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Science News Archive May 2015


Page 16 of 31

Regular aspirin use may slow progression of early emphysema

A large study found that regular aspirin use was associated with a slower progression of percent emphysema on CT scans over 10 years. Even after adjusting for confounding factors, participants who used aspirin regularly had a significantly slower rate of progression compared to those who did not.

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.

Curing hepatitis C could yield huge economic benefit

A new study estimates that a cure for hepatitis C could generate significant economic benefits, including $3.2 billion in annual productivity savings in the US and Europe. The treatment, ledipasvir and sofosbuvir, has a high cure rate and fewer side effects, resulting in reduced absenteeism and improved workplace productivity.

Lives could be saved with hepatitis C treatment

A new therapy with high cure rates is available, but the high cost of direct acting antiviral (DAA) treatment limits access for many hepatitis C virus patients. Increasing treatment efficacy and accessibility could avert significant liver-related deaths and end-stage liver disease in Australia.

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.

Scientists discover tiny microbes with potential to cleanse waterways

A seven-year study reveals that microbial communities in urban waterways can remove and neutralize organic pollutants, providing a sustainable solution for managing urban watersheds. The discovery of key chemical elements influencing the community's functions paves the way for further research and monitoring.

One exposure to e-cigarette use diminishes cough reflex sensitivity

A study of 30 healthy adult nonsmokers found that a single exposure to e-cigarette vapor diminished cough reflex sensitivity. However, sensitivity returned to baseline levels 24 hours after exposure. This effect suggests potential risks for chronic e-cigarette use on respiratory health.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Electronic cigarette flavorings alter lung function at the cellular level

Researchers found that certain electronic cigarette flavors can alter important cellular functions in lung tissue, including changes in cell viability, proliferation, and calcium signaling. Flavors such as Hot Cinnamon Candies, Banana Pudding (Southern Style), and Menthol Tobacco were shown to be toxic to cells at higher doses.

Groundbreaking treatment for patients with cystic fibrosis

A Phase III clinical trial has shown that combined lumacaftor-ivacaftor therapy improves lung function and lowers pulmonary exacerbation rates in cystic fibrosis patients with the F508del genetic mutation. The treatment is expected to benefit around 15,000 US patients.

Many children with asthma have reaction to peanuts, but do not know it

A new study found that nearly 22% of children with asthma also demonstrate a sensitivity to peanuts, which can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. The study suggests that peanut sensitivity screening may be beneficial for these children, especially when controlling wheezing and coughing is difficult.

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.

Corporate greed

Research by University of Delaware professor Katalin Takacs Haynes and colleagues links excessive CEO compensation to negative company outcomes. The studies examine the impact of greed, hubris, and risk-taking on business performance.

Raising groundwater keeps valleys from sinking: Santa Clara Valley, Calif.

A new study by USGS researcher R.T. Hanson reveals that California's Santa Clara Valley has recovered its water levels and halted land subsidence through targeted groundwater recharge. This innovative approach, combined with the management of urbanization and industrialization, has helped to preserve the valley's hydrological framework.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New article from Brain: A Journal of Neurology

A study found that smaller volumes in certain brain regions, such as the amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex, predict an increased likelihood of escalating stimulant use. Researchers identified individual differences in brain structure as potential biomarkers for vulnerability to drug addiction.

Little Bobtail Lake fire in British Columbia

The Little Bobtail Lake fire has grown significantly, burning over 13,000 hectares and threatening nearly 700 homes. Drought conditions and dry debris are fueling the fire, with unpredictable weather patterns making it difficult to contain.

Even Olympic athletes have cardiac abnormalities and may be at risk of CVD

A screening study of over 2,000 elite athletes revealed a surprisingly high prevalence of cardiovascular conditions, including life-threatening heart problems. The study found that 7.3% of athletes had some form of cardiovascular abnormality, highlighting the need for more accurate assessments and screenings in elite athletes.

New screening method for prostate cancer recurrence

Researchers have developed a new screening method for prostate cancer recurrence using spatial light interference microscopy. The study found that disorganized connective tissue surrounding the glands is a key indicator of higher risk for recurrence.

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.

Probing iron chemistry in the deep mantle

Researchers have discovered that carbonates in the deep mantle can contain significant amounts of iron, contrary to previous thought. The study found that these minerals undergo a spin transition under pressure, redistributing iron between them.

Where the rubber meets the road

Researchers have discovered that rubber friction on asphalt is influenced by the deformation of molecules when pushed against rough road surfaces, as well as shearing movement. This finding could lead to more efficient tire materials and manufacturing processes.

New tool to save salmon: Isotope tracking

Researchers develop new method to trace salmon migration and habitat use by analyzing ear bones for strontium signatures. This technique may aid conservation efforts for threatened salmon populations facing climate change, industrial development, and overfishing.

Chemical tags in ear bones track Alaska's Bristol Bay salmon

Researchers used chemical signatures on otoliths to track Alaska's Bristol Bay salmon, revealing birthplaces and life histories. The technique can help scientists understand freshwater habitats and conservation efforts for Chinook salmon populations.

Activity after ICD implantation may predict survival

Researchers found that patients with higher activity levels after ICD implantation had a 40% lower risk of death at four years compared to those with lower activity. The study analyzed over 98,000 patients and showed that even small increases in activity were associated with a significant reduction in mortality.

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.

New life for old data

A new research paper demonstrates how XML markup can address challenges presented by unstructured legacy data, extracting primary biodiversity data from such sources. The project visualizes these data as standard charts to reveal key information about species and their habitats.

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.

Typhoon Dolphin looms over Guam

Typhoon Dolphin passed close to Guam, bringing powerful winds and heavy rain. The storm's strong curvature reveals a well-formed cyclonic circulation, indicating it may intensify in the coming days.

The world's first mercury-free film-type ultraviolet light source

Kobe University has developed a mercury-free film-type ultraviolet light source for medical applications, which can deliver high-intensity radiation to only the affected area, reducing treatment time and patients' stress. The technology uses plasma excitation similar to plasma televisions and is expected to begin sales in October 2015.

Translating thought to print

Scientists create 3D-printed synthetic spider webs using multiscale modeling and mechanical analysis, offering insight into how spiders optimize their own webs. The study reveals a significant relationship between web structure, loading points, and failure mechanisms.

Epilepsy has been found to reduce the generation of new neurons

Researchers have found that epilepsy reduces the generation of new neurons in the hippocampus, a brain region crucial for learning and stress response. The study's findings suggest that preserving neural stem cells could prevent or mitigate epilepsy symptoms.

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.

Quantum physics on tap

Researchers at McGill University successfully tested the Tomonaga-Luttinger theory by creating a mini-faucet that slowed down superfluid helium flow as predicted. The experiment pushed the limits of nanoscale understanding, shedding light on cooperation among atoms in superfluid states.

Cancer survivors have evolving information needs

A three-year study of 2,000 cancer survivors found that information needs differ depending on cancer type and stage. Breast cancer survivors sought more information about late effects and family risks in early years, while female colon cancer survivors increased their interest in these topics later on.

Phage spread antibiotic resistance

Researchers found that nearly half of chicken meat samples contained viruses capable of transferring antibiotic resistance genes. Phages were able to transfer resistance to multiple antibiotics, including extended spectrum betalactam antibiotics.

New mobile app extends outreach of SAWBO educational videos

The SAWBO Deployer app allows users to view, download, and share animated educational videos on Android devices, covering topics such as health and agriculture in developing countries. The app enables offline access and sharing through Bluetooth connections, making it an essential tool for outreach workers and community organizations.

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.

Solving streptide from structure to biosynthesis

Researchers at Princeton University have revealed the structure and biosynthesis of streptide, a peptide involved in bacterial quorum sensing. The study used a combination of chemical and biological approaches to determine the structure of streptide and its mechanism of production.

Soft-tissue engineering for hard-working cartilage

Researchers at TUM developed a new combination of 3-D printed microfiber scaffolding and hydrogels to restore cartilage, showing elasticity and stiffness comparable to knee-joint tissue. The approach also has potential applications in breast reconstruction and heart tissue engineering.

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.

Tackling obesity needs a number of magic bullets

A growing number of people will be overweight or obese by 2030, with significant health and economic consequences. The UK's obesity problem requires a multi-disciplinary approach, combining scientific research, environmental factors, personal behavior, and policy interventions.

UTHealth research: Grass plants can transport infectious prions

Researchers at UTHealth discovered that grass plants can bind, uptake and transport infectious prions, which can act as carriers of the disease. The study suggests that plants may play an important role in environmental prion contamination and horizontal transmission of diseases like CWD.

Revealing the ocean's hidden fertilizer

A new study reveals a complex marine phosphorus cycle with a hidden role for microbial communities. Microbes transform phosphorus into phosphonates at varying rates depending on depth, shedding light on the ocean's ability to absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide.

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.

Pain reliever investigation wins top NIH Addiction Science Award

A high school student's project identifying novel compounds for pain relief won the top NIH Addiction Science Award. The project also analyzed the toxicological effects of e-cigarettes on lung cell viability and the impact of smartphone dependence on stress and anxiety in developing adolescents.

Researchers call for interdisciplinary look at sexual violence on campus

National thought leaders convene at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health to identify gaps in understanding prevention of sexual violence on college campuses. The SHIFT study aims to address social and structural factors that contribute to vulnerability, engaging students, faculty, and administrators.

Researchers discover new ways to shut down signals involved in brain diseases

Scientists at the University of Eastern Finland have identified two separate sites on the protein NOS1AP that can be blocked to reduce damaging signals caused by NOS-1 in brain cells. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new drugs for neurological diseases such as stroke, chronic pain, depression, and anxiety disorders.

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.