Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive March 2017 - Page 11


Page 11 of 41

Virtual environment education reduces anxiety prior to radiation therapy

A pilot study conducted by Thomas Jefferson University found that a virtual environment education program significantly reduced anxiety and increased comprehension in patients receiving radiation therapy. The program used simulated environments to teach patients about their treatment, resulting in improved confidence and satisfaction.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJournal of Radiation Oncology·DateMar 23, 2017

Cardiac lead extractions safer in high volume centers

A recent European Society of Cardiology study found that cardiac lead extractions are safer in high-volume centers compared to low-volume centers. The study, which included data from over 3,500 patients, found that extraction in a low volume center was associated with a doubled risk of death during the hospital stay.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateMar 23, 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.

Scientists get closer look at living nerve synapses

Researchers developed a custom-built microscope to study living nerve synapses, resolving events in the synapse with high precision. They found that the active zone is more like a rain shower than a single jet, with about 10 locations reused too often and a limit to how quickly these sites can be reused.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateMar 23, 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.

Three ERC Advanced Grants to Stockholm University

Researchers at Stockholm University will receive prestigious ERC Advanced Grants for innovative projects tackling dark matter detection, social-ecological interactions, and the impact of social media on Chinese society. The grants support interdisciplinary approaches to tackle complex global challenges.

SourceStockholm University·DateMar 23, 2017

Facial recognition software helps diagnose rare genetic disease

Researchers developed facial analysis technology to diagnose 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, a rare genetic disease affecting 1 in 3,000 to 1 in 6,000 children. The software correctly diagnosed the disease in 96.6% of cases across different ethnic groups.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics·DateMar 23, 2017

Most remaining smokers in US have low socioeconomic status

Research found that nearly three-fourths of US remaining smokers have low socioeconomic status, including no college education, health insurance, or disability. These individuals face higher challenges in quitting smoking due to limited access to cessation-supporting services.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved·DateMar 23, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Research consortium develops evidence-based diagnostic model for mental illness

A new diagnostic model called Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) aims to correct limitations of traditional models like DSM-5 by using a dimensional and hierarchical approach. This approach can lead to more meaningful decisions and advance research efforts into the causes and treatments of mental disorders.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Abnormal Psychology·DateMar 23, 2017

New research links Gulf War Illness to gastrointestinal disturbances

A new study from the University of South Carolina found a gastrointestinal link to Gulf War Illness, potentially explaining both gastrointestinal inflammation and neurological symptoms. The research suggests that altering the intestinal microbiota may lead to improved treatment options for GWI.

SourceUniversity of South Carolina·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 23, 2017

Limiting protein reduces post-heart attack injury in mice

A new study from MU researchers has identified a protein that can be targeted to decrease post-heart attack injury and prevent heart failure in a mouse model. The research used ultrasound technology to deliver a protein inhibitor directly to the hearts of mice, resulting in a 72% decrease in heart damage compared to control groups.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 23, 2017

Are dialysis patients being over-screened for colon cancer?

A new analysis reveals that dialysis patients are being screened at a higher rate than their counterparts without kidney failure, with the healthiest patients being more likely to receive screening. The findings suggest that there is substantial over-screening among patients on dialysis, and physicians should carefully evaluate patient...

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 23, 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.

Fighting malaria through mathematical analysis of parasite's metabolism

A new mathematical model of Plasmodium falciparum's metabolism reveals its essential genes and thermodynamic bottlenecks, enabling potential mechanisms to target with drugs. The model integrates genetics and metabolomics data, allowing for the formulation of testable hypotheses and accelerating novel antimalarial drug discovery.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 23, 2017

Scientists assemble Zika virus mosquito genome from scratch

A team developed a new way to sequence genomes, assembling the Zika virus mosquito genome for less than $10,000. This allows for rapid creation of reference genomes for all species, including humans, tumors, and patients, enabling better diagnosis and treatment.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience·DateMar 23, 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 Participates in the NOAA GOES-16 Field Campaign

During the three-month campaign, scientists will validate GOES-16's advanced instruments using measurements from planes, ground-based sensors, unmanned aircraft systems, the International Space Station, and other sources. The goal is to ensure precise data for weather forecasting, severe storm warnings, and space weather predictions.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 23, 2017

Stress may protect -- at least in bacteria

Researchers found that antibiotics like trimethoprim induce a stress response in bacteria, protecting them from acidic damage. This cross-protection mechanism increases the survival chances of bacteria exposed to antibiotics and other environmental stresses.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalCell Systems·DateMar 23, 2017

OTUD6B gene mutations cause intellectual and physical disability

Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine discovered that OTUD6B gene mutations cause a spectrum of physical and intellectual deficits. The study found 12 individuals carrying mutations in OTUD6B with similar clinical characteristics, including severe intellectual disability and cardiovascular problems.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMar 23, 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.

Dairy farmers should rethink a cow's curfew, says UBC researchers

Researchers at the University of British Columbia found dairy cows are highly motivated to be outside, working equally hard to access pasture as they do to fresh feed. The study's findings support previous research that public opinion of a good life for cattle involves outdoor grazing access.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 23, 2017

New understanding of chronic lung inflammatory diseases unfolding

A comprehensive review article explores cytokine regulation of fibroblast behavior and extracellular matrix in the lung, shedding light on chronic inflammation. The study highlights the role of metabolic changes, age, and epigenetic mechanisms in affecting fibroblast activity and immune system cell populations.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Interferon & Cytokine Research·DateMar 23, 2017

Immune study in chickens reveals key hurdle for Campylobacter vaccine effort

Researchers found that antibody production plays a limited role in clearing intestinal infection, and the immune response matures too slowly to fight off the bug within six weeks of age. Vaccines focusing on cell-mediated immunity or speeding up antibody production may offer promising solutions to controlling Campylobacter.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 23, 2017

Designer proteins fold DNA

Researchers at TUM have developed a method to construct custom DNA-protein hybrid structures using genetically encoded proteins and DNA. This approach allows for the creation of complex shapes and spatial arrangements that can be used to investigate fundamental processes in cell biology and biotechnology.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScience·DateMar 23, 2017
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Save the whales

The Benioff Ocean Initiative has committed $1.5 million to accelerate research on reducing ship strikes and mortality of whales. Researchers estimate that 10 blue whales are killed annually in the Santa Barbara Channel, threatening a species with only 3-11% of its historic population.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateMar 23, 2017

Gravitational wave kicks monster black hole out of galactic core

Astronomers discovered a supermassive black hole weighing over 1 billion suns that was propelled out of the center of a distant galaxy due to gravitational wave energy. The estimated equivalent energy is 100 million supernovas, and the black hole travels at speeds of up to 4.7 million miles per hour.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 23, 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.

Mass. General team identifies mechanisms behind resistance to FGFR inhibitor drug

Researchers at Mass General Hospital identified novel resistance mechanisms in patients with liver tumors receiving FGFR inhibitor treatment. The study found that different mutations within individual patients and across multiple samples could confer resistance, highlighting the need for more effective treatments.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCancer Discovery·DateMar 23, 2017

Climate change and an 'overlooked' nutrient: Silica

Climate change is altering silica uptake in sugar maple trees, potentially affecting ecosystems. Warmer winters and reduced snow cover are damaging tree roots, leading to a significant loss of silica, which plays crucial roles in forest health.

SourceBoston University·DateMar 23, 2017

Where does laser energy go after being fired into plasma?

A new study published in Scientific Reports reveals that laser energy deposited into plasma produces two low-energy but high-charge electron beams and a single high-energy beam. The beams can have thousands of times more charge than the high-energy beam, offering a novel source of charged particle beams.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 23, 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.

How chewing like a cow helped early mammals thrive

Early mammals developed side-to-side jaw motion, enabling them to grind food and eat a more diversified diet. This adaptation contributed to their survival during mass extinctions.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 23, 2017

Asian-American students have strong academic support -- but is it too much?

A study by NYU's Steinhardt School found that second-generation Asian American adolescents benefit less from academic social support than others, with the influence of parents, friends, and teachers being inconsistent. Despite this, they still have strong expectations for college attendance due to high parental and teacher expectations.

SourceNew York University·JournalAsian American Journal of Psychology·DateMar 23, 2017

It's really about me, not 'you'

New University of Michigan research finds people use generic-'you' to make meaning from personal experiences, helping them view events as more distant. The study suggests this ability allows individuals to derive broader meanings from their own experiences.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience·DateMar 23, 2017
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Scientists use new technology to assemble genome of Zika virus mosquito

A team of researchers has developed a new method, called 3D genome assembly, that can create a human reference genome from scratch for less than $10,000. This technology allows scientists to assemble the genome of Zika virus-carrying mosquitoes at a fraction of the cost and time required by traditional methods.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience·DateMar 23, 2017

Researchers find new gene interaction associated with increased MS risk

Scientists at UTMB and Duke University Medical Center found a new gene interaction that increases the risk of developing multiple sclerosis. This discovery could lead to more accurate tests to identify those at greatest risk and potentially uncover new avenues for treatment.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalCell·DateMar 23, 2017

What does congenital Zika syndrome look like?

A study published in the American Journal of Medical Genetics describes the physical and neurologic characteristics of congenital Zika syndrome in 83 Brazilian children. The findings show that microcephaly, joint immobility, and brain abnormalities are common features, with some cases having milder symptoms.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics·DateMar 23, 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.

A new approach to target an 'undruggable' prostate cancer driver

Researchers from Michigan Medicine have identified a novel strategy to target the genetic anomaly that occurs in half of all prostate cancers. They developed large molecule peptides that can effectively target and degrade the ERG fusion with little impact on regular cell function.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCancer Cell·DateMar 23, 2017

New tool for prognosis and choice of therapy for rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered that antibodies against cartilage protein collagen II are associated with a good prognosis in rheumatoid arthritis. The study found that patients with these antibodies showed increased signs of inflammation during the first six months after diagnosis, but no difference later on.

SourceUppsala University·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateMar 23, 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.

Poor oral health and food scarcity major contributors to malnutrition in older adults

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that poor oral health and food scarcity are major contributors to malnutrition in older adults. The research suggests that linking patients in need to existing food assistance programs, such as Meals on Wheels, can help address this issue.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 23, 2017

UVA finds ANOTHER immune system link science said didn't exist

Scientists at UVA have discovered an unexpected connection between the immune system and the testes, which may explain why some cancer vaccines are failing to work. This finding could lead to new treatments for autoimmune disorders and male infertility, as doctors target specific antigens released by the testes.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 23, 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.