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Science News for June 1, 2018


Scientists develop material that could regenerate dental enamel

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have developed a new method to create materials with remarkable precision and order, resembling dental enamel. This breakthrough could lead to the prevention and treatment of tooth decay and sensitivity, benefiting over 50% of the world's population.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 1, 2018

Pilot study examines the effects of virtual reality on reducing anxiety and improving pregnancy rate of women having fertility treatment

A pilot study found that virtual reality sessions before sedation for IVF treatment reduce women's anxiety. The study also showed a slight improvement in biological pregnancy rates, but not clinical pregnancy rates at 12 weeks, with results comparable to those without VR sessions.

SourceThe European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC)·DateJun 1, 2018

When doctors assume, patients lose

A Penn study highlights the value of collecting patients' sexual orientation and gender identity, but cautions medical providers against drawing conclusions from this data. The research emphasizes the need for comprehensive care and detailed questions about a patient's behaviors when clinically relevant.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 1, 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.

Link between bacteria metabolism and communication could pave way for new drugs

Researchers have found a link between bacteria metabolism and cell-to-cell communication, which could lead to the development of new drugs that block toxic molecules or prevent biofilm formation. By disrupting quorum sensing and biofilm forming in bacteria, these drugs may prevent infections such as urinary tract infections.

SourcePurdue University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 1, 2018

When push comes to shove: Airway cells propel liver cancer spread to lungs

Kanazawa University researchers discover that interstitial and alveolar macrophages play key role in spreading liver cancer to lungs. The study reveals the production of inflammatory lipid leukotriene B4 promotes tumor growth and invasiveness, sparking hope for novel treatment approaches.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateJun 1, 2018

Phase I trial finds experimental drug safe in treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine have found that treatment with cirmtuzumab measurably inhibited the 'stemness' of CLL cells, allowing most patients to forego additional therapy for over eight months. The drug targets ROR1, a molecule exploited by cancer cells to promote tumor growth and spread.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJun 1, 2018

'Multiomics' and the newborn mouse heart

Researchers investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying myocardial regenerative ability in newborn mice, identifying fructose-induced glycolysis as a key factor for cardiac muscle cell proliferation. The study provided insights into the loss of regenerative capacity and potential new treatments for heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateJun 1, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New in the Hastings Center Report, May-June 2018

The article discusses the ethical implications of genetic testing and the duty to warn family members of hereditary disease risks. Experts argue that patients have a moral obligation to share their genetic information with relatives, citing the principle of rescue as a framework for decision-making.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateJun 1, 2018

Finances are a major motivating factor in patient avoidance of diagnostic testing

A study found that cost was the strongest factor in decreased desire for diagnostic testing, with patients willing to forego tests due to financial burden. Implementing financial considerations to alter testing behavior may be necessary to address this issue and improve healthcare outcomes.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateJun 1, 2018

Irradiating chest lymph nodes in patients with early stage breast cancer improves survival without increasing side effects

Researchers found that irradiating chest lymph nodes in patients with early stage breast cancer improved overall survival by 2.4% compared to treating only the breast/thoracic wall. The study involved 4004 patients and showed no increase in non-breast cancer related mortality or serious complications.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·DateJun 1, 2018
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.

Yale study tracks Title IX use across US colleges and universities

A new Yale study analyzes the changing use of Title IX from 1994 to 2014, revealing that complaints citing discrimination in academics are the most common type filed, while athletics complaints are the least. The study also shows that private schools with high selectivity rates face higher numbers of specific kinds of complaints.

SourceYale University·JournalSocial Problems·DateJun 1, 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.

ASCB awards seven 'Science Sandbox' public engagement grants

The ASCB has awarded seven 'Science Sandbox' grants to public engagement projects, including programs that promote STEM education and community outreach. These initiatives aim to increase public scientific literacy and engage local communities in the process of science.

SourceAmerican Society for Cell Biology·DateJun 1, 2018

Analysis: Survival benefit for African-Americans with advanced prostate cancer

According to a new analysis of over 8,000 patients, African-American men with advanced prostate cancer who received docetaxel-based therapies had a lower risk of death than white men. This finding is significant, as it challenges the long-held notion that racial disparities in prostate cancer survival are due to biological differences.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateJun 1, 2018

New machine learning approach could accelerate bioengineering

Scientists developed a machine learning approach to predict microbial pathways, allowing for faster design and development of biofuels. The method accurately predicted biofuel production profiles, outperforming traditional kinetic models.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·Journalnpj Systems Biology and Applications·DateJun 1, 2018

Geographic and health system correlates of interprofessional oral health practice

The study analyzed geographic, organizational, and system levels relating to fluoride varnish administration and risk-based oral evaluations. Key findings include the importance of proper training, access to patient data, and leadership engagement in facilitating interprofessional oral health practices.

SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalFamily Medicine and Community Health·DateJun 1, 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.

Novel microscopy technique developed to analyze cellular focal adhesion dynamics

Researchers developed a novel microscopy technique to analyze cellular focal adhesions, providing real-time information on dynamic processes. This breakthrough enables better understanding of cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration, which can aid cancer treatment and tissue engineering applications.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·DateJun 1, 2018

Study reveals brain activity patterns underlying fluent speech

A new study by UC San Francisco scientists reveals how complex articulatory movements are coordinated in the brain during fluent speech. The research found that brain regions responsible for producing speech are organized according to physical needs of the vocal tract, not just linguistic features like phonemes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNeuron·DateJun 1, 2018

The Lancet: A warning and an opportunity: The WHO Independent High-Level Commission on non-communicable diseases

The WHO Independent High-Level Commission on NCDs reports that the Sustainable Development Goal for reducing premature deaths from NCDs by a third by 2030 will not be met at current rates. The commission proposes six recommendations to address this issue, including increased political leadership, prioritization, and improved financing.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 1, 2018
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.

How to achieve a peaceful coexistence between wolves and humans

A study published in Biological Conservation identified suitable areas for wolf expansion in Sweden, aiming to increase social acceptance and reduce conflicts. The researchers found that expanding the wolf population to southern Sweden and the reindeer husbandry area could decrease densities in high-conflict areas.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalBiological Conservation·DateJun 1, 2018

Breakthrough in controlling DNA-based robots

Researchers at Ohio State University have made a significant breakthrough in controlling DNA-based robots, reducing response time from several minutes to less than a second. This achievement represents the first direct real-time control of DNA-based molecular machines.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 1, 2018

New technology for enzyme design

Researchers at University of Würzburg develop new technology to redesign enzyme surfaces, increasing efficiency and selectivity in biochemical reactions. The modified enzymes can convert table sugar into a fructose polymer, with potential applications in medicine and the food industry.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalChemical Science·DateJun 1, 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.

Study shows nail treatments do not affect readings of patients' oxygen levels, despite widespread concern

A study published in the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care suggests that nail treatments do not impact digital pulse oximetry readings. Experimental results found no significant variation in blood oxygen saturation levels, even under different physiological conditions. The findings contradict widespread concern and...

SourceThe European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC)·DateJun 1, 2018

New surgery for groin pain found to be more effective than physiotherapy

Researchers have conducted the world's first randomized trial showing that hip arthroscopy is a more effective treatment for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome, a common cause of groin pain in young adults and athletes. The study found that patients improved significantly with hip arthroscopy compared to physiotherapy-led programmes.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 1, 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.

Ticks on migratory birds carriers of newly discovered hemorrhagic fever virus

A recent study found the Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever virus in ticks collected from migrating birds in the Mediterranean basin. The discovery suggests that birds may contribute to the spread of the virus to new geographical areas. Continuing surveillance is essential to understand the ecology of the virus and prevent its potential spread.

SourceUppsala University·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateJun 1, 2018

Walking faster could make you live longer: research

Research from the University of Sydney found that walking at a brisk pace can reduce all-cause mortality by up to 24% and cardiovascular disease mortality by 21%, particularly among older adults. The study suggests that increasing walking speed may be a simple way to improve heart health and reduce premature mortality.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateJun 1, 2018

Mobile app for autism screening yields useful data

A Duke University study finds an iPhone app easy to use, liked by parents, and good at producing reliable scientific data. The app collects videos of young children's reactions while watching movies designed to elicit autism risk behaviors, which are then analyzed for emotional responses.

SourceDuke University·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·DateJun 1, 2018
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.

Study explores how emotions in facial expressions are understood

Researchers at the University of East Anglia investigated how human participants recognize and detect six basic emotions in facial expressions when viewed centrally and up to 30 degrees in peripheral vision. They found that fear is well-detected but poorly recognized, while happiness and surprise are both recognized and detected well.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 1, 2018

AI for nanoparticles

Researchers at MIT have developed an AI-based method to design multilayered nanoparticles with desired properties, potentially speeding up the development of new materials. The technique uses computational neural networks to learn how a nanoparticle's structure affects its behavior, allowing for faster prediction and design.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 1, 2018

How just drops of viper venom pack a deadly punch

Researchers have identified a disproportionate number of sialic acid-containing glycans in lancehead viper venom, which may aid in venom solubility and increase toxin half-life. This discovery could lead to the development of more effective antivenom treatments for snake envenoming.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·DateJun 1, 2018

Psychiatric disorders shouldn't disqualify youth with severe obesity from weight loss surgery

According to a new study published in Pediatrics, adolescents with severe obesity should not be excluded from weight loss surgery due to pre-existing psychiatric disorders. The research found no association between pre-operative psychiatric diagnosis and post-surgical weight loss outcomes, suggesting that bariatric surgery can be equal...

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJun 1, 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.

Earliest European evidence of lead pollution uncovered in the Balkans

New research reveals metal-related pollution began in the Balkans over 500 years before appearing in western Europe. The study provides a new perspective on metallurgy and economic change in the region, confirming the Balkans played a significant role in mineral exploitation during the Dark Ages and Medieval Period.

SourceNorthumbria University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 1, 2018

Transformative technology

Researchers at UC Davis Health have developed fluorescence sensors allowing precise capture of dopamine activity in the brain. This breakthrough technology enables high-resolution maps of dopamine transients associated with behaviors such as learning and motivation.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalScience·DateJun 1, 2018

Impacts from implementation of novel clinical pharmacist training program Changsha, China

The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University in Changsha, China has implemented a structured train-the-trainer program to train pharmacists in providing direct patient care. The program has resulted in comprehensive pharmaceutical care for all patients, demonstrating the positive impacts of this innovative training.

SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalFamily Medicine and Community Health·DateJun 1, 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.

Cautious prawns win battle for food

Research by University of Exeter scientists found that cautious rockpool prawns are better at controlling a limited resource than bolder counterparts. This may be due to their risk-averse strategy, which involves staying near a food source rather than exploring new areas and risking competition with stronger rivals.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateJun 1, 2018

Study offers new hope for the fight against genetically determined obesity

Researchers discover that people with monogenic obesity can lose weight with liraglutide, a modified form of GLP-1 hormone. The medicine has a positive effect on reducing hunger and body weight, even for those who respond poorly to existing treatments.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 1, 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.

Wait for it: Serotonin and confidence at the root of patience in new study

A new study published in Nature Communications found that serotonin levels affect mice behavior when they believe there is a high probability of receiving a reward. When the reward timing was uncertain, serotonin stimulation increased mice's confidence in waiting for the reward, even if it took longer.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 1, 2018

Weight changes associated with reduced bone strength

Researchers found weight loss over 40 years linked to significant bone deterioration, increasing fracture risk by almost three-fold. Weight-bearing exercise and balanced diet may help counteract negative effects on the skeleton.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateJun 1, 2018