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Science News Archive March 2018 - Page 29


Page 29 of 41

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
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.

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
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.

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
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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

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

Precision medicine: Access to real-time genetic testing data impacts prescriber behavior following minimally invasive stent procedure

A Penn study found that access to real-time CYP2C19 genotype results significantly influences prescriber behavior when prescribing antiplatelet drugs after a minimally invasive stent procedure. The use of prasugrel or ticagrelor was higher and clopidogrel lower in the genotyped group compared to the usual care group.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateMar 10, 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.

3-D mapping babies' brains

Researchers have developed a new method to precisely map brain folds in premature infants, which could lead to early detection of developmental disorders. The technique uses 3-D imaging and computer algorithms to identify subtle patterns of growth and folding, providing a unique fingerprint for each infant's brain development.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2018
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

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.

Unique diamond impurities indicate water deep in Earth's mantle

Researchers found unique diamond impurities containing Ice-VII, a naturally occurring aqueous fluid from the deep mantle. This discovery provides evidence of water-rich regions deep below the Earth's crust and has significant implications for understanding the planet's inner workings.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalScience·DateMar 9, 2018

Most patients comfortable with sexual orientation and gender identity questions

New Mayo Clinic research reveals that a significant majority of patients are receptive to asking about sexual orientation and gender identity, dispelling long-held concerns among healthcare providers. The study aims to improve health disparities among LGBTI patients by encouraging providers to ask these questions.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalHealth Services Research·DateMar 9, 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.

ZMapp antibody delivered by viral vector protects against Ebola infection

A new study using recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) delivery vectors found that ZMapp antibodies administered to mice resulted in 100% protection against Ebola infection. The study also compared different doses and routes of administration, with the best results achieved using a single rAAV-delivered antibody.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateMar 9, 2018

Intravenous arginine benefits children after acute metabolic strokes

A retrospective study found that intravenous arginine treatment led to clinical improvements and no adverse effects in children with mitochondrial disease after acute metabolic strokes. The treatment resulted in partial or complete reversal of symptoms such as seizures, paralysis, and low muscle tone in 47% of patients.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalMolecular Genetics and Metabolism·DateMar 9, 2018

NIH experts call for transformative research approach to end tuberculosis

TB, a bacterial infection that infects the lungs, is a leading cause of death worldwide. The NIH calls for modernized TB research using new diagnostic and vaccine approaches to cure people infected with any strain of Mtb.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateMar 9, 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.

Defect in cells' antenna linked to deformed organs in zebrafish

Researchers discover protein CEP128 regulates critical cellular processes, including heart development, and its inactivity causes severe malformations in zebrafish. Human cells also show similar effect, providing potential insights into treatments for birth defects and diseases.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 9, 2018

ANU research reveals genetic timeline of early Pacific settlers

Researchers from ANU have created a comprehensive study on the origins of people in Vanuatu, using DNA analyses and archaeological evidence. The results confirm that Vanuatu's first people arrived 3,000 years ago from South East Asia, with Papuan arrivals following shortly after.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 9, 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.

Tokyo Tech's six-legged robots get closer to nature

The study proposes a biologically-inspired controller that uses non-linear oscillators to generate diverse gaits and postures. The system can adapt to different walking speeds and is controlled by high-level parameters, enabling real-time adjustments using brain-computer interfaces.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Access·DateMar 9, 2018

Can't sleep? Could be down to genetics

A large-scale genome-wide association study found that insomnia has a partially heritable basis and a strong genetic link to type 2 diabetes. The study also identified specific gene variants on chromosomes 7 and 9 associated with insomnia.

SourceSpringer·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMar 9, 2018

Meal times may be key to managing malaria, parasite study shows

A new study suggests that managing eating habits, particularly meal times, could help control malaria infections. Researchers found that malaria parasites in infected mice timed their daily multiplication and invasion of red blood cells to match the animal's feeding schedule.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMar 9, 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.

Blood donors' leftover immune cells reveal secrets of antibody affinity

Scientists at Iowa State University have used leftover blood donor cells to gain insights into how natural killer cells interact with antibodies. They found that the carbohydrate modifications on these cells result in higher affinity, potentially leading to improved antibody therapies.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 9, 2018

Modulation of Fgf21 gene in early-life ameliorates adulthood diet-induced obesity

Research by Tokyo Medical and Dental University reveals that early-life Fgf21 gene demethylation reduces diet-induced obesity in adulthood. The study, published in Nature Communications, demonstrates the persistence of this epigenetic change into adulthood and its potential role in metabolic disease prevention.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 9, 2018

Flat gallium joins roster of new 2-D materials

Researchers successfully exfoliated gallenene onto various substrates, demonstrating its potential as an efficient metal contact in two-dimensional electronic devices. The method used to create the flat gallium could be explored for other metals and compounds with low melting points.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 9, 2018

Trauma and dementia patients given hope by 'flashbulb memory' breakthrough

Researchers at the University of Sussex have identified a specific molecule that plays a key role in forming long-term memories. By controlling this molecule, a drug could be developed to relieve the block on new memories in dementia patients and help repress painful memories in post-traumatic stress disorder sufferers.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 9, 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.

New method increases life span of donated brain tissue

Researchers at Lund University have developed a new method that extends the viability of donated brain tissue from people with epilepsy to 48 hours. This allows them to study gene therapy treatment and acquire more data from a small number of patients, bringing treatments closer to the patient without direct testing.

SourceLund University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 9, 2018

Could living at high altitude increase suicide risk? Evidence suggests possible treatments, reports Harvard Review of Psychiatry

A review of research evidence suggests that living at high altitude may increase suicide risk, with studies linking higher altitudes to stronger associations with suicide. Possible treatments for reducing the effects of low blood oxygen on mood and suicidal thoughts are proposed, including supplemental serotonin precursors and creatinine.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalHarvard Review of Psychiatry·DateMar 9, 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.

Mastering metastable matter

Researchers created metastable states in an artificial quantum many-body system, observing the switching dynamics between two states. They found that thousands of atoms move through quantum tunnelling during the process.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2018

New blood pressure app and hardware rivals arm cuff accuracy

A new app and hardware for smartphones measures blood pressure with accuracy rivaling arm-cuff devices, according to Michigan State University scientists. The technology uses a fingertip measurement point and includes a discovery of a more convenient measurement location.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 9, 2018

A model for autoignition in turbulent jets

Researchers present a mathematical model for autoignition in free round turbulent jets, enabling more efficient supercritical water oxidation technology. The model simplifies complex dynamics into one differential equation, allowing for sharp characterization of autoignition events.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Applied Mathematics·DateMar 9, 2018
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Locked in a forest

A new study finds that reforested areas in the US can absorb significant amounts of carbon, with existing forests capable of sequestering an additional 1-2 billion tons of carbon over 100 years. Researchers analyzed soil profile observations and remote sensing data to determine the rate at which soils absorb carbon.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2018

A highly sensitive and multi-analytical system for hereditary kidney disease

Researchers from Kumamoto University have established a highly sensitive system to assess Col4 functionality, enabling the screening of therapeutic drug candidates. The detection system reduces labor and time costs compared to conventional methods, making it possible to analyze multiple compounds simultaneously.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateMar 9, 2018

Study: Absence of key protein, TTP, rapidly turns young bones old

A University at Buffalo study found that the absence of protein tristetraprolin (TTP) leads to rapid bone loss in mice, with oral bone loss increasing by nearly 20% over nine months. Overexpressing TTP reduced bone turnover by 13%. The research has implications for managing bone health in the elderly.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateMar 9, 2018

2016 Brexit/Trump election results driven by fear and loathing

A world-first study reveals that regions with psychological hardship responded to populist campaigns based on fear, contributing to the UK's Brexit vote and Donald Trump's election. The research found that neurotic personality traits, including anxiety and depression, played a significant role in shaping voting behaviour.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateMar 9, 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.