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Science News Archive November 2015 - Page 24


Page 24 of 35

Irx genes make cartilage cells act 'oh so immature'

Researchers identified Irx genes' role in protecting joint cartilage cells, promoting flexibility by repressing stiffening genes. The study suggests harnessing these genes to encourage stem cell differentiation into new joint cartilage.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateNov 9, 2015

US stillbirth rates unchanged after move to discourage elective deliveries before 39 weeks

A study by NIH researchers found no increase in stillbirths after implementing a policy to delay elective deliveries before 39 weeks. The analysis of national infant birth and death statistics over several years showed that efforts to prevent elective deliveries were not linked to an increase in stillbirths on a national level.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateNov 9, 2015

$1.225M Viertel Fellowship to advance critical lung research

Lung researcher Dr. Marie-Liesse Asselin-Labat has received a competitive $1.225 million Viertel Fellowship to investigate lung development and cancer. The funding will support her work on developing better treatments for premature babies with underdeveloped lungs and those with lung disease, including cancer.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·DateNov 9, 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.

Scientific research is conservative but could be accelerated, analysis finds

Researchers analyzed millions of articles and patents to find that scientific research is often conservative, with scientists prioritizing established knowledge over risk-taking. However, they identified more efficient approaches that could unleash innovation, including a focus on exploring new connections and taking greater risks.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 2015

Experiment records extreme quantum weirdness

Researchers have achieved the most extreme entanglement between photon pairs, pushing quantum physics to its limit. The result bolsters confidence in schemes for quantum cryptography and computing.

SourceCentre for Quantum Technologies at the National University of Singapore·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 9, 2015

John Innes Centre scientists identify 3-D structure of enzyme critical to creation of anticancer compounds in plants

Scientists have identified the 3D structure of iridoid synthase, an enzyme crucial for producing anticancer and antimalarial compounds from plant natural products. The discovery provides insights into the biosynthesis process, shedding light on the unique mechanism used by this enzyme to generate core iridoid structures.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateNov 9, 2015

Early probiotic use and islet autoimmunity in children at risk for type 1 diabetes

A study found an association between early probiotic use and reduced islet autoimmunity among children at high genetic risk for type 1 diabetes. Probiotics were most prevalent in Finland and Germany during the first year of life, with a 60% decrease in islet autoimmunity risk observed in children with the highest-risk HLA genotype DR3/4.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateNov 9, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Many adults with severe mental illness not being screened for diabetes

A recent study found that nearly a third of adults with severe mental illness were not screened for diabetes, highlighting the need for improved integration of behavioral health and primary care. The study suggests that addressing barriers to screening in vulnerable populations is crucial.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 9, 2015

Group therapy is an effective way to promote cardiovascular health

A study found that group therapy significantly improves cardiovascular health by promoting healthy behaviors, including smoking cessation and increased physical activity. The intervention improved cardiovascular risk factors in 67% of participants compared to 56% in the control group.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·DateNov 9, 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.

USC and Sangamo researchers advance genome editing of blood stem cells

Researchers at USC and Sangamo BioSciences have developed a more efficient method for editing genes in blood-forming stem cells (HSPCs), which could potentially treat diseases such as HIV and other blood disorders. By combining two delivery methods, the team achieved unprecedented efficiency rates ranging from 15 to 40 percent.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 9, 2015

Vanilla yogurt makes us feel happy, suggests research

A new study published in Food Research International found that eating vanilla yoghurt can make people feel happy due to the pleasant surprise of tasting a different flavor. Researchers discovered that yoghurts with lower fat content also elicit stronger positive emotional responses.

SourceElsevier·JournalFood Research International·DateNov 9, 2015

First-of-its-kind study of puberty timing in men

A first-of-its-kind study of puberty timing in men reveals a strong genetic correlation with females, showing that the same genetic factors influence both sexes. The study found five new genetic variants associated with puberty timing, some acting through known hormone pathways.

SourceEdelman, Orlando·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 9, 2015

New electron microscopy method sculpts 3-D structures at atomic level

Researchers at ORNL developed a unique electron microscopy technique to sculpt 3D structures with precise control, enabling the creation of functional nanoscale devices. The method uses scanning transmission electron microscopes to precision-control shapes as small as one to two billionths of a meter.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalSmall·DateNov 9, 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.

Flipping the switch to better see cancer cells at depths

Researchers have developed a novel protein from a bacterium that allows them to see early-developing cancer cells deeper in tissue using photoacoustic tomography. This technology provides a new tool for high-resolution imaging of cancer with genetic specificity, promising future studies and drug screening.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Methods·DateNov 9, 2015

Group therapy is an effective and cost-efficient way to promote cardiovascular health

A group-therapy intervention program achieves significant improvements in cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure, exercise, weight, diet, and tobacco smoking. The program also encourages participants to adopt healthy habits and increase physical activity.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 9, 2015

Common antibiotics increase risk of cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac death

A meta-analysis of 33 studies involving over 20 million patients found a statistically significant increased risk of sudden cardiac death and ventricular tachyarrhythmias associated with macrolide antibiotics. Macrolides were also linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular death, especially with clarithromycin.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 9, 2015

Use of rarely appropriate angioplasty procedures declined sharply

The study found a 64% decrease in rarely appropriate angioplasty procedures performed on patients with non-acute conditions. Hospitals with the highest initial rates of rarely appropriate procedures showed varying degrees of improvement, highlighting the need for ongoing quality improvement initiatives.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJAMA·DateNov 9, 2015
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Nanobodies from camels enable the study of organ growth

Researchers developed a technique using nanobodies to selectively manipulate and analyze the morphogen Dpp in wing development, influencing growth in the center but not periphery. The method holds promise for future studies on organ development and may uncover causes of malformation.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature·DateNov 9, 2015

Saying I do

A study by UC Santa Barbara demographer Shelly Lundberg and economist Robert Pollak finds that marriage rates have declined among those with lower education levels, while college-educated couples marry earlier and their marriages are more stable. High-income parents invest more time and resources in children, making long-term commitmen...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalThe Future of Children·DateNov 9, 2015

The past shows how abrupt climate shifts affect Earth

Researchers study past abrupt climatic changes in North Atlantic and find global impacts, highlighting ocean and atmosphere coupling. They confirm 'bipolar ocean seesaw' concept and warn of climate instability triggered by forcing the climate system into a different state.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalNature Geoscience·DateNov 9, 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.

UC San Diego health researchers join pancreatic cancer 'dream team'

Researchers are developing new technologies to analyze pancreatic tumor super-enhancers and testing therapies targeting these signals in clinical trials. The goal is to reprogram cancer cells or create vulnerabilities that can be exploited with combination drug therapies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateNov 9, 2015

Study shows benefits of intensive blood pressure management

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that lowering systolic blood pressure to less than 120 mmHg significantly reduced the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death in adults, especially those over 75. However, intensive treatment also increased the risk of hypotension, fainting, and acute kidney abnormalities.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 9, 2015

AHA names Barbara Riegel, PhD, FAHA, FAAN, a 2015 Distinguished Scientist

Barbara Riegel, PhD, FAHA, FAAN, was named a 2015 Distinguished Scientist by the American Heart Association for her groundbreaking research on self-care in adults with heart failure. Her work has shown that poor medication adherence is a primary contributor to hospitalization in these patients.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·DateNov 9, 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.

Watching cement dry could help dental fillings last longer

Researchers have identified 'sweet points' in dental cement where it regains elasticity before hardening, allowing for longer-lasting fillings. This breakthrough could lead to better applications of fillings and easier treatment options for patients.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 9, 2015

Unpacking embryonic pluripotency

The study maps gene expression during early development of mice and common marmosets, pinpointing changes that regulate pluripotency. The complex network of gene regulation supporting pluripotency is analyzed, with implications for cell reprogramming and assisted conception.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory - European Bioinformatics Institute·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateNov 9, 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.

Hydrogel superglue is 90 percent water

Engineers at MIT developed a synthetic hydrogel that is 90 percent water and has a toughness comparable to the bond between tendon and cartilage on bone. The hydrogel can adhere to surfaces like glass, silicon, and metal with high durability, making it suitable for protective coatings and biomedical devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 9, 2015

Temporary ambulance locations reduces response times and may save lives

Researchers found that ambulances deployed at temporary locations during peak traffic hours had a 2-minute shorter response time and lower mortality rates compared to permanent stations. The study, conducted in Shiraz, Iran, and replicated in Sweden, suggests that risk analysis and statistics-based deployment can improve emergency care.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalInternational Journal of Emergency Medicine·DateNov 9, 2015

New study: Leading cause of blindness could be prevented or delayed

Researchers have discovered a potential link between Parkinson's treatment and protection against age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common form of blindness. The study suggests that patients taking L-DOPA as Parkinson's treatment may be less likely to develop AMD, with delayed or prevented disease progression.

SourceBrightFocus Foundation·DateNov 9, 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.

November/December 2015 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

Researchers tested intensive multifaceted interventions to reduce Potentially Inappropriate Prescribing (PIP) in older patients, finding significant reductions in PIP. A systematic review also found transitional care interventions for congestive heart failure patients reduced readmission and emergency department visits. Additionally, m...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 9, 2015

The 'Speck'-ter haunting New York tomato fields

Researchers at Boyce Thompson Institute have discovered a gene in wild tomato species that imparts resistance to the bacteria causing speck, a devastating disease affecting NY tomato crops. The gene, qRph1, has been mapped and is being used to develop resistant varieties of cultivated tomatoes.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalThe Plant Genome·DateNov 9, 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.

A printable, flexible, lightweight temperature sensor

A University of Tokyo research group has developed a flexible, lightweight temperature sensor that responds rapidly to tiny thermal changes. The sensor is composed of graphite and a semicrystalline acrylate polymer and can measure body temperature with high accuracy without additional circuitry.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 2015

Innovative health program reduces depression, unhealthy weights in teens

A 12-month study found that the COPE Healthy Lifestyles TEEN Program significantly reduced body mass index and alleviated severe depression in teens. The program, based on cognitive behavioral therapy, teaches adolescents skills to manage negative beliefs and engage in healthy behaviors.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of School Health·DateNov 9, 2015

How low to go for blood pressure? Lower target could affect millions of Americans

A new study suggests that lowering systolic blood pressure to 120 mmHg could benefit up to 16.8 million Americans, who meet specific eligibility criteria for intensive blood pressure management. The study found that this lower target could have a significant impact on reducing risk of heart failure, heart attack, and death.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 9, 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.

Sorafenib modestly increases progression-free survival

A phase III trial showed that sorafenib modestly increased progression-free survival (PFS) and disease control rate in NSCLC patients, but did not impact overall survival. The study also found that EGFR mutation positive patients receiving sorafenib had significantly longer OS and PFS.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateNov 9, 2015

New pest management resource for hop growers in the northeast

A comprehensive assessment of hop pests and their natural enemies has been published to help northeastern hop farmers manage insect pests. The study found that natural enemy populations can control economically damaging pests like twospotted spider mites and hop aphids without the need for insecticides.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Integrated Pest Management·DateNov 9, 2015

Complex grammar of the genomic language

A recent study from Karolinska Institutet shows that the human genome's 'grammar' is more complex than even intricate spoken languages. The findings contribute to understanding how genetic differences affect disease risk and pave the way for cracking the genetic code controlling gene expression.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature·DateNov 9, 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.

New genetic cause of a childhood kidney cancer discovered

Researchers have discovered a new genetic cause of childhood kidney cancer, Wilms tumour, linked to mutations in the REST gene. The study found that REST mutations occur in about 10% of familial cases and can be detected through simple blood tests, providing valuable information for families affected by the disease.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 9, 2015

Self-rated health predicts immune response to the common cold

A study from Carnegie Mellon University found that self-rated health accurately predicts susceptibility to the common cold in healthy adults. Those with better self-rated health were more resistant to developing a cold, despite accounting for socioemotional factors and health practices.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateNov 9, 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.