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Science News Archive April 2015 - Page 17


Page 17 of 36

Study sheds new light on a crucial enzyme for the immune response

Researchers at the IRCM have discovered a new mechanism affecting AID, a crucial enzyme for the immune response, which could lead to improved treatment for the common flu, as well as lymphoma and leukemia. The study identified a protein eEF1a that retains AID in the cell's cytoplasm, allowing it to access the nucleus and boost activity.

SourceInstitut de recherches cliniques de Montreal·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateApr 20, 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.

Fake malaria drugs not as common as previously reported

Researchers analyzed 2,028 antimalarials from Cambodia and Tanzania, finding no evidence of fake medicines, but substandard drugs were present in 31% of samples in Cambodia and 12% in Tanzania. The study highlights the importance of surveillance to protect patients and prevent drug resistance.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateApr 20, 2015

New guideline on how to treat the 1 in 10 who experience a first seizure

A new guideline from the American Academy of Neurology and the American Epilepsy Society aims to help doctors treat the millions of people who experience their first seizure each year. The guideline found that taking epilepsy drugs immediately after a first seizure may reduce the risk of having another seizure.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 20, 2015
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.

A common nerve protein elevated in aggressive neuroblastomas

A common nerve protein, neuropeptide Y (NPY), is elevated in the blood of patients with aggressive neuroblastomas, associated with adverse prognostic factors and worse survival rates. NPY may serve as a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for this pediatric cancer.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·DateApr 20, 2015

Pruning of blood vessels: Cells can fuse with themselves

Researchers have described the process of blood vessel pruning on a cellular level, revealing that cells can fuse with themselves to close vessels and prevent blood leakage. This discovery sheds light on the vascular system's ability to regulate itself through plasticity.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 20, 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.

MD Anderson study points to potential new lung cancer therapy

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have uncovered a novel mechanism by which the tumor suppressor gene p53 regulates PD-L1, allowing non-small cell lung cancer to grow. MicroRNA delivery with existing treatments may represent a new therapeutic approach for lung cancer.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateApr 20, 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.

Global pandemic of fake medicines poses urgent risk, scientists say

A global pandemic of fake medicines threatens decades of progress in combating HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. Up to 41% of drug samples studied failed to meet quality standards, highlighting the urgent need for improved surveillance and detection methods.

SourceNIH/Fogarty International Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateApr 20, 2015

Detecting lung cancer at an early stage

Researchers have developed a new diagnostic method called spectral histopathology that facilitates marker-free detection of individual subtypes of lung cancers. The accuracy of this method is higher than traditional histopathology, reaching over 92%, allowing for more precise diagnosis and personalized treatment options.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·DateApr 20, 2015

New study unravels why common blood pressure medicine can fail

Researchers at University of Maryland School of Medicine discovered a key mechanism for thiazide drugs' failure in some patients, leading to the development of new treatments. The study found nearly 400 genes change their activity to help regulate salt retention, shedding light on how the body counteracts thiazides.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 20, 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.

Don't judge a book -- or a plant -- by its cover!

A study by University of Montreal and University of Western Australia scientists reveals that plants in Australian bushland use an array of root strategies to obtain nutrients from poor soils, defying expectations.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Plants·DateApr 20, 2015

Dual-energy CT imaging improves pancreatic cancer assessment

DECT imaging enhances pancreatic cancer assessment through improved lesion detection and characterization, potentially improving patient outcomes. The technique has shown promise in detecting and evaluating pancreatic tumors, offering a more comprehensive analysis than traditional single-energy CT imaging.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·DateApr 20, 2015

New clues to treat juvenile diabetes

Researchers at UC Davis may have discovered a new way to regenerate beta cells in the pancreas, which could potentially lead to a cure for juvenile diabetes. The study's findings suggest that immature beta cells can arise from alpha cells, offering a new paradigm shift in the treatment of the disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateApr 20, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Listen to your heart: Why your brain may give away how well you know yourself

A study published in Cerebral Cortex found that brain activity differs between people who improve at tapping out their heartbeat and those who don't. The researchers also discovered a correlation between brain activity and subjective performance, suggesting that brain signals can provide a marker of objective performance.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateApr 20, 2015

Study: Soil nutrients may limit ability of plants to slow climate change

Climate models assume plants will absorb more CO2 as carbon dioxide levels rise, but a new study suggests limited soil nutrients may curb this growth. The research found that nitrogen limitation could reduce plant uptake of CO2 by 19%, while combined limitations would decrease it by 25%.

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 20, 2015

Is there such a thing as 'pure' autism?

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found no genome-wide significant associations between genetic variants and autism spectrum disorder. Instead, the researchers suggest that clinical variability in autism may be due to factors such as epigenetic changes or environmental responses. The study's results have implications for f...

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateApr 20, 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.

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: Leading doctors warn that sepsis deaths will not be curbed without radical rethink of research strategy

Sepsis, a life-threatening condition causing widespread inflammation and organ failure, is poorly understood despite being one of the best-known medical disorders. The Lancet Infectious Diseases Commission recommends prioritizing biomarkers, education, and public awareness to improve diagnosis and treatment.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateApr 19, 2015

New subsets of lung cancer with KRAS gene mutations identified

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center identified three subsets of lung cancer with KRAS gene mutations, each with unique signaling patterns and susceptibility to different therapeutic strategies. These subsets may offer new approaches for treating lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateApr 19, 2015

Seeking new targets for ovarian cancer treatment

A study has identified molecular changes that occur in tissue after chemotherapy in ovarian cancer patients. The researchers found that these changes could be potential targets for new, more personalized drugs. The findings have the potential to advance treatments for ovarian cancer.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·DateApr 19, 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.

Broccoli sprout extract promising for head and neck cancer prevention

Researchers have found that broccoli sprout extract can protect against oral cancer in mice and has shown protective changes in the lining of the mouths of healthy human volunteers. A human clinical trial is underway to explore its potential in preventing head and neck cancer recurrence.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·DateApr 19, 2015
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.

Literacy app improves school readiness in at-risk preschoolers

A new study by NYU Steinhardt found that an educational app can accelerate learning and improve phonological awareness in low-income preschoolers. The app, Learn with Homer, was effective in boosting school readiness skills, closing the 'app gap' in access to technology for disadvantaged children.

SourceNew York University·DateApr 19, 2015
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Gene signatures predict doxorubicin response in K9 osteosarcoma

A gene expression model called COXEN predicts canine osteosarcoma response to doxorubicin, potentially allowing veterinary oncologists to choose the most effective drug. The approach validates human models used to predict drug response in clinical trials.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·DateApr 19, 2015

Potential migraine therapy to be presented April 22 by Achelios Therapeutics

TOPOFEN, a proprietary gel formulation of ketoprofen, has demonstrated greater improvement in pain assessments and faster time to pain response compared to placebo in moderate and severe migraine sufferers. The study results suggest that TOPOFEN can be a safe and effective alternative treatment for patients suffering from acute migraine.

SourceBarry Teater, Self-employed PR consultant·DateApr 18, 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.

A call to US educators: Learn from Canada

Canada's Province of Ontario has implemented successful education reform initiatives through cooperation and experimentation, with an emphasis on inclusivity. Key findings include the importance of feedback from diverse stakeholders, inclusive policies for native peoples, and addressing out-of-school problems.

SourceBoston College·DateApr 18, 2015

College rankings go under the microscope

Education researchers say college rankings may be doing more harm than good, with institutions criticizing their methods and influence on choice trends. Experts are proposing a research agenda to better understand rankings methodologies and their impact on consumers and institutions.

SourceBoston College·DateApr 18, 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.

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

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
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.

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

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