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Science News Archive April 2015


Page 24 of 36

A new tool for understanding ALS: Patients' brain cells

Johns Hopkins researchers have developed a new tool for understanding ALS by transforming skin cells into brain cells affected by the disease. The resulting cell library, now publicly available, will enable scientists to study the disease in greater detail and potentially discover new treatments.

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.

CNIO experts identify an oncogene regulated by nutrients

Researchers from CNIO have discovered that the MCRS1 protein induces increased mTOR activity in response to excess nutrients, leading to cell growth and proliferation. This correlation was found in human colorectal cancer samples, suggesting a potential link between MCRS1 activity and disease prognosis.

Passenger-focused air conditioning

The Visio.M project creates a subjectively pleasant climate for passengers in the most energy-efficient manner. The system uses Peltier elements to heat or cool seats directly, reducing waste heat and improving comfort.

How Rhode Island Hospital used Google Glass to diagnose skin conditions

The study tested Google Glass for real-time dermatological consultations in emergency departments, finding that patients preferred video consultations over phone calls. The device allowed doctors to appreciate the gestalt of skin eruptions and interact with each other remotely, improving diagnosis accuracy.

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.

Promising developments in tackling resistance to blood cancer drugs

Scientists at the University of Southampton have developed a drug that can reverse resistance to immunotherapy in certain leukaemias and non-Hodgkin lymphomas. The new antibody, BI-1206, works by binding to a molecule called FcγRIIB and enhancing cancer killing, promising improved treatment outcomes for patients with blood cancers.

NIH still active in Gulf region 5 years after oil spill

Researchers at NIH/NIEHS are studying the health impacts of the 2010 oil spill on Gulf Coast residents, including cleanup workers and local communities. The study found increased physical symptoms and mental health concerns among cleanup workers, highlighting the need for further research and preparedness.

U-M researchers find new gene involved in blood-forming stem cells

A new gene involved in blood-forming stem cells has been discovered by U-M researchers, providing insights into the body's ability to create and maintain a healthy blood supply. The Ash1l gene plays a critical role in regulating hematopoietic stem cell maintenance and self-renewal potential.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Bacterial raincoat discovery paves way to better crop protection

Researchers have uncovered how beneficial bacteria form a waterproof coating on plant roots to shield them from microbes that cause disease. This protective film incorporates proteins with shape-changing properties, enabling it to repel water and potentially harmful molecules.

Mars might have liquid water

Researchers discovered calcium perchlorate, which lowers the freezing point, allowing for liquid water close to the Martian surface. The presence of brine suggests that large lakebeds and riverbeds existed on Mars, contradicting previous theories about a dry planet.

Smartphone-based device could provide rapid, low-cost molecular tumor diagnosis

A smartphone-based device developed by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers uses hologram technology to collect detailed microscopic images for digital analysis of cancer cells and tissues. The D3 system can detect cancer proteins with high accuracy, categorizing biopsy samples as high-risk or low-risk in under an hour.

Mystery of Rett timing explained in MeCP2 binding

Researchers discovered that MeCP2 binds to non-CG methylation patterns in the adult brain, which is unique to maturing and adult nervous systems. This finding explains why Rett syndrome symptoms appear after one to two years of age.

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.

Study finds emergency departments may help address opioid overdose, education

A study published in Western Journal of Emergency Medicine found that emergency departments can provide a promising venue for addressing opioid deaths through education on overdose prevention and naloxone rescue kit distribution. The program reached a high-risk population, equipped them with kits, and encouraged witness intervention.

Graphics in reverse

Researchers at MIT have developed a probabilistic programming language called Picture that can solve computer-vision tasks using short programs. The new system, which is competitive with conventional systems, has been shown to improve error rates on certain tasks, such as human pose estimation.

Burying the climate change problem

A team of Brazilian researchers review the risk assessments for carbon geological storage technology and suggest caution is needed due to uncertainty about leakage from geological deposits. The scientific consensus emphasizes the importance of reducing emissions at source rather than relying on this method.

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.

Your pain reliever may also be diminishing your joy

Researchers found that acetaminophen blunts positive emotions in users, reducing the intensity of both pleasant and disturbing photos. This study provides new insights into the broader consequences of using common pain relievers like Tylenol.

Some atrial fibrillation patients receive unnecessary blood thinners

A quarter of all atrial fibrillation patients at the lowest risk for stroke receive unnecessary blood thinners from cardiology specialists. Researchers found that males and older patients were more likely to be prescribed oral anticoagulation despite having no risk factors for stroke.

New strategy can help determine heart attack in patients within 1 hour

Researchers developed a high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T algorithm to rule out and rule-in heart attacks in emergency departments. The study found that the new strategy accelerated management of patients with suspected acute MI by allowing safe rule-out and accurate rule-in in 3 out of 4 patients.

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.

Mathematics department at Iowa State receives AMS national award

The Iowa State University Department of Mathematics has received the American Mathematical Society's Award for an Exemplary Program or Achievement in a Mathematics Department. The department has made significant improvements in undergraduate teaching, increasing retention rates and expanding its diversity through outreach programs like...

Coexisting in a sea of competition

Researchers used novel molecular and analytic tools to study how similar diatom species utilize resources differently, known as niche partitioning, in Narragansett Bay. The study found that two species of chain-forming diatoms coexist but use available nutrients, specifically nitrogen and phosphorus, differently.

On the road to spin-orbitronics

Researchers at Berkeley Lab found a technique to switch magnetic domain wall chirality, paving the way for desired electronic memory and logic functions. This breakthrough could lead to smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient devices through solid-state magnetic memory.

First Heine H. Hansen Award goes to Pieter E. Postmus

The first Heine H. Hansen Award recipient, Pieter Postmus, has made significant contributions to lung cancer research and education globally. He was recognized for his work in developing research programs in pulmonary circulation, pneumothorax, and thoracic oncology.

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.

Emergency departments improve readiness to care for children

A new study found that nearly 50% of emergency departments have a pediatric coordinator, leading to improved readiness and a 70% national score increase since 2003. The assessment identified areas for improvement, including disaster plans and equipment availability.

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.

Is the length of work careers determined in utero?

A new Finnish study found that low birth weight at birth is associated with a higher risk of disability pension due to mental disorders. This can lead to an early exit from the workforce, resulting in a substantial loss to the economy.

Pulmonary emphysema: Novel neutrophil elastase isoform discovered

Scientists at Helmholtz Zentrum München have identified a new isoform of neutrophil elastase involved in the pathogenesis of pulmonary emphysema. The cleaved form of the enzyme is particularly aggressive and resistant to inhibitors, leading to increased tissue damage.

Updated assessment of pediatric readiness of emergency departments

A recent study found that US emergency departments have improved their pediatric readiness, with a median weighted pediatric readiness score of 68.9, up from a previous score of 55. This improvement is attributed to the implementation of a comprehensive assessment by a national coalition.

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.

New ways to see light and store information

Researchers have designed an organic electronic device with record-breaking ultra-long charge carrier lifetimes, opening up possibilities for new classes of devices such as sensitive photo detectors and flexible memory elements. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient solar cells, low-carbon electricity generation, and reduced e...

More salt doesn't mean better performance for endurance athletes

A study by Saint Louis University researchers found that salt pill consumption neither improved nor worsened performance in endurance athletes. High-dose sodium supplementation did not impact thermoregulation or related measures such as sweat rate, perceived exertion, and cardiovascular drift.

Gold by special delivery intensifies cancer-killing radiation

Researchers have developed a method to increase radiation's effectiveness in killing cancer cells by using gold nanoparticles tethered to acid-seeking compounds. The approach, published in PNAS, shows promising results and may improve radiation treatment for cancer patients.

UK research cash for dementia and stroke still way too low

A study published in BMJ Open found that the UK's research funding for dementia and stroke is still too low, with cancer receiving nearly two-thirds of the £856 million allocated. The social care costs of dementia outweigh those of other conditions, highlighting the need for increased investment in these areas.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Logging means ants, worms and other invertebrates lose rainforest dominance

New research reveals that logging can cause significant declines in invertebrate diversity, but ecosystems can adapt to these changes by shifting responsibilities among species. In contrast, vertebrates are less diverse and more vulnerable to new challenges, making them a risky substitute for invertebrates.

Fragment of continental crust found under south east Iceland

Researchers from the University of Liverpool found that south east Iceland is actually composed of a fragment of continental crust, extending offshore to the east. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of mantle plumes and plate tectonics, with potential impacts on natural resources in the region.

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.

Spinal surgery: Right on target

Researchers developed LevelCheck software to assist surgeons in identifying the correct vertebra during spine surgery. The software achieves 100% accuracy in just 26 seconds, helping prevent wrong-level surgeries and improving patient safety.

How a bacterial cell recognizes its own DNA

Researchers discovered how bacteria differentiate between self and foreign DNA using the CRISPR system, which involves identifying rapidly replicating DNA and utilizing DNA repair processes to create immune memory.

NYU study identifies teens at risk for hashish use

A new NYU study examines prevalence and correlates of hashish use among US high school seniors, finding that males are more likely to use the potent form. The study also found that frequency of marijuana use increases risk for recent hashish use, with students who feel 'hooked' on marijuana nearly doubling their odds

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Study of African birds reveals hotbed of malaria parasite diversity

A new study found that 79% of southeast African birds were infected with haemosporidian parasites, including novel malaria parasite lineages. The study's findings indicate that lifestyle characteristics of birds can influence their association with different parasite genera.

Children with type 1 diabetes at fivefold risk of hospitalization

A study analyzing Welsh data reveals that children with type 1 diabetes are at a significantly higher risk of hospital admission compared to their non-diabetic peers. The research found that younger children and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are most at risk, highlighting the need for improved support and care.

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.

Solution-grown nanowires make the best lasers

Researchers have developed a method to grow organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite nanowires into elongated crystals that make extremely promising lasers. The tiny lasers are nearly 100% efficient and can create many colors of light, making them suitable for mini optoelectronics, computers, and sensors.