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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 215


Page 215 of 376

News from Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet -- June 10, 2014

Increasing cervical cancer screening rates can help prevent invasive cancer. Experts recommend focusing on population coverage rather than choosing a specific test. Meanwhile, the release of Medicare data provides insights into healthcare spending and quality, but lacks meaningful context for evaluation.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 9, 2014

Berkeley Lab researchers create nanoparticle thin films that self-assemble in 1 minute

Researchers with the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have devised a technique to form highly ordered thin films over macroscopic distances in one minute. The technique uses supramolecules based on block copolymers to create nanocomposites that self-assemble into hierarchically-structured thin films.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 9, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Opti-SPECT/PET/CT: 5 different imaging systems now combined

Researchers can conduct five different imaging studies in one scan with the Opti-SPECT/PET/CT system, providing comprehensive data on anatomy and physiological processes. The device allows for minimally invasive studies with a single dose of anesthesia, enabling scientists to develop new drug discovery methods.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateJun 9, 2014

Fox Chase doctors urge caution over new analysis of Medicare payments

Recent Medicare data release reveals high payments to a few doctors, but experts caution that this does not necessarily indicate poor care. The data only shows the amount of care provided, not its appropriateness, and may be influenced by factors such as specialty and geography.

SourceFox Chase Cancer Center·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 9, 2014

Emergency/trauma care post-master's program to go online with grant funding

The UTHealth School of Nursing's post-master's emergency/trauma care program has transitioned to an online format thanks to a $1,103,048 grant award. This will enhance the educational experience for registered nurses pursuing advanced degrees or certificates in emergency and trauma care.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateJun 9, 2014
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Engineers design systems to help children with special needs

A team of Kansas State University engineers and students have developed customized devices and software to help children with severe developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders and cerebral palsy. The technology, supported by a $125,000 grant from the National Science Foundation, aims to improve their health and qua...

SourceKansas State University·DateJun 9, 2014

With distance comes greater wisdom, research finds

A study by University of Waterloo professors found that considering personal dilemmas as outsiders would lead to wiser reasoning. Employing a third-person perspective can help individuals think more wisely about relationship conflicts. The research results contradict the adage that age brings wisdom and highlight the importance of self...

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 9, 2014

NHAES research: New England lakes recovering rapidly from acid rain

Research funded by NH Agricultural Experiment Station indicates lakes in New England are accelerating in their recovery from the past effects of acid rain. Sulfate concentration in rain and snow declined by more than 40% in the 2000s, while nitrate concentration decreased by over 50%.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 9, 2014

New selective badger cull risks spreading bovine TB

A new TVR pilot may exacerbate the spread of bovine TB by altering badger behavior, according to researchers. The test aims to vaccinate healthy animals and cull infected ones, but its limitations mean many badgers carrying TB could be missed.

SourceZoological Society of London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2014
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.

In fighting obesity, targeting popular teens not all that effective

A Loyola University Chicago study found that targeting overweight kids at random is more effective than targeting popular teens in reducing teenage obesity. The researchers used real-world data to simulate various weight-loss interventions, including those targeting popular kids.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJun 9, 2014

A new methodology developed to monitor traffic flow

A new methodology has been developed to monitor traffic flow by applying curve statistics to analyze traffic data, enabling the detection of changes in traffic patterns. The results reveal that holiday periods and shopping hours have a significant impact on traffic flow.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalTransportation Research Part B Methodological·DateJun 9, 2014

New study finds text messaging program benefits pregnant women

A new study found that a text messaging program, Text4baby, significantly improves health risk beliefs and behaviors in pregnant women. The pilot study recruited 943 pregnant women and found that exposure to the program reduced targeted health risks, including pre-natal care attitudes and alcohol use during pregnancy.

SourceGeorge Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateJun 9, 2014

U of M researcher investigates impact of road salt on butterflies

A University of Minnesota researcher studied monarch butterflies' response to road salt, finding elevated sodium levels alter foraging behavior and development. The study suggests that excessive sodium can lead to increased mortality rates.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2014
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.

Lifetime costs for autism spectrum disorder may reach $2.4 million per patient, Penn study finds

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania estimates that lifetime costs for autism spectrum disorder can range from $1.4 million to $2.4 million per patient in the US and UK. The study found that costs are significantly higher for individuals with intellectual disabilities, with a lifetime cost of $2.4 million in the US.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJun 9, 2014

Coral, human cells linked in death

A new study reveals that humans and corals have a shared biomechanical pathway responsible for triggering cellular self-destruction. This finding has important implications for understanding the early evolution of multicellular life, conservation of corals, and development of new drugs to fight diseases like cancer.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2014

Depression in the elderly linked to Alzheimer's risk

Researchers link late-life depression to accelerated Alzheimer's disease development through beta-amyloid accumulation. Mild cognitive impairment patients with depressive symptoms showed higher amyloid deposition than non-depressed controls.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateJun 9, 2014

SPECT/CT reveals best treatment for low back pain

A new study reveals that combining SPECT/CT with conventional bone scans can provide accurate information about the source of low back pain, leading to more effective treatment. The results show that patients who underwent this imaging approach experienced significantly better pain relief outcomes compared to those who did not.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateJun 9, 2014
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New class of nanoparticle brings cheaper, lighter solar cells outdoors

Researchers at the University of Toronto have designed a new class of solar-sensitive nanoparticles that can improve solar cell efficiency and air stability. This breakthrough could lead to cheaper and more flexible solar cells, as well as better gas sensors and other optoelectronic devices.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 9, 2014

PSMA-based imaging traces even treatment-resistant prostate cancer

A new PSMA-based imaging agent, F-18 DCFBC PET/CT, has been developed to detect prostate cancer and monitor treatment response. The study shows the agent's effectiveness in detecting both castration-sensitive and castration-resistant forms of the disease.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateJun 9, 2014

Resistance to lung cancer targeted therapy can be reversed, study suggests

Researchers have discovered that over-expression of Cripto-1 makes lung cancer cells resistant to erlotinib, a widely used targeted therapy. Blocking Cripto-1 signaling restored sensitivity to the drug in cell lines and animals, suggesting a potential reversal mechanism.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 9, 2014

Water found to provide blueprints for root architecture

Researchers have discovered that plants use a complex process to sense water in soil and adjust their root architecture accordingly. This process, known as hydropatterning, allows plants to optimize water uptake and survive in environments with limited resources.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2014

Viewing plant cells in 3-D (no glasses required)

Biologists at MTSU have optimized FIB-SEM technology to image plant cell architecture, revealing previously unseen aspects of organelle organization and function. The technology provides high-resolution images of plant cells, allowing researchers to explore new questions and expand their understanding of plant development.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateJun 9, 2014
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.

Grain legume crops sustainable, nutritious

A recent study reveals that grain legume crops are a valuable source of essential micronutrients, including iron, zinc, selenium, magnesium, manganese, copper, and nickel. The research found that these crops can provide up to 100% of the recommended daily allowance for certain micronutrients per serving.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateJun 9, 2014

Statin use associated with less physical activity

A long-term study found that statin use is associated with less physical activity among older men, with an average loss of 40 minutes per week. This could decrease the medication's benefit and impact overall health, especially in those who are already frail or sedentary.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 9, 2014

Humanitarian liking on Facebook

Research finds six different liking practices associated with humanitarian causes, including socially responsible, emotional, and informational liking. Users believe likes support humanitarian causes and encourage others to do so, highlighting the role of Facebook in civic engagement.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Web Based Communities·DateJun 9, 2014
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.

Study puts price tag on lifetime support for individuals with autism

A study estimates the lifetime cost of supporting a patient with ASD and intellectual disability at $2.4 million, while supporting an individual with only ASD costs $1.4 million in the US and equivalent amounts in the UK. The largest segments of cost are special education services and loss of parental productivity.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJun 9, 2014

Earth's breathable atmosphere a result of continents taking control of the carbon cycle

A research group from the University of Exeter has discovered a possible mechanism behind Earth's rising oxygen concentration. The team suggests that as continents grew, chemical processes on land took over controlling CO2 levels, leading to increased phosphate availability in oceans and ultimately, oxygen production.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2014

NOAA scientists find mosquito control pesticide low risk to juvenile oysters, hard clams

A NOAA study found that four common mosquito control pesticides pose little risk to juvenile oysters and hard clams, but climate stressors such as hypoxia and acidification increase their toxicity. The research provides valuable data for shellfish mariculture operations and environmental resource agencies.

SourceNOAA Headquarters·JournalArchives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology·DateJun 9, 2014

Land quality and deforestation in Mato Grosso, Brazil

Research from Brown University suggests that the decline of suitable land for agriculture is a key factor in slowing deforestation in Mato Grosso, Brazil. The study found that land with characteristics such as flat terrain and proximity to roads was initially converted to agriculture, but this type of land is becoming increasingly scarce.

SourceBrown University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 9, 2014
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.

Affordable housing linked to children's test scores

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that spending 30% of income on affordable housing is associated with improved cognitive development in children, while spending too little or too much has negative effects. Families who invested more in housing spent less on other essential items like books and educational outings.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalJournal of Housing Economics·DateJun 9, 2014

Chemo-radionuclide therapy halts neuroendocrine cancer

A new therapy that combines chemotherapy with radiounclide treatment has shown promising results in slowing or stopping the progression of neuroendocrine cancer. In a study of 68 patients, the therapy resulted in stabilization or regression of the disease in 70% of cases, leading to improved patient survival rates.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateJun 9, 2014

Distance from a conflict may promote wiser reasoning

Researchers discovered that taking an outsider's perspective, rather than one's own, can eliminate bias and lead to wise reasoning about interpersonal relationship conflicts. This strategy is referred to as Solomon's Paradox.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 9, 2014
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.

Combined MMRV vaccine shows slight rise in adverse events

The combined MMRV vaccine has been associated with slightly higher rates of febrile seizures in young children, but these seizures are typically self-limiting and rarely have long-term effects. Researchers found a slight increase in the relative risk of febrile seizure with the MMRV vaccine compared to the separate MMR+V vaccine.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 9, 2014

As economy declines, African-Americans appear 'blacker,' NYU study shows

Researchers at NYU found that economic duress can lead to racial discrimination by altering how people visually perceive another person's race. In experiments, subjects identified mixed-race faces as Black when linked to economic scarcity, even if the face was only 35% Black.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2014

CU researchers explain mechanism that helps viruses spread

Researchers at the University of Colorado School of Medicine have solved a biochemical mystery surrounding viral RNA molecules. The study reveals how these molecules mimic cellular RNAs as part of their strategy to infect cells and multiply, offering insights into potential treatments or vaccines against infectious diseases.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNature·DateJun 9, 2014

Researchers find major West Antarctic glacier melting from geothermal sources

Thwaites Glacier is melting at a rate accelerated by geothermal heat from beneath the ice sheet. The researchers used radar techniques to map water flow under the glacier and identified significant sources of geothermal heat over a wider area than previously assumed.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2014

Presurgical SPECT/CT shows more cancer than current standard

A comprehensive clinical trial found that SPECT/CT imaging detected significantly more sentinel lymph node involvement with various types of cancers, including melanoma, breast carcinoma, and pelvic malignancies. This improved imaging technique has the potential to alter surgical planning and improve patient outcomes.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateJun 9, 2014
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Combination therapy may help patients with follicular lymphoma

Researchers discovered a novel drug combination that targets BCL2 protein mutations in follicular lymphoma, a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The study's findings suggest that this combination therapy is safe and effective against mouse models of the disease.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJun 9, 2014

Does 'free will' stem from brain noise?

A recent study from the University of California, Davis suggests that random fluctuations in brain activity may contribute to our ability to make choices. The researchers found that patterns of brain activity before a decision can predict the outcome of the decision.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of Cognitive Neuroscience·DateJun 9, 2014

Connecting dead ends increases power grid stability

Scientists from Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research found that connecting dead ends can significantly increase power grid stability. By adding alternative routes in the network, dead ends make the effects culminate at single points of the network, but judiciously adding transmission lines can repair this.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 9, 2014
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.

Parent and child must get enough sleep to protect against child obesity

A new study from the University of Illinois suggests that parental and child sleep are closely linked to decreased child obesity. The study found that adequate sleep is the only significant protective factor against childhood obesity, and that a parent's sleep can affect their child's likelihood of being overweight or obese.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJun 9, 2014

Mobile phones negatively affect male fertility, new study suggests

A new study led by the University of Exeter found that exposure to mobile phone radiation can negatively affect sperm quality, with a significant decrease in motility and viability. The researchers suggest that this could be particularly concerning for men already on the borderline of infertility.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEnvironment International·DateJun 9, 2014

Using Twitter to track flu, Lady Gaga

The Health Social Analytics site visualizes data on health-related disorders, drugs, and organizations from Twitter, news stories, and online forums. It also offers predictive models to forecast future trends in user-input time series.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateJun 9, 2014

Angry faces back up verbal threats, making them seem more credible

A study found that angry facial expressions lend weight to negotiators' threats, leading the other party to offer more money. The findings have broad relevance to all kinds of negotiations and highlight the importance of emotions in bargaining situations.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 9, 2014
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.

Surgery prices are elusive

A US study found that prostate cancer surgery costs varied greatly among hospitals, with a 13-fold price difference. The study also highlighted the lack of transparency in hospital pricing, making it difficult for consumers to compare costs.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalUrology·DateJun 9, 2014

Princeton Plasma Lab funded to explore nanoparticles with plasma

The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory has received funding to study the role of plasma in nanoparticle synthesis, a process used in various applications including energy technologies and pharmaceutical products. Key researchers will investigate complex interactions between hot plasma gas and material synthesis.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·DateJun 9, 2014

JCI online ahead of print contents for June 9, 2014

A phase I clinical trial found that ex vivo cultured cord blood stem cells showed improved engraftment rates and earlier hematopoietic recovery in patients with hematological malignancies. The study also developed a murine model of Ewing's sarcoma, revealing tumor origins in embryonic osteochondrogenic progenitors.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 9, 2014
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.

Iron supplements improve anemia, quality of life for women with heavy periods

A study published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica found that iron supplements improved energy, physical function, and social function in women with heavy menstrual bleeding. After one year of treatment, anemic women showed significant increases in these areas compared to non-anemic women.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateJun 9, 2014