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Science News Archive August 2016 - Page 22


Page 22 of 38

Researchers sequence genome of tobacco hornworm

The team's genome sequence will stimulate new research in molecular studies of insects and may lead to improved pest management methods. The sequenced genome provides insights into the tobacco hornworm's physiology, particularly its unique ability to evade insecticides.

SourceKansas State University·JournalInsect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·DateAug 15, 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.

Urea impairs insulin-producing cells in chronic kidney disease

Research at the University of Montreal found that high urea levels impair insulin secretion and blood glucose regulation in chronic kidney disease. A mouse model study demonstrated similar reductions in insulin secretion and poor glucose control when urea was increased.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 15, 2016

Study finds B.C. physician incentives not enough to improve complex patient care

A study led by SFU health sciences professor Ruth Lavergne found that BC's primary care physician incentive program has not improved access to primary care or reduced hospitalizations. The program, which provided over $240 million in incentive payments since 2007, has also failed to save money.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 15, 2016

Mindfulness combats depression for disadvantaged black women

A mindfulness-based intervention reduced depressive symptoms and stress among African-American women with lower socio-economic status. Participants learned yoga, breathing techniques, and body scans to manage daily stresses and gain control over their emotions.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalComplementary Therapies in Clinical Practice·DateAug 15, 2016

Flu nasal spray provides similar protection against influenza as flu shot: Study

A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine has found that flu nasal sprays provide similar protection against influenza as standard flu shots. The study, conducted over three years in a Hutterite colony, shows that the nose spray had a similar effect to the standard flu shot in protecting both children and community members.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 15, 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.

CRISPR gene editing reveals new therapeutic approach for blood disorders

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have found a way to use CRISPR gene editing to help fix sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia in blood cells isolated from patients. The study provides proof-of-principle for a new approach to treat common blood disorders by genome editing.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 15, 2016

Incentive payments increased quit rates among low-income smokers in Switzerland

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that incentive payments led to an increase in quit rates among low-income smokers. At 18 months, almost 6 percentage points higher abstinence rates were observed among those who received financial incentives.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 15, 2016

Lack of fresh food choices linked to signs of early heart disease

A new study by the American Heart Association reveals that limited access to nearby stores selling fresh food may increase residents' risk of developing signs of early heart disease. The research found that healthy food stores within one mile of their home significantly reduced or slowed the progression of coronary artery calcium buildup.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateAug 15, 2016

UW research backs up ongoing efforts to protect the enigmatic Nautilus

Researchers at the University of Washington support global restrictions on trade and collection of the chambered nautilus and its relatives, citing declining populations and unregulated fishing as major issues. The convention on international trade in endangered species will decide which species should be subject to new restrictions.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateAug 15, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

'Smoke waves' will affect millions in coming decades

Researchers identified hundreds of western US counties with high risk of exposure to wildfire smoke, affecting up to 82 million people by 2051. The study found that climate change will cause longer, more intense, and frequent 'smoke waves' impacting children, seniors, and communities.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalClimatic Change·DateAug 15, 2016

Rice cultivation in Southeast Asia: 5 years of lessons learned by LEGATO

The LEGATO project has provided guidelines for optimizing rice ecosystem functions and services, with a focus on the socio-cultural context. Research on Silicon application has shown its potential to improve rice yields, while recommendations have been made for farmers and practitioners on managing decomposition driven by invertebrates.

SourcePensoft Publishers·DateAug 15, 2016

New family of bacterial cell wall builders

Harvard Medical School scientists have identified a new family of proteins that virtually all bacteria use to build and maintain their cell walls. The discovery of this new family, called SEDS proteins, reveals potential targets for much-needed therapies that target the cell wall as a way to kill harmful bacteria.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateAug 15, 2016

'Bursts' of chromosome changes fuel breast cancer tumor growth

A new study reveals that chromosomal changes in breast cancer occur in short, punctuated 'bursts' at the earliest stages of tumor growth, contradicting the traditional gradual acquisition model. This finding has significant implications for diagnosis and treatment, suggesting a potential new approach to clinical management.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 15, 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.

AED accessibility a barrier during cardiac arrest

Research found that 21.5% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occurred near an AED, but it was inaccessible at the time of the arrest, resulting in coverage loss. Implementing models that account for both location and availability when determining AED placement could increase access to devices.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 15, 2016

CU Boulder study: Mate choices of barn swallows tied to diverging appearances

A new CU Boulder study found that differences in mate-choice decisions among closely related populations can lead to the evolution of different physical traits. Barn swallow males with altered breast feathers and streamer length were more successful in reproduction, suggesting that females play a crucial role in speciation.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalEvolution·DateAug 15, 2016

'Sniffer plasmons' could detect explosives

Researchers propose a graphene-based spaser that can detect small amounts of explosives and toxic chemicals using surface plasmons. The device's construction involves a graphene layer, enabling subwavelength light focusing and increasing sensitivity beyond conventional optical devices.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalPhysical Review B·DateAug 15, 2016

How mechanical force triggers blood clotting at the molecular scale

A research team has developed a clearer understanding of how platelets sense mechanical forces to initiate the cascading process leading to blood clotting. The study reveals that mechanoreceptor molecules like GPIbα play a crucial role in transducing forces into biochemical signals.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateAug 15, 2016

Scientists find the brain's generosity center

Researchers discovered that a specific brain area, the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex, is active when learning to help others. People with higher empathy levels showed increased activity in this region and learned to benefit others faster.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 15, 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.

Leptomeningeal metastases more common in NSCLC patients with EGFR mutations

A study found that NSCLC patients with EGFR mutations had longer overall survival when treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) for leptomeningeal metastases, compared to those without TKI therapy. Chemotherapy was also associated with prolonged survival in these patients.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateAug 15, 2016

NASA's spots extra-tropical cyclone Conson in Sea of Okhotsk

NASA's Terra satellite captured an image of extra-tropical cyclone Conson on Aug. 15, 2016, showing clouds covering Japan's Hokkaido and stretching over the Sea of Okhotsk and Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center issued the final warning of Conson on Aug. 14.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 15, 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.

Chronic kidney disease may cause diabetes

A study by CRCHUM researchers reveals that chronic kidney disease can cause secondary diabetes through the buildup of urea in the blood. The disease impairs insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells, leading to increased blood glucose levels and potentially progressing to diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 15, 2016

Researchers discover that DNA naturally fluoresces

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that DNA naturally fluoresces under certain conditions, allowing for label-free super-resolution imaging without the need for toxic fluorescent stains. This breakthrough could revolutionize the understanding of biological processes by providing more accurate images of living cells.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 15, 2016

New research sheds light on the role of proteins and how synapses work

A recent study published in Nature Neuroscience has made significant progress in understanding the role of proteins in synaptic transmission. The researchers identified two variations of a protein called Unc13 that work separately to regulate synaptic function, paving the way for new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 15, 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.

Gaming camera could aid MS treatment

Researchers have developed a cost-effective method using the Microsoft Kinect to evaluate gait abnormalities in multiple sclerosis patients. The device detects movement and computer algorithms quantify walking patterns, reducing human error. The technology shows promise for diagnosing gait pathology and tracking treatment effects.

SourceMcGill University·JournalIEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics·DateAug 15, 2016

New findings on flu nasal spray

Researchers found that immunizing children with the flu nasal spray did not provide better direct or community protection against influenza than the inactivated influenza vaccine, but offered similar protection. This contradicts earlier studies suggesting the nasal spray vaccine provided better herd immunity.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 15, 2016

Study examines 'weekend effect' in emergency surgery patients

A new study assessed the 'weekend effect' in emergency general surgery patients, revealing a significant reduction in mortality rates from 5.4% to less than 2.9% over 15 years. The study found great improvements in outcomes overall and notable differences in care provided within the week and at the weekend.

SourceWiley·JournalBJS·DateAug 15, 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.

Offspring live longer when parents lived longer, UK study reports

A UK study of 186,000 participants found that offspring with long-lived parents have lower rates of cardiovascular conditions. The researchers discovered an inverse relationship between the age of parents' death and the mortality rate of offspring.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 15, 2016

Biomarker breakthrough could improve Parkinson's treatment

Researchers developed a non-invasive way to track Parkinson's disease progression using functional magnetic resonance imaging, revealing areas of progressive brain decline. This biomarker could help evaluate experimental treatments and measure neurological changes behind symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalNeurology·DateAug 15, 2016

Physician incentive program to improve care for complex patients did not result in improvements

A Canadian study found that a $240 million incentive program aimed at improving primary care for patients with complex health conditions had no measurable impact on access to physicians, hospital admissions or healthcare costs. The researchers concluded that other strategies are needed to improve care for this patient group.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 15, 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.

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev researcher uncovers 340 million year-old oceanic crust in the Mediterranean Sea using magnetic data

Scientists have identified the world's oldest oceanic crust, dating back to around 340 million years ago, in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The study used magnetic data from a 4,300-mile-long marine profile to analyze the nature of the underlying igneous crust.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 15, 2016

Are expecting moms as well-prepared as they should be to breastfeed?

A global survey of 1,044 healthcare providers reveals that most expectant mothers delay discussing breastfeeding techniques until after delivery or even before the baby arrives. However, experts emphasize the importance of planning and preparation in overcoming breastfeeding challenges. To support expectant mothers, Lansinoh has develo...

SourcePorter Novelli·DateAug 15, 2016

How shaping light can change particle behavior

The study found that higher order modes trap and move particles more rapidly than fundamental modes, with the collective particle speed slowing down when more particles are added. The results also showed that interparticle distances were smaller in higher order modes.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 15, 2016

Skills gap for US manufacturing workers mostly a myth, paper says

A new paper by University of Illinois expert Andrew Weaver finds that only 16-25% of US manufacturing establishments struggle with skilled worker shortages. The study reveals that reading skills and cluster membership are key predictors of long-term vacancies, contrary to the notion of a severe math and science shortage.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalILR Review·DateAug 15, 2016

Defect in process that controls gene expression may contribute to Huntington's disease

Researchers identify Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) as a key player in maintaining medium spiny neurons' identity and function throughout adulthood. The study reveals that PRC2's dysfunction contributes to Huntington's disease-like symptoms in mice, highlighting its potential role in neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 15, 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.

Providers face cultural challenges when evaluating refugee children

A new study from the University of Rochester Medical Center highlights cultural differences in refugee developmental screening, including language barriers and differing beliefs about disability. Researchers found that establishing trust and using in-person interpreters improved engagement and milestone identification.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateAug 15, 2016

Many life-saving defibrillators behind locked doors during off-hours, study finds

A study by U of T Engineering researchers found that up to 30% of AEDs are locked inside closed buildings, leading to a 21.5% coverage loss during evenings, nights, and weekends. The researchers propose a model to optimize AED placement considering location and availability, which could improve accessibility by an average 25%.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 15, 2016

NSF wants engineering researchers to bend rules (of classical physics)

The National Science Foundation has awarded $18 million to nine teams of engineering-led researchers to pursue transformative research in new light and acoustic wave propagation. The goal is to disrupt conventional ways of designing electronic, photonic, and acoustic devices and enable new functionalities.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateAug 15, 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.

Blood pressure diet improves gout blood marker

A DASH diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy significantly lowers uric acid levels, a causative agent of gout, nearly matching the impact of gout medicines. The study suggests a safe and sustainable dietary approach to lower uric acid and prevent gout flare-ups.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateAug 15, 2016

Marshall SOM receives nearly $2.4 million grant to study nutrition and disease

The Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine has received a $2.39 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to study the regulation of glutamine absorption in relation to inflammatory bowel disease. The project aims to develop better nutritional therapies for IBD, which is linked to an increased risk of colon c...

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·DateAug 15, 2016

Legions of nanorobots target cancerous tumors with precision

Researchers developed nanorobotic agents capable of navigating to administer anti-cancer drugs with precision, targeting active cancerous cells while avoiding healthy tissues. This breakthrough reduces toxic drug dosage and enhances therapeutic effectiveness, offering a promising solution for chemotherapy.

SourcePolytechnique Montréal·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateAug 15, 2016

Scientists take big step toward recreating primordial 'RNA world' of 4 billion years ago

Researchers at TSRI successfully created a ribozyme capable of synthesizing complex RNA molecules with mixed sequences, showing promise for replicating the ancient RNA world. The new ribozyme can perform both RNA synthesis and replication, a crucial step towards creating a self-sustaining RNA-based life form.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 15, 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.

Humble moss helped create our oxygen-rich atmosphere

Early land plants like moss helped create modern levels of atmospheric oxygen, according to researchers. The study suggests that these simple plants' emergence and evolution permanently increased the flux of organic carbon into sedimentary rocks, driving up oxygen levels in a second oxygenation event.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 15, 2016

NASA sees Tropical Storm Chanthu east of Japan

Tropical Storm Chanthu is located about 424 nautical miles south-southeast of Yokosuka, Japan, with maximum sustained winds near 46 mph. The storm is forecast to track north and make landfall in south central Hokkaido on Aug 17.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 15, 2016

Expanding the stable of workhorse yeasts

A team of researchers has sequenced the genomes of over 29 yeast species, revealing a wider diversity than expected. The study identifies new genetic pathways and enzymes that can be used to produce biofuels and other valuable products from a range of sugars.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 15, 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.

Accelerating materials discovery

A powerful materials discovery platform developed at Harvard University has been licensed to Kyulux, a developer of OLED display technologies. The platform enables the rapid identification of promising molecules for use in next-generation electronic displays.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 15, 2016