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Science News for April 17, 2015


Droperidol is safe for agitated ER patients, despite black box warning

A new study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine has reevaluated the safety of droperidol for sedating emergency patients with acute behavioral disturbance. The study found that droperidol is effective and safe when used alone, but combinations with benzodiazepines may increase adverse effects.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateApr 17, 2015

Disney researchers show soft sides with layered fabric 3-D printer

A team from Disney Research and Carnegie Mellon University have devised a 3D printer that layers together laser-cut sheets of fabric to form soft, squeezable objects with complex geometries and integrated circuitry. The printer combines fabrics and wiring to create interactive objects such as bunnies, doll clothing, and phone cases.

SourceDisney Research·DateApr 17, 2015

Smokers underestimate risks of a few cigarettes

A survey of French people aged 40-75 found that many incorrectly believed low cigarette consumption was risk-free for lung cancer. Only half of current smokers considered themselves at higher risk than the average population.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateApr 17, 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.

Protecting students from homophobic bullying

A new study found that students are more likely to intervene and defend a fellow student based on values of altruism, leadership, courage, having LGBT friends, and beliefs in justice. With up to 28% of LGBT students reporting threats or injuries at school, the findings can help shape new programs to make schools safer.

SourceBoston College·DateApr 17, 2015

DNA blood test detects lung cancer mutations

A new DNA blood test can identify EGFR mutations in lung cancer patients without accessible tumor tissue, showing an 89% agreement rate with tissue testing. The test's sensitivity was found to be around half of that of traditional tissue testing.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateApr 17, 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.

New research shows how to tackle obesity

A new study by the University of Sheffield identified six distinct groups of obese individuals, each requiring unique strategies for weight loss and healthy lifestyle promotion. The research suggests that targeting interventions according to an individual's 'type' could lead to more effective and efficient use of NHS services.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateApr 17, 2015

Bacterial flora of remote tribespeople carries antibiotic resistance genes

Researchers found antibiotic resistance genes in Yanomami tribespeople who had never been exposed to antibiotics, suggesting that bacteria have resisted antibiotics since long before their use. The study reveals a link between decreased bacterial diversity and increased diseases such as obesity and diabetes.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 17, 2015

New research finds smoking and mother's genetics combine to increase likelihood of twins

African American mothers who smoke and have a specific genetic profile are more likely to conceive twins. The study found that the presence of a TP53 gene variant is crucial in 'twinning'. Researchers discovered a significant interaction between smoking and this genetic factor, leading to an increased likelihood of having twins.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·DateApr 17, 2015

Studying how species evolve

The documentary follows University of Miami researcher J. Albert C. Uy as he investigates a genetic mutation causing two bird populations to split into separate species. Uy's research aims to unlock secrets of speciation and the planet's animal diversity.

SourceUniversity of Miami·DateApr 17, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Kids with ADHD must squirm to learn, study says

Research reveals that children with ADHD must squirm to learn, as fidgety movements aid in remembering information and working out complex cognitive tasks. The study's findings challenge the conventional methods for helping children with ADHD, which often focus on reducing hyperactivity.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalJournal of Abnormal Child Psychology·DateApr 17, 2015

Telling the time of day by color

A new study has found that the colour of light impacts how the brain clock measures time of day and regulates animals' physiology and behavior. By analyzing changes in light color around dawn and dusk, scientists discovered that blue light is reliably detected during twilight hours, unlike during the day.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 17, 2015

Trial co-led by Pitt expert shows better function after stroke if clots removed

A trial conducted in Catalonia, Spain, found that removing blood clots from large brain blood vessels improved function and reduced disability after stroke. The technique, called endovascular therapy or stent retriever thrombectomy, showed a 1.7 fold reduction in disability compared to medical intervention alone.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 17, 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.

Effectiveness of new stroke treatment confirmed

A new endovascular therapy procedure for ischemic stroke has been shown to improve patient outcomes, increasing positive results from 35% to 60%. The study, SWIFT-PRIME, randomized 196 patients and found a significant reduction in mortality rates, with an overall decrease of 50% compared to standard treatment.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 17, 2015

Fruit fly studies shed light on adaptability of nerve cells

Researchers discovered a feedback signalling mechanism responsible for changes in nerve cells exposed to prolonged light, which may help protect neurons from degeneration. The study provides insight into synaptic plasticity and potential therapeutic applications for neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalNeuron·DateApr 17, 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.

Beyond the lithium ion -- a significant step toward a better performing battery

Scientists at the University of Illinois Chicago have made a significant breakthrough in battery technology by replacing lithium ions with magnesium ions, which can carry twice the positive charge. This development could lead to the creation of high-voltage, high-energy batteries that can outperform existing lithium-ion batteries.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 17, 2015

Cancer and chemobrain: Cancer diagnosis affects cognitive function

A new study by Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München attributes mild cognitive defects in breast cancer patients to post-traumatic stress induced by diagnosis, not chemotherapy side-effects. The study found pretreatment cognitive impairment in breast cancer patients was due to stress associated with the disease.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 17, 2015

Journal tackles aging policy issues raised by White House

The Gerontological Society of America has produced a special issue outlining a vision for older adults' economic security, health, and social well-being. The issue explores ways to safeguard the success of programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateApr 17, 2015

Key to better sex ed: Focus on gender & power

A new study by Population Council researcher Nicole Haberland found that sexuality and HIV education programs addressing gender and power are more effective than those that do not. The research found that 80% of such programs were associated with a lower rate of STIs or unintended pregnancy, compared to 17% of programs without this con...

SourcePopulation Council·JournalInternational Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health·DateApr 17, 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.

A game-changer for stroke treatment

A study found that removing clots in severe strokes, combined with medication, improves blood flow and may lead to better long-term outcomes. The treatment shows promise as a game-changer for certain types of stroke patients.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 17, 2015

LGBT-competent physicians are scarce at US academic medical practices, UCLA study finds

A recent UCLA study found that only 9% of US academic medical practices have procedures for connecting patients to LGBT-competent physicians. This suggests a need for increased training and policies to support LGBT patient care. The study's findings highlight the importance of healthcare providers being aware of and sensitive to factor...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 17, 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.

Devices or divisive: Mobile technology in the classroom

Researchers at Boston College surveyed 59 educators about mobile technology's impact on non-cognitive skills like empathy and teamwork. While teachers were mostly positive about classroom learning benefits, they expressed concerns about digital distraction and its effects on students' social-emotional development.

SourceBoston College·DateApr 17, 2015

New genetic mutation could signal start of malaria drug resistance in Africa

Researchers at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine discovered a genetic mutation in the ap2mu gene that makes Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites less susceptible to artemisinin and quinine. This finding suggests a different route to drug resistance may be developing independently in Africa.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateApr 17, 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.

Wayne State start-up receives prestigious Luis Villalobos Award

RetroSense Therapeutics, a Wayne State University start-up, has received the prestigious Luis Villalobos Award for its innovative optogenetic gene therapy approach. The technology has the potential to treat all forms of blindness due to degenerated photoreceptors.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateApr 17, 2015

Evidence grows that melanoma drugs benefit some lung cancer patients

A subset of lung cancer patients with BRAF-mutant cancers may derive significant clinical benefits from treatment with BRAF inhibitors, according to a European study. The trial found an overall response rate of 53% and progression-free survival time of 5 months among patients treated with vemurafenib or dabrafenib.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateApr 17, 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.

Wayne State developing new approaches for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's

Researchers at Wayne State University are working on a new approach to diagnose Alzheimer's disease in its earliest stages. The goal is to develop affordable and portable tests that can be easily administered in senior centers or church basements, reducing barriers for African Americans who are disproportionately affected by the disease.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateApr 17, 2015

Cognitive problems are common after cardiac arrest

A major international study from Lund University found that half of cardiac arrest patients experience cognitive problems like memory and attention issues. The researchers believe that these issues can be attributed to common risk factors among heart disease patients, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

SourceLund University·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateApr 17, 2015

NYU researchers find diabetes perceptions vary according to risk factors

Researchers found differing perceptions among adults at-risk for diabetes based on individual risk factors, including age, ethnicity, and BMI. These findings suggest tailoring diabetes education and outreach to an individual's perceptions can maximize self-care behaviors and reduce adverse outcomes.

SourceNew York University·JournalThe Diabetes Educator·DateApr 17, 2015

A blueprint for clearing the skies of space debris

A new space-based system combines a super-wide field-of-view telescope with a high-efficiency laser to track and deorbit centimeter-sized space debris. The system, proposed by RIKEN scientists, could remove most of the debris within five years of operation.

SourceRIKEN·JournalActa Astronautica·DateApr 17, 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.

New lab technique reveals structure and function of proteins critical in DNA repair

Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed a new lab technique that simultaneously observes protein structure and function in DNA repair. The technique, combining fluorescence microscopy and optical trapping, provides definitive answers to long-debated questions and opens up new avenues for biological engineering.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalScience·DateApr 17, 2015

Study shows 2 drugs reduce teacher-rated anxiety, in addition to ADHD, aggression

A new study published in JCAP found that adding risperidone to parent training improved teachers' assessments of anxiety and social avoidance. Children who showed reduced anxiety also displayed less disruptive behavior, contributing to a reduction in aggressive symptoms.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology·DateApr 17, 2015

Unprecedented microbial diversity reported in remote Amazonian tribe

Researchers discovered an unprecedentedly diverse collection of bodily bacteria in isolated Yanomami Indians, with a 40% lower diversity than those in industrialized countries. The study suggests a link between modern antibiotics and reduced microbiome diversity, potentially driving diseases like obesity and diabetes.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 17, 2015

Stomach ulcers in cattle

A recent study by researchers at Vetmeduni Vienna found that stomach ulcers in cattle are primarily caused by stress, nutrition, and weather conditions. The bacterial diversity present in the stomachs of healthy and ulcerated animals was nearly identical, suggesting that bacteria play a minor role in the development of ulcers.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalVeterinary Microbiology·DateApr 17, 2015
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.

Researchers make key malarial drug-resistence finding

Researchers at Notre Dame have made a breakthrough discovery in understanding the mechanism of artemisinin resistance in malaria. They found that a specific lipid called phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate (PI3P) is produced by an enzyme called PfPI3K, and its levels are linked to artemisinin resistance.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalNature·DateApr 17, 2015

Study links brain anatomy, academic achievement, and family income

A new study led by MIT researchers found that higher-income students have thicker brain cortex in areas associated with visual perception and knowledge accumulation, correlating with better standardized test scores. The differences in brain anatomy could explain up to 44% of the income achievement gap.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 17, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

INRS professors awarded 2 Google research grants

Professors Tiago Falk and Douglas O'Shaughnessy from INRS Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications Research Centre received Google research grants to improve automatic speech recognition (ASR) accuracy. Their projects focus on reducing background noise and developing new methods to analyze acoustic speech.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·DateApr 17, 2015