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Science News Archive March 2016 - Page 11


Page 11 of 41

Missed opportunities to avoid painful shocks at the end of life

Studies reveal that up to 31 percent of people with ICDs receive shocks in their last day of life due to lack of deactivation. Researchers stress the importance of informing patients about the benefits of deactivating ICDs when death is near, highlighting communication gaps and cultural challenges around end-of-life planning.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 23, 2016

New drug shows promise against muscle wasting disease

A new drug, Arimoclomol, has shown promise against muscle wasting disease inclusion body myositis (IBM) by reversing key symptoms in mice and improving muscle strength. A patient safety trial also found the drug to be safe and well-tolerated.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 23, 2016

Many women not properly informed of heart risk by their doctors

A recent survey found that nearly three-quarters of women have one or more heart disease risk factors, yet only 16% were informed by their doctors about these risks. The study highlights the need for physicians to adopt prevention guidelines and focus on monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 23, 2016

Unlocking the secrets of gene expression

Researchers have made a major breakthrough in understanding how cells find the right DNA to copy, revealing the role of TFIID and its ability to recognize different sequences for different genes. This finding paves the way for understanding and treating various malignancies.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateMar 23, 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.

Two decades have brought little change for women in cardiology

A recent survey by the American College of Cardiology found that women are underrepresented in adult cardiology, comprising less than 20% of cardiologists who see adult patients. Women also face challenges related to child care and family leave policies, with more likely to report needing additional child care during nights and on-call...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 23, 2016

Generosity and commitment to causes improve when giving is personal

Research by Minjung Koo and Ayelet Fishbach found that giving something personal, such as blood or a signature, increases people's self-perception of generosity and commitment. This change in self-perception leads to increased likelihood of future donations.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateMar 23, 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.

Same symptoms, different care for women and men with heart disease

Women experiencing suspected heart disease exhibit similar classic symptoms to men, including chest pain and shortness of breath, but differ in diagnosis and risk assessment. The study found that women have more risk factors for heart disease than men, yet are often assessed as lower risk.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 23, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

International trade damages tropical nature: NUS study

A recent NUS study found that international trade causes significant economic losses in tropical countries, with annual losses totaling US$1.7 trillion. The researchers suggest implementing measures such as an ecosystem services tax or price premiums for environmentally friendly agricultural produce to reduce deforestation and environm...

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalAMBIO·DateMar 23, 2016

NYU study examines where and why New York City retailers sell organic foods

The NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development study found that New York City retailers' decisions to sell organic food are linked to neighborhood demographics and store size. Approximately 60% of stores sold no organic foods, while about a third offered one or less than half of the available products.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Food Products Marketing·DateMar 23, 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.

Prolonged daily sitting linked to 3.8 percent of all-cause deaths

A new study found that prolonged daily sitting is responsible for 3.8% of all-cause mortality deaths, with reducing sitting time estimated to increase life expectancy by 0.2 years. The study analyzed data from 54 countries and found that sitting had a higher impact on mortality rates in certain regions.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMar 23, 2016

Workplace status matters -- but not in the way you think

A new study by Ohio State University researchers suggests that the distance between coworkers in terms of status is more important than their relative positions when it comes to helping each other. This finding challenges traditional assumptions about how status affects workplace relationships.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAcademy of Management Discoveries·DateMar 23, 2016

Concert hall acoustics influence the emotional impact of music

Researchers at Aalto University found that acoustic concert halls play a significant role in the emotional impact of music. Identically selected performances of classical orchestra music evoked stronger emotional responses when presented in acoustics of Vienna Musikverein or Berlin Konzerthaus, shoebox-type concert halls.

SourceAalto University·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateMar 23, 2016

Penn researchers identify a new cause of inherited neuropathy

Researchers discovered a new genetic cause of CMT1, a type of inherited neuropathy, linked to mutations in the peripheral myelin protein 2 gene (PMP2). The study found that 49 mutations in PMP2 could be responsible for the disease, leading to weakness and numbness in hands and feet.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalBrain·DateMar 23, 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.

You taste like mercury, said the spider to the fly

A Dartmouth-led study found that stream insects consumed by spiders transfer methylmercury to terrestrial predators, highlighting the importance of dissolved organic carbon in mediating mercury bioavailability. The research reveals a broader reach of mercury contamination than previously recognized.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalEcological Applications·DateMar 23, 2016

Oxytocin level in pregnancy predicts postpartum depression severity

A study by Northwestern University found that higher oxytocin levels during pregnancy can predict the severity of postpartum depression symptoms. The research suggests that screening for depression biomarkers in pregnancy could lead to preventive treatment, reducing the likelihood of women seeking help and accepting treatment.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateMar 23, 2016

Cellular 'light switch' analyzed using neutron scattering

Scientists have detected internal movements in LOV photoreceptors using neutron spectroscopy, which can control biological processes with light. The study highlights the potential of neutron scattering experiments for analyzing cellular processes and provides unique insights into protein functionality.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateMar 23, 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.

Sterile Box offers safer surgeries

The Sterile Box, a mobile container, sterilizes surgical instruments to minimize risk of infections in patients. The system's performance was nearly perfect in trials, and it addresses issues with unreliable power and inadequate quality control in developing countries.

SourceRice University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 23, 2016

Treating withdrawal symptoms could help cannabis users quit, study finds

A new study found that treating withdrawal symptoms can help cannabis users quit, with 85% of participants relapsing within 16 days. The study also showed that people who experienced withdrawal symptoms had difficulty staying abstinent, highlighting the need for immediate treatment.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Drug Issues·DateMar 23, 2016

A new way to determine the age of stars?

Researchers have developed a new framework to understand the evolution of sun-like stars, which can help determine their age with more precision. The model predicts that younger stars will vary significantly in x-ray emission intensity, but convergence occurs after a certain age, making them more predictable.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 23, 2016

Paradigm shift: 'We need to study lumps of bacteria'

A new study reveals that bacteria in biofilm form are stronger than single-celled bacteria and outcompete them for nourishment. This challenges the traditional view of bacterial infections and highlights the importance of treating biofilms as a distinct entity.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalmBio·DateMar 23, 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.

Increased vitamin C in the diet could help protect against cataracts

Researchers found that vitamin C intake was associated with clearer lenses and a reduced risk of cataract progression. The study suggests that increasing fruit and vegetable consumption through a healthy diet may help protect against cataracts, particularly in older adults.

SourceKing's College London·JournalOphthalmology·DateMar 23, 2016

Prooxidants may fix metabolic defect in arthritis-driving T cells

Researchers discovered that prooxidants can repair a metabolic flaw in T cells that drive rheumatoid arthritis. Treating arthritic mice with ROS-inducing drugs restored the T cells' redox balance and reduced joint inflammation.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 23, 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.

Teen dating violence prevention programs fall short

A meta-analysis of middle- and high school intervention programs found that while programs increased knowledge and changed student attitudes, they did not reduce dating violence. Small reductions in victimization were observed but not sustained over time.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalReview of Educational Research·DateMar 23, 2016

Novel stadium-based research helps us understand group dynamics

Researchers used high-definition video cameras to track strangers forming groups in a covered stadium. They found individuals joined groups with similar physical traits, including levels of attractiveness, and attractive women were more likely to be in the center of social groups.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 23, 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.

Football training reduces the risk of disease in elderly men

Regular recreational football training significantly improves health profiles in 63-75 year old untrained men, reducing body weight and risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. The study also found that football preserves muscle mass, which is essential for maintaining a physically active lifestyle in older adults.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 22, 2016

Georgia State's Deocampo participates in White House Water Summit

Daniel Deocampo, Georgia State University's chair of Geosciences, is part of the White House Water Summit to discuss sustainable water use and workforce development. The summit aims to create new jobs and economic growth through innovative technologies, with a focus on indirect potable-water reuse.

SourceGeorgia State University·DateMar 22, 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.

Changes to environment helps protect young pheasants

Research by University of Exeter found that providing early life perches to young pheasants can improve their survival rates and fitness. This is because raised perches help develop essential survival characteristics such as stronger legs, better spatial awareness, and memory. As a result, more pheasants are likely to thrive in the wild.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMar 22, 2016

Scientists distinguish molecules most capable of fighting prostate cancer

Researchers have identified 11 molecules capable of binding to the PSMA biomarker, making them potential treatments for prostate cancer. These ligands are suitable for synthesizing and have good pharmacokinetic parameters, increasing their effectiveness in clinical trials.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalJournal of Drug Targeting·DateMar 22, 2016

Genomes of chimpanzee parasite species reveal evolution of human malaria

The study reveals that Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite, has a limited genetic diversity compared to its chimpanzee and gorilla cousins. The team found an expansion of a multi-gene family in Laverania parasites that helps them evade host immune cells and clear the spleen, contributing to severe malaria pathology.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 22, 2016

Carbon leads the way in clean energy

Researchers have developed a nickel-carbon-based catalyst that replaces platinum in producing hydrogen from water, offering a cheaper alternative for renewable energy technologies. The new catalyst exhibits highly efficient hydrogen evolution performance and impressive durability.

SourceGriffith University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 22, 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.

Microagents with revolutionary potential

Researchers have created tiny particles that can be precisely controlled by magnetic fields and generate electric fields, revolutionizing medicine and regenerative therapy. These 'Janus' particles can target cancer cells with precision and efficiency, eliminating side effects.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateMar 22, 2016

Lake Erie phosphorus-reduction targets challenging but achievable

A new University of Michigan-led study concludes that meeting the goal of reducing levels of algae-promoting phosphorus in Lake Erie by 40 percent will require widespread use of strong fertilizer-management practices, significant conversion of cropland to grassland and targeted conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateMar 22, 2016

'Watchdog' for greenhouse gas emissions

Researchers at Empa combined direct measurements with a transport model to validate statistics on greenhouse gas emissions in Switzerland. The study confirms estimated annual emission of approximately 200,000 tonnes of methane, with livestock farming contributing 70% of emissions.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateMar 22, 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.

Using frog foam to deliver antibiotics

The frog foam has been shown to release model dyes and prevent in vitro growth of Staphylococcus aureus for extended periods, indicating its potential as a non-toxic antibiotic delivery system.

SourceMicrobiology Society·DateMar 22, 2016

Police view blacks as 'suspects first, civilians second'

A Michigan State University study found that protesters in Ferguson believed police perceive black people as suspects before considering them as civilians. The research aimed to investigate racial typification and its impact on police-community relations.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Crime and Justice·DateMar 22, 2016

New study ranks methods to induce labor on effectiveness and cost

A new study compared over 611 trials to find the most effective methods for inducing labor. Oxytocin, artificial rupture of membranes, and vaginally administered misoprostol were found to be more successful in achieving vaginal delivery within 24 hours.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalBJOG An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology·DateMar 22, 2016

Mixed-strain malaria infections influence drug resistance

Competition among malaria parasite strains in human hosts can influence the spread of drug resistance, according to a new study. The research found that when hosts are co-infected with drug-resistant and drug-sensitive strains, both strains are competitively suppressed, potentially leading to the emergence of resistant strains.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·DateMar 22, 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.