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Science News Archive November 2013 - Page 10


Page 10 of 30

Scientists create perfect solution to iron out kinks in surfaces

Researchers develop technique to make curved surfaces appear flat to electromagnetic waves, enabling bespoke antenna design for increased efficiency and reduced weight. This breakthrough could lead to ultra-fast wireless communication over surface in near future.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 20, 2013

Insomnia linked to mortality risk

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found a link between insomnia symptoms and higher mortality risk in men, particularly those with difficulty falling asleep and non-restorative sleep. The study, published online in Circulation, followed over 23,000 men for six years and found modest increases in cardiovascular-related death.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalCirculation·DateNov 20, 2013

New research gives clues of antibiotic use and resistance in US children's hospitals

Researchers found that surgical patients in US children's hospitals account for 43% of all antibiotic use, with pneumonia, appendicitis, cystic fibrosis, and skin infections being high-usage conditions. The studies provide insights into antibiotic resistance patterns and opportunities for targeted antimicrobial stewardship efforts.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateNov 20, 2013

Dartmouth-led study shows diet alone can be significant source of arsenic

A Dartmouth-led study reveals that arsenic exposure can be significant through dietary means, especially from consuming alcohol and Brussels sprouts. Researchers found a strong correlation between toenail clippings and arsenic levels, particularly in those who drank more alcohol and ate more dark meat fish.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNutrition Journal·DateNov 20, 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.

Blood vessel tangles in brain best left alone, study suggests

Research finds that treating arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in the brain can increase risks of stroke and death, while managing symptoms may be safer. The study suggests observing patients with AVMs for at least five more years to confirm this finding.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 20, 2013

Magnetic nanoparticles could aid heat dissipation

Researchers at MIT have discovered a way to boost heat transfer using magnetic nanoparticles, which could lead to more efficient cooling systems. The system relies on a slurry of tiny magnetite particles that are attracted to the heated surface by magnets, resulting in significantly improved heat transfer.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer·DateNov 20, 2013

Evidence of destruction in Tacloban, Philippines

The study analyzed ASTER images of Tacloban before and after the typhoon, revealing widespread destruction. The storm surge caused mud-covered ground, bare trees, and destroyed buildings, with some areas showing no vegetation.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 20, 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.

Current practice may over-diagnose vitamin D deficiency

Researchers found that genetic differences in a vitamin D carrier protein referred to as D-binding protein could explain the discrepancy between diagnosed vitamin D deficiency and lack of symptoms in black Americans. The study suggests that current methods may not accurately determine vitamin D deficiency, leading to unnecessary treatm...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 20, 2013

Aging impacts epigenome in human skeletal muscle

Researchers at the Buck Institute identified a suite of epigenetic markers that separated younger from older individuals, with changes associated to genes regulating neuromuscular junction activity. The study provides a method for studying sarcopenia and offers potential targets for intervention.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalAging Cell·DateNov 20, 2013

Linking risk factors and disease origins in breast cancer

Researchers identified epigenetic alterations associated with the aging process in disease-free breast tissues, which are further altered in breast tumors. These changes may contribute to the development of breast cancer by increasing cancer risk.

SourceLandes Bioscience·JournalEpigenetics·DateNov 20, 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.

X-class solar flare: Nov. 19

A significant X-class solar flare occurred on Nov. 19, 2013, peaking at 5:26 a.m. EST, causing disturbances in the atmosphere where GPS and communications signals travel. The flare was classified as an X1.0 class, indicating its intensity.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 20, 2013

Mount Sinai finds brain abnormalities linked to impaired self-awareness in cocaine addiction

Researchers at Mount Sinai found long-term cocaine abuse linked to deficits in parts of the brain monitoring behavior, suggesting targeted treatments based on quantifiable biological abnormalities. The study's findings challenge clinical assumptions about addicted individuals' motivations and behaviors.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateNov 20, 2013

Large dishes increase how much cereal kids request, eat, and waste

A new Cornell study found that larger bowl sizes lead to increased requests for cereal and milk by kids, resulting in higher intake and waste. Using smaller dishware may be a simple solution for caregivers concerned about their kids' caloric intake.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateNov 20, 2013

UCI engineering school gets grant from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

The Henry Samueli School of Engineering at UC Irvine has received a $100,000 grant to further develop its stored energy solar stove, which enables carbon emissions-free cooking. The technology uses a solar collector to concentrate sunlight on an energy storage device, storing heat that can be released as needed.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·DateNov 20, 2013

National survey finds frog abnormalities are rare

A 10-year study on national wildlife refuges found frog abnormalities at less than 2% overall rate, but higher rates in specific 'hotspots'. The study suggests that these hotspots have local causes and can recover over time.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 20, 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.

UT Arlington's Nguyen named American Heart Association fellow

Kytai Nguyen, associate bioengineering professor at UT Arlington, has been elected as a fellow of the American Heart Association. Her research focuses on cellular engineering, tissue engineering, and stem cell therapies to develop new strategies for combating cardiovascular diseases.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateNov 20, 2013

Focusing on faces

Researchers found specific neurons in the amygdala of autistic individuals respond differently to faces, with reduced processing of the eye region compared to control-group individuals. These neurons also responded more strongly to mouths than eyes, shedding light on abnormal face processing in autism.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNeuron·DateNov 20, 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.

Study reveals higher levels of control and support at work increases wellbeing

A recent study from Queen Mary University of London found that high levels of control, emotional support, and low job strain significantly contribute to better wellbeing. The research suggests increasing positive aspects of work, rather than just reducing negative ones, may lead to improved morale and greater wellbeing.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 20, 2013

What composes the human heart? U of T researchers crunch the numbers

Researchers at U of T's IBBME and McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine identified the optimal human heart cell composition and ratio associated with heart function. The discovery has led to the engineering of the first-ever living, three-dimensional human arrhythmic tissue.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 20, 2013

Excessive testosterone raises mortality risk in older men

A study published by The Endocrine Society found that older men with optimal testosterone levels lived longer, while those with high or low levels had a higher mortality risk. Higher DHT levels were also associated with reduced ischemic heart disease mortality.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateNov 20, 2013

Study finds differences in brains of children with nonverbal learning disability

A Michigan State University study discovered anatomical differences in the brains of children with nonverbal learning disability compared to those with Asperger's and high-functioning autism. The research found smaller spleniums in children with NLVD, which may lead to more targeted intervention strategies.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalChild Neuropsychology·DateNov 20, 2013
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.

Geneticists receive funding to improve citrus production and health

UC Riverside plant geneticists Mikeal Roose and Timothy Close are developing a genetic tool to improve citrus breeding. They will use high-density SNP genotyping arrays to study citrus varieties and hybrids, identifying genes for disease resistance, fruit quality, and other essential traits.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateNov 20, 2013

Tiny antisense molecules increase 'good cholesterol' levels in obese primates

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed an approach to increase beneficial HDL cholesterol levels in non-human primates by targeting shared nucleotide sequences that inhibit microRNAs. This strategy showed a nearly 40% increase in HDL levels, outperforming current therapies.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 20, 2013

Job market mixed for college grads

The job market is forecasted to be mixed for college graduates, with hiring for MBAs declining by 25% due to huge layoffs in the banking industry. However, many other fields are expected to see significant increases in hiring, including manufacturing, nonprofits, and retail.

SourceMichigan State University·DateNov 20, 2013

NASA's TRMM satellite sees Melissa's tropical transition

NASA's TRMM satellite monitored Tropical Storm Melissa's transition to a tropical storm, revealing intense rainfall rates of up to 55 mm/hour. The satellite's Precipitation Radar data also showed the storm's structure, including towering convection near its center.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 20, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Could basic fertility information be key to reversing late-parenthood trend?

A study found that college students intended to have children about one year earlier after reading a brief online brochure about age-related fertility decline. The brochure increased their knowledge of fertility decline and in-vitro fertilization success rates, prompting them to accelerate their planned timelines.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateNov 19, 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.

Breakthrough in adult heart repair

Researchers have made a significant discovery in adult heart repair by identifying the Hippo pathway as a key regulator of cardiomyocyte proliferation. This breakthrough has the potential to improve heart function after a heart attack and reduce the severity of heart disease.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDevelopment·DateNov 19, 2013

Scientists nearing forecasts of long-lived wildfires' paths

Researchers create a new computer model that combines cutting-edge simulations of weather and fire with satellite observations to predict the extent and behavior of wildfires. The technique, called CAWFE, allows for updated forecasts every 12 hours, enabling accurate predictions throughout a fire's lifetime.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 19, 2013

UT Dallas computer scientists create 3-D technique

Researchers create a new 3D imaging technique using anisotropic triangles to provide more accurate approximations of object shapes and improve simulation results. The technique can generate images up to 125 times faster than current approaches while maintaining higher accuracy, particularly for wrinkles and movement.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·DateNov 19, 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.

DIY for the holidays: Why do consumers enjoy gifts that require work?

A new study suggests that products requiring work have a higher perceived value when consumers are engaged in the design process. Higher assembly effort leads to increased valuation of the final product, as the overall experience is seen as creative and engaging.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 19, 2013

Hospital treatment for patients who self-harm in England is 'as variable as ever'

A new study found that hospital management of patients who self-harm in England has barely changed over the past 10 years, with 40% of those attending hospital not receiving a specialist psychosocial assessment. The treatment received also varied according to where they lived, suggesting a postcode lottery was still in operation.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalBMJ Open·DateNov 19, 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.

A CNIO study recreates the history of life through the genome

A CNIO study has discovered that genome replication mirrors the evolutionary history of living beings, with older genes replicating first. This model suggests that new genes emerge in later stages of genome replication, potentially leading to the development of complex structures and organs.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalBiology Open·DateNov 19, 2013

New bale unroller design deemed effective

A new offset round-bale unroller design has been deemed effective in making mulching more efficient, particularly with organic mulches. The technology allows for better between-row weed control and can be used with various types of mulches.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateNov 19, 2013

New study finds no benefit to selecting dose of blood thinner based on patients' genetic makeup

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that a gene-based method for selecting warfarin doses has no added benefit over standard dosing methods. However, African Americans patients showed better outcomes with non-genetic strategy, highlighting the need for further research on personalized medicine approaches.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 19, 2013

Edoxaban effective in preventing stroke, reducing bleeding and cardiovascular death in patients with atrial fibrillation

The ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48 trial found edoxaban to be at least as effective as warfarin in preventing stroke or systemic embolism, while significantly reducing bleeding and cardiovascular death. High-dose edoxaban showed a 21% reduction in stroke risk and a 20% decrease in major bleeding compared to warfarin.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 19, 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.

A Best Manuscript Award goes to Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Researchers identified critical role of stem cell factor in cardiac repair and regeneration, showing potential clinical benefits of gene transfer to reverse heart damage. The study demonstrated significant improvement in cardiac function and reduced heart muscle cell death.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·DateNov 19, 2013

Bedtime aspirin may reduce risk of morning heart attack

Taking aspirin at bedtime instead of in the morning could reduce acute heart events by reducing platelet activity. A randomized study found that taking aspirin at bedtime resulted in a 22-unit reduction in platelet activity compared to taking it in the morning.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 19, 2013

Holiday shopping online: Don't overwhelm consumers with too many images

A new study by Claudia Townsend and Barbara E. Kahn found that visual presentation can lead to information overload and result in less systematic consideration when making a purchasing decision. Small image sets are key to reducing visual overload, promoting more careful review of options.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 19, 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.

Smartphone apps lack proven strategies to help smokers quit

A recent study found that many popular anti-smoking smartphone apps lack basic strategies known to help smokers quit, including counseling and medication guidance. The researchers recommend using these apps with caution and instead suggest calling a quit-line for proven help on beating tobacco addiction.

SourceGeorge Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateNov 19, 2013

Many pediatricians uncomfortable providing care to kids with genetic conditions

A national survey of pediatricians found that many order few genetic tests, don't discuss risks and benefits, and take limited family histories. The study highlights the need for robust education, access to resources, and improved electronic health records systems to enhance integration of genetic medicine into routine primary care.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics·DateNov 19, 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.

Casual employment is linked to women being childless by the age of 35

Research published in the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology's journal Human Reproduction found a significant association between casual employment and delayed childbirth. Women who spent more time in temporary jobs were less likely to have their first child by age 35, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateNov 19, 2013