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Science News Archive 2015 - Page 243


Page 243 of 402

High rates of MRSA transmission found between nursing home residents, health-care workers

A study by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America found that one in four nursing home residents harbor MRSA, emphasizing the importance of hand hygiene to prevent transmission. The research identified high-risk activities that increase the risk of glove or gown contamination, including dressing and transferring residents.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateMay 28, 2015

Challenges ahead for European clinical trials

The EU Clinical Trials Regulation aims to improve cancer research in Europe, but its implementation poses challenges for researchers and Member States. The regulation includes provisions such as a one-time-consent for patient data and tissue use, creating a single registration portal, and data transparency.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateMay 28, 2015
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.

Acquiring 'perfect' pitch may be possible for some adults

Researchers at University of Chicago have trained some adults to develop absolute pitch through music training, and the effects last for months. The study suggests that auditory working memory capacity predicts success in acquiring this skill.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalCognition·DateMay 28, 2015

Do you have the time? Flies sure do

Researchers found that fruit flies can learn to connect different scents with sugar rewards depending on the hour. The insects' ability to tell time remained as long as events were separated by at least four hours.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 28, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New findings shed light on complexities of emerging zoonotic malaria

Researchers have identified two genetically divergent subpopulations of P. knowlesi in human cases, each associated with a different species of reservoir host. This discovery highlights the complexity of zoonotic malaria transmission and may lead to new possibilities for parasite adaptation to humans.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 28, 2015

Not making enough money? Check your attitude

Research published by the American Psychological Association found that cynical individuals tend to earn lower incomes due to their distrust and skepticism towards others. Adopting a more idealistic view of human nature and trustful attitude can help achieve life goals and promote life satisfaction.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateMay 28, 2015

Peek eye testing app shown to work as well as charts for visual acuity

A new smartphone-based system called Peek has been shown to be as accurate as traditional charts in testing visual acuity. The app, designed by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, uses a unique piece of hardware and software to test eyesight easily and affordably in community settings.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateMay 28, 2015
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.

Protecting women from multiple sclerosis

Researchers found that innate lymphoid cells in males produce a protein that protects against the disease, while female mice remain inactive and do not produce this protein. This discovery opens up new avenues for investigation into sex-determined disease susceptibility.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateMay 28, 2015

OSU researchers prove magnetism can control heat, sound

Researchers at Ohio State University have confirmed and interpreted experimental findings using OSC services, showing that phonons have magnetic properties. A magnetic field reduced the amount of heat flowing through a semiconductor by 12 percent in simulations performed on the Oakley Cluster.

SourceOhio Supercomputer Center·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 28, 2015

Research roundup from Penn's Abramson Cancer Center

Researchers at Penn's Abramson Cancer Center have made significant advancements in treating advanced BRCA-related ovarian cancer, with over a third of patients responding to olaparib. Additionally, targeted therapy everolimus shows promise in stabilizing disease for advanced thyroid cancer patients who stop responding to sorafenib, and...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateMay 28, 2015

Nearly 1 in 7 Hispanic/Latino adults has some hearing loss

A recent study by the NIH found that nearly 1 in 7 Hispanic/Latino adults have some form of hearing loss, with Puerto Ricans facing the highest risk. The study identified several factors contributing to this risk, including age, education level, and diabetes.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders·DateMay 28, 2015
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.

Many UK patients with gonorrhea prescribed outdated antibiotics

Research published in BMJ Open found that many UK patients with gonorrhoea are being prescribed outdated antibiotics. The study analyzed electronic health records and found that between 2000 and 2011, nearly 17,000 people were diagnosed with gonorrhoea, accounting for 6-9% of all cases in England.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateMay 28, 2015

A good night's sleep helps modify deeply rooted attitudes

A new study suggests that sleep can modify deeply rooted attitudes, including prejudices of race and gender. By reactivating previously learned associations during slumber, researchers found a reduction in implicit social biases after waking and one week later.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 28, 2015

KeyGenes can predict future identity of human fetal stem cells

Researchers developed an algorithm called KeyGenes that uses gene expression to predict the future identity of human fetal stem cells. The platform integrates data from both human fetal and adult tissue, allowing for more accurate differentiation protocols.

SourceCell Press·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateMay 28, 2015

HIV's sweet tooth is its downfall

Scientists discovered the switch that turns on the immune cell's abundant sugar and nutrient pipeline, then blocked it with an experimental compound, starving HIV to death. The approach also slows the proliferation of abnormal immune cells, reducing inflammation and potentially reducing organ damage.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 28, 2015
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.

Aftershock assessment

Researchers assess building collapse risk due to ground-shaking aftershock tremors after main earthquakes, considering factors like site-to-source distance and aftershock magnitude. The study introduces a logical method for predicting collapse probability based on these variables, allowing for quantification of risk.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Reliability and Safety·DateMay 28, 2015

Pangolin trade study highlights the need for urgent reforms to CITES

New research highlights the need for improved monitoring of supply and demand in CITES to inform interventions addressing demand and promoting social responsibility. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding markets and addressing socio-economic drivers to effectively conserve trade-threatened species.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalBiological Conservation·DateMay 28, 2015

Researchers use light to beat amnesia in mice

Researchers discovered that memories can be retrieved by activating specific patterns of neurons with light, contradicting long-held assumptions about memory consolidation. This optogenetic approach may have implications for treating Alzheimer's disease and other forms of amnesia.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 28, 2015

Endless oscillations

A quantum system's configurations oscillate endlessly without relaxation, unlike classical physics where equilibrium is the norm. Researchers discovered that these systems are extremely robust and exist on a discrete grid, influencing non-local effects.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalPhysical Review E·DateMay 28, 2015
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.

Career tracking of doctorate holders

A pilot study of post-doctorates and doctorate alumni reveals differences in research outputs, satisfaction levels, and employment continuity between permanent and temporary contract holders. The report also discusses the challenges faced by doctorate holders in finding alternative career paths beyond academia.

SourceEuropean Science Foundation·DateMay 28, 2015

Metformin use associated with reduced risk of developing open-angle glaucoma

A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that patients taking metformin hydrochloride had a 25% reduced risk of developing open-angle glaucoma compared to those who took no metformin. Higher doses of metformin were associated with greater reductions in OAG risk, suggesting potential benefits for eye health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateMay 28, 2015

TGAC awarded £150,000 to help boost science innovation

The Earlham Institute has received a £150,000 grant from TGAC to develop two open-source software tools: Façade for visual exploration of genomic data and OmiX Navigator for multi-functional data integration. These tools aim to facilitate access to genomics data analysis and improve systems biology research.

SourceEarlham Institute·DateMay 28, 2015

UofL part of first successful study of virus attack on cancer

Researchers at the University of Louisville have successfully treated stage IIIb to IV melanoma patients with a modified cold sore virus, resulting in improved survival rates. The therapy, talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC), stimulates the immune system to fight cancer cells and has been shown to extend patient survival by 20 months.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMay 28, 2015
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.

A clear look at an efficient energy converter

Researchers have solved the high-resolution crystal structure of a plant protein supercomplex critical to photosynthesis, revealing key pigment arrangements and organization. The findings provide a structural basis for understanding the photosynthetic mechanisms involved in harvesting light from the sun.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 28, 2015

Smoking legislation prevents over 11,000 child hospital admissions in England each year

A new study found that smoke-free legislation in England leads to a significant reduction in hospital admissions for respiratory tract infections among children. The introduction of legislation resulted in an immediate decrease of 13.8% in lower respiratory tract infection admissions, while upper respiratory tract infections also saw a...

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateMay 28, 2015
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.

Perfume researchers lend their noses to design less odorous latrines

Latrine odor can deter users, leading to open defecation. Perfume researchers identified key compounds causing the stench in Indian, Kenyan, and South African facilities. Understanding these sensory profiles is crucial to countering odors and making latrines more welcoming.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 27, 2015

Getting 'inked' may come with long-term medical risks, physicians warn

A novel survey of New Yorkers with tattoo-related complications found high rates of infection, itching and swelling that lasted longer than four months. Physicians warn of potential long-term consequences due to poorly understood chemical composition of colored inks.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalContact Dermatitis·DateMay 27, 2015
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Are antidepressants more effective than usually assumed?

Researchers analyzed data from major company-sponsored studies on SSRIs and found a significant difference favoring the active drug. The conventional measure of efficacy was only 44% effective, but analyzing the effect on depressed mood showed 91% superiority over placebo.,

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMay 27, 2015

Study reveals novel use of 3-D imaging for measurement of injectable wrinkle reducers

Researchers developed a novel method to measure injectable wrinkle reducer efficacy using 3D imaging. The technique, called speckle tracking photogrammetry, allows for objective evaluation of wrinkle reduction and optimal dosage. It has the potential to guide physician and consumer choice in individual cases.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateMay 27, 2015
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.

Tablets can help elderly cross the 'digital divide'

New Michigan State University research reveals tablets can help seniors overcome barriers to getting connected online. The use of tablets makes it easier for older adults to maneuver and access information without the need for a mouse.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEducational Gerontology·DateMay 27, 2015

Sandwich system found effective in organic apple orchards

Researchers found sandwich systems, combining living mulch with modified tillage, improve soil conditions, decrease pests, and increase biodiversity. The system showed the most promise by eliminating vegetative cover competition and increasing soil respiration.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateMay 27, 2015
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.

The Albian Gap, salt rock, and a heated debate

A new study critiques the geological and geophysical evidence supporting competing models for the origin of the Albian Gap, a feature along the Brazilian continental margin. The researchers suggest that much of this evidence is not diagnostic of either model, highlighting the need for a revised understanding of the structure's origin.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalACM SIGSAM Bulletin·DateMay 27, 2015

The least religious generation

A study of 11.2 million US adolescents over 50 years found that millennials have lower religious involvement than previous generations, due to cultural change rather than youth-related factors. This trend is part of a larger cultural context of rising individualism in the US.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 27, 2015

Researchers use mobile phone data to predict employment shocks

An interdisciplinary research team demonstrated that mobile phone data can be used to quickly and accurately detect, track, and predict changes in the economy. Call detail records were found to predict unemployment rates up to four months before official reports, offering a more accurate alternative to traditional forecasts.

SourceNortheastern University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateMay 27, 2015

Internet acne education with automated counseling tested in clinical trial

A new study published in JAMA Dermatology found that an internet-based acne education program with automated counseling did not improve acne severity or quality of life in adolescents. Despite lower-than-expected use, the automated-counseling website showed short-term improvements in skin care behaviors.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateMay 27, 2015
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.

Lethal wounds on skull may indicate 430,000-year-old murder

A nearly complete skull from the Sima de los Huesos cave site in northern Spain shows two penetrating lesions that may indicate an act of lethal interpersonal aggression around 430,000 years ago. The injuries are unlikely to be caused by a fall and suggest early evidence of funerary behavior.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 27, 2015

Iowa researchers find ending Medicaid dental benefit costly

A new study suggests that states may not save money by eliminating adult dental coverage under Medicaid. California's program showed a 68% increase in Medicaid costs for dental care in emergency departments after the benefit was ended, with over 1,800 additional visits annually to ERs.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMay 27, 2015

Diagnosing cancer with help from bacteria

Researchers at MIT and UCSD developed a new approach to detecting liver tumors using engineered probiotics. The bacteria produce a luminescent signal that can be detected with a common laboratory test, showing high sensitivity in detecting liver tumors larger than one cubic millimeter.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 27, 2015

Brain signals contain the code for your next move

Researchers have identified a neural pathway in the brain that predicts an animal's next move, using differential firing patterns of specific neurons. The study confirms that this pathway, involving the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, enables animals to plan their trajectory.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature·DateMay 27, 2015
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.

Congressional action needed to optimize regulation of genomic tests

A new report recommends that Congress authorize the development of nationally scaled genomic data systems for patient safety, public health, and scientific advancement. The authors argue that existing regulatory resources are insufficient to assure patients of maximal benefits from genomic testing.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 27, 2015