Science News for June 10, 2017

Worldwide consensus on the terminology that supports research into sedentary behavior

Scientists worldwide agree on a dictionary of terms to study sedentary behavior, an emerging global public health priority. The consensus definitions aim to facilitate research interpretation and comparison, helping to reduce confusion and advance the field of sedentary behavior research.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateJun 10, 2017

Is the finger-stick blood test necessary for type 2 diabetes treatment?

A large pragmatic trial found that checking finger-stick blood sugars did not offer significant advantages in blood sugar control or quality of life for non-insulin treated type 2 diabetes patients. The study suggests that the costs of home blood glucose monitoring may outweigh its benefits for this population.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 10, 2017

Journal AAS publishes first data description paper: Data collection and sharing

The journal published two ultraviolet radiation datasets covering China, providing long-term measurements from 1961 to 2014. This move aims to promote translational applications for the general public by making atmospheric and physical oceanographic data traceable and citable.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJun 10, 2017

UNIST researchers engineer transformer-like carbon nanostructure

Researchers at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) have developed a new type of carbon nanomaterial that can change shapes and colors depending on the solvent used. The material exhibits tunable emission spanning a wide range of colors in various solvents.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 10, 2017

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.

Home monitoring of blood sugar did not improve glycemic control after 1 year

A randomized trial found that self-monitoring of blood glucose levels in patients with non-insulin-treated type 2 diabetes did not improve glycemic control or health-related quality of life after one year. The study suggested that SMBG should not be routine for most patients, contradicting existing practice.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 10, 2017

Mass. General study finds potential mechanism for BCG vaccine reversal of type 1 diabetes

A new study presents data from an FDA-approved clinical trial testing the generic vaccine BCG to reverse advanced type 1 diabetes. The findings suggest that BCG may induce a permanent increase in expression of genes that restore beneficial regulatory T cells (Tregs) preventing autoimmune attacks on the body's own tissue.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·DateJun 10, 2017

Three-year study says new contact lens therapy slows myopia progression in children by 59 percent

A pioneering contact lens therapy has shown considerable potential to impact the rising prevalence of myopia in children, slowing its progression by 59%. The dual-focus contact lens was effective in reducing the rate of juvenile-onset myopia, with no side effects common to alternative pharmacological therapies.

SourceMcDougall Communications·DateJun 10, 2017

UNIST design team receives Honorable Mention Award at CHI 2017

The UNIST design team has developed Quietto, an interactive desk clock that uses a concrete and milled wood interface to show upcoming daily schedules. The award recognizes the unique approach to designing a tangible interface using concrete and introducing a new way of understanding time and schedule.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·DateJun 10, 2017

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.