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Science News for December 6, 2015


Personalized medicine studies reveal gene targets for epilepsy

Researchers have identified genes linked to epilepsy using innovative technologies such as gene editing and next-generation sequencing. These findings suggest a spectrum of conditions beyond Infantile Spasms or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, prompting the exploration of personalized medicine for genetic forms of epilepsy.

SourceAmerican Epilepsy Society·DateDec 6, 2015

Matchmaker lets calcium flow

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology identified the matchmaker that brings critical calcium channel components together, allowing calcium to rush into cytosol. This finding provides a potential target for developing drugs to modulate T cell activation status.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 6, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Clinical trial results show new drug is better for CLL patients

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that ibrutinib, a targeted drug, was superior to chlorambucil in treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients. The study showed improved progression-free survival, overall response rate, and overall survival rates for patients taking ibrutinib.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 6, 2015

Early gene therapy results in Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome promising

Researchers report improvements in four children treated with gene therapy for Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, including reduced bleeding events and improved immunologic symptoms. The treatment's long-term safety and efficacy remain to be assessed as the children are monitored for 15 years.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·DateDec 6, 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.

Frugal antibiotic prescribing associated with lower GP satisfaction scores

A new study by King's College London found that reduced antibiotic prescribing is associated with lower GP satisfaction scores. The study, which analyzed records from 7,800 general practices, found a 25% lower rate of antibiotic prescribing corresponded to a 5-6 point reduction in GP satisfaction rankings.

SourceKing's College London·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·DateDec 6, 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.

Radio shadow reveals tenuous cosmic gas cloud

Researchers detected radio absorption by gas clouds in front of bright radio sources, revealing the composition and conditions of diffuse gas in the Milky Way galaxy. The discovery of three new absorption systems and confirmation of one previously known system provides insight into tenuous gas clouds and their role in the universe.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of Japan·DateDec 6, 2015

Australian study finds 'no-drill' dentistry stops tooth decay

A University of Sydney study found that 'no-drill' dentistry can stop and reverse tooth decay without traditional fillings. The Caries Management System (CMS) reduces decay risk and need for fillings by 30-50%, partnering patients with dentists for successful treatment.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalCommunity Dentistry And Oral Epidemiology·DateDec 6, 2015

To earn gratitude, put some effort into it

Researchers found that door holders who made a high effort were more likely to receive reciprocation, with recipients saying "thank you" more often. The study also showed that small favors can inspire reciprocal acts, but verbal thanking and helping are not inherently correlated.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateDec 6, 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.