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Science News Archive March 2015 - Page 36


Page 36 of 38

MR spectroscopy shows precancerous breast changes in women with BRCA gene

A new study uses MR spectroscopy to identify biochemical changes associated with precancerous breast tissue in women with BRCA gene mutations. The technique shows promise for detecting cancer at an early stage, potentially allowing for more targeted treatments and preventive measures.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateMar 3, 2015

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

A new study has found that brain tumor patients with private insurance have shorter hospital stays, fewer medical complications, and a lower risk of death compared to those without. In contrast, Medicaid patients are more likely to experience longer hospital stays, develop postoperative respiratory issues, and face higher risks of hosp...

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalNeurosurgery·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.

NREL takes first in-depth look at solar project completion timelines

A recent NREL report examines the PV interconnection process in the US, revealing that delays can range from several days to months. The study found that streamlining application review and final authorization processes can benefit utilities and solar consumers by reducing time and cost associated with going solar.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateMar 3, 2015

Real estate bidding wars aren't going away

A new study from the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that homes sold through bidding wars have increased their market share over the last two decades. Bidding war sales rates were correlated with economic and housing booms, but not consistently across jurisdictions.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalReal Estate Economics·DateMar 3, 2015

First scientific publication from data collected at NSLS-II

The XPD beamline at NSLS-II achieved its first scientific commissioning experiment, yielding valuable information about ruthenium diselenide's thermoelectric properties. The study revealed the relationship between atomic structure and thermopower, shedding light on why RuSe2 has a high thermopower but low electrical conductivity.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 3, 2015

Spouses of alcoholics can benefit from online help, study finds

Researchers developed an Internet-based coping skills training program to support women with alcoholic partners, reducing stress and depression by 50% or more. The program aims to empower women to focus on their own needs and improve communication with their partners.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPsychology of Addictive Behaviors·DateMar 3, 2015

International research partnership tricks the light fantastic

A team of researchers from the University of Cincinnati has made a breakthrough in developing a new type of plasmonic device that can process data using light waves. The device has the potential to make electronics faster, cheaper and more sustainable by reducing heat and power consumption.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateMar 2, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

MD Anderson study shows why some brain cancers resist treatment

Scientists at MD Anderson Cancer Center have discovered a key DNA pathway that allows certain brain cancers to resist standard treatments. The study found that activation of this pathway leads to enhanced survival of tumor cells and increased DNA repair, contributing to treatment resistance.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 2, 2015

Researchers identify genes responsible for lung tumors

New connections in gene regulation have been discovered in normal lung cells that may contribute to lung tumor formation. The researchers found that the transcription factor Nkx2-1 regulates lung cell proliferation, tumor growth, and progression by binding to microRNAs.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalRespiratory Research·DateMar 2, 2015

Lycopene may ward off kidney cancer in older women

A higher intake of lycopene among postmenopausal women may lower the risk of renal cell carcinoma by 39%. The study analyzed data from 96,196 women and found a significant association between lycopene intake and reduced kidney cancer risk. Lycopene is a natural antioxidant found in foods like tomatoes and watermelon.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalCancer·DateMar 2, 2015

New UTHealth therapy targets PTSD, substance use disorders

A new therapy, TIPSS, developed by Anka Vujanovic aims to treat both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders. The study focuses on an integrated treatment that combines elements of standard cognitive-behavioral therapy with a focus on PTSD symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateMar 2, 2015

Core work: Iron vapor gives clues to formation of Earth and moon

Researchers used the Sandia National Laboratories Z-machine to recreate Earth's formation conditions, finding that iron vaporizes at a lower shock pressure than previously thought. This process could have led to more iron being mixed into the Earth's mantle, potentially affecting the Moon's composition due to its reduced gravity.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 2, 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.

NYU study identifies teens at-risk for synthetic marijuana use

A new NYU study found that males and black students are more likely to use synthetic marijuana, while frequent nightlife and other substance use increase the risk. The study also suggests that most non-marijuana users have never tried synthetic marijuana.

SourceNew York University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateMar 2, 2015

Protections, not money, can boost internal corporate whistleblowing

New research from North Carolina State University and Bucknell University finds that strong anti-retaliation policies encourage employees to report wrongdoing internally. Protection from retaliation is key, contingent on employee trust in the company. Monetary incentives do not necessarily influence whistleblowing behavior, but can fra...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateMar 2, 2015

Improving diagnosis of coronary artery disease in women -- recommendations of a national expert panel

The report highlights key diagnostic challenges in women, including atypical symptoms and the need to understand sex-specific differences underlying CAD. It emphasizes the importance of genomic approaches to diagnosis and the potential benefits of these new advances for improving accuracy and avoiding unnecessary invasive procedures.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalPopulation Health Management·DateMar 2, 2015

Interventional radiology offers new treatment for enlarged prostates

A new treatment option for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has been shown to improve patient symptoms regardless of prostate size. Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks blood flow to the enlarged gland, resulting in reduced risk of bleeding and urinary complications.

SourceSociety of Interventional Radiology·DateMar 2, 2015

Society of Interventional Radiology bestows highest honors

The Society of Interventional Radiology presented its highest honor, the SIR Gold Medal, to Johannes Lammer, Anne C. Roberts, and Harvey L. Neiman for their contributions to interventional radiology, including innovation, collaboration and improved patient care. The awards recognize distinguished service to the society or discipline.

SourceSociety of Interventional Radiology·DateMar 2, 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.

When I'm 64 -- I'll still have hot flashes?

A large study of 2,000 Australian women aged 40-65 found that 42% of those between 60-65 years old experienced hot flashes, while 62% continued to experience sexual symptoms. The study highlights the need for better treatment options for these women, many of whom are not receiving adequate care.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·DateMar 2, 2015

An old-looking galaxy in a young universe

A team of astronomers discovered a young and remote galaxy with dust levels similar to mature galaxies like the Milky Way, defying expectations. The galaxy, A1689-zD1, was observed using ALMA and VLT instruments and found to be emitting radiation in the far infrared, indicating significant star formation.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateMar 2, 2015

The environment may change, but the microbiome of queen bees does not

A study by North Carolina State University, Indiana University and Wellesley College found that the gut microbiome of honey bee queens remains consistent regardless of environment. The researchers characterized the microbiome throughout the queen's development, from larval stage to emergence as adults.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMar 2, 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.

Clever application of magnetic force enhances laparoscopic surgery

Researchers at Vanderbilt University developed a new approach to laparoscopic surgery using magnetic force, allowing for up to 100 times more mechanical power and improved organ retraction. The system consists of an external unit and an internal unit with powerful permanent magnets, enabling accurate positioning and precise control.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Robotics·DateMar 2, 2015

Alcohol screening and intervention for risky drinking: A guide for physicians

Physicians can identify individuals with harmful drinking habits and offer evidence-based interventions, such as the FRAMES approach. The Canadian guidelines recommend low-risk drinking limits, and policy changes are needed to improve access to alcohol screening and treatment.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 2, 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.

Spurring production of a sluggish enzyme for crop yields

Researchers at Australian National University have made a breakthrough in boosting the sluggish activity of Rubisco, a crucial enzyme for plant growth. By introducing a modified version of RAF1, scientists successfully doubled Rubisco levels in leaves, leading to increased photosynthesis and plant growth.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 2, 2015

Published outcomes announced from study on adolescent bariatric surgery safety

A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics assessed cardiovascular risks among adolescents with severe obesity undergoing weight-loss surgery. The study found that nearly 95% of participants had at least one CVD risk factor, with high blood pressure and unhealthy cholesterol levels common among the group.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMar 2, 2015

Sequencing the hookworm

The genome of Ancylostoma ceylanicum, a nematode that infects up to 400 million people worldwide, has been sequenced. The study identified genes active during infection and potential drug targets. The findings could lead to new treatments for parasitic hookworms.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 2, 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.

Preventing the spread of cancer with copper molecules

Chemists at Bielefeld University develop copper-based anti-tumor agent that targets DNA phosphates, disrupting cellular processes and killing cancer cells. The new agent shows higher efficacy than cisplatin in killing cancer cells at lower concentrations.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalInorganic Chemistry·DateMar 2, 2015

Fighting a worm with its own genome

Researchers sequenced and analyzed the genome of a specific hookworm species to discover new information for treating parasitic infections. They identified unique protein families, such as ASPRs, that may block the host's immune response, paving the way for potential new treatments.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 2, 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.

How the brain's involved in wanting and having sex

The cerebral cortex region is crucial for each phase of the sexual pleasure cycle, including wanting, having, and inhibiting sex. Alterations in brain networks are linked to sexual dysfunction, highlighting the importance of brain function in sexual experiences.

SourceWiley·JournalClinical Anatomy·DateMar 2, 2015

Sleep-walking neurons: Brain's GPS never stops working-even during sleep

Researchers found that brain cells coding for direction remained electrically active during deep sleep as they were during wake time, with visual and vestibular cues guiding them. This discovery could help develop navigational treatments for Alzheimer's and other neurological disorders.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 2, 2015

Restoring ability to halt cell division may protect lung cells from cancer

A team at the University of Illinois Chicago has identified a signaling mechanism that permanently places lung cells into a state of suspended animation called senescence. This finding represents a new potential therapeutic strategy for treating lung cancer by inducing senescence through this pathway.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalOncogene·DateMar 2, 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.

New nanodevice defeats drug resistance

A new nanodevice developed by MIT researchers can block the gene that confers drug resistance and then deliver a chemotherapy attack against disarmed tumors. The device was tested in mice implanted with human breast tumors and successfully shrunk tumors by 90% in two weeks.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 2, 2015

Preventing metabolic disease may start in the womb ... of your grandmother

A recent study suggests that helping fetuses achieve optimal weight before birth may prevent metabolic problems like high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity in grandchildren. Researchers found that low birthweight infants may pass on their risk of metabolic disease to their own children and grandchildren.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateMar 2, 2015

New views of enzyme structures offer insights into metabolism of cholesterol, other lipids

The study provides high-resolution pictures of two closely related enzymes, lysosomal phospholipase A2 (LPLA2) and lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), which play crucial roles in metabolizing cholesterol and other lipids. The findings offer new insights into the mechanisms underlying these disorders and suggest potential thera...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 2, 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.

Gorilla origins of the last two AIDS virus lineages confirmed

Scientists confirm that HIV-1 groups O and P originated in western lowland gorillas, according to a comprehensive survey of SIV infection in African gorillas. The study's findings have implications for understanding the genesis of emerging diseases and may provide insights into future human infection risks.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 2, 2015

Vanderbilt-led study finds peanut consumption decreases mortality

A Vanderbilt University-led study has discovered that peanut consumption is associated with reduced total mortality and cardiovascular disease mortality across all racial and ethnic groups. The study, based on three large cohort studies, found a significant link between increased peanut intake and lower mortality rates.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMar 2, 2015

In hot and cold water: The private lives of 'Hoff' crabs revealed

Male and female Hoff crabs lead separate lives at volcanic vents due to conflicting demands of feeding and raising young. Females migrate from warm mineral-rich fluids to cold waters with fewer predators for their offspring's early development.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateMar 2, 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.

Some tropical plants pick the best hummingbirds to pollinate flowers

Researchers at Oregon State University found that tropical plants like Heliconia tortuosa recognize specific hummingbird species by their nectar-sipping behavior. The plants respond by allowing high-quality pollen germination, increasing the chances of successful seed formation.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 2, 2015

3-D printing offers innovative method to deliver medication

Researchers developed bioactive filaments, chemotherapy beads, and catheters that can deliver antibiotics and chemotherapeutic agents in targeted areas. These devices have the potential to inhibit bacterial growth and cancer cell proliferation.

SourceSociety of Interventional Radiology·DateMar 2, 2015

Why nitrate supplementation may increase athletic performance

A new study published in The FASEB Journal found that nitrate supplementation can lower hemoglobin levels in normoxic animals and improve liver oxygenation. Researchers also discovered that higher doses of nitrate can increase erythropoietin expression, which may have implications for conditions like polycythemia.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateMar 2, 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.

Treadmill performance predicts mortality

A new formula, the FIT Treadmill Score, estimates one's 10-year risk of dying by analyzing treadmill exercise performance. Fitness level, peak heart rate, and metabolic equivalents are key indicators of death risk.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateMar 2, 2015

Use of new systemic adjuvant therapy in gastrointestinal tumors increasing

The use of adjuvant systemic therapy for localized gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) has significantly increased over time, leading to better survival rates among treated patients. The study found that older patients and minorities are less likely to receive this therapy.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 2, 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.

Cesarean section rates in Portugal decline by 10 percent

Portugal's cesarean section rates dropped by 10% between 2009 and 2014, with a 14% reduction in state-hospitals. This decrease is linked to improved information sharing and training among healthcare staff, as well as the inclusion of C-section rates in hospital funding criteria.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateMar 2, 2015

Infection control experts outline guidance for animal visitations in hospitals

The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America outlines guidelines for animal-assisted activities, service animals, and personal pet visitation in healthcare facilities. The recommendations aim to protect patients and healthcare providers from animal-to-human transmission and promote evidence-based practices.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateMar 2, 2015

Pediatricians face increasing pressure to delay vaccinations

A study found that almost all pediatricians encounter requests to spread out vaccines, with increasing numbers agreeing to do so despite risks. Most physicians feel tension between building trust and prioritizing child safety.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMar 2, 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.