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Science News Archive May 2016 - Page 10


Page 10 of 38

Sylvester researchers identify novel treatment for aggressive form of breast cancer

Researchers at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center identified a novel treatment option for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) by targeting vitamin D and androgen receptors. This approach showed promising results in reducing the sustainability of cancer cells, offering new hope for patients with this aggressive form of breast cancer.

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·DateMay 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.

The uncertain brain: Untangling ambiguity in neural circuits

A new study from RIKEN Brain Science Institute reveals that the brain processes ambiguous associations, like those between odors and food or sounds and predators. Researchers found that the amygdala stores both memories and uncertainty in neural circuits.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 23, 2016

Blood test uncovers undiagnosed diabetes in hospital patients with high blood sugar

A study published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that a common blood test can detect hidden diabetes in hospitalized patients with hyperglycemia. The HbA1C test was used to diagnose diabetes in 31 patients, and 77% had results consistent with diabetes diagnosis.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateMay 23, 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.

Rice de-icer gains anti-icing properties

Researchers at Rice University have developed a graphene-based de-icer that can prevent ice formation above 7 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for large applications like aircraft and power lines. The material is also conductive and can be heated with electricity to melt ice and snow in colder conditions.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 23, 2016

Antihypertensive effect of fermented milk products under the microscope

Researchers reviewed scientific evidence on fermented milk's antihypertensive effects and identified opportunities to develop functional foods based on new lactic acid bacteria. The study found that some strains of Lactobacillus helveticus can reduce blood pressure, but more research is needed to confirm this.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·DateMay 23, 2016

Study finds breast and ovarian cancer may have similar origins

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found similarities in genetic and epigenetic alterations between breast and ovarian cancers. The study suggests that better understanding of these changes may lead to more effective chemotherapeutics and strategies to circumvent drug resistance.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateMay 23, 2016

Global data shows inverse relationship, shift in human use of fire

Research from the University of Colorado found an inverse relationship between fossil fuel emissions and biomass burning, with locations having high emissions being rare. The study suggests a shift towards more efficient combustion methods, potentially excluding open-fire use in landscapes.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London·DateMay 23, 2016

Mutation protects against heart disease

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine identified a rare genetic mutation that protects against chronic coronary artery diseases. Individuals with this deletion (0.8%) have lower cholesterol levels and a reduced risk of arteriosclerosis, a key factor in heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 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.

Call to minimize drone impact on wildlife

University of Adelaide researchers recommend a 'code of best practice' to minimize the impact of drones on wildlife and mitigate potential disturbances. The guidelines cover various factors, including species, environment, and UAV operation, to ensure informed use of drones in field research.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 23, 2016

Rice study decodes genetic circuitry for bacterial spore formation

Bacterial spore formation is triggered by the slowdown of cellular growth, according to a new study published in Molecular Systems Biology. The research reveals that stressed-out bacteria make life-or-death decisions to form spores due to the concentration of a key protein, which builds up during starvation.

SourceRice University·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateMay 23, 2016

Networking lets sharks off the hook

A study by ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies found that fishers who communicate with their competitors can reduce shark catches and adopt more sustainable fishing methods. By sharing information about avoiding sharks, nearly 46,000 sharks could have been saved annually in the Pacific Ocean.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 23, 2016

A peachy defense system for seeds

Researchers have developed a biodegradable seed coating that functions like nature's defense system, protecting plant seeds from insects without impairing germination. The coating has been shown to be effective against various cereal pests, including mealworms and beetles, but not against wheat weevils.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMay 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.

Vanderbilt study: Chloride 'switch' turns on membrane formation

Chloride plays a critical role in assembling collagen IV scaffolds, a fundamental step in basement membrane formation. Researchers found that chloride binds to NC1 domains, inducing a conformational change that enables scaffold assembly.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateMay 23, 2016

Rare evolutionary event detected in University of Texas lab

Researchers at UT Austin detected a rare event of intron gain in the genome, which could expand our understanding of gene expression and its impact on diseases like cancer. The study found that only two instances of intron addition occurred over nearly half a trillion attempts.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 23, 2016

A guide to CRISPR gene activation

A study by the Wyss Institute team provides a valuable guide to researchers on selecting synthetic Cas9 proteins for gene activation in various cell types. The findings identify top-performing activators and offer strategies to maximize gene expression.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Methods·DateMay 23, 2016

Harnessing the 'Natural Killer' within us to fight cancer

Walter and Eliza Hall Institute researchers have identified a protein 'brake' that controls Natural Killer cell activity, revealing a potential therapeutic target. The study showed that removing this brake improves Natural Killer cells' ability to fight metastatic melanoma, offering hope for new immunotherapies.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalNature Immunology·DateMay 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.

UCLA study identifies how brain connects memories across time

Researchers identified a possible intervention for age-related memory problems by exploring how the brain links two memories and whether time affects their connection. Boosting neural excitability may reverse age-related inability to link memories.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature·DateMay 23, 2016

Dartmouth team creates new method to control quantum systems

Researchers have designed a new class of faster adiabatic pulses that retain sensitivity to small errors, allowing for more efficient control of quantum devices. This breakthrough enables the creation of practical devices such as ultra-fast computers or precise quantum sensors.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalPhysical Review A·DateMay 23, 2016

Does sepsis keep killing months later?

Researchers investigated late mortality rates among sepsis survivors and found a high rate of death within two years. The study suggests that pre-existing health conditions do not explain the increased risk of late death after sepsis, implying that treatments may be more effective than previously thought.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe BMJ·DateMay 23, 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.

ISIS propaganda collected in real time

Researchers will collect and analyze ISIS propaganda to identify themes, claims, and polarizing language used to encourage political extremism and violence. The study aims to strengthen UK intelligence services' capabilities to combat violent organizations' initiatives.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·DateMay 23, 2016

Purdue research may expand engineered T-cell cancer treatment

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new approach to engineered T-cell cancer treatment, using adaptors to control the immune cells' activity. The technology has been tested in animal models and shows promise for treating multiple types of cancer simultaneously by targeting different tumor-specific proteins.

SourcePurdue University·DateMay 23, 2016

Discovery could energize development of longer-lasting batteries

Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas have discovered new catalyst materials for lithium-air batteries that can increase capacity by five times. The breakthrough could enable electric cars to drive 400 miles on a single charge and mobile phones to last a week without recharging.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalNature Energy·DateMay 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.

Programmable materials find strength in molecular repetition

Researchers create synthetic ring teeth proteins with varying repeats to achieve programmable materials with improved strength and flexibility. These self-healing polymers can be tailored for specific properties, such as elasticity and plasticity, making them suitable for various applications in textiles, cosmetics, and medicine.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 23, 2016

Exposure to common flame retardant chemicals may increase thyroid problems in women

A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health finds that exposure to common flame retardant chemicals may increase the risk of thyroid disease in women, particularly post-menopausal women. Women with higher levels of these chemicals in their blood are more likely to develop thyroid problems.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health·DateMay 23, 2016

Hacking memory to follow through with intentions

The study found that reminders through association, such as a visible cue at the exact moment of need, can significantly increase follow-through on daily tasks. Participants who received these cues demonstrated higher rates of completion compared to those without reminders.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 23, 2016

Colonoscopy prep may improve with some solid foods

A study found that patients who ate solid foods before a colonoscopy had better bowel preparation and higher patient satisfaction rates. The low-residue diet included foods like eggs, cheese, and chicken breast, which made the process easier and less uncomfortable for patients.

SourceDigestive Disease Week·DateMay 23, 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.

Little cost difference between tests to diagnose coronary heart disease

A prospective economic study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that computed tomographic angiography and functional diagnostic testing strategies for diagnosing coronary artery disease have similar costs through 3 years of follow-up. The study included 9,649 patients enrolled in a clinical trial between 2010 and 2013.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 23, 2016

Low- and high-birthweight babies appear at increased risk for cardiovascular disease

Research found that both low- and high-birthweight babies are at increased risk for developing dangerous fat around major organs, leading to related problems such as insulin resistance and inflammation. The association between birthweight and future cardiovascular disease may not be easily modified by healthy eating and exercise.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateMay 23, 2016

Study finds little change in the IMF's policy advice, despite rhetoric of reform

A new study has examined International Monetary Fund policies over three decades and found that the IMF has increased structural adjustment conditions to pre-crisis levels. The researchers argue that the IMF's 'reforms' are superficial and do not address the root causes of economic instability in borrowing countries.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalReview of International Political Economy·DateMay 23, 2016

How our emotions affect store prices

Retailers can boost profits by 7-10% by using higher prices with occasional sales for fashionable goods, according to a new study. The approach works because high-value customers are willing to pay more to avoid regret over not buying now, while lower-priced items attract price-conscious customers.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalManagement Science·DateMay 23, 2016

Supercrystals with new architecture can enhance drug synthesis

Researchers designed a helix-shaped supercrystal composed of quantum dots to separate organic molecules and enhance drug synthesis. The chirality of the supercrystal allows for accurate detection of chiral biomolecules, enabling precise identification of enantiomers in pharmaceuticals.

SourceITMO University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 23, 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.

In changing oceans, cephalopods are booming

A new study reveals that cephalopod populations have consistently increased over the past six decades, with diverse groups exhibiting remarkable long-term trends. The research suggests that cephalopods' rapid growth and adaptability may be key factors behind their proliferation in changing ocean environments.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 23, 2016

Using cellphone data to study the spread of cholera

Researchers at EPFL used mobile phone records to reconstruct the spread of a cholera epidemic in Senegal in 2005, revealing critical roles of human mobility patterns and sanitation infrastructure. The study's findings highlight measures to improve sanitation at transmission hotspots as key to reducing future outbreak progression.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 23, 2016

Scientists find sustainable solutions for oysters in the future by looking into the past

Researchers found that Native Americans' method of selecting and hand-collecting oysters likely resulted in more consistent average sizes and fewer very small individual oysters. This approach may inform modern-day oyster restoration efforts, which face challenges such as disease, poor water quality, and overfishing.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 23, 2016

Study reveals success of text messaging in helping smokers quit

A recent study published in mHealth and uHealth found that text messaging interventions significantly increased the chances of smokers abstaining from smoking. The intervention provided health education, reminders, and support through short messages, yielding promising results.

SourceLifespan·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateMay 23, 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.

Ivy's powerful grasp could lead to better medical adhesives, stronger battle armor

Researchers discovered that English ivy's adhesive is made of arabinogalactan proteins, which can be used to create strong bio-inspired adhesives for wound healing and surface-coating applications. The study also found that the glue has unique properties such as being resistant to moisture and environmental conditions.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 23, 2016

Yellow fever epidemic threatens to spread from Angola to China

The WHO has convened an emergency committee due to the risk of a YF outbreak in unvaccinated populations in Asia. The World Health Organization is concerned about the limited supply of vaccine, but experts warn that this poses a strong risk of epidemics.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateMay 23, 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.

Hearing snap, crackle, pop may help heal your knee

Researchers at Georgia Tech are creating a knee band that transcribes crackling knee sounds into moving graphs, which could help doctors determine if the joint is healthy or needs therapy. The device aims to provide valuable patterns from injured knees, potentially benefiting athletes and elderly patients with musculoskeletal injuries.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateMay 23, 2016

New technique controls autonomous vehicles on a dirt track

A novel technique called model predictive path integral control (MPPI) helps autonomous vehicles maintain stability at the edge of handling limits. By leveraging advanced algorithms and onboard computing, MPPI enables vehicles to optimize their trajectories in real-time, reducing the risk of accidents on hazardous roads.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateMay 23, 2016

KIT brings outstanding experimental physicist back to Germany

Wolfgang Wernsdorfer, a leading expert in molecular spin electronics, will establish the first center for molecular quantum spintronics at KIT. He aims to integrate small molecular processors into microelectronic chip technology, enabling faster and energy-efficient quantum computers.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·DateMay 23, 2016

Trial and error in viral evolution: The difference between fading out, pandemic

A team of scientists analyzed multiple studies on three well-known viral families to understand how viruses evolve and increase their genetic diversity. They found that segmented RNA viruses can replicate with a single parental line, but reassortment between viruses is limited by physical and molecular constraints.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Reviews Microbiology·DateMay 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.

Listening to calls of the wild

A new study found that listening to human vocalizations helps infants form categories, while nonhuman primate vocalizations preserve their early link between signals and categorization. This research highlights the importance of language exposure in early development.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCognition·DateMay 23, 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.

UMass Amherst researchers untangle disease-related protein misfolding

A UMass Amherst research team discovered the folding mechanism of serpin antithrombin III, a key protein in the blood coagulation pathway. They found that this protein folds to a higher-energy state, allowing it to function as a 'molecular mousetrap' and generate the work required for physiological functions.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 23, 2016

CWRU leads effort to replace prostheses with engineered cartilage

Researchers aim to create non-destructive tools to monitor and assess implantable cartilage, improving the quality of tissue and reducing variability caused by human cells. The center will serve as a resource for academic and industrial labs, disseminating findings and providing training.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateMay 23, 2016