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Science News Archive February 2016 - Page 3


Page 3 of 39

Immune therapy breaks down wall around pancreatic tumors for chemo to attack

Researchers have discovered a novel role for CD40 antibodies in re-educating macrophages to break down the tumor microenvironment, allowing chemotherapy to target pancreatic cancer more effectively. The optimal timing of delivery is critical, with chemotherapy being most effective when administered five days after CD40 treatment.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCancer Discovery·DateFeb 29, 2016

Many prostate cancer patients saved from unnecessary treatments and side effects

A new study from The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa shows that men with slow-growing prostate tumors are increasingly adopting active surveillance, a monitoring approach that avoids unnecessary treatment. After five years of follow-up, about 59% of patients under active surveillance were still managed that way.

SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 29, 2016

Precision oncology could be tailor-made for metastatic prostate cancer

A new study by researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center suggests that precision oncology could be tailor-made for metastatic prostate cancer. A single metastasis within an individual patient provides consistent molecular information to guide therapy, and patients benefit from individualized treatment.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 29, 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.

Microorganisms duke it out within algal blooms

A new study reveals that algal blooms like 'red tides' are home to a complex war between microscopic organisms, with the dominant species changing daily. The research sheds light on the ocean's role in carbon fixation and climate change.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Microbiology·DateFeb 29, 2016

Study points to cannabis' effect on emotion processing

A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that cannabis users have difficulty recognizing and empathizing with human emotions like happiness, sadness, and anger. However, the brain may be able to compensate for these effects when explicitly detecting emotions.

SourceColorado State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 29, 2016

Imaging algorithm gathers information about how cells move

Brown University engineers developed a new technique to understand how cells move through complex tissues, building on mean deformation theory. The algorithm analyzed images of human neutrophils moving through collagen matrices, revealing differences in contractility and rotation between healthy and sepsis models.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 29, 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.

New insight into the possible risk factors associated with food allergies

A study of 1140 pregnant women and their children found that eczema, rhinitis, pet ownership, and age at introducing solid food are associated with different types of food hypersensitivity. A healthy diet was also found to be protective against both IgE-mediated and non-IgE mediated reactions.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalClinical and Translational Allergy·DateFeb 29, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New vaccine could save thousands of lives

Researchers at the University of Exeter have created a vaccine that offers high-level protection against melioidosis, a bacterial infection that causes pneumonia and sepsis. The new vaccine, which has been tested on mice, holds promise for preventing a disease that affects thousands in tropical regions and is often misdiagnosed.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalVaccine·DateFeb 29, 2016

People in world's poorest countries missing out on surgery

A study published in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization found that an estimated 312.9 million surgeries took place globally in 2012, with only 30% of operations occurring in low-income countries representing 71% of the global population.

SourceBulletin of the World Health Organization·JournalBulletin of the World Health Organization·DateFeb 29, 2016

Mammalian fertilization, caught on tape

Researchers develop a novel microfluidic device called the 'IVF chip' that enables high-resolution imaging of the initial steps of fertilization. The device allows scientists to observe the fusion of sperm and egg, membrane remodeling, and sperm DNA incorporation into the egg.

SourceBiophysical Society·DateFeb 28, 2016

Device 'fingerprints' could help protect power grid, other industrial systems

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a device fingerprinting technique to identify legitimate signals in electrical grid control networks. The approach uses unique physical properties of devices to differentiate between genuine and spoofed signals, improving the security of critical infrastructure networks.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateFeb 28, 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.

Tarantula toxins converted to painkillers

Researchers convert tarantula toxins into painkillers by targeting neural receptors, providing an alternative to current treatments with limited pain relief and side effects. The study reveals the importance of cell membranes in peptide toxin activity and opens opportunities for designing new drugs.

SourceBiophysical Society·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateFeb 28, 2016

'Class ceiling' stops working class actors from getting parts

A study found that only 27% of actors are from working-class backgrounds, while 73% come from middle-class origins. This disparity affects not only income but also opportunities for auditions and roles. Many working-class actors reported struggling with accents and stereotypes, highlighting the need for greater diversity in the industry.

SourceBritish Sociological Association·JournalSociology·DateFeb 28, 2016

New fast radio burst discovery finds 'missing matter' in the universe

A team of scientists identified a fast radio burst and pinpointed its location, confirming the current cosmological model of the universe's distribution of matter. The discovery measured the density of material between the FRB source and Earth, allowing for a more accurate understanding of the universe's composition.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature·DateFeb 28, 2016

Two-pronged attack increases potency of new anti-cancer drugs

Researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have discovered a new combination of birinapant and p38 inhibitors that shows promise as a treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). The combination has been shown to be more effective than either agent alone, with fewer toxic side effects.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalCancer Cell·DateFeb 28, 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.

On the hook: Sustainable fishing in Papua New Guinea

A multi-disciplinary team from James Cook University has developed a roadmap for sustainable fishing tourism in Papua New Guinea. The project aims to benefit local communities while promoting conservation of the Papuan Black Bass, one of the world's toughest sportfish.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalFisheries Management and Ecology·DateFeb 28, 2016

Philippines affected by more extreme tropical cyclones

A new study by the University of Sheffield reveals that hazardous tropical cyclones in the Philippines are increasing in intensity, leading to devastating consequences. The research suggests that rising sea-surface temperatures since the 1970s may be contributing to this trend.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield - Faculty of Engineering·JournalInternational Journal of Climatology·DateFeb 28, 2016

When sea levels rise, damage costs rise even faster

A new method quantifies monetary losses from coastal floods under sea-level rise, showing that damage costs consistently increase at a higher rate. The study provides estimates of average annual costs of sea-level rise over longer time periods, helping policymakers assess adaptation measures.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNatural Hazards and Earth System Sciences·DateFeb 28, 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.

Breast reconstruction using abdominal tissue -- Differences in outcome with four different techniques

A new study compared four types of abdominal flaps used in breast reconstruction, revealing that muscle-sparing techniques like DIEP and msf-TRAM reduce hernia risks and improve patient satisfaction. The study found these methods to have lower rates of fat necrosis and abdominal morbidity compared to traditional flaps.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateFeb 26, 2016

Determining the structures of nanocrystalline pharmaceuticals by electron diffraction

Researchers have developed a new method to determine the structures of nanocrystalline pharmaceuticals, reducing radiation damage and allowing for study at room temperature. The approach uses low-dose electron diffraction with a high-sensitivity detector, enabling the collection of high-quality data for direct crystallography methods.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·JournalActa Crystallographica Section A·DateFeb 26, 2016

HIV in Rhode Island: Newly diagnosed men often 'hooked up' online

A study found that over 60% of newly diagnosed men in Rhode Island who have sex with men reported meeting sexual partners online. The researchers propose partnering with companies producing hookup websites and apps to share public health messages about the risks of sexual encounters arranged online.

SourceBrown University·JournalPublic Health Reports·DateFeb 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.

First in-human vaccine study for malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax

Researchers tested a Plasmodium vivax malaria vaccine candidate in 30 volunteers and found that it significantly delayed parasitemia in 59% of vaccinated subjects. The study also identified limitations to primaquine treatment, highlighting the need for improved vaccines.

SourceThe U.S. Military HIV Research Program (MHRP)·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateFeb 26, 2016

Being overweight linked to poorer memory

Researchers found an association between high BMI and poorer performance on a test of episodic memory in young adults. The study suggests that obesity may be linked to changes in brain structure and function, potentially affecting memory and decision-making abilities.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalQuarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology·DateFeb 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.

NASA's IBEX observations pin down interstellar magnetic field

A new study uses IBEX data to determine the strength and direction of the interstellar magnetic field beyond the solar system, providing insight into the galaxy's magnetic forces. The findings are based on simulations that correctly predict the locations of neutral ribbon particles and agree with Voyager 1 measurements.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateFeb 26, 2016

UT Dallas study: WikiLeaks list did not lead to attacks

A new study published in the International Journal of Critical Infrastructure Protection found no evidence that the WikiLeaks list was a target list for terrorists. The study analyzed over 40,000 terrorism incidents and compared them with the facilities listed on the WikiLeaks memo.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalInternational Journal of Critical Infrastructures·DateFeb 26, 2016

Nature Communications: How metal clusters grow

A team of researchers from Marburg and Karlsruhe has studied the stepwise formation of metal clusters, finding that a transition metal plays a key role in cluster growth. The study provides knowledge for customized optoelectronic and magnetic properties.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 26, 2016
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.

The couple that sings together stays together

Researchers at Cornell University found that fairy-wren pairs who sing duets are less likely to mate with other males, resulting in higher rates of their own genetic offspring. The strong duet-singing response also reduces cuckoldry in these pairs.

SourceCornell University·JournalBiology Letters·DateFeb 26, 2016

Building living, breathing supercomputers

A team of researchers led by Prof. Nicolau has created a model bio-supercomputer that processes information quickly and accurately using parallel networks, powered by proteins present in all living cells. The device uses much less energy than traditional electronic supercomputers, making it more sustainable.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 26, 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.

Consumers care about carbon footprint

Research shows carbon footprint labels influence consumer choice, with usage-related emissions being most important factor. Consumers value recycling and prefer manufacturers to offset emissions, rather than taking direct action.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Policy and Decision Making·DateFeb 26, 2016

108 million people have correctable vision impairment, global study estimates

A global study estimates that 101.2 million people suffer from moderate to severe visual impairment due to uncorrected refractive error (URE), while seven million are blind. The study, published in Optometry and Vision Science, suggests that providing access to affordable glasses could improve the burden of vision loss.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalOptometry and Vision Science·DateFeb 26, 2016

Homeless people suffer geriatric conditions decades early, UCSF study shows

Researchers at UCSF discovered that homeless individuals aged 50+ often experience difficulties with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. Cognitive and visual impairments are also common, with rates comparable to those of people in their 80s.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateFeb 26, 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.

New research adds additional layer of complexity to human protein landscape

Researchers have discovered alternative protein versions, known as proteoforms, which are stable and tightly regulated, challenging the single gene-single protein theory. This study adds an extra dimension to the human protein landscape, potentially affecting gene editing techniques.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateFeb 26, 2016

Electron microscopy captures snapshot of structure coronaviruses use to enter cells

Researchers have captured a snapshot of how coronaviruses enter cells using high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy. The atomic model suggests specific vaccine strategies against SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. A fusion peptide on the outer edge of the spike protein may be an ideal target for neutralizing coronaviruses.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature·DateFeb 26, 2016

Women who feel more at risk of crime also prefer physically dominant partners

A study from the University of Leicester found that women who feel more at risk of crime tend to be attracted to physically dominant men. The researchers suggest that this attraction is not based on a desire for protection, but rather a psychological mechanism related to feelings of vulnerability.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalEvolution and Human Behavior·DateFeb 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.

Artificial control of exciplexes opens possibilities for new electronics

Scientists at Kyushu University developed a strategy to widely vary the emission color and efficiency of organic light-emitting diodes based on exciplexes by changing the distance between key molecules. This technique could lead to new kinds of electronic devices with switching behavior or light emission that reacts to external factors.

SourceKyushu University, OPERA·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 26, 2016

Extreme events in the brain

Researchers at the University of Bonn have developed a new model that simulates the behavior of neurons in the brain during extreme events, such as epileptic seizures. The model reveals how small-world networks can exhibit spontaneous changes, shedding light on the conditions under which these events develop.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPhysical Review X·DateFeb 26, 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.

Non-integrating viral vector delivers chemotherapy-sensitizing gene to pancreatic cancer cells

Researchers develop integrase-defective lentiviral vector to deliver chemotherapy-sensitizing gene to pancreatic tumor cells, reducing risk of insertional mutagenesis. The system enables high efficacy delivery of the gene that encodes for DCK protein to cancer cells, making them more sensitive to chemotherapeutic drug gemcitabine.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateFeb 26, 2016