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Science News Archive April 2017 - Page 19


Page 19 of 37

Powered stretchers could reduce injuries, keep paramedics on the job

Paramedics using powered stretchers experience a significant reduction in musculoskeletal injuries, with injury rates dropping from 20 to 4.3 per 100 workers. The study suggests that the added cost of powered stretchers can be recovered within seven years due to reduced injury-related costs.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalApplied Ergonomics·DateApr 17, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Guideline sets standard of care for treatment of oropharynx cancer with radiation therapy

The new ASTRO clinical practice guideline provides recommendations for the management of oropharyngeal cancer, including optimal radiation dose and fractionation schedules, chemotherapy integration, and post-operative treatment. The guideline aims to improve treatment outcomes while minimizing long-term side effects.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalPractical Radiation Oncology·DateApr 17, 2017

Monitoring troubles of the heart

A mobile sensing system developed by researchers at USC can detect conflict in relationships and send alerts or meditation prompts to reduce stress. The algorithm achieved an accuracy of up to 86% in detecting conflict episodes, using data from wearables, phones, and bio-signals.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateApr 17, 2017
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.

Houston's gourmet food trucks cooperate, compete to elevate group's prestige

Researchers at Rice University found that gourmet food trucks in Houston cooperate to meet central tendencies, such as good ingredients and cleanliness, while competing to strive for ideal prototypes like the best food. This cooperation leads to new firms entering the market and improves the group's excellence.

SourceRice University·JournalAdministrative Science Quarterly·DateApr 17, 2017

Cover crops may be used to mitigate and adapt to climate change

A recent study found that cover crops can mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing soil carbon sequestration. The research suggests that cover cropping can be an effective adaptive management tool to maintain yields and minimize nitrogen losses as the climate warms.

SourcePenn State·JournalAgronomy for Sustainable Development·DateApr 17, 2017

Eat, prey, move

Researchers found that competition among grazers, such as herbivorous fishes and algae, structures the space use patterns and feeding behaviors of bulletheads. The study suggests that predation risk has a limited impact on prey foraging behaviors in areas with high levels of competition.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalOecologia·DateApr 17, 2017
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.

LifeCourse meets Triple Aim for late life care

The LifeCourse model fulfills the Triple Aim by addressing patients' medical and non-medical needs during late-stage care. Analysis of 900 intervention and usual care patients shows significant improvements in cost reduction and quality of life.

SourceAllina Health·DateApr 17, 2017

NASA spots short-lived Tropical Cyclone Maarutha

Tropical Cyclone Maarutha formed quickly and strengthened into a tropical storm in the Northern Indian Ocean. The storm made landfall in Burma (Myanmar) on April 16, dropping high rainfall totals in south central Myanmar. Remnants of the cyclone were dissipating over land by April 17.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 17, 2017

Atomic structure reveals how cells translate environmental signals

The study provides detailed insights into the function of IP3R, a molecular train station controlling cell functions. The new crystal structure reveals how IP3 signals trigger the opening of the Ca2+ channel, shedding light on long-range communication mechanisms.

SourceRIKEN·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2017

'Detergent' molecules may be driving fluctuations in atmospheric methane concentrations

A new study suggests that hydroxyl radicals, a key component of the atmosphere, are behind unexplained recent increases in methane levels. Fluctuations in hydroxyl concentrations correlate strongly with fluctuations in methane, and changes in hydroxyl availability govern the amount of methane in the atmosphere.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2017

Electronics to control plant growth

Scientists from Linköping University successfully applied an ion pump device to a small flowering plant, Arabidopsis thaliana, allowing them to control root growth and auxin response. This breakthrough enables localized application of hormones to study their impact on plant growth and development at tissue and cellular resolution.

SourceLinköping University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

NASA spots Tropical Cyclone 02W's remnants in South China Sea

NASA's Terra satellite captured a visible image of Tropical Cyclone 02W's remnants in the South China Sea on April 17, revealing an elongated area of clouds. The remnant low pressure area weakened after passing over Eastern Visayas and the Philippines, with wind shear preventing re-intensification.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 17, 2017

Banned industrial solvent sheds new light on methane mystery

A new paper investigates an alternative possibility: a rise and fall in the concentration of the hydroxyl radical, which destroys methane in the atmosphere. The team's findings suggest that emissions may have risen more gradually over the last couple of decades.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2017

Columbia engineers invent method to control light propagation in waveguides

Researchers developed a technique to efficiently control light in waveguides by decorating them with nano-antennas, achieving record-small footprints and broad wavelength ranges. This innovation has the potential to transform optical communications and signal processing, enabling faster and more powerful optical chips.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateApr 17, 2017

Termite gut holds a secret to breaking down plant biomass

A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that termite gut efficiently breaks down lignin, a hard-to-degrade polymer. The termites' symbiotic system with fungus breaks down biomass in just 3.5 hours, holding a key to improving biofuel and paper production.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2017
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.

Pinning down abuse on Google maps

Researchers identified a new form of blackhat search engine optimization targeting local listing services like Google Maps. Scammers exploit location-based search to make fake businesses appear in users' searches.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateApr 17, 2017

Pancreatic cancer project scores in research 'lightning round'

Researchers Melissa Skala and Matthew Vander Heiden won a $250,000 award to study the interaction between tumor cells and healthy supporting cells in pancreatic cancer. The project aims to create molecular changes that shut down the tumor's ability to scavenge nutrients, potentially leading to a new type of metabolic cancer therapy.

SourceMorgridge Institute for Research·DateApr 17, 2017

Mission Control for the body's salt and water supplies

Researchers found that consuming more salt led to reduced water intake and conserved body water by triggering a mechanism in the kidneys. The study suggests that urea plays a crucial role in maintaining proper water balance and challenges previous assumptions about its function.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 17, 2017

Synthetic carbohydrates against autoimmune diseases

Researchers at the University of Basel have created a treatment approach using customized synthetic glycopolymers that act as molecular sponges to neutralize disease-causing antibodies. This innovative method has potential applications for treating other antibody-mediated autoimmune diseases.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2017
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.

Nice moves: First dancing, then mating in songbirds

A new study from Hokkaido University found that duet-dancing plays a crucial role in mating success among Java Sparrows, even more so than male-singing. Females often give a copulation solicitation display before males start singing.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 16, 2017

Immunotherapy for glioblastoma well tolerated; survival gains observed

A phase one study of 11 patients with glioblastoma who received injections of an investigational vaccine therapy and an approved chemotherapy showed the combination to be well tolerated while also resulting in unexpectedly significant survival increases. The researchers found that the combination significantly slowed the progression of...

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateApr 14, 2017

Immunity against melanoma is only skin deep

A new study by Dartmouth researchers reveals that resident memory T cells reside in the skin, where they can quickly eliminate melanoma cells. This finding suggests that these immune cells play a crucial role in protecting against future tumors and may serve as a target for future cancer therapies.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalScience Immunology·DateApr 14, 2017

Understanding money reduces worry about old age

A study by Hiroshima University and Nagoya University found that financial literacy decreases anxiety about life in old age. Financially literate individuals earn more, accumulate assets, and are less anxious about retirement, thanks to better risk perception and planning.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalJournal of Risk Research·DateApr 14, 2017
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.

Hubble sees starbursts in Virgo

Astronomers study starburst galaxies to understand their evolution. Hubble's observations of NGC 4536 reveal high rates of star formation driven by gas supply, which fuels the creation of colorful ionized hydrogen clouds.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 14, 2017

SAVI camera ditches long lens for distant images

The SAVI camera uses laser light to capture high-resolution images of distant objects, eliminating the need for a long lens. The technology has potential applications in visible light imaging, with researchers envisioning real-time, high-resolution capture using this synthetic aperture approach.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 14, 2017

3-D-printed model of stenotic intracranial artery enables vessel-wall MRI standardization

A collaboration created a 3D-printed phantom of a stenotic intracranial artery to standardize high-resolution MRI protocols for studying intracranial atherosclerotic disease. The phantom enables standardized vessel-wall MRI at multiple sites, facilitating multicenter trials and accelerating research.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of NeuroInterventional Surgery·DateApr 14, 2017
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 unravels long-held Fermi puzzle tied to nonlinear systems

An international team of scientists found that strongly nonlinear systems can reach equilibrium, provided certain conditions are met. The breakthrough was made by examining the collisions between solitary waves in a chain of solid spheres and comparing the results with dynamical computer simulations.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPhysical Review E·DateApr 14, 2017

3-D-printed patch can help mend a 'broken' heart

Researchers have developed a 3D-bioprinted patch that can heal scarred heart tissue after a heart attack. The patch was made from cells and structural proteins native to the heart and showed significant improvement in functional capacity in mice after just four weeks.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalCirculation Research·DateApr 14, 2017

Assessing heart disease risk is within arm's reach

Researchers at New York Institute of Technology found that the radial artery may be useful for assessing heart disease risk, as it exhibits positive correlations with key risk factors. This discovery could lead to a new way to measure systemic atherosclerosis and improve cardiovascular health monitoring.

SourceNew York Institute of Technology·JournalThe Anatomical Record·DateApr 14, 2017

Study finds worse survival when specific thyroid cancers spread to bone

A large study found patients with follicular and medullary thyroid cancer had the highest rate of bone lesions and fractures, and increased risk of death. Researchers suggest targeting this high-risk population with specific drugs to prevent or treat complications.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 14, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Lice and their bacterial sidekicks have evolved together for millions of years

A Florida Museum study reveals that lice and their vitamin-producing bacterial partners have coevolved continuously for at least 20 to 25 million years. The bacteria's tiny genomes are a result of extensive genome remodeling over time, with genes critical to symbiosis being close together.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateApr 14, 2017

High stakes, high risk, and a bad bet

Gambling addiction is characterized by excessive risk-taking despite negative results, according to Kyoto University research. The study found that addicts have a poor ability to assess and adapt to high-risk situations, leading to an unhealthy bent towards risky choices.

SourceKyoto University·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateApr 14, 2017
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.

Plant genes may lack off switch, but have volume control

Scientists discovered that genetic material known as introns can play a dramatic role in plant gene activity. Introns act as volume control for some essential genes, making them silent when removed. This finding suggests that many genes may not have a traditional on/off switch.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateApr 14, 2017

Computers create recipe for two new magnetic materials

Researchers at Duke University have created two new magnetic materials using high-throughput computational models. The success marks a new era for the large-scale design of new magnetic materials, with potential applications in motors, MRI machines and beyond.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 14, 2017

Research suggests bans on trans fats linked to healthier communities

A new study found that areas with trans fat bans in restaurants had significantly fewer hospitalizations for heart attack and stroke compared to areas without restrictions. The decline was 6.2%, highlighting the power of public policy to impact cardiovascular health.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateApr 14, 2017

Th17 cells could facilitate wider clinical use of adoptive immunotherapy

Researchers at MUSC found that Th17 cells can be expanded outside the body without losing effectiveness, providing a promising alternative to classic T cells used in adoptive immunotherapy. This breakthrough enables longer window periods for obtaining effective T cells via expansion outside the body.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJCI Insight·DateApr 14, 2017
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.

Traces of Zika Found in Asian tiger mosquito in Brazil

Research detects fragments of Zika virus RNA in Asian tiger mosquito eggs collected in Brazil, highlighting potential role in Zika transmission. The findings emphasize the need for further research into additional vector species.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateApr 14, 2017

New method for tapping vast plant pharmacopeia to make more effective drugs

Vanderbilt University scientists developed a new approach to identify gene networks responsible for producing biologically active compounds in plants. The method uses co-expression analysis of over 22,000 gene expression studies and identifies dozens of pathways producing small metabolites, including previously identified ones.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateApr 14, 2017

Synthesis and functional evaluation of novel aldose reductase inhibitors

Researchers have synthesized and evaluated three novel aldose reductase inhibitors, showcasing a spirobenzopyran scaffold that inhibits the target enzyme without affecting ARL1. These results suggest a promising tool for developing effective ARIs to treat diabetic complications.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Medicinal Chemistry Journal·DateApr 14, 2017

Helping students learn by sketching

Researchers at Northwestern University developed Sketch Worksheets, a software that analyzes and provides feedback on student sketches to help them learn various subjects. The software uses CogSketch's visual processing algorithms and analogy model to compare student and instructor sketches, providing immediate feedback on mistakes.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalTopics in Cognitive Science·DateApr 14, 2017
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.

Lice and bacteria, partners in parasitism

Scientists sequenced the genomes of symbiotic bacteria from human lice and their closely related monkey lice counterparts. The data revealed a single-trunked tree suggesting the bacteria have been associated with lice for millions of years.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateApr 14, 2017

ATV-related injuries in children remain large public health problem

Children are more severely injured from ATV-related accidents than adults, with data showing an estimated 99,600 injuries requiring emergency treatment in the US. The primary causes of these injuries include vehicle rollover, collision with stationary objects, and ejection from the vehicle.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalJournal of Emergency Medicine·DateApr 14, 2017

Researchers design coatings to prevent pipeline clogging

A new coating system developed at MIT can effectively prevent the buildup of hydrates in oil and gas pipelines, which can slow or block flow. The system creates a barrier film between water and the pipe wall, keeping hydrates away.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 14, 2017
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.

Opioid use disorder in pregnancy -- medication treatment improves outcomes for mothers and infants

A research review and update suggests that medication for addiction treatment (MAT) is an appropriate treatment for pregnant women with opioid use disorder (OUD), reducing opioid use, promoting abstinence, and aiding recovery. Comprehensive care programs supporting mothers and infants are crucial for sustained recovery.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Addiction Medicine·DateApr 14, 2017