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Science News for September 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.

Scientists discover novel functions of platelets

Researchers found that platelets activate a screening process allowing lymphocytes to exit the bloodstream without causing bleeding. This discovery opens avenues for further research into the role of platelets in vascular health and inflammation.

SourceOklahoma Medical Research Foundation·JournalNature·DateSep 1, 2013

Spread of crop pests threatens global food security as Earth warms

A new study reveals that global warming is causing crop pests to spread towards the North and South Poles at an alarming rate. Currently, 10-16% of global crop production is lost to pests, with losses from fungi alone amounting to enough to feed nearly nine percent of today's global population.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Climate Change·DateSep 1, 2013

Bringing coral reefs back from the brink

Researchers suggest that extreme events like tropical storms and cloudy weather can trigger coral regrowth on degraded reefs. By adopting a more resilient management approach, it may be possible to restore living coral cover to these systems.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateSep 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.

Listening to favorite music improves endothelial function in CAD

A study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that listening to favorite music improves endothelial function in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), leading to increased exercise capacity. The combination of music and exercise training resulted in the most significant improvement in endothelial function.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateSep 1, 2013

Pre-treatment with prasugrel -- more risk, no benefit: ACCOAST

A randomized study found that prasugrel pre-treatment in patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) significantly increases the risk of life-threatening bleeding without reducing major ischemic events. This shift away from pre-treatment may lead to changes in treatment strategies.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 1, 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.

Health of older women in developed countries continues to improve

Life expectancy among women aged 50 years and older has increased significantly in developed countries over the last 20-30 years due to improved measures for reducing noncommunicable diseases. Despite this progress, the study highlights a growing gap in life expectancy between rich and poor countries.

SourceBulletin of the World Health Organization·JournalBulletin of the World Health Organization·DateSep 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.

Breakthrough in sensing at the nanoscale

The discovery enables rapid localization and measurement of cells within living environments at the nanoscale, such as changes to a single cell in response to chemical signals. The ultra-sensitive nanoparticles, or SuperDots, can detect individual particles with thousand times more sensitivity than existing materials.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 1, 2013

Case study reveals genetic discrimination in life insurance

A case study published in the Medical Journal of Australia reveals that life insurance companies have made incorrect risk-assessment judgments based on genetic information. The authors call for a more collaborative approach between industry, government, and researchers to address these issues.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalThe Medical Journal of Australia·DateSep 1, 2013

Quitting smoking drops heart attack risk to levels of never smokers

A recent study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that quitting smoking reduces the risk of heart attacks and death to levels seen in never smokers. However, it does not reduce the presence or severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). The study examined over 13,000 patients from around the world and found that activ...

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateSep 1, 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.

Cracking bacteria's secrets may lead to new treatments

Scientists have mapped the structure of a protein that helps bacteria evade the immune system. Understanding this protein, called BamA, could lead to new treatments for diseases like gonorrhoea and chanchroid. The discovery brings researchers closer to stopping infection before it takes hold.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature·DateSep 1, 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.

Family history doubles aortic stenosis risk

A study found that patients with a first degree relative registered with aortic stenosis have a 2.04-fold increased risk of developing the condition. This risk is doubled in those with ischaemic heart disease and family history, highlighting the importance of genetic factors and familial clusters in the development of aortic stenosis.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateSep 1, 2013

Anticoagulant does not reduce rate of ischemic events among certain patients undergoing PCI

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that otamixaban, a novel anticoagulant, did not reduce ischemic events but increased bleeding among patients with non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The trial compared otamixaban with unfraction...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateSep 1, 2013

Cold weather produces more heart attacks

A nationwide study found that cold weather increases heart attack risk, with temperatures below 10°C significantly correlated. Unlike air pollution, which has a negligible effect, temperature plays a crucial role in triggering acute myocardial infarction.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateSep 1, 2013

Increased greenhouse gases and aerosols have similar effects on rainfall

Research from the University of Hawaii at Manoa reveals that greenhouse gases and aerosols have similar spatial patterns of climate responses, leading to changes in ocean-atmospheric feedback structures. This finding challenges previous distinctions between aerosol-induced and greenhouse-gas-induced changes in rainfall.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii ‑ SOEST·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 1, 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.

Physical activity decreases sudden cardiac death risk in unfit men

A study of 2,656 Finnish men found that regular physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness are key factors in reducing the risk of sudden cardiac death. Men with low cardiorespiratory fitness who engaged in regular physical activity had a significantly lower risk of SCD compared to those with high CRF and LTPA.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateSep 1, 2013

World-leading penguin experts come to Britain

Researchers from the University of California reveal that Emperor Penguins can dive to over 500m and stay underwater for up to 27 minutes. They also discover a unique heart rate response, slowing down to as low as 10 beats per minute to conserve energy.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·DateSep 1, 2013

DNA 'cages' may aid drug delivery

Researchers at McGill University have created DNA 'cages' that can encapsulate small-molecule drugs and release them in response to a specific stimulus. The discovery has the potential to revolutionize drug delivery methods, offering precise control over drug release and reducing toxicity.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateSep 1, 2013

Researchers untangle genetics of drug resistant TB

Researchers used phylogenetics to analyze whole genome sequences of TB, revealing 39 new genes associated with elevated drug resistance. The findings suggest a multistep process for acquiring resistance and implications for targeted detection methods.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 1, 2013

Mycobacterium tuberculosis: Our African follower for over 70,000 years!

Mycobacterium tuberculosis originated in Africa at least 70,000 years ago. The bacteria have a strikingly close genetic match with humans, suggesting a long history of co-evolution. This has led to the development of new strategies for disease control and may help predict future patterns of the disease.

SourceSwiss Tropical and Public Health Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 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.

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival just 7 percent

Research presented at ESC Congress 2013 found that out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival rates are low, with only 7% of patients surviving. Therapeutic hypothermia and early coronary reperfusion were both linked to improved survival outcomes in patients.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateSep 1, 2013

Move it and lose it: Every 'brisk' minute counts

A University of Utah study found that higher-intensity activity, even in short bouts, can lower the risk of obesity and promote weight loss. The research used data from over 4,500 adults and showed that daily minutes spent in high-intensity activity can offset up to half a pound of weight.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Promotion·DateSep 1, 2013