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Science News Archive September 2013 - Page 7


Page 7 of 32

Vitamin D alone does little to protect bone health in postmenopausal women

A recent study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that vitamin D supplements do not reduce bone turnover or protect bone health in postmenopausal women. In contrast, calcium supplements significantly reduced bone turnover and decreased the risk of osteoporosis.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateSep 24, 2013

New steering tech for heavy equipment saves fuel, ups efficiency

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new steering technology that eliminates valves and uses advanced algorithms to precisely control hydraulic pumps, resulting in a 43% increase in fuel efficiency. The system also shows improved machine productivity and reduced operator fatigue.

SourcePurdue University·DateSep 24, 2013

Scientists discover environmental enrichment for TBI patients may counter shrinkage in the brain

A study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that environmental enrichment can help counteract brain atrophy in people with chronic moderate-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study, led by Dr. Robin Green, suggests that increased physical, social, and cognitive stimulation can slow down brain shrinkage.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateSep 24, 2013

NASA's Hubble and Chandra find evidence for densest nearby galaxy

Astronomers have found the most crowded galaxy in our part of the universe, M60-UCD1, packed with an extraordinary number of stars. The ultra-compact dwarf galaxy is estimated to be about 10 billion years old and has a density of stars about 15,000 times greater than Earth's neighborhood.

SourceChandra X-ray Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateSep 24, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study findings may explain delayed onset of heart disease in women

A recent study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that young women are better equipped to deal with the negative effects of insulin resistance. This biological ability may explain why women typically develop heart disease 10 years later than men.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateSep 24, 2013

How the gut got its villi

Researchers at Harvard University investigated the process of villification, which shapes gut villi, and found similarities in its principles across different animal species. They discovered that mechanical forces from muscle layer differentiation drive early villus growth.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateSep 24, 2013

Warning of potential side effects of a product can increase its sales

A new study suggests that warning consumers about potentially harmful side effects can improve their opinions and increase product sales. Researchers found that when warnings are delayed, they can actually make products seem more trustworthy to consumers.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 24, 2013
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.

Adjusting bacteria in intestines may lead to obesity treatments

Researchers found that tempol, an anti-oxidant drug, reduces weight gain in mice fed a high-fat diet. The drug targets the gut microbiome, specifically reducing Lactobacillus levels and increasing tauro-beta-muricholic acid, which inhibits FXR and regulates metabolism.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 24, 2013

Pfizer Pharmaceuticals supports MARC project

COHRED and Pfizer support MARC Phase II, an interventional approach to address ethical review bottlenecks in the African research landscape. The project aims to connect networks, foster innovation, and drive high standards for clinical trials globally.

SourceCOHRED·DateSep 24, 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.

Counting on neodymium

An interdisciplinary team from Jülich and Aachen produced robust magnetic molecules with neodymium, enabling direct electrical readout. These molecules could replace conventional electronic components, reducing energy consumption and increasing data processing capabilities.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 24, 2013

Ultra-fast electrons explain third radiation ring around Earth

Researchers using Van Allen Probes discovered ultra-fast particles driving a previously unknown configuration of three bands in the Earth's radiation belts. Computer simulations show that one common acceleration method doesn't apply to these particles.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 24, 2013

Deep sea ecosystem may take decades to recover from Deepwater Horizon spill

Scientists analyze data collected from a spring 2011 cruise to determine the impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on deep-water communities in the Gulf of Mexico. The study found severe reduction of biological abundance and biodiversity impacting an area around 9 square miles around the wellhead.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Reno·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 24, 2013

Arizona State University secures top funding in Earth sciences

ASU researchers are part of a $28 million NSF-FESD grant program to study the Great Oxidation Event and ancient climate change. They aim to understand the role of Earth system dynamics in human evolution, using a combination of models, geochemical proxies, and laboratory experiments.

SourceArizona State University·DateSep 24, 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.

Late Cretaceous Period was likely ice-free

A University of Missouri researcher has found evidence suggesting the Late Cretaceous Period was ice-free, despite initial thoughts of a continental ice sheet. The study uses fossilized shells to analyze oxygen and carbon isotope ratios, providing insights into past temperatures and environmental conditions.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalGeology·DateSep 24, 2013

New theory for analyzing interacting nuclear spins in solvents

Researchers have developed a new theory to analyze interacting nuclear spins in solvents, revealing that the Nuclear Overhauser Effect is long-range due to electromagnetic radiation frequency. This breakthrough improves understanding of molecular structures and dynamics, opening up new applications for NMR spectroscopy.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 24, 2013

Astronomers discover densest galaxy ever

The recently discovered ultra-compact dwarf galaxy M60-UCD1 has a density of stars about 15,000 times greater than in the Milky Way. The galaxy's central bright X-ray source suggests a massive black hole weighing 10 million times the sun's mass.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateSep 24, 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.

Artificial lighting and noise alter biorhythms of birds

Research found that artificial lighting and noise cause blackbirds in city centers to become active earlier, starting their dawn song up to five hours before sunrise. This alters their natural cycles, affecting their ability to defend territories and interact with humans during rush hour.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 24, 2013

Fusion, anyone?

Researchers at National Ignition Facility have made significant progress in creating a self-sustained fusion reaction, but still face challenges to overcome before achieving the highly stable and precisely directed implosion required for ignition.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateSep 24, 2013

Past weight loss an overlooked factor in disordered eating

Researchers have found that past weight loss can contribute to disordered eating by increasing the severity of symptoms in individuals with anorexia nervosa. The study's findings suggest that taking into account a person's historical and current body weight is crucial for effective treatment.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Abnormal Psychology·DateSep 24, 2013

Scientists confirm functionality of emergency ventilation system for horses

Researchers developed a portable ventilation pump for large animals, improving the safety of veterinarians treating patients in the field. The device is easy to use and inexpensive, allowing veterinarians to provide emergency first aid without relying on conventional equipment.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalEquine Veterinary Education·DateSep 24, 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.

Responsive interactions key to toddlers' ability to learn language

A new study found that responsive interactions are crucial for toddlers' language learning, particularly when compared to video instruction. When conversing with a person or in a live video chat, children learn new words and use them to label actions.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateSep 24, 2013

New research shows how heart cells communicate to regulate heart activity

Research led by Robert Gros and Marco Prado found that heart cells release the neurotransmitter acetylcholine to regulate heart activity, in addition to nervous systems. The findings suggest that this non-neuronal system may play a crucial role in counterbalancing sympathetic activity and boosting parasympathetic signaling.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateSep 24, 2013

Oldest existing lizard-like fossil hints at scaly origins

The discovery of two new fossil jaws in Vellberg, Germany, provides evidence that the ancestors of lizards, snakes, and tuatara were alive during the Middle Triassic period. The findings suggest that lepidosaurs first appeared after the end-Permian mass extinction event, around 240 million years ago.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateSep 24, 2013

Recommendations guide physicians in treatment of systemic juvenile arthritis

The American College of Rheumatology has released new guidelines for the treatment of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The update includes over 1,200 clinical scenarios and covers various medication options, including biologics. The new recommendations aim to enhance care for children with this disabling disease.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateSep 24, 2013

World Heart Day 2013

Research by Dr Norman Mangner found that obese children exhibit early stages of atherosclerosis and insulin resistance, increasing their risk of cardiovascular disease. Adopting a healthy lifestyle from childhood is essential to prevent these conditions and reduce the risk of heart disease.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateSep 24, 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.

QUT develops software to reduce greenhouse gases

The QUT-developed Semaphore program enables researchers to simulate fluxes of carbon and nitrogen, providing guidelines for reducing greenhouse gas footprint. The program reduces transaction costs and testing time, allowing landholders to adopt effective strategies for minimizing emissions.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateSep 24, 2013

Stepfamilies add to caregiver burden

A University of Michigan study explores how divorce and remarriage impact caregivers, finding that adult stepchildren can be a source of stress. The research highlights the need for tailored interventions to address the unique needs of re-partnered older adults in complex family situations.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateSep 24, 2013

4-year repeat of bone mineral density screening in seniors offers limited value

A recent study published in JAMA found that repeating bone mineral density (BMD) tests after four years offers limited value in assessing bone fracture risk in seniors aged 75 and older. The study suggests that updating clinical characteristics in the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) instead of repeating BMD tests may be a more eff...

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJAMA·DateSep 24, 2013

Reliable method detects suicidal propensity

A new study published in Journal of Psychiatric Research reveals that a simple measurement of the sweat gland activity can determine if a person is suicidal, confirming previous research. The test found a strong correlation between hyporeactivity and suicide in depressed people, with 97% accuracy.

SourceLinköping University·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·DateSep 24, 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.

Cheats of the bird world -- Cuckoo finches fool host parents

Researchers found that cuckoo finches with multiple eggs in a nest confuse host parents, making it harder to distinguish their own eggs from imposter eggs. This strategy combines with egg mimicry to increase reproductive success. The study highlights the cunning tactics of brood parasites like the cuckoo finch.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 24, 2013

Playing with blocks may help children's spatial and math thinking

A new study published in Child Development found that playing with blocks improves preschoolers' spatial skills, which support later math-related learning. Low-income children, who often lag behind in spatial skills, can particularly benefit from block play to close the gap.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateSep 24, 2013

'Traffic light' test could prevent hundreds of people developing alcohol-related cirrhosis

A simple 'traffic light' test developed by the University of Southampton has shown promise in reducing harmful drinking rates and potentially preventing hundreds of alcohol-related deaths. The test, which costs £50, can detect hidden liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in high-risk populations and advises patients to reduce or avoid drinking.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·DateSep 24, 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.

2 tests in combination can provide better asthma diagnosis

Researchers at Uppsala University found that combining two test methods can provide better asthma diagnosis. The combination of exhaled nitric oxide and blood eosinophil counts increases the likelihood of individuals reporting asthma symptoms or attacks.

SourceUppsala University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateSep 24, 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.

NASA sees Typhoon Pabuk's veiled eye

Typhoon Pabuk has an unusually large eye covering about 30 nautical miles, three times larger than a previous typhoon in China. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center forecasts Pabuk to track parallel to Japan's coast while gaining frontal characteristics.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 24, 2013

Uphill for the trees of the world

A study by Aarhus University researchers found that global forests are being cleared and restricted to steep terrain, leading to reduced biodiversity. The shift is driven by human activities such as agriculture, urbanization, and efficient land use practices.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 24, 2013

Living better with heart failure by changing what you eat

A University of Michigan study found that following a low-sodium DASH eating plan for 21 days can lower blood pressure similar to taking anti-hypertension medicine. The diet improves left ventricular relaxation and reduces diastolic chamber stiffness, leading to better heart function.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateSep 24, 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.

New study shows how ICU ventilation may trigger mental decline

Researchers found a molecular mechanism linking mechanical ventilation to hippocampal damage and mental impairment in ICU patients. The study suggests that elevated dopamine levels may contribute to the development of neurobehavioral disorders in patients exposed to mechanical ventilation.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 24, 2013

A link between zinc transport and diabetes

Researchers found that SLC30A8 zinc transporter is crucial for insulin clearance by the liver and signals to stop releasing insulin. The study also discusses the dynamic regulatory role of zinc in insulin regulation.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 24, 2013

Acupuncture or counselling plus usual care 'may improve' depression symptoms

A study by researchers at the University of York found that combining acupuncture or counselling with usual care improved depression symptoms in patients after three months. The study showed significant reductions in average depression scores for both acupuncture and counselling interventions, but not between the two groups.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 24, 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.

A shot of anxiety and the world stinks

Researchers discover how anxiety affects olfactory processing, linking emotional centers of the brain. Neutral smells become distasteful under anxiety, leading to a vicious cycle that can heighten distress and lead to conditions like anxiety and depression.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateSep 24, 2013

NOAA awards $967,000 to 11 marine debris removal projects

NOAA's Marine Debris Program awarded $967,000 to 11 groups for locally driven marine debris prevention and removal projects. The projects will remove derelict fishing nets, litter, lumber, tires, and other harmful marine debris from shorelines and coastal waters.

SourceNOAA Headquarters·DateSep 24, 2013

Link between antidepressants and diabetes risk is real

A systematic review by the University of Southampton found that people taking antidepressants are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, although the exact cause is still unknown. Different types of antidepressants may carry varying risks, and further research is needed to determine their individual effects.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalDiabetes Care·DateSep 24, 2013

UK study shows improvements in life expectancy in type 1 diabetes which should now be reflected in life insurance and other relevant policies for those with the condition

A UK study found improved life expectancy for people with type 1 diabetes, particularly among younger individuals. The research suggests that this improvement should be reflected in life insurance policies, but gaps in life expectancy remain between the T1DM population and general populations.

SourceDiabetologia·DateSep 24, 2013