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Science News Archive July 2016 - Page 14


Page 14 of 36

Study raises concerns over unnecessary imaging after thyroid cancer

A study of 28,000 patients found that increased imaging after initial treatment for thyroid cancer did not lead to better survival rates, but rather more aggressive treatment for recurrence. The researchers emphasize the importance of curbing unnecessary imaging and tailoring care to individual patient risk.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJul 20, 2016

'Perfect storm' brought sea louse epidemic to BC salmon: University of Toronto study

A University of Toronto study found that high ocean temperatures and uncoordinated treatment likely led to an outbreak of sea lice in BC salmon farms. The study revealed that the spread of sea lice to migrating juvenile wild salmon resulted in the highest numbers of sea lice observed on wild salmon in a decade.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·DateJul 20, 2016

Super-eruptions may give a year's warning before they blow

A new study suggests that super-eruptions can be predicted with a year's warning due to the growth of quartz crystals on their surface. The research found that most rim growth times are less than one year, indicating a one-year warning period before an eruption occurs.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalPublication Library and Information Science·DateJul 20, 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.

Accelerating technological advances in wireless communication

INRS researchers have received over $3.8 million in NSERC grants to advance wireless communication technology. Their research programs aim to revolutionize key sectors of the Canadian economy, including machine intelligence and high-speed mobile ecosystems.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·DateJul 20, 2016

Surgeons' disclosures of clinical adverse events

Surgeons who avoid discussing preventability of adverse events or have difficult communication experiences are more negatively affected by disclosure. Surgeons with more negative attitudes about disclosure at baseline reported more anxiety about patients' surgical outcomes after disclosure.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateJul 20, 2016

New superconducting coil improves MRI performance

A high-temperature superconducting coil developed by UH scientists boosts signal-to-noise ratio, revealing brain structures not easily visualized with conventional coils. The new technology can also acquire images in a shorter time than conventional coils.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateJul 20, 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.

Clinical trial tests cord tissue to treat macular degeneration

Researchers are testing a new treatment using cells derived from umbilical cord tissue to target age-related macular degeneration. The therapy aims to prevent further loss of rod and cone cells and potentially restore vision in patients with advanced dry macular degeneration.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateJul 20, 2016

World first discovery gets to the heart of birth defects

Researchers have discovered a link between cellular stress and multiple types of birth defects, including heart defects. A study led by Professor Sally Dunwoodie found that reduced oxygen levels triggered a stress response in embryonic cells, leading to heart development problems.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDevelopment·DateJul 20, 2016

Female birds call the shots in divorce

In a study of Purple-crowned Fairy-wrens, researchers found that females are more likely to initiate divorce due to dissatisfaction with their territory. Divorce allows females to gain better territories, which are crucial for reproductive success in this species.

SourceMonash University·JournalBehavioral Ecology·DateJul 20, 2016

Harvesting water from air with less energy

Scientists have developed a new system design that collects water from air with significantly less energy, producing high-quality water. This approach uses a liquid desiccant to separate vapor from air and cool only the vapor, resulting in substantial energy savings.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 20, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study shows changes in brain activity after mindfulness therapy in adolescents

Researchers found that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy increases activity in brain regions controlling emotional processing, leading to reduced anxiety in youth at risk of bipolar disorder. The study's pilot trial showed significant improvements in clinician-rated and youth-rated anxiety following 12 weeks of treatment.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology·DateJul 20, 2016

Rapid, low-temperature process adds weeks to milk's shelf life

A rapid heating and cooling process significantly reduces harmful bacteria in milk, extending its shelf life to up to 63 days. The low-temperature treatment uses heat already necessary for pasteurization to rapidly heat milk droplets, eliminating over 99% of bacteria.

SourcePurdue University·JournalSpringerPlus·DateJul 20, 2016

Rationing healthcare: More than half of US doctors say no to clinical services

A national survey found that over half of US physicians have withheld medical interventions due to cost concerns. Solo practitioners and those with conservative leanings were less likely to ration treatment options. The study highlights the complexities of resource utilization for healthcare providers in the US.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJul 20, 2016

Three new India projects to be launched

The University of Würzburg has launched three new projects in India, aiming to analyze European and Indian political thinking and develop literature in a globalized world. The projects also focus on adult education and lifelong learning, providing opportunities for students to study abroad and write their master theses.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·DateJul 20, 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.

Come on baby, (re)light my fire

Researchers found that couples who perceive their partner as responsive experience higher levels of desire, feeling special, and valuing their partner. Responsive partners convey the impression that they are worth pursuing, promoting an already valuable relationship.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJul 20, 2016

Cosmetic therapy: The link between makeup and a down economy

Women engage in cosmetic therapy to improve their professional image and achieve financial stability during economic difficulties. According to a study published in Psychological Science, women's motivations for using makeup have shifted from solely attracting a male partner to also boosting their professional ambitions.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 20, 2016

Social robots -- programmable by everyone

LuxAI creates social robots for educational and healthcare systems, with users able to program them in 20 minutes. The company uses a Robot Agent Programming Language, designed by CEO Dr. Pouyan Ziafati, to make programming accessible to non-IT experts.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·DateJul 20, 2016
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.

Menthol-like cigarettes still sold in Canada despite ban

Researchers found that despite a ban on menthol cigarettes, similar products with green coloring and 'smooth taste redesigned without menthol' are being marketed to undermine the effectiveness of the ban. The study suggests that these tactics could have an adverse impact on public health.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalTobacco Control·DateJul 20, 2016

New probe developed for improved high resolution measurement of brain temperature

A new probe allows for pinpoint brain temperature measurements in moving lab animals, precision measured to a fraction of a degree. The probe's small size enables spatially precise temperature readings from small brain areas, paving the way for real-time monitoring of brain temperature after traumatic brain injury or stroke.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateJul 20, 2016

After the age of dinosaurs came the age of ant farmers

A team of scientists discovered that ants first switched to farming fungi 55-60 million years ago, marking the beginning of a mutual adaptation. Leafcutter ants have since developed industrial-scale farming, producing protein-rich bulbs and thriving on an enormous scale.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 20, 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.

How cells master the art of reading life's recipes

A new understanding of protein creation based on RNA recipes reveals great precision in cell diversity and efficiency in ribosome reading. The research also sheds light on the interaction between ribosomes and RNA during tumor formation, potentially leading to better treatments.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature·DateJul 20, 2016

Asteroid that formed moon's Imbrium Basin may have been protoplanet-sized

A new study estimates that the asteroid that formed the Moon's Imbrium Basin was likely a protoplanet-sized object, two times larger in diameter and 10 times more massive than previous estimates. The research also sheds light on the geological features surrounding the basin, which help explain some of its puzzling characteristics.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature·DateJul 20, 2016

Urocortin-3: A signaling molecule for making friends

Research reveals that Urocortin-3 influences how mice interact with familiar and stranger mice, potentially shedding light on human social anxiety disorders. The study suggests a molecular mechanism regulating social behavior may be involved in coping with social challenges.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 20, 2016

Fungus a possible precursor of severe respiratory diseases in pigs

A research team found that a fungus, Pneumocystis carinii, plays a more important role in pneumonia than previously thought. The fungus was detected in piglets of all ages and appeared to proliferate before bacterial pathogens, suggesting it may be a 'door opener' for secondary infections.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalJournal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation·DateJul 20, 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.

High fat diet improves cartilage repair in mice

A high fat diet and increased body weight do not impair but may even accelerate cartilage repair in a mouse model. The study's findings suggest that the mechanism behind this phenomenon is related to inflammatory and metabolic changes.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Orthopaedic Research®·DateJul 19, 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.

Model helps identify drugs to treat cat eye infections

Scientists at Cornell University have developed a model system to test drugs against feline herpes virus 1 (FHV-1) in cats. Early results show that the antiretroviral drug raltegravir is effective against FHV-1, even when administered once daily.

SourceCornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine·JournalJournal of General Virology·DateJul 19, 2016

Using bed bug shed skins to combat the pest

A study by UC Riverside researchers found that bed bug shed skins retain four pheromone compounds that can be used to detect and combat infestations. The findings suggest the development of small, inexpensive monitor traps to catch living bed bugs at early stages of infestation.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 19, 2016

Using urban pigeons to monitor lead pollution

Researchers found that pigeon blood lead levels rose in summer, correlating with higher rates of lead exposure in children. Urban pigeons are being used as a monitoring tool due to their proximity to pollution sources and similarity to human behavior.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalChemosphere·DateJul 19, 2016

Comparing fungal secretions to uncover carbon compound degradation pathways

A team of researchers studied four filamentous Ascomycete fungi to understand their role in carbon degradation. They identified a wide variety of carbohydrate-active enzymes that can directly oxidize labile and recalcitrant carbon, suggesting these species play a key role in lignocellulose conversion.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 19, 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.

Newly described cellular defense activity could guide solutions to UTIs

A study by Duke Health and Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School reveals bladder cells' secreted chemicals can clear urinary tract infections. The research suggests new targets for developing remedies and provides insights into the herb Forskolin's impact on UTIs.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalImmunity·DateJul 19, 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.

An antibody-based drug for multiple sclerosis

Researchers developed an antibody that prevents the immune system from attacking the myelin sheath, reducing demyelination and axon degeneration. In experimental mouse models, treatment with the antibody blocked progression of motor disorders and reduced lymphocyte infiltration into the nervous tissue.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalBrain·DateJul 19, 2016

New study uses computer learning to provide quality control for genetic databases

A new study uses computer learning to create a standardized atlas that can automatically annotate samples, including lost metadata such as tissue type. By combining data from over 7,000 samples and 200 labs, the work represents a way to leverage publically available 'omics data while improving quality control.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateJul 19, 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.

Does hormone therapy after menopause affect memory?

A large clinical trial has found that estrogen therapy does not impact cognitive function in postmenopausal women, contradicting previous theories. The study suggests that healthy women at any stage after menopause should not take hormone supplements to improve memory.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJul 19, 2016

Ancient rocks reveal how Earth recovered from mass extinction

Scientists have discovered that iron-rich, low oxygen waters played a key role in delaying the recovery of life on Earth after the Permian-Triassic Boundary extinction. The study found that while toxic sulphides were not present, the oceans were rich in iron, which restricted marine life recovery.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 19, 2016
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

NIH awards UAB 3 maternal and infant health grants

UAB will receive $200,000 per year in base funds for the next five years through the NICHD Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network. The network focuses on addressing preterm birth through translational research, genetics, and new technologies.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·DateJul 19, 2016

Scientists watch water fleas take over new territory

Researchers created dozens of human-made ponds with cloned water fleas to understand their dispersal patterns and success in the wild. Higher genetic diversity among the clones was found to enhance the likelihood of at least one clone surviving and dominating a new pond, providing insights into aquatic ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateJul 19, 2016

Scientists create new thin material that mimics cell membranes

Researchers have developed a lipid-like peptoid material that can assemble into a sheet thinner than a soap bubble, with properties similar to those of cell membranes. The material can withstand various liquids and repair itself after damage, making it suitable for water purification, sensors, drug delivery, and energy applications.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 19, 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.

How to increase the fat burned during exercise

A new study found that p-synephrine ingestion increased the rate of fat oxidation and reduced carbohydrate oxidation during low- to moderate-intensity exercise. This suggests that p-synephrine supplements could be useful in increasing fat burn by up to 7g per hour of exercise.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateJul 19, 2016

CVIA special issue on Intervention

This CVIA special issue explores the latest research and treatments for resistant hypertension, including renal denervation and percutaneous coronary intervention. The featured papers examine the role of radiation exposure in coronary interventional procedures and the optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy after stenting.

SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateJul 19, 2016

Researchers discover altruism is favored by chance

A team of international researchers found that altruism is favored by random fluctuations in nature, proposing a simple answer to the longstanding puzzle as to why cooperation evolved. This discovery suggests that cooperators benefit more than they lose out due to random decreases in cheating populations.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 19, 2016