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Science News Archive November 2015


Page 1 of 35

First outcomes report from novel heart surgery registry shows excellent results for TAVR

The report analyzed outcomes of 26,414 TAVR procedures performed from 2012-2014 and found low risk for mortality, myocardial infarction, kidney injury, and neurologic complications. The most common complications were vascular and bleeding requiring transfusion, with a decrease in vascular complications over time.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 30, 2015

A fine kettle of fish

A new study reveals that fluctuating food supplies and competition can alter survival of adult fish and cause populations to fluctuate in abundance. The research found strong interactions between the amount of food and the survival rate as well as the number of fish, with more fish leading to less survival due to competing for limited ...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEcology Letters·DateNov 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.

Female hormone supplements with estrogen and progestin linked to breast cancer risk

Postmenopausal African American women who use female hormone supplements containing estrogen and progestin are at a 50% increased risk of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer. The study found greater increases in risk for recent and long-term users, highlighting the importance of limiting combination therapy.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 30, 2015

NASA's Webb Space Telescope receives first mirror installation

The James Webb Space Telescope has received its first mirror installation, with 18 primary mirror segments scheduled to be installed by early next year. The mirrors are made of ultra-lightweight beryllium and must remain precisely aligned in space for successful science investigations.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 30, 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.

Rare fossil of a horned dinosaur found from 'lost continent'

A rare fossil from eastern North America of a dog-sized horned dinosaur has been identified by a scientist at the University of Bath. The discovery highlights an east-west divide in North American dinosaur evolution, suggesting that dinosaurs in Appalachia evolved differently from those in western North America.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalCretaceous Research·DateNov 30, 2015

International Xenotransplantation Congress highlights major advances in the field

The 13th biennial Congress of the International Xenotransplantation Association showcased significant breakthroughs in xenotransplantation, including the survival of cardiac, kidney, and pancreatic islet cell xenografts for extended periods. New technology to improve animal donor safety was also presented.

SourceInternational Xenotransplantation Association·JournalXenotransplantation·DateNov 30, 2015

Processing facial emotions in persons with autism spectrum disorder

A study using fMRI found that individuals with ASD exhibit different neural activity patterns when viewing emotional faces compared to typically developing participants. This suggests that ASD is not a uniform condition and may be linked to differences in how the brain processes emotional stimuli.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateNov 30, 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.

DNA repair protein BRCA1 implicated in cognitive function and dementia

Researchers found that BRCA1 depletion impairs brain cell function and contributes to cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that therapeutic manipulation of BRCA1 may prevent neuronal damage and cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer's disease or at risk for the disease.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 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.

Simulating the jet streams and anticyclones of Jupiter and Saturn

Scientists have successfully simulated 3D models of deep jet streams and storms on Jupiter and Saturn, revealing their dynamics and providing clues to Earth's weather patterns. The study helps clarify the origin and behavior of these features, which remain debated among researchers.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNature Geoscience·DateNov 30, 2015

Immune cells make appendix 'silent hero' of digestive health

A network of immune cells helps the appendix maintain digestive system health by preventing damage and inflammation during bacterial attacks. This discovery suggests the appendix may be more relevant to our health than previously thought, potentially even serving as a natural reservoir for 'good' bacteria.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalNature Immunology·DateNov 30, 2015

Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care releases updated guideline

The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommends against screening older community-living adults for cognitive impairment if they are asymptomatic. However, physicians should investigate patients or their family members expressing concern about possible memory loss.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 30, 2015

Climate change likely to increase black carbon input to the Arctic Ocean

A recent study published in Frontiers in Earth Science found that climate change is likely to increase the input of black carbon to the Arctic Ocean. The team, led by University of Georgia Skidaway Institute of Oceanography scientist Aron Stubbins, discovered that black carbon stored in Arctic soils is being exported to the oceans.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalFrontiers in Earth Science·DateNov 30, 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.

Beware, asthma sufferers: Migraines may worsen

Researchers analyzed data from a study of over 4,500 individuals with episodic migraine, finding that those with coexisting asthma were more likely to develop chronic migraine. The study suggests that inflammation and shared environmental factors may contribute to the link between asthma and chronic migraine.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateNov 30, 2015

Inflammation is associated with bone growth

Researchers found Activin-A as a candidate drug target for treating Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressive (FOP), a genetic disease where bone grows in soft tissue. The study uses induced pluripotent stem cells and suggests that inflammation could be the key to preventing diseased bone growth.

SourceCenter for iPS Cell Research and Application - Kyoto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2015

Gender segregation in jobs is not rooted in early family planning

A new study by Rice University social scientist Erin Cech dispels the idea that women choose more flexible career fields due to plans to raise children, while men opt for provider-friendly roles. Most students did not consider their future family plans when making career decisions.

SourceRice University·JournalGender & Society·DateNov 30, 2015

How anxiety can kill your social status

Researchers have pinpointed an area of the brain that links anxious temperament to low social status. High-anxious individuals perform poorly in social competition, leading to social subordination. Pharmacological manipulation of mitochondria may influence social rank.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 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.

Asserting the freedom of navigation: Does the US go too far?

A new article by Amitai Etzioni argues that US freedom of navigation operations (FONAs) can be overly aggressive and escalate into dangerous clashes with nations. FONAs operate on a limited budget and are often used as a fallback option after diplomatic efforts fail.

SourceSAGE·JournalArmed Forces & Society·DateNov 30, 2015

New study: Air evacuation may do further harm in patients with brain injury

A new study by researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine suggests that air evacuation may worsen neurological function and increase brain cell loss in patients with traumatic brain injuries. The study's findings have major implications for the treatment of military injuries.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateNov 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.

Critically ill patients at long-term risk for bone fracture

A new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that critically ill patients experience significant bone loss, increasing their risk of fragility fractures. The researchers suggest that anti-resorptive therapies may be necessary to prevent bone loss in these patients.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 30, 2015

Simulation shows key to building powerful magnetic fields

Researchers used supercomputer simulations to understand how magnetic fields amplify in collapsing stars, enabling jets that power supernovae and gamma-ray bursts. The study found a dynamo process creates large-scale fields needed for these explosions.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateNov 30, 2015

Tracing a path toward neuronal cell death

A fruit fly model of Alexander disease has been developed to study astrocyte dysfunction and its role in neurodegeneration. Nitric oxide has been identified as a critical mediator in the process.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 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.

Our epigenome is influenced by our habitat and lifestyle

Researchers found that moving from forest to urban habitats affects epigenetic patterns of the immune response, while historical lifestyles impact development and physical characteristics. These findings suggest a significant influence of environment on epigenetics and potential risks for autoimmune diseases.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2015

Study offers insights to how ovarian cancer grows -- and potential to stop it

A new study offers insights into how ovarian cancer grows, revealing a patterned hierarchy of cancer stem cells. The research identifies a key protein, BMP2, that regulates the growth of these stem-like cells. Targeting this protein could lead to more effective therapies for ovarian cancer.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2015

The future of cities

Cities are facing bigger challenges than ever before, including rural-urban migration, optimizing housing conditions, health and education. Digital technology has the potential to overcome many of these challenges, but concerns remain around privacy and cybersecurity.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalAsia-Pacific Biotech News·DateNov 30, 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.

Hospital-to-home transitions can stress out family caregivers, affect sick kids

A study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that hospital-to-home transitions can cause mental exhaustion, emotional toll, and uncertainty among family caregivers. The researchers identified a need for in-home follow-up visits, telephone calls from nurses, and enhanced care plans to improve the transition.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateNov 30, 2015

Stanford researchers find sleep gene linked to heart failure

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a gene that appears to reduce the risk of heart failure and improve treatment outcomes. The gene codes for a protein involved in regulating sleep, appetite, and blood pressure, which may play a protective role in the heart.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 30, 2015

Discovery of an embryonic switch for cancer stem cell generation

Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine discovered a specific group of proteins decrease, triggering changes in the cancer microenvironment and accelerating growth of therapy-resistant CSCs. A targeted monoclonal antibody treatment effectively impaired CSC regeneration and made them easier to target with existing therapies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 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.

Robot adds new twist to NIST antenna measurements and calibrations

The NIST robot, CROMMA, measures antenna properties with high precision and configurability, enabling faster and more accurate measurements of antennas for advanced communications, remote sensing, and imaging systems. The system uses near-field scanning technology to determine antenna gain, polarization, and pattern at long distances.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation·DateNov 30, 2015

Liquid foam: Plastic, elastic and fluid

French physicists develop a novel understanding of foam flow in a wedge-shaped channel, identifying connections between plastic events and deformation rates. This study has implications for further research on liquid foam properties and their impact on mechanical energy absorption.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateNov 30, 2015

Drug-resistant bacteria carried by nursing home patients focus of study

Researchers identified highly resistant bacteria in 23 of 500 acute care hospital admissions from nursing homes, with a feeding tube associated with gastrointestinal carriage. This study emphasizes the importance of hospital and nursing home infection control measures to prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

SourceLifespan·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateNov 30, 2015

Imaging identifies cartilage regeneration in long-distance runners

A study published at the Radiological Society of North America meeting found that ultra-distance running causes significant degradation in knee and ankle cartilage, but also enables its regeneration. The researchers used a mobile MRI scanner to track 44 runners over 64 days, revealing no distance limit for joint cartilage damage.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 30, 2015

900,000 Euros for memory research

A three-year project is launching to investigate neural network mechanisms of sequence generation in the hippocampus. The researchers aim to shed light upon the neuronal foundations of memory, a brain structure crucial for remembering personal experiences.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·DateNov 30, 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.

Brook trout study identifies top climate change pressure factor

A 15-year study found that high summer air temperatures have a significant impact on Eastern brook trout populations, particularly on the smallest fry and eggs. The researchers predict that if climate warming proceeds as projected, these fish could become extinct in 15 years unless they evolve to adapt.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateNov 30, 2015

Procreation trumps survival -- even on a cellular level

A newly discovered mechanism in worms suggests that mothers sacrifice their health for future generations, fueling egg cell development with fats. This phenomenon raises the possibility of a similar trait in humans, potentially impacting reproductive success and lifespan.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2015

Black women less likely to benefit from early chemotherapy, study shows

A recent Yale University study found that black women with stage I-III cancer are less responsive to neoadjuvant chemotherapy compared to other racial groups. Despite presenting with more advanced-stage and aggressive tumors, the findings suggest biologic differences or disparities in treatment may be contributing factors.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateNov 30, 2015

Latino youth who feel discriminated against are more depressed, less likely to help others

Recent studies found that Latino immigrant youth who reported feeling discriminated against had more depressive symptoms and were less likely to perform altruistic behaviors six months and a year after experiencing discrimination. The study suggests that discrimination can lead to mental health issues and decreased social engagement.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·DateNov 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.

TGen and Barrow identify genes linked to stress-triggered heart disease

TGen and Barrow researchers identified rare genetic changes associated with stress-triggered heart disease, a condition previously referred to as 'broken heart syndrome.' The study's findings may help guide care and treatment before and after patients experience a life-threatening stressor.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalNeurosurgery·DateNov 30, 2015

Looking back 3.8 billion years into the root of the 'Tree of Life'

Researchers at Georgia Tech use ribosomal RNA to trace life's evolution, finding molecular structures and events near the biochemical origins of life. By analyzing variations in ribosomal RNA, they uncover secrets of creation and answer foundational questions about life's origins.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2015

Global warming may affect pesticide effectiveness

A recent study found that global warming can reduce the effectiveness of permethrin in killing yellowfever mosquitoes. As temperatures increase, permethrin's efficacy decreases, highlighting the need for temperature consideration when choosing a pest-control product.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateNov 30, 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.