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Science News Archive July 2016 - Page 3


Page 3 of 36

Sustainable sensors to detect, predict muscle fatigue

Researchers developed an enzyme-based sensor that uses sweat to detect lactate levels, indicating potential muscle fatigue, stress, and dehydration. The sensor is powered by a biofuel cell, providing a renewable power source for a sustainable wearable device.

SourceThe Electrochemical Society·JournalECS Journal of Solid State Science and Technology·DateJul 28, 2016

Scientists warn about health of English bulldog

The English bulldog's extreme physical changes, achieved through human-directed selection, have led to significant loss of genetic diversity, particularly in immune response genes. This reduced diversity makes it challenging to improve the breed's health from within its existing gene pool.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCanine Genetics and Epidemiology·DateJul 28, 2016

Household MRSA controlled through treatment compliance, patient education

Researchers found that educating patients on hygienic practices significantly reduced the time to clearance of MRSA, similar to antibiotic treatment. Non-compliance households took 27 days to clear the bacteria, while compliant ones did so in 23 days.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateJul 28, 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.

Planting time, flurprimidol treatments recommended for Lachenalia

A study recommends planting lachenalias in November, December, January, or February to produce healthy compact plants. Soaking bulbs in flurprimidol at a concentration of 30 mg·L-1 can also enhance plant appearance and marketing quality.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateJul 28, 2016

Sex and death insights from a mutant roundworm

Researchers at Georgia Tech discovered a genetic mutation in C. elegans that led to prioritization of adult survival over reproduction, revealing insights into life history trade-offs and their regulation. The study's findings have implications for understanding human genetics, particularly the NURF-1 gene involved in reproduction.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJul 28, 2016

Sampling method used for new breast cancer tests may lead to underestimation of risk

Researchers at University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute found that tumor sampling techniques used with new breast cancer tests may lead to underestimation of risk. The study suggests that refining the sampling process is crucial to ensure accurate treatment plans for patients with more aggressive tumors.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJul 28, 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.

New material could advance superconductivity

Researchers at Carnegie Institution have produced a new class of materials blending hydrogen with sodium, which could advance superconductivity and be used for hydrogen-fuel cell storage. The discovery confirms theoretical predictions and opens up possibilities for metallic high-temperature superconductors.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 28, 2016

Even mild vision impairment has influence on quality of life

Research reveals a significant association between visual health and social determinants of general health, including education, socio-economic status, and ethnicity. The study found that even mild vision impairment can have a substantial impact on daily life, increasing the risk of unemployment and mental health issues.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateJul 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.

Should crime victims call the police?

A nationwide study of over 18,000 crime victims found that reporting initial experiences to police reduces the likelihood of future victimization. The researchers suggest increased awareness and services for victims after reporting contribute to this effect.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 28, 2016

Why brain neurons in Parkinson's disease stop benefiting from levodopa

UAB researchers have discovered that levodopa induces widespread DNA methylation changes in brain cells that contribute to the development and maintenance of levodopa-induced dyskinesia. Modulating global DNA methylation may be a novel therapeutic target to prevent or reverse this condition.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·DateJul 28, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tooth wear sheds light on the feeding habits of ancient elephant relatives

Researchers have reconstructed the feeding habits of ancient elephants in China over the last two million years using tooth wear analysis. Sinomastodon and Stegodon coexisted before Sinomastodon's extinction, while Elephas showed a more catholic feeding habit incorporating both grazing and browsing.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalQuaternary International·DateJul 28, 2016

Stanford study identifies brain areas altered during hypnotic trances

Researchers identified three key brain regions involved in hypnosis, including decreased activity in the dorsal anterior cingulate and increased connections between the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the insula. These changes may help understand how hypnosis affects perception and body control.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateJul 28, 2016

Rapid evolution helps plants disperse in disrupted environments

Rapid evolution enables plants to disperse more efficiently in disrupted environments, spreading up to three times farther than non-evolving counterparts. In patchy landscapes, evolving populations exhibit greater heights, facilitating seed dispersal.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 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.

Russian scientists discover how certain proteins may help fight chlamydia

Researchers found that PGLYRPs can inhibit chlamydia infections by targeting the bacteria's stress response system. The study confirmed that PGLYRP solutions reduced the number of chlamydial inclusions by 10 times, and improved understanding of potential antichlamydial drug targets.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalInfection and Immunity·DateJul 28, 2016

New noninvasive imaging method for showing oxygen in tissue

A team of scientists developed a new approach to visualize oxygen in tissue, using optoacoustic methods and a novel algorithm that corrects for light propagation effects. This non-invasive imaging method achieves high accuracy and resolution, enabling the study of various medical conditions such as tumor growth and metabolism.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 28, 2016

Earth's mantle appears to have a driving role in plate tectonics

Researchers found evidence that the mantle flows in a direction ahead of recent changes in plate motion, suggesting it may be responsible for past and current changes. The study also explored magma supply under mid-ocean ridges, finding larger volumes at segment ends than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 28, 2016

Twisted optics: Seeing light from a new angle

Researchers developed a micro-scale twisted optics technique to store more information in light, enabling faster data transmission. The method uses angled light and strategically placed germanium layers to guide waves unidirectionally through a micro-ring.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 28, 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.

Insurance, distance to care can be barriers to breast reconstruction

A study found that women with Medicaid or Medicare had lower odds of receiving breast reconstruction compared to those with private insurance. Distance to the nearest plastic surgeon also predicted lower rates of reconstruction. The researchers highlight additional barriers to access beyond socioeconomic class, age, and race.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateJul 28, 2016

International partnership established to tackle antimicrobial resistance

The Combating Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator (CARB-X) brings together industry, philanthropy, government, and academia to rejuvenate the antimicrobial pipeline. The partnership aims to deliver a growing portfolio of new antibiotics, diagnostics, and vaccines to tackle untreatable bacterial infections.

SourceBoston University·DateJul 28, 2016

Monsoon intensity enhanced by heat captured by desert dust

A new study published in Scientific Reports found that mineral dust from the Middle East can strengthen the Indian Summer Monsoon by heating the atmosphere. This heat absorption affects monsoon rainfall, with more efficient-absorbing dust linked to increased rainfall.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 28, 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.

The Lancet Psychiatry: Locked door policy in mental health hospitals is no better than open doors at preventing patient suicide or unauthorized absence, says study

A new 15-year study of 145000 patient cases found that locked wards do not reduce the risk of suicide attempts or unauthorized absence from hospital. In contrast, patients treated on open wards are less likely to attempt suicide and have a lower likelihood of absconding.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateJul 28, 2016

Acute kidney injury identifiable in preterm infants

A study published in Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that preterm infants with acute kidney injury have distinct protein profiles in their urine compared to those with healthy kidneys. This discovery could help physicians diagnose kidney health in newborns and improve treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 28, 2016

Discovery of a novel gene for hereditary colon cancer

Scientists have identified a rare genetic alteration in the MSH3 gene that is associated with a new form of hereditary colon cancer. The discovery has significant implications for diagnosis and treatment, as it offers a clear diagnosis for some cases of polyposis and allows for targeted surveillance and prevention.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJul 28, 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.

Social media linked to more satisfaction with breast cancer treatment decisions

A study from Michigan Medicine found that women who engaged on social media after a breast cancer diagnosis expressed more deliberation about their treatment decision and more satisfaction with the path they chose. However, the researchers also identified significant barriers to social media use among certain groups of patients.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateJul 28, 2016

Vortex laser offers hope for Moore's Law

A new light-based communication tool can carry data in a swift, circular motion, potentially solving an approaching data bottleneck. The optics advancement could become a central component of next generation computers designed to handle society's growing demand for information sharing.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScience·DateJul 28, 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.

Two proteins safeguard skin stem cells

Researchers have identified two proteins that safeguard skin stem cells, which are essential for skin renewal and regeneration. The study reveals that without these proteins, skin stem cells collapse and disappear from the tissue.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 28, 2016

New genetic syndrome tied to defects in protein transport

Researchers have identified a new genetic syndrome tied to defects in protein transport, causing craniofacial abnormalities and developmental delays. The study found that mutations in the ARCN1 gene disrupt normal protein trafficking, leading to intellectual disability and bone development issues.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJul 28, 2016

ACMG releases updated position statement on noninvasive prenatal screening for detection of fetal aneuploidy

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics has released an updated position statement on noninvasive prenatal screening for detection of fetal aneuploidy. The guidelines provide recommendations for obstetric care providers and patients regarding the use of noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) in prenatal practice.

SourceAmerican College of Medical Genetics and Genomics·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateJul 28, 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.

Discovery of new Hepatitis C virus mechanism

Researchers at Osaka University identified a new drug target by inhibiting the SPP enzyme, reducing HCV particle production and improving pathological liver conditions. The discovery also revealed a protein quality control mechanism that could be useful for treating other diseases.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 27, 2016

Faces aren't always to be believed when it comes to honesty

Researchers found that people make judgments of trustworthiness based solely on facial features, not expressions. Certain features like higher eyebrows and rounder faces are perceived as trustworthy, while others like downturned eyebrows can be seen as untrustworthy.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·DateJul 27, 2016

Selfie righteous: New tool corrects angles and distances in portraits

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new method to transform individual selfies by adjusting angles and distances, creating more realistic images. The tool can also be used to generate 3-D head shots and potentially even create 'live' photos that seem to move.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateJul 27, 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.

Voice control in orangutan gives clues to early human speech

A new study published in Scientific Reports suggests that orangutans have the potential capacity to control their voices, which could have led to the evolution of human speech. The research found that an adolescent orangutan named Rocky was able to copy the pitch and tone of sounds made by researchers, mimicking vowel-like calls.

SourceDurham University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 27, 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.

AAN: Closure not recommended for people with heart defect and stroke

The American Academy of Neurology recommends that individuals with a patent foramen ovale (PFO) who have had a stroke do not need routine catheter-based closure, due to limited evidence supporting its effectiveness. Instead, antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin are recommended to prevent blood clots.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJul 27, 2016

Avoiding stumbles, from spacewalks to sidewalks

Researchers at MIT have developed a new space boot with built-in sensors and haptic motors that can guide the wearer around or over obstacles. The boot uses vibrations to provide navigation cues, which could be beneficial for both astronauts in space and visually impaired individuals on Earth.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJul 27, 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.

Gene therapy in a droplet could treat eye diseases, prevent blindness

Researchers have developed a gene delivery system that can be applied as an eye drop, rapidly moving from the surface to the retina and remaining for over eight hours. This method shows promise for treating several eye diseases, including diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJul 27, 2016

Combining Ipilimumab with local treatments improved survival for patients with melanoma

A retrospective clinical study found that patients with melanoma who received both ipilimumab and local peripheral treatments had significantly prolonged overall survival compared to those who received only ipilimumab. The median overall survival for these patients was 93 weeks, compared to 42 weeks for those receiving only ipilimumab.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Immunology Research·DateJul 27, 2016

Could microbiome disruptions explain HIV-exposed babies' poor health?

HIV-infected mothers' breast milk alters oligosaccharide composition, leading to less diverse and immature gut microbiomes in their uninfected infants. This study suggests preventing microbiome disruptions may improve HIV-exposed babies' health.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 27, 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.