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Science News for November 14, 2014


Sleep apnea may contribute to kidney disease progression

A study found that sleep apnea is associated with more rapid loss of renal function in patients with diabetic nephropathy. Researchers identified high-risk scores for obstructive sleep apnea, which were common in non-dialysis CKD patients and linked to decreased kidney function.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·DateNov 14, 2014

High rate of ear and hearing injuries after Boston Marathon bombings

A study found that Boston Marathon bombings resulted in over 100 cases of ear and hearing injuries, with 80% of patients experiencing reduced hearing and 68% new or worsened tinnitus one year later. Many had difficulty hearing in noisy situations and ongoing disability related to hearing loss, tinnitus, or dizziness.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalOtology & Neurotology·DateNov 14, 2014
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.

Nonsmokers in automobiles are exposed to significant secondhand smoke

A groundbreaking study by UCSF researchers found elevated carcinogen markers in nonsmoking car passengers after exposure to secondhand smoke. The study suggests that simply sitting in cars with smokers can lead to increased levels of toxic compounds associated with cancer, heart disease, and lung disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateNov 14, 2014

Recommendation theory

The MIT researchers' model assumes that large groups of ratings can be clustered together and described probabilistically. They found that just five clusters were enough to account for most of the variation in a population, suggesting that collaborative filtering yields nearly optimal predictions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateNov 14, 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.

Killing cancer by protecting normal cells

Researchers developed an anti-cancer drug that protects normal cells from radiation damage while sparing cancer cells. The compound, RTA 408, increases the effectiveness of radiation therapy in prostate cancer models and has potential applications for treating accidental radiation exposure.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalMolecular Cancer Therapeutics·DateNov 14, 2014

New form of crystalline order holds promise for thermoelectric applications

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have discovered a new form of crystalline order that exhibits both crystal and polycrystalline properties. The 'interlaced crystals' arrangement has ideal properties for thermoelectric applications, which could increase power generation efficiency and reduce energy costs.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 14, 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.

Warmest oceans ever recorded

The 2014 global ocean warming is a result of North Pacific's record-breaking warming and the release of heat from stored water in the Western tropical Pacific. Temperatures now extend along the North American coast, indicating an end to the 14-year-long pause in ocean warming.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii ‑ SOEST·DateNov 14, 2014

Genetic testing for personalized nutrition leads to better outcomes

Researchers at the University of Toronto found that personalized dietary advice based on a person's genetic makeup leads to better eating habits and significant reductions in sodium intake. The study, published in PLoS One, suggests that genetic testing can improve lifestyle changes by providing tailored food recommendations.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 14, 2014

Chemical in coffee may help prevent obesity-related disease

Researchers at the University of Georgia discovered that chlorogenic acid significantly reduced insulin resistance and fat accumulation in mice fed a high-fat diet. The compound also maintained normal blood sugar levels and healthy liver composition.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPharmaceutical Research·DateNov 14, 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.

Trends in plant biodiversity data online

The study using Google Analytics found that online plant databases are visited by users in over 100 countries, with mobile traffic growing steadily. This highlights the democratization of botanical information, equal access for researchers worldwide, and reduced wear on biodiversity objects.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalBiodiversity Data Journal·DateNov 14, 2014

Rutgers engineers create smartphone app to cut risk of power outages

A new smartphone app developed by Rutgers engineers helps Warren Township document and mitigate hundreds of hazards to power lines, reducing the risk of future power outages. The app uses crowdsourcing to gather data from volunteers, which is then presented to utility companies in an organized manner.

SourceRutgers University·DateNov 14, 2014

Weight-loss surgery may improve kidney function

A study found that weight loss after bariatric surgery is associated with increased kidney function and decreased albuminuria, a marker of kidney dysfunction. This suggests a beneficial impact on kidney health for patients with and without baseline kidney disease.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·DateNov 14, 2014

New online calculator estimates cardiovascular disease risk

The Healthy Heart Score uses data from large-scale studies to estimate an individual's 20-year CVD risk based on nine critical diet and lifestyle factors. The free web-based survey provides practical tips for improving scores by incorporating heart-healthy habits into daily life.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateNov 14, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New insight into common cause of blindness

Researchers at the University of Manchester have identified factor H-like protein 1 (FHL-1) as a new target for treating age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The study suggests that insufficient FHL-1 in the eye's back may lead to inflammation and vision loss.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateNov 14, 2014

New mechanism for growth control discovered

Researchers at the University of Helsinki have uncovered a new regulatory system that senses nutrient deprivation and inhibits growth in fruit flies. This system, which involves protein kinase ERK7, prevents secretion of insulin-like peptides during starvation.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateNov 14, 2014

DNA sequencing helps identify genetic defects in glaucoma

Glaucoma, affecting over 60 million worldwide, has been linked to mitochondrial gene mutations through DNA sequencing. The research aims to support personalized medicines targeting mutated mitochondria and prevent disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateNov 14, 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.

Geographer highlights postcode lottery over diabetes and obesity risk

A recent study by University of Leicester researchers found a higher number of fast-food outlets within 500m of inner-city neighbourhoods with high-density non-white ethnic minority groups and socially deprived areas. The study suggests a postcode lottery that increases the risk of developing diabetes or obesity.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateNov 14, 2014

Kidney function monitoring vital for people on lithium

A new study from the University of East Anglia finds that a single high level of lithium can cause significant decrease in kidney function, which remains affected for up to nine months. The research emphasizes the importance of regular monitoring, supporting current UK guidelines.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalBMJ Open·DateNov 14, 2014

HIV risks high in Mexico City's male sex trade

A new study reveals a stark assessment of the health dangers faced by male sex workers in Mexico City, with 38% having HIV and 21% having syphilis. The study highlights the need for incentives to promote condom use and improve individual and population health.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of the International AIDS Society·DateNov 14, 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.

Periodontal disease linked to increased risk of kidney disease

A study of 699 African American adults found that those with severe periodontal disease developed chronic kidney disease at a rate 4 times higher than those without. Targeting periodontal disease may be an important path towards reducing disparities in chronic and end-stage kidney disease.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·DateNov 14, 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.

Teens with earlier school start times have higher crash rates

A new study found that teen drivers who start class earlier in the morning are involved in significantly more motor vehicle accidents. The results suggest that early high school start times contribute to teens' reduced sleep and increased risk of drowsy driving accidents, including run-off-road crashes.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateNov 14, 2014

Smartphones team-up with QR codes for secure 3-D displays

Researchers developed a method to securely display 3D images on smartphones by scanning QR codes without accessing the Internet. The system uses integral imaging and encryption to protect data, ensuring only authorized devices can access the content.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateNov 14, 2014