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Science News for March 23, 2018


E-cigarette aerosol exposure causes craniofacial abnormalities in mice

Researchers found that e-cigarette aerosol exposure causes shape changes and narrowing of the orofacial area in developing murine embryos. Flavored e-cigAMs showed greater detrimental effects than plain e-cigAMs, highlighting a potential risk to fetal development.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateMar 23, 2018

Effect of an opioid prescribing protocol on provider prescribing behavior

A study at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry found a significant decrease in opioid prescriptions after implementing an opioid prescribing protocol. The analysis showed a 47.1% reduction in total opioid prescriptions and tablets per prescription written.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateMar 23, 2018

Diagnosing breast cancer using red light

The new instrument increases the sensitivity of optical mammography by up to 1000-fold, allowing for earlier detection of breast cancer. This advancement offers a safer and more gentle alternative to traditional X-ray imaging, which is often limited by patient age, weight, or other factors.

SourceOptica·DateMar 23, 2018
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Gas hydrate research: Advanced knowledge and new technologies

The SUGAR project has expanded knowledge of gas hydrates in the seafloor and developed technologies for environmental monitoring. Companies from Germany have successfully tested methane extraction from submarine hydrate deposits, with interest from Asian countries like Japan and China.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·DateMar 23, 2018

Care providers' understanding of obesity treatment is limited

A study found that most healthcare professionals lack knowledge and understanding of recommended obesity treatments, including behavioral counseling and pharmacotherapy. The results suggest that additional obesity training is needed among health care professionals to improve patient care management, communication, and behavior change.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalObesity·DateMar 23, 2018

Paleontologists put the bite on an ancient reptile from New England

Researchers have identified a new species of ancient reptile, Colobops noviportensis, with unusually developed jaw muscles, revealing insights into prehistoric environments and animal adaptations. The discovery sheds light on the origins of modern vertebrates in a world already inhabited by diverse physical extremes.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 23, 2018

Radiologist uses virtual reality as powerful training tool

A radiologist at the University of Virginia Health System has created a virtual reality teaching tool that puts viewers in the midst of complex procedures, revolutionizing medical education. The tool allows physicians and trainees to experience intricate procedures like an 'interventional radiology heptathlon' with unparalleled clarity.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateMar 23, 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.

Laser-based sensing system can detect methane leaks from miles away

A new field instrument can quantify methane leaks as tiny as one-quarter of a human exhalation from nearly a mile away. The revamped laser technology provides game-changing information for safe industry operations and controlling harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalOptica·DateMar 23, 2018

Helping prevent falls in older adults with dementia

Research identifies poor attention and decision-making skills as linked to walking slowly and experiencing falls in older adults with dementia. Certain brain training methods may help improve mobility and prevent falls by addressing cognitive function issues.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 23, 2018

Germany was covered by glaciers 450,000 years ago

New research pushes back the first glaciation and early human appearance in central Germany by 100,000 years. The study used luminescence dating to determine the age of river deposits containing Lower- and Middle Paleolithic stone artefacts.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 23, 2018

New accreditation program sets framework for rectal cancer care in the US

A new quality improvement initiative, NAPRC, aims to improve US rectal cancer care by adopting a multidisciplinary team approach. The program's proposed quality measures and process indicators were analyzed, revealing varying completion rates among hospitals.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMar 23, 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.

Different neural strategies for junior high school male and female English learners

The study found that more proficient boys showed increased activation in parts of the brain associated with grammatical rules, while girls used a wider range of language information, including speech sounds and meaning of words and sentences. This discovery may help optimize teaching methods for both genders.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateMar 23, 2018

Gene boosts rice growth and yield in salty soil

A team of scientists discovered a gene that helps rice plants grow in salty soil. The gene, STRK1, increases the plant's tolerance to salt stress by reducing reactive oxygen species.

SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMar 23, 2018

Brain's tiniest blood vessels trigger spinal motor neurons to develop

Researchers have found that the human brain's tiny blood vessels can trigger the growth of spinal motor neurons, which control muscles, during early development. This discovery could provide insights into diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateMar 23, 2018

Team discovers a significant role for nitrate in the Arctic landscape

Researchers found that plants in northern Alaska's tussock tundra took up nitrate at comparable rates to vegetation in nitrate-rich ecosystems. This discovery has important implications for predicting which arctic plant species will dominate as the climate warms, and how much carbon tundra ecosystems can store.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 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.

Older adults who have slower walking speeds may have increased risk for dementia

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults with slower walking speeds may be at increased risk for developing dementia. The research examined data from nearly 4,000 participants and discovered a strong link between slower walking speed and higher risk of dementia.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 23, 2018

Helping older adults discontinue using sedatives

A pilot study found that an educational brochure and support from healthcare personnel helped 64% of hospitalized older adults stop taking sedatives. Participants reported no significant change in sleep problems after stopping sedatives, highlighting the potential benefits of reducing polypharmacy.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 23, 2018

Monitor climate change, not predators, to protect lake diversity: Study

A new study from the University of Guelph finds that climate change and environmental factors are more threatening to fish diversity than predators in freshwater lakes. The research highlights the importance of monitoring lake conditions, including warming temperatures and water quality impacts, to protect species diversity.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 23, 2018

Opioid prescribing patterns of oral and maxillofacial surgeons: A nationwide survey

A nationwide survey found that oral and maxillofacial surgeons prescribed more opioids after hydrocodone-containing products were rescheduled in 2014. The study also showed a significant reduction in phone calls requesting refill authorizations after switching to more potent pain medications.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateMar 23, 2018
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.

Access and utilization of dental services for Medicaid children 2013-2015

A study found that access to dental services increased for Medicaid children between 2013-2015, with 77% utilizing Type I services and 21% using Type II services. Sealant access rates improved, but sealant utilization remained low, particularly among older children.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateMar 23, 2018

Research discovers how some cancers resist treatment

Researchers identified new genetic mutations in cancer cells that promote survival and resistance to treatment. The study found that no two cancers were genetically identical, even among those with similar characteristics.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 23, 2018

Dental oral craniofacial tissue regeneration consortia: A new paradigm

The National Institutes of Health (NIDCR) established the DOCTRC Program to develop resources and strategies for regenerating dental, oral, and craniofacial tissues. Two national resource centers were established: The Michigan-Pittsburgh-Wyss Resource Center and the Center for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Tissue and Organ Regeneration.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateMar 23, 2018

Growing and surviving: How proteins regulate the cell cycle

Researchers at MLU describe how proteins change structure in response to kinases, enabling cell cycle progression and inhibiting blocked kinases. This mechanism is thought to be the basis of many cellular signal pathways.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 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.

For patients with drug-resistant infections, infectious diseases experts may be lifesaving

A study published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases found that patients with drug-resistant infections who received consultation from ID specialists had a 50% lower 30-day mortality rate. ID consultation was also associated with reduced mortality and hospital readmissions for certain types of resistant bacteria.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalOpen Forum Infectious Diseases·DateMar 23, 2018

Is knee pain linked to depression?

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that knee pain is associated with an increased risk of depression in older adults. The research team developed a new screening tool based on questions about knee pain at night, which may help identify individuals at risk for developing depressive symptoms.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 23, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Opioid abuse/dependence in those hospitalized due to periapical abscess

A study analyzing hospital data from 2012-2014 found that 1.5% of patients hospitalized for periapical abscess had opioid abuse/dependence, with certain demographics showing increased risk, including younger adults and those without private insurance.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateMar 23, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Exposed: The path of ransomware payments

Researchers tracked ransomware payments over two years to identify patterns and key findings. South Koreans are disproportionately impacted, with $2.5 million of ransomware payments made within the country. The study also found that most ransomware operators use a Russian Bitcoin exchange, BTC-E, to convert bitcoin to fiat currencies.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·DateMar 23, 2018

New innovations in cell-free biotechnology

A Northwestern University-led team has developed a new way to manufacture proteins outside of a cell, which could have important implications for therapeutics and biomaterials. The team successfully produced high yields of proteins with non-canonical amino acids, opening up possibilities for decentralized manufacturing and distribution...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 23, 2018
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.

First proof a synthesized antibiotic is capable of treating superbugs

Scientists have successfully created a simplified version of teixobactin, a natural antibiotic discovered in 2015, which has been shown to kill superbug-causing bacteria. The synthetic form was used to treat a bacterial infection in mice, demonstrating its potential as a new class of antibiotic drug.

SourceUniversity of Lincoln·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateMar 23, 2018

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Nora become a hurricane

Tropical Cyclone Nora strengthened into a hurricane as observed by NASA satellite imagery, with an eye forming and powerful thunderstorms wrapping around it. The cyclone is forecast to continue intensifying and making landfall in southwestern Queensland on March 27.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 23, 2018

How a genetic mutation can interfere with the powerhouses of cells

A genetic mutation in the MPP gene can lead to impaired functioning of proteins needed for mitochondrial protein import, resulting in accumulation of immature proteins and interference with mitochondrial functions. This study identified the molecular consequences of this mutation, providing a fundamental explanation for the disease.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMar 23, 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.

Investigating the enigmatic link between periodontal inflammation and retinal degeneration

Research investigates the link between chronic periodontitis and age-related macular degeneration, finding a common oral pathobiont, Porphyromonas gingivalis, that can invade human retinal-pigment epithelial cells. The study reveals significant molecular links between CP and AMD.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateMar 23, 2018

More people miss NHS appointments when the clocks go forward

Research finds that people are 5% more likely to miss NHS hospital outpatient appointments following the clock change in spring. The study, published in Chronobiology International, analyzed over 2 million appointments in Scotland from 2005 to 2010, revealing a significant increase in missed appointments after the clocks go forward.

SourceLancaster University·JournalChronobiology International·DateMar 23, 2018

Bystander T cells can steal the show in resolving inflammation

A new study reveals that non-specific bystander T cells can counteract type 1 diabetes by limiting access to beta cells and interfering with inflammatory signals. This challenge to the traditional notion of regulatory T cells' anti-inflammatory effects opens up new avenues for treatment.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience Immunology·DateMar 23, 2018

Increasing temperatures in cooling systems

Scientists from FAU, University of Leicester and University of Vigo have proven that the kinetic energy of particles in granular gases can increase temporarily due to surface adhesion. This effect contradicts Haff's law, which states that granular temperature decreases in closed systems.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 23, 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.

Decades of research identify source of galaxy-sized stream of gas

Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison used Hubble Space Telescope to analyze Leading Arm of Magellanic Stream, identifying it as coming from Small Magellanic Cloud. The study helps refine models of galaxy orbit and formation, shedding light on mysterious gas clouds surrounding Milky Way.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateMar 23, 2018

Effect of deployment on use of e-cigarettes in US military

A study of 2,500 participants found that deployment to combat units was associated with lower odds of e-cigarette use. Soldiers who perceived e-cigarettes as less harmful had a 61% reduction in risk of using them.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateMar 23, 2018

Researchers unveil high-sensitivity 3-D technique using single-atom measurements

Scientists at Griffith University have unveiled a highly accurate technique for measuring electrical forces using a single atom as a sensor, with sensitivity down to 100 zeptoNewtons. This achievement allows for the investigation of surface phenomena and has potential applications in quantum computing and medical research.

SourceGriffith University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 23, 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.

A new laser source for infrared chemical imaging

Researchers at Université de Limoges developed a compact, optical fibre-based laser source that rivals synchrotron facilities in performing infrared spectromicroscopy. This breakthrough enables accurate chemical imaging of biological tissues with high precision, paving the way for early cancer diagnosis and treatment.

SourceUniversité de Limoges·JournalOptica·DateMar 23, 2018

Scientists develop elastic metal rods to treat scoliosis

Researchers have created new metal alloy rods with laquosuperelasticity, capable of restoring shape against large deformation, and high corrosion resistance. These alloys offer promise as biomaterials for bone implants and potential solutions to scoliosis treatment

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·DateMar 23, 2018