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Science News Archive July 2015 - Page 22


Page 22 of 34

Online registry improves clinical research study participation

A groundbreaking online registry, Research for Her, has shown to enroll study participants more quickly than traditional paper-based registries. The Cedars-Sinai program has seen a 4.3 fold increase in registrations over a 14-month period, with an additional 50% boost in enrollment for the Gilda Radner Hereditary Cancer Program.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalGynecologic Oncology·DateJul 13, 2015

Immune cell journey has bloody consequences

Researchers identified neutrophils as the bloody culprit behind immune cell-induced bleeding. Blocking neutrophil passage could prevent complications in transplant and chemotherapy patients.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 13, 2015

Heading the ball, player-to-player contact and concussions in high school soccer

A study found that player-to-player contact was the most common cause of concussions in high school soccer, with heading the ball being the most common soccer-specific activity leading to concussions. The rate of concussions per 10,000 athlete exposures was higher for boys than girls, highlighting a need for improved safety measures.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJul 13, 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.

Eating wild, foraged mushrooms can result in liver failure or death as misidentification is common

A case study in Canadian Medical Association Journal highlights the risks of eating wild mushrooms, with a woman requiring a liver transplant after consuming misidentified Aminata bisporigera. The authors emphasize the importance of proper identification and caution against premature discharge from hospital or emergency department.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 13, 2015

Tropical Depression Chan-Hom makes landfall

Tropical Depression Chan-Hom made landfall just south of Pyongyang, North Korea, on July 12. The depression weakened to a remnant low pressure area and is expected to dissipate by July 14.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 13, 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.

Virginia Tech scientists develop point system to help people drink to good health

Researchers created a scoring system, called the Healthy Beverage Index, to evaluate beverage intake patterns and their impact on health conditions like obesity and diabetes. The index scores are correlated with better cholesterol levels, lowered risk of hypertension, and lower blood pressure in men.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateJul 13, 2015

An elusive molecule -- finally revealed

Researchers at the University of Arizona have discovered ethylenedione, a diradical molecule that was previously thought to be elusive. The discovery has significant implications for understanding radical molecular species, industrial processes, and potentially even atmospheric chemistry and climate modeling.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 13, 2015

VIB-KU Leuven-ULB researchers uncover genetic alterations in development of skin cancer

Scientists have identified key genetic mutations leading to skin cancer progression, similar to those found in human cancers. By analyzing genetic abnormalities in premalignant and fully malignant tumors, researchers found that larger chromosomal copy number alterations were responsible for tumor formation, rather than point mutations.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 13, 2015

Study offers new method of identifying sweet corn hybrids for increased yield and profit

Researchers have developed a new method to compare and identify processing sweet corn hybrids with improved crowding stress tolerance (CST), enabling growers to maximize yields and profits. The approach involves growing hybrids at higher plant populations than usual, allowing for more efficient comparison of CST among different hybrids.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateJul 13, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Teaching reflection to doctors to improve physician-patient interactions

A study at Tufts University trained medical residents to reflect on their interactions with patients, revealing three key themes: interdependence of physician-patient communication, subtleties of patient behavior, and images of growth and awareness. These reflections improved physicians' ability to respond empathetically to patients.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateJul 13, 2015

Learning impacts how the brain processes what we see

Researchers found that learning enhances top-down control in the brain's visual cortex, allowing it to better predict and fill in missing information. This cognitive process has implications for understanding psychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 13, 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.

Native Guam plant on cover of international journal

The study, published in International Journal of Plant Sciences, reveals that Guam's trade winds play a vital role in fadang tree pollination. This discovery contradicts existing knowledge that all cycad species rely solely on insects for pollination.

SourceUniversity of Guam·JournalInternational Journal of Plant Sciences·DateJul 13, 2015

New Alzheimer's study reveals how spouse-caregivers sustain relationships

Researchers identified 10 communication patterns that support intimacy in couples affected by Alzheimer's disease, including 'news of the day,' 'sharing memories,' and 'delighting in the unexpected.' These patterns help caregivers and spouses maintain a caring relationship despite progressive decline.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalInternational Journal for Human Caring·DateJul 13, 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.

Air travel and climate: A potential new feedback?

Researchers found a connection between climate and airline flight times, suggesting a feedback loop between carbon emissions and warming climate. The study suggests that climate variability determines flight times, with faster winds resulting in shorter flights and increased fuel consumption.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJul 13, 2015

Nanowires highly 'anelastic,' research shows

Researchers found that nanowires return to about 80% of their original shape quickly but recover the rest slowly over 20-30 minutes due to impurities in their crystal lattice.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 13, 2015

Skin cancer marker plays critical role in tumor growth

A recent study published in Nature Genetics found that keratin 17 promotes tumor growth by driving a specific type of sustained inflammation that helps cancer develop aggressively. The protein is detected in various cancers and other skin diseases, but its role in tumor development was previously unknown.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 13, 2015
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Fracking report a 'road map' to safer energy production

A new report on hydraulic fracturing in California offers a road map for scientists to produce energy while minimizing environmental impacts. The study provides recommendations for regulating oil well stimulation treatments, ensuring protective measures for human health and the environment.

SourceUniversity of the Pacific·DateJul 13, 2015

Mysterious black leopards finally reveal their spots

Researchers in Malaysia have discovered a method to identify black leopards by manipulating automatic cameras, allowing for population estimates and conservation efforts. The technique uses infrared flash to reveal complex patterns of spotting on the animals' coats.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateJul 13, 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.

Lung simulation could improve respiratory treatment

University of Michigan researchers created a computer model that predicts the flow of liquid medication in human lungs, providing new insight into treating acute respiratory distress syndrome. The model suggests using a less concentrated version of the medication and optimizing its delivery based on individual patient characteristics.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2015

Brain study reveals insights into genetic basis of autism

Researchers discovered over 100 DNA segments, known as enhancers, that play a vital role in normal development by controlling gene activity in the human brain. The study provides new insights into the genetic basis of autism and related neurological disorders.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 13, 2015

New gene therapy method provides specific, safe control of therapeutic transgenes

Researchers have developed a novel control system to regulate therapeutic transgene expression by targeting the passenger strand of a specific microRNA. This approach achieves safe and specific regulation while sparing endogenous gene expression, offering potential for new gene therapy applications.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalNucleic Acid Therapeutics·DateJul 13, 2015

NASA sees Tropical Depression Iune weaken

NASA's Terra satellite captured an image of Tropical Depression Iune as a elongated storm before dry air affected it. The depression is expected to become a post-tropical remnant low and dissipate by July 15.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 13, 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.

Male black widow spiders destroy female's web to deter rivals

In a surprising display of courtship behavior, male black widow spiders destroy large sections of the female's web and wrap it up in their own silk. This home-wrecking behavior makes the web less attractive to rival males, potentially protecting the female from harassment and allowing her to focus on parenting.

SourceElsevier·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateJul 13, 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.

Troubleshooting the gene targeting process

Researchers have developed a predictive software that can identify the most effective ways to target genes with CRISPR-Cas9. The software hierarchically ranks guide RNA effectiveness based on experimental data from human genomes, speeding up the gene-editing process and improving accuracy.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Methods·DateJul 13, 2015

Fat fish illuminate human obesity

A study led by Harvard Medical School geneticists reveals that blind cavefish have mutations in the MC4R gene, which is also mutated in certain obese people. The findings provide insights into how vertebrates evolved different metabolisms and could inform the search for genes influencing human metabolism and obesity.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2015

Study of IRB members' industry relationships finds improvement, but some issues persist

A follow-up study of IRB members' industry relationships found improvements in disclosure and management, but persistent problems such as voting on protocols with conflicts of interest. The study also showed a decrease in problematic relationships, with increases in disclosed payments for attending meetings and conferences.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 13, 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.

3-D printers poised to have major implications for food manufacturing

The use of 3D printers is expected to transform the food industry by enabling mass production of customized foods and speeding up delivery. Companies like PepsiCo are already utilizing 3D printing technology in non-food applications, while researchers explore its potential for producing nutrient-dense meals tailored to individual needs.

SourceInstitute of Food Technologists·DateJul 13, 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.

'Biosimilars' for children with IBD need more research, ESPGHAN expert panel states

The European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition recommends that children with inflammatory bowel disease should not be switched to biosimilar products without long-term studies. Post-marketing surveillance programs are also essential to confirm efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of new biosimilars.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition·DateJul 13, 2015

Nixoncare vs. Obamacare: Comparing the rhetoric and reality of 2 health plans

A new study compares Nixon's health plans with Obamacare, revealing that while both aimed to provide coverage for the uninsured, Nixon's proposals were more 'liberal' and preserved the insurance industry's role. The ACA faced intense opposition, with some Democrats initially rejecting it as too moderate.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 13, 2015

Clay sheets stack to form proton conductors

A new proton-conducting system created by Northwestern University professor Jiaxing Huang uses stacked clay sheets to concentrate protons for conduction. This breakthrough material has significant advantages over graphene-based sheets and other materials, including ease of production and high thermal stability.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 13, 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.

Is upward mobility bad for your health?

Youth from low-income families who achieve success academically and socially may experience a physical toll on their health. High levels of self-control, which facilitates success, are associated with faster cellular aging and poorer health outcomes in adulthood.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2015

Researchers discover how opium poppies synthesize morphine

University of Calgary scientists have characterized a novel gene that encodes the gateway enzyme in the formation of morphine. This discovery could lead to the development of alternative painkillers, such as codeine and oxycodone.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJul 13, 2015

Tagged bees causing a buzz in disease research

Researchers tracked individual bees to study the effect of a low-dose gut parasite, nosema, on their behavior. Infected bees were found to be less efficient foragers, carrying less pollen and dying younger.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalJournal of Invertebrate Pathology·DateJul 13, 2015

Stem cells provide lasting pain relief in mice

Researchers at Duke University have discovered that stem cells from bone marrow can alleviate neuropathic pain in mice by increasing levels of the anti-inflammatory protein TGF-β1. The treatment remained effective for several weeks, outlasting traditional painkillers and offering new hope for chronic pain conditions.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 13, 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.