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Science News for March 17, 2017


Moderate exercise may be beneficial for HCM patients

A new study finds that patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) who undergo moderate-intensity exercise training experience a small but statistically significant increase in peak VO2 max. This improvement is associated with reduced mortality risk and improved self-reported physical functioning.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA·DateMar 17, 2017

Study IDs link between sugar signaling and regulation of oil production in plants

A research team at Brookhaven National Laboratory has identified a previously unknown link between a protein controlling sugar balance and one turning on oil production in plants. By exploring the energy balance of plants, scientists have found a potential way to increase oil yield from crops grown for biofuels and biomaterials.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMar 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.

Extensive ice cap once covered sub-antarctic island of South Georgia

A new study reveals that the sub-antarctic island of South Georgia was covered by a massive ice cap about 20,000 years ago. The researchers used sonar mapping and gravity corers to find hundreds of distinct ridges bulldozed into the seabed, showing that the ice extended across South Georgia's vast continental shelf.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 17, 2017

First global guidance for HPV vaccination for cervical cancer prevention

The American Society of Clinical Oncology has released a clinical practice guideline on human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for the prevention of cervical cancer. The guideline offers evidence-based recommendations for four levels of resource settings, providing guidance to health care providers worldwide.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Global Oncology·DateMar 17, 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.

Pharmacist medicines reconciliation reduces likelihood of patient harm

A pilot study published in British Medical Journal Open found that pharmacist medicines reconciliation significantly reduced medicine discrepancies and potential hospital readmissions. The study involved 200 patients, with nearly all medication discrepancies identified at both transfer points being addressed in the intervention arm.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalBMJ Open·DateMar 17, 2017

Scientists reveal open-ringed structure of Cdt1-Mcm2-7 complex

The study reveals a left-handed coil structure of the Mcm2-7 hexamer and Cdt1-MCM heptamer, shedding light on DNA unwinding mechanisms. The open-coil structure has profound implications for understanding DNA replication initiation and elongation.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMar 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.

The 2017 HFSP start-up laboratories

The Human Frontier Science Program has selected 10 researchers to receive the prestigious Career Development Award for their innovative projects. The award will provide $300,000 over three years to establish independent laboratories and promote intercontinental collaboration.

SourceHuman Frontier Science Program·DateMar 17, 2017

Children who play outside more likely to protect nature as adults

A new UBC study found that 87% of children who played outside regularly expressed a love for nature as young adults. The study suggests that environmental awareness programs can help develop children's environmental awareness and action.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalAustralian Journal of Environmental Education·DateMar 17, 2017

Advanced form of proton therapy shows promise for treating lung cancer recurrence

Researchers found that after reirradiation with intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT), the majority of patients were free from local recurrence one year following treatment and few experienced severe side effects. Patients who received a higher dose of radiation had fewer local recurrences and improved progression-free survival.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateMar 17, 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.

Why water splashes: New theory reveals secrets

Researchers from the University of Warwick have developed a new theory explaining how raindrops and spilt coffee splashes occur. A minuscule layer of air trapped between the liquid and surface can prevent the liquid from spreading, leading to a splash.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 17, 2017

Flexibility is key in mechanism of biological self-assembly

Researchers modeled the mechanism of biological self-assembly, finding that flexible surfaces allow for rapid joining, while inflexible surfaces fuse slowly. The study explored factors influencing self-assembly and provides insights into understanding protein complexes and drug receptors.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 17, 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.

Human brain networks developing in adolescence related to evolutionary expansion

A Penn study reveals new patterns of coordinated brain development during adolescence, relating structural patterns to functional networks. This finding may open opportunities for future research into preventing psychiatric disorders that begin during this age.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 17, 2017

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement as effective as surgery in intermediate patients

The SURTAVI trial shows that TAVR is comparable to surgical aortic valve replacement for intermediate-risk patients, with similar all-cause mortality rates and better mean aortic valve gradient at two years. Near-term results also indicate improved outcomes for TAVR patients, including lower stroke rates and quicker hospital discharge.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 17, 2017

Study suggests new drug alongside statins can significantly cut cholesterol

A new class of cholesterol-lowering medication has been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol levels by nearly 60% in patients taking statins, resulting in a significant reduction in cardiovascular disease and stroke risk. The study found that this potent drug could provide added benefit for those already on optimal doses of statins.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 17, 2017

Osteoporosis drug found safe in long-term trial

A new study found denosumab safe for treating postmenopausal osteoporosis over an extended period. The monoclonal antibody showed no increased risk of adverse events after 6 years of treatment, confirming its excellent safety and tolerability profile.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateMar 17, 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.

Human skull evolved along with two-legged walking, study confirms

A study published in the Journal of Human Evolution confirms that human skull evolution is linked to two-legged walking. Researchers found a forward-shifted foramen magnum in 77 mammal species, including humans, kangaroos, and springhares, indicating a common trait among bipedal mammals.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateMar 17, 2017

Nanotube film may resolve longevity problem of challenger solar cells

Researchers from Aalto University have developed a nanotube film that can replace traditional materials in perovskite solar cells, improving their stability and lifetime. The new material has conductivity as high as possible and can be made transparent and thin, making it suitable for use as the front contact of the cell.

SourceAalto University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 17, 2017

Transparent ceramics make super-hard windows

Researchers at DESY synthesised the first transparent sample of cubic silicon nitride, a popular industrial ceramic that can withstand extreme temperatures and pressures. The new material has potential industrial applications in engines and other high-performance industries.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 17, 2017

Scientists make the case to restore Pluto's planet status

A group of scientists led by Kirby Runyon argue for a definition of 'planet' that focuses on the body's intrinsic qualities, such as mass and gravitational shape. This new definition would expand the number of planets in our solar system to approximately 110, including Pluto.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateMar 17, 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.

Evolocumab significantly reduces risk of cardiovascular events

The FOURIER trial shows evolocumab reduces the risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke, by 15% compared to placebo. The treatment also lowers LDL cholesterol levels, translating to healthier arteries over time.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 17, 2017

New 'gene silencer' drug reduce cholesterol by over 50 percent

Researchers found that inclisiran significantly reduced LDL cholesterol levels by up to 51% just one month after treatment. The study also showed sustained lowering of cholesterol levels for at least eight months with no extra side effects.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 17, 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.

Palliative care consults for advanced cancer patients reduces hospitalization and improves care

A new study led by researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital found that early referrals to palliative care reduced healthcare utilization and increased use of support services after discharge. The study also showed significant improvements in 30-day readmission rates, hospice referral, and chemotherapy receipt.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Oncology Practice·DateMar 17, 2017

New role for immune cells in preventing diabetes and hypertension

Researchers at The University of Manchester found that eosinophils, a type of immune cell, play a crucial role in maintaining healthy blood vessels by reducing artery contraction. In obesity, these cells are reduced, leading to impaired PVAT function and contributing to type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 17, 2017

For female mosquitoes, two sets of odor sensors are better than one

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have discovered that female mosquitoes possess a secondary set of odor sensors, which are specially tuned to detect human-derived chemical signals. This system allows the insects to seek out humans as a preferred host, potentially aiding efforts to combat malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 17, 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.

Self-expanding TAVR as good as surgery in intermediate-risk patients

The SURTAVI trial shows that self-expanding TAVR is non-inferior to open-heart surgery for intermediate-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis, with comparable rates of stroke and death. The study found no significant differences in mortality or disabling stroke between the two groups at 2 years.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 17, 2017

Research proposes new theories about nature of Earth's iron

The study suggests that Earth's unique iron isotopic signature may have developed later in its history, possibly due to a collision with another planetary body or churning of the mantle. Researchers recreated high-pressure conditions using a diamond anvil cell and found contradictory results.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 17, 2017

What does that sentence say?

A new study reveals that adults who learned Spanish as a second language can understand subtle aspects of Spanish grammar not present in English. Researchers found that these adults were capable of learning and processing a new language in a way similar to native speaker language use.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMar 17, 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.

Organs can talk

Researchers have discovered a new cell structure responsible for previously unexplained rejections following an organ transplant, which may lead to the development of a new drug to prevent this type of rejection. This breakthrough could one day transform transplant practice by improving assessment of rejection risks.

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·DateMar 17, 2017

Skilled workers more prone to mistakes when interrupted

A new study by Michigan State University researchers found that highly trained workers in certain occupations are more likely to make errors when interrupted due to faster task completion. Experienced workers' ability to recall procedural steps is impaired by the proximity of actions in time, leading to increased mistakes.

SourceMichigan State University·DateMar 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.

Degree of spinal deformity affects hip replacement surgery success

A new study found that patients with spinal deformity are at greater risk for dislocation or revision surgery after hip replacement. The researchers analyzed 107 patients with sagittal spinal deformity who underwent 139 hip replacements, finding an 8% dislocation rate and a 5.8% revision surgery rate.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Arthroplasty·DateMar 17, 2017

Tighten the grip on metastasis

Researchers have identified pre-metastatic niches that prepare the ground for tumor cells to survive before invading other organs. Understanding this phenomenon could lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic tools to prevent cancer-related death.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Reviews Cancer·DateMar 17, 2017

Current jellyfish sting recommendations can worsen stings

New study reveals commonly recommended first aid actions for jellyfish stings can actually increase venom injection, leading to more severe pain and scars. The team recommends rinsing with vinegar or plucking tentacles off with tweezers as alternative treatments.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalToxins·DateMar 17, 2017

PCSK9 inhibition with bococizumab yields mixed results

Bococizumab, a PCSK9 inhibitor, significantly reduced cardiovascular events by 21% in high-risk patients with high LDL cholesterol levels. However, it showed no benefit in patients with lower LDL levels, highlighting the importance of personalized treatment approaches.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 17, 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.

PCSK9 inhibitior bococizumab produces varying results

Bococizumab significantly reduces cardiovascular events in high-risk patients with high LDL cholesterol levels. However, the drug's cholesterol-lowering effect tends to diminish over time in some patients.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 17, 2017

Can quantum theory explain why jokes are funny?

A new study suggests that a quantum theory approach may be able to account for the complexity of humor, proposing that our ability to perceive multiple meanings simultaneously makes puns and jokes funny. The research provides an exciting first step towards developing a formal quantum theory model of humor.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physics·DateMar 17, 2017

One in 4 elderly Australian women have dementia

A new study has estimated that one in four Australian women over 70 will develop dementia. Researchers used a unique technique called capture-recapture to provide an up-to-date estimate for dementia in the Australian population.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalEmerging Themes in Epidemiology·DateMar 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.

Happy spouse, happy house

A new study by UCR psychology professor Megan Robbins found that using positive emotion words and balanced pronouns, such as

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPersonal Relationships·DateMar 17, 2017

Penn researchers find patients' annual financial burden under Medicare Part D is 'too much too soon'

A new study by Penn researchers found that Medicare patients with chronic illnesses, such as cancer and rheumatoid arthritis, paid an average of $6,322 per year in out-of-pocket costs under Medicare Part D. The study proposes policy changes to cap annual out-of-pocket costs and spread them more evenly throughout the year.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateMar 17, 2017
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.