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Science News Archive April 2019


Page 22 of 44

Procedure time proves vital in thrombectomy success

Researchers at MUSC found that procedure time is vital in thrombectomy success, with diminishing returns after the 60-minute mark. The study suggests that surgeons should pause and reassess if a procedure is worth continuing beyond this point.

CAR-T immunotherapy and multiple myeloma

A Phase 1 clinical trial of CAR-T therapy found an 88.2% overall response rate in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. The treatment, called LCARB38M, targets the B-cell maturation antigen and achieved a stringent complete response in 13 patients.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Turning silenced cancer genes back into fighters

Scientists successfully blocked cancer-fighting gene silencing protein UHRF1, restoring hundreds of protective genes in human colon cancer cells. The findings suggest a new strategy for fighting cancers by targeting this protein.

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.

What happens in the bodies of ALS patients?

Researchers discovered that impaired FUS protein-protein interactions contribute to ALS degeneration, but drug-induced autophagy reduces pathological processes linked to aberrantly accumulated FUS. Stimulating autophagy rescued RNA-binding proteins and reduced neuronal death in cell culture experiments.

SLAC's high-speed 'electron camera' films molecular movie in HD

Researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have made the first high-definition 'movie' of ring-shaped molecules breaking open in response to light. The results provide high-resolution details of the reaction, showing how bonds break and atoms jiggle around for extended periods of time.

Solving the mystery of fertilizer loss from Midwest cropland

Researchers from Michigan State University used satellite imagery to quantify nitrogen losses in Midwestern corn fields. They found that nearly $1 billion worth of fertilizer is wasted annually, resulting in 6.8 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Scientists get sly, use deception to fight cancer

Scientists at Hebrew University create decoy molecules that trick RNA-binding proteins into binding with them, inhibiting their cancer-promoting activity. The technology has shown promise in slowing or stopping the growth of brain and breast cancer cells in mice.

Light from exotic particle states

Researchers at TU Wien develop innovative light-emitting diode by harnessing radiative decay of exciton complexes in ultra-thin layers, enabling precise control over desired light wavelengths.

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.

Russian scientists alter 3D genome using 'small molecules'

Researchers have discovered that small molecule compounds can alter the spatial organization of the genome, potentially leading to new epigenetic cancer drugs. This breakthrough opens up a promising approach to treat cancer by changing the 3D genome structure.

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.

How partisan politics could take a bite out of your wallet

Research by SDSU finance professors found that mutual fund managers invest more in firms with similar political leanings, leading to lower returns and higher volatility for clients. The study analyzed over 1,300 active mutual funds and 16,655 firms, revealing a partisan bias among fund managers' portfolios.

Vaccine-preventable diseases surge in crisis-hit Venezuela

Measles and diphtheria have re-emerged in Venezuela with a disproportionate impact on indigenous populations, with over 7,500 measles cases reported and 100 deaths attributed to the disease. Diphtheria cases also surged, with 96% of reported cases originating from Venezuela, exposing 3 million vulnerable children to the disease.

Computer games for fish uncover why some prey lead and others follow

A new study found that leaders in groups of animals are more vulnerable to attack from predators due to their riskier position within the group. Researchers used virtual prey in aquarium tanks and found leaders were more likely to be attacked than followers, with isolated individuals also being at higher risk.

Predictability limit: Scientists find bounds of weather forecasting

Researchers confirm a long-hypothesized limit for weather prediction, first proposed in the 1960s, which is approximately two weeks on average. They used state-of-the-art models to test this limit and found that reliable forecasts are now possible nine to 10 days out in mid-latitudes.

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.

What makes a jellyfish?

The study found that certain genes, specifically transcription factors, code for proteins that fine-tune gene expression during the medusa stage. Jellyfish have a unique genetic toolkit, distinct from corals and anemones, which enables their development and growth.

New gene variant is even more resistant to hospital antiseptic

Researchers found a new, more powerful variant of an antimicrobial resistance gene in Staphylococcus epidermidis, making it harder for the bacteria to be killed by chlorhexidine bathing. The discovery was an unexpected result of a study on central venous catheter infections.

A simple nudge leads low-income immigrants to apply for citizenship

A new study from Stanford University's Immigration Policy Lab found that providing low-income immigrants with free access to application assistance boosts naturalization rates. The gentlest kind of nudge—simple, well-placed information—most effectively targets those who are less educated and have lower incomes.

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.

UT Dallas Peace Project focuses on ending deadliest type of war

Researchers aim to identify effective strategies for reducing violence in internationalized civil wars, which have the most fatalities and are difficult to resolve. The project will analyze conflict management approaches, create a barometer to measure changes in conflict levels, and provide policy recommendations.

MU neurobiologists annotate critical neuronal proteins in lamprey genome

A team of MU neurobiologists have annotated the sequences of 47 ion channels across the lamprey genome, shedding light on their role in nervous system function and recovery from spinal cord injury. This advancement paves the way for further investigations into the molecular aspects of the nervous system.

Novel approach promises ready access to hard-to-study proteins

Scientists have developed a novel strategy to extract and analyze membrane proteins, which are critical targets for therapy. Azo, a photocleavable surfactant, enables effective mass spectrometry analysis of whole proteins, opening up new opportunities to study membrane proteins.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Anti-gay bias and legalization of same-sex marriages

A study found that state-level legalization of gay marriage led to a significant decrease in implicit and explicit anti-gay bias across the US. The effects were consistent across models, suggesting that legislation locality may moderate local biases.

Discovery of oral cancer biomarkers could save thousands of lives

Researchers at the University of Otago and Indian Statistical Institute have discovered distinct epigenetic markers in oral cancer tissues that are associated with patient survival. The findings, published in the journal Epigenomics, could help save thousands of lives by identifying cancer cells early.

Google searches reveal popular bird species

Google searches have identified popular North American bird species, with large birds and those visiting feeders drawing more attention. The study found that owls were the subject of public curiosity, while conservationists can use this information to focus efforts on lesser-known species.

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.

Entomologists uncover Florida fire ant matriarchy

Researchers found that tropical fire ants in Florida can coexist with both single- and multi-queen colonies. In multi-queen colonies, all reproductive queens are genetically identical and reproduce asexually.

Stimulating the epileptic brain breaks up neural networks to prevent seizures

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have found that responsive neurostimulation can remodel the brain to be less susceptible to seizures. By analyzing individual brain activity recordings over time, the study shows that stimulation changes brain networks, making it harder for seizures to spread.

Same-sex marriage legalization associated with reduced anti-gay bias in the US

A new study by McGill University researchers found that state legislation played a significant role in reducing anti-gay bias in the US. By analyzing data from over 1 million respondents, the team discovered that laws supporting same-sex marriage led to a sharp decline in biases, with the effect being roughly double the previous rate.

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.

Anthropogenic bedrock erosion

Research in a Washington river basin reveals that early 20th-century timber harvesting, particularly splash-damming, led to increased bedrock erosion and reduced floodplain areas. This study suggests that brief human activities can have lasting impacts on the landscape.

'Flight recorder' of rocks within the Earth's crust

Daniela Rubatto's research provides a new way to connect minerals' ages to their formation conditions, reconstructing the speed and duration of rock travel within the Earth's crust. Her innovative method uses an ion microprobe to extract valuable information from minerals, contributing to better understanding geological processes.

Advantages and disadvantages of prey leadership

Researchers found that being part of a group provides safer protection from predators, with prey positioned in the middle of schools having the safest position. The study revealed that predators are more likely to attack isolated individuals than those in groups, highlighting the benefits of collective behavior.

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.

Crohn's disease research set to benefit from £1.8m funding boost

A £1.8m funding boost will help researchers at the University of Edinburgh improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes for Crohn's disease, a condition affecting 120,000 people in the UK. The study aims to develop a non-invasive test using blood or stool to determine if the inflamed bowel wall has healed after treatment.

New study reveals 'silence' around suicide in young people

A new study by the University of Stirling has identified a silence around suicidality among children and young people, with many feeling they cannot access help or are not listened to by healthcare professionals. The research emphasizes the importance of using explicit language, such as 'suicide,' in mental health conversations.

Cognitive functioning does not predict weight-loss outcome for adolescents

A new study published in Pediatrics found that adolescents with cognitive impairments and intellectual disabilities have similar weight-loss outcomes after bariatric surgery as those with typical cognitive function. The study's authors recommend a case-by-case approach to determining eligibility for weight-loss surgery.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

World's first-ever 3D-printed high-strength aluminum

HRL Laboratories' breakthrough alloy is the world's first printable high-strength aluminum, registered with the Aluminum Association. The registration validates its commercial value and enables companies to access the alloy through specific powder numbers.

Sharks more vulnerable than originally thought, new research shows

Researchers at Newcastle University found a significant discrepancy between reported and actual catches of vulnerable species like sharks and rays in small-scale fisheries. The study highlights the urgent need for global efforts to assess their impact on the environment.

New study finds simple way to inoculate teens against junk food marketing

Researchers found that reframing how students view food-marketing campaigns can spur adolescents to make healthier dietary choices for an extended period. Teenage boys reduced their daily purchases of unhealthy drinks and snacks in the school cafeteria by 31 percent, while girls' purchases remained similar.

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.

Kin relationships in megalithic burial sites

A study found kin relationships among people buried in Neolithic megalith tombs, indicating a societal role for these enigmatic structures. The genomic data revealed affinity to farming groups with past admixture with hunter-gatherer groups, highlighting a previously unknown role for megaliths in Neolithic societies and families.

Engineering 'hairpins' increases CRISPR accuracy

Biomedical engineers at Duke University developed a method to improve CRISPR accuracy by adding a short tail to the guide RNA, creating a 'lock' that prevents off-target activity. The approach increases accuracy by an average of 50-fold across five different CRISPR systems.

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.

Leveraging scientists' perceptions for successful interactions with policy makers

A new study published in Geosphere investigates how scientists perceive interactions with policy makers, revealing five distinct models: a beacon, collaborator, educator, outcast, and investigator. The researchers emphasize the importance of understanding individual perspectives to effectively engage scientists in policy decisions.