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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 220


Page 220 of 423

Opioids increase risk of death when compared to other pain treatments

A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found long-acting opioids significantly increase the risk of death from unintentional overdose and cardiorespiratory events. Alternative medications, such as anticonvulsants and low doses of cyclic antidepressants, may be safer options for managing moderate-to-severe chronic pain.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateJun 14, 2016

Victor Flambaum becomes new GRC Fellow at Mainz University

Victor Flambaum's appointment at the Helmholtz Institute Mainz is expected to give great impetus to the development of the PRISMA Cluster of Excellence. He will be collaborating with various departments, including experimental groups working on dark matter and antimatter research.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·DateJun 14, 2016

Genome sequencing helps determine end of tuberculosis outbreak

Researchers used genome sequencing to determine when TB outbreaks ended by analyzing genetic mutations and transmission patterns. The method helped public health officials declare the end of an outbreak in January 2015, after no disease transmission occurred since mid-2012.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalMicrobial Genomics·DateJun 14, 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.

Cats seem to grasp the laws of physics

Researchers at Kyoto University found that cats use causal logic to infer object presence based on sounds. The study revealed cats' expectations are shaped by what they hear, enabling them to predict prey locations.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateJun 14, 2016

Study shows that plasma protein supplementation helps prevent cell death in diabetes

A study by University of Illinois researchers suggests that protein S supplementation can inhibit beta-cell death and improve blood glucose levels, insulin sensitivity, and kidney damage in mice with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The findings offer a potential new approach to treating the disease.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalDiabetes·DateJun 14, 2016

Eukaryote process of programmed fork arrest determined

Cells use programmed fork arrest to halt DNA replication at terminator sites, controlling life span and preserving genome stability. The process involves proteins working together to calibrate fork movement, preventing constant machinery operation.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 14, 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.

Researchers release 'Frankenturtles' into Chesapeake Bay

To reduce sea turtle mortality in Chesapeake Bay, researchers are releasing 'Frankenturtles' into the bay, tracking their movement and studying how wind and currents affect a dead turtle's trajectory. The goal is to gain insights into likely causes of sea-turtle death and develop safe zones for these imperiled marine reptiles.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·DateJun 14, 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.

Burning for knowledge: Researchers set to ignite fire in space

The Saffire-I experiment aims to study how fires grow and spread in microgravity, with the goal of verifying fire-safety protocols for the ISS and future manned flights to Mars. The experiment will use a heated wire to ignite a large cloth sample, and researchers will monitor its growth and spread.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateJun 14, 2016

Pituitary tissue grown from human stem cells releases hormones in rats

A team of researchers has successfully grown functional pituitary tissue from human stem cells that can release hormones important for growth, reproductive functions, and stress response. The study's findings hold promise for a more permanent therapeutic option for patients with hypopituitarism.

SourceCell Press·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJun 14, 2016

UNIST Design School wins international design awards

The UNIST Design School's 'Toy Box' design concept has received Notable and Winner design awards at the Core77 Design Awards 2016. The award-winning design aims to provide play opportunities through innovative repurposing of existing relief packaging, helping deprived children in disaster zones and poorest communities.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·DateJun 14, 2016

How insights into human learning can foster smarter artificial intelligence

Recent breakthroughs in creating artificial systems that outplay humans in games are rooted in neural networks inspired by information processing in the brain. The complementary learning systems theory explains how humans and animals learn, highlighting its potential importance as a framework for AI development.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateJun 14, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Chill coffee beans for a more flavorsome brew, say scientists

Researchers found that chilling roasted coffee beans before grinding results in narrower distribution of small particles, allowing for better extraction of flavor compounds. This could lead to more flavorful beverages and potentially alter the taste of brewed coffee.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 14, 2016

How citizen journalism can lead to cyber bullying

Agneta Mallén's study reveals how citizen journalism can perpetuate cyberbullying through the sharing of low-quality videos that are perceived as truth. The researcher found that even when video clips are later debunked, the damage is already done and the person is subjected to virtual punishment.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Scandinavian Studies in Criminology and Crime Prevention·DateJun 14, 2016

Why do women live longer than men?

Researchers found that women generally outlive men across multiple species, with a ubiquity of survival advantage. However, they also appear to be in poorer health through adult life, with higher rates of physical limitations and health problems like osteoarthritis and back pain.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 14, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

DNA in 'unbiased' model curls both ways

Researchers at Rice University used computer simulations to study DNA's twisted-ladder form, finding that chromosomes can emerge with either right- or left-handed superhelices. The discovery could help explain how cells regulate gene expression and cell differentiation.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 14, 2016

Research reveals pain and pleasure of sad music

A study of 2,436 people found that listening to sad music can lead to feelings of pleasure, comfort, and relief, but also painful experiences related to personal loss. The research has implications for music therapy and rehabilitation, highlighting the complexity of human emotions in response to sad music.

SourceDurham University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 14, 2016

Researchers improve biosensors to detect E. coli

Washington State University researchers created a simple sensor that can detect and amplify the signal of E. coli 0157:H7, a harmful pathogen causing severe diarrhea and kidney damage. The biosensor uses a nanoflower particle with organic and inorganic components to recognize and amplify the bacteria's signal.

SourceWashington State University·JournalSmall·DateJun 14, 2016

Brain in a dish to learn more about Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at the Babraham Institute have developed a technique to replicate early changes in Alzheimer's disease in a lab-dish model. This breakthrough allows for the study of the disease's progression and potential treatments without animal testing.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalMolecular Neurodegeneration·DateJun 14, 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.

First detection of a chiral molecule in space

Researchers have detected a chiral molecule called propylene oxide in Sagittarius B2 North, a cloud of gas and dust in the Milky Way galaxy. This discovery sheds light on the origin of homochirality on Earth, which is a phenomenon where life forms predominantly use left-handed molecules.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 14, 2016

Americans are getting heart-healthier: Coronary heart disease decreasing in the US

A new study found significant improvements in coronary heart disease rates among the US population, particularly among those without established risk factors. The prevalence of CHD decreased by 1.3% from 2001-2002 to 2011-2012, with notable declines seen among women, non-Hispanic white and black adults, and those with health insurance.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJun 14, 2016

University of Montana researcher helps break ground on forecasting earthquakes

A University of Montana researcher has contributed to a groundbreaking study on the complexity of earthquakes and their forecastability. The research found that smaller and larger quakes contribute to the movement of the Himalayas, increasing the frequency but reducing the impact of earthquakes in the region.

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 14, 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.

Spintronics: Resetting the future of heat assisted magnetic recording

A new spintronics-based system has been developed, offering improved performance over conventional heat-assisted magnetic recording materials. The DyCo5 nanostructures demonstrate a lower writing temperature and higher stability of magnetic bits, enabling faster and more energy-efficient data storage.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateJun 14, 2016

IVCC receives grant to support its work in vector control

The International Vector Control Centre (IVCC) has received a $75 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation over five years. This funding will support IVCC's work in developing innovative vector control products and tools to prevent malaria transmission from mosquitoes to vulnerable populations.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·DateJun 14, 2016

Study confirms that breast is best for premature babies' hearts

A study published in Pediatrics found that exclusive breastfeeding improved heart volume and function in premature babies, with those consuming more breastmilk having better outcomes as adults. The research suggests that breastfeeding may be able to mitigate the negative effects of premature birth on cardiac development.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJun 14, 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.

Novel portable diagnostic tool pairs optical and gamma imaging

The novel portable diagnostic tool offers a multi-dimensional look at the body by combining optical and gamma imaging, allowing physicians to visualize molecular data alongside surface organ images. Clinical pilot studies have shown promising results in imaging lymphatic and thyroid tissue, as well as tear ducts.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 14, 2016

Caffeine has little to no benefit after 3 nights of sleep restriction

A new study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that caffeine use no longer improved alertness or performance after three nights of sleep restriction. The study, which involved 48 healthy individuals, showed that relative to placebo, caffeine significantly improved Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT) performance during the fir...

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateJun 13, 2016

A gene called Prkci helps organize organisms and their organs

Researchers found that Prkci gene plays a crucial role in organizing cells into balls and tubes during early embryo and organ formation. By mixing functional Prkci with cells lacking it, they restored normal polarity, suggesting an unknown molecular signal was transmitted to disoriented cells.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalDevelopmental Biology·DateJun 13, 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.

New planet is largest discovered that orbits 2 suns

Astronomers from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and San Diego State University have discovered the largest planet yet found around a double-star system. Kepler-1647 b is approximately 4.4 billion years old and has a mass and radius nearly identical to that of Jupiter.

SourceSan Diego State University·DateJun 13, 2016

How females store sperm

Researchers have identified five types of lipid, or fatty acids, that exist as droplets inside the cells of female chickens' sperm storage tubules. These lipids may be released into the sperm storage tubules and improve the sperm's survival. The study provides insight into how certain female animals are able to store sperm long-term.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalTheriogenology·DateJun 13, 2016

Canada needs essential medicines list to ensure supply

The Canadian Medical Association Journal suggests creating a list of essential medicines to ensure availability, citing global shortages and the need for national pharmacare. This could help governments plan for contingencies and mitigate drug shortages.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 13, 2016

Carbon dioxide biggest player in thawing permafrost

A study by Northern Arizona University's Christina Schädel found that carbon dioxide is the largest contributor to permafrost thawing, with dry soils releasing more CO2 than wet ones. This discovery highlights the need to monitor changes in soil moisture conditions to better understand the impact of permafrost thawing on climate change.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 13, 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.

Possible psoriasis drug target identified by Stanford researchers

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified Rac1 as a potential target for treating psoriasis. The small protein is involved in wound repair and has been linked to environmental triggers of the disease, as well as genetic predisposition. Blocking Rac1 activation may offer a new way to treat psoriasis without s...

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 13, 2016

Reclaiming the immune system's assault on tumors

Researchers at EPFL have found a way to reclaim corrupted immune cells and turn them into signals for the immune system to attack tumors. They identified a molecular switch that can convert hijacked macrophages into cells stimulating the immune system to fight cancer growth and spread.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJun 13, 2016

DNA shaping up to be ideal framework for rationally designed nanostructures

Researchers have designed DNA frames to connect nanoparticles into precisely structured lattices, enabling the creation of nanomaterials with tailored properties. The team's method uses DNA origami to self-assemble particles into desired shapes, reducing dependence on particle modification.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 13, 2016

Insights into the ecology of the microbiome

Researchers found universal (host-independent) dynamics for healthy individuals' gut and mouth microbiomes. Fecal microbiota transplantation therapy also relied on these shared patterns to treat C. difficile infections.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature·DateJun 13, 2016

Hospital or outpatient care when patients present with hypertensive urgency?

Patients with hypertensive urgency can be safely treated in the outpatient setting without compromising cardiovascular outcomes. Despite this, nearly two-thirds of patients still experience uncontrolled blood pressure at six months. Hospital admission rates are lower for patients sent home, suggesting improved care coordination.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 13, 2016
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.

Arc volcano releases mix of material from Earth's mantle and crust

A new study from the University of Washington reveals that a common type of volcano draws its lava from both the mantle and the crust, challenging traditional geological beliefs. Researchers found that the basalt's magnesium signature is similar to the crustal material, suggesting that fluid movement plays a role in seismic activity at...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 13, 2016

Roadmap for advanced cell manufacturing shows path to cell-based therapeutics

The National Cell Manufacturing Consortium has developed a national roadmap for advanced cell manufacturing, aiming to increase the production of high-quality living cells for cell-based therapies. The consortium, established by Georgia Tech and industry partners, aims to establish the US as a leader in cell therapy manufacturing.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateJun 13, 2016

Study identifies a potential therapeutic target for lung cancer

A study by Stanford University researchers has identified CD47, a protein highly expressed on the surface of small-cell lung cancer cells, as a potential therapeutic target. Blocking this protein with immunotherapies may stimulate the immune system to destroy cancer cells, offering new hope for treating this deadly disease.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 13, 2016

Starving cancer cells by blocking their metabolism

Researchers block glutamine breakdown in liver cancer cells, preserving normal cells, and reduce tumor development in mice. The study identifies LRH-1 as the key protein involved and suggests it as a new target for treating liver cancer.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalGenes & Development·DateJun 13, 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.

Researchers discover new therapeutic approach for cardiorenal syndrome type 2

Researchers have identified a new therapeutic approach to prevent renal damage in cardiorenal syndrome type 2 (CRS2), a condition that causes chronic kidney disease secondary to heart failure. By inhibiting G protein-coupled receptors, the study found that renal function can be protected.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJun 13, 2016

Drying Arctic soils could accelerate greenhouse gas emissions

Soil moisture levels in the Arctic play a crucial role in determining carbon emissions as temperatures rise. A recent study found that dry soils release significantly more carbon than wet soils, even accounting for methane production.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 13, 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.

The most prolific perpetrators of elder abuse may be living among them

Researchers found that at least one in five elderly nursing home residents experienced resident-to-resident mistreatment, with verbal aggression being the most common form. The study's findings highlight a need for better understanding and prevention strategies for this type of abuse.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 13, 2016

New nanomaterial offers promise in bendable, wearable electronic devices

A new nanomaterial has been developed that is both transparent and highly conductive to electric current. The material, created through a cheap and simple method, has potential applications in roll-up touchscreen displays, wearable electronics, flexible solar cells, and electronic skin.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 13, 2016