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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 273


Page 273 of 423

Research points to a new treatment for pancreatic cancer

Researchers at Purdue University have discovered a link between cholesterol metabolism and pancreatic cancer spread, pointing to potential new treatment using drugs for atherosclerosis. Controlling cholesterol metabolism reduces tumor growth and metastasis in mice.

SourcePurdue University·JournalOncogene·DateMay 3, 2016

The intermediates in a chemical reaction photographed 'red-handed'

A team of researchers has successfully imaged all steps in a complex organic reaction, revealing the mechanisms behind it. The study used atomic force microscopy to visualize the bond configuration of reactants, intermediates, and products, providing new insights into the stabilization of intermediates.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMay 3, 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.

Survival of the oldest

Researchers identified factors that make some species more resilient to extinction, including color variation, live birth, and low-latitude habitats. These species are more likely to adapt to future climate changes, helping conservationists predict which species are most at risk.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateMay 3, 2016

Turn up the heat to increase altitude tolerance

New research suggests that heat-based exercise is a more efficient means of improving altitude tolerance than normobaric altitude training. Heat-based training reduced physical strain and improved time-trial performance in cyclists, with similar effects on blood cells as low-oxygen training.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateMay 3, 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.

UNIST professor named to American Academy of Arts and Sciences

Dr. Steve Granick, a renowned expert in colloids and polymers, has been selected for membership in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He is one of 176 new fellows and 37 foreign honorary members to be formally inducted on October 8, 2016.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·DateMay 3, 2016

New tool allows scientists to visualize 'nanoscale' processes

Scientists at UC San Diego have developed a new tool that allows them to visualize nanoscale mixing processes occurring in liquids. This technique enables researchers to study chemical interactions and kinetics, previously impossible with traditional methods.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMicroscopy and Microanalysis·DateMay 3, 2016

Ebola vaccine: Promising phase I trials

A phase I trial of the rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine in Africa and Europe has shown promising results, with antibodies detectable after six months. The vaccine stimulates a strong immune response and appears to control virus replication.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 3, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Why we steer the way we do

Researchers from the University of Leeds found that human steering in a driving simulator is influenced by visual speed signals, not just road edges. The study's findings suggest that our brains process information from across the whole visual scene to guide steering, similar to how insects choose their flight paths.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMay 3, 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.

Udall Foundation honors CSU students

The CSU students were recognized for their research and community service in the environment and tribal public policy categories. They will participate in a Scholar Orientation and receive up to $7,000 in scholarships to support their junior or senior year.

SourceColorado State University·DateMay 3, 2016

First recommendations published on imaging assessment of prosthetic heart valves

The European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging has released new guidelines for the imaging assessment of prosthetic heart valves. The guidelines provide recommendations for a multimodality approach to diagnose and manage complications, including echocardiography as the first-line imaging modality. The study aims to improve assessme...

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Imaging·DateMay 3, 2016

New drug against nerve agents in sight

Researchers at Umea University and Swedish Defence Research Agency develop a three-dimensional structure of the HI-6 nerve agent antidote, revealing its binding mechanism to acetylcholinesterase. The breakthrough provides new insights into designing effective antidotes against sarin and other nerve agents.

SourceUmea University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 3, 2016

Shared sanitation facilities and risk of diarrhea in children

The study found that sharing sanitation facilities with one or two households was associated with an increased risk of diarrhea in young children. Private household sanitation facilities were not found to be associated with this risk at all sites, suggesting a global health priority for access to these facilities.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 3, 2016

ASU scientists discover how one microorganism erodes coral reefs

Researchers at Arizona State University found that a particular type of cyanobacteria can bore into and live within solid carbonates, hastening coral reef erosion. The microbe orchestrate cell-to-cell calcium transport, developing specialized cells to store and regulate calcium levels.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 3, 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.

Planet Nine: A world that shouldn't exist

New research by astronomers at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics examines scenarios for Planet Nine's formation and finds most have low probabilities. The simplest solution suggests the solar system created an extra gas giant, boosting Planet Nine into its wider orbit over time.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 3, 2016

USC Roski Eye Institute researchers publish largest eye study among Latinos

The study found that Latinos diagnosed with bilateral AMD and large drusen had a substantially lower health-related quality of life compared to those with single-eye lesions. The research also indicates an earlier decline in quality of life due to early-stage AMD, highlighting the need for earlier stage interventions.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateMay 3, 2016

'Eve' and descendants shape global sperm whale population structure

A new study found that more than 1,000 sperm whales have a mitochondrial DNA profile from a single 'Eve' ancestor tens of thousands of years ago. The females in this ancestral lineage are responsible for shaping the global population structure, showing strong fidelity to local areas.

SourceOregon State University·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateMay 3, 2016

Yoga and aquatic exercise can help combat MS symptoms

Researchers found that yoga and aquatic exercise significantly improved symptoms of multiple sclerosis, including reduced fatigue, depression, and paresthesia. The study, involving 54 women with MS, showed a significant reduction in moderate to severe depression in those who exercised three times a week.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateMay 3, 2016

First structural views of the NMDA receptor in action will aid drug development

Researchers obtained images of the NMDA receptor in active, non-active, and inhibited states using x-ray crystallography and single-particle electron cryomicroscopy. The study reveals the complex movements of the receptor's subdomains during activation and provides insights into designing novel therapeutic compounds.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature·DateMay 2, 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.

A cleansing rain falls; a soil-filled mist arises

Scientists discovered that up to 60% of airborne particles after a rainstorm come from the soil, releasing organic matter into the atmosphere. This finding has significant implications for understanding the planet's climate and will be integrated into atmospheric models.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 2, 2016

Sex exchange a heightened risk factor among women with incarceration history

A study of 257 female inmates in Rhode Island found that 68 had engaged in sex exchange, which was associated with higher risks of physical abuse, injection drug use, and multiple STIs. Assessing a lifetime history of sex exchange could help identify women at risk for these problems.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved·DateMay 2, 2016

Control of fertility: A new player identified

MicroRNAs play a crucial role in controlling fertility and puberty by regulating the expression of gonadoliberin or GnRH, a neurohormone that stimulates sexual maturation. Failure to produce microRNAs leads to infertility and sterility in adults.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 2, 2016

New drug-delivery approach holds potential for treating obesity

Researchers have developed nanoparticles that deliver antiobesity drugs directly to fat tissue, transforming white adipose tissue into brown and stimulating angiogenesis. The treatment resulted in a 10% weight loss in mice without adverse side effects.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 2, 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.

Shortages in nation's drug supply persist despite federal efforts

Despite federal legislation, Yale researchers found that shortages for acute-care drugs used to treat critically ill patients have increased since the passage of FDASIA. The median duration of these shortages was approximately eight months, posing risks of medical error and reduced effectiveness.

SourceYale University·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMay 2, 2016

Endangered venomous mammal predates dinosaurs' extinction, study confirms

Researchers have sequenced the mitochondrial genome of the Hispaniolan solenodon, revealing that it diverged from other living mammals 78 million years ago. The venomous mammal survived asteroid impact and human colonization, but is now threatened by habitat loss and introduced predators.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalMitochondrial DNA·DateMay 2, 2016

UK Health Check has only modest impact on risk factors for cardiovascular disease

A new study published in CMAJ found that the UK Health Check program had a modest impact on reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors, with limited success in meeting national and international targets. The program resulted in increased diagnoses of vascular diseases such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes among participants.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 2, 2016

Methane production reduced in ruminants

A new study by Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) reveals that the 3-nitrooxypropanol compound reduces methane production in ruminants without harming their health. This finding opens up possibilities to decrease global temperatures and increase efficiency of ruminant production systems.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 2, 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.

Age-related macular degeneration before and after the era of anti-VEGF drugs

A recent NIH-funded study found that half of patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) maintained 20/40 vision or better after five years of anti-VEGF drug treatment. The study also showed that the two most commonly used drugs, Avastin and Lucentis, were equally effective in preserving visual acuity.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalOphthalmology·DateMay 2, 2016

Corporate churning associated with lower nursing home quality

A new study from Harvard Medical School found that corporate churning in nursing homes is linked to lower quality of care. The research, led by David Grabowski, measured the impact of ownership changes on nursing home quality and found that transactions were often associated with existing quality problems.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMay 2, 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.

Improving utilization of ammonia and carbon dioxide in microalgal cultivation

Algae farming is sensitive to fertilizer costs, with ammonia and carbon dioxide being major concerns. Approaches like increasing surface area, partial pressure, and contact time can improve nutrient utilization efficiency for CO2. Dosing ammonia at a controlled rate can minimize its volatility and toxicity.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Biotechnology·DateMay 2, 2016

Hydropeaking of river water levels is disrupting insect survival, river ecosystems

A recent study found that hydropeaking, or the daily raising and lowering of river flows, has a devastating impact on aquatic insect abundance. The researchers discovered a clear correlation between hydropeaking and the number of insect species present, with certain insects being nearly absent in areas where they should have been present.

SourceOregon State University·JournalBioScience·DateMay 2, 2016

Veterans more likely to delay seeking health care--possible link to long wait times for VA care

A study published in Journal of Public Health Management and Practice found that veterans are more likely to report delays in seeking necessary healthcare compared to the US general population. The study suggests that access problems within the VA system may be creating disparities in care for this vulnerable population.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Public Health Management and Practice·DateMay 2, 2016

Method stabilizes, enhances phosphorene

Researchers at Northwestern University have stabilized exfoliated black phosphorus by covalently bonding a single-molecule-thick layer onto its surface. This enhances electronic properties and prevents degradation in open air, making it suitable for applications such as sensors, transistors, and optoelectronics.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMay 2, 2016

River food webs threatened by widespread hydropower practice

A new study by the USGS reveals that hydropeaking, a widespread practice in hydroelectric dam operations, can disrupt river food webs and harm aquatic insects. Alternative hydropower practices, such as leaving river levels low and stable during periods of minimal power production, may help mitigate these negative effects.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalBioScience·DateMay 2, 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.

A skeletal marker of physiological stress might indicate good, rather than poor, health

Researchers studied skeletons from London's St. Mary Spital cemetery, finding that stress markers like LEH were correlated with famine deaths. However, periosteal lesions on shin bones were found to be associated with normal, non-famine related deaths, contradicting previous assumptions about their significance.

SourceUniversity of South Carolina·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateMay 2, 2016

Quantum sensors for high-precision magnetometry of superconductors

Scientists have developed a new method to image magnetic fields on the nanometer scale at temperatures close to absolute zero. They used quantum sensors in diamond-based microscopes to achieve unrivalled precision in measuring magnetic fields in superconductors.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 2, 2016

Quieting cells' low-oxygen alarm stops flare-ups in rare bone disorder

Scientists have discovered that silencing the molecular alarm, HIF-1α, reduces heterotopic ossification and disability in a rare bone disorder. By targeting this protein, researchers hope to develop more effective treatments for FOP and related disorders of heterotopic ossification.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateMay 2, 2016

Stiffening of the arteries detected in multi-ethnic study of young adults

A new study published in Hypertension found that arterial stiffening can be detected in early adulthood, particularly in ethnic minority groups, and is associated with physical inactivity, stress from racism, and high blood pressure. Regular physical activity was linked to lower arterial stiffness, emphasizing the importance of exercis...

SourceKing's College London·JournalHYPERTENSION·DateMay 2, 2016

Englerin analogues with anti-cancer activity

A team of researchers at ICIQ has designed and synthesized highly selective and effective Englerin analogues that inhibit the growth of renal cancer cells. The analogues were developed using gold catalysis and exhibited potent anti-cancer activity in cell lines, offering a promising treatment option for patients with kidney cancer.

SourceInstitute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)·JournalChemMedChem·DateMay 2, 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.

How does the environment affect obesity?

A McMaster University research team is examining how environmental factors, such as agricultural practices and toxicants, affect brown adipose tissue activity in individuals with obesity or type-2 diabetes. The studies aim to develop new strategies to enhance BAT activity for treating and preventing these diseases.

SourceMcMaster University·DateMay 2, 2016

Economy flyers unite! Research shows air rage a product of class difference

A study by the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that having a first-class cabin increases air rage incidents nearly four times more than a nine-hour flight delay. Economy passengers who pass through first class are also more likely to exhibit bad behavior.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 2, 2016

Elevated bladder cancer risk in New England and arsenic in drinking water

A new study found that drinking water from private wells, especially those established before the 1950s, may contribute to elevated bladder cancer risk in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The researchers estimated that increasing cumulative arsenic exposure was associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 2, 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.

Prevalent cancer-associated mutations detected in apparently healthy group

A study of 36 women found nearly all carried cancer-associated gene mutations, suggesting high accuracy and sensitivity for detecting ovarian cancer. Duplex sequencing technology can identify low-frequency cancer-like mutations, potentially leading to early detection and treatment.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 2, 2016

Microbes make tubular microtunnels on earth and perhaps on mars

Researchers discover microbes creating tubular microtunnels in basaltic volcanic glass on Earth, expanding our understanding of subsurface microbial activity. This finding also suggests that similar features may exist on Mars, potentially near the surface, which could aid future Mars missions.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalACM SIGSAM Bulletin·DateMay 2, 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.

Hurricanes key to carbon uptake by forests

Research reveals that tropical cyclones in the southeastern United States increase forest photosynthesis and growth, capturing significant amounts of carbon from the atmosphere. This effect significantly exceeds carbon emissions from American vehicles each year.

SourceDuke University·DateMay 2, 2016