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Science News for December 23, 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.

January JDR highlights dental implant complications and peri-implantitis

New evidence on dental implants reveals the importance of tooth preservation in patients with gum infections. The studies suggest that teeth compromised by periodontal disease or endodontic problems may have a longer longevity than average implants.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateDec 23, 2015

Kidney injury common following vascular surgery

Patients undergoing major vascular surgery experienced high rates of acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease, increasing long-term cardiovascular-specific death. Preoperative risk stratification through estimated glomerular filtration rate and albuminuria can help prevent or mitigate further decline in kidney function.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateDec 23, 2015

Geologic formation could hold clues to melting glacier floodwaters

Geologists have discovered a unique landform in the Wabash River Valley that was formed by erosion from melting glacier floodwaters. The finding provides insight into how floodwaters may behave as glaciers continue to melt today, with potential effects on surrounding landscapes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateDec 23, 2015

Comparing chemical and surgical castration for prostate cancer

A study published in JAMA Oncology found that surgical castration was associated with lower risks of fractures, peripheral artery disease, and cardiac complications compared to medical castration. However, no significant difference was observed between the two treatments for diabetes and cognitive disorders.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateDec 23, 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.

Mapping cancer's 'social networks' opens new approaches to treatment

Researchers have developed a computer model that applies social network analysis techniques to identify new ways of treating cancer. The model maps the interactions between cancer-causing proteins, predicting which ones will be most effectively targeted with drugs.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateDec 23, 2015

Brain's mysteries unraveled through computational neuropsychiatry

Researchers develop algorithm to quantify brain map continuity, finding pathological processing reflected by discontinuity rather than signal reduction. This discovery may serve as biomarker for neurological pathologies and enable early detection of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 23, 2015

How temperature determines sex in alligators

Researchers have found that temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) in American alligators is linked to the thermosensor protein TRPV4. The study shows that warm temperatures activate cell signaling, influencing gene expression and leading to partial feminization at male-producing temperatures.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 23, 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.

The power of touch

A new study by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute reveals that tropical slipper limpets alter their sex change in response to physical contact with conspecifics. The larger snail changes to female sooner, while the smaller one delays its sex change.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalBiological Bulletin·DateDec 23, 2015

UAlberta innovation sheds light on how genetic information travels from cell's nucleus

Researchers at UAlberta have developed a new microscope technology that allows them to observe particles in a living yeast cell and track the route of RNA transport from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. This breakthrough finding has significant implications for medical advances and understanding of cellular biology.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateDec 23, 2015

Hepatitis C tied to increased risk of Parkinson's

A nationwide study in Taiwan found that people with hepatitis C virus were nearly 30% more likely to develop Parkinson's disease than those without. The study involved over 49,000 participants and followed them for an average of 12 years.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateDec 23, 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.

Description of mechanism that halts solar eruptions

Researchers at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory have discovered a mechanism that can halt solar eruptions before they reach the Earth. This finding could improve the timing of future space missions and provide crucial insights for protecting satellites and power grids from geomagnetic storms.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalNature·DateDec 23, 2015

Optoelectronic microprocessors built using existing chip manufacturing

A team of researchers at MIT has successfully built a working optoelectronic microprocessor, demonstrating the feasibility of optical communication in computing. The chip computes electronically but uses light to move information, potentially reducing power consumption and increasing performance.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateDec 23, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New SIR-Network Model helps predict dengue fever epidemic in urban areas

A new mathematical model helps researchers predict the spread of dengue fever in urban areas by analyzing neighborhood conditions and human travel patterns. The SIR-Network model reveals that central neighborhoods are crucial hubs for transmission, emphasizing the need for countermeasures before epidemics peak.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Applied Mathematics·DateDec 23, 2015

Music therapy increases effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation for COPD patients

Patients with COPD who received music therapy in conjunction with standard rehabilitation showed improved symptoms, psychological well-being, and quality of life. Music therapy incorporated breath control techniques, patient-preferred music, and visualizations to increase engagement and cope with chronic disease challenges.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalRespiratory Medicine·DateDec 23, 2015

UGA ecologist finds another cause of antibiotic resistance

A new study by UGA ecologist J. Vaun McArthur reveals high levels of antibiotic resistance in streams near the Savannah River Site due to environmental contaminants like metals. The contaminated streams have no known input from antibiotics and show that industrial legacy waste can contribute to antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateDec 23, 2015

Articles examine relationship between skin and endocrine disorders

Two studies investigated the relationship between skin disorders and endocrine diseases. The first study found a higher prevalence of insulin resistance among men with acne, while the second study identified hirsutism and acanthosis nigricans as key skin features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateDec 23, 2015

A mathematical model for animal stripes

Researchers assembled various models into a single equation to identify the variables controlling stripe formation. The integrated model predicts three main perturbations that can affect how stripes orient, including changes in production and parameter gradients.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Systems·DateDec 23, 2015
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.

Re-evaluating guidelines for testing and treating toenail fungus

Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital re-evaluate guidelines for testing and treating toenail fungus, finding that confirmatory testing may no longer be necessary for certain therapies. The study suggests that blanket recommendations should be replaced with tailored recommendations based on specific treatments.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateDec 23, 2015

Evidence of past volcanic activity in the Caribbean Sea

A 140-meter long sediment core from the Caribbean Sea has uncovered evidence of a massive 2.4 million-year-old volcanic eruption, which was likely larger than any recorded event in the region. The discovery provides valuable insights into past volcanic activity and its potential impact on future eruptions.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateDec 23, 2015

Changing architecture: A new understanding of the spatial organization

A research team has generated comprehensive 3D maps of the mouse genome's spatial organization, showing how genes are regulated and interact. The findings could help track down genes involved in hereditary diseases, such as cancer and congenital disorders.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateDec 23, 2015

UCLA researchers create exceptionally strong and lightweight new metal

UCLA researchers have developed a super-strong yet light structural metal by infusing magnesium with dense silicon carbide nanoparticles, achieving record levels of specific strength and stiffness-to-weight ratio. The new metal has potential applications in airplanes, cars, mobile electronics, and biomedical devices.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature·DateDec 23, 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.

Study assessed impacts of Deepwater Horizon oil spill on sea turtles

Researchers estimated that upwards of 320,000 green, loggerhead, and Kemp's ridley sea turtles were likely present within the spill site, with over 95% originating from outside the US. The study provides new geopolitical context to the scope of the oil spill's impacts.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalBiology Letters·DateDec 23, 2015

In China, training doctors reduced STI risk

A study published in The Lancet Global Health found that doctors trained on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) had 38% lower odds of patients being infected with gonorrhea or chlamydia. This training also led to improved knowledge among physicians and reduced rates of new STI transmissions.

SourceBrown University·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateDec 23, 2015

A quantum of light for material science

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute have developed a novel theoretical method to simulate material properties, including the effects of photons. This approach treats particles and photons as a quantum fluid, allowing for accurate descriptions of electron-photon interactions.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 23, 2015

Dating historic activity at Oso site shows recurring major landslides

Researchers analyzed woody debris and used radiocarbon dating to map the history of activity at the Oso site. The study shows that slopes in the area around Oso have collapsed on average once every 500 years, with a higher rate of about once every 140 years over the past 2,000 years.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalGeology·DateDec 23, 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.

Study: Positive results for new oral drug for pulmonary hypertension

Selexipag, an orally available selective prostacyclin IP receptor agonist, demonstrates effectiveness in treating pulmonary hypertension, reducing hospitalizations by 40%. The medication targets a well-known disease pathway, improving heart function and opening blood vessels to the lungs.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 23, 2015

Absence of serotonin alters development and function of brain circuits

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University created a complete model to describe serotonin's role in brain development and structure. The study supports the importance of serotonin for normal functioning of neurons, synapses, and networks in the cortex.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Neurophysiology·DateDec 23, 2015

Educating patients improves knowledge and attitudes about participating in research

A study by Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine found that a tailored video education program improved cancer patients' knowledge and reduced negative attitudes towards clinical trials. The PRE-ACT program was more effective than text-based information in encouraging participants to consider clinical trials.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateDec 23, 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.

HIV antibody infusion safely suppresses virus in infected people

A single infusion of VRC01 can suppress HIV levels by over 10-fold in some individuals, even without antiretroviral therapy. The treatment remains safe and well-tolerated, but its effectiveness varies depending on the individual's viral load.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 23, 2015

Targeting fat-tissue hormone may lead to type 2 diabetes treatment

Researchers developed an antibody targeting a hormone in adipose tissue called aP2 to improve glucose regulation and reduce liver fat in obese mice. The study found that one of the antibodies effectively improved glucose regulation in two independent models of obesity, with beneficial reductions in liver fat.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 23, 2015

Genome misfolding unearthed as new path to cancer

Researchers discovered a novel pathway to cancer that involves the misfolding of the genome and IDH mutations. This disruption allows a potent growth factor gene to be activated by an always-on gene switch, leading to cancer growth.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature·DateDec 23, 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.

Personalizing cancer therapies may combat resistance to targeted therapy drugs

Researchers discovered a novel mechanism of resistance and re-sensitization to first-generation ALK inhibitors in a patient with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer. The study highlights the importance of repeat biopsies and molecular profiling to uncover novel resistance mechanisms.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 23, 2015

Exeter scientists call for reduction in plastic lab waste

Researchers at the University of Exeter estimate that bio scientific research generates 1.8% of global plastic production, equivalent to 67 cruise ships a year. They propose funding agencies incentivize greener practices with budget for lab recycling facilities and grant application requirements.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature·DateDec 23, 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.

Levels of antibodies in saliva are associated with risk of mortality

A new University of Birmingham study has found that lower levels of antibodies in saliva are associated with an elevated risk of mortality. The research discovered a negative correlation between IgA secretion rate and all-cause mortality rates, with underlying associations to cancer mortality, particularly non-lung cancers.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 23, 2015

UTA physicists devise gene therapy platform for macular degeneration patients

Researchers at UTA have developed a new platform that uses ultrafast near-infrared lasers to deliver gene therapy to damaged areas of the retina, enabling vision restoration in patients with macular degeneration. The laser-based method has been shown to be more effective than traditional chemical gene delivery systems.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateDec 23, 2015

Marijuana derivative reduces seizures in people with treatment-resistant epilepsy

A new open-label trial of prescription cannabidiol (CBD) shows significant reduction in seizure frequency and well-tolerated for most children and young adults. The study also found a sufficient safety profile with minimal adverse events, but more research is needed to definitively recommend CBD as a treatment.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateDec 23, 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.

Unsynching the heartbeat a bit each day halts worsening heart failure

Scientists found that brief exposure to 'asynchrony' using a pacemaker can reverse cellular damage, fix damaged motor proteins in the heart muscle, and boost the heart's response to hormones like adrenaline. The therapy uses alternating electrical shocks to push the heart into normal synchronization for part of each day.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 23, 2015

Weight-loss programs tailored to a person's genome may be coming soon

A recent report finds that genetic information and data collection from noninvasive devices can help develop personalized weight management plans. With the falling cost of genome sequencing and portable monitors, scientists have the ability to collect the necessary data but need better analytical tools to analyze it.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalObesity·DateDec 23, 2015

Mental disorders associated with subsequent chronic physical conditions

An international survey of mental health disorders and their association with chronic physical conditions found a significant link between the two. The study identified 16 mental health disorders and 10 chronic physical conditions, suggesting that mental disorders can increase the risk of developing these conditions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateDec 23, 2015

Vitamin D deficiency does not increase risk and severity of OSA

A recent study found no link between vitamin D deficiency and increased risk or severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in elderly men. The study suggests that taking additional vitamin D supplements is unlikely to prevent or improve OSA.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateDec 23, 2015