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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 370


Page 370 of 423

Caltech biologists identify gene that helps regulate sleep

Researchers identified a gene, neuromedin U (Nmu), that regulates sleep in zebrafish. Overexpression of Nmu causes severe insomnia, while its absence leads to reduced activity during the day. The study improves understanding of sleep regulation and suggests Nmu as a potential candidate for new therapies to address sleep disorders.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 17, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cost of effective stroke clot-busting drug outpaces reimbursement

The cost of an effective stroke clot-busting drug, alteplase, has more than doubled to $6,400 for a standard vial, but Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement have only increased by 8%. This disparity highlights the need for better reimbursement rates to ensure hospitals can provide high-quality care without losing money.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 17, 2016

Nanoparticles show early promise in reducing inflammation after brain bleed

Researchers found that ceria nanoparticles can reduce inflammation in the brain following a bleeding stroke by decreasing the secretion of inflammatory chemicals. In a lab experiment, macrophages treated with ceria nanoparticles showed less damage and water accumulation at the stroke site compared to untreated cells.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 17, 2016

Oxygen-starved oceans held back life's recovery after the 'Great Dying'

Low oxygen levels hampered life's recovery after the Permian-Triassic extinction, which wiped out 90% of species. Oxygen levels didn't return to pre-extinction levels until 5 million years later, when climate stability increased.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2016

New research could help improve HIV/AIDS therapies

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have made a breakthrough in understanding how retrovirus RSV brings together protein molecules to form tiny molecular claws, which can help develop anti-retrovirals to target integrase functions and improve HIV/AIDS therapies.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature·DateFeb 17, 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.

Autoantibodies may help detect lung cancer earlier

Researchers identified 5 autoantibody classifiers that can distinguish lung cancer from smoker controls with high sensitivity and specificity, as well as those from benign lung nodules. These findings have the potential to improve early detection of lung cancer through companion molecular diagnostic modalities.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateFeb 17, 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.

Bizarre snail that swims like a flying insect

Researchers discovered that sea snails use the same technique as flying insects to swim, beating their wings in a figure-of-eight pattern to generate lift. The team, led by David Murphy, used high-speed cameras and advanced analysis to visualize fluid movements around the animals.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateFeb 17, 2016

New study finds promising results for MERS treatment

Researchers at University of Maryland School Medicine have developed a new treatment for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) that uses genetically modified cows to produce anti-MERS antibodies. The treatment has shown promising results in mouse models, with the potential to be effective in humans.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 17, 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.

How climate change will affect western groundwater

Climate models predict wet regions will become wetter and dry regions drier; western US aquifers expected to see slight-to-significant decreases in recharge as climate warms. The team's research integrates scientists' knowledge with scientific models to predict groundwater changes.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Hydrology·DateFeb 17, 2016

Researchers publish on connection between anal cancer, HPV

Researchers at Women & Infants Hospital published a study linking anal cancer to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The study found that 40% of high-risk women and 21.7% of low-risk women had abnormal anal cytology, with high-risk HPV detected in 20.8% of the high-risk group

SourceCare New England·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateFeb 17, 2016

Progress toward an HIV cure highlighted in special issue of AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses

A special issue of the journal AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses highlights recent advances in HIV cure research, including studies on viral suppression and control of virus replication. Researchers discuss potential avenues for achieving a cure and propose exploring multiple approaches to therapy.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAIDS Research and Human Retroviruses·DateFeb 17, 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.

Study: Pay-per-click advertising lacks controls against fraud

A study by UT Dallas researchers proposes a solution to identify and mitigate click fraud in pay-per-click advertising. The study suggests that an independent third party investigate and flag fraudulent clicks when conflicts arise between service providers and advertisers, inducing them to improve their technologies.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateFeb 17, 2016

Half the world to be short-sighted by 2050

By 2050, nearly half the world's population will be short-sighted, with up to 1 billion at high risk of blindness. The rapid increase in myopia is attributed to environmental factors such as decreased time outdoors and increased near work activities.

SourceBrien Holden Vision Institute·JournalOphthalmology·DateFeb 17, 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.

Testosterone therapy boosts sexual function and mood in older men

Researchers at Yale University found that testosterone therapy significantly improved sexual function, including sexual activity, desire, and erectile function, in men over age 65. Additionally, testosterone treatment showed modest benefits in terms of improved mood and fewer depressive symptoms.

SourceYale University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 17, 2016

Wearable robot transforms musicians into 3-armed drummers

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a wearable robotic limb that allows drummers to play with three arms. The smart arm responds to human gestures and music, enabling a more sophisticated and creative experience. The technology has the potential to be applied in various fields, including medicine and engineering.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateFeb 17, 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.

Twenty states to receive funding that will save babies' lives

The 'NewSTEPs 360' program aims to improve timeliness measures in newborn screening, resulting in more infants receiving early treatment for rare but serious conditions. The initiative provides quality improvement training and technical assistance to selected states, aiming to reduce delays in diagnosis and save lives.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·DateFeb 17, 2016

The alcohol harm paradox explained

Research finds people in deprived areas more likely to combine heavy drinking with other health-damaging behaviors, multiplying risks of ill health. Alcohol consumption is linked to increased rates of smoking, excess weight, poor diet, and low exercise levels.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateFeb 17, 2016

Call for changes in EU policy to address migrant crisis

A University of Warwick study suggests that EU policy must change to address the migrant crisis. Researchers propose four new measures: replacing deterrent border control with interventions addressing migratory causes, revising migration categories to reflect diverse reasons for migration, opening safe and legal routes, and improving r...

SourceUniversity of Warwick·DateFeb 17, 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.

Grandmas make a huge difference to a baby elephants' survival

A study by University of Stirling researchers found that older, experienced mothers have a strong effect on their daughters' reproduction and the survival of their grandchildren. The research revealed that having a grandma can provide essential care, leading to higher reproductive rates and longer lifespans among females.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateFeb 17, 2016

Hidradenitis suppurativa and risk of adverse cardiovascular events, death

A large study found that hidradenitis suppurativa is associated with a higher risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes and death from all causes. Patients with HS were found to have a higher risk of cardiovascular-associated death compared to those with severe psoriasis. The study suggests greater awareness is needed for this association.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateFeb 17, 2016

Best regions for growing bioenergy crops identified

The study found that eastern Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Northern Atlantic regions are suitable for growing bioenergy grasses like Miscanthus while minimizing water quantity and quality effects. Bioenergy crops can mitigate nitrogen leaching across the US by displacing other cropland or grassland.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Liberal Arts & Sciences·DateFeb 17, 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.

Study of firefighters finds potential pathway between insomnia and depression

A new study of firefighters suggests that insomnia and nightmares may increase the risk of depression by impairing emotion regulation strategies. The study found that limited access to these strategies, such as problem-solving skills and negative emotions decrease, was the strongest indirect effect for both relationships.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateFeb 17, 2016

Marijuana smokers 5 times more likely to develop an alcohol problem

A recent study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that adults who use marijuana are five times more likely to develop an alcohol use disorder compared to those who do not. The study also suggests that marijuana use can increase the likelihood of existing alcohol use disorders persisting over time.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateFeb 17, 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.

Can CRISPR help edit out female mosquitos?

The CRISPR-Cas9 system could be used to bias mosquito populations from deadly females toward harmless males, reducing the spread of diseases. Genetic strategies are currently underway but face challenges such as cost and scalability.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Parasitology·DateFeb 17, 2016

Testosterone treatment shown for first time to benefit men over 65

The Testosterone Trials found that testosterone treatment increased blood testosterone levels and improved all aspects of sexual function, including desire and ability to get an erection. The treatment also showed benefits in mood and depressive symptoms, but not energy or distance walked.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 17, 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.

Research sheds new light on whether we are all getting fatter

A study of BMI trends in England from 1992 to 2013 found that median BMI is not increasing as much as thought, but the top end of the scale is experiencing significant increases across all social groups and sexes. Researchers highlight the growing issue of obesity among the most obese individuals, costing billions to the NHS annually.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateFeb 17, 2016

Worsening migraines with hormone replacement linked to stroke risk

A recent study has found a link between worsening migraines in women taking hormone replacement and an increased risk of ischemic stroke. Researchers analyzed data from over 82,000 women aged 50-79 and found that those experiencing worsening migraines were 30% more likely to have an ischemic stroke.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 17, 2016

The global healthy weight registry

The Global Healthy Weight Registry found that 96% of participants ate breakfast daily and 50% weighed themselves weekly to maintain a healthy weight. Simple habits like not skipping breakfast and listening to inner cues were key to successful weight control.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·DateFeb 17, 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.

Could a noncoding RNA be a new drug target for heart disease?

A new study has discovered a type of noncoding RNA called Chast that drives heart failure in mice and may promote cardiac hypertrophy. The researchers found that targeting this lncRNA with an antisense oligonucleotide could prevent and treat cardiac hypertrophy, improving heart function.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 17, 2016

Ensuring ongoing care for patients treated during short-term surgical mission trips

A new study published in Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that a sustainable surgical follow-up program can be cost-effective in ensuring acceptable outcomes for patients treated during short-term mission trips. The study showed that 97% of fractures were successfully repaired, and 101 patients experienced successful wound healing.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateFeb 17, 2016

UMass Amherst research creating tool for sustainable cities

The Integrated Urban Metabolism Analytical Tool (IUMAT) will measure, evaluate and predict the impacts of urban systems on climate change and energy security. The tool aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of urban sustainability policies to guide growth and development in a coordinated, sustainable way.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateFeb 17, 2016

Unraveling the gene-environment interaction

Research in Child Development Journal explores gene-environment interaction and epigenetics' role in shaping child behavior. Studies link methylation of specific genes to important developmental outcomes from prenatal period through young adulthood.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateFeb 17, 2016

Science on salt is polarized, study finds

A new study found that scientific reports on salt intake are divided, with 54% supporting a link between reduced sodium and improved heart health outcomes. The researchers' analysis of academic papers revealed little consistency in the selection of primary studies, highlighting uncertainty and disagreement among scientists.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateFeb 17, 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.

Dynamical systems theory enhances knowledge of Jupiter's atmosphere

Using video footage and geodesic Lagrangian coherent structures theory, researchers found unsteady material transport barriers surrounding Jupiter's Great Red Spot and jet streams. This analysis enhances knowledge of the planet's atmosphere, with potential applications in oceanography, meteorology, and environmental monitoring.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Review·DateFeb 17, 2016

The real value of taking your business offshore

A new study published in the Journal of Corporate Finance found that companies with offshore subsidiaries are worth 11% more than purely onshore firms, while those with headquarters in OFCs are valued 14% lower. However, tax benefits are offset by costs such as lax monitoring and loose legal regimes.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Corporate Finance·DateFeb 17, 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.