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Science News Archive March 2015 - Page 12


Page 12 of 38

Detecting cancer cells in blood can give an early warning of treatment failure

A new study reveals a blood test that measures circulating tumour cells can predict which men are benefitting least from prostate cancer drug treatment after just 12 weeks. The test may allow doctors to switch patients to alternative treatments earlier, speeding up clinical trials and improving survival rates.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 23, 2015

A method to simplify pictures makes chemistry calculations a snap

Researchers apply compressed sensing to simplify chemistry calculations, reducing the need for expensive high-accuracy calculations. The technique achieves results three times faster than traditional methods, showing promising potential for a 'virtual laboratory' in chemistry research.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateMar 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.

India needs to do much more to tackle its alarming TB epidemic

India's TB epidemic is worsened by the failure of its Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program to engage the private sector, argues Dr. Zarir Udwadia. The program needs to provide free diagnosis and treatment to all patients, regardless of sector, to control the spread of TB.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMar 23, 2015

Shape-shifting frog discovered in Ecuadorian Andes

A newly discovered frog species, Pristimantis mutabilis, has the ability to change its skin texture in minutes to blend into its surroundings. The frogs were found in Ecuador's cloud forest and their shape-shifting capability challenges traditional methods of species identification.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateMar 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.

Water content thresholds recommended for Gardenia jasminoides

A study by American Society for Horticultural Science researchers recommends specific water content thresholds for improved irrigation management in Gardenia jasminoides. The results show that applying water only when needed leads to efficient irrigation with minimal leaching, resulting in better plant growth and root establishment.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateMar 23, 2015

UEA mathematicians solve 60-year-old problem

Researchers from UEA and international partners utilized wave turbulence theory to tackle the Fermi-Pasta-Ulam problem, a 60-year-old numerical experiment. They successfully predicted long thermalization timescales and corroborated their findings with extensive simulations.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2015

Number of births may affect mom's future heart health, UT Southwestern cardiologists find

A new study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that women who have given birth to four or more children are more likely to experience cardiovascular changes that can indicate heart disease. Researchers compared data from the Dallas Heart Study and found a U-shaped association between the number of births and heart disease risk.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateMar 23, 2015

Cattle-killer: Two parasites are better than one

A study published in Science Advances reveals that co-infection with two parasite species can reduce the severity of a more lethal disease, East Coast fever. The researchers propose using a mild parasitic infection as a vaccine alternative, which could be safer and less costly.

SourceWashington State University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 23, 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.

Ascension of marine diatoms linked to vast increase in continental weathering

A team of researchers found that the success of marine diatoms over the last 40 million years is linked to increased continental erosion. Diatoms consume massive amounts of carbon from oceans daily, producing organic matter that helps reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2015

Toward a more realistic picture of how molecules move within cells

Researchers developed a new technique to visualize and track molecules in real-time, revealing their dynamic behavior in living cells. This provides a more realistic picture of how molecules move within cells, shedding light on previously hidden factors involved in nanocrystal assembly.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateMar 23, 2015

Highlights from the inaugural issue of ACS Central Science

The inaugural issue of ACS Central Science features a range of articles highlighting the importance of chemistry in bridging physical and life sciences. Key findings include advances in analytical chemistry enabling real-time monitoring of genetic and environmental factors, and synthetic chemistry's role in delivering genetic treatments.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateMar 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.

World's largest asteroid impacts found in central Australia

A team of geophysicists discovered the twin scars of two massive asteroid impacts in Central Australia, hidden deep within the earth's crust. The impact zones are estimated to be over 400 kilometers wide and are believed to have occurred millions of years ago.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalTectonophysics·DateMar 23, 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.

UAlberta clinical professor shows pain diaries may slow patient recovery

A new study from the University of Alberta's Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry found that keeping a pain diary can have unintended consequences on patient recovery. Patients who kept diaries had slower recovery rates compared to those who did not.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalRheumatology International·DateMar 23, 2015

News from Annals of Internal Medicine March 24, 2015

The US Preventive Services Task Force finds that routine screening for thyroid dysfunction in nonpregnant, asymptomatic adults lacks sufficient evidence. In contrast, the American Diabetes Association recommends individualized treatment plans for patients with diabetes, taking into account factors like age, comorbid conditions, and car...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 23, 2015

Majority of new pediatricians satisfied with first jobs

A majority of new general pediatricians are satisfied with their first job, with lifestyle and family considerations being the most important factor. The study found that over 80% of new pediatricians were very satisfied with their first jobs, with many wanting to spend more time in patient care and less in administrative tasks.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMar 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.

Landmark study proves that magnets can control heat and sound

Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a way to control heat with magnetic fields, using acoustic phonons to steer heat magnetically. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for energy manipulation, potentially allowing for the control of sound waves as well.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 23, 2015

FARE announces recipients of investigator in food allergy awards

The FARE Investigator in Food Allergy Awards support early and mid-career researchers expanding scientific understanding of food allergy through education and basic and clinical research. Recipients include Jessica O'Konek and Duane Wesemann, who will investigate nanoemulsion-based vaccines and the influence of microbial exposures on p...

SourceFood Allergy Research & Education·DateMar 23, 2015

Researchers discover why drug for severe COPD becomes less effective

Researchers discover roflumilast's mechanism of tolerance in severe COPD patients, highlighting potential for new therapeutics to improve efficacy. The study identifies key protein PKA-Cβ as a target for reducing unwanted PDE4B2 production.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2015

OU engineering researcher reshapes military communications

Jessica Ruyle's innovative design allows communications systems to operate uninterrupted in the field, reducing performance and improving mobility. The new technology also has applications in police forces, firefighting teams, and commercial airplanes.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateMar 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.

Implementing decision aids affects care decisions in urology

Implementing video-based decision aids in urology led to fewer elective surgeries for benign prostatic hyperplasia and localized prostate cancer. Rates of surgical intervention declined by 32% for treated BPH patients and 27% for localized prostate cancer patients.

SourceGroup Health Research Institute·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateMar 23, 2015

Blood thinning drug helps in understanding a natural HIV barrier

Researchers have identified two mechanisms by which a blood thinning agent interacts with a protein that acts as a natural HIV barrier, shedding light on the degradation of the virus. The study aims to develop drugs that inhibit HIV infection without harming langerin's protective function.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 23, 2015

New membranes deliver clean water more efficiently

The new membranes show comparable performance to existing commercial membranes but with greater resistance to chlorine-containing chemicals. This technology can reduce operating costs and prevent decreased water flow due to biological fouling.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 23, 2015

Comparing the genomes of the leprosy bacteria

Researchers have analyzed the complete genome of Mycobacterium lepromatosis and compared it to that of the major leprosy-causing bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. The study reveals the origin and evolutionary history of both bacteria, offering new insights into their biology, global distribution, and possibly treatment.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2015

Legalizing marijuana and the new science of weed (video)

Scientists have found that marijuana potency has tripled in some strains since legalization, with some samples containing up to 30% THC. However, many products lack cannabidiol, a compound with potential medical benefits, and contain contaminants such as fungi and solvents.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 23, 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.

Quantum correlation can imply causation

Research from the University of Waterloo and Perimeter Institute demonstrates that quantum mechanics can distinguish between cause-effect relations and common causes, unlike classical physics. This breakthrough enables a new approach to causal inference, potentially solving long-standing problems in science.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 23, 2015

Prehistoric super salamander was top predator, fossils suggest

A previously undiscovered species of giant salamander-like amphibian was identified in southern Portugal, growing up to 2m in length and feeding mainly on fish. The discovery reveals that this group of primitive amphibians was more geographically diverse than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateMar 23, 2015

Flower-enriched farms boost bee populations

A two-year study found that flower strips on farms in the UK increased common bumblebee populations by significantly boosting their numbers and nesting density. The research suggests that targeted agri-environment schemes can boost bee populations, particularly for common species, but may not benefit rarer species as much.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateMar 23, 2015

A mathematical explanation for the Fermi-Pasta-Ulam system problem first proposed in 1953

A team of researchers, led by Yuri Lvov, has discovered that the key to thermalization in the FPU system lies in a gradual transfer of energy during coincidences of six modes. This nonreversible process leads to the irreversible transfer of energy and the eventual approach to thermal equilibrium.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 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.

UW scientists build a nanolaser using a single atomic sheet

The UW nanolaser is built using a single atomic sheet of a tungsten-based semiconductor, which emits light efficiently and can be easily fabricated. This technology has the potential to revolutionize next-generation computing and optical communication by consuming less energy and enabling faster device performance.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature·DateMar 23, 2015

Scientists use DNA sequencing to trace the spread of drug-resistant TB

Researchers used genetic analysis to trace the source of infection in a British patient with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (TB). The study found that the patient caught the infection from a healthcare worker who had worked in South Africa, highlighting the need for effective infection prevention measures.

SourceImperial College London·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateMar 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.

Chemical fingerprints of ancient supernovae found

Researchers found two ancient stars in Sculptor dwarf galaxy with unusual chemical content, suggesting a single supernova explosion may have seeded the gas cloud. This discovery provides an unprecedented view of the earliest history of another galaxy.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateMar 23, 2015

New chances for pharmacotherapy of primary ciliary dyskinesia patients

A randomized controlled trial aims to develop evidence-based treatment practices for primary ciliary dyskinesia, a rare respiratory disorder. Azithromycin may offer a potential maintenance prophylactic therapy for PCD patients, improving pulmonary exacerbation rates and quality of life.

SourceInternational Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology·DateMar 23, 2015

Insulin resistance linked to a human gene variant

A new study identifies N-acetyltransferase 2 as a key gene variant linked to insulin resistance, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Inhibition of NAT2 in a mouse model decreased insulin sensitivity, highlighting its role in complex diseases.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 23, 2015

New research predicts a doubling of coastal erosion by mid-century in Hawai'i

A new study from the University of Hawaii predicts that coastal erosion in Hawai'i will double by mid-century, threatening thousands of homes and infrastructure. The model takes into account historical changes and projected sea level rise, indicating that shorelines will retreat an average of 16-20 feet by 2050 and nearly 60 feet by 2100.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalNatural Hazards·DateMar 23, 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.

Mutations taking place only in the brain identified as the cause of intractable epilepsy

Researchers at KAIST identify brain somatic mutations in the MTOR gene as the cause of intractable epilepsy. These mutations are specific to the brain and can lead to permanent disabilities and death. A targeted therapy using rapamycin may offer a solution, suppressing mTOR kinase activation to lessen epileptic seizures.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 23, 2015

Archeologists discover Maya 'melting pot'

Archeologists discover that mobile and sedentary Maya groups co-existed and collaborated on construction projects, participating in public ceremonies. This finding challenges the idea that sedentary and mobile communities were separate.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 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.

Exercise linked to improved erectile and sexual function in men

A recent study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that men who exercise more have better erectile and sexual function, regardless of race. Higher levels of physical activity were associated with improved scores for sexual function, including the ability to have erections and orgasms.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateMar 23, 2015

3-D satellite, GPS earthquake maps isolate impacts in real time

Researchers created a 3D map of the South Napa earthquake's impact using GPS and satellite readings, predicting ground shaking and estimating human and infrastructure impacts. The study could improve reaction time to deadly earthquakes, reducing fatalities and economic losses.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateMar 23, 2015

Promising vaccine strategy for type 1 diabetes extended to humans

Researchers at National Jewish Health found a response in human cells consistent with vaccination response in mice, using a mutated insulin fragment. The finding suggests an immune response in humans could lead to a vaccine and treatment for diabetes.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 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.

Have researchers discovered the sound of the stars?

A team of researchers, including Dr. John Pasley, discovered that plasma flowing around stars could create a series of pressure pulses generating sound waves. The frequency was too high for any mammal to hear, making it impossible for humans to detect.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 23, 2015

Colliding stars explain enigmatic 17th century explosion

A team of astronomers using APEX and other telescopes revealed that the star that appeared in the sky in 1670 was a rare stellar collision, not a nova. The team discovered a cool gas rich in molecules with an unusual chemical composition, which was too great to be explained by a nova explosion.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateMar 23, 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.