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Science News Archive May 2016 - Page 32


Page 32 of 38

Improvements to online health information can help reduce barriers to care for pancreatic cancer

A new study found that online information about pancreatic cancer is often written at a reading level beyond the sixth grade, making it inaccessible to the general population. The research highlights the need for accurate and understandable health information to empower patients in making informed decisions about their care.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateMay 5, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Gene replacement therapy offers viable treatment option for fatal disease

Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a gene replacement therapy to treat and control Spinal Muscular Atrophy with Respiratory Distress Type 1 (SMARD1). The therapy, administered in a single dose, has shown significant improvements in muscle strength, protein expression, and life span in SMARD1 mice. This study provi...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateMay 5, 2016

Recipients of 2016 Gruber Cosmology Prize announced

The Gruber Foundation Cosmology Prize recognizes the first observation of gravitational waves by the LIGO team, confirming a key prediction of Einstein's theory of general relativity. This achievement opens up new means of studying the universe and provides direct evidence for the existence of black holes.

SourceInternational Astronomical Union·DateMay 5, 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.

Breastfeeding is good for yet another reason, researchers discover

Researchers at UC Berkeley discover that antibodies in mother's milk help promote a healthy balance between gut microbes and the mammalian host, preventing chronic inflammatory conditions. The study sheds light on how these antibodies interact with the newborn's immune system to establish lifelong immune responses.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalCell·DateMay 5, 2016

Advances in medical care have led to type 1 diabetes boom

Researchers found a direct correlation between increased life expectancy and the rise in type 1 diabetes cases globally. The study suggests that advances in medical care have reduced natural selection, allowing the underlying genetics of the disease to be passed from one generation to the next.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care·DateMay 5, 2016

Technique rapidly reveals individual gene function

A team of researchers developed a CRISPR-based technique to rapidly identify gene variants, improving efforts to map genes and determine their function. The method induces mitotic recombination, allowing for detailed mapping of trait variants, as demonstrated by identifying a genetic mutation affecting yeast sensitivity to manganese.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 5, 2016

Climate change may contribute to rising rates of chronic kidney disease

Research suggests that climate change and resulting water shortages are linked to an increase in chronic kidney disease caused by dehydration and heat stress. The study found that rural hot communities are disproportionately affected, with risks increasing for cognitive dysfunction, malnutrition, and other conditions.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 5, 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.

Sea star juveniles abundant, but recovery is anything but guaranteed

A recent study by Oregon State University researchers found an unprecedented abundance of juvenile sea star offspring along the Oregon coast, but warns that a second wave of the deadly 'sea star wasting disease' could be disastrous. The disease nearly wiped out the population in 2014 and its impact on the ecosystem is still unknown.

SourceOregon State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 5, 2016

Scientists are first to discover sensory system that detects air humidity

A research team from Northwestern University and Lund University has identified a sensory system in fruit flies that directly detects air humidity, allowing them to adapt to changing environments. Understanding this ability could lead to new tools for mosquito control and inform the prediction of species distribution under global warming.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 5, 2016

Thinking differently could affect power of traumatic memories

A study from Kings College London and Oxford University found that training in concrete processing can reduce PTSD symptoms by altering the way people think about traumatic memories. Concrete processing involves focusing on how a situation is unfolding, whereas abstract processing involves analyzing why something is happening.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalBehavior Therapy·DateMay 5, 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.

UCI astronomers determine precise mass of a giant black hole

Researchers use ALMA's high-resolution data to map the rotation of cold molecular gas and dust orbiting a giant elliptical galaxy, determining the massive supermassive black hole at its center has a mass 660 million times greater than the Sun. The precise measurement is among the most accurate for a galaxy's central black hole.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 5, 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.

Intestinal worms boost immune system in a surprising way

Researchers discovered that intestinal worm infections trigger a significant increase in lymph node size and B-cell production, leading to enhanced antibody response. The study provides new insights into the complex interactions between the host and parasites.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 5, 2016

Exploiting male killing bacteria to control insects

Researchers discovered a key mechanism driving a bacterium that kills male insects, which could be exploited to control pest species. The study found that the bacteria targets the dosage compensation complex, leading to genome-wide misregulation of gene expression.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 5, 2016

Study points to therapeutic target for common and aggressive ovarian cancer

A new study published in Cell Reports identifies microRNA molecule miR551b as a promising candidate biomarker and therapeutic target for treating ovarian cancers. The research found that targeting miR551b expression could block STAT3 activity, offering potential for treating the most common and deadly form of ovarian cancer.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 5, 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.

Scientists to use microbes and methane to create sustainable Omega 3

Researchers at the University of Nottingham are using synthetic biology and microorganisms to ferment methane gas into valuable nutritional supplements. The project, called PUFA, has the potential to provide an alternative source of Omega 3 fatty acids that are both sustainable and economical.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateMay 5, 2016

Starving cancer the key to new treatments

Researchers identified a vital supply route for cancer cells to obtain nutrients, blocking this pathway led to significant tumor growth reduction. The discovery offers new hope for developing targeted treatments with fewer side effects.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 5, 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.

Antibody targets and destroys cells implicated in systemic lupus erythmatosis

A new antibody, CSL362, specifically targets and depletes plasmacytoid dendritic cells and basophils involved in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This depletion reduces production of type 1 IFN and prevents expansion of antibody-producing cells, showing promise as a potential therapeutic target for SLE treatment.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJCI Insight·DateMay 5, 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.

Improved insulin signaling reduces atherosclerosis in mouse models

Researchers found that increased insulin signaling reduces atherosclerosis development and improves aorta function in atherosclerosis-prone mice. The anti-atherogenic effects were linked to induction of nitric oxide and activation of downstream pathways, including endothelin receptor B (EDNRB).

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJCI Insight·DateMay 5, 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.

Molybdenum disulfide holds promise for light absorption

Researchers at Rice University have successfully absorbed 35-37% of incident light in atomically thin MoS2, paving the way for efficient and inexpensive photovoltaic solar panels. The team's findings enhance light absorption by 5.9 times compared to using MoS2 on a sapphire substrate.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Photonics·DateMay 5, 2016

First gene linked to temperature sex switch

A study in GENETICS identifies the first gene associated with temperature-dependent sex determination in reptiles, highlighting the role of genetic variation and climate change. The research found that a specific DNA sequence variation at the CIRBP gene influences sex ratio in snapping turtles.

SourceGenetics Society of America·JournalGenetics·DateMay 5, 2016

The price of IVF: Study examines financial savings vs. medical complication costs

A new UVM study examines the trade-offs between IVF financial savings and medical complications from multiple embryo transfers. The research found increased rates of cesarean-section deliveries, premature births, and low birth weight with two or more embryos transferred into the mother at one time.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalApplied Health Economics and Health Policy·DateMay 5, 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.

River shaping from floods happens in moderation

Researchers found that moderate floods have a significant impact on river shaping, increasing erosion rates. However, extreme floods have limited additional effect on channel geometry, suggesting that landscapes can stabilize over long-term climate shifts.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 5, 2016

Why vultures matter -- and what we lose if they're gone

The primary threat to vultures is the presence of toxins in carrion they consume, leading to declines or extinctions of most vulture species worldwide. In their absence, other scavengers proliferate, causing a cascading effect on food webs and human populations.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalBiological Conservation·DateMay 5, 2016

A crack in the mystery of 'oobleck' -- friction thickens fluids

Researchers from NIST and Georgetown University have deciphered the mechanisms behind 'oobleck''s switch between liquid and solid states. They found that shear-thickening fluids are driven primarily by frictional contacts, with hydrodynamic forces playing a supporting role at lower concentrations.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 5, 2016

A sex difference in sports interest: What does evolution say?

A recent review article synthesizes theoretical and empirical work on sex differences in sport involvement, finding females' underrepresentation reflects their lesser sports interest. The authors propose adaptive hypotheses for sports, including the importance of social skills and courtship displays.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalEvolutionary Behavioral Sciences·DateMay 5, 2016
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

ALMA measures mass of black hole with extreme precision

A team of astronomers used ALMA to measure the speed of carbon monoxide gas orbiting a supermassive black hole, calculating its mass as 660 million times greater than our Sun. This precise measurement is crucial for understanding these cosmic behemoths and their role in galaxy evolution.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 5, 2016

Potato plants trigger aboveground defenses in response to tuber attacks

Researchers at the Boyce Thompson Institute discovered that potato plants boost chemical defenses in their leaves when Guatemalan tuber moth larvae feed on their tubers. This response protects against leaf-eating pests like beet armyworms, allowing plants to maintain sugar production and grow more tubers. The study may help reduce pota...

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalOecologia·DateMay 5, 2016

Floods and coastal erosion may expose contents of UK landfills, study finds

A new study from Queen Mary University of London found that historic UK landfills in England and Wales contain high levels of contaminants that could harm marine life if eroded or flooded. The analysis of two landfill sites in Essex revealed pollutants at concentrations exceeding marine sediment quality guidelines, posing a significant...

SourceQueen Mary University of London·DateMay 5, 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.

Testing non-breast cancer genes in high-risk women leaves more questions than answers

A new study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania's Abramson Cancer Center found that testing non-breast cancer genes in high-risk women does not add clinical benefit. The study analyzed a large panel of genes and found that many variants were of uncertain significance, adding complexity to genetic counseling.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 5, 2016

Type 2 diabetes drug trials unnecessarily exclude women

Research reveals that type 2 diabetes drug trials frequently exclude women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or may become pregnant without clear justification. The criteria most often excluded women who were currently pregnant or breastfeeding, but more than 50 studies excluded all women of childbearing potential.

SourcePenn State·JournalDiabetes Care·DateMay 5, 2016

Research collaboration IDs serum biomarkers that predict preclinical IBD development and complications

Using clinical data from over 7 million US armed forces members, researchers identified patients with Crohn's disease and found that specific antimicrobial antibodies in their serum samples were associated with increased risk of complications. These biomarkers could potentially predict IBD development and inform preventive strategies.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·DateMay 5, 2016

Stem cell therapy shows potential for difficult-to-treat RA patient population

A study using stem cell therapy to treat refractory angina (RA) demonstrated promising results, including improved exercise time, reduced angina, and lower mortality rates. The treatment showed potential for difficult-to-treat RA patient population, offering a new approach for patients with limited treatment options.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·DateMay 5, 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.

Bee model could be breakthrough for robot development

Researchers at the University of Sheffield developed a computer model to understand how bees use vision to avoid collisions. The model suggests that adding speed detection capabilities to existing motion-direction detecting circuits could enhance the navigation and routing algorithms for autonomous flying robotics.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield - Faculty of Engineering·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMay 5, 2016

Drug combination could help reduce risk of death in type 2 diabetes

A new study by Cardiff University found that combining insulin with metformin reduces mortality and heart attacks in people with type 2 diabetes. The researchers tracked 12,020 patients for three and a half years on average, finding no difference in cancer risk between single-insulin therapy and combination treatment.

SourceCardiff University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 5, 2016

SkinTrack technology turns arm into smartwatch touchpad

Carnegie Mellon researchers have developed SkinTrack technology that converts the entire lower arm into a touchpad, providing continuous touch tracking and discrete location detection. The system allows for functionality similar to buttons or slider controls, while maintaining high accuracy.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateMay 5, 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.