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Science News Archive May 2017


Page 13 of 42

Pulmonary Thrombosis-on-a-Chip provides new avenue for drug development

Researchers have created a human pulmonary thrombosis model on a chip, allowing for the study of blood clot formation in the lung. The Thrombosis-on-a-Chip technology replicates human lung capillaries and perfuses whole human blood through it, enabling the testing of potential drugs to treat or prevent pulmonary thrombosis.

Study redefines HPV-related head and neck cancers

A recent study by Virginia Commonwealth University researchers has challenged traditional views of human papilloma virus (HPV) in HPV-related head and neck cancers. The study found that most HPV-related head and neck cancers have episomal HPV, not integrated HPV, which is associated with better treatment outcomes.

TWEAKing inflammation

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology pinpoint TWEAK as a common driver of skin inflammation in both diseases. The protein plays a major role in inducing pro-inflammatory signaling molecules that recruit immune cells to the skin.

Zap! Graphene is bad news for bacteria

Researchers discovered laser-induced graphene is highly effective against bacteria and resists biofouling. When electrified, LIG kills bacteria through a combination of contact with its rough surface, electrical charge, and toxicity from hydrogen peroxide production.

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.

Humanizing, harmonizing effects of music aren't a myth

Research by University of Arizona professor Jake Harwood and collaborators found that listening to music from other cultures improves intergroup attitudes. The study showed that individuals who listen to music produced by outgroup members experience a humanizing effect and reduce negative feelings towards those groups.

Was a statin beneficial for primary cardiovascular prevention in older adults?

A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine analyzed data from a clinical trial and found no benefit of statins for all-cause mortality or coronary heart disease events when started for primary prevention in older adults. The authors concluded that treatment recommendations should be individualized for this population.

New cancer drug can prevent reactions to common airborne allergens

A recent study found that a cancer drug called ibrutinib can reduce allergic skin test reactivity by 80-90% in patients with certain types of leukemia and lymphoma. The treatment also showed promise in preventing reactions to common airborne allergens, such as cat dander and ragweed.

Better, cheaper healthcare with dry blood samples

Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a new method to measure proteins in dry blood samples, allowing for easier and cheaper healthcare. The study found that this method has great potential to save resources and enable early diagnostics, with minimal changes to protein levels over time.

New answers for kids with inherited kidney disease

A global research team has identified a new gene behind autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD), a rare form of childhood kidney disease. The discovery uses whole exome sequencing to analyze genes simultaneously, revealing errors in the DZIP1L gene that cause kidney defects.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Fat can neutralize listeria

Researchers have discovered that naturally occurring fatty acids can switch off the specific genes that make listeria bacteria dangerous. Omega-3 fatty acids took about half an hour to neutralize the bacteria, according to the study published in Research in Microbiology.

New clues emerge about how fruit flies navigate their world

Researchers at Janelia Research Campus have discovered how fruit flies use a specialized nerve cell system to navigate their environment, involving the activation and suppression of neighboring neurons. The discovery sheds light on the fly's internal picture of the outside world and its cognitive processes.

Scientists develop test to identify best treatment for gonorrhea

Scientists at UCLA developed a laboratory test to determine the most effective treatment for gonorrhea. The new test led to a significant increase in the use of ciprofloxacin, from 0% to 34%, while reducing the use of ceftriaxone from 100% to 66%. This shift may help slow down the emergence of antibiotic resistance.

The right thing to do: Why do we follow unspoken group rules?

A new study from NIMBioS explores human social norms and their evolution. The model found that norm internalization readily evolves in both 'us-vs.-nature' and 'us-vs.-them' scenarios, suggesting a genetic variation in humans' ability to internalize norms.

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.

Obamacare support: When polls mention repeal it seals the deal

A new study published in Health Communication suggests that mentioning 'repeal' or 'repeal and replace' in survey questions boosts support for the Affordable Care Act. The research analyzed hundreds of national opinion polls and found that people tend to oppose repeal, leading to increased support for the existing law.

Scientists find new genetic roots for intelligence

Researchers at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam identified 52 genes associated with intelligence, including 40 previously unknown discoveries. The study reveals a correlation between genetic influences on intelligence and educational attainment, as well as traits like autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia.

Sleep apnea may increase risk of pregnancy complications

Women with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are at greater risk for serious pregnancy complications, including ICU admission and increased risk of rare but severe complications such as hysterectomy and congestive heart failure. OSA also increases the risk of hypertensive disorders and gestational diabetes.

Abused caregivers have double chance of poor health

Women who become caregivers after intimate partner violence experience increased depressive symptoms and stress. They also have worse physical health than other women, with nearly one in 20 middle-aged women in this position.

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.

The fungal microbiome contributes to alcohol-induced liver damage in mice

A study led by Bernd Schnabl found that chronic alcohol intake increases fungal populations in the intestine and levels of β-glucan in the bloodstream, leading to liver inflammation. Treating mice with anti-fungal agents prevented liver disease, supporting further research into the fungal microbiome's role in alcohol-related liver damage.

Viral ARIs in infants may lead to recurrent childhood wheezing

Researchers found that viral acute respiratory infections (ARIs) in infants may lead to oxidative stress and recurrent wheezing in early childhood. Oxidative stress is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, and measuring it in urine samples during a viral ARI may predict the development of recurrent wheeze.

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.

Wafer-thin magnetic materials developed for future quantum technologies

Researchers at the University of Basel and Paul Scherrer Institute have produced a wafer-thin ferrimagnet by arranging phthalocyanine molecules on a gold surface in a checkerboard pattern. The material exhibits two-dimensional magnetic properties, making it suitable for applications such as sensors and quantum computing.

Why fewer blood cancer patients receive hospice care

Research shows that blood cancer patients are less likely to enroll in hospice care compared to solid cancer patients. However, a survey of hematologic oncologists found that 68% agree that hospice care is helpful for blood cancer patients, and most would refer patients if red blood cell transfusions were available.

Two simple building blocks produce complex 3-D material

Scientists at Northwestern University have developed a lightweight, porous crystal with unprecedented structural complexity using uranium and organic linkers. The new material has a high surface area, pore volume, and water stability, making it suitable for separating small molecules and enzymes.

Preterm birth linked to higher risk of heart failure

A registry-based study of 2.6 million individuals found that children born preterm are 17 times more likely to suffer heart failure than those born at full term. The study also suggests that the risk may remain in early adulthood.

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.

Female STEM leaders more likely to back policies aiding women

A national study of college and university administrators has found that female department chairs, deans, and provosts have different attitudes and beliefs than their male counterparts about how to retain women professors in STEM fields. Female administrators gave higher ratings to policies and strategies designed to improve the lives ...

3.3-million-year-old fossil reveals origins of the human spine

A 3.3 million-year-old fossil skeleton known as Selam has provided the first glimpse into how early human ancestors' spines were organized. The study found that portions of the human spinal structure enabling efficient walking motions emerged over 3.3 million years ago.

Flexible new method for early cancer diagnosis

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a new method for early cancer diagnosis that uses DNA barcoding to detect tumor cells in blood. The technique has been shown to increase sensitivity by thousand-fold, making it possible to screen at-risk patient groups and spot relapsing patients more effectively.

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.

New method: Water mapping around solutes

Chemists at Ruhr-University Bochum developed a new terahertz calorimetry technique to map changes in water molecules around solutes. This method allows for real-time analysis of hydration shells and can be applied to complex systems like enzymes for drug design.

Biofilm discovery suggests new way to prevent dangerous infections

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have made a breakthrough in understanding how bacterial biofilms form, suggesting a new approach to preventing these deadly infections. By developing coatings for medical devices that block the trigger mechanism, biofilm-related hospital-borne infections could be sharply reduced.

Moderate drinking may not ward off heart disease

A recent research review found that moderate drinking has little support for preventing heart disease. In fact, seniors who drink moderately may be healthier due to their age and health status. However, the association between moderate drinking and better health may be misleading due to factors such as age and overall health.

New findings on formation and malformation of blood vessels

New research at Karolinska Institutet reveals the role of Endoglin protein in vascular formation and malformation, leading to potential treatments for vascular diseases. The study also found that reducing vascular malformation can be achieved by manipulating endothelial cells.

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.

Predictive models may help determine which patients benefit from ICDs

A recent study found that patients with heart failure may not benefit from implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) if they have low predicted risk of death and sudden cardiac death. The researchers identified a subgroup of patients who received significant survival benefits from ICDs, while others did not.

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.

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.

Speeding up quality control for biologics

A new nanofluidic device enables rapid testing of protein drugs produced by living cells, offering continuous monitoring and automated quality control. The system can analyze small protein samples in 30-40 minutes, with potential future miniaturization for real-time point-of-care checks.

ASKAP telescope to rule radio-burst hunt

The Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) has successfully detected its first fast radio burst (FRB), marking a major breakthrough in this elusive field of astronomy. The detection was made using an innovative strategy, allowing the telescope to scan a larger area of the sky and increasing its chances of finding FRBs.

Field of 'sexting' research finds little to worry about

Researchers analyzed 15 studies to investigate the relationship between sexting and sexual behavior. They found a weak statistical correlation, but couldn't determine if sexting influenced behavior. A common definition of sexting is lacking, highlighting the need for better study design.

Female peer mentors help retain college women in engineering

A study by Nilanjana Dasgupta and Tara C. Dennehy found that female peer mentors increased retention rates among young women in engineering majors, with 100% of mentored students still in the program after one year. The benefits of mentoring lasted for two years and were associated with higher motivation and confidence.

New insight into life-threatening childhood brain cancer

Childhood medulloblastoma can be separated into seven distinct subgroups with unique biological and clinical characteristics. This new understanding may lead to increased survival rates as each subgroup responds differently to treatment, allowing for tailored treatment options. The study aims to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes...

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

South African team performs second successful penis transplant

A South African team has successfully performed the second penis transplant, a procedure that aims to address penile mutilation caused by traditional circumcisions. The recipient is expected to regain full urinary and reproductive functions within six months, paving the way for cost-effective solutions to help affected men.

Discovery may offer hope to Parkinson's disease patients

Researchers have pinpointed a common protein abnormality, SOD1 fingerprint, in Parkinson's disease brains, suggesting a new target for therapies that improved ALS outcomes. The finding may lead to substantial improvements in motor function and survival time for Parkinson's patients.

Cultural backgrounds of media organizations affect international news coverage

A new study by University of Missouri researchers reveals that cultural values of photojournalists' home countries influence the framing of international events. The study analyzed over 400 photographs from Pope Francis's 2015 visit to Cuba, finding differences in camera angles and news priorities between media outlets from the US, UK,...

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Conservation and nameless earthworms: Assessors in the dark?

Conservation assessments for endemic earthworm species in KwaZulu-Natal Province are hindered by lack of common names. Assigning English names facilitates inclusion in environmental impact assessments, highlighting the importance of biodiversity preservation.

Sleep apnea may increase atrial fibrillation risk

Research found that measures of OSA severity were significant predictors of AF, with oxygen desaturation remaining a significant predictor after adjusting for known risk factors. Women with sleep apnea were more likely to develop AF hospitalizations, highlighting the potential for gender-specific mechanisms.