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Science News Archive April 2016 - Page 7


Page 7 of 39

Study finds readability of dense breast notifications poor

A new study found that dense breast notifications are often poorly readable and understandable, creating uncertainty for women making decisions about supplemental screening. The study suggests that efforts should focus on enhancing the readability of these notifications to inform women accurately about their breast density status.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateApr 26, 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.

Professor Philippe Dubois is awarded an FNR PEARL Chair

Professor Philippe Dubois has been awarded an FNR PEARL Chair to develop new sustainable composite materials from renewable resources. His goal is to replace fossil carbon with bio-composites, targeting applications in automotive and aerospace sectors.

SourceLuxembourg National Research Fund·DateApr 26, 2016

Researcher finds teenage e-cigarette use 'clustered' in certain schools

A new study by Adam Lippert finds that e-cigarette use among teens is clustered in schools with high rates of use, suggesting a cultural factor at play. The research suggests that educators should consider perceptions of e-cigarettes as less harmful when implementing initiatives to curb teen vaping.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Denver·JournalHealth & Place·DateApr 26, 2016

Statins and colorectal cancer

A large case-control study found that statin use is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer, but the difference in risk between statin users and non-users was not significant. Increased serum cholesterol levels were also independently linked to decreased risk of colorectal cancer.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 26, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Weighing the pros and cons of mental-health apps

Only 14 mental health apps were examined in a recent literature review, with little efficacy, safety or clinical outcome data found. A framework, ASPECTS, has been proposed to guide psychiatrists and patients in evaluating apps for clinical use.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateApr 26, 2016

Danish researchers behind vaccine breakthrough

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have created a general and user-friendly platform for developing effective vaccines. The technique mimics the structure of a virus, allowing it to trigger an immune response against diseases such as cancer, asthma, and allergies.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalJournal of Nanobiotechnology·DateApr 26, 2016

China pays price of western lifestyle with soaring childhood obesity

A 29-year study found nearly 28,000 children and adolescents were obese in 2014, with boys more likely than girls due to societal preference for sons. The traditional Chinese diet has shifted towards high-fat and low-fibre foods, coinciding with increasing incomes and reduced physical activity.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateApr 26, 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.

Regenerating blood vessels gets $2.7 million grant

The University of Texas at Austin researchers have developed an injectable, regenerative gel that delivers proteoglycans and a growth factor to stimulate the growth of blood vessels and restore blood flow in the lower limbs. The treatment has shown promising results in mice with ischemia and diabetes, with 85% recovery of blood vessels.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateApr 26, 2016

Does frequent sex lead to better relationships? Depends on how you ask

Researchers found no correlation between self-reported relationship satisfaction and sexual frequency, but automatic behavioral responses revealed a positive link between the two. Studies showed that couples who had sex more frequently were more likely to associate their partners with positive attributes.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 26, 2016

Breast density and outcomes of supplemental breast cancer screening

A study published in JAMA found that adding tomosynthesis to digital mammography significantly increased cancer detection rates and reduced recall rates for women with dense breasts. The findings suggest that supplemental breast cancer screening using tomosynthesis may improve outcomes for women with varying levels of breast density.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateApr 26, 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 Lancet Oncology: Remaining in the EU is vital to maintaining the UK's global strength in cancer research and care, say leading oncologists

Leading UK oncologists argue that staying in the EU is crucial to maintaining the country's prominent role in cancer research and care. The authors point out the benefits of EU-wide cooperation, including improved standards of care, research, and patient rights, as well as strengthened collaboration with EU partners.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateApr 26, 2016

Rational autologous cell sources for therapy of heart failure

Autologous cardiac cells, particularly atrial appendage-derived cells, show promise for gene and RNA therapies in heart failure. The review discusses financial and authority-based restrictions influencing research in this field, highlighting the potential of autologous tissues as cell therapy sources.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Gene Therapy·DateApr 26, 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.

Immuno-psychiatry: When your body makes its own angel dust

Researchers found structural brain damage in the hippocampus, a key memory region, that correlates with memory performance and disease severity in patients with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. The autoimmune disorder can cause schizophrenia-like symptoms and long-term cognitive impairment if not treated promptly.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateApr 26, 2016

Yoga may have health benefits for people with asthma

A new Cochrane Review suggests that yoga may have a beneficial effect on symptoms and quality of life in people with asthma. However, the effects on lung function and medication use are uncertain. Researchers found some moderate quality evidence that yoga exercise reduces the impact of asthma on people's quality of life.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateApr 26, 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.

MicroRNA pathway could lead to new avenues for leukemia treatment

Acute myeloid leukemia researchers have identified a microRNA pathway that could lead to new targets for treatment. The study found that miR-22 is down-regulated in AML, leading to the development of cancer-causing genes and pathways. This discovery offers hope for developing effective therapies against this deadly disease.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 26, 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.

Scientists provide new insights into gene regulation

A team of researchers has solved the three-dimensional structure of a gene repression complex, known as the NuRD complex, which plays a role in cancer. The study provides unprecedented detail about the interaction between its components and may help develop strategies to reduce the activity of the complex and combat cancer.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·DateApr 26, 2016

Hubble discovers moon orbiting the dwarf planet Makemake

Astronomers discover a small, dark moon orbiting Makemake, the second brightest icy dwarf planet in the Kuiper Belt. The moon's diameter is estimated to be 100 miles across and its orbit completes around Makemake in 12 days or longer.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 26, 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.

Play as a field for research

The PLAYTrack project aims to investigate how play supports children's learning and skills. The project will develop new methods to examine the impact of play on human development, collaboration with industry partners and institutions.

SourceAarhus University·DateApr 26, 2016

How breast cancer cells slide to metastasis

Researchers found that breast cancer cells spread by sliding around other cells blocking their escape route out of the original tumor. The study identified molecular pathways that regulate cell-sliding behavior and showed that increased levels of E-cadherin can diminish this behavior.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateApr 26, 2016

Atomic magnets using hydrogen and graphene

Atomic magnets have been created in a layer of graphene using the absorption of hydrogen atoms. By manipulating these atoms, it is possible to produce magnetic graphene with atomic precision.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalScience·DateApr 26, 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.

Type 2 diabetes people 'let down' over delayed treatment

A University of Leicester study found that people with Type 2 diabetes wait an average of 3.7 years for increased treatment, leading to a failure to achieve tight blood sugar control. Clinical inertia is being identified as the major contributor to this issue.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·DateApr 26, 2016

Proteomics method measures carbon uptake of marine microbes

A new proteomics method has been developed to measure the carbon uptake of specific marine bacterioplankton taxa, revealing metabolic patterns and taxonomic identification. The technique uses stable isotopic probing to analyze proteins from seawater samples, providing information on substrate incorporation and enzyme activity.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmSystems·DateApr 26, 2016

ERC Advanced Grant for Bochum IT security expert

Christof Paar, a Bochum IT security expert, has been awarded an ERC Advanced Grant to explore and prevent cryptographic hardware backdoors that pose a major threat to the Internet of Things. The project aims to develop countermeasures against hardware Trojans that can compromise device security.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·DateApr 26, 2016

Nutrient supplements can give antidepressants a boost

A meta-analysis of 40 clinical trials found that combining omega-3 fish oils with antidepressants had a statistically significant effect on improving mood. Other supplements like methylfolate, Vitamin D, and SAMe also showed promise as mood-enhancing therapies when taken with antidepressants.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateApr 26, 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.

TSRI scientists reveal secrets of a deadly virus family

Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute have solved the structure of a common virus's biological machinery, revealing important traits in Lassa virus. The research provides valuable insights into how to defend against its deadly cousin, Lassa fever, and may lead to the development of new treatments.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateApr 26, 2016

What's missing from current methods for genetic screening of sperm donors?

A new study shows that current carrier screening methods are insufficient and can give prospective mothers a false sense of security. Whole genome studies are needed to ensure both mates don't carry recessive mutations in the same gene(s). DNA-based screening can detect many more disease-causing genetic variations

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGenetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers·DateApr 26, 2016

NREL demonstrates light-driven process for enzymatic ammonia production

Scientists at NREL have developed a new process using light to reduce dinitrogen into ammonia, with rates of production similar to those of the ATP-dependent reaction. This method reduces energy requirements and emits no carbon dioxide, offering a more sustainable alternative to current industrial processes.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalScience·DateApr 26, 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.

Time spent working rotating night shift and risk of heart disease

A study of over 189,000 initially healthy women found that working rotating night shifts for 5 years or more was associated with a small increase in coronary heart disease risk. The researchers also discovered waning risk after cessation of shift work and decreased risk among those who quit earlier.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateApr 26, 2016

Measuring happiness on social media

A study published in PLOS One found that people's feelings of long-term happiness and satisfaction with their lives remained steady over time, unaffected by external events. The researchers grouped Twitter users into satisfied and dissatisfied groups, finding differences in language use, activity patterns, and psychological processes.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 26, 2016

One minus 1 does not always equal 0 in chemistry

Scientists at Northwestern University have discovered that a mixture of mirror-image molecules can exhibit optical activity when crystallized in the solid state. This finding challenges a long-standing chemical principle and opens up new areas of materials research.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 26, 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 team restores memory formation following sleep deprivation in mice

A study from the University of Pennsylvania found that sleep deprivation impairs protein production in the hippocampus, a brain region crucial for memory. By manipulating a gene involved in regulating protein synthesis, researchers were able to prevent these deficits and restore memory formation in mice.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScience Signaling·DateApr 26, 2016

Researchers find brain circuit that controls binge drinking

Researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill have identified a brain circuit controlling binge drinking, connecting two regions with corticotropin-releasing factor. Inhibiting this circuit in mice protects against binge alcohol drinking.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateApr 26, 2016

Zika present in Americas longer than previously thought

New research confirms Zika virus was present in Haiti and possibly earlier, contradicting early theories on its spread in the Americas. The discovery sheds light on the virus's history and suggests a more complex spread than initially thought.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateApr 26, 2016

New discovery may help engineers design quieter jet airplanes

University of Minnesota researchers develop a new approach to studying turbulence in jets, revealing new coherent modes associated with high-speed jet dynamics. This discovery helps explain why jet engines produce such loud noise and could lead to new approaches for reducing volume levels.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateApr 26, 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.

Scientist explains sulfur behavior in Venus atmosphere

The study, published in Icarus, found that ferric chloride is the most likely substance causing UV absorption in Venus's atmosphere. Sulfur particles are no longer considered responsible for this effect.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalIcarus·DateApr 26, 2016

Trabecular bone score validated as standalone predictor of fracture risk

A large study validates TBS as a standalone predictor of fracture risk, independent of FRAX, with robust results across diverse populations. The combination of TBS and clinical risk factors shows enhanced risk gradients for hip and non-hip fractures.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateApr 26, 2016

Could off-grid electricity systems accelerate energy access?

A new study finds that small-scale electricity systems bring some clear benefits, but service conditions vary widely, with unreliable and limited hours of service. Solar-powered systems lead to the greatest reduction in kerosene use and health benefits.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·DateApr 26, 2016

Missing links brewed in primordial puddles?

Scientists have produced proto-nucleotides resembling RNA's nucleobases through simple laboratory reactions, advancing understanding of life's origins. The discovery has implications for the probability of life existing elsewhere in the universe.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 25, 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.

Designing better drugs

A team at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering developed a novel strategy for engineering protein fusions to improve in vivo efficacy and safety. The approach enabled the creation of cell-targeted drugs that reduce potential side effects and accelerate new drug development.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 25, 2016