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Science News Archive November 2013 - Page 3


Page 3 of 30

Disputed asthma drugs have safe record in British Columbia

Researchers at University of British Columbia and Vancouver Coastal Health study show that a combination asthma therapy does not harm British Columbians, contradicting FDA safety concerns. The study, covering 46,000 people over 15 years, found no statistically significant increase in hospitalization rates for users.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalThorax·DateNov 26, 2013

Children are significantly more likely to develop PTSD if the mother is already afflicted

A Ben-Gurion University of the Negev study suggests that children are significantly more likely to develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) if their mother is already afflicted with the condition. The research found that over 21% of children exhibited PTSD symptoms, often accompanied by psychosomatic complaints such as constipatio...

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalJournal of Depression and Anxiety·DateNov 26, 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.

Flexible, stretchable fire-ant rafts

Researchers discovered that fire ant rafts can store energy like an elastic material and dissipate energy as a viscous material. The structure of the raft is constantly changing through active rearrangements, allowing it to adapt to external forces.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 26, 2013

Scientists discover how leukemia cells exploit 'enhancer' DNA elements to cause lethal disease

Researchers discovered a unique leukemia-specific DNA enhancer element that enables cancerous blood cells to proliferate in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), a devastating and incurable cancer. The study also reveals how a new class of promising drugs, including JQ1, halt the growth of cancer cells by targeting this enhancer element.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateNov 26, 2013

New technique for testing drugs to treat cystic fibrosis and epilepsy

Researchers at the University of Southampton have developed a new technique for testing pharmaceutical drugs, allowing for faster and less expensive evaluation of ion channels. This method uses cell-free expression mixtures and artificial membranes, enabling quicker testing of multiple types of channels simultaneously.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·DateNov 26, 2013

Finding hidden circles may improve social network privacy settings

Researchers created a software program to predict how users will set privacy levels for new content and connections, aiming to improve security without affecting user experience. The program shows promise in some scenarios, with accuracy rates up to 90%, but struggles with re-uploading content found from others.

SourcePenn State·JournalComputers & Security·DateNov 26, 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.

MR spectroscopy shows differences in brains of preterm infants

A study using MR spectroscopy found that preterm infants' brains develop differently than full-term infants, with a disruption in the timing and synchronization of white and gray matter maturation. This false start in brain development may contribute to long-term problems such as autism and ADHD.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 26, 2013

No qualms about quantum theory

A colloquium paper reviews selected issues with quantum theory, clarifying the distinction between mathematical tools and physical phenomena. The author debunks myths surrounding Schrödinger's cat state, measurement problem, and other misconceptions.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateNov 26, 2013

Scientists design and test new approach for corneal stem cell treatments

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have developed a novel procedure to prepare human amniotic membrane for use as a scaffold for specialized stem cells, which may treat corneal diseases such as blindness. The new method promises to streamline clinical applications of cell therapies and accelerate research in this area.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 26, 2013

The lingering clouds

Researchers found that pollution decreases the size of cloud and ice particles, making them linger in the sky. This leads to taller, bigger anvil-shaped clouds that cool the earth during the day but trap heat at night.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 26, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Memo to big box retailers: Goodwill has a shelf life

A new study from Columbia Business School reveals that waiting for a discounted product can significantly reduce consumer enjoyment. Retailers can add value by offering in-store promotions and instant gratification to their customers.

SourceColumbia Business School·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 26, 2013

NREL test helps make moisture barriers better

The NREL Electric Calcium Test (e-Ca) detects infinitesimally small amounts of moisture, making it 100 to 1,000 times more sensitive than other commercial tests. The test can detect water vapor transmission rates as low as one ten-millionth of a gram per square meter per day.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateNov 26, 2013

Screening new inmates for HIV may not reveal many new undetected cases, study shows

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that only 1.45% of new inmates in North Carolina prisons tested positive for HIV, with most having previously been diagnosed. The findings suggest that screening incoming prisoners may not be an effective strategy for detecting new undiagnosed cases.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJAMA·DateNov 26, 2013

Scientists offer recommendations for delaying resistance to Bt corn in western corn rootworm

Western corn rootworm has shown resistance to Bt corn proteins, but a new study recommends using an integrated pest management approach to delay further resistance. The authors suggest rotating crops, using different Bt proteins, and implementing long-term monitoring to prolong the effectiveness of management strategies.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Integrated Pest Management·DateNov 26, 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.

Red Squirrels showing resistance to squirrelpox

A study by the University of Liverpool found that red squirrel populations along the Sefton coastline are recovering from a serious outbreak of squirrelpox in 2008. Researchers have identified a few surviving squirrels with antibodies to the virus, suggesting some resistance to the disease.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·DateNov 26, 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.

Women living with HIV share their stories through photography

A University of Missouri researcher found that photovoice empowered women living with HIV to realize their strengths despite struggles. The project allowed them to reflect on their experiences and appreciate the present, giving them hope and motivation.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care·DateNov 26, 2013

For many older adults, vision prescription differs between eyes

A study published in Optometry and Vision Science reports a high rate of anisometropia in older adults, with 32% meeting the definition of differing prescription components. The prevalence of anisometropia increased significantly with age, particularly among those over 75 years old.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalOptometry and Vision Science·DateNov 26, 2013

A Whirling Dervish puts physicists in a spin

Researchers find Coriolis force crucial for creating hypnotic patterns on Dervish skirts, reproducing sharp peaks and gentle troughs. The study uses simple equations to govern cone-shaped structures' behavior when rotating.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateNov 26, 2013

Health insurance increases preventive care but not risky behaviors

Researchers at UC Davis and University of Rochester found that having health insurance increases use of preventive services like flu shots and health screenings, but does not affect risky health behaviors. The study contradicts a common concern that expanding healthcare coverage may encourage riskier behavior.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalThe Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine·DateNov 26, 2013

ADHD linked to social and economic disadvantage

A study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found a link between childhood ADHD and socioeconomic status in the UK. The research analyzed data from over 19,500 children born between 2000 and 2002, revealing that more children with ADHD came from families below the poverty line.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateNov 26, 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 gene mutation for excessive alcohol drinking found

Researchers at Newcastle University have identified a gene mutation that causes mice to exhibit excessive alcohol consumption. The study found that mice with the mutation preferred drinking alcohol over water and would work to obtain it, even becoming intoxicated.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 26, 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.

Wayne State part of team for license on new ways to manage cancer with green tea extracts

Wayne State University has licensed an intellectual property portfolio claiming composition of matter and methods of use of novel analogs and derivatives of the green tea flavonoid EGCG. The collaboration, involving Q. Ping Dou and Tak-Hang Chan, aims to develop novel approaches for cancer management and related conditions.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateNov 26, 2013

Why do stroke patients show poor limb motor function recovery?

Research found that stroke patients with negative motor evoked potentials exhibit decreased fractional anisotropy values and cerebral peduncle area changes on the affected side, indicating poor limb motor function recovery. These changes occur within 1 month after disease onset and worsen over time, even at 6 months post-infarction.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateNov 26, 2013

Guard dogs reduce killing of threatened species

Research shows that livestock guarding dogs can protect farm animals from predators, resulting in a 91% reduction in livestock losses. This leads to increased tolerance of predators among farmers, allowing for greater coexistence with threatened species like cheetahs.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalWildlife Society Bulletin·DateNov 26, 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.

Treatment target identified for a public health risk parasite

Researchers at McGill University Health Centre have identified a target molecule that can block Cryptosporidium parvum's ability to evade the immune system, providing a potential treatment for this deadly parasite. The discovery could lead to an effective treatment for cryptosporidiosis, which affects millions of people worldwide.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateNov 26, 2013

DFG establishes 9 new collaborative research centers

The DFG has approved 9 new Collaborative Research Centres (CRCs) focusing on topics such as ingestive behaviour, mathematical invariants and metal oxide-water interactions. The CRCs will receive a total of 64.4 million euros for an initial period of three years and nine months.

SourceDeutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft·DateNov 26, 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.

NASA sees Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alessia's remnants trying to reorganize

The remnants of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alessia have been spotted in the Northern Territory, with NASA's Aqua satellite capturing infrared data revealing strong thunderstorms and potential heavy rains. The low-pressure system is expected to move slowly south before turning west towards the Timor Sea.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 26, 2013

Vanderbilt study finds limited resources for injured surgeons

A Vanderbilt University study found nearly half of orthopaedic surgeons sustain injuries during their careers, with inadequate resources available to them. The study also revealed that 38% of respondents reported no institutional resources, leading to increased lost productivity.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateNov 26, 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.

UCLA research may help scientists understand what causes pregnancy complications

Researchers at UCLA's Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research have identified a specific type of cell and related cell communication pathway crucial for healthy placenta growth. The findings may help clarify the causes of fetal growth restriction and other pregnancy complications.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateNov 26, 2013

Scientists characterize effects of transplanted fecal microbiota

Restoring the normal, helpful bacteria of the gut and intestines may treat patients suffering from recurrent C. difficile infections through fecal matter transplantation. The study found that transplanting fecal matter into patients with RCDI restores normal bacterial composition and resolves infection.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 26, 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.

The British Sexual Health Survey comes of age

The study highlights that many people remain sexually active well into later life and positive sexual experiences are related to overall health and wellbeing. It also shows changes in sexual behaviour over the last century, including earlier onset of sex, increased older people's activity, and a closing gap between men and women.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 25, 2013

EORTC Cancer in the Elderly Task Force investigates appropriate treatment for elderly patients

The EORTC task force evaluated physiological reserves and biomarkers of aging in elderly patients with cancer. They identified potential biomarkers that may indicate functional biological age, such as inflammatory markers, telomere length, and genetic predisposition for longevity. The study provides a guideline for integrating these bi...

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·JournalJournal of Geriatric Oncology·DateNov 25, 2013

Golden staph paralyzes our immune defenses

Researchers have identified how golden staph bacteria target and destroy key immune cells, disrupting the body's defense against infection. By visualizing this process using advanced microscopy techniques, the team gained insights into how golden staph evades the immune system and causes tissue damage.

SourceCentenary Institute·JournalNature Immunology·DateNov 25, 2013

Nurse navigators help cancer patients cope early in care

A randomized controlled trial found that patients with nurse navigators reported feeling better supported emotionally and more involved in their care. Nurse navigators helped patients develop the confidence and skills to manage their illness and treatment more effectively.

SourceGroup Health Research Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateNov 25, 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.

Coumarins show potency as anti-inflammatory drugs

Researchers developed new methods for synthesizing coumarin-based drugs, which showed promise as anti-inflammatory agents. The study revealed one of the pathways in which coumarins act, and understanding this pathway may help develop future treatments for chronic inflammation diseases.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalRapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry·DateNov 25, 2013

A touch of garlic helps kill contaminants in baby formula

Researchers discovered two garlic compounds that significantly reduce Cronobacter sakazakii contamination in dry infant formula powder. These compounds have the potential to eliminate the pathogen before it reaches consumers, easing concerns for new mothers who opt not to breastfeed.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateNov 25, 2013

Balancing T cell populations

Researchers found that loss of TSC1 in T cells disrupted the balance between regulatory and effector T cells, leading to severe inflammation. The study suggests that fine-tuning mTOR activity through regulators like TSC1 may be beneficial for treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 25, 2013

Study: Arctic seafloor methane releases double previous estimates

Researchers found that the East Siberian Arctic Shelf is releasing at least 17 teragrams of methane into the atmosphere each year, doubling previous estimates. The rapid release of methane from the seafloor threatens to exacerbate global warming and create a positive feedback loop.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalNature Geoscience·DateNov 25, 2013

Identifying targets of autoantibodies

Researchers at Stanford University developed a microarray to identify cytokines, chemokines, and other proteins targeted by SLE patients' autoantibodies. They found that patients with high levels of autoantibodies against B cell activating factor (BAFF) experienced more severe symptoms.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 25, 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.

Sounding rocket to peek at atmosphere of Venus

A NASA sounding rocket called VeSpR is scheduled to launch on Nov. 25 to probe Venus' atmosphere and investigate the planet's water history. The mission aims to determine whether rivers once flowed on Venus and if the planet had ice.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 25, 2013

Scientists capture 'redox moments' in living cells

Researchers have charted a significant signaling network in Synechococcus, a fast-growing microbe that can produce biofuels. The findings reveal redox reactions that allow the organism to adapt to changing environments and provide insights into its ability to create biofuels.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateNov 25, 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.