factors such as authentic decor, high product quality, and a sense of security.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 12, 2013

LSUHSC's Rodriguez receives cancer immunotherapy Presidential Award

Dr. Rodriguez's award-winning research identified a potential new therapeutic approach to make T cells resistant to tumor suppression, enhancing anti-tumor activity and overcoming immune suppression. His findings suggest Notch-1 may be an effective new approach for T cell-based immunotherapy.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·DateNov 12, 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.

Bring a 50,000-degree plasma into your living room

Researchers at PPPL have developed an online experiment that allows users to control a real physics laboratory from any location. The Remote Glow Discharge Experiment enables users to interact with a plasma discharge, observing and controlling its effects on the apparatus.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 12, 2013

Penn Medicine researcher calls for halt of US health care spending spiral

Penn Medicine researcher Ezekiel J. Emanuel recommends limiting US health care cost growth to match US economy's GDP growth for improved quality of care and transformed healthcare system. The proposal involves team-based care coordination, reduced hospitalizations, and more outpatient monitoring.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateNov 12, 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.

The secrets of a bug's flight

A new experiment in Pennsylvania reveals insight into how insects fly and how to design tiny flying robots. The analysis improves understanding of insect flight and informs the design of small flying robots for various purposes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateNov 12, 2013

Bariatric surgery can lead to premature birth

Women who have undergone bariatric surgery are at increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight, according to a large registry study. The study suggests that prenatal care should be monitored extra carefully for these women.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 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.

ACC/AHA publish new guideline for management of blood cholesterol

The new guideline identifies four major groups of patients who will benefit from statin therapy to prevent stroke and heart attacks. Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle is also crucial in preventing high blood cholesterol.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 12, 2013

Conscientious people more likely to provide good customer service

Researchers found that individuals with high conscientiousness traits are more likely to exhibit effective behavior in customer service situations. The study suggests that personality plays a significant role in shaping customers' experiences.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Applied Social Psychology·DateNov 12, 2013

Researcher finds potential new use for old drugs

A WSU-led study finds that modifying a drug to target specific human proteins could lead to new treatments for cancers and immune-related diseases. Researchers discovered that simple modifications to the drug furamidine have a major impact on its ability to affect genes.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateNov 12, 2013

A nano-sized sponge made of electrons

Researchers discovered that electrons in cerium dioxide nanoparticles behave like a cloud, distributing themselves over the entire nanoparticle. This finding challenges the traditional model of electron behavior and opens up new avenues for research on nanomaterials.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 12, 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.

The secret of short stems

Researchers found that plants with semi-dwarfism in wild Arabidopsis species have a mutated GA20ox1 allele, similar to those in rice and barley varieties bred for high yields. The mutation alters the gibberellin biosynthesis pathway, but other genes compensate for its effects.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2013

NYU researchers find a new solution in detecting breast-cancer related lymphedem

Researchers at NYU College of Nursing have developed a new method to detect breast cancer-related lymphedema using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) ratios. The study found that BIA ratios can accurately identify lymphedema in breast cancer survivors, allowing for earlier treatment and better outcomes.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal Phlebology and Lymphology·DateNov 12, 2013

Putting a new spin on tokamak disruptions

Researchers discovered that rotating plasma during disruptions can spread energy around the vessel, reducing heat load. The Alcator C-Mod team found spontaneous rotation in tokamaks, while DIII-D tested theory using 3D magnetic fields to control instability direction.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 12, 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.

Taking a new look at carbon nanotubes

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a technique to image individual carbon nanotubes, allowing for the characterization of their electronic and optical properties. This breakthrough enables the identification of specific species of nanotubes in functional devices, crucial for advancing nanotube technology.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 12, 2013

Polish study on MRI-ultrasound for targeted prostate biopsy wins CEM award

A Polish study has developed a new imaging modality using Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Ultrasound (MRIUS) to guide prostate biopsies, yielding higher sensitivity rates compared to traditional TRUS biopsies. The technology, which fuses MRI with TRUS images, allows for real-time guidance of targeted biopsies in office settings.

SourceEuropean Association of Urology·DateNov 12, 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.

Cancer can't hide; better heart shocks; mechanical leeches

The Stanford team's molecular invention enhances the immune system's ability to kill cancer cells, while a Johns Hopkins University team develops a better heart shock system. Other notable inventions include a mechanical leech substitute and an early detection system for ovarian cancers.

SourceNational Inventors Hall of Fame·DateNov 12, 2013