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Science News Archive December 2016


Page 29 of 32

Few older Americans have dental insurance

A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reveals that only 12% of older Americans have dental insurance, and those who do often face high bills. The research found that income is a significant predictor of receiving dental care, with high-income beneficiaries more likely to receive care than low-income ones.

Researchers uncover protein-based 'cancer signature'

A research team at the University of Basel has discovered a cancer type-specific 'signature' based on ribosomal protein expression. This signature may serve as a prognostic marker for cancer and point towards new therapeutic opportunities, with a strong relationship found between the signature in breast cancer and relapse-free survival.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Moffitt Cancer Center study shows promising clinical activity

The phase 2 portion of the ZUMA-1 study using KTE-C19 CAR-T therapy achieved complete remission in all 6 patients with refractory primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma or transformed follicular lymphoma, with manageable toxicities. The treatment was well-tolerated, with grade 3 adverse events occurring in 17% of patients.

3-D printed kidney phantoms aid nuclear medicine dosing calibration

Researchers developed low-cost 3D printed organ models of varying size and shape to aid in determining optimal dosing for individual patients. The study demonstrates the potential of 3D printing technology for clinical prototyping, particularly in quantitative SPECT/CT imaging.

Re-emergence of syphilis traced to pandemic strain cluster

A recent study reveals that syphilis has re-emerged globally, primarily caused by a pandemic strain cluster named SS14-Ω. This cluster exhibits high levels of antibiotic resistance, particularly to azithromycin, posing a significant public health concern. The researchers hope that their findings will contribute to a better understandin...

NTU scientists build new ultrasound device using 3-D printing technology

The new device produces clearer images through 3D printed lenses, allowing doctors and surgeons to have greater control and precision in non-invasive diagnostic procedures and medical surgeries. The technology has the potential to reduce image distortions and accurately differentiate cancerous from non-cancerous soft tissue.

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.

Game changer for organic solar cells

Researchers develop a simple processing technique to manufacture single-layer organic polymer solar cells, reducing production costs and enabling widespread adoption. The new method offers a simpler alternative to existing methods and has the potential to transform organic photovoltaics into commercial technology.

Highly efficient genome engineering in flowering plants

Plant biologists have developed a new CRISPR/Cas9 vector that efficiently knocks out genes in Arabidopsis thaliana, improving the method for genome engineering in various plant species. This breakthrough enables the study of genetic functions and potential applications in crops like Brassica napus.

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.

Yo-yo dieting might cause extra weight gain

Repeated dieting can cause weight gain as the brain interprets diets as short famines and urges people to store more fat for future shortages. This phenomenon, known as yo-yo dieting, may explain why people struggle to keep weight off after trying low-calorie diets.

Exploring how rice could survive salt stress

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) studied rice plant responses to moderately saline conditions and pinpointed new salt tolerance genetic loci. They found that growth rate diminished in salt-treated soils, with indica lines faring better than aus varieties, highlighting significant genetic differences.

Gut microbes contribute to recurrent 'yo-yo' obesity

Researchers at Weizmann Institute of Science found that gut microbes contribute to recurrent 'yo-yo' obesity, with a 'memory' of previous obesity retained after dieting. They developed new treatments using fecal microbiome transplantation and flavonoids, which may help alleviate the obesity epidemic.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The promise of greener power generation

Researchers at KAUST developed a catalog of compounds formed during methane combustion, revealing surprising findings on ion formation and behavior. The study proposes improvements to simulate ion formation and behavior, with potential applications in more efficient gas turbines and less polluting power plants.

Torture: Rehabilitation experts from 80 nations meet in Mexico City

Over 300 participants from 80 nations share expertise on torture rehabilitation, addressing issues like Syria's refugee crisis and Guantanamo Bay survivors' denied rehabilitation. The symposium aims to deliver on the right to rehabilitation, a UN-recognized right for victims of torture.

Detective work across dingo fence reveals new factor in woody shrub invasion

A new study reveals that dingoes help reduce the spread of woody shrubs in Australian deserts by controlling small mammal populations. The research found that areas with fewer dingoes had higher rates of shrub cover and lower rates of seed removal, leading to a cascade effect where shrubs can thrive without top predators.

A handful of nuts a day cuts the risk of a wide range of diseases

A large analysis of current research reveals that consuming at least 20g of nuts per day can significantly reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, cancer, and premature death. The study found a 30% reduction in heart disease risk, a 15% reduction in cancer risk, and a 22% reduction in premature death risk.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Women with dementia receive less medical attention

Research reveals women with dementia have fewer visits to the GP, receive less health monitoring, and take more potentially harmful medication than men. Women are at particular risk of staying on antipsychotic or sedative medication for longer due to fewer check-ups.

Filling need for fast and accurate assessment of blood's ability to clot

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University developed a portable sensor called ClotChip that can quickly and accurately assess blood's clotting ability. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of blood clots, allowing for faster and more precise assessments.

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.

Study estimates global cancer cases, deaths in 2015

The study estimates 17.5 million cancer cases and 8.7 million cancer-related deaths worldwide in 2015, with prostate cancer being the most common in men and breast cancer in women. The report also highlights an increase in cancer incidence due to aging and demographic changes.

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.

UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital experts to present at ASH

Researchers from UH Rainbow presented data on improving clinical outcomes for pediatric hematologic disorders, including findings on acquired aplastic anemia treatment algorithms and red blood cell transfusions in critically ill children. The studies aimed to improve long-term outcomes and transplant options for these rare diseases.

Research shows patients ineligible for studies may benefit from trial participation

Patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) who were initially ineligible for clinical trials due to existing medical conditions responded well to treatment with azacitidine (AZA) and vorinostat. Sixty-day survival rates were 83% and 79% respectively, with low-grade gastrointestinal side effects reported.

Construction of practical quantum computers radically simplified

Scientists at the University of Sussex have invented a new method to build large-scale quantum computers using voltages on microchips, rather than aligning laser beams. This breakthrough enables the construction of universal quantum computers with potentially revolutionary applications in fields like materials science and medicine.

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.

Evaluation of scientific rigor in animal research

Researchers found that only 20% of applications and publications reported use of bias-reducing methods, but 86% of participants claimed to assign animals randomly to treatment groups. The study recommends more education and training for those involved in animal research to ensure scientific rigor.

Short-term sleep deprivation affects heart function

A study published by the Radiological Society of North America found that short-term sleep deprivation in 24-hour shift workers can lead to significant increases in cardiac contractility, blood pressure, and heart rate. The researchers also observed increased levels of stress hormones and thyroid hormones.

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.

Seismically active Kathmandu region in store for larger earthquake

A recent study by University of Nevada, Reno geophysicists suggests that the Kathmandu region is vulnerable to a more powerful earthquake than the 2015 Gorkha quake. The research indicates that the Himalayan Frontal Fault has reached a stage of strain accumulation prior to a potential major thrust earthquake.

Lung function decline accelerates in menopausal women

A longitudinal population-based study found that menopausal women experience an accelerated decline in lung function, with declines in forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in one second comparable to severe smoking. The study highlights the importance of maintaining respiratory health long after the menopausal transition.

Turning off asthma attacks

Johns Hopkins researchers have identified a critical cellular switch that turns on the inflammatory immune response contributing to asthma attacks. By inhibiting this pathway, they may be able to prevent continued inflammation and long-term structural changes in the lungs.

Cataracts linked to increased odds of depression in older adults

A study published in Optometry and Vision Science found that cataracts are associated with higher rates of depressive symptoms in older adults, regardless of education level or socioeconomic status. Symptoms were more common in women and those with lower vision acuity.

E-cigarettes effectively deliver nicotine

E-cigarettes are effective at delivering nicotine, particularly for experienced users. The study found that newer generation e-cigarettes outperform first-generation devices in terms of nicotine delivery. However, the efficacy of e-cigarettes also depends on individual behavior and vaping habits.

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.

Where giant galaxies are born

An international team of scientists has discovered that the biggest galaxies in the universe develop in cosmic clouds of cold gas. The study used radio telescopes to investigate an embryonic galaxy cluster, where they found a cloud of very cold gas where galaxies were merging.

What makes your voice yours?

UCLA researchers Patricia Keating and Jody Kreiman analyzed recordings from 50 women to identify acoustic parameters distinguishing their voices. The study aims to understand which characteristics make a speaker's voice recognizable and how much change is perceptible to listeners.

New test identifies high-risk liver patients

A new test has identified a gene signature related to the immune response in liver tissue of patients with high-risk Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC), a rare autoimmune condition. The test allows for early intervention with alternative treatments, increasing chances of success and potentially staving off the need for a liver transplant.

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.

Triggerfish needed to grow reefs, new research finds

A new study suggests that maintaining a few orange-lined triggerfish increases the ability of coral reefs to grow by preying on reef-eroding sea urchins. This finding is significant as coral reefs face threats from rising sea levels and ocean temperatures.

High-precision magnetic field sensing

Researchers developed a high-precision sensor to measure small variations in strong magnetic fields, enabling the detection of mechanical processes in the body. The technique has broad applications in medicine and biological research, including the development of new contrast agents for MRI.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Researchers use genes as early warning system for harmful algae blooms

University of North Carolina researchers sequenced the genes of a harmful algae bloom, revealing new interactions between algae and bacteria that can help predict their growth. The technique opens up the possibility of forecasting blooms and taking measures to prevent them, saving millions in economic losses.

Saturated fat could be good for you

A Norwegian diet intervention study found similar health effects of diets high in carbohydrates or fats, with substantial improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors. The study suggests that the quality of food is more important than the quantity of fat or carbohydrates, and that most healthy people can tolerate a high intake of satur...

Open-source tools accelerate plant breeding in developing countries

Researchers have developed free online tools to improve crop breeding, including molecular breeding tools that enable breeders to select the best parental lines and perform marker-assisted backcrossing. These tools are being used in Africa to develop corn varieties with greater resistance to viruses.

Map of drugs reveals uncharted waters in search for new treatments

A comprehensive analysis of existing drugs has identified areas where human genes and proteins could be promising targets for new treatments, as well as gaps in current medicine. The study also found that 70% of targeted drugs work on just four families of proteins, leaving vast swathes of human biology untouched.

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.