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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 265


Page 265 of 423

Screening for postpartum depression -- research review and update

According to a research review, postpartum depression affects 14.5% of women during pregnancy or after delivery, with many cases going undiagnosed and untreated. Screening tools, such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, can be used in various settings to identify PPD, which requires close attention from psychiatrists.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalHarvard Review of Psychiatry·DateMay 9, 2016

Can gender play a role in determining cancer treatment choices?

Researchers found more than half of the genes studied showed sex-biased signatures in certain cancer types, revealing two sex-effect groups associated with distinct incidence and mortality profiles. These findings lay a critical foundation for precision cancer medicine that is sex-specific.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Cell·DateMay 9, 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.

Visualizing the lithiation of a nanosized iron-oxide material in real time

Researchers developed a technique to visualize lithium ion battery discharge mechanisms in nanosized iron-oxide material, revealing the intercalation and conversion reactions that occur during lithiation. The study provides insights into how to improve battery performance and increase their longevity.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 9, 2016

Fooling the test: Antibiotic-resistant bacteria that look susceptible

Researchers have discovered a type of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that looks susceptible to colistin, but actually ignores treatment. The strain, called R/S, has a genetically identical subpopulation of resistant bacteria lurking within it, making diagnosis challenging.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMay 9, 2016

UNT researchers discover potential new paths for plant-based bioproducts

A UNT research team has found a potential new pathway for creating lignin in plants, enabling the synthesis of high-value bioproducts. This breakthrough could significantly improve the economics of the bioenergy industry by increasing lignin production in plants that don't naturally possess it.

SourceUniversity of North Texas·JournalNature Plants·DateMay 9, 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.

UCI sleuths search the seas for soot

Researchers found less soot than expected, but discovered two types: a younger pool that absorbs into the environment every 100 years and an ancient reserve stable for millennia. Black carbon is a strong agent of climate change, absorbing sunlight and trapping heat on Earth.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 9, 2016

UCLA study finds no evidence linking anti-nausea drug to birth defects

A new UCLA study finds no evidence to link the anti-nausea drug Zofran to an increased risk of birth defects. Women with extreme morning sickness who took Zofran reported fewer miscarriages and higher live birth rates compared to those without the medication.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalReproductive Toxicology·DateMay 9, 2016

New Oligocene primates from China highlight key evolutionary period

The discovery of diverse Oligocene primates from southern China sheds light on the evolution of primates during the Eocene-Oligocene transition. The Asian fauna is dominated by strepsirhines, contrasting with Afro-Arabian primate faunas that diversified anthropoids after the climate crisis.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience·DateMay 9, 2016

Serious video games may help increase fruit and vegetable intake

A new study found that creating implementation intentions within goal-setting in Squires Quest! II increased veg consumption at dinner and fruit consumption at breakfast, lunch, and snacks among 4th-5th graders. The study suggests that serious video games can be a promising tool to improve fruit and vegetable intake in children.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateMay 9, 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.

Novel role for spleen B cells in inflammatory response to bacterial toxins

A research team at the University of Tsukuba identified a crucial role for spleen marginal zone B lymphocytes in exacerbating endotoxin shock through cytokine production. MZ B cells produce large quantities of IL-6 and other inflammatory chemokines in response to LPS, highlighting their strong pro-inflammatory role.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 9, 2016

Digesting sweet taste

A study from the Monell Center found that gut enzymes sucrase and maltase are also expressed in sweet taste cells on the tongue, breaking down complex sugars into glucose and fructose. This discovery may lead to the development of non-caloric sweeteners with a better sweet taste.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 9, 2016

Study shows possible 'key' to improved therapy for adrenocortical carcinoma

Researchers identified three subtypes of ACC with distinct clinical outcomes and molecular alterations. The study also found novel ACC driver genes and suggests that inhibiting whole genome doubling could slow tumor growth. These findings may inform therapeutic decisions and lead to significant advances in patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Cell·DateMay 9, 2016

MUSC Hollings awarded $8.9 million to study sphingolipid signaling

The Medical University of South Carolina's Hollings Cancer Center is awarded a grant to explore lipid signaling mechanisms in cancer cell proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, and metastasis. The project aims to develop new therapeutic strategies for solid tumors, including liver, prostate, and urinary cancers.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·DateMay 9, 2016

Antidepressant use during pregnancy may lengthen umbilical cord

A new study found that children whose mothers used selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during pregnancy had longer umbilical cords than other newborns. The lengthening of the umbilical cord may indicate increased fetal activity and movement in the uterus.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 9, 2016
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.

UGA study finds Saharan dust affects marine bacteria, potential pathogen Vibrio

A UGA study found that Saharan dust increases iron levels in ocean surface water, leading to large blooms of Vibrio bacteria. These bacteria can cause serious illness in humans and other marine organisms, and their rapid growth rate short circuits the theory of phytoplankton as the first responders to nutrient plumes.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 9, 2016

MRI stronger predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events than standard scan

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is a stronger predictor of risk for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) than single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). CMR has higher sensitivity and negative predictive value compared to SPECT, making it a robust alternative for diagnosing coronary heart disease.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 9, 2016

Changing default prescription settings in EMRs increased rates of generic drugs, Penn Medicine study finds

A new study from Penn Medicine found that changing default prescription settings in electronic medical records (EMRs) increased generic prescribing rates from 75% to 98%. The study demonstrated the impact of well-designed default options on physician behavior, with significant cost savings for patients and health systems.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 9, 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.

This 5-fingered robot hand learns to get a grip on its own

A University of Washington team developed a highly capable five-fingered robot hand that can perform dexterous manipulation and learn from its own experience. The hand uses machine learning algorithms to model physics and plan actions, allowing it to adapt to new tasks without human intervention.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateMay 9, 2016

Pesticide exposure linked to increased risk of ALS

Researchers found a strong link between pesticide exposure and the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease. Pesticide exposure was associated with increased risk in survey data and blood measurements, highlighting the need for further studies on environmental factors.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateMay 9, 2016

Wilderness Medical Society issues official guidelines for prevention and treatment of drowning

The Wilderness Medical Society has released comprehensive guidelines for preventing and treating drowning, with a focus on rescue, resuscitation, and clinical management. The new recommendations aim to reduce the 10 daily US fatalities and 3,800 annual drownings, emphasizing importance of water safety measures.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalWilderness and Environmental Medicine·DateMay 9, 2016

Therapeutic substitution could help reduce money spent on prescription drugs

A new study suggests that therapeutic substitution could help drive down the cost of prescription medications by substituting chemically different compounds within the same class of drugs. The study estimated potential savings through therapeutic substitution for drug classes with both generic and brand-name options, resulting in reduc...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 9, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Do genes express themselves through poetry?

Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered that DNA's regulatory regions resemble a poetic language, composed of coding and regulatory elements. By analyzing variants of a key protein and applying mathematical models, the team was able to identify conserved properties in other sequences, enabling them to 'read' the genome.

SourceMichigan State University·DateMay 9, 2016

Radiotherapy during surgery could save millions of travel miles and tons of CO2

Research published in BMJ Open found that single dose targeted intraoperative radiotherapy can save patients thousands of hours of time, journeys, and CO2 emissions compared to standard treatment. The study estimates that widespread adoption of TARGIT could save millions of miles, tons of CO2, and hundreds of hours of travel time annually

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateMay 9, 2016

Raising a child with autism

A study by University of Miami researchers found that Hispanic parents of children with autism exhibit stress-buffering qualities like optimism and use religious faith as a positive coping strategy. The team hopes to tailor clinical interventions to strengthen these personal characteristics and responses.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateMay 9, 2016

A yellow fever epidemic: A new global health emergency?

A global health emergency is looming due to the rapid spread and potential future outbreaks of yellow fever, say Georgetown University professors. The ongoing epidemic, particularly in Angola, has led to a significant shortage of vaccines and calls for an urgent international response.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateMay 9, 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.

In US, celiac disease diagnosis is most common among patients with Punjabi ancestry

A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that celiac disease is most common among Americans from the Punjab region of India. The study analyzed over 400,000 intestinal biopsies and identified significant differences in celiac disease rates across various ethnic groups.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateMay 9, 2016

New techniques make RFID tags 25 percent smaller

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new technique to create passive RFID tags that are 25% smaller and less expensive. By eliminating the need for power conversion, the tags can operate directly from AC power, reducing size and cost.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateMay 9, 2016

Fort McMurray wildfire continues to burn

The Fort McMurray wildfire is burning out of control, covering an area of 161,000 hectares, with extreme fire conditions due to low humidity and high temperatures. Residents are advised not to return home until it is safe to do so, while firefighters, including 1,500 employees at the Syncrude facility, work to contain the blaze.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 9, 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.

Tiger moths use signals to warn bats: Toxic not tasty

Researchers from Wake Forest University have discovered that tiger moths produce ultrasonic signals to deter bats, showing that this behavior occurs in nature and is used as a warning system. The study highlights the evolution of animal behavior in the bat vs. moth arms race.

SourceWake Forest University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 9, 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.

Fewer overweight or obese children in Canada after years of increased rates

New research shows a significant decrease in childhood overweight and obesity rates in Canada from 2004 to 2013, with weight and body mass index trends also improving. The study suggests that the introduction of BMI growth charts and public awareness campaigns may have contributed to this decline.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 9, 2016

Pay now or pay more later: Treating hepatitis C

Researchers found that financing treatment of hepatitis C would not only save lives but ease future costs for Medicare. Expanding screenings and treatment to all patients could generate more than $800 billion in benefits over 20 years. Policymakers must determine how to encourage private insurers to invest in the latest treatments.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateMay 9, 2016

Pitt-developed drug works against 'superbug' biofilms and respiratory virus

A potential drug therapy developed at the University of Pittsburgh has proven effective against bacterial biofilms and a deadly respiratory virus simultaneously. The eCAP was 50 times more effective at fighting the biofilm than traditional treatment, and reduced viable virus particles by over 150-fold in RSV-infected airway cells.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalmSphere·DateMay 9, 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.

Machine learning accelerates the discovery of new materials

Researchers used machine learning to speed up the discovery of shape-memory alloys with low thermal hysteresis, critical for improving fatigue life in engineering applications. The framework iteratively guides experiments to find materials with desired target properties, cutting time and cost by half.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 9, 2016

Novel functionalized nanomaterials for CO2 capture

Researchers at TIFR Mumbai have designed functionalized nanomaterials that offer superior CO2 capture capacity and stability compared to conventional materials. The new sorbents feature high amine loading with minimal decrease in surface area, making them suitable for efficient CO2 capture.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateMay 9, 2016

Opinions on fracking linked to political persuasion, says new study

Research by Plymouth University indicates that people's political ideology significantly influences their attitude towards hydraulic fracking. Politically conservative participants were more likely to favor fracking and perceive economic benefits, while liberals expressed greater concerns over health risks.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateMay 9, 2016

In cities, flooding and rainfall extremes to rise as climate changes

Researchers found that storms are shrinking in space and intensifying over smaller areas, resulting in more intense peak rainfalls. This intensification is expected to lead to a significant rise in flash flooding across major urban centers worldwide.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 9, 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.

Study: Smartphone alerts increase inattention -- and hyperactivity

A study of college students found that constant smartphone alerts can cause symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity, similar to those experienced by individuals with ADHD. By minimizing phone notifications, participants reduced these symptoms, suggesting a link between digital stimulation and attention deficits in modern society.

SourceUniversity of Virginia·DateMay 9, 2016

Effects of spectral quality, intensity of LEDs

A study by researchers found that continuous spectrum LED lamps, specifically designed for horticultural use, outperform conventional white LEDs in terms of plant response and energy efficiency. The results showed a 26% increase in energy efficiency and significant increases in vegetative growth when light intensity was increased.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateMay 9, 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.

Pesticide exposure may be ALS risk factor

Research suggests environmental pollutants may increase likelihood of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a rapidly progressive motor neuron disease. The study found higher concentrations of pesticides and other toxic chemicals in individuals with ALS, but no strong correlation between occupation and risk.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateMay 9, 2016

Saharan dust makes big impact on Caribbean waters

New research reveals Saharan dust enriches underwater plants in the Caribbean with iron and other nutrients. However, this increase in nutrients also supports an explosive bloom of toxic bacteria such as Vibrio.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 9, 2016

When beneficial bacteria knock but no one is home

Researchers discovered that genetic mutations in certain genes can impair the immune-enhancing effects of beneficial bacteria, leading to reduced efficacy of probiotic therapies in treating Crohn's disease. The study suggests a new potential cause for the disorder and may lead to advances in personalized medicine.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateMay 9, 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.

Feeling the pulse of Africa

The Crop Science Society of America (CSSA) sent ten students to the PanAfrican Legume Conference in Zambia to learn about pulses and grain legumes. The conference, which drew over 500 participants from 46 countries, focused on sustainable systems for food, income, and nutritional security.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·DateMay 9, 2016

Do witchcraft beliefs halt economic progress?

A study by American University Economics Professor Boris Gershman found a negative correlation between witchcraft beliefs and trust, eroding social capital and cooperation. In regions with widespread witchcraft beliefs, mistrust and property destruction are common, stifling economic progress.

SourceAmerican University·JournalJournal of Development Economics·DateMay 9, 2016

Study finds declining sulfur levels

A University of Illinois study reveals declining sulfur levels in agricultural areas, with negative balances in some watersheds and rivers. Farmers may need to apply sulfur fertilizer in the future, particularly on fields with less soil organic matter.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateMay 9, 2016

Experimental therapy halts treatment-resistant brain tumors

Researchers develop an experimental therapy that shuts down the Olig2 gene, halting tumor growth and blocking tumor formation. The approach uses a gene therapy to eliminate Olig2-positive cells, sensitizing them to targeted molecular treatment.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalCancer Cell·DateMay 9, 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.

Daily up and down of the plankton animals in the sea

Researchers found that zooplankton communities in the Southern Ocean migrate vertically to escape predators and feed on phytoplankton blooms at the sea ice edge. Long-term measurements revealed annual cycles of migration, with disruptions during the southern summer due to food abundance.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalProgress In Oceanography·DateMay 9, 2016