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Science News Archive August 2016 - Page 3


Page 3 of 38

UAB biomarker outperforms current gold standard to detect brain shunt infections

Researchers at UAB found that the biomarker detected 14 of 15 bacterial infections in cerebrospinal fluid, outperforming the current diagnostic gold standard. The test showed excellent diagnostic capability with a sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 86%. This breakthrough could improve patient care and reduce healthcare expenses by d...

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalJCI Insight·DateAug 30, 2016

Five Brookhaven Lab projects selected as R&D 100 award finalists

The five finalist projects at Brookhaven National Laboratory are the MoSoy Catalyst for producing hydrogen, Nanostructured Anti-reflecting and Water-repellent Surface Coatings for self-cleaning materials, Hard X-ray Scanning Microscope with Multilayer Laue Lens Nanofocusing Optics for high-resolution imaging, Flex Plate for protein cry...

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateAug 30, 2016
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

First randomized trial compares stenting techniques for coronary bifurcation

A first-of-its-kind randomized trial comparing two stenting techniques for coronary bifurcation lesions has found that culotte stenting is associated with lower rates of restenosis and revascularization. Culotte stenting demonstrated a statistically significant advantage over TAP stenting in terms of clinical outcomes.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 30, 2016

Cannabinoid receptor activates spermatozoa

A team of biologists has identified a cannabinoid receptor, GPR18, in spermatozoa that plays a crucial role in the acrosome reaction and fertilization process. The receptor is sensitive to NAGly and THC, and its activation triggers the acrosome reaction.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 30, 2016

'Helix-to-Tube,' a simple strategy to synthesize covalent organic nanotubes

Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a new strategy to synthesize covalent organic nanotubes (ONTs) with high mechanical strength. The 'helix-to-tube' method involves light-induced cross-linking of a helical polymer, resulting in ONTs with desirable functionalities.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 30, 2016

Critical protein shows promise for the treatment of Alzheimer's

Researchers have identified a critical protein associated with Alzheimer's disease symptoms, suggesting a new target for therapy. The study shows that increasing p62 levels may reverse the effects of damaging plaques in the brain through autophagy.

SourceArizona State University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateAug 30, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Silver nanoparticles' protein 'corona' affects their toxicity

The study found that silver nanoparticles' protein corona reduces their toxicity by forming silver sulfide nanocrystals, which are non-toxic. In the absence of a soft corona, Ag2S crystals form, precipitating toxic silver ions.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 30, 2016

Vegetation matters

A new study by UCSB researchers indicates that shifts in vegetation type resulting from warming and other factors may have an equal or greater effect on stream flows in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Vegetation change can lead to changes in water availability for urban, agricultural, and environmental needs.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 30, 2016

Functional human tissue-engineered liver generated from stem and progenitor cells

A research team at Children's Hospital Los Angeles has successfully generated functional human tissue-engineered liver from adult stem and progenitor cells. The tissue-engineered liver exhibited normal structural components, including hepatocytes, bile ducts, and blood vessels, and demonstrated in vivo secretory function.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·DateAug 30, 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.

Fertigation strategies improve production of Hippeastrum

Researchers found that a nitrate-based fertigation strategy in semiclosed soilless systems improves water use efficiency and limits nutrient loss. The study showed that this approach can prolong nutrient solution recirculation without detrimental effects on plant growth.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateAug 30, 2016

Gold from old phones is real prospect thanks to chemical advance

A simple chemical method has been developed to extract gold from old mobile phones, potentially recovering up to 300 tonnes of gold per year. The new process uses a mild acid and an oily liquid containing a specific compound to selectively extract gold from other metals, eliminating the need for toxic chemicals.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateAug 30, 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.

Youth crimes spike immediately after drinking age

A new study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that releasing youth from drinking-age restrictions is associated with a 7.6% increase in commission of any crime among males and a 10.4% increase among females. Violent crimes increased by 7.4% for males and 14.9% for females, while nuisance crimes also saw significant rises.

SourceUniversity of Northern British Columbia·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateAug 30, 2016

New iPad game could help diagnose autism in children

Researchers have developed an iPad game that can help identify autism in children by tracking their hand movements, providing a potential breakthrough for early diagnosis. The study found that movement patterns are a key differentiator in gameplay data, highlighting the importance of motor skills in autism.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 30, 2016

Dog brains process both what we say and how we say it

A study found that dogs use left and right hemispheres to process words and intonation, integrating information to arrive at a unified meaning. Dogs also activate their reward center when they hear praise in praising intonation, suggesting they can combine word and tone for correct interpretation.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalScience·DateAug 30, 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.

Trapped in a nuclear weapon bunker wood ants survive for years in Poland

A wood ant colony has thrived in a Polish nuclear bunker for years, defying the harsh conditions of extreme cold and darkness. The colony's population has grown to hundreds of thousands, with researchers finding evidence of complex social behavior and even repair work on their nest.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalJournal of Hymenoptera Research·DateAug 30, 2016

The Lancet Oncology: Nationwide study sets benchmarks for 30-day mortality following chemotherapy for breast and lung cancer in England

A nationwide study in England has collected data on 30-day mortality for patients with breast and lung cancer treated with chemotherapy, identifying factors such as age, general well-being, and NHS trusts with higher-than-expected rates of mortality. The study aims to improve patient care and inform clinical decision-making.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateAug 30, 2016

Less efficacy than expected in largest drug-eluting stent trial

The Norwegian Coronary Stent Trial found that new-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) do not outlive or improve outcomes for patients compared to traditional bare metal stents (BMS). Despite the recommendation of DES over BMS in guidelines, the study suggests that both stent types may be suitable alternatives.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 30, 2016

UTA faculty and alumnus celebrated as 'Tech Titans' in 2016 awards

Three UTA faculty members received prestigious Tech Titans Awards for their innovative work in technology fields. Drs. Purnendu Dasgupta, Kevin Schug, and Laura Mydlarz were recognized for their leadership of the Achieving Success in Science through Undergraduate Research and Engagement (ASSURE) program.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateAug 30, 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.

Retinoic acid suppresses colorectal cancer development, Stanford study finds

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine discovered that retinoic acid levels play a critical role in suppressing colorectal cancer. Higher levels of the metabolite were found in mice and human tissues with less severe intestinal inflammation, suggesting new ways to prevent or treat colorectal cancer.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalImmunity·DateAug 30, 2016

WSU researcher finds mechanism affecting alcohol consumption

A Washington State University researcher has identified a mechanism in the cerebellum of the brain that influences an animal's likelihood of heavy drinking. This discovery offers a potential new target for drug therapies aimed at reducing excessive alcohol consumption, particularly among problem drinkers.

SourceWashington State University·DateAug 30, 2016

Devotion to rearing chicks can come at a cost for migratory birds

Researchers found that Manx shearwaters suffered decreased breeding success when they had to spend more time rearing chicks, leading to delayed migration and reduced resting time. This study provides insights into the consequences of carry-over effects on migratory birds' annual cycles.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateAug 30, 2016

Peers, public perception influence firefighters against safety equipment

A study found that firefighters shun safety equipment due to peer pressure and the romanticized notion of their profession. Researchers surveyed 123 firefighters across the US, discovering that younger firefighters often resist wearing personal protective gear due to traditional firehouse values.

SourceDrexel University·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Behavior·DateAug 30, 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.

A new animal model to understand metastasis in sarcomas

A new orthotopic animal model has been created to study metastasis in Ewing sarcoma, allowing researchers to replicate the primary tumor's growth environment. The model provides valuable insights into metastatic processes and may become a tool for analyzing metastatic potential in other sarcomas.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateAug 30, 2016

Study documents a lost century for forest elephants

A recent study confirms forest elephants as one of the world's slowest reproducing mammals, with females taking up to 23 years to breed and giving birth only once every five to six years. This low birth rate means that forest elephant populations will take nearly a century to recover from poaching since 2002.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateAug 30, 2016

More tomatoes, faster: Accelerating tomato engineering

Researchers at Boyce Thompson Institute developed a new method for transforming tomatoes by adding plant hormone auxin to the medium, reducing the time required from 17 weeks to just 11 weeks. This breakthrough enables scientists to speed up the breeding of more productive crops, ultimately improving food security and sustainability.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·DateAug 30, 2016

The rise and fall of galaxy formation

A team of astronomers charted the rise and fall of galaxies over 90 percent of cosmic history using the FourStar Galaxy Evolution Survey. They discovered young galaxies that existed as early as 12.5 billion years ago, with diverse structures and star formation patterns.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateAug 30, 2016

Quest to find the 'missing physics' at play in landslides

University of Southern California researchers discovered the 'elastic-inertial régime', a transition zone between two regimes where friction increases with shear rate. This finding has significant implications for industries handling granular materials, which are often used in mining and pharmaceuticals.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateAug 30, 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.

Written 'report card' decreases dentists' antibiotic prescriptions

A randomized controlled trial of 795 UK dentists found that receiving a personalized report detailing past prescription rates reduced antibiotic prescriptions by 5.7%. Dentists who received additional written behavior change messages showed an even greater reduction in antibiotic prescribing rates.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 30, 2016

Plastic surgery seeks to help women gain leadership positions and break through the 'plastic ceiling'

Women plastic surgeons face unique challenges in achieving leadership roles, including a 'confidence gap' and disproportionate family responsibilities. To overcome these obstacles, organizations must promote diversity and support women's career development through mentorship opportunities, equal pay, and institutional support.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateAug 30, 2016

UGA researchers discover a drug for a tropical disease

Researchers at the University of Georgia have discovered a new drug that can be administered orally to treat human African trypanosomiasis, a parasitic disease affecting rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa. The study's lead author hopes to accelerate development of new treatments for this complex disease.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 30, 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.

Cancer: Molecularly shutting down cancer cachexia

Researchers have identified AMPK as the central enzyme in cancer cachexia, a condition that results in weight loss due to metabolic complications. A peptide was developed to selectively reactivate AMPK, which has been shown to prevent increased fat breakdown and promote 'healthy' adipose tissue.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 30, 2016

Argonne theorists solve a long-standing fundamental problem

Scientists from Argonne National Laboratory have developed a way to reconcile two fundamentally different pictures of reality in statistical mechanics. The new approach provides a general and exact solution for the density of states, which is essential for understanding system behavior.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateAug 30, 2016

Friends are no better than strangers in accurately identifying emotion in emails

A recent study by researchers at Chatham University found that friends are no better than complete strangers at interpreting correct emotional intent in e-mails. The study used three studies to test the effect of contextual information on the confidence and accuracy of affective communication via e-mail.

SourceInternational Communication Association·JournalHuman Communication Research·DateAug 30, 2016

Researchers discover machines can learn by simply observing

Researchers have discovered a way for machines to learn about natural or artificial systems by observing them, eliminating the need for prior knowledge. This breakthrough could lead to advances in technology, including predictive human behavior and algorithm development for detecting abnormalities.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalSwarm Intelligence·DateAug 30, 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.

LifeVest was born to help babies

LifeVest, developed to assist newborns breathe, won the competition based on market opportunity and competitive advantage. The technology uses NAVA signal to trigger ventilator breath assistance, greatly improving infant breathing.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·DateAug 30, 2016

Longer duration of dual antiplatelet therapy after stent placement improves outcomes for patients with peripheral arterial disease

A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy reduces the risk of death, heart attack, or stroke in patients with peripheral arterial disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Concomitant PAD is associated with a 2-fold increased risk of ischemic events, but not bleeding.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateAug 30, 2016

New species of pterosaur discovered in Patagonia

Scientists have discovered a new species of pterosaur from the Early Jurassic period in Patagonia, Argentina. The 'Allkauren koi' species boasts an intermediate state in brain evolution, shedding light on the origin and adaptation of flying reptiles.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateAug 30, 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.

Plastic crystals could improve fabrication of memory devices

Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a novel ferroelectric plastic crystal that can control its electric polarization. The crystal's unique properties make it suitable for applications in non-volatile ferroelectric random-access memory devices.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateAug 30, 2016

New research suggests specialized nutrition cost-effectively extends lives of malnourished hospitalized adults

A new study found that malnourished older adults who received a specialized nutrition supplement had an additional 8.5 months of estimated life expectancy compared to a placebo group. The analysis also showed that the treatment was cost-effective, costing only $524 for each year of life saved.

SourceMSL Group - New York·JournalApplied Health Economics and Health Policy·DateAug 30, 2016

High seas fisheries management could recoup losses due to climate change

New research suggests that closing the high seas to fishing could increase fish catches in coastal waters by up to 10% and help reduce climate change impacts. This approach can benefit tropical countries with high dependence on fisheries for food and livelihood, particularly those affected by rising carbon dioxide levels.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalFish and Fisheries·DateAug 30, 2016

Researchers identify multidrug-resistant E. coli bacteria from New Jersey patient

Researchers have identified a strain of E. coli bacteria from a New Jersey patient with a complicated urinary tract infection that harbored resistance to both carbapenem antibiotics and colistin. The study highlights the need for active surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship to prevent the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateAug 30, 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.

Increased complications after 2011 Ohio abortion law

A study found that medication abortions in Ohio required more interventions, side effects, and higher costs after an outdated protocol was implemented. Women who had abortions post-law period were three times more likely to need additional interventions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 30, 2016

Planet Nine could spell doom for solar system

Research from the University of Warwick suggests that Planet Nine's existence could lead to the elimination of a giant planet and its ejection into interstellar space. The hypothetical planet's presence could cause a 'pinball' effect, hurling planets out of the solar system as the sun dies in around seven billion years.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 30, 2016

Psychopaths feel fear but see no danger

Researchers found that psychopaths can experience fear, but have trouble detecting threats automatically, and may even feel fear consciously. The study provides new insights into the neural processes underlying fear and psychopathy.

SourceVrije Universiteit Amsterdam·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateAug 30, 2016

Intravascular imaging identifies some heart attack patients who can forgo stenting

A pilot study suggests that some heart attack patients with plaque erosion may benefit from anti-thrombotic medications only, potentially replacing stent placement. The conservative approach shows promise in reducing stent-related complications, offering a new treatment paradigm for over a quarter of patients.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 30, 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.

New research shows how songbirds island-hopped out of Australia

Researchers reconstructed songbird evolutionary history using DNA sequences and fossil records, revealing diversification in Australia about 33 million years ago. Songbirds first dispersed out of Australia through early Indonesian islands into Asia and subsequently the globe around 23 million years ago.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 30, 2016

Global reach of Family Medicine and Community Health

This special issue highlights research on child health, maternal health, sedentary lifestyle, and healthcare systems in 22 countries. The studies investigate various topics such as the impact of globalization, cultural influences, and public health challenges.

SourceFamily Medicine and Community Health·JournalFamily Medicine and Community Health·DateAug 30, 2016