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Science News Archive April 2015


Page 28 of 36

Study tallies huge cost of hepatitis C drugs for RI prisons

A new study finds that effective new hepatitis C drugs are extremely costly, with some treatments costing between $94,500 and $189,000. The state of Rhode Island would need to spend almost twice its entire prison health budget to treat all its chronically infected inmates.

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.

Amniotic stem cells demonstrate healing potential

Rice University and Texas Children's Hospital scientists successfully used amniotic stem cells to promote blood vessel growth in hydrogels, enhancing tissue repair for infants with birth defects. The study paves the way for biocompatible patches for congenital heart defects.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Gene study helps explain Legionnaires' probe complications

A DNA study of bacteria samples from the 2012 Edinburgh outbreak found four subtypes of Legionella that probably existed at the source for months. The genetic diversity of these bacteria suggests that tracing future infections may be challenging, with possible influences on disease severity.

Mars has belts of glaciers consisting of frozen water

Researchers have calculated the size of Mars' glaciers using radar observations and ice flow modeling. The ice is found in belts around the planet, between latitudes 300-500, and is equivalent to covering the entire surface with 1.1 meters of ice.

Don't blame kids if they do not enjoy school, study suggests

A study of over 13,000 twins found that genetic inheritance can explain 40-50% of the differences in children's motivation to learn. The results suggest that personality differences inherited from parents have a major impact on motivation, challenging the idea that environment is solely responsible.

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.

Gay and lesbian job seekers face discrimination

A new study reveals that gay and lesbian job seekers are 5% less likely to receive job interview invitations in the UK compared to heterosexual applicants. The study found significant disparities in job offers across various sectors, with gay men facing the most challenges in traditionally male-dominated occupations.

Biologists identify brain tumor weakness

Researchers at MIT and Whitehead Institute discover that glioblastoma cells rely on enzyme GLDC to break down glycine, which can be exploited to kill cancer cells. Blocking GLDC activity could offer a new approach to combating brain tumors.

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.

Nitrogen deposition reduces Swiss plant diversity

Researchers found a negative relation between atmospheric nitrogen emissions and plant diversity in Switzerland, with a 19% loss in phylogenetic diversity. High nitrogen deposition favors few highly competitive species, leading to decreased overall plant diversity.

Depressed? Apps lift mood with personalized therapy

A new suite of interactive mini-apps called Intellicare provides personalized therapy for depression and anxiety. The app uses a recommender system to suggest tailored apps based on user feedback and preferences.

Unraveling the origin of the pseudogap in a charge density wave compound

A team of researchers used various techniques to study niobium diselenide, a material that exhibits short-range charge density wave order and pseudogap behavior across large temperature ranges. They found that increasing temperature or doping leads to the loss of coherent electronic excitations and the emergence of an energy gap.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Anti-HIV antibody shows promise in first human study

A single infusion of the experimental 3BNC117 antibody significantly reduced HIV levels in infected individuals, with some remaining sensitive to the antibody for up to 28 days. The study's findings suggest that 3BNC117 is safe and potentially effective in controlling HIV levels.

NASA-NOAA satellite sees the end of Tropical Cyclone Ikola

Tropical Cyclone Ikola's winds decreased to 35 knots after being affected by strong northwesterly vertical wind shear. The storm's dissipation was predicted by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, with its maximum sustained winds weakening rapidly.

Pesticide exposure contributes to heightened risk of heart disease

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that pesticide exposure contributes to heightened cardiovascular disease risk and inflammation in premenopausal women. The research suggests that endocrine-disrupting chemicals like DDT can aggravate complications of obesity, including...

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.

Complex organic molecules discovered in infant star system

Astronomers have detected large amounts of complex organic molecules, including methyl cyanide, in the protoplanetary disc surrounding young star MWC 480. This discovery suggests that these molecules are common in the universe and may be delivered to environments nurturing life.

Case study Cabo Verde: Simulation offers policy Rx for curbing HIV

A new study simulates Cabo Verde's public health using a computer model to predict the spread of disease and the efficacy of interventions. The results suggest that accelerating four efforts already underway across the country could reduce annual new HIV cases below 10 per 10,000 residents.

Muscles matter in baseball injuries

A new computer simulation approach found that muscles play a bigger role in injury risk and prevention than previously thought. The study shows that individual pitchers can be at high or low risk of elbow injury depending on their muscle strength, highlighting the importance of targeted training and accurate assessments.

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.

3-D model of giant salamanders' bite

A study published in PLOS ONE created a 3D model of the Chinese giant salamander's bite, revealing its feeding mechanism involves capturing prey in front and biting quickly to the side when approaching. The analysis shows the salamander's unique skull architecture may be related to this ability.

Sex crimes more common in certain families

A nationwide study in Sweden found that men convicted of sex crimes are more likely to have relatives who also commit similar offenses due to genetic factors. The study suggests a substantial family risk increase and may inform preventive treatment strategies.

Complex organic molecules discovered in infant star system

Scientists discover complex organic molecules in a protoplanetary disk surrounding a young star, hinting at the universality of prebiotic chemistry. The presence of these molecules, particularly methyl cyanide, suggests that protoplanetary disks are efficient factories for forming complex organic compounds.

Maternal and Child Health Handbook promotes antenatal care visits

The Maternal and Child Health Handbook helped increase antenatal care visits, identify pregnancy complications earlier, and reduce passive smoking in Mongolia. The study found that 82% of women attended clinics 6 times or more, with a significant impact on maternal and child health.

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.

Recipe for saving coral reefs: Add more fish

Coral reefs can recover if a minimum target of 500 kilograms of fish biomass per hectare is maintained. The study found that most degraded reefs lack key species and require time for recovery, with estimated times ranging from 35 to 59 years.

Hidden burden: Most people carry recessive disease mutations

A new study published in the Genetics journal estimated that humans carry an average of one to two recessive disease mutations, which can cause severe genetic disorders or prenatal death. The study used a unique community's detailed family histories and genealogical records to estimate the number of mutations per person.

Enriched broccoli reduces cholesterol

A new variety of broccoli, enriched with glucoraphanin, has been shown to reduce blood LDL-cholesterol levels by an average of 6%. The compound is converted into sulphuraphane in the body, which activates genes that help balance metabolism and reduce cholesterol production.

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.

A new view of the moon's formation

Researchers at University of Maryland generate new isotopic fingerprint of the moon, reconciling accepted model with surprisingly similar Earth and moon fingerprints. The findings suggest a thorough mixing of debris before forming the moon, supporting an explosive and interconnected past.

Breast cancer research uncovers the fountain of youth

A study by Professor Rama Khokha found that genetically modified mice without TIMP1 and TIMP3 experienced youthful breast tissue, with stem cells remaining functional throughout their lifetime. The results challenge the assumption that large numbers of stem cells increase cancer risk.

New understanding of electromagnetism could enable 'antennas on a chip'

A team of researchers from the University of Cambridge has proposed that electromagnetic waves are generated by symmetry breaking in dielectric materials. This discovery could enable ultra-small antennas for wireless communications and aid understanding of electromagnetism and quantum mechanics crossover.

Can arts, crafts and computer use preserve your memory?

A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that people who participated in arts, crafts, and social activities in middle and old age were less likely to develop mild cognitive impairment (MCI) compared to those who did not. Computer use was also associated with a reduced risk of MCI.

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.

We may be looking at wrong mutation for breast cancer treatment

A study found that the PIK3CA gene mutation, previously thought to be a promising target for breast cancer treatment, may not drive the disease. Instead, it appears to be associated with benign proliferation. This new information will impact future drug development and replication studies.

Plotting the elimination of dengue

A study published in Science Translational Medicine found that Wolbachia can block dengue virus infection in mosquitoes, leading to a significant reduction in transmission. The discovery has the potential to improve strategies for controlling dengue outbreaks, particularly in regions with low or moderate intensity of transmission.

Allergy drug inhibits hepatitis C in mice

A National Institutes of Health study found that an over-the-counter allergy medication, chlorcyclizine HCl (CCZ), limits hepatitis C virus activity in infected mice. The results suggest CCZ could be used to treat the virus in people, potentially providing an affordable alternative to costly options.

A glass fiber that brings light to a standstill

Researchers have successfully slowed down light to 180 km/h using a glass fiber, allowing for the storage of photons and potentially enabling quantum communication over long distances. This breakthrough technology uses cesium atoms coupled to an ultrathin glass fiber to transfer photon information in a controlled manner.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Autism's early neuronal 'neighborhood'

A study by San Diego State University scientists found that children with autism have overdeveloped connections between the cerebral cortex and cerebellum, affecting brain function. This early development leads to muscle in on brain real estate for higher cognitive functions.

Butterflies deceive ants using chemical strategies

A study found that butterflies, such as Oakblue butterflies, use various chemical strategies to mimic plants and avoid ant attacks. The larvae are able to survive on specific plant species without being attacked by the ants.

A new piece in the 'French paradox' puzzle -- cheese metabolism

Scientists investigate how cheese affects gut health and cholesterol levels, finding a link between high cheese consumption and reduced 'bad' cholesterol. Recent studies have cast doubt on the notion that saturated fats are harmful, and this research further supports a role for dairy products in maintaining heart health.

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 scans reveal how people 'justify' killing

A new study led by Monash researcher Dr Pascal Molenberghs found that brain activity in the lateral orbitofrontal cortex increases with guilt when participants imagine unjustified violence, but not when imagining justified violence. The research provides insights into how people justify extreme violence in certain situations, such as war.

What can brain-controlled prosthetics tell us about the brain?

Researchers using brain-controlled prosthetics can gain real-time feedback on neural activity, allowing for the study of how the brain encodes information and changes with learning. This technology holds promise for developing new treatments for epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and other neurological disorders.

MRI screening program for individuals at high risk of pancreatic cancer

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based screening program identified pancreatic lesions in 40% of high-risk patients, with 5 requiring surgery. The study suggests that MRI can detect cancer or premalignant lesions with good accuracy, reducing costs and increasing availability compared to more aggressive methods.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

CSIC researchers determine the origin of Annama meteorite

Researchers from CSIC have determined the orbit of Annama, a new characterized meteorite, and found similarities with a potentially dangerous asteroid. The study suggests that Annama may be linked to an asteroid of about 400 meters in diameter, posing a potential threat to Earth.

Male offspring get the most benefit from pregnant mother's exercise

A study by UNSW medical researchers found that maternal exercise during pregnancy reduced offspring's body weight, insulin and blood glucose levels in male rats. Female offspring showed only modest improvements, highlighting the sex-specific effects of maternal exercise on metabolism.

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.