Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for December 29, 2015


ORNL cell-free protein synthesis is potential lifesaver

A cell-free protein synthesis system developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory uses microfabricated bioreactors to produce therapeutic proteins for medicines and biopharmaceuticals. This technology simplifies the process, lowers cost, and enables point-of-care use.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalSmall·DateDec 29, 2015

Factors predicting low patient accrual in cancer clinical trials

A study analyzed 787 phase II/III clinical trials sponsored by the National Clinical Trials Network, finding that increased competition, planning to enroll a larger proportion of the available population, and lack of new agents were associated with poor accrual. The researchers developed a multivariable prediction model to identify tri...

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 29, 2015

Temple study finds opioid prescribing guideline significantly decreases prescription rates

A Temple University study found that an opioid prescribing guideline significantly decreased prescription rates for minor conditions and chronic noncancer pain in acute care settings. The guideline was implemented in January 2013 and resulted in a high degree of statistical significance across all age groups and complaint categories.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalJournal of Emergency Medicine·DateDec 29, 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.

New breast cancer drug may be effective against other types of cancer

The new oral drug Palbociclib has shown promise in combating various types of cancer beyond breast cancer, including lymphoma, sarcoma, and teratoma. Early trials have demonstrated its effectiveness in slowing tumor growth and improving survival rates in patients with these conditions.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateDec 29, 2015

Reptile fossils offer clues about elevation history of Andes Mountains

The discovery of ancient tortoise and turtle fossils in the Andes Mountains suggests that the region was less than a kilometer above sea level 13 million years ago. The findings support alternative estimates to a recent study and provide insights into climate change caused by rising mountains.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of South American Earth Sciences·DateDec 29, 2015

Plain packaging effective in reducing misperceptions of tobacco products among Australian Indigenous

A study found that plain packaging decreased overall perceptions of healthier tobacco brands by 12%, as well as reduced prestige perceptions among young Indigenous smokers. The findings support the effectiveness of health warnings in reducing global tobacco use, particularly among vulnerable populations.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health·DateDec 29, 2015

NASA looks at deadly weather over the US

The NASA GPM mission analyzed extreme weather in the US from December 2015, detecting heavy rainfall, tornado outbreaks, and record-breaking flooding. The analysis revealed a line of tornadic thunderstorms moving through the Midwest, generating two tornadoes and 14 deaths.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 29, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

PRO as a sustainable energy production system is crippled by biofouling

Pressure-retarded osmosis (PRO) technology is not feasible due to biofouling, which clogs membrane structures and feed channels. Researchers found that organic matter and bacteria in wastewater streams result in extreme biofouling development.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 29, 2015

Physicists come up with a way to make cleaner fuel cells

Researchers have created a new type of membrane that can efficiently convert chemical reactions into electrical current, potentially revolutionizing the fuel cell industry. The development has the potential to replace internal combustion engines and reduce harmful emissions.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateDec 29, 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.

Improving accuracy in genomic mapping with time-series data

Scientists at the University of Minnesota and BioNano Genomics have developed a new method to analyze DNA sequences in nanochannels, enabling more accurate genome mapping. By analyzing the probability distributions of DNA barcode label separations, researchers can identify structural oddities and improve the accuracy of genome maps.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalBiomicrofluidics·DateDec 29, 2015

Technology aids kidney transplant patients

A study using mobile health technology has shown that patients taking kidney transplants can improve their medication adherence and blood pressure levels, leading to better patient outcomes. The innovative approach aims to reduce premature graft loss by providing personalized computer-automated monitoring systems.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·DateDec 29, 2015

Thermal microscopy of single cells

A team of researchers developed a new imaging approach that provides images of a single cell with micrometer resolution using a contrast based on the cell's thermal properties. This technique allows for unprecedented sensitivity in detecting diseased conditions at the sub-cell scale and may aid in optimizing cryopreservation processes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateDec 29, 2015

Clinical research experts comment on the state of their fields

Clinical research experts discuss various topics, including the impact of personalized genomic data on healthcare systems, strategies to combat multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, and population approaches to reduce diabetes incidence. They also highlight the need for improved cancer diagnosis and treatment for neurodegenerative diseases.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 29, 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.

'Spectre' villain fails neuroanatomy in latest Bond film

A real-life neurosurgeon says the Spectre villain's use of a head clamp system and robotic drill was incorrect, as it would have triggered a stroke or massive hemorrhage. Dr. Michael Cusimano praised Blofeld's grasp of Neuroscience but noted he would have failed his neuroanatomy course.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalNature·DateDec 29, 2015

St. Jude researchers develop powerful interactive tool to mine data from cancer genome

The St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has developed ProteinPaint, a web application and dataset that provides an interactive tool for researchers worldwide to advance their understanding of pediatric cancer mutations. The tool offers critical information unavailable with existing visualization tools, allowing users to see the impac...

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 29, 2015

Study ties insurgency phase of Iraq War to higher PTSD rates

A Veterans Affairs study of 738 Iraq war veterans found that those who fought during the insurgency phase were more than twice as likely to develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared to those who served in other phases. The finding holds true even after adjusting for demographic and deployment-related risk factors.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·DateDec 29, 2015

Expanded regimens associated with improved treatment response in MDR-TB

A prospective cohort study found that receiving an average of at least six potentially effective drugs per day was associated with a 36% greater likelihood of responding to treatment. The inclusion of more drugs, particularly pyrazinamide, was also linked to improved sputum culture conversion rates.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 29, 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.

Geomorphic impact of the flooding caused by Tropical Storm Lee in September 2011

The 2011 flood caused by Tropical Storm Lee had a significant impact on the geomorphology of several large watersheds in north-central Pennsylvania. Channel widening and bank erosion were common, and huge volumes of gravel were transported during the flood. The study suggests that part of the reason for these changes was related to the...

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateDec 29, 2015

No easy answers in UW study of legal marijuana's impact on alcohol use

A University of Washington study analyzed over 750 studies on marijuana and alcohol use, finding that legalization policies may lead to both substitution and complementary effects. The research highlights the difficulties in gauging the impact of a formerly illicit drug as it moves into the mainstream.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateDec 29, 2015

High-throughput evaluation of synthetic metabolic pathways

Researchers review challenges and advances in optimizing specific productivity of metabolic pathways in living cells. New tools for library generation, computational analysis, and high-throughput screening are discussed to improve pathway creation and screening.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateDec 29, 2015