Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2015 - Page 370


Page 370 of 402

New finding may compromise aging studies

Researchers at USC discovered a compound that extends the life span of female fruit flies by 68%, challenging existing methods used to study genetic causes of aging. The finding opens up new avenues for investigating longevity and identifies potential candidate genes and mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateFeb 4, 2015

Improving the drug withdrawal process could reduce number of deaths

A recent study found that delays in the withdrawal of drugs from the market due to reported deaths could have been reduced if there were more efficient reporting and regulatory processes. The researchers identified 95 drugs that were withdrawn due to deaths, with most being used to treat neurological or psychiatric disorders.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2015

Time-based training can decrease impulsivity, research finds

A study at Kansas State University found that time-based interventions can increase self-control and timing precision in rats, a similar model to humans. These findings suggest potential for behavioral approaches to treat disorders like ADHD, substance abuse, and obesity.

SourceKansas State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology Animal Behavior Processes·DateFeb 4, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Swedish researchers question treatment of infertility with stem cells

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg and Karolinska Institute have failed to successfully treat infertility with stem cells, contradicting previous claims. The study shows that female mice can only produce eggs from birth, rendering stem cell-based treatment unrealistic.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2015

Bioengineered miniature structures could prevent heart failure

Researchers have developed a technology that mimics the cellular environment to restore organ function and promote tissue regeneration. The bioengineered miniature structures can release biologically active peptides to protect and repair damaged heart muscle cells.

SourceMedical College of Wisconsin·JournalBiomaterials·DateFeb 4, 2015

Crucial role of breast cancer tumor suppressor revealed

Researchers discovered that cells with low levels of profilin 1 protein in breast tumors have increased capacity to metastasize and invade other tissues. The protein regulates the formation of invasive structures called invadopodia, which play a critical role in tumor invasion and metastasis.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalEuropean Journal of Cell Biology·DateFeb 4, 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.

Is surgery a viable treatment option for patients age 80+ with acute spinal conditions?

A new study found that surgical treatment provides significant benefit for lumbar spinal stenosis and degenerative spondylolisthesis in patients over 80, with comparable complication rates to younger patients. The benefits of surgery were similar to those in younger patients, except for pain and physical function outcomes.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateFeb 4, 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.

Scientists reprogram plants for drought tolerance

A team of scientists led by Sean Cutler at UC Riverside successfully repurposed an agrochemical to enhance plant drought tolerance. The researchers engineered plant receptors to respond to mandipropamid, a widely used agricultural chemical, and found that the plants effectively survived drought conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature·DateFeb 4, 2015

Shade coffee is for the birds

Research by University of Utah-led team finds shade coffee to be bird-friendly, but some species thrive in forest habitats. The study suggests organic shade coffee is the best choice for biodiversity, with native trees and no chemicals.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalBiological Conservation·DateFeb 4, 2015

Pigeon power

Researchers at the University of Iowa found that pigeons can categorize and name objects, similar to how children learn words. The study used a computerized task that allowed pigeons to learn 16 categories simultaneously, comparable to how humans learn categories.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalCognition·DateFeb 4, 2015
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.

Neuroimaging studies review suggests areas of agreement in psychiatric diagnoses

A review of neuroimaging studies suggests that areas of agreement exist in psychiatric diagnoses, particularly regarding the integrity of the anterior insula/dorsal anterior cingulate network. This network is associated with executive function deficits seen across various diagnoses. The study analyzed 193 peer-reviewed articles and fou...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateFeb 4, 2015

Rapid and unexpected weight gain after fecal transplant

A case report published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases reveals that a woman who underwent fecal microbiota transplant for a recurrent C. difficile infection rapidly gained weight, becoming obese. The study suggests that clinicians should avoid selecting stool donors who are overweight to minimize the risk of similar outcomes.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalOpen Forum Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 4, 2015

Online comments influence opinions on vaccinations

A study by Washington State University researchers found that online comments from unknown experts can be more persuasive than public service announcements. Participants were equally influenced by pro-vaccination and anti-vaccination comments, regardless of the commenter's expertise.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Advertising·DateFeb 4, 2015

Paramedics may be first source of treatment for stroke patients, UCLA study finds

A new method has been developed to deliver promising treatments to stroke patients quickly, thanks to the work of paramedics. By working with paramedics in the field, intravenous medications can be given to patients within the 'golden hour,' the window in which brain damage is minimized.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 4, 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.

Anti-epilepsy drug preserves brain function after stroke

Researchers found that retigabine, an approved anti-epilepsy drug, preserved brain tissue in a mouse model of stroke and prevented loss of balance control. Histological analysis showed significantly reduced damage to the tissue after the stroke, up to five days after.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·DateFeb 4, 2015

Scientists predict earth-like planets around most stars

Researchers found standard stars have about two habitable environments where liquid water can exist, providing conditions for life. However, the existence of intelligent civilizations remains uncertain due to unknown bottlenecks or self-destruction.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 4, 2015
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.

Potential pancreatic cancer treatment could increase life expectancy

Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill have developed a device that can deliver chemotherapy drugs directly into tumor tissue, allowing for potential life-saving surgeries and increased life expectancy. The device uses electric fields to target poorly vascularized tumors, which are difficult to treat with standard IV chemotherapy drugs.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2015

Premature babies grow out of asthma

A large-scale Danish study shows that premature babies are more likely to suffer from asthmatic symptoms and lung conditions in early life. However, the study found that they tend to grow better and eventually suffer no more lung conditions than others as adults.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 4, 2015
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Major study links 2 new genetic variants to breast cancer

A worldwide study of 100,000 women has discovered two new genetic variants associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. The variants are specifically linked to the most common form of breast cancer, oestrogen receptor positive, providing important clues about its causes and potential leads for treatment discovery.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateFeb 4, 2015

Paramedics may be first line of treatment for stroke

A new NIH study suggests that paramedics may be able to start therapy as soon as stroke is suspected, potentially reducing the impact of brain damage. The study demonstrated the feasibility of early therapy in the ambulance, with 74.3 percent of patients receiving a study intervention within 60 minutes of stroke onset.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 4, 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.

Information sheet can help women avoid pregnancy and acne medication-related birth defects

A study found that an information sheet for women treated for severe acne improves understanding of contraceptive effectiveness and ways to avoid pregnancy and medication-induced birth defects. The study highlights the need to update programs like iPledge to ensure women receive effectiveness information about their contraceptive options.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateFeb 4, 2015

Tiny robotic 'hands' could improve cancer diagnostics, drug delivery

A team of scientists has developed flexible, microscopic hand-like grippers that can perform remotely guided surgical procedures and biopsies. The microhands use hydrogels and magnetic nanoparticles to provide energy and control, enabling the creation of biodegradable, miniaturized surgical tools.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 4, 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.

Programming safety into self-driving cars

UMass researchers develop a new planning algorithm that enables semi-autonomous systems to handle uncertainty and prioritize human safety. By considering multiple objectives, such as safety and speed, the system can make sequential decisions in complex scenarios.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateFeb 4, 2015

Newly discovered protein has link to gestational diabetes

A newly discovered protein called HKDC1 may be a genetic predictor for gestational hyperglycemia and its long-term health effects. The enzyme appears during pregnancy in women with less of the gene, which could lead to a predictive test and potential therapeutic targets.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 2015

Scientists discover viral 'Enigma machine'

Researchers have discovered a coding system, dubbed the 'Enigma machine,' that governs infections by single-stranded RNA viruses, including those causing the common cold and polio. The code, hidden in the viral genome's RNA sequence, can be jammed to disrupt virus assembly and prevent disease.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 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.

Brain marker hints at depression, anxiety years later

A new study from Duke University has found that a brain marker can predict who will develop depression and anxiety years after a stressful event. By measuring the activity of the amygdala, researchers were able to identify individuals who were at higher risk for developing mental illness.

SourceDuke University·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 4, 2015

E-cigarette exposure impairs immune responses in mouse model, new research finds

Researchers found that e-cigarettes compromise the immune system in mice, increasing susceptibility to respiratory infections and impairing lung function. The study also identified 'free radical' chemicals in e-cigarette vapors, previously thought only to be found in tobacco cigarettes and air pollutants.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 4, 2015

Compound found in grapes, red wine may help prevent memory loss

Researchers from Texas A&M University have discovered a compound called resveratrol that may help improve memory function in older adults. Studies have shown that treatment with resveratrol can increase neurogenesis and improve blood flow to the brain, leading to better cognitive function.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 4, 2015
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.

BICEP2 and Planck joint study: Gravitational waves remain elusive

A new joint analysis of BICEP2/Keck Array and Planck data reveals that the earlier detection of primordial gravitational waves is no longer secure due to interstellar dust contamination. The study uses multi-frequency data from Planck and ground-based experiments to separate foreground emissions from the cosmic background.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateFeb 4, 2015

Brain scans predict effectiveness of talk therapy to treat depression

Researchers used brain connectivity scans to identify patterns that predict success with behavioral activation talk therapy. Patients with major depressive disorder who had stronger connections between brain regions involved in cognitive control and emotion regulation responded better to the therapy.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateFeb 4, 2015

Satellite animation shows February return of the Pineapple Express

A stream of clouds and moisture associated with the 'Pineapple Express' is expected to bring rain and snow to the Pacific Northwest over several days. The system is expected to produce moderate to heavy rainfall totals in coastal areas, with some regions seeing up to 10 inches of rain.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 4, 2015

Researchers identify peptide that reduces urge to eat

Researchers have identified a peptide called PACAP that reduces food intake and leads to weight loss when administered in the brain's central amygdala. The study suggests PACAP may be a target for medications treating obesity and binge-eating disorders.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateFeb 4, 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.

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.

Increasing contraceptive knowledge to promote safe use of isotretinoin

A study published in JAMA Dermatology found that providing an information sheet on contraceptives significantly improved women's understanding of their effectiveness, leading to a safer use of isotretinoin. The study showed that even small investments of time can greatly enhance contraceptive knowledge and prevent pregnancies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateFeb 4, 2015