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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 361


Page 361 of 423

Maraviroc-containing regimens safe, tolerable when taken for HIV prevention

A Phase 2 trial found that maraviroc-containing regimens are as safe and well-tolerated as TDF and emtricitabine when used as PrEP to prevent HIV infection in high-risk men. Five participants became infected with HIV during the study, but their low drug levels suggested inconsistent use of PrEP.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 24, 2016

Quality of care for in-hospital cardiac arrest varies among US hospitals

A study published in JAMA Cardiology found significant variations in US hospital cardiac arrest care quality. Hospitals with better adherence to recommended guidelines have higher survival rates for patients treated for in-hospital cardiac arrest. The researchers estimate that an additional 22,990 to 24,200 lives could be saved annuall...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateFeb 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.

Study examines heart structure, function of NBA players

A comprehensive analysis of 526 NBA players reveals larger left ventricular cavity sizes, but not necessarily indicative of increased risk. Most athletes have normal left ventricular ejection fractions, with African American athletes showing increased wall thickness and mass compared to white athletes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateFeb 24, 2016

Researchers grow cyberforests to predict climate change

Scientists create a computer simulation that grows realistic forests down to individual trees to predict how climate-related changes will affect fire rates, plant growth, and forest recovery in Quebec hardwood forests. The 'LES' model can help identify necessary species for reestablishing forests after wildfires and other disturbances.

SourceWashington State University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateFeb 24, 2016

Study shows genetic counseling helps psychiatric patients

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry shows that genetic counseling is valuable for patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and similar conditions. Genetic counseling helps clarify misconceptions about the cause of psychiatric illnesses and reduces feelings of guilt and distress.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateFeb 24, 2016

Ketamine for the difficult-to-sedate ER patient

A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found ketamine to be an effective and safe sedation agent for patients with acute behavioral disturbances who do not respond to traditional methods. Only 10% of patients treated with ketamine required additional sedation or failed to achieve sedation within a set time frame.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateFeb 24, 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.

One rule to grow them all

A new study found that a single embryonic rule regulates hominin tooth size, with variations in the expression of this rule accounting for differences in tooth size throughout human evolution. The researchers discovered that the inhibitory cascade pattern for adult molars is directly linked to the size of milk molars.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature·DateFeb 24, 2016

Nitrogen is a neglected threat to biodiversity

A survey of 1400 endangered species found 78 vulnerable to nitrogen-induced harms. Nitrogen's impacts on biodiversity are diverse, including direct toxicity, depleted oxygen, and invasive species that outcompete native populations.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateFeb 24, 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.

A lower limit for future climate emissions

A new study suggests that the available budget for carbon dioxide emissions is on the low end of previous estimates, lending urgency to addressing climate change. The researchers propose a limit of 590-1240 billion tons CO2 from 2015 onwards to keep global warming below 2°C.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 24, 2016

Simpler technique yields antibodies to a range of infectious agents

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a simpler method to produce antibodies against a range of infectious agents using DNA-based genetic immunization. The technique successfully expressed membrane proteins in mice and induced the animals to produce critical antibodies to bacterial and viral targets.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 24, 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.

New climate model better predicts changes to ocean-carbon sink

A new climate model developed by the University of Wisconsin-Madison can better predict changes to the ocean-carbon sink, a crucial factor in understanding future climate change. The improved predictive capacity allows scientists to distinguish human-induced effects from natural variability.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature·DateFeb 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.

Freshwater biodiversity has positive impact on global food security

A new study from the University of Southampton found that inland freshwater fisheries with higher biodiversity have higher-yielding and more stable fisheries. The research suggests that maintaining healthy freshwater systems is critical for food security and livelihoods, particularly in developing countries.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateFeb 24, 2016

EU decision process hinders use of genetically modified trees

The European Union's complex and unpredictable decision process is hindering the introduction of genetically modified trees to the market. The current procedure involves extensive risk analyses, which are costly and time-consuming, making it difficult for scientists to predict the long-term consequences of GM tree use.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalTrends in Plant Science·DateFeb 24, 2016

Conservatives prefer using nouns, new research finds

Conservatives tend to use nouns instead of adjectives to describe things, preferring clarity and predictability. This linguistic preference is linked to the values associated with conservatism, such as stability and tradition.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalPolitical Psychology·DateFeb 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.

Antibiotic stewardship practices widely implemented in VA health-care system

The VA has robustly implemented antibiotic stewardship practices across its facilities, with over 80% having an Infectious Disease specialist on staff. Formal policies and staffing patterns promoting appropriate antibiotic use were also widespread.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateFeb 24, 2016

Predicting human evolution: Teeth tell the story

A study led by Dr Alistair Evans from Monash University has simplified the understanding of human tooth evolution, allowing for predictions on missing teeth. The 'inhibitory cascade' rule reveals a pattern in tooth size that was previously thought to be more complex.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature·DateFeb 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.

Unconventional treatment strategy controls -- rather than eradicates -- cancer

Researchers develop adaptive therapy that adjusts drug dose based on tumor response, controlling growth and allowing 60-80% of mice to be weaned off the drug. The treatment approach stabilizes tumors by maintaining a small population of drug-sensitive cells to suppress resistant cell growth.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 24, 2016

Study examines heart structure, function of NBA players

The study provides information that can be incorporated into clinical assessments for the prevention of cardiac emergencies in basketball players. The analysis reveals that left ventricular cavity sizes in NBA players are larger than in normal adults, but proportional to body size.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateFeb 24, 2016

Pulling water from thin air

Researchers develop new material to collect condensed water droplets using bio-inspired approach combining multiple natural systems. The material harnesses the power of desert beetles' bumps, cactus spines and slippery surfaces to facilitate condensation, promising applications in thermal power plants.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature·DateFeb 24, 2016

Study suggests that longer-distance migratory birds may be smarter

A study published in Scientific Reports found that birds migrating greater distances have more new neurons in brain regions responsible for navigation and spatial orientation. The research team discovered a trend of increasing new neurons in line with migration distance, with different brain regions affected in two species.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 24, 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.

Pancreatic cancer is 4 diseases, each with new treatment possibilities

A new study reveals that pancreatic cancer is composed of four distinct subtypes, each with its own unique genetic profile and treatment possibilities. These findings have significant implications for diagnosis and treatment, potentially allowing for more accurate prognoses and targeted therapies.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalNature·DateFeb 24, 2016

Inability to avoid visual distractions linked to poor short-term memory

A new study by Simon Fraser University researchers found that differences in working memory capacity correlate with the brain's ability to actively ignore distraction. Individuals with low memory capacity are unable to suppress distractors, leading to attentional deficits.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2016

Omega-3 fatty acids may lower breast cancer risk in postmenopausal obese women

Researchers found that omega-3 supplementation reduced breast density in postmenopausal women with a body mass index above 29, bordering on obesity. The study suggests that DHA alone may be preferentially protective in these individuals, offering an example of personalized approach to breast cancer prevention.

SourcePenn State·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateFeb 24, 2016

Ocean acidification already slowing coral reef growth

Scientists have found that ocean acidification is already slowing coral reef growth, with the potential for widespread devastation if left unchecked. Researchers manipulated seawater chemistry in a natural ecosystem to determine the impact of excess CO2 on coral reefs.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature·DateFeb 24, 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.

NASA contributes to global standard for navigation, studies of Earth

The International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF) has been updated by NASA, enabling more detailed studies of global changes in Earth's ocean, ice sheets, land, and atmosphere. Four measurement techniques, including Satellite Laser Ranging and GNSS, contribute to the reference frame.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 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.

New laser achieves wavelength long sought by laser developers

Researchers at the University of Bath created a new laser capable of pulsed and continuous mid-infrared emission between 3.1-3.2 microns, overcoming a major challenge in laser development. The achievement uses silica hollow-core fibers to confine light and gas, enabling efficient interaction and mid-IR emission.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateFeb 24, 2016

What makes penguin feathers ice-proof

Researchers found that Humboldt penguins' unique feather structure is anti-adhesive and hydrophobic, preventing ice from accumulating. The discovery led to the creation of a nanofiber membrane with similar properties, which could be used in applications like electrical insulation.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateFeb 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.

Study predicts salt marshes will persist despite rising seas

A new study suggests that traditional assessment methods overestimate the vulnerability of salt marshes to sea-level rise. Salt marshes can generally survive higher rates of sea-level rise than predicted by current models, thanks to their ability to grow vertically and migrate landward.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 24, 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.

The prolonged death of light from type Ia supernovae

Researchers have observed that three years after its explosion, the brightness of a type Ia supernova continues to shine brighter than expected. This finding suggests that the powerful explosions produce an abundance of heavy cobalt, which provides an extra energy boost.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateFeb 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.

The Mesoamerican bean decoded

An Ibero-American team has sequenced the Mesoamerican common bean genome, which will aid in improving production and conserving genetic varieties. The discovery has significant implications for agriculture, as it will help identify genes involved in disease resistance, drought tolerance, and seed quality.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalGenome Biology·DateFeb 24, 2016

Solved! First distance to a 'fast radio burst'

A team of scientists has confirmed that a 'fast radio burst' originates in the distant universe, using CSIRO radio telescopes and the National Astronomical Observatory's Subaru telescope. The breakthrough allows researchers to weigh the normal matter in the universe, confirming the presence of missing ordinary matter.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalNature·DateFeb 24, 2016