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Science News Archive April 2019 - Page 34


Page 34 of 44

Global atlas of kidney health release on April 12 at World Congress of Nephrology

A new global study, Global Kidney Health Atlas (GKHA), is released on April 12 at the World Congress of Nephrology, detailing country and region breakdowns of global kidney health. The study highlights disparities in treatment access due to social, economic, and political factors, resulting in over 2 million deaths annually worldwide.

SourceTania Ewing and Associates·DateApr 7, 2019
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.

Air temperatures in the Arctic are driving system change

A new study combines physical and biological climate indicators to show that Arctic air temperatures are driving major changes in the region's systems. The research highlights the interconnectedness of various components, including sea ice, permafrost, and ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateApr 7, 2019

Food additive may influence how well flu vaccines work

A study found that a common food additive, tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ), can hinder the immune system's ability to fight off flu viruses, making vaccines less effective. In mice exposed to tBHQ, CD4 and CD8 T cells showed reduced functionality, leading to increased inflammation and mucus production in the lungs.

SourceMichigan State University·DateApr 7, 2019

Real cost of heart attacks and strokes: Double the direct medical expense

Research published by the European Society of Cardiology found that victims of heart attack and stroke who return to work are 25% less productive in their first year back. The study estimated direct medical costs of acute coronary syndrome as €1,547-€18,642 and stroke costs as €5,575-€31,274.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateApr 7, 2019

Gum bacteria implicated in Alzheimer's and other diseases

Researchers found evidence of gum bacteria in brain samples from people with Alzheimer's disease, suggesting a link between the two conditions. A study using mice showed that the bacterium can migrate from the mouth to the brain, and an experimental drug is currently being tested for its potential to treat Alzheimer's.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 7, 2019
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.

Spying on cells' eating habits could aid cancer diagnosis

Scientists developed a new imaging technology to visualize what cells eat, such as glucose, which could aid in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases like cancer. The technique uses chemical probes that light up when they attach to specific molecules consumed by cells.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateApr 7, 2019
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.

Sunscreen use could lead to better blood vessel health

Researchers found that sunscreen and sweat on the skin can protect blood vessel function from UVR exposure, preserving nitric oxide levels. This protective effect may benefit individuals who spend extended periods outdoors, reducing the risk of skin vascular dysfunction.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·DateApr 7, 2019

Identifying a key player in gut defense development

A joint team from Hokkaido University and Keio University has identified a key player in the gut defense mechanism of infants, a protein called Sox8. This discovery could help understand how infants develop their own intestinal immune systems after weaning.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateApr 7, 2019

Exercise during pregnancy protects offspring from obesity

A new study found that offspring born to mice exercising during pregnancy had increased levels of proteins associated with brown adipose tissue and higher body temperatures, indicating improved thermogenic function. This led to reduced weight gain on a high-fat diet and fewer symptoms of metabolic diseases in later life.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 7, 2019

Experimental drug shows promise for opioid withdrawal symptoms

Rapastinel, an antidepressant-turned-opioid-reversal-drug, has shown promising results in reducing withdrawal signs in rats, potentially leading to a new treatment option for opioid dependence. The drug binds to the same receptor as ketamine but with a milder effect, offering a safer alternative to existing treatments.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 7, 2019
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.

Common virus linked to faster disease progression in cystic fibrosis

A new study has found that cystic fibrosis patients who have a common virus may experience faster disease progression. Cytomegalovirus infection was the most important factor linked to disease progression, with patients having the virus referred for lung transplants at a much younger age and dying ten years earlier on average.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateApr 7, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Socioeconomic status associated with likelihood of receiving a heart pump

A new study found that socioeconomic status is a significant factor in the likelihood of receiving a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), a life-saving treatment for heart failure. Patients from lower-income backgrounds, including African Americans and Hispanics, are less likely to receive LVADs compared to those with private insurance.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateApr 6, 2019

Heart attack victims over 65 treated differently; suffer worse outcomes but have lower hospital charges, new research finds

Researchers found that older heart attack patients were less likely to receive timely percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to open blocked heart arteries, resulting in more complications and poorer outcomes. Despite longer hospital stays, older patients had lower total charges due to reduced use of costly interventions like PCI.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateApr 6, 2019

New hope for preventing dangerous diabetes complication

Researchers discovered a protein called neuronostatin that protects against low blood sugar and causes the pancreas to release less insulin. By understanding how neuronostatin works, scientists may develop new ways to treat and prevent hypoglycemia, potentially saving lives.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 6, 2019
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.

New insights into how fatty liver disease progresses to cancer

A new study has uncovered important differences in the biological pathways that lead to cancer for alcoholic fatty liver disease compared to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The findings could benefit the more than 3 million people diagnosed with fatty liver disease each year, potentially leading to new cancer prevention strategies.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 6, 2019

Patients resistant to breast cancer therapy show epigenetic differences

A study found that breast cancer patients who don't respond to targeted therapy have distinct patterns of epigenetic modifications compared to those who do respond. The researchers identified 879 genes with higher methylation levels in resistant patients, suggesting potential targets for new treatments.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 6, 2019

John A. Kanis named winner of IOF Olof Johnell Science Award

Professor John A. Kanis has been recognized with the prestigious IOF Olof Johnell Science Award for his pioneering work in musculoskeletal research and policy implementation. The award acknowledges his development of FRAX models to calculate absolute fracture risk, which has revolutionized clinical practice.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·DateApr 5, 2019

Tidying up: A new way to direct trash to autophagy

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have identified a new structural feature of living cells that aids in tidying up defective cellular material, implicated in disorders such as Huntington's and Alzheimer's diseases. The discovery could lead to new preventive or therapeutic targets for human disease.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalCell·DateApr 5, 2019
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.

Most links between personality traits and life outcomes are replicable

A large-scale replication project found that most links between personality traits and life outcomes are indeed replicable, with 85% of attempts reproducing previously identified trait-outcome associations. However, the study also revealed weaker-than-expected associations between some personality traits and life outcomes.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 5, 2019

When robots commit wrongdoing, people may incorrectly assign the blame

Researchers explore how humans perceive robot responsibility and argue that key capacities, such as autonomy and appearance, can influence moral judgments. This understanding is crucial for real-world public policy decisions as robots become increasingly integrated into society.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateApr 5, 2019

TTI heat map shows relationship between traffic-related air pollution and childhood asthma

Researchers created an interactive heat map and city-by-city table detailing the distribution of childhood asthma due to traffic-related air pollution across the United States. Between 2000 and 2010, asthma cases attributable to traffic-related air pollution decreased by 33%, with over 140,000 cases reported in 2010.

SourceTexas A&M University Transportation Institute·JournalEnvironment International·DateApr 5, 2019
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.

Moffitt researchers develop tool to estimate genetic diversity and ancestry of cell lines

A new online tool allows researchers to determine the genetic ancestral origin of over 1300 cancer cell lines, revealing a lack of representation from diverse populations. The study found that European and East Asian origins were overrepresented, while African American and Hispanic/Latino origins were underrepresented.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalCancer Research·DateApr 5, 2019

How good are protein disorder prediction programs actually?

The study analyzed 26 widely-used protein disorder prediction methods and found that they vary noticeably in performance. This thorough comparison provides valuable insights for protein scientists to make informed choices about which programs to use.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 5, 2019
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.

Sah: Medical guidelines may be biased, overly aggressive

A recent commentary suggests that treatment guidelines recommended by medical specialist organizations are more likely to lead to overdiagnosis, overtreatment, and increased healthcare costs. The authors argue that specialty bias and fee-for-service compensation models contribute to this issue.

SourceCornell University·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 5, 2019

Synthetic antibody rapidly protects mice and monkeys from Zika

Researchers have developed a synthetic DNA-encoded monoclonal antibody that rapidly protects mice and non-human primates from Zika infection. The DMAb-ZK190 platform has shown promise in controlling infection and reducing viral loads, providing a potential alternative to existing prevention methods.

SourceCell Press·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateApr 5, 2019

The carbon offset market: Leveraging forest carbon's value in the Brazilian Amazon

A government-run program in the Brazilian Amazon distributes revenue from carbon credits to rural laborers and family farmers, creating an inclusive green economy. The program's benefits include expanded social welfare initiatives and potential to prevent deforestation, but also raises concerns about land power and potential risks.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalThe Journal of Peasant Studies·DateApr 5, 2019

Tailoring lactation education to the cultural needs of orthodox Jewish families

A new article provides culturally competent lactation education and evidence-based guidance for Orthodox Jewish mothers with sick newborns. Nurses are advised to have conversations with Rabbis before delivery to determine colostrum and milk storage needs, ensuring personalized care and meeting individual goals.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalMCN The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing·DateApr 5, 2019
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.

Changes in gun purchases after mass shootings

Researchers found that mass shootings with extensive media coverage were associated with increases in handgun purchases, while high-fatality shootings led to decreases in handgun sales. Overall, the study suggests a possible connection between gun violence and public opinion on gun purchases.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 5, 2019

Older adults with blood cancers: How they fare

A recent study found that older adults with blood cancers who struggled with daily activities had a higher risk of death, hospitalizations, and emergency department visits. Researchers suggest screening for age-related conditions to improve function and tolerance for cancer treatment.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 5, 2019

Digging ancient signals out of modern human genomes

A recent study in Molecular Biology and Evolution reconstructed artificial genomes with the analyses of 565 contemporary South Asian individuals to extract ancient DNA signals. The researchers found valuable genetic components that allow them to elucidate the genetic composition of ancient populations in the region. Additionally, they ...

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateApr 5, 2019
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.

Autism brings qualities which help at home and at work, study shows

A study of autistic adults reveals that traits associated with autism can be both beneficial and burdensome. The research found that autistic individuals often possess exceptional memory, attention to detail, and creative abilities, making them highly focused and tenacious. However, these same traits can also cause anxiety or exhaustion.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAutism in Adulthood·DateApr 5, 2019

Screen time -- even before bed -- has little impact on teen well-being

A study of over 17,000 teenagers found no clear evidence that screen time decreases adolescent well-being, even before bed. The research analyzed data from three different countries and used rigorous methodology to gather information about screen time.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 5, 2019

Social insecurity also stresses chimpanzees

Male chimpanzees exhibit increased urinary cortisol levels during unstable dominance periods, indicating psychosocial stress despite lower aggression rates.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateApr 5, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Racial disparities continue for black women seeking heart health care

Despite improvements in heart attack and heart disease care for older women, black women continue to face significant racial disparities in treatment. Postmenopausal black women were 50% less likely and Hispanic women 16% less likely to receive treatment when arriving at the hospital with symptoms compared to white women.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateApr 5, 2019

Prototype in precision

A new proximity capacitance imaging sensor has been developed with high sensitivity and resolution, detecting sweat pores between finger ridges. This advancement aims to improve security in various fields such as authentication and life sciences.

SourceTohoku University·DateApr 5, 2019

Job indicators drop slightly again for Americans with disabilities

The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities decreased from 31.7% in March 2018 to 31.1% in March 2019, while labor force participation rates also showed decline. This suggests a tapering off of engagement of people with disabilities in the labor market.

SourceKessler Foundation·DateApr 5, 2019

Science-based guidelines for building a bee-friendly landscape

The article presents science-based guidelines for creating a bee-friendly landscape, highlighting the importance of native plants and diverse flower forms. Key findings include non-native plants extending the flowering season and pest-free plants attracting beneficial bees.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·DateApr 5, 2019
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.