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Science News Archive September 2013 - Page 3


Page 3 of 32

Genes against parasites

Researchers discovered that the Baoulé breed of cattle has a natural tolerance to a deadly parasite, and developed a method to detect different types of trypanosomes. The study aims to preserve the genetic background of the Baoulé breed to develop more resilient cattle breeds.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateSep 27, 2013

Oncogenic signatures mapped in TCGA a guide for the development of personalized therapy

Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center developed a new approach for cancer therapy development using tumor genomic signatures. The study confirms two major hypotheses, showing that a limited number of genetic events cause most tumor subtypes and that oncogenic signatures are largely independent of tissue origin.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 27, 2013

First long temperature reconstruction for the eastern Mediterranean based on tree rings

Researchers reconstructed a 900-year temperature timeline in the Eastern Mediterranean, revealing a medieval warm period and modern warming trend that may not be regional. The study uses stable carbon isotopes in tree rings to analyze environmental conditions and find correlations between temperature fluctuations and tree growth.

Study reveals differences in post-operative complications

Research highlights disparities in post-surgical risks among older minority patients, with black patients facing nearly three times the risk as white counterparts. Pre-existing medical conditions significantly contribute to these differences.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateSep 27, 2013

Over the limit

Researchers found that participants poured 12% more wine into wide glasses than standard ones, and 9% more when holding the glass while pouring. This highlights the importance of educating people on how to measure a proper serving size of alcohol.

SourceIowa State University·JournalSubstance Use & Misuse·DateSep 27, 2013

Bright, laser-based lighting devices

Researchers at University of California, Santa Barbara, have devised a new method for creating high-power white light using a laser diode in combination with inorganic phosphors. The resulting lighting options are high in efficiency and have been shown to achieve a luminous flux comparable to current high-brightness white LEDs.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateSep 27, 2013

3-D models of electrical streamers

A team of researchers at MIT has developed an accurate 3-D model of streamer propagation, which qualitatively and quantitatively describes the development of electric breakdown in dielectrics. The model offers great promise for applications such as medical imaging, aerospace engineering, and power transmission.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateSep 27, 2013

Greater desertification control using sand trap simulations

Researchers have developed a numerical simulation to study wind-sand movement in straw checkerboard barriers (SCB) and their surrounding area. The results show that SCBs can decrease sand transport rates and reduce the strength of wind-sand flow eddies, leading to increased sand fixation.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateSep 27, 2013

Setting blurred images in motion improves perception

A study found that motion-generated optic flow information compensates for the lack of image details and enables effective event perception. Participants correctly identified events in nearly 90% of attempts when viewing moving images, compared to less than 30% when viewing blurred static images.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalOptometry and Vision Science·DateSep 27, 2013

Echocardiography detecting many more cases of definite and borderline rheumatic heart disease, meaning true global prevalence likely to much higher than current estimates

A study published in Global Heart finds that echocardiography is increasing detection rates of definite and borderline rheumatic heart disease globally. Using echocardiography increases detection rates by many-fold, revealing a higher true global prevalence than current estimates.

SourceWorld Heart Federation·JournalGlobal Heart·DateSep 26, 2013