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Science News Archive May 2019 - Page 15


Page 15 of 42

Interventions with paclitaxel drug-coated balloons

The American Heart Association statement addresses the controversy surrounding paclitaxel-eluting stents and drug-coated balloons in peripheral interventions. Despite a 2018 meta-analysis suggesting increased mortality with paclitaxel exposure, individual sponsor-driven analyses have failed to replicate these findings.

SourcePCR·DateMay 21, 2019

Successful HIV effort prompts call for clinics to expand mental health services on site

A new study from UVA School of Medicine suggests that co-located mental health services improve HIV viral suppression rates among vulnerable populations, with a notable increase in older and white patients. The researchers are calling for more Ryan White HIV/AIDS clinics to expand their on-site mental health services.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalOpen Forum Infectious Diseases·DateMay 21, 2019

Algorithm steers catheters to the right spot to treat atrial fibrillation

Researchers developed an algorithm that guides catheter movements to detect atrial fibrillation sources with high accuracy. The iterative catheter navigation (ICAN) algorithm achieves over 95% success rate in human Afib simulations, even in challenging scenarios like fibrosis and patchy scars.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalCardiovascular Engineering and Technology·DateMay 21, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Children of both young and old parents share risk for certain neurodevelopment disorders

A recent study found that younger parental age significantly increases the risk of ADHD and Tourette's, while older parental age is associated with Autism and obsessive-compulsive disorders. The research provides valuable insights into the complex relationships between parental age and offspring neuropsychiatric disorders.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateMay 21, 2019

Dead cells disrupt how immune cells respond to wounds and patrol for infection

New research at the University of Sheffield reveals that dead cells can disrupt the normal function of immune cells, called macrophages, which are crucial for responding to wounds and patrolling for infection. The study's findings could lead to new therapies to manipulate white blood cells and accelerate healing processes.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 21, 2019

Novel index accurately predicts PCI success post procedure compared to standard measurement metrics

A novel non-hyperemic pressure ratio (NHPR) index, combined with fractional flow reserve (FFR), accurately predicts percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) success. The study found a significant linear correlation between NHPR and FFR, with a Pd/Pa value of <0.90 demonstrating excellent diagnostic performance against FFR.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·DateMay 21, 2019

Inhibition of protein phosphorylation promotes optic nerve regeneration after injury

Researchers at Waseda University have found that inhibiting the phosphorylation of CRMP2, a microtubule-binding protein, suppresses degeneration and promotes regeneration of nerve fibers in the optic nerve after injury. This breakthrough could lead to the development of novel treatments for patients with optic neuropathies such as glau...

SourceWaseda University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 21, 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.

Widespread testing, treatment of Hepatitis C in US prisons improves outcomes

Researchers found that testing all persons entering prison for Hepatitis C, treating those with at least 12 months remaining in their sentence, and linking individuals to care upon release improves health outcomes. The strategy was cost-effective but associated with an additional annual cost of $1,440 per prisoner.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateMay 21, 2019

Female firefighters more likely to suffer PTSD, contemplate suicide

A University of Houston study finds that one-fifth of female firefighters experience post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and are at higher risk of contemplating suicide than their male colleagues. Women with PTSD symptoms were more likely to be in their mid-career years, suggesting a need for targeted intervention strategies.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalOccupational Medicine·DateMay 21, 2019
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.

Patients who lose significant weight before a transplant are at higher risk of dying

A recent study by Drexel University researchers found that patients who lost significant weight before a kidney transplant had an 18% higher risk of death after the procedure. The study analyzed data from over 94,000 transplant recipients and found that even planned weight loss could be dangerous if not closely monitored.

SourceDrexel University·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateMay 21, 2019

Global agreement reached on standards for clinical trials in children with MS

The International Pediatric MS Study Group has released updated standards for clinical trials involving children and teens with multiple sclerosis. The new recommendations prioritize pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies, phase 3 trials in adults considering teenagers, and open-label extension studies to ensure high-quality evidence ...

SourceNational Multiple Sclerosis Society·JournalNeurology·DateMay 21, 2019

New ultra-fast imaging technology with high frame rate and frame number

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have developed a novel compressed ultrafast photographic technique enabling both high frame rate and large frame number. This new technique offers an important tool for observing complex transient processes on the femtosecond timescale.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 21, 2019
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.

Doctors can estimate patient adherence by simply asking about medication routine

Researchers found that doctors were as accurate in estimating patients' adherence as patients were in reporting their medication habits. Developing a medication routine or habit can lessen the risk of forgetting medication. The study aims to provide insights for doctors to effectively identify and address barriers to medication adherence.

SourceIowa State University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMay 21, 2019

New study finds distinct microbes living next to corals

A new study from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution has discovered distinct microbial communities surrounding Caribbean corals. The research found that different types of coral have unique microbial communities living near them, with some species showing enriched presence in the seawater closer to corals.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateMay 21, 2019

Water formation on the moon demonstrated by UH Manoa scientists

A cross-disciplinary study by UH Manoa scientists reveals chemical and physical evidence of water formation on the Moon. The research proposes a mechanism where solar wind protons, lunar minerals, and micrometeorite impacts interact to produce water vapor.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2019

New framework improves performance of deep neural networks

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed AOGNets, a new framework for building deep neural networks via grammar-guided network generators. The new networks outperformed existing state-of-the-art frameworks in visual recognition tasks, achieving better prediction accuracy and model interpretability.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateMay 21, 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.

How to program materials

Ali Gooneie simulates atoms and molecules to explain material properties like smooth surfaces, flexibility, heat-conductivity, and insulation. His research uses the finite element method to predict macroscopic properties of composite materials.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalPolymer Degradation and Stability·DateMay 21, 2019

Toward zero hunger: More food or a smarter food system?

Researchers argue that increasing crop yields is insufficient to end global hunger, as it overlooks the environmental impacts and nutritional quality of diets. A new study suggests that adopting ecological principles can improve the environmental sustainability of food production and promote biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalWorld Development·DateMay 21, 2019
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.

Solving a scientific mystery and finding a solution for industry

Researchers have discovered a new mechanism for the formation of strontium-rich barite in seawater, which could lead to more efficient methods for removing toxins from water. The study found that organic matter can create conditions that promote the nucleation and incorporation of strontium into barite precipitates.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2019

Blood proteins help predict risk of developing heart failure

A study of over 8,000 participants found that elevated troponin I levels are associated with cardiac outcomes like heart attacks and fatal coronary disease. Adding troponin I to a risk prediction model improves accuracy in predicting heart failure risk, highlighting the potential for improved treatment strategies.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCirculation·DateMay 21, 2019

River valleys helped shape current genetic landscape of Han Chinese

A recent study found that the three main river valleys in China contributed significantly to Han Chinese genetic diversity. The research used mitochondrial DNA and analyzed data from 21,668 unrelated Han Chinese samples, revealing patterns of genetic divergence among populations based on river valleys. These findings suggest that the m...

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateMay 21, 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.

UTA research addresses evolving learning needs

The University of Texas at Arlington's George Siemens is developing an integrated data infrastructure to centralize digital learning and engagement tools. This project aims to understand how people interact with technology and its impact on human knowledge development in both education and corporate environments.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateMay 21, 2019

Want to eliminate workplace bias? Watch your rating system, study says

A study by University of Toronto researchers found that a six-point performance rating scale reduces the gender gap in ratings, with both sexes getting top rankings almost equally. Altering the ratings scale can limit the expression of pre-existing biases, such as stereotypes associating brilliant performance with men more than women.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateMay 21, 2019

Early life exposure to nicotine alters neurons, predisposes brain to addiction later

Researchers at UC San Diego found that neonatal nicotine exposure changes the biochemistry of the reward circuitry in mice brains, increasing their preference for nicotine in later adulthood. This study suggests a potential mechanism for how early life exposure to nicotine may contribute to addiction later in life.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMay 21, 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.

New lidar instruments peer skyward for clues on weather and climate

Researchers have developed diode-based lidar instruments that can measure atmospheric water vapor, aerosols and temperature, filling gaps in US meteorological data. The instruments are operational and have provided accurate measurements with minimal error, paving the way for improved weather forecasting and climate modeling.

SourceOptica·DateMay 21, 2019

Stellar waltz with dramatic ending

Astronomers have discovered an unusual celestial object, likely the result of two white dwarfs merging and fusing heavier elements. The star's strong stellar wind and magnetic field accelerate its collapse into a neutron star, culminating in a massive supernova explosion.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature·DateMay 21, 2019

Statistical model could predict future disease outbreaks

Researchers developed a statistical method to predict disease reemergence, particularly for preventable childhood infections like measles and pertussis. The model analyzes subtle changes in reported cases to identify early warning signals for emerging diseases.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMay 21, 2019
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.

Tropical Pacific variability key for successful climate forecasts

A team of scientists identified the tropical Pacific as a crucial factor in climate forecasting, with natural climatic fluctuations affecting future climate development. Better ocean data, particularly subsurface data, can improve predictions significantly.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 21, 2019

In a first, researchers identify reddish coloring in an ancient fossil

Researchers have detected chemical traces of red pigment in a 3 million-year-old fossilized mouse, which was dressed in brown to reddish fur on its back and sides. This breakthrough study uses X-ray spectroscopy and multiple imaging techniques to reveal the delicate chemical signature of pigments in ancient organisms.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 21, 2019

How usable is virtual reality?

Researchers developed an automated process to detect user-friendliness issues in virtual environments. This technology allows for more frequent, cost-effective, and efficient testing of virtual reality applications, leading to improved user experience and reduced errors.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction·DateMay 21, 2019

Experts urge stronger emphasis on cancer prevention in older population

A new supplement to The Gerontologist journal calls for a comprehensive approach to cancer prevention in older adults, including improved health literacy, sun protection, and positive attitudes toward aging. Experts identify opportunities to reduce cancer risk through evidence-based measures and best practices.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateMay 21, 2019

What makes a place a home?

New research reveals that lionfish populations on mesophotic reefs are affected by prey abundance and water temperature. Higher densities of lionfish were found at sites with lower bottom temperatures, suggesting cold-water upwelling currents fuel the food chain in these areas.

SourceBermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateMay 21, 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.

Berkeley lab project to pinpoint methane 'super emitters'

The Berkeley Lab project, SUMMATION, aims to quantify and mitigate methane emissions in California by identifying super emitters. Researchers will use a tiered observation system, combining fixed towers, aircraft, and field campaigns to detect and monitor methane emissions.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateMay 21, 2019

New method could shed light on workers' historical radiation exposure

Researchers created a Job-Exposure Matrix (JEM) approach to estimate average plutonium exposure levels for early Sellafield workers. This method overcomes missing or deficient data limitations, enabling more accurate epidemiological studies of internal radiation risks.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Radiological Protection·DateMay 21, 2019
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.

More primary care may reduce rates of respiratory failure

A review of nearly 2.5 million patient records found that regions with greater primary care usage had lower respiratory failure admissions, particularly among patients with chronic diseases like asthma and COPD. This suggests that more primary care may reduce rates of respiratory failure and ICU admissions.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 21, 2019

Using 3D to test personalized treatments in five days

Researchers at UNIGE have created a 3D cell co-culture platform to test personalized cancer treatments, demonstrating that low-dose combinations of drugs are more effective than high-dose monotherapies. The platform opens the door to rapid and cost-effective treatment options for various types of tumors.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 21, 2019

Food insecurity in Nunavut increased after Nutrition North Canada introduced

The introduction of Nutrition North Canada led to a significant increase in food insecurity, affecting 46% of households in 2014 compared to 33% in 2010. Despite the program's focus on nutritious foods, high prices and other factors contributed to worsening food access issues in Nunavut communities.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 21, 2019

Most e-cigarette users want to quit, Rutgers study finds

A Rutgers University study found that over 60% of e-cigarette users want to quit using e-cigarettes. The study also revealed that more than 25% have tried to quit in the past year and 16% plan to quit within a month.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateMay 21, 2019

Baby tiger sharks eat songbirds

A study published in Ecology found that baby tiger sharks eat a variety of terrestrial birds, including songbirds like sparrows and woodpeckers. The sharks' stomachs contained remains from 41 out of 105 juvenile sharks, revealing a diet that includes land-dwelling bird species.

SourceField Museum·JournalEcology·DateMay 21, 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.

Contact with nature during childhood could lead to better mental health in adulthood

A new study by ISGlobal found that adults who had close contact with natural spaces during childhood may have a better mental health than those with less exposure. The results show lower scores in mental health tests for participants with lower childhood exposure to nature.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Health Research·DateMay 21, 2019

Soy foods linked to fewer fractures in younger breast cancer survivors

A study published in JNCI Cancer Spectrum found that diets high in soy foods are associated with a decreased risk of osteoporotic bone fractures in pre-menopausal breast cancer survivors. Soy intake was linked to a 77% reduced risk of fractures, particularly among younger women.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Cancer Spectrum·DateMay 21, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Eastern forests shaped more by Native Americans' burning than climate change

A recent study suggests that Native Americans' use of fire to manage vegetation in the Eastern United States had a more profound impact on forest composition than climate change. The researchers found that frequent and widespread human-caused fire resulted in the predominance of fire-adapted tree species, leading to changes in forest c...

SourcePenn State·JournalAnnals of Forest Science·DateMay 21, 2019