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Science News Archive December 2015 - Page 24


Page 24 of 32

Risky sexual behavior by young men with HIV who have sex with men

Young men with HIV who have sex with men are more likely to report condomless anal sex, particularly with a partner not infected with HIV. Behavioral approaches to improve engagement in care and medication adherence may need to occur in concert with interventions to reduce risky sexual behaviors.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateDec 7, 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.

New molecular structure reveals how bluetongue virus enters host cells

Researchers have uncovered the atomic-level structure of the bluetongue virus, providing a detailed understanding of its mechanism of entry into host cells. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more effective vaccines and treatments against this devastating disease.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateDec 7, 2015

New innovative method for delivering genes into cells

Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology have developed a novel gene-transfection method that uses electrostatic manipulation in water-in-oil droplets. This technique increases transfection efficiency and cell viability compared to traditional methods, offering promising applications in regenerative medicine and gene therapy.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 7, 2015

Including plant acclimation to temperature change improves climate models

Researchers found that including plants' acclimation to changes in temperature improves climate model accuracy, especially for tropical forests. Adding formulas for acclimation increases carbon exchange simulations by 36%, leading to a better understanding of how regions will respond to warmer temperatures.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateDec 7, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Three studies point to effectiveness of new therapies for multiple myeloma

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have conducted three studies demonstrating the effectiveness of new drug combinations in treating relapsed or treatment-resistant multiple myeloma. The trials showed impressive partial and complete remissions, as well as increased duration of remissions with tolerable side effects.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·DateDec 7, 2015

A supplement for myelin regeneration

Researchers identified a nuclear receptor protein called RXRgamma, which promotes OPC differentiation and remyelination. A vitamin D-activating drug may enhance remyelination in MS patients by controlling myelin sheath regeneration.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateDec 7, 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.

Pancreatitis often caused by gallstones -- also statins increase risk

A University of Eastern Finland study found that small gallstones are often caused by idiopathic pancreatitis and can be prevented by laparoscopic gallbladder removal surgery. Statin use was also associated with an increased risk of acute pancreatitis, especially during the first year of use.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateDec 7, 2015

Cities support a greater number of threatened species than non-urban areas

A recent study from Australia found that urban environments contain disproportionately more threatened protected species in a given area than non-urban environments. Cities consistently supported a greater number of protected species than other areas, showcasing the importance of cities in tackling biodiversity loss.

SourceWiley·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateDec 7, 2015

Diabetes and its effect on bone is key topic at Abu Dhabi meeting

Experts presented research on the complex relationship between diabetes and bone, highlighting increased risk of fragility fractures in people with type 2 diabetes. The studies found that diabetic patients may experience higher BMD but lower bone microstructure quality, leading to an increased risk of wrist fracture.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateDec 7, 2015
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Testosterone-lowering therapy for prostate cancer may increase Alzheimer's risk

A study of medical records found that men taking androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer were almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease as those who didn't undergo the therapy. The longer duration of ADT, the greater the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateDec 7, 2015
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Obesity contributes to metastasis in ovarian cancer patients

A recent study published in Cancer Research reveals that obesity contributes to metastasis in ovarian cancer patients. Researchers from the University of Notre Dame found that tumor cells are better able to metastasize when grown in a high-fat environment, suggesting potential targets for dietary and therapeutic interventions.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalCancer Research·DateDec 7, 2015

Studies reveal better options for managing status epilepticus in children

Researchers have found that continuous intravenous infusions may not be appropriate for all patients with drug-resistant status epilepticus, while a sedative called ketamine is increasingly used as a treatment option. The duration of status epilepticus in children depends on factors such as the length of time between seizure onset and ...

SourceAmerican Epilepsy Society·DateDec 7, 2015
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Professor Federico Rosei of INRS wins the John C. Polanyi Award

Professor Federico Rosei of INRS Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications Research Centre has received the 2016 John C. Polanyi Award from the Canadian Society for Chemistry. He is known for his research on nanostructured materials and has earned several national and international awards.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·DateDec 7, 2015

New model to track animal paths from solar geolocators

A new model has been developed to track animal movements using solar geolocators, providing more precise locations and behavioral data for migratory species. The FLightR R package enables accurate estimates of migration routes with increased precision than traditional methods.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalMovement Ecology·DateDec 7, 2015

'Dark matter' in cancer genome prompts immune response

A team of researchers discovered non-coding RNA molecules in cancer cells that stimulate an immune response by mimicking pathogens. The findings suggest these molecules may play a significant role in mediating immune responses against cancer.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 2015

Nanotube letters spell progress

The Rice researchers used experiments and simulations to study the stiffness of joined nanotubes and found that some types are tougher than others, with all having potential uses in macroscale structures. The team discovered that the X's were the stiffest and most able to bounce back to nearly their original shapes.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 7, 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.

Chasing invasive cancer cells with a laser

Researchers create spatiotemporal genomic analysis (SAGA) technique to study differences in cellular behavior, including cell migration and response to chemotherapy. This approach may lead to new treatments that hamper metastasis.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·DateDec 7, 2015

Sperm crane their neck to turn right

Researchers at the University of Warwick discovered that sperm tails rotate in a counter-clockwise motion to move through fluids. Approximately 50% of observed sperm moved to the right by distorting their bodies to counteract the left-turning force, suggesting two distinct physiologically subpopulations

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 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.

Study finds most crowded US hospitals did not adopt proven interventions

A study published in Health Affairs found that the most crowded US hospital emergency departments did not adopt effective interventions to improve flow, leading to worse patient care and outcomes. Despite increased adoption of strategies to reduce crowding over four years, many hospitals still failed to implement proven interventions.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalHealth Affairs·DateDec 7, 2015

No clear choice among newly available once-weekly diabetes medications

Once-weekly GLP-1RAs lack clear-cut benefits and harms, making it challenging to choose the most suitable medication. The medications share similar outcomes for blood pressure and lipids but have differences in terms of HbA1c reduction and body weight, as well as risk of nausea and heart rate increase.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 7, 2015

New technology may standardize sickle cell disease screening for infants

A new mobile biochip device, the HemeChip, can rapidly screen for sickle cell disease with just a few drops of blood, providing an easy-to-use and cost-effective tool for equitable diagnosis. This technology has the potential to make a huge difference in developing nations worldwide by enabling early treatment.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·DateDec 7, 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.

£4.4 million grant to develop a yeast alternative to palm oil

A UK-based research team aims to produce a yeast-derived substitute for palm oil using sustainably-sourced waste feedstocks, potentially mitigating environmental issues associated with palm oil production. The £4.4m grant-funded project will develop a novel yeast and apply innovative methods of depolymerizing waste materials.

SourceUniversity of Bath·DateDec 7, 2015

Columbia engineers build biologically powered chip

Researchers harness molecular machinery of living systems to power integrated circuit from ATP, enabling new artificial systems with both biological and solid-state components. The system produces an electrical potential harvested by the IC in the presence of ATP.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 7, 2015

New approaches for hybrid solar cells

Researchers at TUM developed a new method to produce extremely thin and robust, yet highly porous semiconductor layers using nanostructured germanium. These layers can be custom tailored with organic polymers to create hybrid materials suitable for small solar cells or batteries.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 7, 2015

Alpha-blockers associated with d risk of stroke in older men

New research published in CMAJ found that older men taking alpha-blockers for prostate issues are at higher risk of ischemic stroke during the initiation phase. The study suggests caution when prescribing alpha-blockers to patients not already on other blood pressure medications.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateDec 7, 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.

Inmates getting access to Medicaid upon release from jail or prison

A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers found that over 112,000 people exiting prison or jail got health care coverage through Medicaid in a single year. The programs that helped with enrollment primarily targeted low-income men, and the number of new enrollees likely far exceeds this total.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateDec 7, 2015

High-energy X-rays give industry affordable way to optimize cast iron

Researchers use high-energy synchrotron X-rays to analyze cast iron structure, revealing insights into its mechanical and thermal properties. This technology enables the development of high-performance materials for fuel-efficient engines and engine parts.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScripta Materialia·DateDec 7, 2015

Drug shows potential as safe and effective for most prevalent form of adult leukemia

A phase I/II clinical trial found that acalabrutinib promotes high response rates and durable results in patients with relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia while producing minimal side effects. The drug's selective blockade of the BTK pathway may offer improved tolerability compared to other treatments.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 7, 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.

Gut bacteria important factor in cockroach gathering

German cockroaches' gut bacteria produce pheromones that attract other roaches, promoting aggregation. The compounds are essential for nymphs to determine a safe place.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 2015

UK and Chinese scientists join forces to combat city pollution

A £5.5m research project aims to tackle air pollution in Beijing, which poses a serious threat to human health, particularly among China's 500 million urban residents. The five four-year projects will investigate the concentrations and sources of urban air pollution, its effects on health, and potential solutions.

SourceNatural Environment Research Council·DateDec 7, 2015

Discovery of unique muscle fibers of upper airway in humans

Researchers at Umea University discovered unique muscle fibers in the soft palate of humans, found in greater numbers in snorers and sleep apnea patients. These fibers have a distinct molecular build-up and are absent or modified in some key proteins.

SourceUmea University·JournalJournal of Anatomy·DateDec 7, 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.

RVG-exosome delivered MOR-RNAi rescues drug addiction

Researchers have developed an innovative approach to treat drug addiction using RVG-exosome delivered RNAi against the opioid receptor mu (MOR). This method successfully down-regulates MOR in mouse brain and rescues opioid relapse. The study demonstrates the potential of this therapy for treating CNS diseases.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 7, 2015

Men have better sense of direction than women

Researchers found that men use cardinal directions more efficiently and the hippocampus less than women, while women rely on local memory. Administering testosterone improved women's navigation skills, but not their performance.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·DateDec 7, 2015

Multiple myeloma patient study shows promise for natural killer cells

A Phase I study combining natural killer cells with high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation showed promising results in treating multiple myeloma. The treatment resulted in no toxicity or graft-versus-host disease, offering a potential new approach for patients.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateDec 7, 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.

Closing a malware security loophole

A new antivirus add-on can scan across computer networks and trap malicious activity missed by system firewalls, offering improved protection against malware. The system adds little computing overhead and can block malware before it causes harm or spreads to other machines.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Electronic Security and Digital Forensics·DateDec 7, 2015

Physical activity may leave the brain more open to change

Researchers found that physical activity enhances neuroplasticity in the visual cortex of adult humans, paving the way for non-invasive therapeutic strategies. The study suggests exercise plays a crucial role in brain health and recovery, particularly for individuals with conditions like amblyopia.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 7, 2015

How our brains overrule our senses

A new study identifies brain processes in mice that may help explain how weak sensory inputs are interpreted differently in the same brain. Activity in higher-level perception areas of the brain is shaped by lower-level sensory input, adding a cellular layer to our understanding of perception.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 7, 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.

Chronic kidney disease patients benefit from pacing left and right ventricles

Researchers found a 15-20% reduction in hospitalization risk for heart failure or death among patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy compared to those with implantable cardioverter defibrillators. The treatment is associated with improved outcomes, but further studies are needed.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateDec 7, 2015