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Science News Archive March 2014 - Page 3


Page 3 of 34

Erasing a genetic mutation

Researchers successfully used CRISPR gene-editing to correct a defective gene in adult mice, allowing them to survive without treatment. The study offers promising hope for treating genetic disorders, including hemophilia and Huntington's disease.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 30, 2014

Primary cardiovascular disease prevention is leaving the office

A new telemedicine program integrating office visits with supplemental phone coaching improves cardiovascular disease risk factors such as fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity, stress reduction, and medication adherence. Adults who engaged in five or more coaching sessions showed significant improvements.

SourceMinneapolis Heart Institute Foundation·DateMar 30, 2014

Evolocumab safely drops LDL cholesterol well below statin-only baseline

The LAPLACE-2 study shows evolocumab produces highly significant reductions in LDL cholesterol when added to statins, with 93% of patients achieving an LDL level below 70mg/dL. Evolocumab also reduces non-HDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein (a) levels without liver damage or muscle problems.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 30, 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.

Heat-conducting polymer cools hot electronic devices at 200 degrees C

Researchers have developed a thermal interface material that can conduct heat 20 times better than traditional polymers, allowing for reliable operation at temperatures of up to 200 degrees Celsius. The new material could improve thermal management in electronic devices, such as servers and mobile devices.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 30, 2014

Higher risks without cardio benefits halt study of aleglitazar

The AleCardio trial was ended early after patients treated with aleglitazar showed higher rates of heart failure, kidney events, and gastrointestinal bleeding. The study found no cardiovascular benefits despite dual-action on PPAR receptors, leading researchers to consider the class of drug being tested clinically.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJAMA·DateMar 30, 2014

Darapladib falls short in chronic coronary heart disease

The novel inflammation inhibitor darapladib showed no primary-endpoint advantage over placebo in treating chronic coronary heart disease, but suggested benefits for specific coronary artery-related endpoints. Subgroup analysis revealed smokers had a greater decrease in major adverse cardiovascular events.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 30, 2014

A new approach to Huntington's disease?

A UCLA study found that increasing Kir4.1 levels in astrocytes improves walking and prolongs survival in a mouse model of Huntington's disease. The discovery could lead to new drug targets for treating the devastating disorder, which affects one in every 20,000 Americans.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 30, 2014

Researchers uncover secrets of a mollusk's unique bioceramic armor

Researchers at MIT analyzed the shells of a sea creature to determine why they are exceptionally tough and optically clear. The shells' unique properties emerge from a specialized nanostructure that allows optical clarity, as well as efficient energy dissipation and localized deformation.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 30, 2014
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Evolocumab superior to ezetimibe in lowering LDL cholesterol

In a phase III study, evolocumab was shown to effectively lower LDL-C levels, with fewer side effects compared to ezetimibe. The results suggest that evolocumab may be a promising alternative for patients who cannot tolerate statins due to intolerable side effects.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 30, 2014

New study confirms benefits of treating heart attack patients with a cheap drug

A new 6-month follow-up study confirms that early treatment with metoprolol significantly reduces dead heart muscle, hospital readmissions, and cardioverter-defibrillator implantation. The treatment also shows promise for reducing chronic heart failure cases.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 30, 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 gel to promote bone growth on implants used in surgical procedures

A new gel coating has been developed to promote bone growth on implants, allowing for improved integration and reduced rejection. The coating, made from a protein that encourages bone formation, can be released slowly in response to calcium ions, stimulating bone growth on the implant.

SourceUppsala University·JournalAdvanced Engineering Materials·DateMar 30, 2014

Study compares heart valve systems

A recent study published in JAMA compared two types of heart valve technologies used in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures. The researchers found that balloon-expandable valves had a higher rate of device success, with lower rates of complications such as regurgitation and the need for additional surgeries.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 30, 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.

Earth's dynamic interior

Researchers have developed new simulations that depict the dynamics of deep Earth, revealing a complex composition of the lowermost part of the mantle. The study suggests that mantle plumes can carry a combination of different materials from several reservoirs, explaining observations of hotspot lavas' chemical complexity.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 30, 2014

Renal denervation patient registry finds low rate of adverse events

Patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure treated with renal denervation had low rates of adverse events, including five procedural complications and nine hospitalizations. The procedure also showed significant lowering of office systolic blood pressure by 11.9mmHg at six months.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 30, 2014

Genetic mutations warn of skin cancer risk

Researchers have discovered that specific genetic mutations can increase the risk of melanoma by deactivating a gene that protects chromosomes from damage. This finding has significant implications for early detection and treatment strategies.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 30, 2014
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

The Atlantic Ocean dances with the sun and volcanoes

Researchers at Aarhus University found a correlation between Atlantic Ocean temperature fluctuations and external forces like the Sun's energy cycle and volcanic eruptions since the Little Ice Age. This challenges previous theories of internal variability in ocean circulation, suggesting a complex interaction between mechanisms.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 30, 2014

Meeting climate targets may require reducing meat and dairy consumption

A recent study at Chalmers University of Technology found that greenhouse gas emissions from food production threaten the UN's 2-degree Celsius limit for global warming. Reducing meat and dairy consumption could bring agricultural climate pollution down to safe levels, but broad dietary change can take time.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalClimatic Change·DateMar 30, 2014

Effect of important air pollutants may be absent from key precipitation observations

A groundbreaking study from the University of Exeter reveals a significant discrepancy between observed and modelled precipitation levels in the Northern Hemisphere mid-latitudes. The study suggests that aerosol concentrations in the atmosphere may be underestimating the impact on regional temperature and precipitation changes.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 30, 2014
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Cardiac resynchronization improves survival in heart failure patients

A new study found that cardiac resynchronization therapy with a defibrillator (CRT-D) significantly reduces mortality in mildly symptomatic heart failure patients with left bundle branch block. The five-year survival rate was close to 90% among CRT-D patients.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 30, 2014

Blood test helps predict heart attack risk for patients with chest pain

A blood test using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T can accurately predict heart attack risk in patients with chest pain, allowing for targeted admissions and reduced hospital costs. The test's negative predictive value was found to be 99.8 percent for heart attack within 30 days.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 30, 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.

Renal denervation shows no benefit in resistant hypertension

A large randomized trial found that renal denervation did not significantly lower systolic blood pressure in patients with severe resistant hypertension. Despite rigorous design and blinding, the treatment failed to meet primary efficacy goals, highlighting the need for further research.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 29, 2014

Fewer deaths with self-expanding TAVR versus surgery at 1 year

A study found that self-expanding TAVR significantly lowers death rates compared to traditional surgical valve replacement in high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. The treatment resulted in lower all-cause mortality and heart attack/stroke-related deaths at one year.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 29, 2014
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Study finds astronauts' hearts become more spherical in space

The study found the heart becomes more spherical by 9.4% in microgravity, similar to predicted models, and may benefit certain cardiovascular patients on Earth. The temporary shape change appears after spaceflight, but long-term health effects are unknown.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 29, 2014

Too many diet drinks may spell heart trouble for older women

A large study found that postmenopausal women who consume two or more diet drinks per day are 30% more likely to have a cardiovascular event and 50% more likely to die from related disease. The association persists even after adjusting for other risk factors.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 29, 2014

Daylight saving impacts the timing of heart attacks

A new study found a 25% jump in heart attacks on Mondays after springing forward and a 21% drop on Tuesdays after falling back. Researchers suggest that the time change may alter the timing of when heart attacks occur, potentially putting vulnerable individuals at greater risk.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 29, 2014

Efforts to curb hospital readmissions take center stage

Researchers focus on identifying vulnerable patients, early follow-up, medication, and engagement to lower readmission rates. Studies show that starting ACE inhibitors or ARBs prior to discharge and using risk stratification tools can significantly reduce 30-day readmissions.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 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.

Role of type-2 astrocytes on the repair of spinal cord injury

A study found that co-culturing dorsal root ganglion neurons with type-2 astrocytes increases neuronal survival rates and process lengths. However, the effect is weaker compared to type-1 astrocytes and oligodendrocyte precursor cells.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateMar 29, 2014

A new study shows that even micro heart attacks are a major problem

Researchers used cardiac magnetic resonance imaging to identify patients with mild heart disease who were at high risk of developing more serious heart problems. The study found that these patients had nearly three times the likelihood of experiencing a major cardiac event over time compared to those without a mild heart attack.

SourceMinneapolis Heart Institute Foundation·DateMar 29, 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.

Analysis supports use of risk equations to guide statin therapy

A new analysis found that using risk equations can help guide statin therapy for heart disease patients, suggesting they are helpful for clinical decision making. The study also suggests the Pooled Cohort risk equations are valid for informing clinical management decisions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 29, 2014

Efforts to curb hospital readmissions take center stage

Researchers have identified key strategies to reduce hospital readmissions for heart failure patients, including starting ACE inhibitors or ARBs prior to discharge, analyzing demographic risk factors, and using automated tools to predict individual risk. These innovative approaches aim to improve patient outcomes and alleviate economic...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 29, 2014

Are statins good for your love life?

Researchers found that statins significantly improve erectile function in men with both high cholesterol and erectile dysfunction. Erectile function scores increased by 24.3% in men taking statins, outperforming lifestyle modifications. The study suggests that statins may help improve blood flow to the penis and reduce symptoms of ED.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 29, 2014
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

UNC researchers show cancer chemotherapy accelerates 'molecular aging'

Researchers measured p16 levels before, after and a year after chemotherapy to determine its impact on molecular aging. The study found that curative chemotherapy increased molecular age by an equivalent of 15 years in breast cancer patients. This suggests the p16 test may help evaluate treatment effects on long-term health and survival.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 28, 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.

Researchers develop technique to measure engineered nanomaterials delivered to cells

Scientists at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health have discovered a technique to accurately determine the amount of nanomaterials interacting with cells and tissues. The Volumetric Centrifugation Method (VCM) enables hazard rankings of engineered nanoparticles, enabling risk assessors to perform accurate assessments.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 28, 2014

Research clarifies health costs of air pollution from agriculture

Research clarifies that ammonia emissions from agricultural exports have a substantial impact on air quality, with the study estimating an annual health cost of $36 billion. The findings suggest that reducing ammonia emissions could lead to significant societal benefits, particularly in the Northeast and Great Lakes region.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 28, 2014

Ancient African cattle first domesticated in Middle East, MU study reveals

A team of University of Missouri researchers completed the genetic history of 134 cattle breeds worldwide, revealing that ancient domesticated African cattle originated in the Fertile Crescent region. This finding proves that cattle were brought to Africa as farmers migrated south and interbred with wild aurochs.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 28, 2014

Multimillion pound award supports 76 Ph.D.s in global risk

The University of Liverpool will fund 76 PhD students researching areas like financial crashes, nuclear disasters, and environmental crises over eight years. The Centre for Doctoral Training offers a multi-disciplinary approach with industrial partnerships and placements.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·DateMar 28, 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.

Drilling into the trends in genetics and epigenetics of aging and longevity

A comprehensive analysis of government grants and publications revealed that only a minor fraction of the funding was intended for aging research. Gerontogenes, which increase lifespan when overexpressed or mutated, are involved in stress response pathways that confirm the existence of a genetics-longevity program.

SourceLandes Bioscience·JournalCell Cycle·DateMar 28, 2014