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Science News Archive March 2015 - Page 3


Page 3 of 38

UofL researchers to examine asthma triggers in older adults

Researchers will investigate biophysical factors, environmental exposures and allergens associated with asthma control in older adults. The five-year study aims to develop interventions to improve symptoms, reduce emergency room visits and enhance overall well-being for seniors with asthma.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·DateMar 30, 2015

Seabed samples rewrite earthquake history near Istanbul

Researchers analyzed seabed samples off the coast of Turkey and found six large earthquakes in the area between 136 and 1896 AD. The study assigns past earthquakes to specific segments of the North Anatolian Fault, shedding light on the recurrence rate of earthquakes near Istanbul.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateMar 30, 2015

UNH geologist identifies new source of methane for gas hydrates in Arctic

A University of New Hampshire professor has identified a new source of abiotic methane for gas hydrates in the Arctic Ocean, suggesting a previously undiscovered stable reservoir. The findings indicate that gas hydrates throughout the Arctic may be supplied by a significant portion of abiotic gas.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalGeology·DateMar 30, 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.

Study debunks common misconception that urine is sterile

Researchers from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine found bacteria in the bladders of healthy women, contradicting the long-held belief that normal urine is sterile. This discovery has significant implications for understanding bladder health and disease, particularly lower urinary tract disorders.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalEuropean Urology·DateMar 30, 2015

Fasting and less-toxic cancer drug may work as well as chemotherapy

A new study suggests that fasting combined with a class of cancer-inhibiting drugs can starve colorectal, breast and lung cancer cells, potentially replacing chemotherapy. The research found that this combination is equally effective in killing cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateMar 30, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Hormone fosters bond between parents

Researchers discovered a link between prolactin levels and parental behavior, including increased cuddling and sex among paired cotton-top tamarins. The study adds to the growing understanding of parallels between oxytocin and prolactin in pair bonding.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 30, 2015

Comet dust: Planet Mercury's 'invisible paint'

Researchers propose that comet dust, rich in carbon, has painted Mercury black over billions of years. The team's experiments show that tiny carbon particles can darken surfaces to less than 5% reflectivity, similar to Mercury's dark surface.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 30, 2015

Intelligent neuroprostheses mimic natural motor control

Researchers have developed brain-controlled devices that decode brain signals to determine user intentions and orchestrate movements. The use of shared control empowers users to perform complex tasks with high accuracy, mirroring natural motor control.

SourceCognitive Neuroscience Society·DateMar 30, 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.

To stop cancer: Block its messages

Weizmann Institute scientists identified a potential drug molecule that stops cancer cells from getting their 'mail' by blocking communication with the nucleus. This method could treat various cancers and have fewer side effects than current treatments.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·DateMar 30, 2015

Citizen scientists map global forests

A new set of global forest maps provide a more accurate view of forests, combining recent remote sensing data, statistics, and citizen scientist input. The maps are freely available for exploration and download on the Geo-Wiki Web site.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·DateMar 30, 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.

Good luck and the Chinese reverse global forest loss

An international team of scientists found that global vegetation has increased by nearly 4 billion tonnes of carbon since 2003, driven by environmental and economic factors. The increase was largely due to tree-planting projects in China and changes in rainfall patterns in regions like Australia and Africa.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 30, 2015

Biology in a twist -- deciphering the origins of cell behavior

Cells make decisions based on environmental stimuli, with cytoskeleton dynamics playing a key role. A recent study found that inherent 'handedness' in molecular structures directs cell behavior and confers the ability to sense left and right differences.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMar 30, 2015

How DNA alarm-system works

A new study by Lomonosov Moscow State University researchers clarifies the DNA alarm-system, which detects single-strand breaks and activates kinase ATM to signal repair. This system prevents cancer-causing mutations and cell death.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2015

Endoscopes linked to outbreak of drug-resistant E. coli

A Washington state hospital outbreak of a novel, drug-resistant E. coli strain was linked to contaminated endoscopes. The study highlights the importance of rigorous cleaning procedures and calls for more stringent evaluation and maintenance schedules for these devices.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateMar 30, 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.

New drug stalls estrogen receptor-positive cancer cell growth and shrinks tumors

Researchers have developed an experimental drug, BHPI, that rapidly shrinks most tumors in a mouse model of human breast cancer. The drug works by hyperactivating the unfolded protein response pathway, driving cancer cells from using it for protection into making it a lethal pathway.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2015

Glow in the dark tampons identify sewage pollution in rivers

Researchers at the University of Sheffield used tampons to identify sewage pollution in rivers by detecting optical brighteners under UV light. The technique was found to be effective in detecting pollutants from just 0.01ml of detergent per litre of water, and helped pinpoint the sources of pollution.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalWater and Environment Journal·DateMar 30, 2015

ACMG Foundation announces inaugural recipient of Lovell Award

The ACMG Foundation has announced the inaugural recipient of the Carolyn Mills Lovell Award, presented to Stephanie Harris CGC for her poster presentation on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy research. The award aims to recognize genetic counselors' contributions to clinical genetics and includes a $1000 cash prize.

SourceAmerican College of Medical Genetics and Genomics·DateMar 30, 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.

Impact of domestic violence on women's mental health

A study of 1,052 mothers found that domestic violence was associated with a higher risk of depression and schizophrenia-like psychotic symptoms in women. The research also highlighted the importance of considering childhood abuse as a factor in predicting mental health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalDepression and Anxiety·DateMar 30, 2015

The CNIO identifies a new gene involved in hereditary neuroendocrine tumors

Researchers at CNIO have discovered a new gene, MDH2, linked to rare neuroendocrine tumors with high hereditary risk. The finding confirms the relationship between metabolism and tumour development, providing a boost to genetic diagnosis and potential metastasis prevention.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 30, 2015
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.

Two different fat graft techniques have similar effects on facial skin

Researchers compared two fat grafting techniques for facial rejuvenation and found that both methods produce similar results. The simpler approach using fat cells plus stromal vascular fraction has advantages over stem cell injection due to its faster processing time.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateMar 30, 2015

Clues to aging from long-lived lemurs

Dwarf lemurs' ability to put their bodies in standby mode, known as torpor, correlates with increased longevity. Hibernating lemurs live up to ten years longer than non-hibernators, staying healthier and reproducing for a longer period.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Zoology·DateMar 30, 2015

Promoting maternal interaction improves growth, weight gain in preemies

A new intervention teaches mothers to interpret and respond to subtle cues of premature infants, resulting in better weight gain and growth for the infants. The study also shows that infants who received this intervention developed muscle control needed for feeding more rapidly.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalAdvances in Neonatal Care·DateMar 30, 2015

A surprising source of serotonin could affect antidepressant activity

Researchers discovered an unconventional way serotonin is released from neurons, which could play a key role in antidepressant drug mechanism. The study suggests that the firing of serotonergic neurons is initially suppressed by extracellular serotonin.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateMar 30, 2015

'Lightning bolts' in the brain show learning in action

Researchers tracked neuronal activity in dendritic nerve branches as mice learned motor tasks, finding that calcium ion spikes triggered changes in connection strengths. The study identified a unique cell type controlling lightning bolt patterns, which stored new information without disrupting existing memories.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateMar 30, 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.

Bitter chocolate: Illegal cocoa farms threaten Ivory Coast primates

A new study found that 13 of 23 protected areas in Ivory Coast had lost their entire primate populations due to illegal cocoa farming. The researchers also discovered that 20 of the areas had unauthorized villages with nearly 30,000 people, highlighting the scale of deforestation caused by cocoa production.

SourceOhio State University·JournalTropical Conservation Science·DateMar 30, 2015

Fat grafting technique improves results of breast augmentation

A new technique using fat grafting improves the cosmetic outcomes of breast augmentation, producing a more natural shape and softening the 'medial transition zone'. The study found that women who underwent this procedure had a narrower distance between their breasts and reported high satisfaction rates.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateMar 30, 2015

Reality substitution on track to replace traditional virtual reality

A new reality substitution prototype unveiled at The Brain Forum 2015 aims to revolutionize virtual reality production and experience. By capturing real-world situations and playing them back in head-mounted displays, the system enables users to immerse themselves in authentic environments with real cognitive implications.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·DateMar 30, 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.

Compound from soil microbe inhibits biofilm formation

Researchers discovered a compound produced by Pseudomonas protegens that prevents Bacillus subtilis from forming biofilms at low concentrations, blocking spore formation as well. This finding may lead to creating healthy microbial soil communities and boosting agricultural yields.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateMar 30, 2015

What is the best measure of depression severity in adolescents?

A new study found that anhedonia, the inability to gain pleasure, is associated with more severe depression and worse outcomes in adolescents. Anhedonia severity showed a significant correlation with overall outcomes, including illness severity and episode duration.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology·DateMar 30, 2015

Prototype 'nanoneedles' generate new blood vessels in mice

Researchers at Imperial College London and Houston Methodist Research Institute have successfully delivered nucleic acids to specific areas of the body using nanoneedles, prompting the formation of new blood vessels in mice. This breakthrough technique shows promise for treating damaged organs and nerves by repairing themselves.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 30, 2015

Cats relax to the sound of music

Researchers found that cats undergoing surgery benefit from classical music, particularly George Handel compositions, which reduce respiratory rate and pupil diameter. The study suggests using calming music in surgical environments could decrease anaesthetic doses and promote patient safety.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·DateMar 30, 2015

To statin or not to statin?

A Johns Hopkins report provides clinicians with concrete tips to help patients decide whether to take statins, balancing benefits and risks. The report emphasizes the importance of individualized advice, clear explanation of benefits and risks, and shared decision-making.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 30, 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.

Study shows short & long-term cost-savings associated with minimally invasive surgery

A study by University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center found that laparoscopic colectomy procedures resulted in $6,689 lower costs compared to open surgery, with patients experiencing fewer days of health care utilization. The study also showed a significant difference in healthcare expenditures and patient workdays after the procedure.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateMar 30, 2015

Low vitamin D linked to worse prognosis in type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma

A new study found that patients with lower vitamin D levels before treatment for follicular lymphoma have a worse prognosis and are more likely to succumb to the disease or face relapse earlier. Vitamin D deficiency may represent a modifiable risk factor for this type of cancer.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 30, 2015

Equatorial fish babies in hot water

Scientists have found that warming waters in the tropics are slowing the development of baby fish larvae, putting their survival at risk. This discovery raises concerns about the impact of global warming on fish populations and food security for millions of people living near the equator.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateMar 30, 2015

Scientists link unexplained childhood paralysis to enterovirus D68

Researchers found the genetic signature of enterovirus D68 in half of California and Colorado children diagnosed with acute flaccid myelitis, linking it to a new strain with potential for causing neurological symptoms. The study suggests that individual biology may also play a role in determining disease presentation.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateMar 30, 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.

Researchers develop new potential drug for rare leukemia

Researchers at Michigan Medicine have developed a new compound that shows promise in treating acute leukemia and may also play a role in prostate cancer. The MLL-menin interaction is a key driver of the disease, and blocking this interaction has shown potential in laboratory studies.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 30, 2015

Oral drug normalizes blood potassium in 98 percent of kidney patients

A new oral drug, ZS-9, has been shown to normalize high potassium levels in 98% of patients with chronic kidney disease treated with Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System inhibitors (RAASI's). This effective treatment reduces the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias associated with hyperkalemia.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·DateMar 30, 2015

New molecular clues about mysterious brain blood vessel disorder

A study published in The Journal of Cell Biology provides new insights into the relationship between two proteins associated with cerebral cavernous malformations. Researchers found that CCM3 has an independent role in cell proliferation or survival pathways, contributing to the severity of symptoms.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateMar 30, 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.

As stars form, magnetic fields influence regions big and small

New research using high-resolution observations reveals that magnetic fields in the Cat's Paw Nebula preserve their direction from large to small scales. This suggests that self-gravity and turbulence cannot significantly alter the field direction, allowing for a more detailed understanding of star formation.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalNature·DateMar 30, 2015

Super sensitive measurement of magnetic fields

Scientists at Niels Bohr Institute create novel sensor using entangled atoms to precisely measure tiny magnetic fields, enabling new insights into biology and medicine. The researchers employ a unique technique involving laser light and quantum uncertainty relations to overcome classical physics limitations.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 30, 2015
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.

New data show that women of childbearing age need more vegetables, white potatoes

Women aged 19-50 consume low amounts of vegetables, with white potatoes being a crucial source of essential nutrients like potassium and fiber. The study's findings support the Institute of Medicine's recommendations for adequate intake, particularly for non-Hispanic black women who are already at risk for high blood pressure and stroke.

SourceQuiddity Communications, Inc.·DateMar 30, 2015