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Science News Archive April 2015


Page 34 of 36

Study finds new genetic clues to pediatric seizure disorders

Researchers have identified a genetic mutation in salt-inducible kinase 1 (SIK1) that regulates myocyte-specific enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C), contributing to severe seizures. The finding may lead to better treatment options for individuals with developmental epilepsy.

Element of surprise helps babies learn

Infants learn more about surprising objects than predictable ones by harnessing core information they're born with. They test hypotheses about the object's behavior, indicating a deeper attempt to learn about unexpected aspects of the world.

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.

UTMB develops new online tool for nurses

The University of Texas Medical Branch has developed an online tool to help bedside nurses rapidly access filtered research evidence, presenting information in concise formats. The Disciplined Clinical Inquiry - Evidence-Based Practice Literacy pathway offers a streamlined education on the EBP skillset using online modules.

Polio vaccination: Paper highlights final steps to polio eradication

A new review published in Future Microbiology highlights the current state of polio vaccines and future research efforts to ensure eradication. The virus can be prevented through vaccination, with live attenuated oral polio vaccine and inactivated polio vaccine being used to achieve eradication.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

'Open' stem cell chromosomes reveal new possibilities for diabetes

Scientists have discovered that the chromosomes in laboratory stem cells open slowly over time, allowing them to respond to growth factors and differentiate into specific cell types. This understanding could lead to advancements in stem cell research and the development of new therapies for diseases such as type 1 diabetes.

Alcohol study yields surprising results

Researchers found that alcohol addiction is associated with a significantly increased risk of mortality in general hospitals, with patients dying an average of 7.6 years earlier than non-addicted patients. The study also identified 27 comorbid physical illnesses more frequently occurring in patients with alcohol addiction.

Raising retirement age would widen benefit disparities for disadvantaged

A report suggests that raising retirement age would widen benefit disparities for those with lower life expectancies, placing greater financial burdens on them. The current retirement age of 65 does not reflect increasing life expectancy, and adjusting it could exacerbate existing inequalities.

A new breakthrough in thermoelectric materials

Researchers have created a novel and highly efficient thermoelectric alloy, nearly doubling industry standard efficiency. The new material achieves significant temperature changes, enabling potential applications in electrical vehicles and personal electronic devices.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How to crowdsource the world for emergency medicine

Two new studies published in Annals of Emergency Medicine explore the use of social media to promote dialogue around global emergency medicine. The studies, conducted by researchers from the American College of Emergency Physicians, establish criteria for evaluating high-quality blogs and podcasts.

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.

Hubble finds phantom objects near dead quasars

The Hubble Space Telescope has captured wispy, goblin-green objects outside quasar-host galaxies, revealing insights into galaxy behavior and energetic cores. These 'ghostly' structures are believed to have been illuminated by powerful ultraviolet radiation from supermassive black holes.

Pick a color, any color

A team of chemists has synthesized molecules that can absorb any color of sunlight, from oranges to near-infrared. By understanding how these pigments work, they aim to manipulate their light absorption at will.

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.

Personalized melanoma vaccines marshal powerful immune response

Researchers developed personalized melanoma vaccines that target unique mutations in each patient's tumor, increasing the number and diversity of cancer-fighting T cells. The vaccines were shown to be safe and effective in a first-in-people clinical trial, setting the stage for potential use in preventing recurrence.

Researchers observe new charge transport phenomenon

Researchers at Aalto University and German University of Marburg have discovered a new type of charge transport phenomenon that enables logical operations in microelectronics. The phenomenon involves the transfer of information between an electron hole pair without tunneling, opening up new possibilities for electronics and biology.

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.

Beta secretase inhibitors to treat Alzheimer's disease

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that beta secretase inhibitors can impair synaptic plasticity and cognitive functions, highlighting the need for dose-dependent treatment. The researchers urge caution in dosing these inhibitors to balance safety and efficacy.

Microbes scared to death by virus presence

Recent study reveals that microbes like Sulfolobus islandicus can freeze in place when infected with a harmless virus, such as Sulfolobus spindle-shaped virus 9 (SSV9), to protect themselves. The dormant microbes recover if the virus is removed within 24-48 hours, otherwise they die.

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.

Small RNA plays big role suppressing cancer

Researchers have unraveled the relationships between microRNA miR-22, bile acids, and Cyclin A2 in liver and colon cancer. The study found that miR-22 reduces Cyclin A2 expression levels, potentially leading to new cancer therapies.

Passive exposure to bleach at home linked to higher childhood infection rate

Research published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine found that children whose parents regularly used bleach to clean the home had higher rates of respiratory and other infections. The risk of flu, tonsillitis, and any infection was significantly higher among these children, with risks of 20% and 35% respectively.

Cancer genes turned off in deadly brain cancer

Scientists have identified a small RNA molecule called miR-182 that can suppress cancer-causing genes in mice with glioblastoma, a deadly type of brain tumor. The new method uses nanotechnology to deliver the microRNA across the blood-brain barrier, targeting multiple oncogenes at once and increasing cancer cell death.

Mice sing like songbirds to woo mates

Researchers analyzed mouse songs using a new statistical tool, finding that males sing more complex songs when they smell a female's urine but don't see her. The songs' dynamics are influenced by social contexts and can be used to study vocal communication and disorders, including autism spectrum disorder.

A multi-faceted poison

Researchers have developed a mass spectrometry-based process to detect the toxic bacteria's emetic toxin, cereulide. The new method identified 18 variants of cereulide and is being evaluated for its reliability in detecting contaminated products.

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.

New in the Hastings Center Report April 2015

The Hastings Center Report explores how the term 'rationing' has been replaced by 'value' in discussions about controlling health care costs. The report also examines the structure of clinical translation and its impact on patient care.

Polar bears unlikely to thrive on land-based foods

A study by USGS scientists found that polar bears are increasingly forced to eat terrestrial foods like berries, birds, and eggs due to sea ice loss. However, these alternative food sources provide limited nutritional benefits for the bears.

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.

Will the Affordable Care Act eliminate health disparities?

New research reveals that increased health insurance access does not fully close the gap in health outcomes for minority and low-income populations. Expert Marshall Chin emphasizes the need for financial incentives, improved communication, and support for vulnerable populations to overcome existing disparities.

Predicting chronic pain in whiplash injuries

Researchers at Northwestern University have identified a key indicator of chronic pain in whiplash injuries: large amounts of fat in the neck muscles. This discovery enables early treatment and may help prevent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Study finds eyeliner application may cause eye problems

Researchers found that particles from eyeliner can contaminate the eye's tear film, leading to discomfort and potentially irritating sensitive or dry eyes. The study suggests people who wear contact lenses are more likely to notice problems if eyeliner is stuck to their lenses.

Computer model predicts how our livers will store fat

A computer model developed by scientists can predict how the liver stores fat in response to various situations, including drug treatment. This knowledge could help researchers understand and treat diseases, as well as develop new drugs with fewer side effects.

Anticancer drug can spur immune system to fight infection

Low doses of Imatinib can stimulate the bone marrow to produce more innate immune cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages, to combat bacterial infections. This finding suggests that Imatinib or related drugs may be useful in treating a variety of infections in patients with weakened immune systems.

Researchers improve efficiency of human walking

A new unpowered ankle exoskeleton developed by Carnegie Mellon and North Carolina State researchers reduces the metabolic cost of walking by approximately 7%, equivalent to taking off a 10-pound backpack. The device uses a mechanical clutch to offload energy-consuming calf muscle forces, allowing individuals with mobility issues to wal...

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.

Outside CEOs could rejuvenate struggling businesses

A six-decade study found that external CEOs spend more on research and development, indicating a commitment to innovation. Internal CEOs, on the other hand, tend to make larger and more frequent mergers using stock rather than cash.

Old cancer drug could have new use in fighting cancer

Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia found that 6-Thioguanine can change how certain cancer cells function, weakening them so they can be killed by other drugs. This discovery could lead to future cancer treatments using combination therapy.

Scientists drill down to genetic root of prostate tumor development

Researchers mapped genetic changes in tumor samples from 10 men with prostate cancer, revealing a common ancestral cell and shared gene faults. The study provides insight into how prostate cancer spreads and evolves, potentially leading to new treatment targets and personalized approaches.

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.

Accountancy ambitions

Research suggests that accounting profession's negative stereotypes provide professional stability and exclusivity. The study uses 'commedia dell'arte' to analyze the role of stock characters in shaping career choices and perceptions of accountants. The authors argue that maintaining these stereotypes is beneficial for the profession.

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.

A novel way to apply drugs to dental plaque

Researchers develop a novel way to apply drugs to dental plaque using nanoparticles that release antibacterial agents in response to acidic environments. This innovation has shown promising results in reducing the severity of cavities and promoting better oral health.