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Science News Archive February 2015 - Page 7


Page 7 of 31

3-D printed, mechanically robust carrier used to deliver immunosuppressive drug, and cells

Researchers developed a 3D-printed carrier that retains its shape and integrity, delivering immunosuppressive drug cyclosporine A and cells for local and sustained release. The system overcomes existing delivery limitations, providing a promising solution for treating diseases requiring cell-based therapy.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateFeb 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.

Study outlines threat of ocean acidification to coastal communities in US

A new report warns that US coastal communities dependent on the $1 billion shelled mollusk industry face long-term economic risks from ocean acidification. The analysis identified several 'hot zones' facing a number of risk factors, including the Pacific Northwest and Gulf of Mexico regions.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 23, 2015

Working in an interventional laboratory may lead to health problems

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that frequent radiation exposure and heavy protective gear are associated with increased musculoskeletal pain among technicians and nurses. Researchers recommend improving ergonomic evaluations and rotation to mitigate these effects.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 23, 2015

Two NYU faculty win Sloan Foundation research fellowships

New York University faculty members Michael Halassa and Jennifer Jacquet have been awarded Sloan Foundation research fellowships to advance their groundbreaking research in neuroscience and environmental science. Their studies aim to crack the neural code of sensory input and explore large-scale cooperation dilemmas, with potential imp...

SourceNew York University·DateFeb 23, 2015

Researchers pin down genetic pathways linked to CF disease severity

A study by UNC School of Medicine researchers identified genetic pathways that play a major role in determining the severity of cystic fibrosis. The findings may lead to new personalized treatments to lessen pulmonary symptoms and increase life expectancy for people with CF.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateFeb 23, 2015

MD Anderson studies skin cancer patients resistant to leading therapy

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified unique 'protein patterns' in melanoma patients to predict resistance to BRAF inhibitors. These patterns may help guide personalized treatment decisions, including targeted agents or immunotherapies.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 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.

Simulating superconducting materials with ultracold atoms

A team of researchers at Rice University has successfully simulated superconducting materials using ultracold atoms, observing antiferromagnetic order in the process. The simulation is based on the Hubbard model, a set of mathematical equations that could explain high-temperature superconductivity.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·DateFeb 23, 2015

Brain makes decisions with same method used to break WW2 Enigma code

Researchers at Columbia University find that brain neurons apply Wald's sequential probability ratio test to make simple decisions, just like Alan Turing did with the Enigma code. This neural implementation of the test allows for rapid weighing of probabilities and rational decision-making.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 23, 2015

Carnivorous plant packs big wonders into tiny genome

A new study reveals that carnivorous bladderwort Utricularia gibba packs an impressive number of genes into its tiny genome, outperforming well-known plant species. The plant's unique genetic architecture allows it to thrive in aquatic environments, boasting floating branches and miniature traps that capture prey using vacuum pressure.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateFeb 23, 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.

Small loop in human prion protein prevents chronic wasting disease

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation reveals a small loop in the human prion protein confers resistance to chronic wasting disease. The discovery provides a potential therapeutic target for developing new treatments for prion diseases, which are currently fatal and have no effective treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 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.

Your privacy online: Health information at serious risk of abuse

An analysis of 80,000 health web pages reveals that nine out of ten visits result in personal health information being leaked to third parties. This can lead to identity theft and discrimination due to predictive algorithms grouping individuals into categories.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania Annenberg School for Communication·JournalCommunications of the ACM·DateFeb 23, 2015

Motor proteins prefer slow, steady movement

Rice University researchers found that motor proteins collaborate to regulate cell-transport systems by favoring slow and steady movement. Weak repulsions led to maximum movement along microtubules, while strong attractions caused clusters that stopped motors.

SourceRice University·DateFeb 23, 2015

Study shows how the brain can trigger a deep sleep

Researchers at Imperial College London discovered that certain sedatives work by 'switching on' neurons in a specific brain region, triggering deep sleep. The findings could lead to targeted remedies for insomnia and more effective anaesthetic drugs.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 23, 2015

Study sheds light on a 'guardian' protein of brain function

A recent study at Vanderbilt University Medical Center has identified a crucial 'guardian' protein called CHIP that monitors mitochondrial function in the brain. The absence of this protein leads to profound impairments in mice with the CHIP gene deleted, highlighting its critical role in maintaining healthy nerve cells.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalAntioxidants and Redox Signaling·DateFeb 23, 2015

Magnetic nanoparticles could stop blood clot-caused strokes

Researchers at Houston Methodist have developed magnetic nanoparticles that can destroy blood clots 100 to 1,000 times faster than a commonly used clot-busting technique. The nanoparticles are coated in albumin and loaded with the drug tPA, allowing it to reach the clot more effectively.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 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.

USF biologists: Reductions in biodiversity can elevate disease risk

A study by USF biologists reveals that an abundance of predators can help control parasite transmission in amphibians, potentially reducing disease risk. The researchers identified a key trait of predators that predicts their ability to dilute disease risk.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 23, 2015

Radio chip for the 'Internet of things'

Researchers at MIT have developed a new transmitter design that reduces off-state leakage 100-fold, allowing for longer battery life in IoT devices. The circuit uses a charge pump to generate a negative charge when idle, reducing power consumption by 20 picowatts.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 23, 2015

Eating peanut at an early age prevents peanut allergy in high-risk infants

The LEAP study shows that frequent consumption of peanut starting within the first 11 months of life protects high-risk infants from developing peanut allergy by age 5. The study found a greater than 80% reduction in the prevalence of peanut allergy among participants who consumed peanut.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 23, 2015

Bar-Ilan University neuroscientists literally change the way we think

Researchers found that stimulating frontal lobes with low-level electricity increases mind wandering, which is associated with improved task performance. The study suggests that the frontal lobes play a causal role in mind wandering behavior and may contribute to behavioral outcomes like creativity and mood.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 23, 2015

Study finds peanut consumption in infancy prevents peanut allergy

A clinical trial found that introducing peanut products to the diets of infants at high risk of developing peanut allergy led to an 81% reduction in subsequent allergy development. The study, supported by NIH/NIAID, suggests a new approach to preventing peanut allergy.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 23, 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.

Flawed method puts tiger rise in doubt, calls for new approach

A study by University of Oxford researchers exposes shortcomings in the 'index-calibration' method used in tiger and rare wildlife surveys. The team found that this approach can produce inaccurate results, especially with high uncertainty in detection rates. They suggest alternative methods to improve conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateFeb 23, 2015

Investigational drug can reduce asthma flareups

A new investigational drug, reslizumab, has been shown to reduce asthma attacks in patients who have difficulty controlling the disorder with standard medications. The study found that patients treated with reslizumab were at least 50% less likely to experience severe asthma exacerbations.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateFeb 23, 2015

Parasitism runs deep in malaria's family tree

Researchers at University of British Columbia discover that parasites in the apicomplexan family evolved to become parasites earlier than thought, with some relatives being photosynthetic algae. Advanced genomic analysis and observations of cell structure and behavior reveal a more complex evolutionary history.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 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.

Help is just a call away for mothers with postnatal depression

Research reveals that telephone-based peer support can significantly reduce postnatal depression in new mothers. Social support from peers was found to be effective for maternal depression up to two years after delivery, with a decline in depressive symptoms after the intervention.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Advanced Nursing·DateFeb 23, 2015

Reconstructing topsy-turvy paleoclimate of western US 21,000 years ago

Scientists from Vanderbilt and Stanford universities created a map of past climate change in the American West using ancient lake levels, glaciation records, and vegetation evidence. The study compared these results with global climate models to improve predictions for future rainfall patterns.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 23, 2015

Study: Advocacy, race affect flu vaccination rates

Research at Henry Ford Hospital found that patients whose physicians recommended flu vaccination were more likely to receive it, with higher rates among white and Asian patients. The study suggests that improving communication between doctors and patients about the benefits of flu vaccination is crucial.

SourceHenry Ford Health·DateFeb 23, 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.

Sloan Research Fellowships awarded to 126 young scholars

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation has selected 126 outstanding early-career scientists as recipients of the 2015 Sloan Research Fellowships. These fellowships honor innovative research in eight fields, including chemistry, computer science, economics, and physics.

SourceAlfred P. Sloan Foundation·DateFeb 23, 2015

Early consumption of peanuts prevents peanut allergy in high-risk infants

A new study found that consuming peanut-containing snacks from infancy can prevent peanut allergy in high-risk infants. In contrast, avoiding peanuts led to a higher risk of developing the allergy by age 5. The findings suggest a shift in advice for parents and healthcare providers to promote early consumption of allergenic foods.

SourceBenaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 23, 2015
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Scientists find a key protein that allows Plavix to conquer platelets

Researchers at the University of North Carolina Health Care found that the Rasa3 protein is critical to the success of Plavix, a common anti-platelet drug. The discovery could lead to more personalized approaches to controlling platelet activity and developing new compounds aimed at altering platelet function.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 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.

Sunitinib, sorafenib of no benefit in ECOG-ACRIN renal cell trial

A phase three trial found that using sunitinib or sorafenib after surgery did not reduce recurrence in high-risk renal cell carcinoma patients, compared to standard care. The study, E2805, involved 1943 patients and demonstrated no significant differences in disease-free survival or overall survival between treatment groups.

SourceECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group·DateFeb 23, 2015

Pregnant women unmoved by maternity hospital ratings, study suggests

A study found that maternity hospital ratings did not influence the number of pregnant women attending top-ranked hospitals or avoiding low-ranked ones. Satisfaction levels also showed no significant improvement at worst-rated hospitals compared to others with similar satisfaction levels initially.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJournal of Health Services Research & Policy·DateFeb 23, 2015

Diet high in red meat may make kidney disease worse

A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology suggests that a diet high in animal proteins, especially red meat, can increase the risk of developing kidney failure in people with chronic kidney disease. Conversely, consuming diets rich in fruits and vegetables may protect kidney function.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 23, 2015

UK 'fit note' linked to fewer people taking long-term sick leave

Research published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine reveals that the UK 'fit note' is associated with fewer people taking long-term sick leave of 12 weeks or more. However, the proportion of people off work with depression, anxiety, and stress has increased.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateFeb 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.

Interventions lower diabetes risk in women who had gestational diabetes

A new study found that intensive lifestyle intervention or medication can significantly reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in women who had gestational diabetes. Women with a history of gestational diabetes were less likely to develop diabetes when assigned to take metformin or undergo intensive lifestyle intervention.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 23, 2015

Long-term nitrogen fertilizer use disrupts plant-microbe mutualisms

Researchers found that nitrogen-fixing bacteria evolved to become less beneficial to legumes when exposed to long-term nitrogen fertilizer. This shift could have far-reaching ecological and environmental consequences in natural areas adjacent to farmland or areas with nutrient pollution. The study suggests that changes in the quality o...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalEvolution·DateFeb 23, 2015

Vitamin D deficiency linked more closely to diabetes than obesity

A new study by The Endocrine Society finds that low vitamin D levels are directly correlated with glucose metabolism, not just BMI. People with diabetes or prediabetes have lower vitamin D levels than those without these conditions.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 23, 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.

Discovery of the genetic fingerprint of aggressive colon tumors

A study published in Nature Genetics reveals that the tissue surrounding tumor cells holds the key to classifying colon tumors into good or bad prognosis. By analyzing this tissue, scientists can identify patients at risk of relapse and develop targeted treatments using TGF-beta inhibitors.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 23, 2015

New catalyst to create chemical building blocks from biomass

Scientists at the University of Tokyo have created a selective catalyst that enables the hydrogenolysis of carbon-oxygen bonds in phenols and aryl methyl ethers, key components of lignin. This breakthrough could lead to the use of plant biomass as a primary feedstock for the chemical industry.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 23, 2015

Two new potato varieties of great nutritional value

New potato varieties 'Entzia' and 'Miren' offer great nutritional value, antioxidant properties, and increased resistance to disease. They are suitable for both culinary and industrial uses, providing benefits such as high carotene content and lower reliance on external varieties.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·DateFeb 23, 2015

Androgen receptor abnormality may not be associated

A small prospective study found no significant difference in treatment outcomes between patients with AR-V7-positive and -negative metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who received taxane chemotherapy. PSA responses were achieved in 41% of both groups.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 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.