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Science News Archive November 2015 - Page 25


Page 25 of 35

PPPL physicists find clue to formation of magnetic fields around stars and galaxies

Physicists at PPPL found a clue to forming large-scale magnetic fields by analyzing small magnetic disturbances that combine under certain conditions. Small velocity shear creates the necessary environment for these disturbances to form one large disturbance, which can persist over billions of years.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 9, 2015

New technique could expand number of diseases detected by noninvasive prenatal testing

Researchers developed a method to detect small chromosomal deletions or duplications, such as Cri du Chat Syndrome and DiGeorge Syndrome, with a simple blood test. The new semiconductor sequencing platform can identify these abnormalities at an average gestational age of 24 weeks, reducing the need for invasive procedures.

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

Using microfluidic devices to sort stem cells

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a microfluidic device to sort neural stem cell populations, making them easier to study. The device uses inertial forces to isolate single stem cells, reducing stress on the cells and preserving their multipotency.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalLab on a Chip·DateNov 9, 2015

St. Jude and TSRI scientists help launch Human Dark Proteome Initiative

Researchers aim to advance understanding of intrinsically disordered proteins controlling cellular behavior and potential cures for devastating diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The initiative seeks to raise awareness about the societal impacts of these understudied proteins and develop new therapies.

SourceScripps Research Institute·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.

Improve individual skills supported by BigData

Researchers developed a system to analyze and improve running motions using big data and artificial intelligence, identifying key differences between high-rank marathon runners and beginners. The technology, called 'skill grouping,' converts movements into objective scores, enabling the development of healthcare tools and assisting tra...

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalProceedings of the IEEE·DateNov 9, 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.

Partners of heart defibrillator patients concerned about resuming sex

Research at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2015 found that intimate partners of people with heart defibrillators are concerned about resuming sexual activity. After discussing their concerns, partners reported a significant decrease in fears related to cardiac arrest and ICD discharge during sex.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 9, 2015

Malignant network makes brain cancer resistant

Researchers discovered brain cancer cells form a complex network to resist treatment and invade healthy brain tissue. The tumor cells use this network to communicate and repair damage, making it resistant to radiation therapy.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalNature·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.

Concussions in kids are detectable by blood test

Researchers have developed a blood test that can detect subtle signs of concussion in children with 94% accuracy, identifying the presence of traumatic brain injuries and severity levels. This simple yet effective test uses biomarkers found in glial cells surrounding neurons in the brain.

SourceMediaSource·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateNov 9, 2015

Drugs with multiple targets show promise against myotonic dystrophy type 1

Researchers have developed new compounds that target three ways to interrupt the disease's pathology in cells, showing promise against myotonic dystrophy type 1. The compounds reduce levels of mutant RNA and reverse symptoms in a fruit fly model.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 9, 2015

Study: Drug may delay, prevent blindness for millions of older Americans

Researchers discovered patients taking L-DOPA have significantly lower risk of developing AMD and later age, according to a study published in the American Journal of Medicine. The retrospective study found L-DOPA may delay or prevent AMD, offering new hope for millions of older Americans affected by this common cause of blindness.

SourceLindsay, Ston & Briggs·DateNov 9, 2015

Search-and-rescue proteins find, fix DNA mutations linked to cancer

In a breakthrough study, researchers discovered how search-and-rescue proteins like MutS identify and correct rare DNA mutations that can cause certain cancers. The findings provide insight into the mechanism of DNA mismatch repair and could lead to new methods for detecting and preventing cancer.

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

UH Case Medical Center researchers publish new results from SPRINT trial

The study found that intensive management of high blood pressure, below the commonly recommended target, significantly reduces rates of cardiovascular disease and lowers risk of death. The results also showed a 38% reduction in heart failure and a 43% reduction in death from heart-related events.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 9, 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.

Microplate discovery dates birth of Himalayas

A team of scientists has discovered the first oceanic microplate in the Indian Ocean, helping identify when the initial collision between India and Eurasia occurred. The collision is believed to have led to the formation of the Himalayan Mountain Range at a precise age of 47 million years ago.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateNov 9, 2015

Molecular clocks control mutation rate in human cells

Researchers found two clock-like mutational processes in human cells, correlated with age and potentially responsible for cancer and aging. The study analyzed 10,250 cancer genomes and identified 33 mutational signatures, revealing distinct mutation rates in different cell types.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 9, 2015

Enormous genetic variation may shield tumors from treatment

A study found that even small tumors contain extremely high genetic diversity, which can lead to resistance against standard cancer treatments. This raises important questions about how to reevaluate treatment strategies for tumors with high intra-tumor diversity.

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

Children exposed to arsenic may face greater risk of infection, respiratory symptoms

A Dartmouth College-led study finds that children born to mothers exposed to higher levels of arsenic during pregnancy are at a greater risk of infections and respiratory symptoms within their first year of life. This increased susceptibility may signal a greater risk of later-life allergic diseases or respiratory impairment.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateNov 9, 2015

Brief cognitive-behavioral therapy helps those with problematic caffeine use

A new study led by American University professor Laura M. Juliano found that brief cognitive-behavioral therapy can significantly reduce caffeine consumption in individuals with problematic caffeine use, with an average decrease of 77%, and most participants reduced their daily intake to below 200mg.

SourceAmerican University·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·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.

IL-21 repairs immune function in primate model of HIV infection

Scientists have developed a novel combination treatment using IL-21 to repair the immune system in HIV-infected individuals. The study found that IL-21 reduced residual inflammation and improved the reconstitution of Th17 and Th22 cells, critical for intestinal immunity.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 9, 2015

The boy who cried wolf: Drug alerts in the ER

A new study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that commercial electronic health record opioid warning systems often fire off unnecessary alerts, compromising patient safety. The alert fatigue issue highlights the need to refine these systems to highlight only clinically significant alerts.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateNov 9, 2015

An arms race among venomous animals?

Researchers found that ancient venomous groups evolve slowly under purifying selection, while recent lineages diversify rapidly under positive selection. This reveals a new theory of venom evolution, proposing a 'two-speed' mode where toxins expand and then are preserved through purifying selection.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateNov 9, 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.

A hairy situation: Hair increases surface area for animals by 100 times

A study published in Journal of Experimental Biology found that hair allows animals to both get dirty and remain dirt-free. The research team found that a honeybee has nearly 10 billion hairs, while the human head has just 100,000, making their true surface area 100 times greater than their skin surface area.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateNov 9, 2015

Nerve cells warn brain of damage to the inner ear

Researchers found that type II afferent neurons in the inner ear respond to tissue damage similar to pain-sensing nerve cells. This discovery may lead to new treatments for hyperacusis, a condition characterized by increased sensitivity to loud noises.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 2015

NTU scientists use dead bacteria to kill colorectal cancer

Researchers from NTU Singapore have successfully used dead bacteria to destroy colon tumour cells effectively. The study published in Scientific Reports shows that the secretions of dead Clostridium sporogenes bacteria can reduce the growth of colorectal cancer cells by up to 83%.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 9, 2015

Steps forward in the hunt for easily measurable biomarkers of autism

Researchers have discovered that autism-relevant biomarkers can be measured in adult saliva, providing a promising avenue for non-invasive diagnosis and treatment. The study, which analyzed levels of 10 biomarkers in saliva from neurotypical adults, brings us closer to effectively diagnosing and treating autism.

SourceFuture Science Group·JournalFuture Science OA·DateNov 9, 2015

New model for collecting high quality biospecimens for genomic analysis

Researchers developed a novel approach to collect healthy post-mortem blood and tissue samples from hundreds of donors for gene expression analysis. The GTEx Project provides valuable resources for understanding disease processes and developing treatments.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBiopreservation and Biobanking·DateNov 9, 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.

New light shed on the challenge of climate negotiations

Research from Chalmers University of Technology reveals that climate negotiations are more complicated than previously thought due to strategic reasoning. However, the study also suggests that eliminating extreme bargaining positions can increase the possibility of reaching an agreement.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Climate Change·DateNov 9, 2015

Using human genetics to reveal fundamental processes involved in type 2 diabetes

Researchers have identified genetic markers associated with individual risk of type 2 diabetes, providing new insights into the biological processes underlying the disease. The study's findings suggest that specific DNA variants can influence gene expression in key organs, offering a promising avenue for translation into clinical utility.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 9, 2015

CPR by medics: Keep pumping or stop for rescue breathing?

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that continuous chest compressions during out-of-hospital CPR did not provide better outcomes for patients with cardiac arrest. In contrast, interrupting manual chest pumping to perform rescue breathing appeared to improve survival rates among those who received this approach.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 9, 2015

Using FM to improve wireless networks

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed Wi-FM, a technique that uses ambient FM radio signals to mitigate interference between competing wireless networks. By analyzing usage patterns and adapting to changes, Wi-FM enables devices to harmonize their signals and reduce slow speeds, resulting in improved network performance.

SourceNorthwestern University·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.

Opioid addiction originates from prescribed painkillers for half of female methadone clinic patients

A study published in the journal Biology of Sex Differences found that over half of female methadone clinic patients reported doctor-prescribed painkillers as their first contact with opioid drugs. The study highlights the importance of considering gender differences in treatment options for opioid addiction. Researchers noted that wom...

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBiology of Sex Differences·DateNov 9, 2015

The art of appropriate patient selection for heart procedures

A Yale study published in JAMA found that the proportion of non-acute PCIs classified as inappropriate decreased from 26% to 13% between 2010 and 2014. This decline was attributed to improved clinical decision-making, documentation, and national performance improvement campaigns.

SourceYale University·JournalJAMA·DateNov 9, 2015

Researchers find way to make metals stronger without sacrificing ductility

Researchers at North Carolina State University and Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a technique to make titanium stronger while maintaining its ductility. The new material combines ultrafine-grained strength with coarse-grain ductility, enabling the creation of strong yet flexible materials for vehicle manufacturing.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 2015

Study: Negative body image, not depression, increases adolescent obesity risk

Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston found that negative body image significantly increases adolescent obesity risk, regardless of depression status. Participants who perceived themselves as overweight were twice as likely to be obese a year after the survey.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateNov 9, 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.

UTA physicists use beams of antimatter to investigate advanced materials

Researchers at UTA are using a next-generation positron beam facility to investigate the properties of graphene, a versatile pure carbon material 200 times stronger than steel. The team is analyzing the microscopic interaction of graphene with other materials to translate its exceptional properties into real-life applications.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·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.

Prescription painkillers source of addiction for most women

A study found that more than half of female methadone clinic patients started with doctor-prescribed painkillers, while men were more likely to be working and smoke cigarettes. The researchers highlighted the need for better treatment options tailored to women's demographics and health needs.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalBiology of Sex Differences·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.

Conducting gels -- from waste to wealth

Researchers at the University of York have developed a self-assembling gel that can selectively extract precious metals like silver and gold from electronic waste. The gel is then converted into conducting nanoparticles, enhancing its electrical conductance and making it suitable for various high-tech applications.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateNov 9, 2015

Fitter legs linked to a 'fitter' brain

Researchers at King's College London found a strong association between leg power and improved brain ageing in healthy female twins. The study suggests that simple interventions like increased walking can have a positive impact on cognitive health.

SourceKing's College London·JournalGerontology·DateNov 9, 2015

Antibody targets key cancer marker; opens door to better diagnosis, therapy

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have created an antibody that selectively links to a protein on highly aggressive brain cancer cells, causing them to light up in PET scanners. This breakthrough could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of glioblastoma multiforme, a deadly form of brain cancer.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

Increased meat consumption, especially when cooked at high temperatures, linked to elevated kidney cancer risk

A new study from MD Anderson Cancer Center finds that high-temperature cooking of meat, particularly barbecuing and pan-frying, increases the risk of renal cell carcinoma. Individuals with certain genetic mutations are more susceptible to this risk, highlighting the importance of reducing meat consumption, especially at high temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer·DateNov 9, 2015

Researchers have used computers to tackle 1 of chemistry's greatest challenges

Researchers from the University of Bradford and Avant-garde Materials Simulation successfully predicted the crystal structures of five target compounds using computational methods. The ability to predict crystal structures could enable the design of materials with superior properties, such as brighter pigments or more effective pharmac...

SourceUniversity of Bradford·DateNov 9, 2015