Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive March 2015


Page 21 of 38

Arm is safer access point than groin for catheter-based heart procedures

A study published by the American College of Cardiology found that patients undergoing coronary angiogram with radial access had a significantly lower risk of major bleeding and death compared to those with femoral access. The study suggests that the arm should be the preferred approach for most catheter-based heart procedures.

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.

Universal public drug plan could save money for Canada

A new study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal suggests that implementing a universal public drug plan could reduce Canada's spending on prescription drugs by $7.3 billion per year, while employers and unions could save an additional $8.2 billion. This cost savings is attributed to economies of scale in price negotiation...

2015 Harriet Evelyn Wallace Scholarship winners announced

The American Geosciences Institute has selected Emma Reed and Annette Patton as the latest recipients of the $5,000 Harriet Evelyn Wallace Scholarship. Both Master's candidates are using their research to investigate climate variability and environmental stressors in geoscience.

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.

Genetic discovery provides clues to how TB may evade the immune system

A large-scale genetic study of tuberculosis susceptibility has identified a key gene, ASAP1, that affects an individual's ability to fight the infection. The research found that variants of this gene impact susceptibility to TB and may hold clues to designing more effective vaccines for prevention.

Losing weight substantially reduces atrial fibrillation

A study by the American College of Cardiology found that obese patients with atrial fibrillation who lost at least 10% of their body weight were six times more likely to achieve long-term freedom from the condition. Sustained weight loss was also associated with significant beneficial structural changes in the heart and improved other ...

Los Alamos offers new insights into radiation damage evolution

Los Alamos researchers uncovered how materials develop defects during irradiation, revealing key factors that affect their properties. The studies shed light on defect mobility, grain boundary structure, and interface-sink efficiency, which are crucial for predicting material behavior under extreme environments.

Cropping Africa's wet savannas would bring high environmental costs

A new report finds that only a small percentage of Africa's wet savannas have potential to produce staple crops while emitting less carbon dioxide. Converting these lands into farmland would release significant greenhouse gases, threatening biodiversity and local food security.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Global economic impact of diabetes revealed in new study

A new study reveals the significant economic impact of diabetes globally, with high healthcare costs and lost wages in various countries. The review highlights the burden on individuals, families, and societies, especially in low- and middle-income nations where people with diabetes face limited access to affordable care.

Solar could meet California energy demand 3 to 5 times over

A new study suggests that integrating solar facilities into urban and suburban environments can generate up to 15,000 terawatt-hours of energy per year. The research found that California has millions of acres of land compatible for photovoltaic and concentrating solar power construction with minimal environmental impact.

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.

The 10-point guide to the integral management of menopausal health

The European Menopause and Andropause Society's 10-point guide provides a comprehensive approach to managing menopausal health, emphasizing individual needs and personalized care. The guide covers diagnosis, screening, treatment, and follow-up, aiming to promote health over several decades.

New remote control for molecular motors

Physicists remotely control magnetic molecules spinning like tops using circularly polarised magnetic field changes. Theoretical findings by Iosif Davidovich Tokman and Vera Il'nichna Pozdnyakova may lead to designing rotating magnetic molecule rotors for powering molecular motors.

Microbes in the seafloor: Little nutrients, lots of oxygen

A research team found oxygen in the entire thickness of nutrient-poor seafloor areas, contrary to previous beliefs that only surface layers contain oxygen. The findings have significant implications for our understanding of microbial life, geochemical processes, and Earth's interior composition.

How NORE1A acts as a barrier to tumor growth

Researchers discovered how NORE1A prevents excessive cell proliferation associated with cancer. Overexpressing NORE1A induced cell senescence, whereas removing the protein enhanced cancer-promoting Ras mutations. This study highlights the critical role of NORE1A in regulating tumor growth.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Low vaccination rates fuel the 2015 measles outbreak

Researchers calculate vaccine coverage among exposed populations in California, Arizona, and Illinois as far below 96-99% necessary for herd immunity. The virus's effective reproduction rate is estimated between 3.2-5.8, emphasizing the importance of vaccination to control outbreaks.

Scripps Florida scientists confirm key targets of new anti-cancer drug candidates

Scientists from the Scripps Research Institute have confirmed that ribosome assembly is a potentially fertile new target for anti-cancer drugs. The study highlights the essential function of Casein kinase 1δ (CK1δ) and CK1ε in human ribosome assembly, which are also elevated in several tumor types and neurodegenerative diseases.

Thinking of your life as a novel

Middle-aged adults who show sustained concern for others are more likely to construe their lives as stories of personal redemption. Redemption narratives sustain hope that sacrifices today may produce future dividends, helping generative adults persevere in promoting the well-being of future generations.

Trial of bivalirudin during angioplasty reports mixed results

The study found bivalirudin to be associated with significantly lower rates of bleeding complications and death, but failed to meet its co-primary composite endpoints. The high prevalence of heart attacks in patients may have diluted the benefits reflected in the rates of death and bleeding.

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.

A new method for making perovskite solar cells

A new method for making perovskite solar cells has been developed by researchers at Brown University, which involves a room-temperature solvent bath to create perovskite crystals. The technique produces high-quality crystalline films with precise control over thickness across large areas.

Study reveals value of zoos and aquariums in boosting biodiversity understanding

New research from the University of Warwick found that zoos and aquariums can increase respondents' understanding of biodiversity and conservation after a visit. The study involved 5,661 respondents at 26 zoos and aquariums worldwide, showing an increase in positive evidence of biodiversity understanding from pre-visit to post-visit.

A more tolerant America?

A recent study by SDSU psychology professor Jean M. Twenge found that Americans are increasingly tolerant of people with different views and lifestyles, including those who identify as LGBTQ+, atheists, and have differing political beliefs. The study, which analyzed data from the General Social Survey, also found a decrease in toleranc...

Frequency of tornadoes, hail linked to El Niño, La Niña

A new study reveals that El Niño and La Niña conditions can predict the frequency of tornadoes and hail storms in susceptible regions of the United States. Moderate La Niña events lead to more tornadoes and hail storms, while El Niño suppresses both types of storms.

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.

Universal public drug coverage would save Canada billions

A new study from the University of British Columbia suggests that Canada can implement universal public drug coverage without increasing taxes. The study estimates that this system would save the Canadian economy $7.3 billion annually by increasing the use of generic drugs and negotiating lower prices with pharmaceutical companies.

Kidney transplant tolerance mechanism identified

Columbia University researchers have identified a unique set of patient-specific T cells that react to donor tissue, increasing in number before rejection but decreasing after acceptance. The study supports combining kidney and bone marrow transplants to reduce organ rejection and potentially eliminate lifelong immunosuppression.

New images of the brain show the forgetful side effect of frequent recall

A new study using brain imaging shows that intentional recall can lead to the suppression of competing memories, altering their accessibility. The research found that remembering dynamically changes which aspects of our past remain available, and this mechanism is not limited to specific memory types.

Health system factors improve medication adherence among seniors with diabetes

A new study published in Medical Care found that specific health system factors, including prescriptions with a 90-day supply and lower copayments, nearly doubled the likelihood of patients adhering to prescribed heart and diabetes medications. The study examined nearly 130,000 Kaiser Permanente members with diabetes and aged 65 or older.

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.

East Antarctica melting could be explained by oceanic gateways

Researchers discovered two seafloor gateways that allow warm ocean water to reach the base of Totten Glacier in East Antarctica. This finding explains the glacier's rapid thinning and raises concerns about sea level rise. The study highlights the importance of understanding the role of oceanic gateways in glacier melting.

Researchers increase energy density of lithium storage materials

Scientists have developed a new storage principle and material that enables the reversible storage of 1.8 Li per formula unit, increasing lithium storage density by up to 420 mAh/g. The new system allows for high packing densities and stable operation, making it suitable for energy supply of devices with high power requirements.

Insulin pumps need greater safety review

The American Diabetes Association and European Association for the Study of Diabetes call for a comprehensive safety overhaul of insulin pumps, including greater access to data from manufacturers and funding for independent clinical trials. This is crucial for healthcare teams to educate patients on preventing errors with these devices.

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.

Rare African bush may help kidney cancer treatment

Researchers at the University of Leeds have discovered a rare African bush that may help treat kidney cancer. The Phyllanthus engleri plant contains a chemical called Englerin A, which activates specific proteins in renal cancer cells, leading to their death.

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for March 17, 2015

The American College of Physicians recommends against routine cardiac screening for low-risk adults, citing insufficient evidence and potential harms. Instead, physicians should focus on mitigating cardiovascular risk through treating modifiable factors like smoking and hypertension.

Spherical nucleic acids set stage for new paradigm in drug development

Researchers have developed spherical nucleic acids that can selectively trigger the immune response, potentially treating a range of diseases including psoriasis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, lymphoma, bladder cancer, and prostate cancer. SNAs are nontoxic, potent, and efficiently deliver nucleic acids into cells via the endosome.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Milk protein comparison unveils nutritional gems for developing babies

Researchers developed a new technique to compare human milk and rhesus macaque monkey milk proteomes. The study identified 524 human milk proteins and 518 in macaque milk, revealing 88 common proteins at different levels. Human milk contains higher levels of proteins aiding fat digestion and increasing iron absorption.

Motor neurone disease -- researchers identify new group of gene suspects

A recent study has identified a group of gene variants that may contribute to sporadic motor neurone disease, a devastating condition affecting thousands of Australians. Researchers sequenced the protein-coding genes of 44 MND-affected individuals and their parents, finding rare genetic changes in two-fifths of cases.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

SAPIEN valve, surgery equivalent at 5 years

The SAPIEN transcatheter heart valve is a feasible option for high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis, but valve leakage remains a significant issue. At five years, death and stroke rates were equivalent to open-heart surgery, but rehospitalization rates and functional outcomes differed.

SAPIEN 3 improves 30-day outcomes for major endpoints

The SAPIEN 3 heart valve demonstrated lower death, stroke, and paravalvular leak rates than earlier generation devices in high-risk patients. In intermediate-risk patients, the device showed encouraging results, with a reduced rate of major vascular complications and fewer instances of heart attacks and annular rupture.

Benefits seen for first-in-field brain shield used with TAVR

A new brain shield device has shown improved in-hospital safety outcomes, including lower rates of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. The device also demonstrated benefits for patients' cognitive scores at discharge, with better performance on neurocognitive tests.

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.

CT scans appear to dramatically improve diagnosis of heart disease

Research shows that CT scans paired with standard care lead to more accurate diagnoses of coronary artery disease, altering follow-up testing and treatments. This results in a lower incidence of heart attacks among patients receiving the test compared to those receiving usual care.

Switch off the lights for bats

Researchers found that bat activity was lower in street-lit areas than dark locations with similar habitat. Only Leisler's bat showed a positive association with street lighting, highlighting the need to reconsider urban planning strategies.

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.

Police not prepared for death investigations

Research by Queensland University of Technology highlights the difficulties faced by police during death investigations, including emotional re-traumatization of bereaved families. Junior officers are often tasked with gathering evidence while comforting family members, leading to concerns about their preparation and cultural competence.