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Science News Archive March 2016 - Page 28


Page 28 of 41

Bioprospecting study finds biosurfactant-producing microbes target biodiversity in Latin America

A review of bioprospecting studies identifies biosurfactant-producing microorganisms and sustainable production methods to manufacture low-cost biosurfactants from agro-industrial waste. The study highlights the advantages of biosurfactants over chemical counterparts, including higher biodegradability and lower toxicity.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalIndustrial Biotechnology·DateMar 9, 2016

Child care providers need more education, training on benefits of breastfeeding, human milk

A study by University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that 60% of child care centers do not have staff trained on the benefits of breastfeeding and human milk. The researchers recommend widespread education for child care providers and staff to ensure adherence to breastfeeding support guidelines.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalMCN The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing·DateMar 9, 2016

How have gender stereotypes changed in the last 30 years?

A new study found that gender stereotypes are as strong today as they were 30 years ago, with people believing men avoid traditional female roles. Despite greater diversity, participants continued to strongly stereotype men and women on personality traits, gender role behaviors, occupations, and physical characteristics.

SourceSAGE·JournalPsychology of Women Quarterly·DateMar 9, 2016

The turbot: The first vertebrate to be sequenced in Spain

The first vertebrate to be sequenced in Spain, the Turbot has a highly developed sense of sight due to adapting to low light conditions. Its genes show high levels of fat in cellular membranes for cold tolerance, and researchers aim to use this knowledge for genetic selection programs and possible vaccines.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalDNA Research·DateMar 9, 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.

Cheap, simple tests could improve Alzheimer's disease management at the bedside

A new review proposes using cheap and quick point-of-care tests to measure beta-amyloid levels in the blood, enabling doctors to deliver personalized care and improving patients' quality of life. The tests could be especially beneficial for patients in developing countries where access to healthcare is limited.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateMar 9, 2016

Delivery strategies of chemotherapy to the central nervous system

Innovative chemotherapy delivery methods for brain tumors are explored, including intra-arterial delivery, osmotic disruption, and implantable polymers. These strategies aim to enhance therapeutic agent distribution in the CNS, raising interest in the oncology community.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Cancer Drug Targets·DateMar 9, 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.

Spotted Gar genome links humans to vertebrate ancestry

The Spotted Gar genome is a small and manageable genome that has conserved its genetic material over time, making it an out-group for evolutionary studies. The study reveals the conservation of key genes involved in enamel formation, providing clues to the evolutionary history of gene families and their role in human complex diseases.

SourceEarlham Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 9, 2016

How to make porous materials dry faster

Researchers found that subtle changes in the air-water interface shape near the surface of capillaries significantly impact drying rates. By controlling microstructure, drying time can be improved. The study's findings could lead to more efficient porous materials for various industries.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateMar 9, 2016

Vanderbilt researchers identify potential antibody treatment for H7 avian flu

Vanderbilt researchers have identified a new antibody treatment for H7 avian flu with remarkable neutralizing potency, potentially offering short-term protection to people exposed or infected by the virus. The antibodies were isolated from human monoclonal antibodies generated in response to an experimental bird flu vaccine.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 9, 2016

Research identifies first step in design of new anti-cancer drugs

A new generation of anti-cancer drugs is being designed with an agent to inhibit resistance to their effectiveness. The research identified a specific mechanism to target drug pumps in cancer cells, leading to more effective treatment options. This breakthrough could improve outcomes for patients with therapy-resistant cancers.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateMar 9, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The benefits of food processing

A new Harvard University study suggests that early humans processed meat with stone tools to reduce chewing effort, allowing for a higher-quality diet and eventual emergence of hunting and gathering. By slicing meat and pounding vegetables, researchers found a significant reduction in the number of chews required per day.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateMar 9, 2016

Plant pathologist awarded nearly $2 million

Hailing Jin, a UC Riverside professor of plant pathology and microbiology, received $1.25 million from the National Institutes of Health to study small RNA machinery in plant immunity. She will also receive $700,000 from the National Science Foundation to investigate RNA trafficking pathways between pathogens and hosts.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateMar 9, 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.

Bats in Asia found to have resistance to white-nose syndrome fungus

Researchers discovered Asian bat species have lower levels of infection and fungal loads compared to North American bats, suggesting host resistance as a possible explanation. This finding provides hope that some declining North American bat species could evolve resistance to the devastating disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·DateMar 9, 2016

Gamers don't notice the ads when they're busy killing

A study found that gamers playing violent video games recalled 51% fewer corporate brand names than those playing the same game with nonviolent goals. The study also discovered that when players' goal is killing, they notice little else - including corporate brands.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPsychology of Popular Media Culture·DateMar 9, 2016

Serotonin deficiency implicated in rheumatoid arthritis

A study in the American Journal of Pathology finds that serotonin deficiency is associated with worse rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms and pathology in mice. Serotonin or its agonists can reduce RA effects, suggesting a new therapeutic target for this debilitating disease.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateMar 9, 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.

Health insights: Fighting hypertension

African-American adults are at higher risk of developing hypertension, with nearly half being at risk. Researchers from UTA aim to understand the underlying mechanisms and develop treatment strategies to combat hypertension.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateMar 9, 2016

Want a younger brain? Stay in school -- and take the stairs

A Concordia University study found that education and daily stair climbing can significantly slow down brain age, reducing the appearance of grey matter loss by 0.95 years per year of education and 0.58 years per flight of stairs climbed.

SourceConcordia University·JournalNeurobiology of Aging·DateMar 9, 2016

A step toward reducing brain damage after stroke

Researchers have developed a tailored small molecule that dramatically reduces brain damage after a stroke by inhibiting the production of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the brain. The study shows a 70% reduction in stroke severity when tested in rats.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateMar 9, 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.

Warren Alpert Foundation Prize recognizes CRISPR pioneers

Five scientists, including Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier, received the Warren Alpert Foundation Prize for their work on CRISPR, a powerful tool for rapidly determining gene function and democratizing gene editing. The discovery has enormous potential for developing new therapies, including treatments for genetic diseases.

SourceHarvard Medical School·DateMar 9, 2016

Being bullied does not lead to higher substance abuse

A UT Dallas study found that students who were bullied in third grade did not have a greater risk of using drugs or alcohol by ninth grade. However, children who experienced the highest level of victimization smoked cigarettes or used alcohol at higher rates than high school peers.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalVictims & Offenders·DateMar 9, 2016

All we are is dust in the interstellar wind

Researchers have created a 3D map of interstellar dust reddening across three-quarters of the visible sky using data from almost one billion stars. This map reveals the structure and history of our galaxy, including the distribution of dust in the disk and the presence of ghostly trails indicating collisions with other galaxies.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateMar 9, 2016

New intervention program reduces bullying in early childhood

A new eight-week intervention program, called the Early Childhood Friendship Project (ECFP), has been shown to significantly reduce relational bullying and aggressive behavior in preschoolers. The ECFP uses puppets, stories, and activities to teach social skills and empathy.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalSchool Psychology Review·DateMar 9, 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.

Victims of violence stop breastfeeding sooner

A Norwegian study found that women who experienced childhood sexual abuse are 22% more likely to stop breastfeeding before four months. Women exposed to multiple types of violence have a 41% greater chance of stopping early. Breastfeeding helps mothers' health, but trauma can hinder it.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalBMJ Open·DateMar 9, 2016

Work climate contributes significantly to working moms' decision to breastfeed

A new study by the University of Houston found that supervisor and co-worker attitudes significantly impact working mothers' decisions to breastfeed. Women with supportive supervisors were eight times more likely to continue exclusive breastfeeding. The study highlights the importance of workplace climate in supporting breastfeeding mo...

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Organizational Behavior·DateMar 9, 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.

Artemisinin combination therapy prevents malaria in pregnancy

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) was effective in preventing malaria in pregnancy, with no reported cases among women taking monthly doses. The therapy showed better results than sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), a widely used but ineffective option due to widespread ...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 9, 2016

Scripps Florida study lays groundwork for potential bipolar disorder therapies

A new Scripps Research Institute study has identified specific genetic variations associated with increased susceptibility to bipolar disorder and other conditions. The research focuses on a gene called PDE10A, which produces proteins that regulate intracellular levels of cAMP, influencing biological processes like learning and memory.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateMar 9, 2016

Widespread use of meldonium among elite athletes, research shows

Research reveals widespread use of meldonium among elite athletes, with up to 490 athletes taking the substance during the Baku 2015 European Games. The study highlights that meldonium was detected in athletes competing in 15 out of 21 sports and that its use was significantly underreported.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateMar 9, 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.

Vision restored in rabbits following stem cell transplantation

Researchers at Cardiff University have successfully transplanted human stem cells into rabbits with corneal blindness, repairing the front of the eye and restoring vision. The study demonstrates the generation of multiple eye tissues, including the lens, cornea, and conjunctiva, from human induced pluripotent stem cells.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature·DateMar 9, 2016

'Dose-dense' chemo for premenopausal breast cancer patients improves survival

Researchers found that dose-dense adjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved overall survival after ten years by nearly a third compared to standard interval regimens. Dose-dense chemotherapy was not associated with an increased risk of treatment-induced amenorrhea, and it seemed effective irrespective of hormone receptor status.

SourceECCO-the European CanCer Organisation·DateMar 9, 2016

Expert panel urges new approaches to curtail US opioid epidemic

A report by an expert panel highlights the need for new approaches to tackle the US opioid epidemic, including multimodal pain management and optimizing health outcomes. The panel also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between healthcare providers, patient advocates, and legislators to address this growing public health issue.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalPopulation Health Management·DateMar 9, 2016

UTHealth research: Excess heat significantly affects health of migratory workers

Research by UTHealth found that hot weather significantly impacts the health of migratory farmworkers, with a higher likelihood of visiting clinics on hot days. The study suggests heat stress may be more significant in Texas due to its hotter summers.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateMar 9, 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.

New insights into the evaporation patterns of coffee stains

Researchers have elucidated new factors influencing particle deposition via solvent evaporation, crucial for microchip production. The study found that interplay between solvent convection and nanoparticle collective diffusion governs particle recede at contact lines.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateMar 9, 2016

Banning words on Instagram doesn't help -- it makes it worse

A Georgia Tech study found that Instagram's ban on pro-eating disorder terms led to communities rallying around censored words, driving up participation by 30%. Researchers suggest allowing banned terms to be searchable with recovery-related links or tweaking search algorithms instead.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateMar 9, 2016

Is educational neuroscience a waste of money?

A new study from the University of Bristol finds that educational neuroscience lacks concrete benefits for teaching and child progress in classrooms. The research criticizes the use of brain scans and other methods without solid evidence to support their effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPsychological Review·DateMar 9, 2016

Model developed to help predict risk of in-hospital death after TAVR

Researchers developed a statistical model to predict in-hospital mortality after TAVR based on over 13,000 patients. The model includes factors like age, glomerular filtration rate, and hemodialysis, providing valuable information for patient counseling and quality improvement.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateMar 9, 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.

'Big data' drills down into metabolic details

A new computational method, CORDA, models tissue-specific metabolic pathways by assigning a cost to reactions without experimental data. Researchers found key differences in metabolic similarities between healthy and cancerous tissues, including up-regulation of folate metabolism.

SourceRice University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 9, 2016

The Lancet: Low cost, 25 min TB-test could help reduce tuberculosis death rate among patients with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa

A new study published in The Lancet suggests that a low-cost, urine test to diagnose tuberculosis among patients with HIV could save thousands of lives per year in sub-Saharan Africa. The test, which provides results in 25 minutes and costs $2.66, showed an absolute reduction of 4% in TB death rate among patients with HIV.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 9, 2016

Protected Majorana states for quantum information

Majorana zero modes are present and protected in a superconducting state, storing quantum information in a way that leaves the quantum state intact when either location is disturbed. This finding verifies previous experiments and goes further by showing that Majorana modes are protected as predicted theoretically.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalNature·DateMar 9, 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.

New treatment regimen cuts severity of drug-resistant malaria in pregnancy

A two-drug preventive treatment reduces the severity of malaria during pregnancy, providing a reliable alternative to standard treatment. The study found that the treatment reduced the risk of adverse birth outcomes and placental malaria.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 9, 2016

One-size-fits-all support services don't suit needs of younger grandmothers raising grandchildren

A new study found that younger grandmothers face different needs and require unique types of support to manage depression and improve their mental health quality of life. The study suggests that age affects the effectiveness of social support services, highlighting the need for tailored interventions.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalThe International Journal of Aging and Human Development·DateMar 9, 2016

Dingo skull resistant to change from cross breeding with dogs, research shows

Research published in Evolutionary Biology has found that dingoes are resistant to changes in their skull shape resulting from cross-breeding with domestic dogs. The study used CT scans and 3D shape analyses to determine that hybrid skulls are indistinguishable from those of pure dingoes.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalEvolutionary Biology·DateMar 9, 2016