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Science News for December 30, 2015


Taking vitamin D may benefit people with MS

A study found that taking high-dose vitamin D3 supplements can reduce the percentage of T cells related to MS activity, leading to a decrease in interleukin 17 levels. The results suggest that vitamin D may be an inexpensive, safe, and convenient treatment option for people with multiple sclerosis.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateDec 30, 2015

Roger D. Borcherdt wins the 2016 Bruce A. Bolt Medal

Roger D. Borcherdt receives the 2016 Bruce A. Bolt Medal for his exceptional contributions to seismology and engineering seismology, including pioneering site-response studies and theoretical solutions for wave propagation problems.

SourceSeismological Society of America·DateDec 30, 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.

Increasing LNG exports 'marginally positive' for US economy

Increasing US LNG exports will allow domestic natural-gas-intensive industries to remain competitive globally. The study found that LNG exports are associated with a net increase in domestic natural gas production, and their impact on the macroeconomy is marginally positive.

SourceRice University·DateDec 30, 2015

What are the risks of giving birth inside and outside a hospital setting?

A new study found that out-of-hospital births in Oregon were associated with a higher risk of perinatal death, while in-hospital births were linked to increased cesarean deliveries and other obstetric interventions. However, the overall risk for perinatal death was low in all settings.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 30, 2015

New method for better treatment of breast cancer

A novel PET/CT imaging method has been shown to accurately measure HER2 expression in metastatic breast cancer, potentially leading to more optimal individualized treatments. This non-invasive technique may one day substitute traditional tissue sampling.

SourceUppsala University·JournalTheranostics·DateDec 30, 2015

T cells that recognize HER2 teceptor may prevent HER2+ breast cancer recurrence

Researchers have identified a specific weakness in the immune system of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, which may be corrected with a HER2-targeted vaccine. T cells from patients with recurrent cancer showed weaker response to the HER2 receptor protein compared to those without recurrence.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateDec 30, 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.

Virtual colonoscopy an alternative to FOB test & colonoscopy for colorectal cancer?

A study published in JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that virtual colonoscopy had higher detection rates than traditional methods like FIT and OC. The researchers concluded that combination of lower attendance and higher detection rate makes CTC a key factor for optimization of its role in population screening.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 30, 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.

Research finds parents can play a role in preventing teen fighting

A study by LA BioMed suggests that involving parents in violence prevention programs and tailoring them to specific racial/ethnic groups can improve their effectiveness. The research found that Latino parents condoned fighting only as a last resort, while African American parents sometimes saw it as necessary.

SourceLA BioMed·JournalJournal of Child and Family Studies·DateDec 30, 2015

Travel distance is still a barrier to breast reconstruction after mastectomy

A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that long travel distances continue to be a significant barrier to breast reconstruction after mastectomy for US women. Reconstruction rates varied by type of hospital and distance traveled, with greater disparities observed at academic hospitals and high-volume centers.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateDec 30, 2015

Let hunger be your guide

Research found that eating moderately hungry reduces blood glucose levels after meals, whereas eating when not hungry may be detrimental to health. This study suggests that individuals should listen to their hunger cues and eat when they're truly hungry rather than relying on convenience foods.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateDec 30, 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.

NASA analyzes Paraguay's heavy rainfall

NASA analyzed rainfall totals in Paraguay and found the highest amounts occurred northeast of Asuncion, with over 400 mm recorded in central and southern parts. The strong El Niño phenomenon is believed to be the cause of the heavy flooding, affecting over 150,000 people across Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 30, 2015

With Botox 'chemodenervation,' dermal fillers last longer

A study found that combining botulinum toxin with hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers reduces degradation and increases remaining volume, leading to longer-lasting cosmetic improvements. Chemodenervation using Botox results in a 42% decrease in degradation rate and a 50% increase in HA filler volume at three months.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateDec 30, 2015

3-D footage of nematode brains links neurons with motion and behavior

Scientists recorded 3-D footage of neural activity in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, a worm species with a nervous system containing just 302 neurons. The study revealed surprising correlations between neural activity and behavior, including turning movements.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Extinguishing thirdhand smoke

Thirdhand smoke is a persistent and hazardous environmental contaminant left behind by smoking. Researchers at San Diego State University are studying its spread and effects on human health, with a focus on vulnerable populations like young children and those with compromised immune systems. The team has found links between thirdhand s...

SourceSan Diego State University·DateDec 30, 2015