Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive April 2015 - Page 20


Page 20 of 36

Keep moving, studies advise cancer survivors

Studies published in Journal of Cancer Survivorship found that walking three hours a week can improve hormone functioning and vitality in prostate cancer survivors. Regular physical activity also reduces symptoms of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in colorectal cancer survivors, improving quality of life.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Cancer Survivorship·DateApr 16, 2015

Increasing evidence points to inflammation as source of nervous system manifestations of Lyme disease

A new study published in the American Journal of Pathology shows that inflammation plays a causal role in Lyme disease's neurologic changes, and anti-inflammatory drugs like dexamethasone may prevent these effects. Researchers found that dexamethasone prevented many neuropathologic effects, while meloxicam was generally ineffective.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateApr 16, 2015

Poll: Mass. police chiefs favor discretion in issuing concealed gun permits

A survey of Massachusetts police chiefs found that 90% favor keeping discretion in issuing concealed carry permits, citing the need for local knowledge to ensure public safety. Police chiefs reported rare discretionary denials, often due to violent behavior or mental health issues.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Public Health Policy·DateApr 16, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cancer-related PTS linked to very limited cognitive impairment among newly diagnosed breast cancer patients

A new study found that cancer-related post-traumatic stress is associated with very limited cognitive impairment before treatment among newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. The study, published in the JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute, analyzed data from 166 breast cancer patients and 60 matched controls.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 16, 2015

Study reveals possible new avenues for breast cancer therapy

Researchers analyzed over 12,000 proteins in triple-negative breast cancer cells, identifying subtypes and correlations with drug response. The findings suggest that treatments targeting cell spread may be effective against resistant tumors.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 16, 2015

Scientists discover protein that boosts immunity to viruses and cancer

Researchers have discovered a protein called LEM that promotes the proliferation of cytotoxic T cells, which kill cancer cells and cells infected with viruses. The discovery could lead to new gene therapies designed to boost infection-fighting cells and provide a robust treatment for patients.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScience·DateApr 16, 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.

Western lifestyle may limit the diversity of bacteria in the gut

Researchers found that Papua New Guineans have microbiomes with greater bacterial diversity and lower inter-individual variation compared to US residents. The study proposes a model based on ecological theory that explains the decline of microbiota diversity in urban-industrialized societies.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 16, 2015

A new online resource on the Asian longhorned beetle

The article provides a thorough review of the Asian longhorned beetle's biology, life stages, distribution, ecology, and methods of detecting and controlling it. The new online resource will be particularly helpful for forest managers and policymakers, offering a summary of the scientific backing for cooperative eradication programs.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Integrated Pest Management·DateApr 16, 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.

A new mouse model for the study of neurofibromatosis

Researchers at IDIBELL have created new mouse models for studying neurofibromatosis type 1, a rare genetic disorder. The models, which reproduce human tumor characteristics, enable the prediction of tumor development and treatment decisions.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateApr 16, 2015

Flourishing faster: How to make trees grow bigger and quicker

Researchers at the University of Manchester have identified two genes that can drive cell division in tree stems, allowing them to grow larger and more quickly. This discovery could lead to generating trees that produce more biomass for biofuels, chemicals, and materials while minimizing CO2 release.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 16, 2015
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

The connection between mouth bacteria and inflammation in heart disease

The study found a significant association between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease, particularly among men and younger individuals. Researchers suggest that alternative therapies, such as cholesterol-lowering medication, may prevent both oral infections and cardiovascular inflammation.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateApr 16, 2015

Encountering a wall corrects 'GPS' in mouse brains, Stanford study finds

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine found that grid cells in mice accumulate errors while navigating familiar spaces, which are corrected by border cells upon encountering a wall. This discovery supports the theory that these cells use sensory and motion data to construct internal maps.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateApr 16, 2015
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.

Survey shows half of older adults in US now taking aspirin

A national survey found that over half of US older adults are now taking a daily dose of aspirin for primary prevention, with 81% having no prior heart attack or stroke. The reasons cited for its use include heart attack and stroke prevention, as well as cancer prevention.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateApr 16, 2015

Cardiorespiratory fitness reduces disease risk among smokers

Researchers found that highly fit smokers had a 48% lower risk of metabolic syndrome compared to those in low fitness categories. Additionally, moderate fitness levels were associated with reduced risks for elevated fasting blood glucose and abnormal HDL cholesterol levels.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateApr 16, 2015

Engineer improves rechargeable batteries with MoS2 nano 'sandwich'

Researchers have developed a new type of battery electrode made from molybdenum disulfide sheets wrapped in silicon carbonitride, showing improved stability and high lithium capacity. The discovery could lead to more efficient rechargeable batteries for smartphones and other devices.

SourceKansas State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 16, 2015

New genomics tool could help predict tumor aggressiveness, treatment outcomes

A new scoring method called MATH measures genetic variability among cancer cells within tumors from patients with head and neck cancer. High MATH scores correspond to tumors with many differences among gene mutations present in different cancer cells, correlating with lower patient survival.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 16, 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.

Obesity associated with prostate cancer risk in African-American men

Research found a significant association between obesity and increased prostate cancer risk in African American men, with the risk growing nearly four times as body-mass index (BMI) increased. Obesity was also linked to a higher risk of aggressive disease and prostate cancer death among this population.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateApr 16, 2015

With biosimilar drug development on the rise, researchers explore efficacy

Researchers explored the efficacy of biosimilar monoclonal antibody CT-P13 in treating rheumatic diseases, including its similarities and differences with the reference drug infliximab. The study found that CT-P13 is almost identical to infliximab and has similar immunogenicity, but more real-world data are needed on switchability.

SourceFuture Science Group·JournalImmunotherapy·DateApr 16, 2015

Socioeconomic factors affect odds of death after a lung cancer operation

A recent study by the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that socioeconomic factors such as income level, education, and hospital type significantly impact lung cancer patients' odds of death within 30 days after surgery. Patients from lower-income households were 25% more likely to die than those in higher-income areas.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateApr 16, 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.

Novel plasma diagnostics method

Researchers have created a novel plasma diagnostics method by studying the pressure change at the inner walls of energy-saving light bulbs. The technique measures the force exerted on a solid surface by plasma, providing insights into processes that conventional probes can't detect.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateApr 16, 2015

Family history increases the risk of cardiac arrest in patients on dialysis

A study of 647,457 patients on chronic dialysis found that genetically related family members have a 70% increased risk of cardiac arrest compared to unrelated patients. This increased risk is attributed to inherited genetic factors, which may contribute to the high mortality rate among dialysis patients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 16, 2015

After prostate cancer, start walking

A new Northwestern Medicine study found that walking at an easy pace for three hours a week improves prostate cancer survivors' fatigue, depression, and body weight issues. Non-vigorous walking also showed benefits in these areas, with brisk walking potentially leading to similar improvements.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Cancer Survivorship·DateApr 16, 2015
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.

Diversity is key to stability, grassland study finds

A University of Minnesota study found that reducing biodiversity in grasslands leads to reduced ecosystem stability, while other factors have no impact. The research emphasizes the importance of preserving biodiversity to maintain ecosystem health and services.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalScience·DateApr 16, 2015

Are populations aging more slowly than we think?

Research finds that faster increases in life expectancy do not necessarily lead to faster population aging when using alternative measures of age. Instead, the study shows that faster increases in life expectancy can lead to slower population aging when taking into account the time left to live.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 15, 2015

Immunology: Macrophages as T-cell primers

Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München demonstrate that macrophages can effectively substitute for dendritic cells as primers of T-cell-dependent immune responses. They stimulate a more comprehensive immune reaction than cross-presenting dendritic cells, activating T-cells specific for all antigen-binding sites.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 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.

W. James Lewis receives 2015 Impact Award

W. James Lewis received the 2015 AMS Award for Impact on the Teaching and Learning of Mathematics, recognizing his career-long advocacy for integrating mathematics research and education. He established a national model for teaching at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, shaping math education across the country.

SourceAmerican Mathematical Society·DateApr 15, 2015

Unnecessary preoperative testing still done on cataract patients

Researchers found routine preoperative testing for cataract surgery is still done in 53% of patients, despite being unnecessary. Testing varies widely among ophthalmologists and seems to be driven more by provider behavior than patient characteristics.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 15, 2015
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.

How Twitter can help predict emergency room visits

Researchers created a model that predicts asthma-related emergency room visits with 75% accuracy by analyzing Twitter data and air quality sensors. The study highlights the potential of big data to address health challenges, particularly for chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalIEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics·DateApr 15, 2015

New synthetic technology for medicines and fine chemicals

A University of Tokyo research group has successfully synthesized (R)- and (S)-rolipram in high yield with high selectivity using a catalyzed flow fine synthesis. This new technology eliminates excess energy, purification steps, and waste generation, offering a promising solution for the production of medicines and fine chemicals.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature·DateApr 15, 2015

Infants born prematurely: 2 studies identify routes to better outcomes

Researchers found that early, high-quality caregiving can reduce risks associated with preterm birth and improve cognitive and social development. A new intervention program also showed promise in promoting sensitive parent-child interactions and enhancing parents' enthusiasm for their children.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateApr 15, 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.

MIT sensor detects spoiled meat

A new sensor developed by MIT chemists uses carbon nanotubes to detect gases emitted by rotting meat, offering a cheaper and more accurate alternative to traditional methods. The sensor could reduce food waste by identifying safe consumption dates for perishable items.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateApr 15, 2015

Should a political party form a coalition? Voters and math decide

A mathematical model proposes that parties form coalitions based on interactions with voters and constituents, analyzing the likelihood of coalition formation. The model accounts for eight different possibilities that can change over time.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Applied Mathematics·DateApr 15, 2015

Many teens try e-cigarettes, but few become regular users

A study of over 6,500 Welsh schoolchildren found that many try e-cigarettes but only a small percentage become regular users. The research suggests that e-cigarettes may have a wider appeal than tobacco among all sectors of the teen population.

SourceCardiff University·JournalBMJ Open·DateApr 15, 2015

Father (and mother) knows best

A new study finds that healthcare providers' passive and reassuring responses to parental concerns about early development delays ASD diagnoses by up to 2 years. Early identification of ASD is crucial for improved long-term developmental outcomes.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateApr 15, 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.

Many teens try e-cigs, but few become regular users

A recent study found that e-cigarette use is more common than traditional cigarette use among some teen groups, particularly those aged 11-16, who are also more likely to be smokers. The research suggests that e-cigarettes may have a wider appeal than previously thought, but regular use remains relatively rare.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateApr 15, 2015

Disruption of sleep in children could hamper memory processes

A study found that sleep disordered breathing can negatively impact declarative memory, making it harder for children to consciously recall learned information. Non-declarative memory, which involves learning new skills through reaction times, was less affected by sleep disturbances.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·DateApr 15, 2015

Inside health-reform savings

The Pioneer Accountable Care Organization program achieved a 1.2% savings in its first year, with overall spending reductions totaling $118 million. Researchers found that higher-spending ACOs were able to achieve greater savings, suggesting a need for benchmarks that encourage participation from these organizations.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 15, 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.