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Science News for September 1, 2016


Genome-wide Toxoplasma screen reveals mechanisms of parasitic infections

A genome-wide CRISPR screen in Toxoplasma identifies essential apicomplexan genes contributing to parasite fitness during human cell infection. The study also reveals a protein called claudin-like apicomplexan microneme protein (CLAMP) with a strong effect on the parasite's invasion of host cells.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalCell·DateSep 1, 2016

The threat of group extinction proves a powerful motivator

Researchers found that group extinction significantly increases cooperation within groups, with contributions averaging 92% of the endowment. This effect persists even after removal of the selection mechanism, suggesting that the threat of group extinction is a powerful motivator for cooperation.

SourceRice University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 1, 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.

Technology and innovation not driven by climate change

A recent study published in PLOS ONE suggests that climate change was not a primary driver of technological innovation among Stone Age humans. Researchers analyzed animal remains from South Africa's southern Cape, finding that human populations were able to absorb changes to the climate through resources like long-distance contact and ...

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 1, 2016

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: Climate and air travel maps identify countries in Africa and Asia at greatest risk of Zika virus

A new study identifies countries in Africa and Asia at greatest risk of Zika virus transmission due to climate, mosquito presence, and large populations. The analysis highlights India, the Philippines, Indonesia, Nigeria, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Bangladesh as top countries, emphasizing the need for public health decision-making support.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateSep 1, 2016

'Gambling' wolves take more risks than dogs

In a study published in Frontiers in Psychology, scientists found that wolves are consistently more prone to take risks when gambling for food than dogs. The researchers trained 7 wolves and 7 dogs to choose between a safe option and a risky option with uncertain rewards, and the results showed that wolves chose the risky option in 80%...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateSep 1, 2016

Zika reference strain sequenced -- Will aid in diagnosis, screening

A Zika virus reference strain has been sequenced to aid in diagnosis and screening of the disease. The strain will be used as a World Health Organization reference strain to identify Zika virus infection in the blood, making it easier to diagnose the disease.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalGenome Announcements·DateSep 1, 2016

Deadly duo

Researchers found that killer shrimps drove native amphipods out of hiding places, making them easy prey for round gobies. The invasive crustaceans played an indirect role in the decline of native species.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalBMC Ecology·DateSep 1, 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.

Subantarctic seabed creatures shed new light on past climate

A new marine biodiversity study reveals the impact of glacial events on subantarctic seabed animals, providing insights into the extent of South Georgia's ice sheet during the Last Glacial Maximum. The research found that most seabed species have not moved far back to recolonize the coast despite having thousands of years to recover.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalJournal of Biogeography·DateSep 1, 2016

Keeping cool without losing your shirt

AAAS researchers have developed a new type of cloth that can reflect sunlight while allowing heat to radiate from the body, potentially reducing energy costs associated with air conditioning. The fabric, made from nanoporous polyethylene, passes 96% of infrared radiation through its pores, making it highly effective at keeping cool.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 1, 2016

A new tool for wetland management

Researchers at Utah State University have developed a new tool to help wetland managers create healthier, more productive wetlands. The computer model suggests altering water levels in individual diked wetland units and focusing on invasive plant control at a specific time of year.

SourceUtah State University·JournalWater Resources Research·DateSep 1, 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.

A missing influence in keeping diversity within the academy?

A recent study of science PhDs found that nearly two-thirds chose employment outside academic science, with reasons including autonomy, leadership roles, and high salaries. The researchers suggest that formal support networks could have provided an opportunity for URM PhDs to stay in faculty career paths

SourceAmerican Society for Cell Biology·DateSep 1, 2016

Politics affect views on healthcare quality -- but not on personal experience with care

A recent study published in the Journal for Healthcare Quality found that Democrats and Republicans have different views on the quality of healthcare, but those with recent illnesses had similar experiences. The research suggests that political differences in opinions about government regulation may contribute to these disparities.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal for Healthcare Quality·DateSep 1, 2016
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.

Study links autism severity to genetics, ultrasound

A study by researchers at UW Medicine and Seattle Children's Research Institute found a link between exposure to diagnostic ultrasound in the first trimester of pregnancy and increased autism symptom severity. The study suggests that current FDA guidelines may need to be revised to account for this potential risk.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalAutism Research·DateSep 1, 2016

Parents' math skills 'rub off' on their children

A recent University of Pittsburgh study found that parents' math skills are associated with their children's performance on standardized tests and may be influenced by an intuitive sense of numbers. The research suggests that parental influence can play a significant role in shaping children's mathematical abilities.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateSep 1, 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.

NASA's GPM sees increasingly organized Tropical Storm Hermine

Tropical Storm Hermine strengthened and organized in the Gulf of Mexico, with intense storms detected by NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission. Rainfall rates reached over 9.9 inches per hour in powerful storms southwest of the storm's center.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 1, 2016

Unique health survey of Finnish cats reveals common and breed-specific illnesses

A unique health survey of Finnish cats has identified common health issues such as mouth, skin, and kidney problems, as well as nearly 60 breed-specific illnesses. The study provides valuable information for preventing disease and developing breeding programs, highlighting the importance of genetic research and improving cat welfare.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·DateSep 1, 2016

Genetic intersection of neurodevelopmental disorders and shared medical conditions

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles analyzed gene-disease findings to understand the co-occurrence of neurodevelopmental and mental illness with physical disorders. The study highlights the importance of a holistic approach to treating individuals, focusing on both physical and mental symptoms.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateSep 1, 2016

Dengue vaccine could increase or worsen dengue in some settings

Researchers find that a widely available dengue vaccine could worsen the disease in some settings, particularly in low-transmission areas. The vaccine has shown to reduce illness and hospitalization by 20-30% in high-transmission countries but may increase these rates in locations with lower transmission.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalScience·DateSep 1, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Are promises made to living donors being upheld?

A new study found that some living kidney donors are not given prompt access to transplantation when they need a transplant. The study examined data from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) and found that only 40-50 prior living donors are added to the kidney waiting list each year.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 1, 2016

Synthetic heart valves could help surgeons improve surgical skills

Researchers at UBC Okanagan campus develop synthetic heart valves made of polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel, reducing the need for animal tissues in bypass surgery. The new material allows surgeons to practice techniques in a more realistic and safe environment.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalCardiovascular Engineering and Technology·DateSep 1, 2016

Researchers find vulnerabilities in cars connected to smartphones

A recent study found that MirrorLink, a system allowing vehicles to communicate with smartphones, has significant security vulnerabilities. Hackers can exploit these weaknesses to control safety-critical vehicle components, posing a risk to driver safety and security.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·DateSep 1, 2016

Making the switch, this time with an insulator

Researchers at Colorado State University have demonstrated a new method for switching magnetic moments of electrons in a thin film of barium ferrite, a magnetic insulator. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and lower power computer memory devices.

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 1, 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.

Immersion pulmonary edema may cause swimming deaths during triathlons

A study published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine found a higher prevalence of heart abnormalities, including left ventricular hypertrophy, among triathletes who died during the swim portion of competitions. This suggests a plausible link between immersion pulmonary edema and swimming-related deaths in endurance athletes.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalBMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine·DateSep 1, 2016

Bacterial membrane vesicles can cause preterm birth

Research reveals GBS produces membrane-bound vesicles containing toxins and immune-modulators that can attack the host, leading to inflammation of membranes surrounding the fetus. The study shows that these vesicles can induce preterm birth and fetal injury in mice, with approximately 60% of fetuses born prematurely.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateSep 1, 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.

Lung disease costs set to rise to £2.5bn per year, experts project

Experts predict a significant increase in lung disease cases due to rising smoking rates and longer life expectancy, with over 1.3 million cases projected in England by 2030. The condition is expected to cost £2.5 billion annually, with more women than men affected, mainly due to their longer average lifespan.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 1, 2016

Study finds heart infections increasing among younger injection drug users

A new study published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases found an increasing proportion of hospitalizations for infective endocarditis linked to injection drug use among younger patients, including more white and female individuals. The study suggests a growing need for programs and services to prevent these deadly and costly infections.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalOpen Forum Infectious Diseases·DateSep 1, 2016

Location, location, location: Cellular hotspots for tumors and regeneration

Two studies reveal unique properties of cells in Drosophila larvae that exhibit resistance to cell death and participate in tissue regeneration. Cells from specific 'tumor hotspots' express conserved signaling pathways necessary for tumor formation, while deregulation of these pathways is implicated in human cancer therapy resistance.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 1, 2016

Ceres: The tiny world where volcanoes erupt ice

Researchers find that Ahuna Mons, a volcano on Ceres, is built from ice and was formed through cryovolcanism. The discovery confirms that Ceres' interior has kept warm enough for liquid water or brines to exist in recent geological time.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateSep 1, 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.

Parental psychiatric disease linked with elevated risks of attempted suicide and violent offending during adulthood

A strong correlation has been found between parental psychiatric disorder and the increased risk of suicide attempts and violent behavior in their children. The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, reveals that risks for offspring suicide attempt and violent offending were raised across almost all parental psychiatric disorders.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateSep 1, 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.

Cannabis reduces short-term motivation to work for money

A new study by University College London found that smoking cannabis makes people less willing to work for money in the short term. The researchers tested motivation levels in volunteers and cannabis addicts, finding no difference between the two groups when not under the influence.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPsychopharmacology·DateSep 1, 2016

Hospitalizations for heart infection related to drug injection rising across the US

A new study finds significant growth of infective endocarditis admissions among people who inject drugs, particularly among young, white, and female individuals. The study also highlights a shift towards youth, with injection drug use-related infections increasing by 12% between 2000 and 2013.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalOpen Forum Infectious Diseases·DateSep 1, 2016

Making memories stronger and more precise during aging

Researchers at Harvard Medical School found that selectively overexpressing a transcription factor, Klf9, in older neurons increased the survival of new neurons and improved pattern separation. This led to more precise and stronger memories in mice with increased neurogenesis, particularly in middle age and aging.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNeuron·DateSep 1, 2016

Wounds from childhood bullying may persist into college years, study finds

A new survey of college students found that childhood bullying inflicts the same long-term psychological trauma as severe physical or sexual abuse. Students who experienced bullying reported significantly greater levels of depression, anxiety, and PTSD than their peers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalSocial Psychology of Education·DateSep 1, 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.

New TSRI method makes building 'one-handed' drugs easier than ever

The new TSRI method enables the construction of beta-chiral centers in chiral drug molecules by selectively replacing a hydrogen atom. This breakthrough accelerates the development of chiral drugs, which are often necessary for treating diseases with asymmetrical molecular structures.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalScience·DateSep 1, 2016

'Tug of war' keeps scientists working on storm tracks

Storm tracks are crucial for weather and climate in middle-latitude regions like Chicago and New York. Climate change alters the position of these tracks, with clouds playing a key role in this shift. Researchers highlight the need to expand observational efforts and improve computer simulations to better understand storm track changes.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 1, 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.

Dawn spacecraft at Ceres: Craters, cracks, and cryovolcanos

Studies reveal new insights into Ceres' surface features, including craters, cryovolcanos, and water ice exposure. The findings suggest recent geological activity and propose possible explanations for the formation of Ahuna Mons and water ice on the dwarf planet's surface.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 1, 2016

Unlocking the mystery on how plant leaves grow their teeth

Researchers have discovered a key substance called EPFL2 that creates plant teeth and found out how they work. The peptide inhibits the accumulation of auxin at the skirts of tooth tips, preventing the generation of leaf teeth in plants that are unable to make EPFL2.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 1, 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.

Fulfilling an unmet need for children with autism spectrum disorders

A new reading comprehension intervention is being developed to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), a disorder affecting one in 68 children in the US. The program aims to improve academic success and reduce learning issues by using interest-based text, and will be tested over three years.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateSep 1, 2016

Doctors: Beware of low diastolic blood pressure when treating hypertension

Researchers analyzed medical records from over 11,000 Americans and found a statistically significant increase in heart damage risk among those with very low diastolic blood pressure. Driving diastolic blood pressure too low may cause damage to heart tissue.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 1, 2016

Strain differences in Zika infection gene patterns

Researchers found that Asian Zika strains cause more harm to neural progenitor cells than African strains, particularly with the p53 gene. This discovery could lead to potential inhibitors of p53 as treatments to protect brain cells from cell death.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateSep 1, 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.

Researchers take step toward eliminating cancer recurrence

Scientists combine immunotherapy with chemotherapy to destroy a majority of dormant cancer cells, preventing recurrence. The study shows that quiescent but not indolent cancer cells can evade immunotherapy, offering new hope for cancer treatment.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateSep 1, 2016

Blood cancer treatment may age immune cells as much as 30 years

Researchers found that stem cell transplant can accelerate cellular aging in patients with blood cancer, increasing the molecular age by up to three times pre-transplant levels. The study's findings may help physicians predict patient risk and benefit associated with the treatment.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalEBioMedicine·DateSep 1, 2016

NASA satellite sees dissipation of Tropical Depression 8

Tropical Depression 8 dissipated about 400 miles east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, as indicated by NASA's Terra satellite. The system's remnants showed strong convection and rapid cloud top cooling, suggesting potential heavy rainfall.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 1, 2016

Multiple resources jointly control plant diversity

A global study finds that adding nutrients to grassland ecosystems reduces biodiversity by removing niche opportunities for species. Researchers challenge the idea that single resources limit species diversity, instead discovering complex interactions between multiple nutrients and light.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalNature·DateSep 1, 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.

When silencing phantom noises is a matter of science

Scientists have identified the GLAST gene as a potential protector against tinnitus, a condition characterized by ringing in the ears. The study found that mice with normal GLAST function were less prone to developing tinnitus when exposed to toxic substances.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateSep 1, 2016

EUS-FNA can help doctors manage certain pancreatic lesions more effectively

A large single-center study found that EUS-FNA is beneficial for diagnosing malignant BD-IPMNs, particularly those with suspicious features missed by CT/MRI. The procedure also improved long-term outcomes for patients with malignant lesions, reducing recurrence risk.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateSep 1, 2016

Implanted device successfully treats central sleep apnea, study finds

A recent study published in The Lancet found that an implanted nerve stimulator significantly improves symptoms of central sleep apnea, reducing events per hour by half or more for 51% of patients. The device also showed improvement in other sleep measures and overall quality of life, with only minor discomfort reported.

SourceMediaSource·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 1, 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.

Rotten egg gas could help protect diabetics from heart complications

A new study found that carefully administering small doses of hydrogen sulfide can restore mitochondrial efficiency and prevent hyperglycaemia-induced damage to blood vessels. This could lead to new treatments for common heart and blood vessel complications associated with diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPharmacological Research·DateSep 1, 2016

Paleontology: A monster put in its place

A team of paleontologists has assigned a new genus to the largest predatory dinosaur ever found in Germany, dating back to the Middle Jurassic. The fossil, named Wiehenvenator albati, is estimated to be around 8-10 meters long and weighs over 2 tons.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPalaeontologia Electronica·DateSep 1, 2016

Address systemic issues to change toxic health care environment, SLU commentary says

The author of a SLU commentary proposes a comprehensive model for improving mental health among medical students, highlighting the importance of creating an environment that nurtures rather than punishes. The approach includes tweaking the curriculum, offering electives and learning communities, teaching resilience training, and coping...

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateSep 1, 2016

Study: Care providers underestimate pain during pediatric burn dressing change

A new study from Nationwide Children's Hospital found that pediatric burn pain assessment can vary based on nurse clinical experience. The Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability Scale (FLACC) was used to rate pain in pediatric patients, with less experienced nurses demonstrating higher accuracy than more experienced ones.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalBurns·DateSep 1, 2016

Longer survival of advanced cancer patients given methylnaltrexone for constipation suggests role for mu opiate receptor in cancer progression

A study suggests that methylnaltrexone can improve the survival of advanced cancer patients with constipation, indicating a potential target for cancer therapy. The drug works by blocking opioid receptors in the gut, reversing constipation without affecting pain relief.

SourceWorld Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateSep 1, 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.

A new study explores concerns of African American breast cancer survivors

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that African American breast cancer survivors face unique challenges, including emotional and physical problems. The study suggests that addressing these issues can help reduce cancer disparities and improve health outcomes.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalSupportive Care in Cancer·DateSep 1, 2016

Why does dying cost more for people of color? New study takes a deeper look

A new study by Michigan Medicine found that African Americans and Hispanics have higher Medicare costs for end-of-life care, despite controlling for individual factors. The researchers conclude that disparities are rooted in the healthcare system as a whole.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateSep 1, 2016

Physician experts highlight research ahead of Otolaryngology's annual meeting

Researchers present cutting-edge studies on healthcare economics, sleep apnea, and 3-D printed tissue engineering, showcasing potential breakthroughs for obstructive sleep apnea and head and neck cancer treatments. The findings have significant implications for the future of otolaryngology.

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·DateSep 1, 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.

Why pneumococci affect primarily humans

Researchers from Karolinska Institutet discovered that pneumococcal bacteria use a human-specific sugar molecule to enhance growth and resistance. This finding sheds light on why pneumococci cause more severe infections in humans than other animals, and could lead to the development of more effective vaccines.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateSep 1, 2016

It's a boy: Controlling pest populations with modified males

Researchers have developed genetically modified male flies that produce only males when mating, suppressing New World screwworm fly populations. The technique could increase the efficiency of sterile insect technique programs and provide a cost-effective solution for controlling livestock pests in tropical regions.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalBMC Biology·DateSep 1, 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.

Developing a global strategy for first dengue vaccine deployment

A new analysis of the world's first marketed dengue virus vaccine (Dengvaxia) provides critical insights for policymakers in dengue-affected countries. The study found that seropositive recipients gained a substantial benefit from vaccination, being 90% less likely to be hospitalized after contracting dengue.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 1, 2016

Tight DNA packaging protects against 'jumping genes,' potential cellular destruction

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine discovered that tight DNA packaging in chromosomes mainly guards against virus-like genetic elements known as transposons or 'jumping genes,' which can copy and paste themselves throughout the genome, potentially destroying important genes. The discovery clarifies the role of heterochromatin and ad...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalGenes & Development·DateSep 1, 2016

Countries across Africa, Asia-Pacific vulnerable to Zika virus, new study finds

A new study identifies India, China, the Philippines, Indonesia, Nigeria, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Bangladesh as high-risk countries for local Zika virus transmission. The research team analyzed airline passenger traffic data to determine which countries are at greatest risk due to climate conditions and limited health resources.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateSep 1, 2016

Drugs in the water? Don't blame the students

A new study by University of Vermont scientists contradicts the long-held belief that students flushing unused medications down the drain contribute significantly to pharmaceutical pollution. Instead, research found that excretion and other sources, like pharmaceutical manufacturing, are much more important contributors to wastewater.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateSep 1, 2016

Patient care can improve with technology in nursing homes

A University of Missouri study finds that increased IT sophistication in nursing homes leads to improved health care quality measures. The research assessed national trends in IT adoption every year over a three-year period and found a positive impact on quality measures as technology improves resident care.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Nursing Care Quality·DateSep 1, 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.

UCF team tricks solid into acting as liquid

A UCF team has discovered a way to get a solid material to behave like a liquid without actually turning it into one. This breakthrough could lead to the development of smaller, non-flammable batteries that store energy more efficiently.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 1, 2016

Researchers find gene mutations lead to more aggressive colon cancer in African-Americans

Researchers discovered 15 gene mutations that contribute to more aggressive colon cancer in African-Americans, resulting in higher recurrence and metastasis rates. These findings explain the disparity in colorectal cancer rates and death rates between African-Americans and other groups.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 1, 2016

New step towards clean energy production from enzymes

Researchers have combined theory and experiment to characterize each chemical reaction step that results in the reduction of oxygen by the enzyme. This study paves the way for efficiently exploiting enzymes from living systems for clean energy production.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalNature Chemistry·DateSep 1, 2016

Findings about protein could open door to new class of antibiotics

Scientists have made detailed atomic-level images of a peroxiredoxin protein and found its peculiar characteristic may form the foundation for a new class of antibiotics. The research reveals that selectively blocking peroxiredoxin function in bacterial cells could kill them without harming normal cells.

SourceOregon State University·JournalStructure·DateSep 1, 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.

Gastric bypass is better than other procedures for sustainable weight loss

A recent study published in JAMA Surgery found that gastric bypass surgery resulted in a nearly 30% greater weight loss compared to non-surgical patients after one year. The study also showed that patients who underwent gastric bypass maintained a 21% greater weight loss over 10 years.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateSep 1, 2016