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Science News for December 29, 2014


What are the mechanisms of zooxanthella expulsion from coral?

Corals expel damaged symbiotic zooxanthellae under moderate thermal stress to avoid accumulation and maintain stable carbon concentration. However, prolonged exposure can lead to increased expulsion of photosynthetically damaged cells, which may not be enough to prevent coral deterioration.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 29, 2014

Yoga as a potential therapy for cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome

Research suggests yoga can positively impact cardio-metabolic health by reducing CVD risk factors and improving metabolic syndrome outcomes. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found significant evidence supporting the effectiveness of yoga as a therapy for these conditions.

SourceSAGE·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateDec 29, 2014

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for Dec. 30, 2014

Medical ethicists offer guidance on life-sustaining therapies for Ebola patients in developed countries, balancing risks and benefits. Former Surgeon General David Satcher discusses the importance of credibility and influence in the role, emphasizing scientific evidence-based reports.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 29, 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.

A qubit candidate shines brighter

A team of researchers at Harvard, UC Santa Barbara, and the University of Chicago has developed a technique to precisely place nitrogen vacancy centers within nano-sized diamond structures, enhancing their fluorescence. This achievement is crucial for using NV centers as qubits in future quantum computers.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateDec 29, 2014

Microscopy reveals how atom-high steps impede oxidation of metal surfaces

A new study published in PNAS reveals that atomic steps on metal surfaces can slow down oxidation by forcing them to bunch closer together and eventually stopping their growth. This discovery could have significant implications for understanding and controlling oxidation in a wide range of materials.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 29, 2014

New test measures doctors' ability to deliver patient-centered care

Researchers at the University of Missouri School of Medicine have developed a credible tool to assess medical students' ability to deliver patient-centered care. The Patient-centered Care - Objective Structured Clinical Exam (PCC-OSCE) evaluates behaviors such as effective communication, empathy, and active listening.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalMedical Teacher·DateDec 29, 2014

Estrogen worsens allergic reactions in mice

Researchers found that estrogen enhances an enzyme driving life-threatening allergic reactions in female mice, leading to more severe and longer-lasting reactions. Blocking estrogen or reducing eNOS activity eliminated the gender disparity, suggesting a potential role for estrogen in allergic reactions.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateDec 29, 2014

Study: Atom-high steps halt oxidation of metal surfaces

Researchers discovered that aluminum atoms involved in forming oxide stripes come exclusively from the steps, not the terraces. The growing oxide stripes are confined to the flat terraces and must push the steps away as oxygen continues to grab aluminum atoms from the edges.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 29, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

For facial transplantation patients, blink assessment is essential

Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center stress the importance of blink assessment in facial transplant procedures, as well as during and after surgery. Careful evaluation can help preserve vision and prevent complications such as corneal exposure and eyelid retraction.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateDec 29, 2014

Detecting extraterrestrial life through motion

Researchers at EPFL have created a highly sensitive motion detector that can detect the movement of microorganisms, including bacteria and yeast, without prior knowledge of their chemistry. The system uses a nano-sized cantilever to capture vibrations caused by living cells, making it suitable for detecting life on other planets.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 29, 2014

Breast reconstruction using patient's own tissues yield higher satisfaction rates

A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that breast reconstruction using the patient's own tissues provides higher satisfaction scores compared to implant-based reconstruction. However, the findings may be influenced by differences in patient characteristics, such as age and genetic risk of breast cancer.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateDec 29, 2014
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Parasite eggs from the Celtic period found in Switzerland

Archaeologists discovered intestinal parasites' eggs from the Celtic period in Switzerland, indicating poor sanitation and mixed living environments. The parasite eggs suggest a lack of proper waste management and possible livestock introduction, highlighting the challenges faced by ancient communities.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateDec 29, 2014

Team finds mechanism of toxin's inflammatory effect on lungs

A study reveals that Mycoplasma pneumoniae CARDS toxin triggers excessive inflammation by activating NALP3, leading to tissue injury and airway narrowing. The discovery could lead to the development of therapeutic strategies to improve health in individuals with airway diseases.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalmBio·DateDec 29, 2014

Sugar molecule links red meat consumption and elevated cancer risk in mice

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have found that feeding mice Neu5Gc promotes spontaneous cancers and systemic inflammation. The study suggests a potential link between red meat consumption and cancer risk, and may also explain connections to other diseases exacerbated by chronic inflammation.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 29, 2014

A close look at blinking after facial transplantation

A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery reveals that careful surgical planning and technique are essential for restoring blinking function after facial transplantation. The research highlights the importance of monitoring restoration of reflex blinking to protect long-term visual outcomes.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateDec 29, 2014

American cities are many times brighter than German counterparts

A recent study found that American cities emit several times more light per capita than comparably sized German cities. The difference grew with city size, highlighting the need for further research on urban light emissions to uncover the reasons behind these disparities.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalRemote Sensing·DateDec 29, 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.

How economic insecurity impacts diabetes control among patients

A study of 411 patients found that economic insecurity is associated with poor diabetes control and increased healthcare use. Material need insecurities, such as food insecurity and cost-related medication underuse, were significant predictors of poor diabetes control.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateDec 29, 2014

What you tweet when you go party can be useful for improving urban planning

Researchers used geolocalized tweets to identify land use patterns in Manhattan, Madrid, and London. They found that nighttime tweet activity is concentrated on weekends in Madrid and weekdays in Manhattan, while daytime leisure areas are prominent in London. This study shows the potential of social media data for urban planning.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalEngineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence·DateDec 29, 2014

Evolvable internet architecture

Researchers develop a novel evolvable Internet architecture framework with design constraints and models analysis to meet future Internet demands. The framework balances the advantages of both clean-slate and dirty-slate approaches, promoting flexibility and stability.

SourceScience China Press·DateDec 29, 2014
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.

Reprogramming stem cells may prevent cancer after radiation

A University of Colorado Cancer Center study reveals that reprogramming damaged stem cells can prevent cancer after full-body radiation. The research suggests that genetic inhibition of the C/EBPA gene allows healthy stem cells to dominate the blood cell production system, reducing the risk of leukemia.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalStem Cells·DateDec 29, 2014

NASA's Aqua satellite sees Tropical Cyclone Kate in open ocean

Tropical Cyclone Kate peaked in strength on Dec. 28 with maximum sustained winds near 70 knots, but weakened to 65 knots by Dec. 29 as it moved away from Cocos Island. The satellite imagery showed bands of thunderstorms spiraling into the center of the storm.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 29, 2014

CCNY study unveils new half-light half-matter quantum particles

Researchers at City College of New York have discovered a new type of quantum particle that combines light and matter properties. This breakthrough could lead to the development of devices that utilize both light and matter, potentially revolutionizing computing and communication technologies.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalNature Photonics·DateDec 29, 2014

Lyme disease enhances spread of emerging tick infection

Research finds mice infected with Lyme disease pathogen facilitate spread of babesiosis, a lesser-known emerging disease. Lyme disease and babesiosis share symptoms, but babesiosis is potentially fatal in immunocompromised patients and poses additional public health threat.

SourceYale University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 29, 2014

NASA spots Tropical Storm Jangmi moving into Sulu Sea

Tropical Storm Jangmi is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rainfall to the Philippines as it moves westward through the Sulu Sea. NASA's Aqua satellite detected the storm on December 29, revealing a tightly wrapped low-level circulation centered near 10.0 north latitude and 124.2 east longitude.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 29, 2014
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.

Enzyme's alter ego helps activate the immune system

Researchers discover enzyme SPPL3 activates T cells without cutting proteins, providing new insight into immune system control. The findings could also shed more light on presenilin functions and related Alzheimer's disease.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalMolecular and Cellular Biology·DateDec 29, 2014

The biological spoils of war

A Harvard study found that members of an East African herding tribe who engaged in violent raids had more wives and thus more opportunities to increase their reproductive success. The study, which analyzed the data of 120 men, found a clear correlation between raid participation and higher reproductive capacity.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 29, 2014

Text messaging reminders increase second dose influenza vaccinations in children

Researchers found that sending text message reminders increased receipt of the second dose of the vaccine by the end of the season and brought children in sooner to be vaccinated. When educational information was embedded into the text messages, the effect was even greater compared to conventional text messages or written reminders only.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateDec 29, 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.

Study: Drug combo slows heart decline in muscular dystrophy

A new clinical trial has shown that using available heart failure drugs can slow the progressive decline in heart function in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The combination of eplerenone and either an ACE inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker significantly reduces left ventricular function decline.

SourceMediaSource·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateDec 29, 2014

Tracing evolution of chicken flu virus yields insight into origins of deadly H7N9 strain

A study found that changes in the H9N2 flu virus in chickens may have contributed to the creation of the H7N9 avian virus, which has caused outbreaks and deaths since 2013. The research suggests tracking genetic diversity of H9N2 on poultry farms could provide an early warning of emerging viruses with pandemic potential.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 29, 2014

Year of birth significantly changes impact of obesity-associated gene variant

Researchers found a significant impact of the FTO gene variant on body mass index (BMI) that largely depends on birth year, with stronger correlations in later years. The study suggests that broad environmental changes may alter the effect of the gene variant, highlighting the importance of considering time of birth in genetic studies.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 29, 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.