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Science News Archive April 2017 - Page 2


Page 2 of 37

Counting the cuts in Mohs surgery: A way to improve care and reduce costs

A study analyzed Medicare billing data from over 2,300 US physicians to find the average number of cuts made during Mohs micrographic surgery. The researchers found that some physicians made significantly more cuts than others, and identified potential explanations for these variations.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateApr 28, 2017

American Academy of Sleep Medicine announces 2017 award recipients

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has announced the 2017 award recipients, including David F. Dinges for his dedication to the sleep field and significant contributions in administration, public relations, and government affairs. Susan Redline received the William C. Dement Academic Achievement Award for her exceptional initiative...

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateApr 28, 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.

NASA eyes intensifying Tropical Cyclone Frances

Tropical cyclone Frances strengthened in the western Timor Sea, with NASA satellites capturing visible and rainfall data. The storm's maximum sustained winds were estimated at 50 knots (57.5 mph), with strong convective storms near the center dropping rain at a rate of over 70 mm per hour.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 28, 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.

Plague bacteria take refuge in amoebae

Research found that plague bacteria Yersinia pestis can survive within amoebae, using proteins to avoid being digested. This discovery has implications for predicting disease re-emergence and may lead to new strategies for controlling the spread of plague.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateApr 28, 2017

Bullying linked to increased desire for cosmetic surgery in teens

Adolescents involved in bullying exhibit increased desire for cosmetic surgery, with a focus on poor psychological functioning among victims. The study suggests that plastic surgeons should screen for psychological vulnerability and history of bullying when evaluating patients.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateApr 28, 2017

Antibiotics counteract the beneficial effect of whole grain

A large Danish cohort study found that antibiotic use is associated with lower enterolignan concentrations in the blood, especially for women. The study suggests that antibiotics can negatively affect intestinal bacteria's ability to metabolize plant lignans into enterolignans.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateApr 28, 2017

UTA student wins UT System Regents award

UTA senior Frederick Tran won the 2017 Regents' Outstanding Arts and Humanities Award for his short fiction piece 'Airstrikes,' which tells the story of a doctor serving with Médecins Sans Frontières in Yemen. The award recognizes Tran's talent, hard work, and ability to tackle difficult subjects through his writing.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateApr 28, 2017
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.

The high cost of surviving acute respiratory distress syndrome

A new study found that nearly half of ARDS survivors were jobless one year after hospital discharge, with an estimated average loss of $27,000 in earnings. The research also identified risk factors for joblessness and highlighted the need for occupational rehabilitation strategies to support survivors' return to work.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 28, 2017

Study examines state of social, personality psychology research

The study found that social and personality psychologists are less likely to use questionable research practices and more likely to follow best practices, leading to an overall improvement in the field. Despite this progress, most respondents believe further improvements are needed, particularly in replicability.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateApr 28, 2017

Medical guidelines for astronauts to be launched in the US

Scientists at Northumbria University and University of Plymouth are developing medical guidelines for astronauts. A systematic review group will pool studies and create comprehensive guidelines that inform operational decisions. The guidelines aim to prevent health changes among astronauts, as well as benefiting terrestrial human health.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·DateApr 28, 2017

ECDC report shows strong potential of E-health to increase vaccination coverage in Europe

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has released a survey report on immunisation information systems, showing strong potential for e-health to increase vaccination coverage. Digital systems are being piloted across EU/EEA countries, including automated reminders that can identify under-vaccinated populations.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·DateApr 27, 2017

Ice cave in Transylvania yields window into region's past

Researchers have extracted ancient ice cores from a Transylvanian cave glacier to reconstruct winter climate conditions during the Holocene period. The findings reveal warmer and wetter winters, with significant shifts in atmospheric dynamics occurring around 7,000 years ago.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 27, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A close look into the barley genome

A new high-quality barley genome sequence has been created, allowing for detailed analysis of agronomically important gene families. This breakthrough could significantly accelerate the development of new varieties resistant to pathogens and climate fluctuations.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature·DateApr 27, 2017

Hospital acquired complications may be especially dangerous for kidney disease patients

Patients with chronic kidney disease are at a higher risk of experiencing complications when hospitalized, including longer hospital stays and mortality. The study found that potentially preventable hospital-acquired complications are linked to an elevated risk of early death in these patients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 27, 2017

Scythian horse breeding unveiled: Lessons for animal domestication

Researchers sequenced the genome of 13 ancient Scythian stallions and 1 mare, uncovering diversity in coat coloration patterns and genetic traits valued by breeders. The study suggests that Scythian breeders maintained natural herd structures and selected horses with robust morphologies.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalScience·DateApr 27, 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.

Using rooster testes to learn how the body fights viruses

Researchers analyzed rooster testes to uncover how piRNA shields germ cells from viral invaders. The study reveals a unique defense mechanism that could be adapted to combat human diseases related to viruses like avian leukosis virus, which can lead to cancer in chickens and is related to similar viruses in humans.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·DateApr 27, 2017

Can yoga reduce symptoms of menstrual disorders?

A systematic review found yoga practice reduced symptoms of menstrual disorders in premenstrual women, including improved mood and reduced pain. Enhanced relaxation response was also observed.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateApr 27, 2017
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.

Food insecurity can affect your mental health

A new study found that food insecurity is associated with poorer mental health and specific psychosocial stressors across global regions. Nearly one in three individuals experience common mental disorders, which may be exacerbated by food insecurity's impact on nutrition and social norms.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateApr 27, 2017

Scientists examine impact of high-severity fires on conifer forests

A new study finds that high-severity fires in a warming climate can limit the ability of Western conifer forests to recover, potentially transforming landscapes from forested to shrub-dominated systems. The researchers found that hardwood trees and shrubs quickly establish after fire, while conifers struggle to compete.

SourceHarvard University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateApr 27, 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.

Study quantifies kidney failure risk in living kidney donors

Researchers developed a risk calculator to estimate long-term risks of developing kidney failure in living kidney donors. The study found that black donors and older male donors were at higher risk, while younger black candidates should be carefully evaluated.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 27, 2017

The key to long female lives may be heterogeneity

A new study finds that heterogeneity in frailty and robustness in Eurasian sparrowhawks contributes to longer female lives, with life expectancy reaching up to 4.23 years for the most robust adult females. The study suggests considering heterogeneity when studying sex differences in mortality.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateApr 27, 2017
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.

Computational research details the activation mechanism of p38α

A recent study published in eLife provides a deeper understanding of p38α's structure and activation mechanism. The research reveals novel conformations that could be used to uncover new inhibitors, as well as important electrostatic interactions that may allow for alternative activation pathways with increased specificity.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·DateApr 27, 2017

How domestication altered the genome of ancient horses

Analyses of 14 ancient horse genomes reveal that domestication led to changes in forelimbs and coat colors, as well as the presence of genetic variants associated with milk production for human consumption. The study suggests that early domestication was not limited to a small group of stallions but involved multiple founders.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 27, 2017
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.

Ocean warming to cancel increased CO2-driven productivity

Researchers found that high CO2 levels boost production at different levels of the food web, but ocean warming causes stress to marine animals, preventing them from efficiently using increased resources. This led to a collapse of the food web. The study suggests that ocean warming will be an overwhelming stressor for marine ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateApr 27, 2017

Flawed forensic science may be hampering identification of human remains

Researchers from Australian National University have found that parturition scars on skeletal remains are not a reliable indicator of childbirth. The technique has been used in police investigations to narrow down identities, but it could lead to complications or delays if incorrectly applied.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalJournal of Forensic Sciences·DateApr 27, 2017

Landmark clinical trial to help juvenile idiopathic arthritis sufferers

A clinical trial has discovered a drug combination that significantly reduces eye inflammation in children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). The therapy, Adalimumab plus Methotrexate, showed a 75% reduction in eye inflammation and prevented treatment failure.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 27, 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.

Cold-water corals: Acidification harms, warming promotes growth

A recent study reveals that cold-water corals can thrive in warmer temperatures, but are harmed by ocean acidification. The research, conducted at GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, found that elevated temperatures can compensate for the negative effects of acidification on coral growth and fitness.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateApr 27, 2017

First global simulation yields new insights into ring system

Researchers simulated the entire ring system of Chariklo, a small body in the Solar System with rings. The simulation found that the inner ring is unstable without help, suggesting smaller particles or an undiscovered shepherd satellite may be responsible.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 27, 2017

Light has new capacity for electronics

Scientists have discovered a new phenomenon called the photodielectric effect, which could lead to the creation of laser-controlled touch displays. The discovery uses light to increase the dielectric permittivity of a material, allowing for more efficient energy storage and filtering.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 27, 2017
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.

'Outstanding' results announced from new blood cancer study

Researchers from the University of Leicester and University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust have reported outstanding results from a long-term follow-up study on patients with CLL. The study, which used a selective BTK inhibitor, showed durable remissions without new toxicities in most patients.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalBlood·DateApr 27, 2017

Feeling the heat

Thermal comfort has increased in China over the past few decades due to rising temperatures and declining wind speed. The study found an average of 255 very cold and cold days per year, but a decline in cold days, with only 11 hot and very hot days per year.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Climatology·DateApr 27, 2017

Looking for the quantum frontier

Researchers have developed a new theoretical framework to identify computations that occupy the 'quantum frontier', the boundary between problems solvable by classical and quantum computers. The study shows that these computations can be performed with near-term, intermediate quantum computers.

SourceCentre for Quantum Computation & Communication Technology·JournalQuantum·DateApr 27, 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.

Control of molecular motion by metal-plated 3-D printed plastic pieces

Researchers developed a novel fabrication method combining 3D printing and electroplating to produce complex metallic structures for molecular beam-splitting. This approach enables the creation of high-voltage electrodes with impeccable surface properties and precision alignment, overcoming previous fabrication problems.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateApr 27, 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.

Exercise and vitamin D better together for heart health

Researchers discovered a positive relationship between exercise and vitamin D levels in reducing cardiovascular disease risks. The study found that exercising regularly boosted vitamin D stores, while adequate vitamin D levels also protected against heart attacks and strokes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 27, 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.

NOAA funds UM coral restoration research

The University of Miami's Rosenstiel School has received a two-year NOAA grant to support cutting-edge coral conservation research. Researchers will outplant nursery-raised staghorn corals onto nearshore reef habitats and develop an outreach program to engage the public in coral reef conservation.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·DateApr 27, 2017