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Science News for May 21, 2017


Two biomarkers appear to predict course of IPF

Researchers found that patients with high ICOS expression had improved survival, while those with low CD28 expression had poor outcomes. The study suggests that these biomarkers may help clinicians identify IPF patients at greatest risk and develop early intervention strategies.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 21, 2017

Prompt sepsis treatment less likely when ERs overcrowded

A study found that ER overcrowding is associated with a significant delay in sepsis treatment, resulting in increased mortality risk. Patients presenting to crowded ERs waited an average of 47 minutes longer for antibiotics compared to uncrowded ERs.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 21, 2017

Supercomputer study unlocks secrets of brain and safer anesthetics

A seven-year study using a supercomputer has revealed the secrets of brain electrical signals and protein switches activated by binding molecules. The findings aim to develop safer and more effective anaesthetics, as well as treatments for various neural conditions such as epilepsy, anxiety, and chronic pain.

SourceRMIT University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Faster is better when it comes to sepsis care

A University of Pittsburgh-led study covering nearly 50,000 patients found that hospitals in New York State that followed the 'three-hour bundle' protocol for sepsis treatment had lower mortality rates. The protocol requires early identification and treatment within three hours of diagnosis, with completion averaging 1.3 hours.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 21, 2017

Improving health care for mother and child, doing fewer cesareans and ... saving money!

A training program evaluating clinical best practices and self-assessment reduced medically unnecessary caesareans by a slight margin without adverse effects on maternal and neonatal health. The program generated significant savings for the healthcare system, primarily due to better case management leading to fewer neonatal complications.

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateMay 21, 2017

Antibiotic therapy for nearly 1 in 4 adults with pneumonia does not work

A recent study found that approximately 22.1 percent of adult patients prescribed antibiotics for community-acquired pneumonia do not respond to treatment, highlighting the need for updated guidelines and more aggressive antibiotic therapy for vulnerable populations such as older adults. The study also revealed regional variations in t...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 21, 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.

Parasitic robot system for waypoint navigation of turtle

A KAIST research team developed a hybrid animal-robot interaction system that attaches to a turtle and induces its object-tracking behavior through training sessions. The parasitic robot successfully controls the direction of movement in a water tank, offering an alternative solution to conventional mobile robot limitations.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalJournal of Bionic Engineering·DateMay 21, 2017

New hope for patients with severe lung disease

UK researchers have made a breakthrough in treating severe lung disease by developing a home ventilation therapy that reduces hospital readmissions. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found patients using this treatment were two-thirds less likely to be readmitted within 28 days.

SourceNIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Guy’s and St Thomas’ and King’s College London·JournalJAMA·DateMay 21, 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.

Network traffic provides early indication of malware infection

Researchers analyzed network traffic from over five billion events to identify malware signals weeks before detection. This allows for early warning of potential attacks, reducing their impact. The study suggests new strategies for malware-independent detection, giving network defenders a timely advantage.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateMay 21, 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.

Combination of features produces new Android vulnerability

A new class of attacks, dubbed 'Cloak and Dagger,' allows attackers to take control of Android devices by overlaying the graphical interface with false information. The vulnerability arises from the combination of two legitimate permissions that power desirable features in popular apps.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateMay 21, 2017

Air pollution may disrupt sleep

Researchers analyzed data from 1,863 participants and found a significant association between air pollution exposure and low sleep efficiency. The study suggests that improving air quality may be one way to enhance sleep health and reduce health disparities.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 21, 2017