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Science News for October 21, 2013


Gothenburg coordinates EU-project on reducing healthcare costs

The EU has launched a project called WE-CARE, which aims to create a strategic plan for reducing healthcare costs in Europe. The project will be coordinated by the University of Gothenburg Centre for Person-centred Care and involves several European research institutes, businesses, and non-profit organizations.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·DateOct 21, 2013

Study explores the role of uncertainty in infectious disease modelling

A recent study by researchers at the University of Liverpool found that incorporating uncertainties into infectious disease models can significantly improve their effectiveness. The study analyzed previous outbreaks in the UK and found that many models provided only cursory reference to uncertainties, yet still informed policy decisions.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 21, 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.

Bugs not gay, just confused

Research at Tel Aviv University suggests that homosexual behavior in insects and spiders is often a case of mistaken identity. In most cases, males mistake other males for females due to lack of time and energy to inspect their mates' gender. This behavior lacks potential benefits like procreation and can be costly.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateOct 21, 2013

Traffic-related air pollution a substantial public health concern

A growing body of evidence suggests a causal link between traffic-related air pollution and the development of asthma in children and adults. The authors highlight four strategies to mitigate its effects, including reducing vehicle emissions and modifying current infrastructure.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 21, 2013

Fatal cholesterol disease overlooked and untreated

A new consensus report highlights massive underdiagnosis and undertreatment of hereditary high blood cholesterol in virtually all countries, with the exception of Netherlands and Norway. Easy to diagnose through a blood test and family history, the condition can be treated with statins and a low-cholesterol diet.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateOct 21, 2013

Contact lens discomfort: What is it, why does it occur and how can it be treated?

A global consensus has been reached on contact lens discomfort (CLD), with the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) workshop report outlining key factors contributing to its generation. The findings suggest that CLD affects up to half of all contact lens wearers and highlight the need for innovative research in this field.

SourceAssociation for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateOct 21, 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.

Sounding rocket to calibrate NASA's SDO instrument

A NASA sounding rocket launch will support calibration of the EUV Variability Experiment (EVE) aboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) satellite. The EVE instrument measures total extreme ultraviolet irradiance, and this under-flight calibration is crucial for validating long-term variations in solar radiation.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 21, 2013

Health news stories on local television news broadcasts are too short, MU researcher says

Researchers found that local TV health news stories are typically under 30 seconds long, which can lead to a lack of understanding about complex health topics. The study also revealed that gain-framed messages tend to promote positive behavior change, but loss-framed messages may be more effective for certain types of health information.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalHealth Communication·DateOct 21, 2013

Study examines endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts

The study found that endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage with a combination of a nasocystic drain and transmural stents is more effective than drainage with stents alone in patients with pancreatic pseudocysts containing viscous solid debris. The procedure resulted in lower stent occlusion rates and better clinical outcomes compared ...

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateOct 21, 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.

New research informs California strawberry production practices

A study published in HortScience reveals that current nitrogen fertilization practices in California's strawberry production system are not efficient, leading to decreased water quality. The researchers suggest reducing fertilizer rates and implementing drip irrigation management to improve nitrogen use efficiency and reduce groundwate...

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateOct 21, 2013

NASA satellites investigate Typhoon Francisco heading for Japan

Typhoon Francisco is expected to make a brief landfall near Tokyo as it moves towards Japan. NASA satellites captured detailed data on the storm's structure and rainfall patterns, revealing extreme precipitation rates of over 207 mm per hour in violent storms southwest of its eye.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 21, 2013

Hair regeneration method is first to induce new human hair growth

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have devised a novel hair restoration method that can generate new human hair growth, potentially expanding the use of hair transplantation to women and younger patients. The approach uses dermal papilla cells from patient donations to induce hair follicle growth in tissue culture.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2013

Risk of Amazon rainforest dieback is higher than IPCC projects

A new study suggests the southern portion of the Amazon rainforest is at a much higher risk of dieback due to stronger seasonal drying, which could lead to large volumes of carbon dioxide release and disrupt biodiversity. The researchers found that global warming is the most likely explanation for the lengthening dry season.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 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.

Seeing in the dark

Scientists studied Yangtze finless porpoise hearing using medical technology to understand impact of constant shipping and construction on their critical sense of hearing. The research revealed variations in hearing sensitivity among different species, with implications for effective management strategies.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateOct 21, 2013

Infant pertussis hospitalizations lower than expected after teen vaccinations

A new study published in Pediatrics found that widespread vaccination of adolescents for pertussis was linked to a modest reduction in infant hospitalizations. The research suggests increasing vaccination rates among teens and adults is crucial to stem the ongoing pertussis epidemic among infants.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 21, 2013

Stanford scientists use Flickr photos to assess value of natural tourist attractions

Researchers at Stanford University's Natural Capital Project used Flickr data to assess the value of natural tourist attractions, finding a reliable indicator for visitation rates and values. This approach revolutionizes study methods, providing insights into what attracts people to natural areas and informing better land management.

SourceStanford University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 21, 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.

Changing the common rule to increase minority voices in research

A new federal regulation aims to increase minority voices in research by addressing historical abuses and lack of representation. Greater community consultation and increased minority representation on Institutional Review Boards are also recommended.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateOct 21, 2013

Study of decline of malaria in the US could affect approach to malaria epidemic abroad, UT Arlington researcher says

Researchers challenge prevailing argument that farm movement led to US malaria decline in the 1930s. Instead, targeted public health interventions and infrastructure development played a crucial role. The study's findings have significant implications for eradicating malaria in parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateOct 21, 2013

Parental perceptions are preventing HPV vaccination success

Many parents believe the HPV vaccine is unnecessary or unsafe, which poses a barrier to its success. Experts argue that clinicians must engage with parents and address their concerns through open conversations and science-based information. Social media may also play a role in future HPV vaccination programs.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalExpert Review of Clinical Immunology·DateOct 21, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cheap metals can be used to make products from petroleum

A new process developed at the University of Illinois Chicago suggests that base metals can be used as catalysts in the manufacture of petroleum-based products. The process, which uses copper and iron, has the potential to reduce costs and environmental impact by replacing rare and expensive metal catalysts.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 21, 2013

Growing up poor and stressed impacts brain function as an adult

Research finds that growing up poor and stressed can affect an adult's ability to regulate emotions, with lower family incomes at age 9 associated with greater activity in the amygdala and less activity in the prefrontal cortex. This dysfunction is linked to mood disorders like depression and anxiety.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2013

The potential of straw for the energy mix has been underestimated

A German study suggests that straw from agriculture could supply energy to millions of households in the country. The research found that between 8-13 million tons of cereal straw could be used sustainably for energy production annually.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalApplied Energy·DateOct 21, 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.

Nano-cone textures generate extremely 'robust' water-repellent surfaces

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory discovered that cone-shaped nanotextures produce significantly better water-repellency than cylindrical pillars. The unique shape prevents the contact line from getting pinned to the nanotexture, keeping surfaces dry even under pressure.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 21, 2013

A natural boost for MRI scans

Researchers have developed a new hyperpolarization technique for MRI scans using naturally occurring pyruvic acid, reducing the need for potentially toxic substances. This breakthrough improves imaging quality and diagnosis while minimizing health risks.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2013

New drug combinations may benefit patients with pancreatic cancer

Researchers have identified two drug combinations that can simultaneously block two major signaling pathways downstream of the KRAS protein, which is aberrantly active in most pancreatic cancers. The combinations substantially inhibited tumor growth and reduced metastasis compared to either drug alone.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateOct 21, 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.

Study: Death by moonlight? Not always

Research suggests that moonlight affects prey species differently depending on their sensory systems, with some using vision as a backup defense. Moonlight benefits visually oriented prey, while negatively impacting predators' hunting success.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateOct 21, 2013

Personal and social concerns motivate organic food buyers

Researchers at Washington State University found that organic food purchases are influenced by both personal (egoistic) and environmental (altruistic) concerns. Advertisers can effectively target this market by highlighting the benefits of organic products in relation to individual well-being and environmental impact.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Advertising·DateOct 21, 2013

Do sunny climates reduce ADHD?

A recent study in Biological Psychiatry suggests a possible link between sunny climates and reduced ADHD prevalence rates. The research found that regions with high sunlight intensity tend to have lower ADHD rates, even after controlling for other known risk factors.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateOct 21, 2013

Intervention helps older adults prepare for emergencies

A University of Missouri researcher has developed an intervention program to help older adults living independently better prepare for health emergencies. The program, which involves discussing hypothetical scenarios with support network members, was found to create better emergency plans than traditional methods.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Family Nursing·DateOct 21, 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.

Solar panels can be used to provide heating and air conditioning

Engineers from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid have designed a model to maximize energy savings and CO2 reductions by using solar power for heating and cooling. The system, which can be installed in large office blocks, can provide air conditioning or heating according to daily needs.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalApplied Thermal Engineering·DateOct 21, 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.

In Nepal, villagers' land uses help people and tigers, study finds

A new study by Neil Carter found that when Nepalese villagers are given control over local land management decisions, it benefits both people and tigers. The researchers showed that tigers prefer grasslands near water, which flow into nearby forests or grassy cover.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalEcosphere·DateOct 21, 2013

Large prospective study finds long-term obesity is associated with poorer pancreatic cancer survival

A large prospective study found that patients with a body mass index in the obese range live on average two to three months less after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis compared to healthy-weight patients. Obesity is associated with poorer pancreatic cancer survival rates, even after adjusting for age and disease stage.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateOct 21, 2013

Breast milk protein may be key to protecting babies from HIV infection

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a breast milk protein, Tenascin-C (TNC), that neutralizes HIV and may protect exposed infants. The protein binds to and blocks virus entry, providing widespread protection against infection.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2013

UC San Diego researchers advance explanation for star formation

Researchers provide physical explanation for Larson's Laws, showing that three correlations are due to the same underlying physics of supersonic turbulence. The study uses six simulations to support this interpretation and sheds light on molecular cloud structure formation.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 21, 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.

Cleaner and greener cities with integrated transparent solar cells

Researchers have fabricated an optimal organic solar cell with high transparency and efficiency, promising affordable, clean renewable energies. The cells can be integrated into buildings, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and advancing towards a greener environment.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 21, 2013

Major Alzheimer's risk factor linked to red wine target

Researchers at the Buck Institute discovered a link between ApoE4 and SirT1, an anti-aging protein targeted by resveratrol. Increasing SirT1 may prevent Alzheimer's disease-related abnormalities in brain samples from patients with ApoE4 and AD.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2013

Time is ripe for fire detection satellite, say UC Berkeley scientists

Researchers have designed a fire-spotting satellite using advanced sensors and analysis software, which can detect hot spots in search of newly ignited wildfires. The satellite could view the Western states continuously, directing firefighting resources to prevent fires from growing out of control.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalRemote Sensing·DateOct 21, 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.

Targeting cancer's sweet tooth

Cancer cells use a process called the Warburg effect to extract energy from glucose, allowing them to sustain growth while retaining building blocks for molecules. Researchers identify a novel pathway involving mTORC2 that enables cancer cells to resist targeted therapies and develop new treatments.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 21, 2013

The Danes do not abandon church Christianity

A study published in the Journal of Contemporary Religion found that Danes aged 50-76 show increased support for Christian faith and spirituality. The research contradicts the idea that Western societies are increasingly individualizing their religious practices.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalJournal of Contemporary Religion·DateOct 21, 2013

Economic assessment of mountain pine beetle timber salvage

A recent study assesses the economic viability of salvaging standing timber killed by mountain pine beetles in western US states. While some regions like Idaho, Montana, Washington, Oregon, California, and South Dakota can generate positive net revenues from salvage, others like Colorado and Wyoming face losses due to saturated markets.

SourceUSDA Forest Service ‑ Southern Research Station·JournalWestern Journal of Applied Forestry·DateOct 21, 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.

A chameleon in the physics lab

Researchers at Harvard SEAS have developed a thin coating that intrinsically conceals its own temperature to thermal cameras, demonstrating the potential for new military and everyday applications. By introducing impurities or defects in vanadium oxide, the team can create a wide range of interesting behaviors.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalPhysical Review X·DateOct 21, 2013

Light as medicine?

Researchers at UWM have discovered that near-infrared (NIR) and blue light can repair tissue in dramatically different ways, but both act on the same enzyme in the cell's energy supply center: the mitochondria. NIR light has been shown to improve MS symptoms in rodent models, while blue light kills bacteria that cause infection.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin - Milwaukee·JournalPhotomedicine and Laser Surgery·DateOct 21, 2013

Small changes in ag practices could reduce produce-borne illness

Researchers found that certain management practices, such as manure application and irrigation timing, can boost or decrease the risk of contamination from salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. Adjusting these practices can significantly reduce the risk of produce-borne illness with minimal cost to growers.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateOct 21, 2013

Use of booze and drugs common among truck drivers on the road

A systematic review of 36 studies found that truck drivers frequently use substances like alcohol, amphetamines, cannabis, and cocaine while on the road. The prevalence varies widely depending on factors such as age, income, trip duration, and work conditions.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateOct 21, 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.

Single mutation gives virus new target

A team of scientists discovered that a single amino acid change in the human BK polyomavirus enables it to bind to a different sugar on host cell surfaces. This mutation allows the virus to potentially adapt to new species by changing its binding target preference.

SourceBrown University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateOct 21, 2013

Recommendations for clinical trial accrual published in Journal of Oncology Practice

The article discusses new recommendations for overcoming issues related to cancer clinical trial accrual. Strategies include involving patient advocates and improving communication with patients, developing evidence-based training initiatives for providers, and promoting accrual through leadership best practices at the site level.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalJournal of Oncology Practice·DateOct 21, 2013

West African bats -- no safe haven for malaria parasites

Researchers discovered four genera of haemosporidian parasites in West African bats, closely related to the malaria pathogen Plasmodium. The study highlights the complex relationship between bats and pathogens, with potential implications for understanding human malaria evolution and developing new vaccines.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 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.

Grazers and pollinators shape plant evolution

Researchers studied bird's eye primrose populations in alvar grasslands on Öland Island to investigate how grazing and pollinators impact plant characteristics. Grazing pressure and pollination intensity determine the reproductive success of short vs. tall morphs, leading to changes in genetic composition over time.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2013

Poorly camouflaged insects can kick off a cascade of ecological impacts, new CU-Boulder study finds

A CU-Boulder study finds that poorly camouflaged insects can affect their broader ecological community when the appearance of the bug is mismatched with the plant it's living on. This can lead to a cascade of ecological impacts, including increased predation by birds and a subsequent decrease in arthropod populations.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 21, 2013

Tuberculosis and the social lives of badgers

A study by Nicola Weber and colleagues found that TB-infected badgers are less likely to spread the disease within their own groups but more likely to facilitate spread across a network. Vaccination may be a more effective strategy for controlling TB in badger populations, maintaining social structure intact.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 21, 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.

Moderate to vigorous exercise boosts teens' academic performance

Research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that regular moderate to vigorous exercise improves teens' academic performance, with girls doing better in science. The study, which tracked over 5000 children aged 11-16, showed a dose-response effect between exercise intensity and test results.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateOct 21, 2013

Low vitamin D levels raise anemia risk in children, Hopkins-led study shows

A Hopkins-led study finds that low vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of anemia in children. The research, which analyzed blood samples from over 10,400 kids, suggests that vitamin D's effects on red blood cell production and immune inflammation may play a role in the link between the two conditions.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateOct 21, 2013

Bottle feeding associated with increased risk of stomach obstruction in infants

A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that bottle feeding may play a role in the development of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS), a form of stomach obstruction. The incidence of HPS decreased during the study period, while breastfeeding prevalence increased, suggesting a possible link between bottle feeding and HPS risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateOct 21, 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.

Hitchhiking virus confirms saga of ancient human migration

A study of herpes simplex virus type 1 confirms the 'out-of-Africa' pattern of human migration, with African isolates clustering together and Asian viruses grouping based on sequencing of human genomes. The findings support existing analyses of human migration and provide insights into how organisms are related.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 21, 2013

Study identifies safe delivery system for tricky yet potent anti-cancer cancer compound

Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine have discovered a way to effectively deliver staurosporine, a powerful anti-cancer compound, to mouse tumors without harming healthy tissue. The new liposomal delivery system increases the efficiency of drug-loading by over 70% and shows potent results in suppressing tumors.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalInternational Journal of Nanomedicine·DateOct 21, 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.

Largest therapy trial worldwide: Psychotherapy treats anorexia effectively

A large-scale study found that two new psychotherapeutic methods and a specialized form of standard psychotherapy can effectively treat anorexia nervosa in adults. Patients continued to show significant weight gains even after therapy concluded, with improved BMI and mental health outcomes.

SourceHeidelberg University Hospital·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 21, 2013

Turfgrass tested in shallow green roof substrates

A new study recommends Manilagrass planting and irrigation strategies for shallow green roof conditions. The research found that substrate depth was the most significant factor improving growth and drought resistance of Manilagrass.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateOct 21, 2013

New drug reduces negative memory

Researchers at the University of Basel have identified a new compound that reduces aversive memory, a trait central to anxiety disorders like PTSD. The compound, a known antihistamine, was found to significantly reduce memory recall of negative pictures but not neutral or positive ones.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 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.

Learning new skills keeps an aging mind sharp

Researchers found that learning new skills, such as photography, improves memory in older adults, while less demanding activities like listening to classical music or completing word puzzles have little impact. Engaging in unfamiliar and mentally stimulating activities is crucial for maintaining cognitive vitality with age.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 21, 2013

Are you ready to retire?

A new PDE model computes the value of a defined pension plan, including the option for early retirement. The authors provide mathematical analysis and numerical methods to solve the problem, allowing users to identify optimal retirement dates.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Applied Mathematics·DateOct 21, 2013

Study shows buying breast milk online is likely to cause illness in infants

A study found that over three-fourths of breast milk samples purchased online contained bacteria that can cause illness, with high levels of contamination linked to poor shipping practices. Milk banks, which provide pasteurized milk from carefully screened donors, are a safer alternative for sick babies.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 21, 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.

Targeted culling of deer controls disease with little effect on hunting

A study by University of Illinois researchers found that targeted deer culling in areas affected by CWD reduced the disease's prevalence to about 1% for 10 years. Meanwhile, hunter harvest increased nationwide, with only two counties experiencing a 11-20% reduction in deer populations.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPreventive Veterinary Medicine·DateOct 21, 2013

CWRU makes nanodiamonds in ambient conditions

Scientists have developed a method to produce nanodiamonds using ethanol vapor at room temperature and pressure, requiring no surface growth. The discovery holds promise for various applications, including flexible electronics, implants, and drug delivery devices.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 21, 2013

Atomically thin device promises new class of electronics

Researchers at Northwestern University have created a p-n heterojunction diode using molybdenum disulfide and carbon nanotubes, allowing for electronically tunable device characteristics. The device has also shown ultrafast photodetection capabilities with a sensitive response to light.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 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.

New native shrubs show promise for landscape, nursery industries

Researchers identify four native shrubs with potential as commercially viable nursery crops: Ceanothus americanus, Corylus cornuta, Lonicera canadensis, and Viburnum acerifolium. Successful propagation protocols are key to their success. Timing of cutting is crucial for optimal rooting, with Viburnum acerifolium showing the most promise.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateOct 21, 2013

Study: No known hominin is ancestor of Neanderthals and modern humans

A recent study using dental fossils suggests that the common ancestor of Neanderthals and modern humans diverged nearly 1 million years ago, contradicting previous molecular evidence. The researchers found no known hominin species matches the expected dental morphology of the last common ancestor.

SourceIndiana University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2013

Embargoed news from Oct. 22, 2013 Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet

The American College of Physicians recommends against routine screening for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in asymptomatic adults without risk factors. In contrast, patients with hypertension and stage 1-3 CKD should be treated with ACE inhibitors or ARBs to manage elevated low-density lipoprotein levels. The evidence review suggests tha...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 21, 2013

Harvard researchers, pharma experts offer recommendations to expand access to clinical trial data

A new report from Harvard University proposes recommendations for addressing the challenge of expanding public access to clinical trial data. The authors suggest a system that balances the need for transparency with the protection of research participants' identities, while also minimizing burdens on trial sponsors.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 21, 2013