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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 367


Page 367 of 423

3-D protein map offers new malaria vaccine hope

Scientists have created the first 3D 'map' of a critical protein used by Plasmodium vivax to infect human red blood cells. This discovery could lead to a vaccine targeting both the most prevalent and deadly malaria parasites. Understanding how the parasite enters red blood cells is essential for developing strategies to prevent malaria.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 19, 2016

Exposure to air pollution increases the risk of obesity

A rat study published in the Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology found that exposure to Beijing's polluted air increases weight and metabolic dysfunctions. The study also showed that pregnant rats exposed to polluted air had higher levels of insulin resistance, a precursor to Type 2 diabetes.

SourceDuke University·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateFeb 19, 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.

New research reveals sound of deep-water animal migration

Scientists have discovered a distinct low-frequency hum associated with the daily migrations of deep-sea fish and squid. The sound could help scientists better understand this mysterious ecosystem and potentially inform our understanding of climate change's impact on ocean food webs.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·DateFeb 19, 2016

Common problem for older adults: Losing the 5 key senses

A study found that 94% of older adults experience sensory loss, with hearing and vision being the most affected. Multisensory losses are linked to poor quality of life and increased mortality.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateFeb 19, 2016

Ancient lone star lizard lounged in lush, tropical Texas

Researchers discovered a new species of extinct worm lizard in Texas, dubbed the 'Lone Star' lizard. The discovery sheds light on how certain animal groups responded to climate change in the past and provides insight into potential future adaptations.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateFeb 19, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Stroke survivors using mail order pharmacies more likely to take meds

Research shows that stroke patients who use mail-order pharmacies have higher medication adherence rates compared to those filling prescriptions at local pharmacies. Medication non-adherence is a significant concern in stroke care, and this study highlights the potential benefits of mail-order pharmacy services.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 19, 2016

Binge drinking dangerous for young adults

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre found that young adults who binge drink have higher blood pressure, increasing the risk of developing hypertension. The study reveals that over one in four young adults who binge drink meet the criterion for pre-hypertension.

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateFeb 19, 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.

Penn research: An FDA-approved Alzheimer's drug could help smokers quit

A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that two acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, galantamine and donepezil, reduced nicotine consumption in rats and human participants. The treatment decreased cigarettes smoked daily by 12% and improved feelings towards smoking.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateFeb 18, 2016

NASA introduces new, wider set of eyes on the universe

The Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST) will aid researchers in unraveling the secrets of the universe by studying dark energy and dark matter. The observatory will discover new worlds outside our solar system and advance the search for life-suitable planets.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 18, 2016

Florida's monkey river

A study by San Diego State University researchers found that only a small percentage of the Silver River macaque population's diet comes from human-provided food, with most relying on environmental sources. Human-monkey interactions were also largely benign, with concerns about disease transmission appearing to be overblown.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalPrimates·DateFeb 18, 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.

Engineered mini-stomachs produce insulin in mice

Researchers have discovered that tissue from the lower stomach has the greatest potential to be reprogrammed into beta-cell state. Engineered mini-organs produced insulin and refreshed themselves with stem cells, giving the tissue a sustainable regenerative boost.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateFeb 18, 2016

Gene links sleep and seasonal affective disorder

Researchers have identified a specific gene mutation that appears to link unusual sleep patterns and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The PER3 gene mutation was found in family members with both conditions, suggesting a connection between circadian genes and mood disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2016

What makes a bacterial species able to cause human disease?

The study reveals novel adaptations and traits in infectious species of Leptospira that help illuminate its evolutionary history and provide new preventive and treatment approaches. It identifies key pathogen-specific features, including the CRISPR-Cas genetic machinery, which are unique to pathogenic Leptospira.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateFeb 18, 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.

Survey examines Americans' use of and satisfaction with homeopathic medicines

A survey of Americans' use of homeopathic medicines found that they are primarily used for common self-limited conditions such as the common cold or back pain. Homeopathy users tend to be more likely to use complementary and integrative medicine modalities, and report finding these products helpful in addressing their health problems.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 18, 2016

Technology set to personalize tendon and tissue injury rehab

A new intelligent technology called iTraining provides real-time feedback on muscle/tendon stresses and strains, enabling personalized rehabilitation programs. The system has the potential to transform the practice of exercise prescription across various performance levels.

SourceGriffith University·JournalJournal of Biomechanics·DateFeb 18, 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.

New cause of diabetes

Researchers found that diseased exocrine tissue can cause deficiencies in endocrine cells, leading to diabetes. The discovery suggests a new target for stem cell-based treatments.

SourceCenter for iPS Cell Research and Application - Kyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 18, 2016

National hospital hand-washing campaign effective but expensive

The National Hand Hygiene Initiative in Australian hospitals successfully reduced risks of deadly infections, saving at least 96 years of life annually. However, the program was found to be expensive, with costs ranging from $8,988 to $29,700 per life year gained.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 18, 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.

Tunable peptide emulsifiers discovered

Researchers at the Advanced Science Research Center have developed tunable peptide emulsifiers with biocompatible and biodegradable properties. These peptides can form oil-in-water emulsions with varying stability under different environmental conditions.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 18, 2016

A tunnel through the head

Researchers at Technical University of Munich developed an universal mathematical model that describes how sound waves propagate through the internally coupled ears and which clues for localizing sound sources are created. This system enables animals to pinpoint sound sources, a mechanism applicable to over 15,000 species.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 18, 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.

Georgia State: Health provider awareness can curb prescription drug abuse

A study by Georgia State University researchers found that healthcare providers' concerns about prescription drug abuse can lead to changes in prescribing and dispensing practices. The survey of nearly 6,000 health professionals revealed a majority were very concerned, but some dentists were relatively unconcerned.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalPain Physician Journal·DateFeb 18, 2016

Periodontitis linked to a higher mortality rate in patients with kidney disease

Patients with chronic kidney disease and periodontitis have a significantly higher all-cause mortality rate compared to those with chronic kidney disease alone. The study analyzed data from 13,734 participants and found an increased risk of death at 10 years for individuals with both conditions.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJournal Of Clinical Periodontology·DateFeb 18, 2016

Colossal Antarctic ice-shelf collapse followed last ice age

Researchers found that a 100,000-square-mile section of the Ross Ice Shelf broke apart within 1,500 years during a warming period after the last ice age. The study provides clues about how Antarctica's nation-sized Ross Ice Shelf might respond to a warming climate.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 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.

Women, minorities report lower function in the months after stroke

Female and minority stroke survivors reported less ability to function three months after their strokes, with women scoring 75.8 on average and non-white patients scoring 69.4 on the scale. The study highlights the need for healthcare quality improvement projects to focus on improving post-stroke functioning among these groups.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 18, 2016

Chemistry trick paves way for safer diabetes medication

Researchers developed a new approach to designing insulin-based pharmaceuticals using self-assembling nano-insulin. This method could lead to more personalized medications with fewer side effects for Type 1 Diabetes patients.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateFeb 18, 2016

Indiana University study: Commercial weight loss system expands diabetes prevention access

A new randomized controlled study found that adults with prediabetes who followed a nationally-available weight management program with a prediabetes-specific component, Weight Watchers, lost significantly more weight and experienced better blood glucose control than those following a self-initiated program. The study suggests that nat...

SourceIndiana University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 18, 2016

NYU research: Hair sampling shows unintended 'bath salt' use

A recent study by NYU researchers found that four out of ten nightclub/festival attendees who use ecstasy tested positive for 'bath salts', despite reporting no use. The study used hair sampling to detect novel psychoactive substances in ecstasy users, highlighting the need for education and awareness about the risks of adulterated drugs.

SourceNew York University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateFeb 18, 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.

Study confirms only site in SE Asia showing tiger recovery

A study confirms that a Thai sanctuary is the only site in Southeast Asia where tigers are increasing in number. The sanctuary's tiger population has recovered thanks to enhanced protection measures and intensive patrol systems, which have led to improved survival and recruitment rates among the iconic carnivores.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalConservation Biology·DateFeb 18, 2016

Many clinical trial results not shared, creating 'blind spot'

Less than 40% of clinical trial results were shared within two years, according to a new study published in the British Medical Journal. Researchers at Yale School of Medicine found significant variation across academic medical centers, highlighting the need for timely and transparent result sharing.

SourceYale University·JournalThe BMJ·DateFeb 18, 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.

Humans settled, set fire to Madagascar's forests 1,000 years ago

Scientists analyzed stalagmites from a Madagascar cave and found a sudden shift in carbon isotope ratios, indicating a drastic transformation of plant species from trees to grasslands within just 100 years. The study suggests human involvement in forest loss, contradicting climate change theories.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·DateFeb 18, 2016

Study pinpoints driver, potential target in aggressive pediatric leukemia subtype

Researchers have identified the EZH2 gene as a driver of aggressive pediatric leukemia subtype ETP-ALL, characterized by stem-like cells and increased growth signaling. The study provides potential therapeutic targets, including the existing drug ruxolitinib, for this previously challenging disease.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 18, 2016

Breast milk sugars promote healthy infant growth through gut microbiome

Researchers found that breast milk sugars containing sialic acid promote healthy infant growth by interacting with the gut microbiome. The study suggests that these sugars may be key components of breast milk necessary for infant health, and could lead to improved infant formulas and therapeutic foods.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateFeb 18, 2016

Diet soda and fries, please

Researchers found significant balancing behavior across product categories and consumer health segments. Consumers made tradeoffs on healthy/unhealthy mixes based on priorities, contradicting stated behaviors. Retailers can use this research to promote healthier foods through targeted marketing strategies.

SourceJournal of Retailing at New York University·JournalJournal of Retailing·DateFeb 18, 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.

Engineered gene drives and the future

Researchers review gene drive systems, analyzing pros and cons, applications, and regulatory issues. They highlight the potential benefits of controlling insect-borne diseases, removing invasive species, and reversing pesticide resistance. Gene drives combine CRISPR technology to enable environmentally friendly solutions.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Reviews Genetics·DateFeb 18, 2016

Bat-flight inspires unique design for Micro Air Vehicles

Researchers have developed innovative membrane wings that mimic bat flight, enabling Micro Air Vehicles to fly over long distances with improved aerodynamics. The unique design changes shape in response to forces, eliminating mechanical parts for easier maintenance.

SourceEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council·JournalJournal of Fluids and Structures·DateFeb 18, 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.

When the immune system promotes tumor growth

Researchers found that NK cells produce VEGF-A to promote tumor growth when STAT5 is inhibited. This discovery challenges the use of STAT5 inhibitors in cancer treatment, which could have unintended consequences for patients.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalCancer Discovery·DateFeb 18, 2016

Key hurdle overcome in the development of a drug against cystic fibrosis

Scientists at Eindhoven University of Technology and McGill University have successfully transported the defective CFTR protein to cell walls, a crucial step towards developing a cystic fibrosis drug. The researchers discovered a naturally occurring substance called fusicoccin-A that enables this transport process.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2016