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Science News Archive March 2015 - Page 35


Page 35 of 38

Mystery solved: Why seashells' mineral forms differently in seawater

Researchers at MIT and LBNL reveal that magnesium concentration affects surface energy, leading to the formation of either calcite or aragonite. The discovery could lead to controlled synthesis of new materials with desired properties.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2015

Long-term follow-up of benign thyroid nodules shows favorable prognosis

A study of 992 patients with asymptomatic benign thyroid nodules found that most exhibited no significant growth over a 5-year period, and diagnoses of thyroid cancer were rare. The study suggests that current guidelines for follow-up may be overly aggressive and that individualized surveillance strategies could be more efficient.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 3, 2015

UC Davis scientists describe novel drug mechanism that fights brain cancer

Researchers at UC Davis have discovered a molecule that interferes with the internal regulation of cancer cells, causing them to self-destruct. This mechanism was found to be effective against glioma cells, which are responsible for a usually fatal type of brain cancer, and could be applicable to other highly aggressive cancers.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalMolecular Pharmacology·DateMar 3, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Early benefit assessment increases transparency for study data

Researchers found that company dossiers and dossier assessments contain significantly more information than conventional documents on clinical studies, especially regarding patient-relevant outcomes. This suggests that early benefit assessment may be a model for increased transparency in other areas.

SourceInstitute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care·JournalThe BMJ·DateMar 3, 2015

NREL refines method to convert lignin to nylon precursor

Researchers at NREL have developed a new process to convert lignin-derived compounds into adipic acid, an industrial dicarboxylic acid used in the production of nylon. This breakthrough has significant implications for the economic viability and environmental sustainability of biorefineries.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateMar 3, 2015

Bans don't help smokers quit

A Concordia University study found no significant change in home smoking habits after a Quebec ban. The presence of non-smokers and social networks were key factors in influencing quitting behavior, rather than the law itself.

SourceConcordia University·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateMar 3, 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.

New compound protects 100 percent of ferrets, mice, from H5N1

Researchers have developed an antibody called FcDART that provides 100% protection against the H5N1 influenza virus in ferrets and mice. This breakthrough could lead to the development of vaccines to match each flu virus and protect vulnerable populations.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalJournal of Virology·DateMar 3, 2015

Vaccine skeptics aren't swayed by emotional scare tactics

A study by WSU researcher Graham Dixon found that emotional messages can backfire among individuals with anti-vaccine views. The approach highlights the consequences of non-vaccination using emotional pictures may not be as effective as previously thought.

SourceWashington State University·JournalCommunication Research·DateMar 3, 2015

Aneurysm screening should be revisited, say experts

Researchers argue that aneurysm screening programs should be revised due to reduced benefits and increased harm in modern populations. The screenings are estimated to overdiagnose AAA cases by 176 out of every 10,000 men invited.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMar 3, 2015

Air pollution linked to slower cognitive development in children

A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that higher levels of traffic-related air pollution at schools are linked to slower cognitive development in 7- to 10-year-old children. The researchers measured three cognitive outcomes and found a significant decrease in cognitive development among children attending highly polluted sch...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 3, 2015

Combined Arctic ice observations show decades of loss

A new study published in The Cryosphere reveals a significant thinning of Arctic sea ice over the past four decades. The research, led by University of Washington climatologist Ron Lindsay, shows that September ice thickness has decreased by 85% between 1975 and 2012.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalThe Cryosphere·DateMar 3, 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.

How much overdetection is acceptable in cancer screening?

A UK survey found that people's willingness to accept overdetection in cancer screening varies greatly, depending on the level of benefit and perceived harms. The study revealed that up to 14% would accept overdetection in the entire population, with median acceptability ranging from 113 to 150 cases.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMar 3, 2015

Family-based interpersonal psychotherapy for depressed preadolescents

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that Family Based Interpersonal Psychotherapy (FB-IPT) is more effective than child-centered therapy (CCT) in treating preadolescent children with depression. Preadolescents with depressive symptoms are at increased risk of experien...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateMar 3, 2015

Creative genius driven by distraction

New Northwestern University research suggests that real-world creativity may be associated with a reduced ability to filter 'irrelevant' sensory information. This 'leaky' sensory gating allows individuals to integrate ideas outside of focus, leading to creative achievements.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNeuropsychologia·DateMar 3, 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.

LUT investigates the role of nuclear power in Europe

The study aims to establish a stable situation for nuclear power by collecting multidisciplinary data on how people define nuclear power and its role in society. The project will analyze the importance of nuclear power in each country's power production, economic impacts, and influence from different viewpoints.

SourceLappeenranta University of Technology·DateMar 3, 2015

'Stem cell' test could identify most aggressive breast cancers

Researchers developed a test to identify women with triple-negative breast cancer, a form of disease difficult to treat. The test assesses gene activity in breast cancer cells, finding those resembling adult stem cells are more likely to spread and recur.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalBreast Cancer Research·DateMar 3, 2015

Step change for screening could boost biofuels

Researchers have developed a new high-throughput system to rapidly screen yeasts for producing sustainable biofuels. The technique, in collaboration with the National Collection of Yeast Cultures, aims to find naturally better-performing yeast strains that can boost efficiency and reduce costs.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalBiotechnology for Biofuels·DateMar 3, 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.

Gold standard management of the diabetic cat

The ISFM Consensus Guidelines on the Practical Management of Diabetes Mellitus in Cats provide evidence-based advice for veterinary teams. Key findings include the importance of weight control, using appropriate diets, and insulin therapy, as well as close monitoring of blood glucose concentrations.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·DateMar 3, 2015

Twitter helps smokers kick the habit, UCI-Stanford study finds

A study by UCI and Stanford researchers found that daily automessages on Twitter increased smoking cessation rates. The hybrid approach combined automated messages with social media, resulting in a 75% success rate for quitting smoking.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateMar 3, 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.

Flower-like magnetic nanoparticles target difficult tumors

Dartmouth College researchers create a new class of flower-shaped magnetic nanoparticles that heat at low field strengths, showing improved performance compared to commercially available counterparts. This breakthrough could enable treatment of deep-seated tumors like pancreatic cancer.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMar 3, 2015

The politics of inequality and the inequality of politics

Studies examine how subjective attitudes toward inequality influence ideological positions, with findings suggesting that low-status individuals may withdraw from the political system due to self-evaluative processes. Additionally, research reveals that lack of awareness of income inequality can lead to punishment of poorer individuals.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·DateMar 3, 2015

University of Houston researchers discover new material to produce clean energy

Researchers at the University of Houston have created a new thermoelectric material that generates electric power from waste heat, offering higher efficiency and output power than existing materials. The material has a peak power factor of 55 and a figure of merit of 1.4, making it commercially viable for applications such as car exhau...

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 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.

Brain tumor patients fare better with private insurance, new study finds

A new study by University of Florida Health researchers found that brain tumor patients with private insurance have shorter hospital stays and fewer medical complications compared to those without insurance. They are also at lower risk of developing new conditions and dying during their stay.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalNeurosurgery·DateMar 3, 2015

When age matters

A 55,000-year-old human skull found in Israel provides key evidence that humans and Neanderthals coexisted in the region. The combined dating methods confirm the age of the skull, which is now believed to be from around 55,000 years ago.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·DateMar 3, 2015

Study shows who benefits most from statins

Research suggests statin therapy provides greatest benefit to patients with highest genetic risk of heart attack. Genetic analysis assesses heart attack risk independently of traditional factors, identifying those at higher baseline risk who reap greater benefits from therapy. The study's findings have implications for precision medici...

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 3, 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.

Genetic risk linked to clinical benefit of statin therapy

Researchers identified a genetic risk score that predicts cardiovascular death and heart attack risk, with individuals in the highest genetic risk group experiencing a significant reduction in cardiovascular risk with statin therapy. The study found a three-fold increase in absolute risk reduction in those with high genetic risk.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 3, 2015

Losing a spouse often too hastily linked to depression

A new study by KU Leuven researchers found that spousal loss triggers loneliness and subsequent depressive symptoms. The study suggests targeting key symptoms like loneliness can prevent further symptom activation and full-blown depression.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalJournal of Abnormal Psychology·DateMar 3, 2015

UK scientists move closer to creating cartilage from stem cells

Researchers at the University of Manchester developed a protocol to grow and transform embryonic stem cells into cartilage cells, which could be used to treat osteoarthritis. The study showed that cartilage formed from embryonic stem cells was partially repaired in rats and demonstrated healthy, functional tissue after 12 weeks.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·DateMar 3, 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.

Stress markers in the unemployed linked to poor health

Research from UCL's ESRC International Centre for Lifecourse Studies found direct biological effects of stress during unemployment contribute to higher levels of inflammatory markers, predicting atherosclerosis and heart disease. Unemployed men and women had higher levels than employed counterparts, with stronger effects in Scotland.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateMar 3, 2015

Penn study: OTC medications and supplements are most common causes of drug-induced liver failure

A new Penn study reveals that over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements are the leading causes of drug-induced liver failure, not prescription drugs. The research analyzed data from an integrated healthcare system in Northern California and found that acetaminophen and herbal supplements were responsible for nearly half of a...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateMar 3, 2015

Testing at NREL aids solar power in Hawaii

Testing at NREL aids solar power in Hawaii by quantifying transient LRO conditions, allowing HECO to increase its penetration limits for rooftop solar from 120% to 250% of minimum daytime load.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateMar 3, 2015

In a heartbeat

A new theoretical model proposes that heart muscle cells don't necessarily beat as a single entity, but rather as a bundle of contractile units. The alignment of these bundles is predicted to depend on the elasticity of the extracellular matrix and can affect the beating strength of the cell.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 3, 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.

Expanding sports concussion laws may help ensure safety of all teenage athletes

A recent Connecticut study found a marked increase in the number of teenagers receiving medical treatment for sports-related concussions after laws were passed in 2010. The study suggests that extending concussion laws to include summer camps, travel teams, and all-star teams could improve safety and education for all young athletes.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalInjury Epidemiology·DateMar 3, 2015

ADHD plus childhood trauma heightens risk for self-harm, suicide

A new study from UC Berkeley found that young women with ADHD who experienced childhood trauma are at higher risk for self-injury, eating disorders, and suicide. The research adds to evidence that environmental factors contribute to negative psychosocial outcomes in individuals with ADHD.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalDevelopment and Psychopathology·DateMar 3, 2015

Vanderbilt study shows salt fights infection

Researchers found that salt accumulates in skin and tissue to control infection, increasing macrophage activation. High-salt diet also cleared up bacterial footpad infections in mice.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 3, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Highly sensitive detection of malaria parasites

Researchers developed ultra-sensitive detection methods for malaria parasites, detecting 58% of infections in human blood samples at low concentrations. The new assays surpass current standards, identifying 16% more cases and reducing false negatives.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 3, 2015

American Society for Microbiology receives grant to support ICAAC

The American Society for Microbiology has received a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to host joint sessions at ASM's Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC) in San Diego. The program aims to support developing world scientists attending ICAAC through the Gates Travel Award.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateMar 3, 2015

Study shows strong link between adolescent obesity and high blood pressure

A recent study published in the American Journal of Hypertension found a strong association between adolescent BMI and both systolic and diastolic blood pressures. The study, which examined over 715,000 Israeli adolescents, revealed a significant increase in obesity rates and high blood pressure among teens.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalAmerican Journal of Hypertension·DateMar 3, 2015

UCLA researchers devise new method to identify disease markers

UCLA researchers have created a powerful new method to identify genetic markers for many diseases, including cancer and schizophrenia. The GIREMI method can accurately detect RNA editing sites, genetic mutations, and single nucleotide polymorphisms, enabling diagnosis and risk prediction for various conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 3, 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.

Adults only really catch flu about twice a decade, suggests study

A new study suggests that adults over 30 only get the flu about twice a decade, according to researchers who analyzed blood samples from volunteers in Southern China. The study found that flu-like illnesses can be caused by many pathogens, making it difficult to assess infection frequency.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 3, 2015

Study sheds light on how malaria parasites grow exponentially

Researchers from the University of South Florida have discovered how malaria parasites replicate their chromosomes up to thousands of times before spinning off into daughter cells. This understanding could lead to a powerful new treatment for malaria-caused illnesses, which kill over 600,000 people annually.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 3, 2015

A new level of earthquake understanding

Researchers studied stress fields along the San Andreas fault at the microscopic scale, revealing heterogeneous and high-stress areas in rock samples. This breakthrough could lead to a better understanding of earthquake events and advance seismicity research.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalGeology·DateMar 3, 2015

Newly discovered hormone mimics the effects of exercise

Scientists at USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology discovered a new hormone, MOTS-c, that restores insulin sensitivity and counteracts diet-induced and age-dependent insulin resistance. The hormone targets muscle tissue and suppresses weight gain and insulin resistance in mice fed a high-fat diet.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 3, 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.

Divorce fuels sugary beverage consumption, SF State study finds

A new study finds that children of recently separated or divorced families are more likely to drink sugar-sweetened beverages than those in intact families, highlighting the importance of maintaining family routines during times of transition.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalChildhood Obesity·DateMar 3, 2015