Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive April 2017 - Page 9


Page 9 of 37

Mayo research shows surgery adds years for kidney cancer patients

A recent study published in The Journal of Urology found that surgery to remove secondary tumor growths, called metastases, significantly improves survival rates for patients with late-stage kidney cancer. Patients who underwent surgery had a life expectancy of three to 12 years, compared to eight months and two years without surgery.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateApr 24, 2017

What can we learn from dinosaur proteins?

Researchers can extract proteins from 80-million-year-old dinosaur bones, providing information on evolution, biomaterials, and potential applications for drug development. The study also explores the age and environment of samples, as well as the functions of ancient proteins.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 24, 2017

Freezing lithium batteries may make them safer and bendable

Researchers at Columbia University developed a new method using ice-templating to create solid electrolytes for lithium batteries, which are safer, have longer battery life, and are bendable. This approach could improve energy density by replacing the graphite layer with lithium metal.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 24, 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.

NASA's Cassini, Voyager missions suggest new picture of sun's interaction with galaxy

New data from NASA's Cassini mission, combined with measurements from Voyager spacecraft and IBEX, suggests that the sun's magnetic field creates a rounded heliosphere, rather than a comet-shaped structure. The study reveals that the heliosphere is nearly symmetrical, which could impact how cosmic rays reach the inner solar system.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 24, 2017

Ice plant to help fight global warming effects on bioenergy crops

A gene atlas for the ice plant will aid in finding ways to make bioenergy feedstocks more resilient to salinity and drought. The project aims to understand how environmental stress controls the expression of CAM photosynthesis, a water-conserving pathway that helps plants survive in arid climates.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Reno·DateApr 24, 2017

Clarifying the mechanism for suppressing turbulence through ion mass

Scientists clarify relationship between ion mass and plasma performance improvement. Turbulence suppression through electron-ion collisions leads to increased confinement and particle heat management. Zonal flows play a crucial role in suppressing turbulence, grinding eddies and waves that improve plasma performance.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 24, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Aerobic and resistance exercise combo can boost brain power of over 50s

Combining aerobic and resistance exercises can significantly enhance the brain power of older adults. The analysis showed that exercise improves cognitive abilities, with aerobic exercise enhancing global cognition and resistance training having a pronounced effect on executive function, memory, and working memory.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateApr 24, 2017

'Race tests' may be fueling segregation in white evangelical churches

A new study explores why white evangelical churches remain racially segregated despite nominally welcoming themselves. Researchers found that clergy and congregants execute 'race tests' on incoming people of color, coercing them into leaving or forcing them to serve the interests of whites.

SourceWiley·JournalSociological Inquiry·DateApr 24, 2017

Skin stem cells used to generate new brain cells

Researchers at UCI have developed a method to generate human microglia cells from skin stem cells, providing a powerful new approach to study and potentially treat neurological diseases like Alzheimer's. This discovery marks an important step in using induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells for targeted approaches.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNeuron·DateApr 24, 2017

New strategy produces stronger polymers

MIT researchers found a way to reduce loops in polymer networks, which weaken materials, by slowly adding components. This technique can improve material strength by up to 600 percent.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 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.

From abundant hydrocarbons to rare spin liquids

Researchers at Tohoku University and the University of Liverpool have successfully created quantum spin liquids from polyaromatic hydrocarbons using alkali metals. This achievement marks a significant step towards understanding exotic phenomena in materials science, with potential applications in superconductivity and quantum computing.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 24, 2017

Methadone may reduce need for opioids after surgery

A new study published in Anesthesiology found that methadone significantly reduces the need for opioids after spinal fusion surgery. Patients treated with methadone required less intravenous and oral opioids to manage postoperative pain, reported lower pain scores, and had improved global satisfaction.

SourceAmerican Society of Anesthesiologists·JournalAnesthesiology·DateApr 24, 2017

How fear of death affects human attitudes toward animal life

A study from the University of Arizona found that reminding people of their mortality increases their willingness to kill animals. The researchers used terror management theory, which suggests that humans use self-esteem as a buffer against fear of death. When participants received a self-esteem boost, the effect of the death prime was...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateApr 24, 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.

Chip-based nanoscopy: Microscopy in HD quality

Researchers at Bielefeld University and the University of Tromsø have developed a photonic chip that enables superresolution light microscopy with conventional microscopes. This breakthrough method produces images with a resolution of about 20 to 30 nanometres, ten times that of conventional light microscopy.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 24, 2017

Lyme disease researchers seek consensus as number of cases grows

Despite gaps in scientific understanding, Lyme disease researchers have identified key areas of agreement and promising strategies for controlling the disease. These include reducing deer populations to impact tick abundance and using acaricides to target host animals.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateApr 24, 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.

UTA, UT Southwestern findings challenge current approach to Glut1 deficiency

Researchers discovered that early diagnosis and alternative dietary therapies can significantly improve patient outcomes for patients with Glucose Transporter Type 1 Deficiency. The study's results, published in JAMA Neurology, highlight the importance of addressing this disease through a comprehensive approach.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateApr 24, 2017

Citizens can productively change politics by taking the law to court

Research by Santa Fe Institute Omidyar Fellow Marion Dumas shows that citizen lawsuits can re-shape how policies are implemented on the ground, forging a more just and representative middle ground. This process weakens polarized lawmakers' bargaining positions, leading to legislative moves towards a middle ground.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Political Science·DateApr 24, 2017

New guideline published on uncommon risk of death in epilepsy

The American Academy of Neurology and the American Epilepsy Society have developed a new guideline to address Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), which is rare but can occur in people with epilepsy. The guideline suggests that controlling seizures, especially tonic-clonic seizures, may reduce SUDEP risk.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 24, 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.

New Canadian guideline: No screening for hepatitis C in adults not at increased risk

The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommends against routine screening for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) in low-risk adults due to lack of direct evidence on benefits and harms. The guideline aims to focus healthcare resources on individuals at elevated risk, where treatment is proven to be beneficial.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 24, 2017

Tiny 'cages' could keep vaccines safe at high temperatures

Researchers have created a technique to encase proteins in silica cages, keeping them intact at high temperatures up to 100°C. This method, called ensilication, has the potential to revolutionize vaccine storage and transportation, particularly for remote or resource-constrained areas.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 24, 2017

Mystery of the missing mercury at the Great Salt Lake

Researchers found that the closure of Union Pacific railway culverts led to a 88% decrease in methylmercury levels in the lake's deep brine layer and sediments. However, waterfowl carcasses showed no significant change in mercury levels, indicating that the source of methylmercury in wetlands remains unknown.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 24, 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.

Chili peppers and marijuana calm the gut

Researchers discovered that capsaicin in chili peppers and anandamide in marijuana interact with the same receptor in the stomach, calming the immune system and reducing inflammation. The study holds promise for new therapies for diabetes and colitis, as well as understanding the relationship between the gut, brain, and immune system.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 2017

Facing nightmare scenarios before discharge lifts confidence of parents of babies in NICU

A University at Buffalo study found that simulations of daily care and nightmare scenarios increased the confidence of parents of newborns in the NICU by nearly 30%. The Neonatal Home Environment Learning Program (HELP) used infant simulators to recreate real-life situations, allowing parents to rehearse and experience behaviors, conse...

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalMCN The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing·DateApr 24, 2017

3 small energy firms to collaborate with PNNL

Three small businesses will collaborate with PNNL on projects addressing technical challenges in bio-coal and hydrogen transportation. The collaborations aim to overcome critical technology hurdles and gain a global competitive advantage for advanced energy products.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateApr 24, 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.

Motion sickness drug worsens motion perception

A study by Massachusetts Eye and Ear researchers found that oral promethazine temporarily worsened vestibular perception thresholds by 31 percent. This increase in thresholds could lead to poorer balance performance and a higher risk of falling.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalJournal of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology·DateApr 24, 2017

New approach to improve detection of landfill-related pollution

A new laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) approach refines detection of mercury in landfill leachate, offering rapid results without generating hazardous chemicals. The technique's sensitivity is improved through a double-pulse setup, allowing for the detection of lower mercury concentrations.

SourceOptica·JournalApplied Optics·DateApr 24, 2017

Prostate cancer screening rates appear to level after recent drop

A new study by the American Cancer Society found that prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing rates among men 50 years or older have leveled off at 32.1%. This trend is notable given previous declines in PSA screening rates, which dropped from 37.8% in 2010 to 30.8% in 2013.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 24, 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.

Patients with drug-resistant malaria cured by plant therapy developed at WPI

A new and inexpensive treatment option for drug-resistant malaria has been developed using plant therapy made from dried leaves of the Artemisia annua plant. The treatment, known as DLA, was tested on 18 critically ill patients in a Congo clinic and showed a 100% recovery rate, including a five-year-old child who had lapsed into a coma.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalPhytomedicine·DateApr 24, 2017

Maternal high-fat diet may increase offspring risk for liver disease

A new mouse study found that exposure to a high-fat diet in the womb and immediately after birth may increase offspring risk for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease later in life. The offspring of pregnant mice that consumed a high-fat diet developed liver fibrosis, a type of tissue scarring that is a sign of more serious disease.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 24, 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.

How do patients, clinicians feel about collecting sexual orientation data?

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that patients are more likely to disclose their sexual orientation than previously thought, with nearly 78% of clinicians believing patients would refuse. Nonverbal self-report is the preferred method for collecting sexual orientation data, according to both patients and clinicians.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 24, 2017

Researchers solve the century-old mystery of Blood Falls

A research team solved the century-old mystery of Blood Falls by using radar technology to detect brine feeding the famous red waterfall. They discovered that liquid water can persist inside extremely cold glaciers, challenging previous thought on this phenomenon.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalJournal of Glaciology·DateApr 24, 2017
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.

Images of health risks make indoor tanning messages more effective

A new study suggests that adding images depicting the longer-term impacts of indoor tanning can be an effective health risk communication strategy. Messages with images showed greater negative emotional reactions and were perceived as more effective in discouraging tanning than text-only messages.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateApr 24, 2017

A cancer in the family: One spouse's diagnosis can lower household income

A study by researchers from the University of Georgia found that a spouse's cancer diagnosis results in a significant decline in household income, with men experiencing a 5% reduction and women experiencing a 9% reduction. The caregiver effect plays a crucial role in this decline, as spouses reduce their employment to support each other.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Health Economics·DateApr 24, 2017

Researchers invent process to make sustainable rubber, plastics

Researchers have developed a new method to produce butadiene, a key chemical component in plastics and rubber, from biomass-derived sugars. The process, called dehydra-decyclization, uses a novel catalyst to convert sugars into butadiene with high yield and selectivity.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateApr 24, 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.

Disney method enables more realistic hair simulation

A new innovative method developed by Disney Research makes it possible to realistically simulate hair by observing real hair in motion. The framework considers the dynamics of hair and can be used with a wide variety of simulation methods.

SourceDisney Research·DateApr 24, 2017
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.

A CSIC scientist discovers that wax worms eat plastic

A research scientist at CSIC has discovered that wax worms can quickly biodegrade polyethylene, a material difficult to break down. The worm's ability is attributed to its similarity in composition to beeswax and may involve an enzyme-based mechanism.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 24, 2017

Study: Stressing about finances can be harmful to a baby's health

A new study suggests that financially strained pregnant women may be at a higher risk of having a low-birth-weight infant. Researchers found that pregnancy-specific distress was a key factor in this connection, and interventions such as meditation and breathing exercises could help mitigate the effects.

SourceMediaSource·DateApr 24, 2017