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Science News Archive 2016 - Page 385


Page 385 of 423

C. diff study provides insight into antibiotic resistance and risks for infection

Exposure to specific antibiotics is linked to the development of antibiotic-resistant C. difficile , one of the fastest growing bacteria superbugs. The study found that fluoroquinolone and macrolide exposure was more frequent in patients with a highly resistant strain, supporting targeted antibiotic stewardship monitoring programs.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateFeb 4, 2016

AGS guidance on diversity proves 'seeing' older patients is about more than seeing age

As the US welcomes its largest and most diverse group of older residents, AGS sheds light on health disparities and the importance of culturally effective care. The new guidance outlines present health disparities and the need for sensitivity to culture and health literacy when working with older individuals.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateFeb 4, 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.

UTHealth research looks at nanotechnology to help prevent preterm birth

Researchers at UTHealth have developed a targeted liposomal indomethacin, called LIPINDORA, which reduces preterm uterine contractions and premature delivery in near-term pregnant mice. The treatment is being tested in human uterine tissue donated from C-sections to assess its effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateFeb 4, 2016

Connective tissue disease increases risk for cardiovascular problems

A study of over 287,000 patients found that African-American patients with connective tissue diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis were twice as likely to develop narrowed or atherosclerotic blood vessels. Young African-Americans with CTD also had a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 4, 2016

Lithium battery catalyst found to harm key soil microorganism

New research reveals that a common lithium battery catalyst harms a key soil bacterium, raising concerns about the environmental impact of these materials. The study found that the compound nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) impairs the growth and respiration of Shewanella oneidensis, a hardy soil bacterium.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateFeb 4, 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.

Team calls for integrated field research network in Midwest to address climate adaptation

A team of researchers is urging increased spending on agricultural research in the Midwest to address climate change impacts. The proposed network would gather data on crop performance and management practices across the region to improve crops' adaptation to high temperatures, carbon dioxide, ozone, pests, and disease.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateFeb 4, 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.

The odor of stones

Researchers discovered that diatoms are attracted to the smell of silicate minerals and move actively to areas with high concentrations. This ability allows them to colonize specific regions and is a key factor in their survival. Understanding this process could lead to the development of new materials resistant to algal colonization.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 2016

Graphical display of nutrition information helps keep health-conscious eaters on target

A new study found that graphical displays of fiber and protein per calorie values can encourage consumers to purchase healthier menu items. The researchers observed a significant reduction in calories purchased from entrees and an increase in protein per calorie when nutrition information was displayed graphically.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalNutrition Research·DateFeb 4, 2016

For pregnant women with flu, the earlier the better for antiviral treatment

A new study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases found that early treatment with the influenza antiviral drug oseltamivir can shorten the time a pregnant woman spends in the hospital, especially for those with severe illness. Annual flu vaccination is also crucial to prevent complications and protect the newborn baby.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 4, 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.

A fast solidification process makes material crackle

Researchers developed a theory that combines vibrations in solid materials and liquid solidification, predicting sound waves formed when compression relaxes. Fast solidification creates large defects, resulting in a 'crackling' sound wave.

SourceAalto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 4, 2016

Bee virus spread manmade and emanates from Europe

A study found that European honeybee populations are the primary source of Deformed Wing Virus infecting hives worldwide. The pandemic is driven by human trade and transportation of bees for crop pollination, posing significant threats to global bee populations and biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScience·DateFeb 4, 2016

Light signals from living cells

Researchers from Goethe University and MIT have developed a new method to deliver protein markers with nanometre precision into living cells. The technique, called cell squeezing, uses high pressure to incorporate fluorescent probes with an efficiency rate greater than 80 percent.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 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.

Bone loss associated with leukemia therapy occurs sooner than previously thought

A new study from Children's Hospital Los Angeles found that leukemia therapy leads to a significant drop in bone mineral density during the first month of treatment, affecting the lower spine and legs. This earlier onset than previously thought highlights the need for new approaches to mitigate bone toxicity in cancer patients.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalBone·DateFeb 4, 2016

Tuning macrophages a 'breakthrough' in cancer immunotherapy

Researchers have successfully flipped macrophages from a pro-cancer, wound-repair promoting phenotype (M2) to an anti-tumor, kill-type (M1) phenotype. This breakthrough could lead to improved cancer immunotherapies by enhancing the body's natural killer cells' ability to target tumor tissue.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalCancer Research·DateFeb 4, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Walking on water: USU researchers unravel science of skipping spheres

Researchers at Utah State University have unraveled the science of skipping spheres by studying the deformation of elastic spheres on water. They found that the sphere's deformed shape creates a larger lifting force, allowing it to skip multiple times across the surface.

SourceUtah State University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 2016

How gut inflammation sparks colon cancer

Researchers at Duke University have discovered that gut inflammation sparks colon cancer, with microRNA miR-34a playing a crucial role in controlling stem cell division. Elevated levels of miR-34a may serve as an early warning system for colon cancer, and its expression could be used to treat late-stage cancer.

SourceDuke University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateFeb 4, 2016

Meaningful media may push altruism across bounds of race and age

Researchers found that watching meaningful entertainment can boost altruism, especially towards people from different age and racial groups. The study suggests that this is due to the production of warm, uplifting feelings known as 'elevation', which lead to increased willingness to help others.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media·DateFeb 4, 2016

Tool decreases superfluous lab testing, cuts health-care costs

A new paper outlines how the University of Utah hospitalists used a tool developed at University of Utah Health Care to reduce unnecessary lab testing, decreasing lab costs by nearly 10 percent per patient visit. The approach resulted in significant cost savings and improved resource allocation.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJournal of Hospital Medicine·DateFeb 4, 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.

Metal oxide sandwiches: New option to manipulate properties of interfaces

Scientists have discovered a new approach to tailor interface properties of metal oxide sandwiches, allowing for the control of ferromagnetism and superconductivity. The team found that the charge transfer between materials strongly depends on the rare earth element used, enabling the manipulation of interfacial phases.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 4, 2016

Syrian aid: Lack of evidence for 'interventions that work', say researchers

A group of researchers, aid workers, and Syrian medical professionals warn that ineffective interventions are worsening the health, education, and livelihoods of refugees. They call for evidence-gathering and transparency in aid allocation to direct funds to effective programs.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2016

Early poverty disrupts link between hunger and eating

Research finds that growing up poor promotes overeating when not hungry in adulthood, with childhood environment influencing food intake regulation. Studies replicate findings across different populations, suggesting early environmental experiences shape energy needs, even after socioeconomic status improves.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 4, 2016

Ancient wildebeest-like animal shared 'bizarre' feature with dinosaur

Researchers discovered a unique trumpet-like nasal passage in ancient wildebeest-like animals (Rusingoryx atopocranion), similar to that of hadrosaur dinosaurs. The finding suggests that the animals may have used vocalizations to communicate over large distances, potentially making their calls safer from predators.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 4, 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.

Natural protein points to new inflammation treatment

Researchers at NIH/NIEHS discovered that increasing tristetraprolin (TTP) levels in mice significantly reduced or protected against inflammation. TTP may offer an effective treatment for inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and multiple sclerosis.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2016

Study to develop new forensic methods for human DNA cases

Researchers at Sam Houston State University are developing new sample preparation methods for skeletal and decomposing remains using emerging next generation DNA technology. The goal is to improve the ability to resolve more missing person cases, as conventional methods may fail.

SourceSam Houston State University·DateFeb 4, 2016

NASA team demonstrates loading of Swedish 'green' propellant

A NASA team has successfully demonstrated the handling and loading of a new Swedish-developed green propellant that is more powerful than traditional hydrazine. The demonstration marks an important step towards replacing hazardous materials with safer alternatives in space travel.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 4, 2016

Mitochondria shown to trigger cell aging

Researchers at Newcastle University have found that eliminating mitochondria from aging cells can rejuvenate them, highlighting the critical role of mitochondria in cellular aging. The study's findings shed light on how mitochondrial biogenesis drives cellular aging and pave the way for targeted therapies to counteract this process.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateFeb 4, 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.

Dogs accelerate the advance of new cancer treatments for both pets and people

A national review suggests studying cancer in dogs can inform new drug therapeutics and accelerate human treatment, saving time and costs. The study highlights the genetic similarities between canine and human cancers, offering new targets for improving treatments.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2016

Mature drivers favor checks on over 70s, new study finds

A new report found that mature drivers are in favour of tighter rules on checking the health and suitability of over-70s to drive. Over half of respondents self-regulate to stay safe, but many support measures to increase their safety on the roads, such as annual tests and regular eyesight checks.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·DateFeb 4, 2016

To prevent infection after C-section, chlorhexidine better than iodine

A new study from Washington University School of Medicine found that chlorhexidine-alcohol is significantly more effective in preventing surgical-site infections after cesarean sections. The research, which included 1,147 patients, showed a nearly half reduction in infection rates compared to iodine-alcohol.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 4, 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.

Battery technology could charge up water desalination

University of Illinois engineers have developed a device that can desalinate seawater using electricity, potentially providing a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods. The technology uses saltwater-filled batteries to draw out salt ions, leaving fresh water behind.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·DateFeb 4, 2016

Predicting periodontitis at state and local levels in the United States

Researchers estimate US periodontitis prevalence at state and local levels using a novel SAE method, revealing high risk areas in the southeast and southwest, including Native American reservations. The study informs oral health policy decisions and intervention strategies to increase access to care for populations at higher risk.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateFeb 4, 2016

The test that reveals cancer sooner

Researchers developed a new test that detected mesothelioma 4-10 years before symptoms appeared, using a specific protein marker. The ONCOblot test detected the ENOX2 protein in serum samples from asbestos-exposed individuals, paving the way for earlier cancer detection and potentially reducing deaths.

SourceONCOblot Labs·JournalClinical Proteomics·DateFeb 4, 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.

Southwest sliding into a new normal: Drier conditions

Researchers found that typical rain-bringing weather patterns in the Southwest are becoming more rare, leading to a drier climate state. The region is vulnerable to droughts due to its already arid conditions and growing population.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 4, 2016

Meditation eases pain, anxiety and fatigue during breast cancer biopsy

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that meditation significantly reduced anxiety and fatigue in women undergoing breast cancer biopsies. Music also showed benefits, but to a lesser extent. The study suggests that meditation could be a valuable tool in improving patient care and satisfaction.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology·DateFeb 4, 2016

New material lights up when detecting explosives

Scientists have created a material that turns fluorescent when detecting explosives in its vicinity. This discovery could lead to improved e.g., airport security measures. The new material consists of molecules held together by weak bonds, which are easily influenced by their surroundings and can be used to detect explosives.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateFeb 4, 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.

Mesh-like scaffold is disordered in Alzheimer's-affected cells

Researchers found a disordered mesh-like scaffold in Alzheimer's-affected cells, which surrounds the nucleus and controls brain cell function. This discovery may lead to new treatments for the earliest biological events leading to Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 4, 2016

Molecular switch lets salmonella fight or evade immune system

Salmonella bacteria have a unique molecular switch called SsrB that allows them to switch from actively causing disease to lurking in a chronic but asymptomatic state called a biofilm. This switch enables the bacteria to survive inside macrophage vacuoles and then form biofilms, which can be resistant to host defenses and antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateFeb 4, 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.

Scientists bridge different materials by design

Researchers at the University of Liverpool have designed and constructed interfaces between materials with different structures, leading to improved physical properties. This breakthrough enables the creation of better batteries, fuel cells, and other devices that rely on well-ordered interfaces between materials.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNature Chemistry·DateFeb 4, 2016