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Science News Archive February 2016 - Page 38


Page 38 of 39

Heart attack: Gender matters in predicting outcomes

A new study suggests that gender role and personality traits, rather than biological sex, are associated with the risk of recurrence of cardiovascular events in adults. Adults with traditionally feminine characteristics had a higher risk of recurrence, regardless of their biological sex.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 1, 2016

The quantum fridge

Researchers find that even gases without thermalization can be cooled by removing high-energy particles through electromagnetic fields, and this effect is made possible by quantum mechanical waves.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 1, 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.

Study validates two-protein test for spontaneous preterm birth prediction

Researchers validated a two-protein test for predicting spontaneous preterm birth in asymptomatic women, identifying an optimal gestational age window and highly performing proteins. The study showed excellent performance of the novel classifier, with high accuracy rates for predicting preterm delivery before 35 weeks.

SourceSociety for Maternal-Fetal Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2016

When food alters gene function

A high-fat diet during pregnancy and lactation leads to epigenetic changes in the offspring, affecting metabolic pathways regulated by the gut hormone GIP. Adult offspring are more susceptible to obesity and insulin resistance, similar mechanisms cannot be ruled out in humans.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalDiabetes·DateFeb 1, 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.

New tool for gauging public opinion reveals skepticism of climate engineering

A new decision pathway survey has shed light on public concerns about climate engineering technologies. Most people find the risks of these technologies more likely than their benefits, with those concerned about climate change supporting geoengineering policies and investments in renewable resources. However, those least concerned are...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2016

New stem cell model valuable tool for studying Andersen's syndrome

Researchers successfully reprogrammed muscle cells from patients with Andersen's syndrome to create induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, which can serve as a model for understanding the cause of the rare disorder. The iPS cells demonstrated self-renewal and pluripotency capabilities without affecting the gene mutation known to cause AS.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateFeb 1, 2016

Team-based treatment for first episode psychosis found to be high value

A new analysis shows that team-based coordinated specialty care (CSC) is more cost-effective than typical community care for young people with first episode psychosis. CSC produces better clinical and quality of life outcomes, making it a better value despite modestly higher costs.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalSchizophrenia Bulletin·DateFeb 1, 2016

Exercise may help you survive a first heart attack

A study of nearly 70,000 patients found that those with higher aerobic fitness before a heart attack are more likely to survive their first heart attack. Fitness levels were associated with improved short-term survival rates after the event.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateFeb 1, 2016

Abnormal gene is a triple threat in driving pediatric brain tumors

Researchers have identified an abnormal fused gene that drives pediatric brain tumors through three distinct biological mechanisms. This finding may advance diagnosis and treatment by identifying the MYB-QKI fusion gene as a defining event in angiocentric glioma, allowing for targeted therapies.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 1, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Restructuring affects staff well-being regardless of job cuts

A new study finds that restructuring in organisations has a mainly negative effect on the welfare of employees, with or without job losses. The review of 39 studies highlights the importance of designing and implementing effective interventions related to restructuring.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalWork & Stress·DateFeb 1, 2016

Lupus may contribute to pregnancy-related complications

A new study found that lupus during pregnancy is associated with higher rates of preeclampsia, hypothyroid disease, stroke, and infection among women. The study also reveals worse infant outcomes, including preterm birth, infection, and mortality.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateFeb 1, 2016

CRISPR/Cas9 therapeutic for tyrosinemai type I delivered to mice

Scientists have successfully delivered a CRISPR/Cas9 therapeutic to adult mice with Tyrosinemia type I, correcting 6% of the mutated FAH gene in liver cells. This breakthrough uses AAV and lipid nanoparticle delivery mechanisms, paving the way for potential human treatment.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 1, 2016

Shedding new light on breast cancer metastasis

Researchers found that clusters of cancer cells migrate through the body together throughout all stages of metastasis. The study identified unique molecular signatures and genetic changes in these aggressive tumor clumps, including higher expression of desmosome genes and lower expression of antigen presentation genes.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 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.

Helicopter parents take extreme approach to homework

A QUT study suggests that excessive parental involvement in homework can lead to a decrease in children's ability to take responsibility for their work. Parents who endorse helicopter parenting beliefs are more likely to take on too much responsibility for completing homework and expecting teachers to do the same.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalJournal of Psychologists and Counsellors in Schools·DateFeb 1, 2016

Spin dynamics in an atomically thin semi-conductor

Researchers at the National University of Singapore and Yale-NUS College have established the mechanisms for spin motion in molybdenum disulfide. This discovery resolves a research question on electron spin properties in single layers of 2D materials, paving the way for next-generation spintronics devices with lower energy consumption.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 1, 2016

UTSA researcher receives $670,000 grant to fight malaria

A UTSA researcher has received a $670,000 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop novel liver-stage antimalarial treatments. The goal is to stop the malaria parasite before it causes disease, which would protect people living in areas with high malaria burden.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateFeb 1, 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.

Anti-bullying program focused on bystanders helps the students who need it the most

A new UCLA-led study reports the success of a Finnish anti-bullying program called KiVa, which improves the mental health of sixth-graders who experience bullying. The research-based program includes role-playing exercises and computer simulations to increase bystander empathy and intervention.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateFeb 1, 2016

Man-made climate change helped cause south of England floods, say scientists

A study by Oxford University scientists found that human-induced climate change increased the risk of severe storms in the south of England, leading to devastating flooding. The analysis attributed the increase in extreme rainfall to thermodynamic changes in the atmosphere and westerly air flow.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 1, 2016

Higher fitness linked to reduced risk of death after first heart attack

Researchers found that individuals with higher MET scores (indicating higher physical fitness) had a 40% lower mortality rate after a first heart attack. The study, published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, suggests that doctors should recommend exercise programs to patients at risk of cardiovascular disease.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateFeb 1, 2016

Living a 'mixotrophic' lifestyle

Researchers at MIT and Bristol University found that mixotrophic organisms can increase the average size of plankton by up to 35%, leading to a greater flux of sinking organic carbon particles. This could enhance the ocean's ability to sequester carbon dioxide, potentially mitigating climate change.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2016

Competition between mothers starts in the womb, new study suggests

A new study published in Scientific Reports found that female mongooses respond to reproductive competition by producing bigger pups. The research, led by Emma Inzani, used ultrasound scans to measure prenatal investment in wild banded mongooses and discovered a link between competition and fetal growth.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 1, 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.

Imagining positive outcomes may bring pleasure now but pain later

Research suggests that while positive fantasies may alleviate depressive mood in the moment, they can actually exacerbate symptoms over time. The study found a link between increased positivity and lower grades, which is associated with higher depression scores.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 1, 2016

Targeting upper motor neurons to treat ALS

Researchers demonstrate selective gene delivery to modified upper motor neurons, showing promise for future gene replacement therapies. The study provides evidence that targets diseased cells with high specificity, laying the groundwork for effective treatment strategies.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateFeb 1, 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.

New in the Hastings Center Report: Next steps for epigenetics, big data and informed consent, whatever happened to human 'experimentation,' and more in the January-February 2016 issue

Recent epigenetics research highlights molecular mechanisms influencing gene expression through socioenvironmental factors. Big data raises concerns over immortalized participant data, privacy, and anonymity, prompting recommendations for strengthening ethical consent practices.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateFeb 1, 2016

Study strengthens evidence linking autism to maternal obesity-diabetes

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found a strong link between autism and maternal obesity-diabetes, with pregnant mothers 1.5 times more likely to have a child with ASD. The study used electronic medical records and analyzed birth data from over 35,000 mothers.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalAutism Research·DateFeb 1, 2016

New research sharpens understanding of poison-arrow hunting in Africa

A comprehensive study of the San peoples' hunting tradition in Namibia reveals the ingenious practice of using beetle and plant poisons to boost arrow lethality. The research provides new insights into the biological purpose of the poison, its application process, and its impact on prey.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalZooKeys·DateFeb 1, 2016
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Study shows increased risk of early mortality in women with hypertensive disease

A study published in the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's annual meeting found that women with a history of hypertensive disease during pregnancy have an increased risk of early mortality. The study analyzed birth certificates from 1939 to 2012 and found that these women had significantly higher rates of all-cause mortality, parti...

SourceSociety for Maternal-Fetal Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2016

Study develops new equation for estimating gestational age

Researchers have created a new equation to estimate gestational age from fetal biometrics, showing a slight improvement in accuracy compared to the traditional Hadlock formula. The study validates the new formula using a large, multi-center dataset and demonstrates its potential to reduce unnecessary interventions like induction of labor.

SourceSociety for Maternal-Fetal Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2016

Rate of abuse in organizations serving youth

Child abuse in youth-serving organizations is a problem but much less common than family maltreatment. Verbal abuse was reported by most YSO survivors, with physical abuse and neglect occurring at lower rates.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateFeb 1, 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.

Study finds significant cognitive impairment in adult survivors of childhood brain tumors

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that adult survivors of childhood brain tumors exhibit significant cognitive deficits in intelligence, educational achievement, and employment. The study also showed that hydrocephalus is associated with poor cognitive function, even decades after treatment.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 1, 2016

Lung health study published in top respiratory journal

A recent study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that over 40% of Malawian adults have abnormal lung function, highlighting a major public health concern. The research also exposes the high burden of biomass smoke exposure in Malawi, contributing to respiratory diseases.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2016

Unprecedented: Expedition recovers mantle rocks with signs of life

An international team of scientists has collected unprecedented rock samples from the shallow mantle of the ocean crust that bear signs of life and unique carbon cycling. The discovery may provide insights into how life developed on Earth and potentially exist elsewhere in the Universe.

SourceBigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences·DateFeb 1, 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.

Scientific expedition to Antarctica will search for dinosaurs and more

An international team of researchers embarks on a monthlong expedition to Antarctica in search of ancient fossils, hoping to answer questions about the origins of modern bird and mammal groups. The team aims to uncover evidence of mammals from the Cretaceous period, which could shed light on evolutionary diversifications in Antarctica.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateFeb 1, 2016

Why do scientists chase unicorns?

A team of international scientists led by Maren Friesen from Michigan State University discovered a previously unknown bacteria that can fix its own nitrogen, a compound used in critical biological functions. The finding has significant implications for reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, making it a 'unicorn' worth chasing.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 1, 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.

A highway for spin waves

Researchers at HZDR have developed a method for controlling the propagation of spin waves in a targeted and simple way, creating a basis for nanocircuits that use spin waves. This approach uses magnetic domain walls and small external magnetic fields to manipulate the course of spin waves, enabling efficient information processing.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateFeb 1, 2016

Major storm events play key role in biogeochemistry of watersheds

A new study reveals that heavy weather events trigger 'pulse-shunt' of organic matter past small streams, affecting water chemistry and phytoplankton levels. This framework challenges existing concepts in watershed ecology and has implications for managing nutrient pollution and mercury inputs.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalEcology·DateFeb 1, 2016

Greater weight loss during aging associated with increased risk for MCI

An association between declining weight and an increased risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has been found, particularly among those who experience greater weight loss per decade from midlife to late life. The study suggests that this decline in weight may serve as a marker for MCI and help identify individuals at increased risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateFeb 1, 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.

Lava flow crisis averted (for now)

The 2014-2015 Pahoa lava flow crisis at Kilauea Volcano posed significant societal impact despite low effusion rates, highlighting the need for effective communication and public education during volcanic events. The crisis provided valuable lessons about predicting and mitigating lava flow hazards.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGSA Today·DateFeb 1, 2016

New invention revolutionizes heat transport

Researchers at Aalto University have made a groundbreaking discovery in heat transport, enabling efficient cooling of quantum processors and paving the way for faster and more reliable quantum computing. The innovation uses photons to transfer heat over long distances, surpassing previous limitations.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 1, 2016

Delivering genes across the blood-brain barrier

Caltech biologists have developed a vector capable of noninvasive delivery of genetic cargo to adult mice brains, holding promise for novel therapeutics. The approach overcomes the blood-brain barrier problem, allowing for efficient gene delivery and targeting specific brain cells.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 1, 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.

Study documents drought's impact on redwood forest ferns

A recent study found that California's drought has severely impacted native ferns in redwood forests, causing permanent dieback and limiting their ability to photosynthesize. The study reveals that these plants can recover quickly after heavy rains but are vulnerable to pests and diseases due to prolonged water stress.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNew Phytologist·DateFeb 1, 2016