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Science News Archive October 2013 - Page 34


Page 34 of 34

Renal risk index: A clinical tool to predict the risk of end-stage renal disease

Researchers developed a clinical tool to predict the risk of end-stage renal disease among liver transplant recipients. The Renal Risk Index calculates a score based on recipient characteristics and identifies factors associated with increased risk, such as BMI over 35 and hepatitis C diagnosis.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 1, 2013

Aerospace engineering student earns NASA fellowship

Ezgihan 'Izzy' Baydar, a UT Arlington aerospace engineering student, has been awarded a NASA fellowship to pursue her research on making air intakes more efficient in jet engines. The three-year fellowship includes $135,000 funding and summer internships at the NASA Glenn Research Center.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateOct 1, 2013

Lactation may be linked to aggressive cancer in Mexican women

Research by the University of California, San Diego reveals that Mexican women with more children and those who breastfeed for extended periods are at a higher risk of developing triple negative breast cancer. This contradictory finding challenges existing knowledge about breastfeeding's benefits in reducing breast cancer risk.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateOct 1, 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.

Weatherization work guidelines launched

The US Department of Energy has launched guidelines for home energy professionals, including standard work specifications and professional certifications. The new standards aim to improve the quality of weatherization services and provide better career paths for workers.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateOct 1, 2013

Scripps Florida scientists develop new process to create artificial cell membranes

Researchers at Scripps Florida Institute have developed a highly programmable platform for creating synthetic cellular structures with complex membrane compositions. The approach enables the assembly of multi-layered membranes resembling the cell nucleus envelope, offering new insights into biological function and evolution.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Chemistry·DateOct 1, 2013

Study: Acidity can change cell membrane properties

Researchers at Northwestern University have determined how to control bilayers' crystallization by altering the acidity of their surroundings. This discovery sheds light on cell function and could enable advances in drug delivery and bio-inspired technology.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 1, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Genetic markings could spot cancer before it develops

Scientists identified four genes with altered expression in head and neck cancer, linked to specific DNA methylation marks. These epigenetic markers could enable non-invasive tests for early pre-cancer screening using saliva or blood serum.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalCancer·DateOct 1, 2013

Solar power's future brawl

Researchers used computer modeling to predict electronic and optical properties of silicon structures with potential applications for solar energy collection. The study found that amorphous quantum dot chains significantly increase light absorption with increased interactions between individual nanospheres in the chain.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateOct 1, 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.

A link between type 2 diabetes and mitochondrial function

A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation has shed new light on the relationship between type 2 diabetes and mitochondrial function. Researchers found that heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) is crucial for appropriate mitochondrial function and insulin responses, while leptin plays a key role in regulating HSP60.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 1, 2013

JCI early table of contents for Oct. 1, 2013

Researchers at Emory University discovered that hemin injection causes labored breathing and rapid death in sickle mice, but not in control mice. Hemopexin treatment was effective in preventing hemin-induced lung injury. These findings suggest targeting hemin and TLR4 signaling may be a valuable approach for treating acute chest syndrome.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 1, 2013

Scientists who share data publicly receive more citations

A new study found that papers with shared data received increased citation numbers for at least five years, with data reuse on the rise over time. The researchers concluded that actual data reuse contributed significantly to the citation difference.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateOct 1, 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.

Putting a face on a robot

A new study from Georgia Institute of Technology found that people's preferences for a robot's appearance change depending on its intended use. Older adults tend to prefer human-like robots for social interactions, while younger participants prefer robotic faces for decision-making tasks. The research suggests that the design of an ass...

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateOct 1, 2013

UW-Madison researchers put grant review process under microscope

Researchers will analyze reviews and manipulate demographic factors on grant proposals to determine if biases exist in the NIH's peer review system. They aim to understand mechanisms behind proposal decisions and identify potential causes of disparities in funding rates among different groups.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateOct 1, 2013

Despite menu changes, calorie and sodium levels in chain restaurant entrees remain the same overall

A study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that chain restaurant menus did not become significantly healthier between 2010 and 2011, despite efforts to increase nutrition. The average calorie and sodium content of main entrées remained largely unchanged, with only slight decreases in some cases.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateOct 1, 2013

Rail researchers work on UK's first Tram-Train scheme

Researchers at the University of Huddersfield's Institute of Railway Research are working on the UK's first Tram-Train scheme to address interface issues. The team has developed a new wheel profile design that minimizes wear rates and maintains safety against derailment.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·DateOct 1, 2013

CU, MIT breakthrough in photonics could allow for faster and faster electronics

Researchers at CU-Boulder and MIT have developed a new technique to integrate light-based communication into microprocessors, promising exponential improvement in computing speed. This innovation could lead to extremely energy-efficient computing and the continuation of Moore's Law, which has driven rapid advancements in electronics.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalOptics Letters·DateOct 1, 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.

Researchers honored for bringing science to the people

Researchers from Argentina, Bangladesh, Philippines, South Africa and Egypt have been honored by TWAS for their work in popularizing science. Diego Andres Golombek and Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan are among the winners, who employed various media to engage the public and advocate for science education.

SourceTWAS·DateOct 1, 2013

TGen-led study identifies genes associated with unhealthy liver function

A TGen-led study has identified genetic loci associated with total bilirubin levels, steatosis, and mild fibrosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The study found evidence for new genetic factors that may help identify patients at risk of developing severe forms of fatty-liver disease.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·DateOct 1, 2013

Fertility problems? Joining the 'breakfast club' can help

A study by researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that women with PCOS who ate a big breakfast had improved glucose levels, insulin resistance, and fertility rates. This suggests that timing of calorie intake may play a crucial role in overcoming reproductive difficulties.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalClinical Science·DateOct 1, 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.

Parkinson's Surgery Research wins NSF Grant

A University of Houston researcher has won a $330,000 NSF grant to develop signal-processing techniques that interpret electrical activity recorded by deep brain stimulation probes. This technology aims to provide real-time feedback to neurosurgeons, allowing them to guide probe placement and perform surgeries faster and more accurately.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateOct 1, 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.

LSUHSC'S OCHOA 1 of 10 chosen by NIH director for Transformative Research Award

Dr. Augusto Ochoa, Director of LSUHSC's Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, has been awarded a $2.5 million NIH grant to develop new treatments for severe viral diseases, including herpes infections and cancers caused by viruses. The research aims to manipulate the immune system's response to these diseases.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·DateOct 1, 2013

Eating insects: Like them stir fried or curried?

A Canadian research team, led by a UC Riverside expert, has won the Hult Prize to develop insect-based meals for impoverished regions. Insects are excellent low-cost sources of protein and essential nutrients.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateOct 1, 2013

Recent study reduces Casimir force to lowest recorded level

Researchers at IUPUI have achieved a drastically reduced measurement of the Casimir effect, a fundamental quantum phenomenon experienced between two neutral bodies in a vacuum. The study uses nanostructured metallic plates to suppress the force to a much lower rate than ever recorded previously.

SourceIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 1, 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.

New Stroud scientist to advise US Army Corps on environmental impacts

Melinda Daniels joins Stroud Water Research Center to lead climate-based water-sustainability research project and advise the US Army Corps of Engineers on environmental impacts. She will investigate water sustainability in the Smoky Hill basin and develop a policy optimization strategy.

SourceStroud Water Research Center·DateOct 1, 2013

Mom's weight gain during pregnancy tied to childhood obesity

A study of 41,133 mothers and children in Arkansas found that high pregnancy weight gain increases the risk of obesity in children through age 12. Researchers suggest that limiting pregnancy weight gain could help prevent childhood obesity.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 1, 2013

UCLA study finds link between high-fat, high-calorie diet and pancreas cancer

Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that mice on high-fat diets developed abnormally high numbers of pancreatic lesions, which are precursors to pancreas cancer. A normal diet was shown to have a significant impact on reducing the risk of this deadly disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateOct 1, 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.

Blood-pressure drug may help improve cancer treatment

Losartan opens up collapsed tumor blood vessels, improving chemotherapy delivery and oxygenation. Combining losartan with standard treatments delays tumor growth and extends survival in animal models.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 1, 2013

Inexpensive drug costing less than 3 dollars may minimize damage from heart attack

A collaborative study between Spain and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai found that administering beta-blocker medication to heart attack patients while in transit can significantly reduce heart damage. The study showed metoprolol therapy resulted in smaller infarcts and improved heart contractility.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCirculation·DateOct 1, 2013

ATS and ERS publish policy statement on disparities in respiratory health

The American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society have released a policy statement aiming to reduce health disparities in respiratory health. The statement emphasizes the disproportionate impact of respiratory diseases on socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, particularly children.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateOct 1, 2013