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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 210


Page 210 of 423

Rates of nonmedical prescription opioid use and opioid use disorder double in 10 years

A study from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism found that nonmedical prescription opioid use more than doubled among US adults from 2001-2002 to 2012-2013, affecting nearly 10 million Americans. This increase is linked to a substantial rise in opioid use disorder, with symptoms such as tolerance, withdrawal, and im...

SourceNIH/National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateJun 22, 2016
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.

Landmark study gives clearest picture of genetic causes of bowel cancer

A landmark study has identified five new potential genes linked to bowel cancer, while also confirming the role of major existing genes in increasing risk. The research suggests that minor DNA variations play a significant role in inherited risk and environmental factors, with potential implications for prevention and treatment.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 22, 2016

Enabling the future of making

The US National Science Foundation has awarded five early-concept grants to investigate new approaches in STEM learning and innovation through making. The projects aim to create more accessible and engaging maker programs for diverse youth populations.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateJun 22, 2016

Gender gap found in cardiac arrest care, outcomes

Research reveals significant disparities in cardiac arrest care between men and women, resulting in higher mortality rates for women. Women tend to receive fewer life-saving procedures, such as angioplasty and therapeutic hypothermia, due to various factors including age, health status, and underlying conditions.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJun 22, 2016

NASA sees Tropical Storm Danielle ending over Mexico

NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission tracked Tropical Storm Danielle as it made landfall north of Tuxpan, Mexico. Heavy rainfall rates were measured at moderate to heavy levels, with some areas experiencing precipitation at rates over 41 mm/h, indicating a rapid weakening of the storm.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 22, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

CWRU researcher scaling up knotty polymer research

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a technique to produce long chain molecules with trefoil-like shapes, which could lead to more stable protein structures and high-value polymers. The National Science Foundation has awarded a three-year grant to scale up the production of knotted polymers.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateJun 22, 2016
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.

Blacks with AFib at greater risk for adverse outcomes

A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that blacks with atrial fibrillation have nearly double the risk of adverse outcomes compared to whites. The study analyzed data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study and found significant racial differences in outcomes related to AFib.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateJun 22, 2016

Looking for a good nonprofit CEO?

Researchers found that non-profit CEOs with higher 'warmth' scores tended to have lower total revenue and funding from private sources. In contrast, for-profit CEOs who appear more powerful are often associated with greater success in the corporate world.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPerception·DateJun 22, 2016

Are older adults being appropriately screened for colorectal cancer?

A study found that most older adults (72%) are up-to-date with screening, but timely follow-up rates vary by age and comorbidity. The research emphasizes the need for personalized risk assessment tools to improve screening completion and follow-up among this vulnerable population.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJun 22, 2016

Wild boars and wart hogs may have an internal compass

Researchers observed wild boars and warthogs aligning themselves along the magnetic north-south axis, with a slight preference for east. The animals' internal compass helps them navigate while foraging for food and inhabiting new areas.

SourceWiley·JournalMammal Review·DateJun 22, 2016
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.

Rare moth in severe decline at its last English site

The Dark Bordered Beauty moth is facing a severe decline due to habitat loss caused by the removal of Creeping Willow plants, which are essential for its caterpillars. Conservation efforts aim to boost Creeping Willow populations and modify grazing regimes to secure the moth's long-term future in England.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 22, 2016

Protecting grapes from pests by boosting their natural immunity

Scientists discover that daily doses of pre-harvest UV-C light increase stilbenoid production in grapes, offering a natural method to prevent pathogens and reduce synthetic pesticide use. This approach shows a significant 86-fold increase in stilbenoid concentrations, resulting in higher disease resistance.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateJun 22, 2016

Particle zoo in a quantum computer

Researchers at University of Innsbruck successfully simulated lattice gauge theories and particle-antiparticle pairs using a quantum computer. This breakthrough paves the way for studying complex aspects of the Standard Model, complementing high-energy physics experiments.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature·DateJun 22, 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.

X-ray echoes of a shredded star provide close-up of 'killer' black hole

Astronomers have used X-ray reverberation mapping to map the flow of gas near a newly awakened black hole for the first time. The study provides insights into the 'killer' black hole's hidden structures, revealing high-energy X-rays originate from a compact region near the black hole.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature·DateJun 22, 2016

Study links omega-3s to reduced mortality

A recent meta-analysis in Scientific Reports supports the link between omega-3s and reduced mortality. The analysis showed a 9% reduced risk of all-cause death associated with high versus low omega-3 intake.

SourceGOED·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 22, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Study: As Alaska warms, methane emissions appear stable

Researchers analyzed nearly three decades of air samples from Alaska's North Slope and found little change in long-term methane emissions. The findings suggest that processes regulating methane emissions need more study, as the Arctic warms faster than other regions.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 22, 2016

Mini-guts predict cystic fibrosis patients' response to therapy

Researchers developed mini-gut organoids from cystic fibrosis patient cells to screen drugs and personalize treatment. The mini-guts responded to CFTR-targeting therapies in vitro, correlating with clinical trial data and paving the way for tailored treatments.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 22, 2016

Negative feedback loops help maintain the function of mutated proteins

Researchers found that negative feedback loops act as a shock absorber to buffer damage from mutations, allowing genes to mutate without compromising function. This mechanism may foster long-term adaptation while reducing immediate fitness risk, with implications for evolution and cancer treatment.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 22, 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.

Decoding the glass 'genome' contributes to new functional materials

Researchers developed a way to predict glass compositions and their properties, enabling faster development of new products such as lighter windows for more fuel-efficient cars. The 'glass genome' model uses computer simulations to explore possible combinations of materials, optimizing them for industrial production.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateJun 22, 2016

Drug monitoring programs reduce opioid deaths: Study

States with robust prescription drug monitoring programs saw a significant reduction in opioid-related overdose deaths, with an average of 1.55 fewer deaths per 100,000 population compared to states without such programs. Implementing these programs could prevent over 600 additional overdose deaths nationwide.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJun 22, 2016

The absence of a single protein spurs muscle aging in mice

A study at IRB Barcelona discovered that Mitofusin 2 is required to preserve healthy muscles in mice, with its loss associated with muscle wastage and sarcopenia. The protein could serve as a therapeutic target to ameliorate sarcopenia in the elderly.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateJun 22, 2016

Impulsive children raised in caring families drink less during adolescence

Researchers found that impulsive children raised in non-coercive environments tend to drink less alcohol than their peers, as they thrive under proper care and attention. High impulsivity at age 6 was associated with lower alcohol use at age 15 when maternal coercive practices were infrequent.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalDevelopment and Psychopathology·DateJun 22, 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.

Finding new clues to a sugar suspect in birth defects

Researchers found that glucosamine plays a critical role in early embryonic development, helping embryos proliferate normally. This could aid in avoiding birth defects in diabetic pregnancies and improving future stem-cell treatments. Glucosamine is also essential for embryonic cells to grow and develop.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 22, 2016

UCI, Queensland scientists identify new switch to boost memory

Researchers discovered that methylation of RNA can strengthen memory formation by reducing the brain's ability to remove methyl groups. This process may have significant implications for treating memory-related disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder or phobia.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·DateJun 22, 2016

Smoking may have negative effects on sperm quality

A recent study published in BJU International found that smoking can cause DNA damage in sperm, leading to decreased fertility. The research included 20 non-smokers and 20 smokers and analyzed protein alterations in their sperm. Sperm with altered DNA may lead to health problems in offspring.

SourceWiley·JournalBJU International·DateJun 22, 2016

Cosmopolitan snow algae accelerate the melting of Arctic glaciers

A recent study reveals that red pigmented snow algae blooms in the Arctic significantly reduce albedo, leading to a runaway effect of accelerated melting. The findings suggest a universal model for algal-albedo interaction and quantify additional melting caused by algal blooms, shedding new light on climate change impacts.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 22, 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.

Compound shown to reduce brain damage caused by anesthesia in early study

A new study published in Science Translational Medicine found that the experimental drug CX546 counters the negative effects of general anesthesia on nerve signaling and learning ability in young mice. This research holds promise for preventing long-term neurocognitive deficits in children who undergo multiple surgeries requiring anest...

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 22, 2016

Understanding how chemical changes in the brain affect Alzheimer's disease

Researchers found that blocking acetylcholine in genetically modified mice caused Alzheimer's-like pathology, highlighting the importance of this neurotransmitter for brain health. The study suggests that targeting one of the affected messenger RNA pathways may lead to a reversal of dementia progression.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateJun 22, 2016

New heart failure therapy could prevent substantial number of deaths, study finds

A UCLA-led study estimates that nearly 28,500 deaths in the US could be prevented annually through use of a new FDA-approved class of cardiovascular medication. The therapy helps reduce mortality in patients diagnosed with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction by enhancing protective hormonal systems.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateJun 22, 2016
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.

Making computers reason and learn by analogy

The structure-mapping engine (SME) enables computers to reason more like humans and make moral decisions by leveraging cognitive science theories. SME can handle the size and complexity of relational representations needed for visual reasoning, cracking textbook problems, and solving moral dilemmas.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCognitive Science·DateJun 21, 2016

In doctors we trust -- especially when they admit to bias

A study found that surgeons who admit to bias towards their specialty increase patient trust and lead to more surgical treatments. Patients who hear this admission are nearly three times more likely to choose surgery, indicating a significant influence on patient decision-making.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2016
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.

Young children learn to take turns for mutual gain

Research shows that 5-year-old children outperform younger counterparts in taking turns, a fundamental social behavior. Chimpanzees also demonstrate cooperation but fail to adopt consistent turn-taking strategies.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 21, 2016

New research details how big game follow spring green-up

Researchers found that seven of ten populations selected high-quality forage in early stages of growth, while others favored leading or trailing edges. This study provides insights into how animals track plant growth and will aid in understanding impacts of climate change on big game habitats.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·DateJun 21, 2016

Is 'when we eat' as important as 'what we eat'?

Eating irregularly is linked to a higher risk of metabolic syndrome and obesity. The authors argue that considering the timing of meals alongside dietary choices could lead to better public health outcomes. Research highlights the importance of studying chrono-nutrition and its impact on our internal body clocks.

SourceKing's College London·JournalProceedings of The Nutrition Society·DateJun 21, 2016

CAR T cell therapy can now target solid tumors: Mouse study

Researchers develop CAR T cell therapy targeting a specific glycopeptide found on cancer cells but not normal cells, showing promise in treating leukemia and pancreatic cancer in mice. The therapy demonstrates improved survival rates and potential for broad applicability to various cancers.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateJun 21, 2016
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.

Taking notes boosts memory of jurors, new study finds

A new study from the University of Liverpool found that taking notes during trials enhances jurors' memory of trial evidence. Jurors who were allowed to review their notes had superior memory recall compared to those who didn't.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalApplied Cognitive Psychology·DateJun 21, 2016

Elevated CRP may be response, not cause of disease

A study found that genetically raised CRP levels are linked to a reduced risk of schizophrenia. The researchers also discovered associations between elevated CRP and increased risks for arthritis, bipolar disorder, and high blood pressure.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 21, 2016

Mayo Clinic introduces precision medicine in psychiatry

Researchers at Mayo Clinic are exploring the potential of genetic testing and electronic health records to tailor antidepressant treatment. The study finds that genetic variation can affect patient reactions to drugs, offering a unique opportunity to develop pharmacogenetic guidelines.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateJun 21, 2016
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.

Chemists find new way to recycle plastic waste into fuel

Researchers have devised a method to recycle millions of tons of plastic garbage into liquid fuel by breaking down polyethylene with alkanes. The process is more efficient and milder than current methods, using readily available substances from oil refining.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 21, 2016

Itchy inflammation of mosquito bites helps viruses replicate

Researchers found that mosquito bites enhance the replication of viral infections like Zika and dengue by triggering an inflammatory response in the body. Anti-inflammatory medications may be effective in stopping this process and preventing severe illness.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalImmunity·DateJun 21, 2016
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.

NIH launches large study of pregnant women in areas affected by Zika virus

The National Institutes of Health has launched a multi-country study to investigate the health risks associated with Zika virus infection during pregnancy. The study aims to enroll up to 10,000 pregnant women across several locations affected by Zika outbreaks, followed throughout their pregnancies and into early childhood.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateJun 21, 2016