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Science News Archive October 2013


Page 23 of 34

Cancer in EU cost €126 billion in 2009

The EU's total cancer cost was estimated to be €126 billion in 2009, with health care systems accounting for two-fifths of the expenditure. Lung cancer had the highest overall cost, while breast cancer was responsible for the largest share of spending on drugs.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Healthier diets possible in low-income, rural communities in America

A two-year study found that low-income, rural children in America consumed significantly more fruits and vegetables after being exposed to a healthier school food environment and educational curriculum. The intervention resulted in improved diet quality, including lower glycemic index and increased consumption of legumes.

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.

Scientists identify protein linking exercise to brain health

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified a protein that increases with endurance exercise and boosts brain health by promoting the growth of new nerves involved in learning and memory. The discovery provides a molecular pathway for exercise's effects on cognitive function, particularly in older adults.

New technology can prevent cellular overload, dropped calls

A University of British Columbia graduate student developed a solution to prevent cellular overload and dropped calls by using TV channels. She used smart antennas to transmit signals in a single direction, avoiding interference with radio and television signals.

Well-child visits more likely when parents use online health tools

A Kaiser Permanente study found that children whose parents used an integrated personal health record were twice as likely to attend all recommended well-child care visits. The study also found a positive correlation between PHR use and immunization receipt, although the results in Hawaii were statistically non-significant.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Fish genital shape linked to predation

Male Bahamas mosquitofish develop longer, more elongated gonopodium tips when living with predators, suggesting an adaptation for efficient sperm transfer during rapid copulations. This study highlights the importance of ecological variation in generating genital diversity.

Innovation in renewable-energy technologies is booming

A new study from MIT and SFI reveals a significant rise in renewable-energy patents, driven by research investments and market growth. Patents for solar and wind energy increased dramatically between 2004 and 2009, while fossil-fuel technologies showed modest growth.

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.

UC Irvine scientists help identify possible botulism blocker

UC Irvine scientists have identified a key molecular gateway for the botulinum neurotoxin, which can be blocked by inhibitor molecules to prevent the toxin from entering the bloodstream. The discovery provides a vital first step toward a pharmaceutical intervention and could lead to preventive treatments for botulism.

UC Davis joins cybersecurity research alliance

UC Davis is part of a five-year collaboration to develop real-time cyberattack detection and response systems without human intervention, leveraging industry partners and joint research programs. The $48.2 million alliance aims to enhance cybersecurity in Army networks and address complex challenges in cyberspace.

UTHealth's Cesar Arias earns infectious diseases award

Cesar Arias has received the Oswald Avery Award for Early Achievement from the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) for his groundbreaking work on superbugs and antibiotic resistance. His research aims to combat the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and has been recognized globally.

New approach urged for 'abysmal' K-12 writing instruction

A Michigan State University scholar argues that U.S. classrooms lack effective writing instruction, with only about a quarter of students meeting proficient levels. Research calls for a fresh approach to teacher professional development, emphasizing the need for comprehensive and sustained support in the classroom.

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.

Study: Herbal products omit ingredients, contain fillers

A study published in BMC Medicine found that nearly 60% of herbal products contained plant species not listed on the label, while 32% showed product substitution. This can lead to health risks due to toxicity and interactions with other herbs, supplements, and medications.

Packaging stem cells in capsules for heart therapy

Cardiology researchers at Emory have developed a solution to improve the impact of stem cell therapy on heart function. By packaging mesenchymal stem cells in alginate capsules, they can increase cell retention and survival, promoting healing factors that encourage regeneration of blood vessels.

Can thermodynamics help us better understand human cancers?

A new study identifies cancer-specific gene signatures for breast, lung, prostate, and ovarian cancers using surprisal analysis, a thermodynamics-based approach. This method allows researchers to understand how cellular energy is expended in cancer cells and identify potential biomarkers for early detection and therapy.

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.

Turning vapors into foam-like polymer coatings

A new process allows for the growth of highly customizable coatings of foam-like polymers from gases, enabling adjustable density and pore structure. This development has potential applications in medical, manufacturing, and high-tech research fields.

Video captions improve comprehension, professor finds

A study by San Francisco State University Professor Robert Keith Collins found that using video captions improves student comprehension, test scores, and class discussions. The results showed a significant improvement in students' grades, with many transitioning from Cs to As, Bs, and Cs.

Outside influence: Genes outside nucleus have disproportionate effect

A study using Arabidopsis model found that 80% of metabolites were directly affected by organellar genes, which regulate energy production and sugar synthesis in cells. The discovery may have implications for future treatments for inherited diseases in humans, including in vitro fertilization therapies.

Uniformity: The secret of better fusion ignition

Theoretical physicists use numerical simulations to analyze the uniformity of irradiation at thermonuclear fusion reaction, with potential applications to the Orion facility's high-power laser beams. The approach demonstrates a reduction in non-uniformity by 50% and 35% for elliptical and circular intensity profiles respectively.

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.

How research ecologists can benefit urban design projects

Researchers can influence design and implementation, improving environmental benefits in urban areas. By involving themselves early in the process, ecologist researchers can establish viable long-term sites and improve project outcomes.

The perils of texting while driving

A recent US study reveals that male drivers are more likely to engage in texting while driving, yet consider themselves more proficient. The study suggests that 'texting impulsiveness' is positively associated with frequent texters and those who multitask, highlighting the risks of this behavior on the road.

Researchers find rust can power up artificial photosynthesis

Boston College chemists develop unique photoanodes and photocathodes using hematite and nickel iron oxide to achieve a 50% increase in photovoltage. This breakthrough brings researchers closer to harnessing artificial photosynthesis for efficient solar energy storage.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Stomach cells naturally revert to stem cells

Research reveals that stomach chief cells can revert to stem cells even without noticeable injury, suggesting a potential new approach for repairing stomach damage. The findings also hint at the possibility of using this process to prevent stomach cancers.

As sea level rises, Everglades' freshwater plants perish

Researchers at the University of Miami used satellite images to confirm the impact of saltwater intrusion on freshwater plants in the Everglades. The study found large patches of vegetation loss closer to the coast, while interior areas showed growth trends.

Ancient DNA reveals multiple stages of settlement in Europe

The study found that the region now known as Germany experienced at least four significant migrations and settlements between 5500 B.C. and 1500 B.C., resulting in marked genetic shifts across several millennia. This complex dynamics helped shape the present-day genetic patterns in Europe.

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 theory of synapse formation in the brain

Researchers have discovered a simple homeostatic rule that governs the formation of new neural networks in the visual cortex, enabling the brain to adapt to changes. The theory also sheds light on how synapses are formed and abandoned, with implications for understanding learning processes and treating neurological diseases.

Kissing helps us find the right partner -- and keep them

A study by Oxford University researchers suggests that kissing helps humans size up potential partners and keeps them in long-term relationships. The survey found that women rated kissing as more important than men, particularly in long-term relationships where it plays a role in mediating affection and attachment.

Look out above! Experiment explores innate visual behavior in mice

Researchers at Caltech developed a new stimulus to study mouse visual behavior, finding that mice respond with immediate reflex-like responses to a looming black disk, freezing or fleeing depending on the environment. The study validates the mouse model for studying visual processing and has implications for understanding animal behavior.

How a ubiquitous herpesvirus sometimes leads to cancer

Researchers discovered distinct EBV subtypes with varying public health risks, including a strain associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. This finding highlights the importance of tailoring prevention efforts to specific viral strains.

Genes predispose some people to focus on the negative

A new study by University of British Columbia researcher finds that some people are genetically predisposed to see the world darkly due to a previously known gene variant. The ADRA2b deletion variant influences norepinephrine levels, affecting real-time perception and emotional memory formation.

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.

Scientists shed light on the brain mechanisms behind a debilitating sleep disorder

Researchers at the University of Toronto discovered that a dysfunctional relationship between the noradrenaline and hypocretin systems is responsible for cataplexy in narcolepsy. By activating noradrenaline receptors, they reduced cataplexy incidence by 90% and found that restoring noradrenaline levels prevented paralysis during episodes.

Unregulated, agricultural ammonia threatens national parks' ecology

Researchers find that US national parks are experiencing 'accidental fertilization' at or above critical thresholds due to nitrogen compounds carried on the wind. The team predicts significant increases in agricultural land and fertilizer use by 2050, requiring a 55% reduction of anthropogenic NH3 emissions.

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.

Water discovered in remnants of extrasolar rocky world orbiting white dwarf

Researchers have found evidence of a water-rich rocky planetary body in the shattered remains of a planet that once orbited a white dwarf star. The discovery marks the first time water has been pinpointed in a rocky body outside our solar system, providing insights into the formation and evolution of habitable planets.

Overweight and obese children face high risk of hypertension

Researchers found that young people who are overweight are twice as likely to have hypertension; moderately obese youths have four times higher risk. The study suggests pediatricians need to be particularly vigilant about screening overweight and obese children for hypertension.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Impact of aging on smart phone use to be examined

Researchers investigate how aging affects smartphone use, including texting and emailing, to improve accessibility and usability. The study aims to inform the design of smartphones for older users, enabling them to maintain independence and social connections.

Malaria, toxoplasmosis: Toward new lines of research?

Scientists find that malaria and toxoplasmosis parasites can survive without AMA1 protein, but still attach to host cells. This discovery challenges current therapeutic strategies and suggests alternative approaches for improving treatments.

New hepatitis C drug shows potential in phase 2 trials

A new study found that danoprevir added to the current treatment regimen for patients with hepatitis C leads to high rates of remission and a well-tolerated safety profile. The drug demonstrated an 85% sustained virologic response rate, making it a potential breakthrough in treating this serious liver disease.

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.