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Science News Archive March 2016 - Page 19


Page 19 of 41

Amping antimicrobial discovery with automation

Researchers adapted high-throughput screening technology to identify effective antimicrobial compounds against the bacterium Streptococcus mutans. The automated system delivered results indistinguishable from human-led experiments and reduced testing time by a third, paving the way for potential new antibiotics.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalAMB Express·DateMar 16, 2016

Rat problems in poor neighborhoods linked to depressive symptoms

A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health finds a significant link between rodent infestations and depressive symptoms in low-income residents. Residents in neighborhoods with rats are more likely to experience acute depressive symptoms, despite having similar perceptions of rats as those in other neighborhoods.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Community Psychology·DateMar 16, 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.

Counterattack of the hepatitis B virus

Researchers discovered how hepatitis B virus (HBV) counterattacks the host's defense system by destroying a protective protein complex. This finding suggests new avenues for developing innovative therapeutic agents targeting the X protein.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature·DateMar 16, 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.

Scaling mental resilience more effectively

Researchers at the University of Zurich developed a revised Sense of Coherence Scale to improve mental resilience assessments. The new questionnaire yields more accurate and objective results, revealing that individuals with greater resilience suffer less from depression and bereavement pain.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalEuropean Journal of Psychological Assessment·DateMar 16, 2016

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Europe 2014

A record number of 40,829 hematopoietic stem cell transplantations (HSCT) were performed globally in 2014, with 36,469 patients treated. This represents a continued increase in HSCT rates, both allogeneic and autologous, over the past two decades.

SourceEuropean Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation·JournalBone Marrow Transplantation·DateMar 16, 2016

Climate variations analyzed 5 million years back in time

Researchers studied temperature measurements, ice core data, and ocean sediment cores to analyze fractal patterns in natural climate variations. They found that the natural climate is chaotic and can be difficult to predict, with greater fluctuations during ice ages.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 16, 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.

Why some tumors withstand treatment

A new study from MIT reveals that certain cancers develop a backup system to evade treatment, which can be detected in blood samples. Combining kinase inhibitors with another drug shows promise in improving results, according to researchers.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCancer Discovery·DateMar 16, 2016

Last piece of dengue vaccine puzzle found effective in small trial

Researchers found a promising single-dose dengue vaccine effective in preventing human volunteers from contracting the virus, protecting against infection. The study's findings could be the final piece in developing an effective vaccine against dengue, which infects nearly 400 million people annually.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 16, 2016

Wetland enhancement in Midwest could help reduce catastrophic floods of the future

A recent study published in Ecological Engineering suggests that restoring wetlands in the Midwest can reduce peak river flows during floods by up to 17.5 percent. This approach could provide a natural and ecological option for flood management, serving as an additional tool for mitigating the impact of climate change.

SourceOregon State University·JournalEcological Engineering·DateMar 16, 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.

New explosion gas-signature models can help inspectors locate and identify underground nuclear tests

Scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have developed new gas signature models to aid in locating and identifying underground nuclear tests. The models use computer simulations and field experiments to track the evolution of gases from UNEs, potentially helping inspectors identify clandestine sites within a search area.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 16, 2016

Physical activity found to decrease risk of dying in COPD

A new study found that moderate to vigorous physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of death in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) after hospitalization. Patients who were active had a 47% lower risk of death compared to inactive patients.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalERJ Open Research·DateMar 16, 2016

Setting a national agenda for surgical disparities research

Leading researchers identify five priorities for surgical disparities research, focusing on improving communication, community outreach, and care quality. The national agenda aims to reduce disparities in surgical procedures and improve patient-centered care.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateMar 16, 2016

Within six families, a path to personalized treatment for an immune disorder

Researchers discovered a new class of common variable immunodeficiency disorder (CVID) caused by IKAROS gene mutations, enabling definitive genetic diagnosis and potential personalized treatment. The study found six unrelated families sharing similar symptoms and changes in the same gene, highlighting the need for early intervention.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 16, 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.

Viruses 'piggyback' on host microbes' success

Researchers found that viruses opt for 'piggyback-the-winner' strategy, integrating into hosts to reduce replication and avoid immunity defenses. This model better explains virus-host dynamics during microbial population booms.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalNature·DateMar 16, 2016

Generating electricity with tomato waste

Researchers developed a microbial electrochemical cell that harnesses tomato waste to generate electric current. The process also helps purify the tomato-contaminated solid waste and associated wastewater. With an expected scale-up, the electrical output could be increased by several orders of magnitude.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 16, 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.

Evolution meets biochemistry to better understand how dopamine receptors work

Baylor College of Medicine researchers have developed a new mathematical tool that combines biochemistry and computational analysis to identify specific structural changes in the dopamine 2 receptor, which helps maintain its structure and function throughout an evolutionary time scale. This discovery opens the possibility for better dr...

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2016

Hope for veterans with an overlooked form of post-traumatic stress disorder

A clinical study found that veterans with subclinical PTSD experience a 29% drop in symptoms after treatment, compared to 14% for those with full PTSD. This discovery highlights the potential benefits of early-stage PTSD treatment and could lead to cost-effectiveness in treating this common disorder.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Anxiety Disorders·DateMar 16, 2016

10-minute urine test can measure specific compounds from food consumed

Researchers at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center have developed a method to quickly evaluate specific food compounds in human urine. The new tool looks for isothiocyanates found in cruciferous vegetables and could help scientists identify the most beneficial anticancer foods.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·DateMar 16, 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.

Unexpected changes of bright spots on Ceres discovered

A team of astronomers using HARPS spectrograph detected the motion of bright spots on Ceres, suggesting they are composed of volatile materials that evaporate in sunlight. The study revealed unexpected variations in the spots' brightness due to the action of solar radiation.

SourceESO·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 16, 2016

IADR/AADR Publish Inaugural Issue of JDR Clinical & Translational Research

The IADR/AADR have released the first issue of JDR Clinical & Translational Research, a journal focusing on the translation of research into clinical practice. The inaugural issue covers various topics in applied oral health research, with an emphasis on rapid dissemination and application.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJDR Clinical & Translational Research·DateMar 16, 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.

Identifying priorities for surgical disparities research

Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital identified five research priorities to address health care disparities in surgical care. The top priorities include leveraging electronic health records, improving patient-provider communication, and evaluating regionalization of care.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateMar 16, 2016

Advanced energy storage material gets unprecedented nanoscale analysis

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a technique to track ion movement in the MXene material, revealing important insights into its energy storage properties. The study's findings suggest that ion insertion and diffusion play a crucial role in the material's exceptional performance.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMar 16, 2016

Coral on a chip cracks coral mysteries

A new experimental platform is providing new insights into the complex problem of coral decline. The 'coral on a chip' system allows scientists to examine living coral polyps in the lab under controlled conditions.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 16, 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.

Solving the mystery of the Tully Monster

A Yale-led team of paleontologists has determined that the Tully Monster, a 300-million-year-old animal with teeth at the end of a narrow head extension and eyes on either side of a long bar, was a vertebrate with gills and a notochord. The discovery sheds light on the creature's likely predatory lifestyle.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateMar 16, 2016

Electrical brain stimulation could support stroke recovery

Researchers at Oxford University found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) significantly improved motor skills in stroke patients. The study showed that tDCS reinforced training, leading to greater recovery and increased brain activity in relevant areas.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 16, 2016

Race and income affect responses to FDA drug safety warnings

A study found that white patients and those with lower incomes were slower to discontinue diabetes medication rosiglitazone after a FDA safety alert. Patients living in higher- versus lowest-socioeconomic status communities discontinued the drug significantly earlier.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalMedical Care·DateMar 16, 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.

Selfish bumblebees are not prepared to share

Bumblebees are unable to share their pollinating knowledge with less experienced bees, according to a study published in PLOS ONE. The researchers set up an outdoor flight cage with artificial flowers and found that more experienced bees frequently attacked newcomers who tried to copy their foraging routes.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 16, 2016

Higher volume radiation facilities associated with better survival rates

A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that patients with high-risk prostate cancer who received radiation treatment at a facility with higher volumes performed better than those treated at lower-volume facilities. The study analyzed data from 19,565 patients and found improved 7-year overall survival rates.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·DateMar 16, 2016

Two MD Anderson faculty members honored with highest distinctions from ASCO

Physician-scientists Ethan Dmitrovsky and Waun Ki Hong recognized for their efforts in cancer prevention and control. Dmitrovsky's work on retinoids has led to a significant impact on leukemia treatment, while Hong's research in cancer chemoprevention and personalized therapies has advanced the field.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateMar 16, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Allowing women to extend labor reduces rate of cesarean delivery

A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that allowing women to extend labor by four hours instead of three resulted in a significant reduction of cesarean deliveries. The incidence of cesarean delivery was about 19.5 percent in the extended labor group, compared to 43 percent in the usual labor group.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMar 16, 2016

IBS cleave few-layer samples of magnetic material NiPS3

The IBS Center for Correlated Electron Systems has successfully created monolayer and multilayer samples of the magnetic Van der Waals material NiPS3. This achievement lays the foundation for the development of high-speed, low-energy consuming semiconductors that can be integrated into various devices.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 16, 2016

Computer simulations may help golfers tame the sport's 'scariest 155 yards'

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a computer model to analyze wind conditions on the Masters' notorious 12th hole, revealing that tall tree canopies significantly impact accuracy. The system can predict wind direction and speed's effect on golf shots, aiding golfers in choosing clubs and aiming strategies.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateMar 16, 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.

Time to eat

Researchers found that circadian changes in mitochondria regulate energy levels and sugar use for energy production. The study suggests that timing of meals affects metabolic health.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2016

Making electronics safer with perovskites

Researchers at Hokkaido University are developing perovskite ceramic capacitors with improved insulating properties. The process involves sintering and annealing the material to exhibit ferroelectricity, a promising dielectric property for multi-layered ceramic capacitors.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateMar 16, 2016

Bacterial resistance to copper in the making for thousands of years

A new study finds that genetic changes in bacteria have enabled them to develop resistance to copper's antibacterial properties. This increased resistance poses an infection risk for people, particularly in areas with high copper use, such as animal feed and hospital equipment.

SourceOhio State University·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateMar 16, 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.

Scientists track down origin of bats killed by wind turbines using chemical fingerprints

Researchers used stable isotope and genetic analysis to determine the summering grounds of bats killed by wind turbines in the Appalachian region. The study found that intensive wind-energy development may affect bat species differently, with some populations better able to absorb turbine-related deaths.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalEcological Applications·DateMar 16, 2016