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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 134


Page 134 of 423

Graying but grinning: Despite physical ailments, older adults happier

A new study finds that older adults consistently improve their psychological well-being over time, with lower levels of stress and depression compared to younger adults. The researchers attribute this to increased wisdom with age, better coping mechanisms, and fewer negative emotions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateAug 24, 2016

Barcodes show the blood family tree

Scientists at Lund University have developed a barcode system to track the development of immune cells, revealing that stem cells undergo different stages of maturation. This discovery has significant implications for understanding leukemia and autoimmune diseases.

SourceLund University·JournalImmunity·DateAug 24, 2016

In some genetic cases of microcephaly, stem cells fail to launch

A new study published in Nature Communications reveals that the Zika virus disrupts the proliferation of radial glial progenitors (RGPs), a type of stem cell essential for brain development. In genetic cases of microcephaly, NDE1 mutations cause RGP cells to fail to divide, resulting in severe brain developmental delays.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 24, 2016
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Majority of US doctors discussing electronic cigarettes with their patients

A survey of US physicians reveals they frequently discuss e-cigs with patients, recommending e-cigs as a way to reduce smoking, but cautioning against using them to quit. However, the study found that many doctors are uncertain about their knowledge of e-cigs and are often asked by patients about their use.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateAug 24, 2016

Metformin associated with decreasing weight gain in kids with autism

A clinical trial found metformin to be effective in reducing weight gain associated with atypical antipsychotics in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, suggests that metformin may offer a potential treatment option to mitigate the risks of diabetes linked to weight gain.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateAug 24, 2016

Key substance for treatment of visceral leishmaniasis identified

Researchers have identified interleukin-17A (IL-17A) as a crucial cytokine in the immune response against visceral leishmaniasis. Stimulating IL-17A production can help reduce parasite load and prevent organ lesions, paving the way for new therapeutic strategies.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInfection and Immunity·DateAug 24, 2016

NASA sees a small tropical depression 14W

Tropical Depression 14W formed as a weak storm with isolated strong storms and a low-level center, but persistent wind shear prevented intensification. The storm is expected to move north and dissipate within 4-5 days.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 24, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New small molecule compounds could treat Ebola virus infection

Scientists have discovered a new class of small molecule compounds that can block the Ebola virus's ability to break out of cells and infect new ones. The compounds target an interaction between the virus and host cells, inhibiting viral egress without being toxic to human cells.

SourceElsevier·JournalBioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters·DateAug 24, 2016

Insulin pill could make diabetes treatment 'ouchless'

Researchers have developed a new technology called Cholestosomes that can encapsulate insulin and deliver it orally without degrading. The vesicles are made of naturally occurring lipid molecules and can pass through the stomach intact, allowing for high bioavailability and effective insulin delivery.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 24, 2016

The Lancet Global Health: Arab uprising has had long-term effect on health, lowering life expectancy in several countries

The Arab uprising and subsequent wars have had a devastating impact on the region's health, with many countries experiencing downward turns in life expectancy. The study reveals that infant mortality rates are rising, and chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease are becoming increasingly prevalent.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateAug 24, 2016
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.

Rocky planet found orbiting habitable zone of nearest star

Astronomers have found a potentially habitable exoplanet, Proxima b, orbiting the red dwarf star Proxima Centauri, just 11 days from its parent star. The planet's mass is at least 1.3 times that of Earth and orbits within the star's habitable zone.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature·DateAug 24, 2016

Yale team discovers how Zika virus causes fetal brain damage

A Yale team discovered that Zika virus diverts a key protein necessary for neural cell division, causing microcephaly. Researchers found an FDA-approved drug, Sofosbuvir, may prevent Zika virus infection of neural stem cells and keep phospho-TBK1 involved in cell division.

SourceYale University·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 24, 2016

UNC cardiologist examines training, staffing, research in cardiac intensive care

A recent manuscript by Jason Katz examines the early growth and maturation of critical care cardiology and challenges facing this emerging field. He recommends establishing a more formal fellowship pathway and adopting an open-to-closed ICU model to improve care efficiency and outcomes.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 24, 2016
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.

Documenting the risk of invasive species worldwide

A global analysis of environmental risk from invasive alien species reveals that one sixth of the world's lands are 'highly vulnerable' to invasion. The study highlights the need for proactive policies and international cooperation to combat these threats.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 24, 2016

Fish oil pills reverse the effects of a fatty diet

A study published in the Journal of Physiology found that fish oil pills can prevent and counter the negative effects of a high-fat diet. Mice fed fish oil had lower body fat and improved insulin resistance compared to those on a high-fat diet.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateAug 24, 2016

Disruptions to sleep patterns lead to an increased risk of suicides

Research identifies three pathways where sleep problems contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviors, including heightened risks at night and prolonged failure to achieve good sleep. The study emphasizes the need for nighttime service provision and restored healthy sleep in relation to coping with mental health problems.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalBMJ Open·DateAug 24, 2016
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.

NASA sees Lionrock strengthen into a typhoon

Typhoon Lionrock strengthened to a typhoon, developing an eye with powerful thunderstorms, according to NASA-NOAA Suomi NPP satellite data. The storm was moving southwest before expected to turn onto a northeasterly course.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 24, 2016

The origins of Cuban species

A research team from Hokkaido University suggests the Cuban solenodon family evolved around 59 million years ago, long after the dinosaur extinction. The species diverged from its ancestor and then traveled to Cuba via water, contradicting earlier theories.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 24, 2016

New class of molecules play key role in influencing the immune system

Resolvins and maresins, naturally produced omega-3 fatty acid molecules, regulate subsets of white blood cells that play a central role in inflammation. The findings suggest these molecules may be useful for treating chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 24, 2016
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.

Spherical tokamak as model for next steps in fusion energy

A Fusion Nuclear Science Facility (FNSF) would test materials and generate fusion fuel, paving the way for a pilot plant that demonstrates net energy production. Spherical tokamaks' design produces high-pressure plasmas with relatively low magnetic fields.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalNuclear Fusion·DateAug 24, 2016

Planet found in habitable zone around nearest star

Scientists detect a potentially habitable exoplanet, Proxima b, orbiting Proxima Centauri every 11 days. The planet's surface temperature may allow for liquid water and life support, making it an exciting target for future observations.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateAug 24, 2016
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.

Parents, listen up: Children keep still during prayer

New research by UC Riverside psychology professor Rebekah Richert found that preschool-aged children view physical actions of prayer as helpful for quiet contemplation, reflection, and communicating with God. Children's views on prayer actions differ across religious traditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateAug 24, 2016

Zika virus detected in newborn until 2 months after birth

A baby born with Zika infection remained infected for two months and one week after birth, showing delayed psychomotor development and spastic hemiplegia. The virus may have been sexually transmitted, as the father also showed symptoms before his wife.

SourceUniversity of Sao Paulo Scientific Outreach Unit·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 24, 2016

Lymph node stage may have clinical significance among NSCLC patients with stage IV M1a

A large cohort of NSCLC patients with M1a disease found lymph node staging to have clinical significance and an impact on prognosis. The results showed that patients without regional lymph node metastasis (N0) had better lung cancer-specific survival rates compared to those with N1 or N2 disease. Lymph node involvement also emerged as ...

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateAug 24, 2016
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.

High-tech alternative to brain surgery proves effective for most common movement disorder

A clinical trial led by Jeff Elias at the University of Virginia Health System found that focused ultrasound is safe and effective in reducing shaking caused by essential tremor. Participants showed significant improvement in disabilities and quality of life, with mean tremor scores improving by 47% at three months.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 24, 2016

Simulated patient study sheds new light on antibiotic use in India

A simulated patient study sheds light on antibiotic misuse in Indian pharmacies, revealing that only a minority of urban Indian pharmacies correctly managed patients with presumed tuberculosis. The study found that pharmacies frequently dispensed antibiotics to patients presenting with TB symptoms without prescriptions.

SourceMcGill University·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateAug 24, 2016
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.

UBC researchers plumb the secrets of tissue paper

A UBC research team created a comprehensive model of creping to improve the quality of tissue paper. The new model allows manufacturers to tailor the creping process for optimal softness, flexibility, and strength.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·DateAug 24, 2016

CPRIT awards $9.6 million for UTSW projects

CPRIT awards UT Southwestern Medical Center $9.6 million for various cancer research projects, including lung cancer treatment and prevention efforts. The funding will support research into how cancer cells grow, target breast cancer survivors with active living interventions.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·DateAug 24, 2016
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.

Could physical activity be good for alcohol and substance use disorders?

A systematic review of existing research suggests that physical activity could divert attention away from addiction, build confidence, and improve mood. The study aims to provide practical information on the effectiveness of physical activity as an alternative approach to treating alcohol and substance use disorders.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·DateAug 24, 2016

New map shows alarming growth of the human footprint

A new map reveals that humans have seriously altered 97% of the planet's most biodiverse regions, including tropical rainforests. The study found that environmental pressures are widespread, but some nations and countries with strong governance are showing signs of improvement.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 24, 2016

Johns Hopkins scientists track metabolic pathways to find drug combination for pancreatic cancer

Scientists at Johns Hopkins have discovered a drug combination that specifically targets the metabolic pathways of pancreatic cancer cells. By combining an experimental drug with metformin, researchers were able to shrink tumors by at least 50% in animal models, providing new evidence for treating this aggressive form of cancer.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2016
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.

Skemp to receive GSA's 2016 Minority Mentorship Award

Lisa Skemp, PhD, RN, FGSA, FAAN, is the 2016 recipient of the Minority Issues in Gerontology Committee Outstanding Mentorship Award. She has demonstrated a long history of promoting health and quality of life for community-dwelling elders through her research on building community capacity for healthy aging.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateAug 24, 2016

Study strengthens evidence that cognitive activity can reduce dementia risk

A recent study analyzing 12 peer-reviewed epidemiologic studies found a substantial benefit of late-in-life cognitive activities in reducing the incidence of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. The bias analysis suggested that potential confounding factors may not account for the observed associations, lending support to a...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalEpidemiology·DateAug 24, 2016

Post-disaster optimization technique capable of analyzing entire cities

A team of Lehigh engineers has created a novel method called AMIGO that considers multiple elements and is the first to factor in so many aspects. The algorithm demonstrates its effectiveness on transportation network recovery in an imagined post-earthquake San Diego, finding near-optimal solutions in a small number of trials.

SourceLehigh University·JournalEngineering Structures·DateAug 24, 2016

Seniors with more continuity of care use the ER less

A study of over 3 million Medicare patients found that seniors with higher continuity of care had 20% lower risk of emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Maintaining a relationship with one doctor can help avoid such situations.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateAug 24, 2016

By mid-century, more Antarctic snowfall may help offset sea-level rise

A new study finds that rising Antarctic temperatures will lead to more snowfall, which could help mitigate global sea level rise. By mid-century, the effect of human-induced warming on Antarctica's net snow accumulation is expected to emerge above natural climate variability.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateAug 24, 2016
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

How long do you want to live? Your expectations for old age matter

A study found that young and middle-aged adults in the US prefer to live longer than average life expectancy if they have positive expectations for old age, but those with negative expectations prefer shorter lives. The study used a telephone survey of over 1600 adults aged 18-64 years and found no relationship between age, gender, or ...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAgeing and Society·DateAug 24, 2016

Amyloid-related heart failure now detectable with imaging test

Researchers have developed an imaging technique that can accurately diagnose and prognosticate transthyretin-related cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA), a type of heart failure. The test uses technetium 99m pyrophosphate and has been shown to correctly identify ATTR in 91% of patients, ruling out other forms of amyloidosis.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateAug 24, 2016

Study takes a step back to look at use of restraints in hospitals

A recent study published in Journal of General Internal Medicine found that hospitals with adequate staffing levels, particularly registered nurses, experience reduced restraint use. The research suggests that the type of nursing staff rather than just total staffing is a crucial factor in preventing restraints from being used.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateAug 24, 2016

Global climate models do not easily downscale for regional predictions

Climate researchers found that global climate models become increasingly uncertain when making predictions at scales below approximately 600 miles for temperature changes and 1200 miles for precipitation patterns. This makes it difficult to predict regional variations, such as the difference in warming between Indianapolis and Pittsburgh.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateAug 24, 2016
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.

Ocean acidification threatens cod recruitment in the Atlantic

Increasing ocean acidification could double the mortality of newly-hatched cod larvae, potentially decreasing recruitment by one quarter to one twelfth of previous levels. This would put fisheries under pressure if exploitation remains unchanged.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 24, 2016

Bio-inspired tire design: Where the rubber meets the road

Researchers at Lehigh University, Michelin Corporation, and NSF are developing materials with surface architectures that could enhance the safety and reliability of tires. By mimicking the smooth pad surfaces found on the feet of grasshoppers or frogs, they aim to improve sliding friction while minimizing rolling resistance.

SourceLehigh University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 24, 2016