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Science News Archive 2018


Page 110 of 473

Statins show little promise for conditions other than heart disease

Research suggests statins may benefit people with certain non-heart diseases, such as kidney disease and cancer progression, but the evidence is inconclusive. The study found a modest link between statin use and diabetes, highlighting the importance of lifestyle advice for patients at risk.

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.

Mayo clinic researchers question benefits of long term oxygen therapy in COPD

A recent study published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that long-term oxygen therapy does not decrease hospitalization risk or increase life expectancy for many patients with mild to moderate COPD. However, it may lower quality of life due to its significant costs and practical challenges.

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.

Expanding fungal diversity, one cell at a time

Researchers have developed a single-cell genomics approach to explore unknown fungal diversity, revealing essential metabolism genes and insights into phylogenetic position. The study successfully reconstructed near-complete fungal genomes from environmental samples, shedding light on the cryptic biology of unculturable species.

Recalling memories in context

Studies using 64 and 28 participants revealed that recalling a target memory enhances retention of both the target and a linked object, with neural activity reinstated in parietal lobe regions. This suggests that retrieval may be an efficient method for memory enhancement.

String theory: Is dark energy even allowed?

Recent developments in string theory suggest a paradigm shift could be imminent, with some theories being incompatible with dark energy. Timm Wrase's calculations reveal that certain fields may not exist in string theory, contradicting the Higgs field's properties.

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.

Lessons from the 1918 flu pandemic, 100 years on

A new study on the 1918 flu pandemic reveals that a complex interplay of viral, host, and societal factors contributed to its severity. The researchers warn that future pandemics will face challenges such as changing population demographics, antibiotic resistance, and climate change.

Genes responsible for difference in flower color of snapdragons identified

Researchers at IST Austria identified two genes that determine magenta and yellow flower colors in snapdragons, which are separated by a hybrid zone. The study found that selection favored new variants of these genes, making the flowers more attractive to bees, while also creating barriers to gene exchange.

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.

Potential assay artefacts in anti-malarial screening documented

The study identifies 14 common chemicals that can impact assay conclusions without compromising plasmodium growth and proliferation. The team estimates maximum allowable concentrations compatible with the assay, ensuring normal parasite survival and proliferation.

Getting a grip on the slow but unique evolution of sharks

Researchers analyzed two shark species' genomes and compared them to those of vertebrate species to understand their evolution. They found that sharks have massive insertions of repetitive elements in their genomes, which may contribute to their slow evolution.

Increase in plastics waste reaching remote South Atlantic islands

A new study reveals a significant increase in plastic waste reaching remote South Atlantic islands, with over 90% of beach debris being plastic. The researchers found high concentrations of plastic on beaches and up to 300 items per meter of shoreline, approaching levels seen in industrialized North Atlantic coasts.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New discovery restores insulin cell function in type 2 diabetes

Scientists have discovered a way to restore normal insulin cell function in type 2 diabetes by blocking a protein called VDAC1. The study showed that the substance can prevent the development of the disease and improve glucose control. Further studies are needed, but the findings offer new hope for treatment options.

Vaccinating humans to protect mosquitoes from malaria

A new biotechnology advancement may boost the efficacy of a transmission-blocking vaccine (TBV) that prevents mosquitoes from spreading malaria. The vaccine, which induces humans to make malaria-attacking antibodies, could reduce malaria spread in sub-Saharan Africa where the disease kills over 400,000 people annually.

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.

Biodiversity loss under warming conditions

A warming-induced shift in microbial community composition requires more biodiversity to maintain ecosystem function due to the increased likelihood that remaining species will not tolerate rising temperatures. The study suggests that warmer conditions may accelerate the impacts of biodiversity decline on ecosystems.

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.

Salt: Mover and shaker in ancient Maya society

The ancient Maya produced salt in large quantities, salting fish and meat to meet dietary needs, and traded it as a commodity. This discovery substantiates the model of regional production and distribution of salt for the Classic Maya.

Work environment challenges nurses trying to adopt healthy behaviors

A new study found that nurses face significant challenges in adopting healthy behaviors, with only a few percent meeting physical activity guidelines and eating a balanced diet. The research highlights the need for workplace programs tailored to individual motivation and readiness to change.

Scientists pinpoint pathway that impacts features of autism

Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have identified a brain-signaling pathway that can be manipulated to reverse autism-related changes in genetically engineered mice. The study suggests a novel approach to treating autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by targeting an enzyme associated with stress and inflammation.

Facial expressions representing pain and pleasure

A study of 80 observers from Western and East Asian cultures reveals that mental representations of pain are similar, while those of orgasm contain culture-specific elements. Facial expressions serve a communicative role, with cultural influences shaping their representation.

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.

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.

Risk of attempted suicide among sexual minority adolescents

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that sexual minority adolescents are at a greater risk of attempted suicide compared to their heterosexual peers. The study estimated over 2.3 million heterosexual and 113,468 sexual minority adolescents from 35 studies conducted in 10 countries.

Recovering from a heart attack? Hold the antibiotics

Researchers found that mice recovering from heart attacks are more likely to die if treated with antibiotics, which can eliminate both bad and good microbes. Restoring the gut microbiome through fecal transplants or probiotics boosted survival rates.

Volatile evaporation on the Moon

Researchers used chromium isotopes to investigate the conditions under which the Moon's volatile elements evaporated. They found that the temperature of evaporation was around 1600-1800 K, significantly lower than previously thought if evaporation occurred during the giant Moon-forming impact.

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.

Climate change and mental health

Researchers analyzed data from nearly 2 million US residents and found a correlation between rising temperatures and increased mental health issues, suggesting climate change poses a risk to human well-being. The study suggests that even small increases in temperature can have significant impacts on mental health.

Research shows club drug GHB associated with brain and cognitive changes

Research on GHB users found associations with negative emotions identification, altered brain processes during verbal long-term memory and working memory, lower IQ, and increased stress and anxiety. Brain scans revealed changes in brain activity and connectivity between memory-related pathways.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

More exercise may not help all cancer patients to the same extent

A new study found that exercise effects on fatigue, fitness, and quality of life in cancer patients vary depending on their initial health characteristics. Patients with better baseline aerobic fitness experienced greater gains during treatment, while those with worse baseline values benefited more after treatment. The findings suggest...

Half the brain encodes both arm movements

Researchers found that neural activity in both the left and right hemispheres of the brain is involved in encoding individual arm movements. This discovery could lead to the development of more effective rehabilitation strategies for individuals with limb function after a brain injury, by harnessing the unaffected hemisphere.

First genetic risk factor for erectile dysfunction identified

A study by Kaiser Permanente researchers has found a specific place in the human genome associated with an increased risk of erectile dysfunction. Variations in the SIM1 locus were significantly associated with a 26 percent increased risk, independent of known risk factors.

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.

The threat of Centaurs for the Earth

Astrophysicists estimate that Centaurs will have close encounters and impacts with terrestrial planets, potentially producing catastrophic events. The researchers found that half of the Centaurs can enter the terrestrial planet region, and about 7% can interact with them.

Hydraulic fracturing-induced earthquakes

Researchers suggest a hydraulic fracturing well in Alberta, Canada was in contact with an active fault, causing induced seismicity. The coincidence of geological conditions required for induced seismicity are rarely expected to occur naturally, according to the study.

Small-brained female guppies aren't drawn to attractive males

A new study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution found that female Trinidadian guppies can differentiate between attractive and dull males, regardless of brain size. Larger-brained fish showed different patterns of activity in decision-making brain regions when evaluating attractive or unattractive males.

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.

Social media data used to predict retail failure

A new model predicts retail failure with 80% accuracy by analyzing social media and transport data from 10 cities. The model suggests that venues popular around the clock and in diverse neighborhoods tend to succeed longer.

The chromosome responsible for asparagus gender is characterized

A genetic map of garden asparagus has been created, allowing researchers to identify the chromosome that determines the plant's sex. The map is a significant breakthrough in understanding this dioecious species and will enable the development of new varieties with improved characteristics.

A big spark for energy research

The University of Delaware has secured a four-year funding renewal from the U.S. Department of Energy for its Catalysis Center for Energy Innovation, advancing processes for converting biomass into chemicals and fuels. The center has contributed to over 340 publications and trained more than 350 students in sustainable technologies.

UTEP study finds link between childhood adversity, burnout and depression

A UTEP study found that undergraduate nursing students exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) experience higher levels of burnout and depression. The study supports efforts to better prepare nursing students for the profession by educating faculty on ACEs and providing resources for counseling and support services.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Genetic risk factor of erectile dysfunction

A genome-wide association study has identified a genetic locus near the SIM1 gene as a significant risk factor for erectile dysfunction. The link to this locus is independent of previously known risk factors, suggesting a unique mechanism specific to sexual function.