Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for March 11, 2018


Study finds that genes play a role in empathy

A new study found that genetics contribute to individual differences in empathy, with genetic variants associated with lower empathy linked to higher autism risk. Women are also more empathetic than men, but this difference is not due to DNA, suggesting non-genetic factors at play.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateMar 11, 2018

Beta blocker shows mixed results in protecting against chemo-induced heart damage

A study found that women with breast cancer who took the beta blocker carvedilol during chemotherapy had lower levels of a protein indicative of heart injury, but no difference in heart function. The study's lead author notes that further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore potential benefits for higher-risk patients.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 11, 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.

Genes play a role in empathy

A new study published in Translational Psychiatry found that genetic variations contribute to individual differences in empathy, with women generally showing higher levels of empathy than men. The research also linked genetic variants associated with lower empathy to a higher risk for autism.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateMar 11, 2018

Inhaled therapy ineffective in difficult-to-treat heart failure

A new inhaled medication for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction failed to improve exercise capacity, daily activity levels, or quality of life. The study's findings suggest that adherence issues and short treatment duration may have contributed to the treatment's ineffectiveness.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 11, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Imaging sound movements of atomic units with an optical microscope

A team of researchers has successfully developed an imaging technique that can monitor the movement of atomic units at a high resolution of 300 nanometers. The technology is expected to be used in the development of new materials, solar cells, and catalysts.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 11, 2018

Study: Two drugs prevent heart problems in breast cancer patients

A multi-arm, placebo-controlled study showed that ACE inhibitors and beta blockers can significantly offset the risk of heart problems for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. The data demonstrated a significant reduction in cardiotoxicity for patients on these medications who received doxorubicin before Herceptin.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·DateMar 11, 2018

Citizen science birding data passes scientific muster

A recent study published in Biological Conservation shows that eBird citizen science data accurately tracks trends in government bird surveys, filling data gaps in developing nations. The analysis, led by University of Utah researcher Joshua Horns, reveals significant declines for 48% of North American bird species over the past 20 years.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalBiological Conservation·DateMar 11, 2018
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.

Reduced device clotting, decreased strokes seen with novel heart pump

Patients with advanced heart failure who received a novel heart pump experienced no malfunctions requiring replacement, and their risk of stroke was halved compared to those who received the established version. The new device uses fully magnetic levitation technology to push blood through the device and into the aorta.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 11, 2018

Personalized approach to selecting antiplatelet drugs improves outcomes

A new study found that using genetic information to inform drug choice reduced adverse events by 42 percent in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Genetic testing led to different prescribing patterns, including more frequent use of prasugrel and ticagrelor.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 11, 2018

New cardiac pump device improves long-term outcomes for heart failure patients

The MOMENTUM 3 clinical trial found that advanced heart-failure patients who received a centrifugal-flow circulatory pump had significantly lower rates of pump-related blood clots and stroke compared to those receiving an axial flow pump. Patients who received the centrifugal-flow pump also had fewer re-operations due to device malfunc...

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 11, 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.

Ticagrelor has comparable safety to clopidogrel after heart attack

In a trial of over 3,800 patients treated for STEMI at more than 180 centers, researchers found that ticagrelor is safe to use in combination with clot busters in patients younger than 75. The study met its primary endpoint indicating no difference in major bleeding rates between ticagrelor and clopidogrel.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateMar 11, 2018

Statins may bring benefits at time of treatment for heart attack, angina

A large trial found that statins significantly reduced major adverse cardiac events among patients undergoing PCI, but not in the broader population. Patients who received a loading dose of statin before PCI were 28% less likely to experience a major adverse cardiac event and 32% less likely to have a heart attack.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateMar 11, 2018