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Science News Archive March 2015 - Page 13


Page 13 of 38

Study may identify new cause of brain bleeds in fetuses and newborns

Researchers found that the immune system's attack on new blood vessel cells in fetuses may be responsible for life-threatening brain bleeds. This discovery challenges the previous belief that low platelet counts were the cause of fetal brain bleeds, suggesting a need for alternative therapies.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 23, 2015

A stiff new layer in Earth's mantle

A new study by University of Utah researchers reveals the existence of an unknown layer inside Earth's lower mantle, where rock gets three times stiffer. This stiffness increase may explain why slabs of sinking tectonic plates stall and thicken at a depth of 930 miles underground.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 23, 2015

CMU study finds location sharing by apps prompts privacy action

A Carnegie Mellon University study found that when smartphone users learn the frequency of app location sharing, they quickly limit further sharing. Participants who received daily 'privacy nudges' detailing their app's access to sensitive information restricted permissions more than those who used an app permission manager.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateMar 23, 2015

Combining the old and new to kill cancer cells

A team of Singapore-based scientists identified a new signalling pathway regulating cancer internal diet. The therapy combines an old anti-malarial drug with CK1α inhibition, effectively treating colon and bladder cancers. Researchers hope to develop more potent inhibitors for this treatment.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·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.

Non-native plants are 'not a threat' to floral diversity

New research reveals that non-native plants are less widespread and do not outcompete native species, suggesting alternative causes for vegetation change. High diversities of native and non-native plant species coexist in locations with high native species diversity.

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

Metabolic compensation underlies drug resistance in glioblastoma

Glioblastoma's aggressive nature is fueled by mTOR-induced pathways, but mTOR inhibitors have shown limited effectiveness. Compensatory glutamine metabolism plays a crucial role in mTOR inhibitor resistance, as evidenced by increased glutaminase and glutamine levels in GBM cells and tumor xenografts.

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

How to get smarter on pills for seniors

A new study evaluates currently available screening tools for senior cancer patients taking too many medications. It found that a more comprehensive assessment and monitoring plan is needed to improve treatment outcomes.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 23, 2015

Discovery could yield more efficient portable electronics, solar cells

A team of chemists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison has developed a method to precisely order molecules in organic glasses, leading to more efficient and durable portable electronic devices and potentially new generations of solar cells. This breakthrough could result in displays that produce more light using less energy.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2015
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Discontinuing statins for patients with life limiting illness

A new study suggests discontinuing statins in patients with life-limiting illness can improve quality of life without adverse health effects. The study found no significant differences in mortality between those who continued and discontinued statin therapy.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMar 23, 2015

Delayed retirement could increase inequalities among seniors

A report by University of Montreal researcher Yves Carrière finds that delaying retirement eligibility will widen disparities among older adults. This policy change is expected to disproportionately affect those with lower incomes, who will be more reliant on private savings for support.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·DateMar 23, 2015

Genome-wide screen of learning in zebrafish identifies enzyme important in neural circuit

A genome-wide screen of zebrafish identified an enzyme, pregnancy-associated plasma protein-aa (pappaa), that promotes learning and memory by increasing IGF availability to neurons. The study's findings have implications for understanding human neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, autism, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateMar 23, 2015

Rett Syndrome Research Trust awards $1.3 million for clinical trial

A two-year clinical trial using low doses of ketamine may hold promise for reversing the devastating symptoms of Rett Syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder found almost exclusively in females. The trial aims to measure changes in breathing patterns and overall clinical severity among up to 35 participants.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateMar 23, 2015

Soils help control radioactivity in Fukushima, Japan

Researchers found that soils with rich organic material and low phosphate absorption show low radiocesium interception potential. Soils with high clay or silt content adsorb radiocesium more readily due to higher mica content.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateMar 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.

New insights into survival outcomes of Asian-Americans diagnosed with cancer

A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that Asian-Americans diagnosed with cancer have significantly lower cancer-specific mortality rates compared to non-Hispanic white patients. The study analyzed data from over 2.5 million patients and broke down the population into eight subgroups, revealing variations in survival rate...

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 23, 2015

Supercomputers give universities a competitive edge, researchers find

A Clemson University study found that universities with locally available supercomputers were more efficient in producing research in critical fields such as chemistry and civil engineering. The study used data from the National Research Council survey of 212 institutions, including 177 universities with high or very high research levels.

SourceClemson University·JournalEmpirical Economics·DateMar 23, 2015

New low-calorie rice could help cut rising obesity rates

Scientists developed a new way to cook rice that increases resistant starch content, potentially reducing calories absorbed by the body by over half. This simple cooking method can transform digestible starch into indigestible resistant starch, lowering usable calories and addressing obesity rates.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 23, 2015

Catching and releasing tiny molecules

A Harvard scientist has developed a new microfluidic design that can detect and extract biomolecules from fluid mixtures more efficiently than current techniques. The approach uses microscopic fins embedded in a hydrogel that responds to different stimuli, allowing for the selective separation of target biomolecules.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Chemistry·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.

Cytomegalovirus hijacks human enzyme for replication

Researchers at Princeton University discovered that cytomegalovirus manipulates fatty acid elongation, a process essential for virus replication. The virus induces the expression of elongase enzyme 7, which is necessary for efficient replication.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalCell Reports·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.

Rush to crush risks medicine effectiveness

A study by Queensland University of Technology found that almost half of respondents modified medication dosage forms without seeking advice from healthcare professionals. The research highlights the potential dangers of crushing tablets or modifying capsules, which can lead to reduced effectiveness and increased risk of adverse effects.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalJournal of Pharmacy Practice and Research·DateMar 22, 2015

Special microbes make anti-obesity molecule in the gut

Researchers have programmed bacteria to generate a hunger-suppressing lipid, leading to reduced body fat and staved-off diabetes in mice. The therapeutic bacteria could provide sustained drug delivery, potentially improving weight loss outcomes for humans.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 22, 2015

Air pollutants could boost potency of common airborne allergens

Researchers find that nitrogen dioxide and ground-level ozone can increase the potency of airborne allergens, contributing to rising allergy rates. The study suggests chemical modifications of allergenic proteins may play a key role in the increasing prevalence of allergies worldwide.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 22, 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.

New potential for personalized treatments in bowel cancer

Research links genetic changes in bowel tumours to immune system responses, suggesting potential for targeted immunotherapy treatments. Genetic profiles could be used to diagnose suitability for immunotherapies and tailor treatment plans.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalOncoImmunology·DateMar 22, 2015

Blood test for patients on acne medication deemed unnecessary

A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that routine potassium monitoring for healthy women taking spironolactone for acne does not change the course of treatment, but cumulatively costs $80,000. The researchers suggest ending routine testing to improve patient care experience and reduce healthcare spending.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateMar 22, 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.

Researchers develop detailed genetic map of world wheat varieties

Scientists at Kansas State University have developed a haplotype map of wheat that provides a detailed description of genetic differences in worldwide wheat lines. This study enables the precise mapping of genes and increases the selection of best lines for breeding, leading to faster release times for new varieties.

SourceKansas State University·JournalGenome Biology·DateMar 20, 2015

Less futile end-of-life care observed where palliative care knowledge is greater

A large national survey found that nursing home directors with greater palliative care knowledge experienced less aggressive end-of-life care, including reduced use of feeding tubes and emergency room visits. This association suggests that improving staff knowledge could lead to better care for thousands of residents.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Palliative Medicine·DateMar 20, 2015

Food-delivery process inside seeds revealed

A recent Carnegie Institution study has identified three SWEET family proteins essential for delivering sugars from plant leaves to embryonic plants inside seeds. The research found that eliminating these transporters retards embryonic development and reduces seed quality, with potential applications in crop yield enhancement.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMar 20, 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.

NNI publishes workshop report assessing the status of EHS risk science

The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) has published a report assessing the status of environmental, health, and safety (EHS) risk science in nanotechnology. Stakeholders identified four key areas for improvement: communication resources, decision tools, data resources, and standards and guidance resources.

SourceNational Nanotechnology Coordination Office·DateMar 20, 2015

Pigs gain the same with corn-ethanol co-product as with corn-soybean meal diet, says study

A recent study found that pigs fed diets containing corn-ethanol co-products, such as distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), had no significant differences in growth performance compared to those fed a traditional corn-soybean meal diet. The study showed that conventional, high-protein, or uncooked DDGS can be safely included at...

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateMar 20, 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.

Additives to biodegrade plastics don't work

A new study from Michigan State University finds that several additives claiming to break down plastics do not work in common disposal situations. The team tested five additives and three categories of biodegradation methods but found no difference between plastics with additives and those without.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 20, 2015

Scientists must reduce antibiotic use in experiments

Antibiotics are widely used in lab experiments for microbiology, molecular biology, and genetic research. However, this practice contributes to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, posing a catastrophic threat to modern medicine. Researchers must use antibiotics more responsibly and sparingly.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy·DateMar 20, 2015

Ice core research gets 25 million kroner from A.P. Møller Foundation

A Danish-led project, EGRIP, will drill a 2½-kilometer deep ice core through northeast Greenland's large ice stream to gain new knowledge about the speed of ice movement and its contribution to rapid loss of the Greenland ice sheet. This information could improve forecasts of future sea level rise.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·DateMar 20, 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.

The welding system of the future is self-learning

The new self-learning welding system is controlled by a neural network program that tracks multiple variables, such as bevel angle, thermal profile, and weld form to detect and correct errors in real-time. This technology has the potential to bring significant savings to the welding industry by eliminating post-welding checks and repairs.

SourceLappeenranta University of Technology·DateMar 20, 2015

UCLA statistician helps resolve dispute about how gene expression is controlled

A new study by UCLA professor Jingyi Jessica Li and Mark Biggin from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory concludes that transcription plays the largest role in determining protein abundance. The research highlights the importance of accurate measurement and analysis methods for modeling gene expression.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience·DateMar 20, 2015

Stinging nettle chemical improves cancer drug

Researchers discover that combining Sodium Formate with metal-based cancer treatment JS07 can greatly increase its effectiveness against ovarian cancer cells. The potent form of JS07 disrupts cancer cell's energy generation mechanism, leading to cell shutdown and potential reduction in side effects.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 20, 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.

Measuring treatment response proves to be a powerful tool for guiding leukemia treatment

A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that measuring residual leukemia cells in patient bone marrow during early weeks of chemotherapy helps identify high-risk patients who need intensive therapy. The technique improved survival rates for young leukemia patients, with 93.5% alive five years after diagnosis.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateMar 20, 2015

Letting go of the (genetic) apron strings

Researchers have discovered that a specific set of molecules, known as transcription factors, trigger DNA errors and slow down cell division in embryos. This finding provides new insight into the mechanism behind the 'midblastula transition', where the embryo takes control of its genetic expression.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalCell·DateMar 20, 2015

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Nathan crossing Cape York Peninsula

Tropical Cyclone Nathan made landfall on March 19 at the Cape York Peninsula in northern Queensland, with sustained winds reaching over 30 meters per second. NASA's RapidScat instrument revealed the strongest winds were south of the center before landfall, and the storm was moving west across the peninsula.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 20, 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.

First blood test for osteoarthritis could soon be available

Researchers at the University of Warwick have identified a biomarker linked to both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, potentially leading to an early diagnosis of OA and RA. The development of a blood test using this biomarker could help patients receive treatment several years before physical symptoms appear.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 20, 2015

Review of global guidelines for sepsis needed

A Monash University study reviewed over a million ICU patients in Australia and New Zealand, finding one in eight did not meet current sepsis criteria. The classic definition of sepsis may be missing critically ill patients, particularly the elderly or those on medications that affect heart rate or immune systems.

SourceMonash University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 20, 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.

Black holes and the dark sector explained by quantum gravity

Nexus theory reconciles GR and Quantum Theory, explaining dark matter as the nexus graviton's constant rotational motion. The theory also sheds light on perplexing questions in physics, including a quantum description of Black Holes without singularities.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalInternational Journal of Geometric Methods in Modern Physics·DateMar 20, 2015