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Science News Archive April 2018 - Page 24


Page 24 of 42

Combination therapy doubles survival in metastatic lung cancer

Combination therapy of pembrolizumab and chemotherapy significantly improves overall survival and reduces progression risk in patients with non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer. The study found a 51% reduced risk of death compared to chemotherapy alone.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 16, 2018

Study examines maternal metabolic factors and early-onset puberty

A Kaiser Permanente study of over 15,000 girls and their mothers found that maternal overweight and hyperglycemia are associated with earlier onset of puberty. The study suggests that the in utero environment may affect pubertal development, increasing the risk of adverse health outcomes.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateApr 16, 2018
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.

American Association of Anatomists presents its 2018 Award Recipients

The American Association of Anatomists presented its 2018 Award Recipients to recognize outstanding achievements in human anatomy education, scientific research, and leadership. The recipients included Valerie D. O'Loughlin, Kurt Albertine, Jeffrey Laitman, and Jason Organ for their contributions to the field.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 16, 2018

BNSF Railway presented with the 2018 INFORMS Prize for Operations Research

BNSF Railway has been awarded the 2018 INFORMS Prize for their pioneering integration of operations research and analytics programs. The O.R. program has driven better decision-making in various aspects of the company's rail network, resulting in annual savings of over $110 million.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·DateApr 16, 2018

Grafted brain organoids provide insight into neurological disorders

Scientists have developed a new method to create more sophisticated brain-like organoid models by transplanting them into rodents, enabling longer survival and increased complexity. This breakthrough could lead to better therapies for neurological disorders, as well as the potential for human cell transplantation in the brain.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 16, 2018
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.

New liquid biopsy-based cancer model reveals data on deadly lung cancer

A new liquid biopsy-based cancer model has revealed insights into the development of chemotherapy resistance in small-cell lung cancer. The study found that intratumoral heterogeneity, or differences in gene expression between tumor cells, contributes to rapid chemotherapy resistance.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateApr 15, 2018

Innate immune adaptor TRIF confers neuroprotection in ALS

A deficiency of TRIF, a key innate immune adaptor, significantly shortens the survival time of ALS mice by allowing the accumulation of toxic reactive oxygens. This study reveals a new role for innate immunity in ALS pathomechanism and provides a clue to develop a therapeutic approach for protecting motor neurons.

SourceNagoya University·JournalCell Death and Differentiation·DateApr 15, 2018

Australia to join global health and climate change initiative

Australia is joining the Lancet Countdown, a global health and climate change initiative. The country will track its progress on 40 indicators across five categories, including adaptation planning, mitigation actions, and public engagement.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalThe Medical Journal of Australia·DateApr 15, 2018
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.

Announcing the Pancreatic Cancer Collective

The Pancreatic Cancer Collective, funded by the Lustgarten Foundation and Stand Up To Cancer, will accelerate research for pancreatic cancer patients. The initiative aims to improve diagnosis and treatments, as well as support the next generation of pancreatic cancer investigators.

SourceStand Up To Cancer·DateApr 15, 2018
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.

Painkillers in pregnancy may affect baby's future fertility

Research suggests that taking painkillers during pregnancy could reduce the number of cells in the testes and ovaries, which give rise to sperm and eggs. This could lead to an early menopause in females and affect the fertility of future generations.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateApr 15, 2018

Updates on new therapies in development for rare liver diseases

Sebelipase alfa and two investigational RNAi therapeutics, givosiran and ARO-AAT, demonstrate positive findings in treating lysosomal acid lipase deficiency and acute intermittent porphyria. Long-term tolerability and improvements in liver injury markers are observed.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·DateApr 14, 2018

2018 AACR Annual Meeting presentations highlight the clinical utility of Bio-Rad's Droplet Digital PCR technology for discovering epigenetic biomarkers and measuring immunotherapy response

Researchers used Bio-Rad's Droplet Digital PCR technology to identify potential epigenetic biomarkers for lung cancer recurrence and detect HPV cfDNA in cervical cancer patients. The studies found associations between biomarker levels and treatment outcomes, indicating the clinical utility of ddPCR technology.

SourceCG Life·DateApr 14, 2018

Hepatitis C: Simplified curative treatments can drive global scale-up

The number of people receiving HCV cure is increasing with new, highly effective treatments available; simplification of treatment delivery can accelerate global scale-up. Cure leads to reductions in liver-related deaths and cancer risk, as well as improvements in comorbidities.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·DateApr 14, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Blocking matrix-forming protein might prevent heart failure

Researchers used an experimental therapy to block fibronectin protein, reducing scarred muscle tissue and saving mouse models from heart failure. The treatment restored function in damaged heart cells and reduced fibrosis.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalCirculation·DateApr 13, 2018

Links between eating red meat and distal colon cancer in women

A study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that regularly eating red meat increases the risk of distal colon cancer in women, with those on a red meat-free diet experiencing lower rates. The research suggests that a diet free from red meat significantly reduces the risk of this type of colon cancer.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateApr 13, 2018

Lack of sleep may be linked to risk factor for Alzheimer's disease

A new study found that losing one night of sleep led to an increase in beta-amyloid, a protein linked to Alzheimer's disease. The study also showed that participants with larger increases in beta-amyloid reported worse mood after sleep deprivation.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Long-term obeticholic acid treatment leads to reversal or stabilization of fibrosis/cirrhosis in patients with PBC

The study confirms that long-term OCA treatment leads to reversal or stabilization of fibrosis/cirrhosis in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) who have had an incomplete response to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). The majority of patients improved or maintained their histological stage, while two patients deteriorated.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·DateApr 13, 2018

Tungsten 'too brittle' for nuclear fusion reactors

Researchers at the University of Huddersfield have found that tungsten, a favored metal in nuclear fusion reactors, becomes brittle due to radiation damage. This discovery hinders the use of tungsten as a structural material, prompting the development of new alloys that can prevent embrittlement.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalScripta Materialia·DateApr 13, 2018

Scientists find positive workplace experiences among Americans with disabilities

A national survey by Kessler Foundation reveals that 69% of people with disabilities are striving to work, overcoming barriers through job preparation and negotiation. The study also finds that many employees report experiencing and successfully addressing obstacles such as negative attitudes and pay disparity.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalJournal of Vocational Rehabilitation·DateApr 13, 2018
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.

Measuring the risks of extreme temperatures on public health

A new study found that extreme cold increases mortality and morbidity risks for people with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, while extreme heat is risky for those with renal diseases. The research aims to develop tailored public service risk communication strategies.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalRisk Analysis·DateApr 13, 2018

The secret behind a choice cuppa or a perfect pint -- a mathematician

Professor William Lee's research uses mathematical modeling to investigate topics such as Guinness bubbles and filter coffee machines. His work has led to the development of a mathematical model for coffee brewing that can aid machine design, and he is now exploring the link between strength and flavor in espresso.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalAmerican Journal of Physics·DateApr 13, 2018

Crowded urban areas have fewer songbirds per person

Research by the University of Exeter and the British Trust for Ornithology found that people in crowded urban areas see fewer songbirds but more nuisance birds. In contrast, green and leafy suburbs have up to three and a half times more songbirds and woodpeckers, associated with positive human wellbeing.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateApr 13, 2018

Two MDC scientists receive ERC grants worth several million euros

Researchers Gary Lewin and Norbert Hübner are investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying neurological and heart diseases. They hope to identify ion channel anchors and characterize them at the molecular level, laying the groundwork for therapies that address tactile disorders and heart failure.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·DateApr 13, 2018
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.

Newly identified bacteria may help bees nourish their young

Researchers at UCR have isolated three new bacterial species from wild bees that may inhibit fungi growth in pollen provisions. These Lactobacillus strains could help preserve nectar and pollen for larvae, promoting bee health.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·DateApr 13, 2018

Automated analysis of biopsy samples enables rapid and reproducible quantification of NASH disease activity

A new study has reported a good correlation between an automated image analysis system and an expert reviewer for the identification of key markers of NASH disease activity in a pre-clinical model. The study used deep-learning algorithms applied to open-source pathology software (QuPath1) to accurately identify cell histology patterns ...

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·DateApr 13, 2018

Hepatitis C virus elimination programs report encouraging results: Is elimination within reach?

Two nationwide hepatitis C elimination programs in Georgia and Iceland have reported high levels of engagement, initiation of direct-acting antiviral agents, and cure among patients chronically infected with HCV. In Georgia, over 90% of diagnosed individuals were cured, while in Iceland, the prevalence of active HCV infection among peo...

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·DateApr 13, 2018
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Hubble catches a colossal cluster

The Hubble Space Telescope has imaged a massive galaxy cluster, revealing its intricate structure and the presence of dark matter. The cluster is comprised of thousands of galaxies held together by gravity, with most of its mass existing in non-luminous dark matter.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 13, 2018

Quantum physicists achieve entanglement record

Researchers have successfully entangled 20 calcium atoms in an ion trap experiment, demonstrating controlled multi-particle entanglement between neighboring groups of particles. The achievement holds significant promise for practical applications such as quantum simulations and information processing.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review X·DateApr 13, 2018

Tiny structures -- huge impact

Researchers at Friedrich Schiller University Jena have successfully created tailored surface structures on curved carbon fibers using laser technology, enabling new applications in composite materials and optical devices. The method allows for precise control over the structure's size and shape, opening up possibilities for improving m...

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalCarbon·DateApr 13, 2018
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.

Temperature affects insecticide efficacy against malaria vectors

A study published in Malaria Journal found that ambient temperature impacts the toxicity of commonly used insecticides against malaria vectors. The researchers explored the effect of temperature on pyrethroid and carbamate insecticides, revealing that temperature affects their efficacy differently for resistant and susceptible strains.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalMalaria Journal·DateApr 13, 2018

Sustained virological response to oral hepatitis C virus treatment associated with reduced mortality in an Italian cohort

A real-world study found that patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection who achieve a sustained virological response (SVR) after direct-acting antiviral agent (DAA) treatment have lower all-cause mortality. Achieving SVR reduced mortality from both liver-related and unrelated causes at all stages of disease.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·DateApr 13, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Polymer synthesis gets a jolt of caffeine

Researchers at MIT and Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed biocompatible gels for drug delivery using caffeine as a catalyst, eliminating the need for hazardous metal catalysts.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalBiomaterials·DateApr 13, 2018

Observing biological nanotransporters

Researchers shed light on functional mechanism of ABC exporters, which transport a wide range of molecules out of cells. This understanding could lead to new therapeutic approaches by specifically influencing or inhibiting these processes.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 13, 2018

Similar charges are attracted to each other

Researchers at NUST MISIS developed a theory explaining how latent state formation occurs in layered tantalum disulfide, leading to ultra-fast memory capabilities. The material's nano-structural mosaics and charged vacancies contribute to its switching and memory effects.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 13, 2018

Sensor strategy a boon for synthetic biology

Rice University scientists introduce a new technique to fine-tune two-component biological sensors, enabling tailor-made biosensors for diagnostic gut bacteria and environmental pollutant detection. The approach uses phosphatase activity to alter the sensitivity of these pathways, promising a major breakthrough in synthetic biology.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 13, 2018
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.

Omega-3s from fish oil supplements no better than placebo for dry eye

A well-controlled trial found that omega-3 fatty acid supplements taken orally proved no better than placebo at relieving symptoms or signs of dry eye. Despite insufficient evidence establishing the effectiveness of omega-3s, clinicians and patients have been inclined to try the supplements for various conditions, including dry eye.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 13, 2018

Mount Sinai research on omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for dry eye

The study, funded by the National Eye Institute, tested oral omega-3 supplementation on patients with dry eye disease. Despite finding some improvement in symptoms and signs, researchers concluded that omega-3 supplements did not show a beneficial effect relative to placebo.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 13, 2018
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Budesonide add-on therapy improves markers of disease activity but fails to improve histology in patients with primary biliary cholangitis

A study found that budesonide add-on therapy improves biochemical markers of disease activity but fails to improve liver histology in high-risk patients with primary biliary cholangitis. Budesonide was shown to produce clinically meaningful improvements in serum alkaline phosphatase levels.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·DateApr 13, 2018

For racial minority adolescents, cigarette and alcohol use linked to suicidality

A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that racial minority adolescents have a high prevalence of substance use and are at a higher risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The research team analyzed data from over 20 years of national surveys and found that Pacific Islander, multiracial, and Ame...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateApr 13, 2018

Extreme climate variability destabilizing West Coast ecosystems

A new study reveals that extreme climate variability over the last century has synchronized ecosystem behavior on the West Coast, increasing risks of extinction for marine and terrestrial organisms. This synchrony is linked to changes in winter climate patterns, such as the North Pacific High, which have become more variable over time.

SourceOregon State University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateApr 13, 2018
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.