Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive May 2016 - Page 20


Page 20 of 38

E. coli 'anchors' provide novel way to hijack superbugs

Researchers at Monash University discovered a potential novel way to treat antibiotic-resistant superbugs by targeting the E. coli cell membrane's anchoring filaments. The 'anchors' are crucial for the bacteria to latch onto the urinary tract surface, and blocking them could lead to effective treatment.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMay 16, 2016

Canada's plans to legalize marijuana contravene UN's international conventions

Canada's plan to legalize marijuana contravenes its obligations to the UN's international drug-control conventions. The Canadian government should seek a reservation or renegotiate treaties if possible, but may need to withdraw from them altogether to avoid undermining international law.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 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.

Risk factors identified for readmission to hospital following esophagectomy

A study at Mayo Clinic found that 19% of patients undergoing esophagectomy were readmitted to the hospital, with respiratory and gastrointestinal complications being the most common reasons. Longer operations, ICU admission, and perioperative blood transfusion were identified as risk factors for unplanned readmissions.

SourceAmerican Association for Thoracic Surgery·DateMay 16, 2016

Physicians can counsel patients to prevent gun violence, experts say

Experts recommend that physicians counsel patients about firearms as part of routine care, focusing on well-being and safety, especially for children. The review paper addresses common misconceptions and provides resources for clinicians and patients to address firearm-related injuries.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 16, 2016

Slips of the lip stay all in the family

A new study from Duke University reveals that misnaming follows predictable patterns, with people often using relationship categories and phonetic similarities to mix up names. The study found that family members frequently call other family members by the name of the family dog, suggesting a special bond between humans and canines.

SourceDuke University·JournalMemory & Cognition·DateMay 16, 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.

World's richest source of oceanographic data now operational at Rutgers

The Ocean Observatories Initiative's data system is now operational at Rutgers, providing vast amounts of oceanographic data to scientists and educators worldwide. The Rutgers team has designed, built, and operates the OOI cyberinfrastructure, including the Data Portal, which offers access to the data in various formats.

SourceRutgers University·DateMay 16, 2016

Partnership prepares undergraduates to tackle cybersecurity

The Software Assurance Marketplace (SWAMP) partnership between Morgridge Institute for Research and Bowie State University integrates cybersecurity into undergraduate coding courses. This integration helps students develop prolific programming skills, including reading and interpreting code for errors. The program aims to address the h...

SourceMorgridge Institute for Research·DateMay 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.

Exercise, more than diet, key to preventing obesity

Researchers from the University of Missouri confirm exercise plays a crucial role in fighting obesity, with significant benefits for fat tissue and metabolism. The study found exercising rats developed different gut microbes than sedentary groups, despite eating the same amount of food, indicating exercise's importance in overall health.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateMay 16, 2016

Second gene modifies effect of mutation in a dog model of ALS

Scientists have identified a modifier gene that affects the risk of developing Canine Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), a disease similar to ALS in humans. Genome-wide association analysis revealed a haplotype within the SP110 nuclear body protein gene associated with increased DM risk.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 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.

JFK Partners joins launch of Spark, nation's largest autism research study

SPARK, the nation's largest autism research study, aims to collect data from 50,000 individuals with autism and their families to accelerate research and discovery. The study, led by Children's Hospital Colorado, will utilize web-based registry and DNA analysis to improve understanding of the causes of autism and develop new treatments.

SourceChildren's Hospital Colorado·DateMay 16, 2016

Maize genome 'dark matter' discovery a boon for breeders

Researchers at Cornell University and Florida State University identified a tiny percentage of regulatory DNA in the maize genome that accounts for roughly half of the variation in observable traits found in corn. This discovery enables breeders to focus on these areas for more efficient plant breeding.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 16, 2016

Cancer risk perception could lead to adverse health outcomes among women

A recent study found that minority and less educated women perceive breast cancer as a more common killer than heart disease, which may contribute to worse health outcomes. Researchers recommend that healthcare providers incorporate messages for both breast health and heart disease prevention to maximize impact.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Public Health Management and Practice·DateMay 16, 2016
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

May/June 2016 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

Researchers found that men with localized prostate cancer often underestimate their life expectancy without treatment and overestimate the benefits of surgery or radiation. This can lead to overtreatment, decisional regret, and decreased post-treatment quality of life. A recent study published in the Annals of Family Medicine suggests ...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 16, 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.

Rice-led study offers new answer to why Earth's atmosphere became oxygenated

A new study published in Nature Geoscience proposes that the rise of oxygen in Earth's atmosphere was linked to the formation of continents and life. The researchers suggest that a reduction in the efficiency of the oxygen sink, coupled with an increase in volcanic activity and carbon inputs into the atmosphere, led to two rises in atm...

SourceRice University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 16, 2016

The ATS and Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. release landmark survey

A landmark survey by the ATS and Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. reveals that seven in ten pulmonologists believe hand-held small volume nebulizers are more effective than metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) for managing acute exacerbations of COPD, particularly in severe cases. The survey also highlights gaps in physicians' knowledge about tre...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 16, 2016

Theorists smooth the way to modeling quantum friction

Theoretical chemists at Princeton University developed operational dynamic modeling (ODM), a new approach to model quantum friction, which satisfies both the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle and produces real observations. This breakthrough opens a way forward to understand not only quantum friction but also other dissipative phenomena.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMay 16, 2016

Cooling cows efficiently with water spray

Researchers found that low-flow sprinkler systems were effective in mitigating heat stress in cows, with similar benefits to high-flow systems. Cows produced more milk when given access to sprinklers, and both types provided improved behavioral and physiological responses.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·DateMay 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.

Being fit may slow lung function decline as we age

Researchers found that participants with the top quartile of baseline fitness experienced the least annual decline in pulmonary function. Sustained or improved fitness was also associated with the least decline in lung function over 20 years, regardless of obesity and smoking status.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 16, 2016

Study identifies aortic valve gradient as key to TAVR outcomes

Researchers found that patients with low aortic valve gradient and severe left ventricular dysfunction have higher mortality rates after TAVR. However, patients with this profile should still be considered for the procedure due to improved quality of life for those who remain alive one year post-procedure.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 16, 2016

Untreated sleep apnea may be related to melanoma aggressiveness

A multicenter prospective study found that untreated severe obstructive sleep apnea is associated with increased aggressiveness of malignant cutaneous melanoma. The study involved 412 patients and showed a relationship between sleep apnea and poor prognosis markers for melanoma.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 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.

Scientists identify potential marker of EoE disease activity

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have identified elevated levels of eosinophil progenitor cells in the blood of pediatric patients with active EoE disease. This finding suggests a potential non-invasive biomarker for monitoring disease activity and reducing discomfort, costs, and side effects for patients.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMay 16, 2016

Email-based exercises could improve mental health long-term

Researchers found that email-based exercises showed sustained improvements in psychological health over two years, with significant effects on stress, confidence, and gratitude. The study suggests that internet-based interventions can be an effective tool for promoting mental health.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Psychology·DateMay 16, 2016

Is laparoscopic repair of ventral hernia the ideal approach for all patients?

The article discusses patient and hernia-related factors that contribute to the success of laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. Relevant factors include obesity, smoking, diabetes, and cardiopulmonary disease, as well as hernia size, location, and recurrence.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques·DateMay 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.

Converting cells to burn fat, not store it

Researchers at McGill University have found a way to reprogram white fat cells into energy-burning beige or brown fat cells. This 'browning' process can help manage obesity and other metabolic disorders by burning excess energy instead of storing it.

SourceMcGill University·JournalGenes & Development·DateMay 16, 2016

Motivational interviewing may reduce COPD readmissions

A randomized study found that motivational interviewing-based health coaching reduced COPD-related readmission rates by 7.5% in the first month and 11% at 3 months post-discharge, leading to improved disease-specific quality of life.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 15, 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.

Lowering target blood pressure would save lives and money

A new study suggests that lowering blood pressure goals for adults at high risk of cardiovascular disease could prevent up to 43,000 additional deaths from cardiovascular disease each year. The simulation also found that intensive blood pressure treatment would be cost-effective and improve treatment outcomes for men.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalHYPERTENSION·DateMay 15, 2016

Review finds fathers' age, lifestyle associated with birth defects

Research reveals associations between fathers' age, lifestyle, and environmental factors with birth defects, which can affect not only immediate offspring but also future generations. The study finds correlations between paternal age and increased rates of schizophrenia, autism, and birth defects in children.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·DateMay 15, 2016

Home-based pulmonary rehabilitation as effective as hospital-based

A new study has found that home-based pulmonary rehabilitation can be equally effective in improving fitness and quality of life for COPD patients as traditional center-based programs. The low-cost program resulted in comparable outcomes to the hospital-based program, with no significant differences in clinical outcomes at any time point.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 15, 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.

Unveiling the electron's motion in a carbon nanocoil

The resistivity of carbon nanocoils increases with coil diameter, with a large discrepancy between CNCs and graphitized versions. The interior of the nanocoil contains a highly-disordered carbon network that affects its electrical properties.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 15, 2016

Tiny coils improve quality of life for patients with severe emphysema

The minimally invasive implantation of tiny coils improves exercise ability, lung function and quality of life for patients with severe emphysema. Patients who received coils showed a modest improvement in walking distance and lung function compared to those who didn't receive them.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJAMA·DateMay 15, 2016

Two-minute video boosts pneumonia vaccinations

A new approach using a two-minute video has been shown to boost pneumococcal vaccination rates among older adults, with 64% watching the entire video and receiving the vaccine. The study found that patients who viewed at least part of the video were three times more likely to receive the vaccine.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateMay 14, 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.

Program participation results in long-term weight loss

A study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found that long-term participation in a national weight-loss program led to significant weight loss and improved health outcomes. The researchers followed over 65,000 participants who joined the Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) program between 2005 to 2010.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·DateMay 14, 2016

Broader definition of 'severe maternal morbidity' could identify women at risk for pregnancy complications earlier, Penn study finds

A new Penn study proposes a broader definition of severe maternal morbidity to better identify high-risk patients, leading to improved care and lives saved. The expanded definition includes conditions such as postpartum readmission and significant blood loss, which accounted for most of the difference between restricted and expanded de...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateMay 14, 2016
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Clarifying the role of CHOP/GADD153 in cell death

A study reveals CHOP/GADD153-dependent apoptosis is driven by micro-RNA miR-216b expression in response to endoplasmic reticulum stress, with significant implications for various diseases. The findings provide molecular insights into the role of CHOP in regulating cell death and have potential applications for novel therapies.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 13, 2016

Uncovering the secrets of Arctic seabird colonies

Seabirds nest in areas where food is concentrated due to ocean currents and climate. The locations of nearly two million seabird colonies along Norway's coast north of the Arctic Circle are influenced by fish larvae hot spots.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 13, 2016