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Science News for January 18, 2016


Regular exercise critical for heart health, longevity

The study emphasizes that even moderate amounts of physical activity can significantly reduce cardiovascular disease mortality risk. The council found no upper limit to exercise-induced health benefits, suggesting all levels of moderate and vigorous intensity exercise result in reduced mortality compared to physical inactivity.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJan 18, 2016

Living fossils and rare corals revealed

A team of researchers has discovered living fossils, rare corals, and diverse ecosystems in the deep waters of the Coral Sea. The expedition found golden corals, precious red coral, glass sponges, and ancient species like the chambered nautilus.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalMarine Biodiversity·DateJan 18, 2016

It's a 3-D printer, but not as we know it

Researchers developed a novel method to print composite materials using ultrasonic waves, enabling the creation of complex fibrous architectures. The technology can be easily integrated into existing 3D printers, offering tailored material properties and potential applications in smart materials.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalSmart Materials and Structures·DateJan 18, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

ACP and CDC issue advice for prescribing antibiotics

The American College of Physicians (ACP) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued advice for prescribing antibiotics for acute respiratory tract infections in adults. Inappropriate antibiotic use contributes to antibiotic-resistant infections, posing a public health threat. Guidelines recommend symptomatic therapy fo...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 18, 2016

Cardiac arrests in high-rise buildings: Low survival rates above 3rd floor

A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that residents of high-rise buildings living on lower floors had better survival rates from cardiac arrests. Notably, survival was negligible for people living above the 16th floor. The researchers suggest several solutions to improve time to patient contact and increa...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 18, 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.

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.

ACP, CDC offer advice on prescribing antibiotics for common illnesses

The American College of Physicians (ACP) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issue advice on prescribing antibiotics for acute respiratory tract infections, citing unnecessary use that can lead to $3 billion in excess costs. The guidelines recommend reserving antibiotics for serious illnesses only.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 18, 2016

Team develops wireless, dissolvable sensors to monitor brain

A team of neurosurgeons and engineers has developed wireless brain sensors that monitor intracranial pressure and temperature, dissolving over time without the need for surgery. These devices have potential to monitor patients with traumatic brain injuries and could be used to track activity in other organ systems throughout the body.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateJan 18, 2016

Why Spiderman can't exist: Geckos are 'size limit' for sticking to walls

Scientists found that larger animals require more sticking power, but have less body surface area available to cover with sticky footpads. Geckos' unique footpads set a size limit for adhesive-based climbing strategies, making it impossible for humans to climb like Spiderman.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 2016
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Laws of nature predict cancer evolution

A new study uses natural laws to predict how cancers evolve over time, potentially leading to personalized treatment. The research suggests that doctors could use mathematical formulas to anticipate a cancer's growth and development, enabling them to choose the most effective treatments.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 18, 2016

Scientists take steps to make weak TB drugs strong again

Researchers found that fluoroquinolones interact with an enzyme in TB germs, but not as strongly as thought. They discovered a new way to make the drugs more potent by targeting broken DNA within the gyrase complex. This could lead to improved treatments for multidrug-resistant TB and other bacterial infections.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 2016

Researchers uncover core set of genes for plant-fungal symbiosis

A new study has identified 138 genes essential for plant-fungal symbiosis, which could lead to the development of crop varieties that thrive without fertilizers. This discovery was made possible by comparing genome sequences of plants with and without this symbiotic relationship.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalNature Plants·DateJan 18, 2016
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.

Tiny electronic implants monitor brain injury, then melt away

Researchers developed a new class of dissolvable electronic sensors that can monitor temperature and pressure within the skull after a brain injury or surgery. The sensors are made from biodegradable materials and can transmit signals wirelessly, eliminating the need for additional surgery to remove them.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature·DateJan 18, 2016

Scientists find new gene fault behind ovarian cancer

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that women carrying an inherited BRIP1 gene fault are over three times more likely to develop ovarian cancer. The research also showed that these women tend to be diagnosed with aggressive cancers at a later age and have a higher risk of dying from the disease.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 18, 2016

New study gives squirrels plenty of food for thought

A new study by the University of Exeter found that grey squirrels solve problems in the search for food through persistence and choosing effective behaviors. The research showed increased experience, higher persistence, and behavioral selectivity are directly related to improved problem-solving efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateJan 18, 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 app can help doctors predict risk of preterm birth

A new app called QUiPP was tested in high-risk women to predict preterm birth risk. The app performed well as a predictive tool, outperforming individual factors like cervical length and fetal fibronectin levels.

SourceKing's College London·JournalUltrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateJan 18, 2016

Recipe for muon pair creation, in theory

A Japanese physicist has developed new ways to create muonium atoms through particle collisions, offering advancements in detection and applications in proton size measurements. The second method using a positively charged muon colliding with a muonic hydrogen atom shows the most promise for future experiments.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateJan 18, 2016

Broken UV light leads to key heart muscle cell discovery

Researchers have successfully generated human cardiac muscle cells from stem cells using a 'Matrigel mattress', addressing a problem with contractile properties. The new method allows for high-throughput screens to find novel therapies for heart diseases, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalCirculation Research·DateJan 18, 2016

Easier diagnosis for fungal infection of the lungs

A new clinical imaging method has been developed to tackle one of the main killers of patients with weakened immune systems. The method uses a combination of PET and MRI imaging to identify invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, allowing for faster and more accurate diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 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.

Human sounds convey emotions clearer and faster than words

Researchers found that human brains recognize emotions through vocalizations just one-tenth of a second faster than speech, with anger signals producing longer brain activity. Anxious individuals exhibit a faster response to emotional voices compared to less anxious participants.

SourceMcGill University·JournalBiological Psychology·DateJan 18, 2016

Scientists demonstrate basics of nucleic acid computing inside cells

Researchers developed logic gates that can operate inside cells and interact with native messenger RNA, enabling a foundation for bio-computers to sense, analyze, and modulate molecular information. The tools could provide a basis for creating circuits with many inputs to control cellular behavior in response to stimuli.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 18, 2016

Finding the needle in a microbial haystack

A team of Penn Medicine researchers successfully identified a pathogenic agent in a patient sample using PathoChip technology, which rapidly identifies elusive microorganisms. The breakthrough could lead to faster and more effective treatment for life-threatening infections in immunocompromised patients.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCancer Biology & Therapy·DateJan 18, 2016

Scientists detect deep carbon emissions associated with continental rifting

A team of scientists has quantified deep carbon emissions associated with the East African Rift, revealing a significant source of CO2. The study found that faults along the rift act as permeable pathways for deeply-derived CO2, suggesting a previously unrecognized role in global climate change.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 18, 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.

Technological obsolescence goes hand in hand with economic growth

A researcher at the University of the Basque Country has designed an economic model that reflects a country's economic evolution better by considering the relationship between technological obsolescence and economic growth. The model suggests a positive correlation between capital depreciation and long-term growth rates in 101 countries.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalEconomic Modelling·DateJan 18, 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.

Eating less meat might not be the way to go green, say researchers

New research suggests that reducing beef production in Brazil could lead to higher global greenhouse gas emissions due to the need for farmers to recover degraded pastures and boost cattle productivity. This would potentially lower emissions by storing more carbon in the soil.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 18, 2016

To clean up ocean plastics focus on coasts, not the Great Pacific garbage patch

A new analysis suggests that placing plastic collectors near coasts is more beneficial for removing microplastics and preventing harm to wildlife and ecosystems. The study found that this approach could remove up to 31% of microplastics, compared to just 17% if all collectors were deployed within the Great Pacific garbage patch.

SourceImperial College London·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJan 18, 2016

Diamonds used to 'probe' ancient Earth

Three diamonds found in Johannesburg show that plate tectonics was in operation on Earth as early as 3.5 billion years ago, revealing key findings about the ancient planet's history.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 18, 2016

Scientists discover blueprint of body's heat sensor

Researchers have discovered the structure of TRPV2, a protein linked to pain and heat perception, which could lead to new treatments for chronic pain. The study found that TRPV2 has an in-between state where it becomes desensitized to repeated stimuli, suggesting a potential way to alleviate chronic pain.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJan 18, 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.

Mapping out cell conversion

Researchers developed an algorithm called Mogrify that predicts the unique set of cellular factors required for converting one human cell type to another. This breakthrough has significant implications for regenerative medicine and lays the groundwork for further research into cell reprogramming.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 18, 2016

DNA methylation pattern in leukemia only appears to be cancer-typical

Researchers found that DNA methylation patterns in leukemia cells can vary significantly across different cell maturation stages. However, the 'cancer-typical' methyl patterns discovered so far are actually indicative of the normal development process rather than cancer-specific changes.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 18, 2016

Ticks that transmit Lyme disease reported in nearly half of all US counties

Lyme disease is transmitted by the blacklegged tick and western blacklegged tick, with a significant expansion of their range across the US. The study found that over 45% of counties have established populations of these ticks, highlighting areas of high risk for human exposure.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateJan 18, 2016

Cheaper solar cells with 20.2 percent efficiency

EPFL scientists have engineered a molecularly engineered hole-transporting material for perovskite solar cells, achieving competitive power-conversion efficiency of 20.2%. The new material is significantly cheaper to synthesize and purify than existing alternatives.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Energy·DateJan 18, 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.

Blood cells in action

Researchers demonstrate that fast molecules in the vicinity make blood cell membranes wriggle, but cells also become active when they have enough reaction time. The study reveals a balance between thermal fluctuations and internal forces causing the cells to change shape.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature Physics·DateJan 18, 2016

Weight gain through plasticizers

A study published in PLOS ONE found that phthalates, commonly used in plastics, can lead to weight gain by disrupting hormone balance and metabolism. The researchers discovered that the phthalate DEHP causes an increase in unsaturated fatty acids and disrupts glucose metabolism, paving the way for weight gain.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 18, 2016

New research from MSK highlights fertility concerns of young adult and adolescent cancer survivors

A new study from MSK highlights the fertility concerns of young adult and adolescent cancer survivors, with nearly half reporting uncertainty about their reproductive health. The researchers emphasize the need for more comprehensive fertility-related information and support services in survivorship care.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology·DateJan 18, 2016

Protein 'handbrake' halts leukemia in its tracks

Melbourne researchers discovered a protein called Hhex that puts the brakes on leukemia cell growth and division. Targeting this protein could lead to new therapies for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), an aggressive blood cancer with poor prognosis.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalGenes & Development·DateJan 18, 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.

Georgetown professors: Congress made 'scientific judgment for which it is distinctly unqualified'

Two Georgetown professors argue that a section of the FY 2016 Consolidated Appropriations Act undermines science and women's health by requiring private insurers to follow outdated scientific guidance for breast cancer screening coverage. This action strikes at the credibility of the US Preventive Services Task Force and may discourage...

SourceO'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law·JournalJAMA·DateJan 18, 2016