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Science News Archive March 2015 - Page 21


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.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 16, 2015

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...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 16, 2015

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.

SourceAmerican Geosciences Institute·DateMar 16, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 16, 2015

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 ...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 16, 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.

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.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 16, 2015

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.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 16, 2015

Exercise slows tumor growth, improves chemotherapy in mouse cancers

Researchers found that exercise significantly improved blood vessel formation around tumors, leading to better oxygenation and reduced tumor growth. Exercise also enhanced the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs, shrinking tumors more effectively than sedentary animals.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 16, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalPharmacoEconomics·DateMar 16, 2015

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.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 16, 2015

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.

SourceElsevier·JournalMaturitas·DateMar 16, 2015
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.

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.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateMar 16, 2015

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.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 16, 2015

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.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateMar 16, 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.

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.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMar 16, 2015

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.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateMar 16, 2015

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 16, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 16, 2015

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.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateMar 16, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalConservation Biology·DateMar 16, 2015

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...

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalSocial Forces·DateMar 16, 2015

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.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 16, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 16, 2015

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.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 16, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 16, 2015

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.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalMedical Care·DateMar 16, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 16, 2015

Laughter is an effective catalyst for new relationships

A study found that laughter triggers the release of endorphins, encouraging people to make intimate disclosures to strangers. The participants who laughed together shared more personal information than those who didn't.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalHuman Nature·DateMar 16, 2015

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.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMar 16, 2015

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.

SourceAmerican Diabetes Association·JournalDiabetes Care·DateMar 16, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 16, 2015

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.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 16, 2015

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateMar 16, 2015

Omics methods: Towards a better prediction of the effects of substances at very low doses

Scientists use advanced omics technologies to analyze the effects of substances on human cells, revealing potential health risks at very low concentrations. The study identifies changes in protein patterns and metabolism at non-toxic levels, which could inform the development of new risk assessment methods.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateMar 16, 2015

Jailbreaking yeast could amp up wine's health benefits, reduce morning-after headaches

University of Illinois scientists have engineered a 'jailbreaking' yeast that increases wine's health benefits and reduces toxic byproducts. The new technology allows for precise metabolic engineering, enabling the addition of bioactive compounds from other foods and improving malolactic fermentation.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMar 16, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 16, 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.

Investigators find window of vulnerability for STIs to infect female reproductive tract

A study published in Nature Reviews Immunology reveals a 'window of vulnerability' for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to infect the female reproductive tract. The researchers found that hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle create an optimal environment for implantation, which also increases susceptibility to STIs.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalNature Reviews Immunology·DateMar 16, 2015

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.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 15, 2015

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.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 15, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 15, 2015

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.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 15, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateMar 15, 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.

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.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalPolicing & Society·DateMar 15, 2015