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Science News Archive April 2015 - Page 28


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.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Urban Health·DateApr 9, 2015

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.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A·DateApr 9, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalGenome Biology·DateApr 8, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 8, 2015

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.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateApr 8, 2015

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.

SourceSAGE·JournalHuman Relations·DateApr 8, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateApr 8, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateApr 8, 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.

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.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 8, 2015

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.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature·DateApr 8, 2015

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 8, 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.

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...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 8, 2015

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.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateApr 8, 2015

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.

SourceBrown University·JournalInternational Journal of Public Health·DateApr 8, 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.

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAnnals of Biomedical Engineering·DateApr 8, 2015

Genetic screening could improve breast cancer prevention

A test for 77 genetic risk factors showed a significant link between a woman's polygenic risk score and her breast cancer risk, with those in the top 20% being 1.8 times more likely to develop breast cancer than average women.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 8, 2015

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 8, 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.

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.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateApr 8, 2015

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.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalNature·DateApr 8, 2015

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.

SourceNational Center for Child Health and Development·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 8, 2015

8 reasons the US Surgeon General should announce that UV tanning causes skin cancer

A University of Colorado Cancer Center opinion argues that announcing the causality could save lives. The link between UV tanning and skin cancer is supported by eight out of nine criteria used to determine a causal relationship in disease, including strength of association, consistency of association, and temporality.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateApr 8, 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.

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.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalNature·DateApr 8, 2015

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.

SourceGenetics Society of America·JournalGenetics·DateApr 8, 2015

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.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateApr 8, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·DateApr 8, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateApr 8, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 8, 2015

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.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 8, 2015

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.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Medicine·DateApr 8, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 8, 2015

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.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 8, 2015

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.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalOptica·DateApr 8, 2015

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.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateApr 8, 2015

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 8, 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.

No association between lung cancer risk in women and reproductive history or hormone use

The study of over 160,000 postmenopausal women revealed no significant link between lung cancer risk and reproductive history or hormone therapy. However, some subgroups showed reduced risks for specific types of lung cancer, emphasizing the need for further research into complex relationships.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateApr 8, 2015

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateApr 8, 2015

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.

SourceMonash University·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateApr 8, 2015
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.

Osteoporosis-related fractures in China expected to double by 2035

Osteoporosis-related fractures in China are expected to double by 2035, with costs rising to approximately US$25.58 billion by 2050. The study also found that women account for 73% of total costs, sustaining three times more fractures than men.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateApr 8, 2015

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.

SourceDrexel University·JournalNeuron·DateApr 8, 2015

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateApr 8, 2015

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.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateApr 8, 2015
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 8, 2015