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Science News Archive October 2016


Page 2 of 44

New study suggests way to slow skin fibrosis in scleroderma

Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery have identified a population of stem cells called ADSCs that are reduced in number in the layer of fat sitting under the skin in patients with scleroderma. The study found that replenishing these cells with antibodies may reverse the fibrosis characteristic of the disease.

Are bedtime access, use of portable devices associated with poor sleep?

A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found a consistent association between bedtime media device use and inadequate sleep quantity, poor sleep quality, and excessive daytime sleepiness in children. Children who had access to but didn't use media devices at night also experienced similar sleep problems.

New model explains the moon's weird orbit

A new research paper suggests that the impact that formed the moon also caused calamitous changes to Earth's rotation and tilt. The model indicates that the remaining anomalies in the moon's orbit are relics of the Earth-moon system's explosive past, with a large tilt of up to 80 degrees.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Social media proves effective as a tool for antimicrobial stewardship

A new study from the University of Chicago Medicine found that social media platforms can effectively inform young physicians about proper antibiotic use, improving their knowledge and behavior. The strategy successfully directed medical residents to relevant clinical pathways, resulting in a significant increase in correct usage.

Getting into the flow: Sexual pleasure is a kind of trance

A new paper from Northwestern University researcher Adam Safron suggests that orgasm is linked to synchronized brain activity and neural entrainment, producing a sensory absorption and trance-like state. This understanding could change the way people view their sexuality, emphasizing the role of rhythmic aspects in sexual experiences.

Coherence vs. control

Researchers at UCSB explore the delicate balance between coherence and control with a simple yet complete platform for quantum processing. They successfully integrated the control of three superconducting qubits, creating an artificial magnetic field that allowed photons to interact strongly with each other and the pseudo-magnetic field.

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.

Live long and... Facebook?

A study of 12 million Facebook users found that using the platform is associated with living longer, particularly for those who maintain real-world social ties. Moderate online activity complements offline interactions, while excessive online time is linked to a higher risk of mortality.

How the fruit fly's brain knows where the fruit fly's going

Researchers discovered a neural circuit in fruit flies that creates an internal representation of direction and velocity, allowing them to navigate accurately. This finding has implications for our understanding of self-movement perception in humans and other animals.

Researchers bring eyewear-free 3-D capabilities to small screen

Researchers at Seoul National University have developed a new method to make convertible displays that achieve near-viewing capabilities without the need for eyewear. This technology simplifies and shrinks the architecture of the display, allowing for closer viewing distances and practical applicability to mobile devices.

Web-based cognitive exercises improve memory and attention in cancer survivors

A new study suggests that a widely available web-based program can help cancer survivors reporting cognitive symptoms. The 15-week program improved self-reported cognitive function, lowered anxiety and depression, and improved fatigue. Objective neuropsychological function test results were not different between the two groups.

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.

Cell extrusion mechanisms

Researchers discovered two distinct mechanisms of cell extrusion from epithelial sheets, with low-density cell crawling and lamellipodia extension being the predominant mechanism at low cell density, while purse-string contraction takes over at high densities.

Penn Dental team tweaks DNA to improve plant-based medicines

The Penn Dental team has created a genetic engineering method to improve plant-based medicines by optimizing codons in DNA sequences. This technique resulted in increased protein expression levels, with hemophilia clotting factor five to six times higher and poliovirus protein roughly 26 times higher than native sequences.

White coat hypertension may indicate risk for heart disease in some people

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that white coat hypertension is associated with an increased risk of heart disease in older patients. Researchers analyzed data from over 650 patients and found that those diagnosed with white coat hypertension were more likely to experience cardiovascular eve...

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.

Making sense of the seneses: 'Context' matters when the brain interprets sounds

A study published in Nature Neuroscience found that nerve cells dedicated to hearing rely on surrounding context to properly interpret and react to familiar sounds. Researchers observed patterns based on a basic divide in the nature of nerve cells, with excitatory and inhibitory neurons working together to balance brain activity.

Telemedicine, in addition to clinical care, may help manage diabetes

A study published in CMAJ found that telemedicine, including text messaging and web portals, can effectively manage diabetes by monitoring blood sugar levels and motivating patients. The use of interactive formats such as web portals or text messaging was most effective in controlling HbA1C levels.

Aerial surveys of elephants and other mammals may underestimate numbers

Researchers found that observers on aerial surveys miss some large animals, like elephants, due to factors such as herd size and habitat type. Their study suggests population estimates from aerial surveys are biased low by 13 percent, highlighting the importance of accurate counting for conservation efforts.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Clouds are impeding global warming... for now

Low-level clouds in the tropics cool the planet by reflecting solar radiation, but their impact on climate depends on spatial pattern. The study suggests that recent observed trends may underestimate global warming due to increased carbon dioxide.

Mystery solved behind birth of Saturn's rings

A team of researchers presented a new model for the origin of Saturn's rings based on computer simulations. The study found that Kuiper belt objects were destroyed by tidal forces when passing close to giant planets, forming icy ring systems. This process explains the compositional differences between Saturn and Uranus' rings.

Risk factors for prostate cancer aren't what we think, SWOG study shows

A SWOG study found widespread detection bias in prostate cancer biopsies, affecting younger, healthier men and those with family history or elevated PSA levels. Biases led to inconsistent results on risk factors, highlighting the need for rigorous data analysis and caution against assumptions.

Understanding mind-wandering could shed light on mental illness: UBC research

A University of British Columbia-led review of mind-wandering research provides a new framework for understanding thought dynamics, potentially improving mental illness diagnosis and treatment. The framework suggests that spontaneous thought processes, including mind-wandering, are essential for creative thinking and dreaming.

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.

Underwater mushrooms: Curious lake fungi under every turned over stone

A recent study estimated lake-wide fungal diversity for the first time and found that each habitat type has a distinct community, with biofilms being hotspots for aquatic fungi. The research highlights the importance of considering habitat heterogeneity when assessing fungal diversity in water bodies.

Watching RNA fold

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a technology platform that provides high-resolution representation of RNA folding during synthesis. This breakthrough allows for the study of RNA folding in unprecedented detail, potentially leading to discoveries in basic biology, gene expression, and disease.

Study: West Coast record low snowpack in 2015 influenced by high temperatures

A new study published in Geophysical Research Letters attributes the 2015 West Coast record-low snowpack to unusually high temperatures, not low precipitation. The researchers used a crowd-sourced supercomputer to analyze data and found that greenhouse gases contributed strongly to the risk of snow droughts in Oregon and Washington.

Screening drugs to kill cancer cells in their safe spaces

Researchers have developed a powerful screening method to identify drugs that more effectively target and kill pre-leukemic stem cells. By mimicking the bone marrow environment in a drug screening assay, they identified a compound called 2-methyoxyestradiol that reduces survival of pre-leukemic cells without affecting normal cells.

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.

New $3 million NCI grant at OU aims to help people stop smoking

A OU researcher received a 5-year $3 million grant to study the impact of e-cigarettes on smoking rates. The study will assess how effective different types of e-cigarettes are in helping smokers switch from cigarettes, and what impact switching has on cancer risk.

Weakness is good...when controlling light

Researchers at the University at Buffalo have developed a new method for controlling light using one-third of the energy typically required. The asymmetric metawaveguide technology has the potential to lead to more powerful and energy-efficient computer chips and other optics-based technologies.

How pygmy moths started to diversify 100 million years ago

The leaf-mining pygmy moths and white eyecap moths have a rich evolutionary history that dates back to the early Cretaceous period, around 100 million years ago. A new classification system has been established based on DNA analysis, revealing three new genera in South and Central America.

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.

A common heart problem caused by cancer therapy avoided blood vessel treatment

Researchers at the University of Helsinki discovered that gene therapy stimulating blood vessel growth in the heart can alleviate cardiac atrophy caused by doxorubicin. The study found that this treatment prevented blood vessel rarefaction in mouse hearts, providing a potential solution for protecting patients from cardiotoxicity.

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.

The French-Canadian connection

A study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics identified a rare genetic variation in the RNF213 gene that is linked to an increased risk of intracranial aneurysm in French-Canadian individuals. The study found that 10% of patients with IA had at least one of these variants, compared to 0% in controls.

Missing link between hemolysis and infection found

Scientists discover that heme molecule interferes with macrophage cytoskeleton, immobilizing them and preventing immune cells from eliminating bacteria. Quinine, an existing malaria medication, restores functionality of affected macrophages, paving the way for new treatment possibilities.

Canada's health accord must prioritize system innovation

The Canadian Medical Association Journal argues that a new health accord for Canada should enable wholesale change in the federal-provincial relationship. The journal calls for flexible approach to allow for health system innovation and federal funding to improve the overall healthcare system without prespecified targets.

Archaeological evidence at major risk in wetlands

Archaeological remains in wetlands are threatened by rapid organic decay caused by acidic conditions. Researchers urge reevaluation of site preservation strategies and recommend urgent excavations to retrieve valuable artifacts.

Alexander N. Zelikin receives the 2016 Research Prize for Young Scientists

Alexander N. Zelikin, a leading expert in medical polymer materials, has been honored with the 2016 Lundbeckfonden Research Prize for Young Scientists for his pioneering work on hydrogel biomaterials and enzyme-prodrug therapies. His research focuses on developing innovative solutions to complex medical issues.

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.

Vaccinating against dengue may increase Zika outbreaks

New research from York University and Xi'an Jiaotong University finds that vaccinating against dengue fever can increase the spread of Zika. The study used mathematical modeling to investigate the effect of dengue vaccination on Zika outbreaks.

Spooky new fungal disease on southern golf courses unmasked

A new species of fungal disease, Curvularia malina, has been identified on short-cut Bermuda and Zoysia grasses in southern US golf courses. The disease can cause black spots and reduce turf aesthetic quality, but proper diagnosis and management practices can mitigate its impact.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Physicists induce superconductivity in non-superconducting materials

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a novel method to induce superconductivity in calcium iron arsenide, a non-superconducting compound. This breakthrough demonstrates a concept proposed decades ago and offers a new direction for finding more efficient and less expensive superconductors.

Drones take off in plant ecological research

Researchers can now gather broad-scale ecological data using micro-unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, eliminating traditional pitfalls. Drones amass vegetation data for monitoring habitat restoration efforts, rare plant populations, and agriculture, providing large amounts of information with minimal effort.

Nanobionic spinach plants can detect explosives

MIT engineers have transformed spinach plants into sensors that can detect explosives and wirelessly relay information to a handheld device. The carbon-nanotube-enhanced plants send an alert when sensing dangerous chemicals, making them ideal for environmental monitoring.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Study links athletic performance to mortality

Researchers found that basketball players scored more points after being presented with death-related prompts, boosting their self-esteem and performance. Participants who thought about death performed 40% better in a second game and attempted more shots, suggesting a subconscious effort to regain a protective sense of self-esteem.

Results from the BIONICS trial reported at TCT 2016

The BIONICS trial found that the ridaforolimus-eluting stent was non-inferior to the zotarolimus-eluting stent in terms of target lesion failure rates and had a low rate of stent thrombosis. The study, which enrolled over 1,900 patients, showed similar outcomes for cardiac death, TV-MI, and ID-TLR.

Results of ILUMIEN III trial presented at TCT 2016 and published in The Lancet

The ILUMIEN III trial found that optical coherence tomography-guided PCI resulted in similar minimal stent area compared to IVUS-guidance, while also showing improved stent expansion and acute procedural success compared to angiography-guidance. Untreated major dissections were more common after IVUS-guided PCI than OCT-guided PCI.

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.