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Science News Archive 2018


Page 13 of 473

Effects of sugar on beneficial gut bacteria

Researchers found that dietary sugars, particularly fructose and glucose, decrease the abundance of a protein called Roc required for Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron colonization. A resistant strain engineered by researchers outcompeted the wild-type strain in mice fed high-sugar diets.

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.

Teens using vaping devices in record numbers

The 2018 Monitoring the Future survey found a dramatic increase in teen vaping, with over 1 in 10 eighth graders and nearly 20% of high school seniors using nicotine vapes. Meanwhile, opioid misuse has dropped to record lows, with only 3.4% of 12th graders reporting past-year use.

Species at the extremes of the food chain evolve faster, study says

A new study reveals that coral reef fish species at the extremes of the food chain, such as strict herbivores or predators, evolve faster than those in the middle with varied diets. This finding has valuable conservation implications for managing fisheries exploitation and preserving functional diversity on coral reefs.

How a personality trait puts you at risk for cybercrime

A study by Michigan State University found that people with low self-control are more likely to fall victim to cybercrime involving Trojans, viruses, and malware. The research, which analyzed nearly 6,000 survey participants, identified impulsiveness as a key factor in increasing the risk of infection.

Regional contribution to radiative forcing

A study found that China, Europe, and North America experienced periods of reduced cumulative radiative forcing due to offsetting warming and cooling emissions. The regions' future contributions to CRF are expected to be larger than their past contributions, with China potentially emerging as a major contributor.

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.

Passive exposure alone can enhance the learning of foreign speech sounds

A recent study found that passive exposure to unfamiliar speech sounds can improve adult language learners' ability to discriminate speech sounds. Researchers from the University of Jyväskylä and Beijing Normal University used brain response measurements to measure discrimination ability after prolonged passive exposure.

Antimicrobial resistance and vaccines

Qualitative analyses suggest vaccine-based strategies can outperform antibiotic-centered approaches in certain cases, limiting AMR spread and preserving the human microbiome. Vaccine development is crucial to address growing AMR concerns, as indicated by studies highlighting vaccines' potential economic benefits.

Looking on bright side may reduce anxiety, especially when money is tight

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that people with lower incomes who practice cognitive reappraisal strategies experience reduced anxiety levels. The researchers analyzed data from experiments and a national survey to understand how socioeconomic status affects emotional regulation strategies.

India's right to information act provides lessons on government transparency

A University of Arizona researcher found that India's strong freedom-of-information law, enacted in 2005, created a culture demanding government transparency. The study highlights the importance of collaboration between journalists, social activists, and civil society organizations to create a right-to-information agenda.

Progress in super-resolution microscopy

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have successfully applied U-ExM to image multi-protein complexes with unprecedented molecular resolution. This breakthrough resolves long-standing doubts about the method's reliability and preserves ultrastructural details.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists revealed how water fleas settled during the Ice Age

Researchers found that three Daphnia species had distinct roots for settling in Northern Eurasia, shedding light on continental freshwater fauna formation. Genetic analysis revealed differences between populations and the approximate time of their divergence, with one species spreading quickly across the region.

DOE approves technical plan and cost estimate to upgrade Argonne facility

The U.S. Department of Energy has approved the technical scope, cost estimate and plan of work for an upgrade of the Advanced Photon Source (APS), a major storage-ring X-ray source at Argonne National Laboratory. The resulting facility will allow researchers to view matter at the atomic scale in three dimensions, opening new frontiers ...

NASA finds tiny remnants of Tropical Cyclone Owen

NASA's Terra satellite captured an infrared image revealing two small areas of strong thunderstorms with cloud top temperatures as cold as -63 degrees Fahrenheit. These conditions are indicative of heavy rain generation, suggesting the potential for further storm activity.

Study suggests promising new Rx target for obesity and diabetes

Research suggests that a novel protein called Nischarin may be a promising therapeutic target for obesity and diabetes. Studies found that Nischarin expression is suppressed in fat tissue of obese humans and that its disruption leads to insulin resistance in female mice, but not male mice.

Inflate cells to observe their inner life

Researchers at the University of Geneva have developed a new technique called Ultrastructure Expansion Microscopy (U-ExM), which allows for the visualization of cellular structures and protein complexes at a nanoscale. This method enables the detection of biochemical modifications and mapping of large intracellular molecular complexes.

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.

Strong committed relationships can buffer military suicides

A strong committed relationship provides a critical sense of belonging and motivation for living, buffering the risk of suicide among National Guard members. The study found that higher couple satisfaction reduces the association between mental health symptoms and suicide risk.

Pressure tuned magnetism paves the way for novel electronic devices

A team of researchers has found a surprising link between emergent magnetism and mechanical pressure in artificially engineered non-magnetic oxide heterostructures. The study reveals that the strength of magnetism can be controlled by applying pressure to the material, opening new routes for developing novel spintronic devices.

Economic climate feedbacks

Researchers found that climate-driven economic losses can offset natural warming feedbacks, but this comes with increased inequality and reduced resources for mitigating climate change. The study suggests that climate-related economic activity slowdowns can temporarily reduce atmospheric CO2 levels.

Brain-inspired computer vision

Researchers developed Structural Unsupervised Viewlets Models (SUVMs) to recognize object categories, inspired by brain's unsupervised learning ability. The SUVMs performed well on the face dataset but underperformed on airplane images.

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.

Paradigm shift needed for designing tsunami-resistant bridges

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new, physics-based methodology to design bridge connections and steel bearings to better withstand tsunamis. Their study found that the transmission of forces to supporting substructures changes significantly with modifications to vertical and horizontal stiffness.

Scientists design new material to harness power of light

Researchers at UMass Lowell have created a new class of metamaterial that can change the color of light, enabling on-chip optical communication. This technology could lead to smaller, faster, and more efficient computer chips with wider bandwidth and better data storage.

Nature's sweets

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new method for glycosylation, using a precisely designed hydrogen-bond-donor catalyst to attach sugars to molecules. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of crucial biomedical benefits such as new vaccines and drugs to treat human disorders and diseases.

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.

Old mines cast a long shadow on their surroundings

A new study from Finland highlights the importance of post-mining land use planning to mitigate environmental impacts and retain local activities. The research shows that old mines can have far-reaching effects on landscape values, natural products, and community land use.

AIBS selects winners of 2018 Faces of Biology Photo Contest

Three biologists have been selected as winners of the 2018 Faces of Biology Photo Contest for their outstanding contributions to communicating biological research through photography. The contest aims to inspire scientists to explore new ways to convey their work to the public.

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.

Wound care revolution: Put away your rulers and reach for your phone

A new app called Swift Skin and Wound measures wounds accurately, providing a way to clearly document and quantify wound size. The app is being used by clinicians and healthcare professionals at the McGill University Health Centre in Montreal to improve clinical management and patient outcomes for diabetic patients.

URI researcher: Oyster aquaculture limits disease in wild oyster populations

A URI researcher found that oyster aquaculture can limit the spread of disease among wild oysters. Aquaculture operations can reduce disease by filtering parasites from the water and holding oysters long enough to prevent their development. Intensive oyster aquaculture, when done correctly, can be beneficial for wild populations.

One-third of Americans consider living abroad

A new study reveals that approximately one-third of all US-born US citizens living in the US are considering leaving to live abroad. The main motivations cited are exploration, retirement, and dissatisfaction with their current situation. National identity and networks played a significant role in shaping these aspirations.

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.

Boston Harbor cleanup was economically justifiable, finds new study

A new study finds that the Boston Harbor cleanup was economically justifiable, with an estimated value of restored ecosystem services between $30 and $100 billion. The analysis highlights the importance of considering the environmental value of an area post-cleanup rather than pre-cleanup.

Building a better weapon against harmful algal blooms

A team of scientists from The Ohio State University shared early results from a trio of studies aimed at improving models designed to guide agricultural practices for reducing the risk of nitrogen and phosphorous farm runoff. These models can help quantify the impact of fertilizer application timing on nutrient runoff.

The gene helping submerged plants

Researchers at Stockholm University found a special gene PLD that helps plants stay healthy and resistant to oxygen deficiency when underwater. The study suggests that increasing the amount of this gene may help protect crops from flooding, improving harvest yields.

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.

Satellite data exposes looting

Researchers used high-resolution satellite imagery to assess the destruction of archaeological heritage in a remote region. Over 74% of analyzed burials were found to be destroyed and plundered, highlighting the urgent need for site protection.

A fire-breathing dragon helps fight ember attacks on thatched-roof buildings

Researchers used the NIST Dragon to simulate ember attacks on thatched-roof buildings, revealing ignition occurred within 90 seconds and flames penetrated completely through the roofing assembly. The study's findings will help Japanese fire services develop effective counter measures and mitigate damage from large outdoor fires.

Plain packaging sparked tobacco price rises, new study finds

A new study found that plain packaging for tobacco products led to a five percent increase in sales price and an eight percent rise in hand-rolling tobacco prices. The research contradicts predictions made by the tobacco industry, suggesting they aimed to deter government implementation through increased prices.

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.

'Job readiness' more important to UK employers than academic credentials

A new study challenges traditional theories that higher education determines job success in the UK. Employers focus on job readiness, highlighting social qualifications, specific skills, and cognitive abilities. This shift suggests employers seek marketable skills with immediate value to reduce training costs and enhance productivity.

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.

Stop that clot! Quantitative assessment of the blood coagulation cascade

Researchers developed a new dielectric blood coagulometry (DBCM) method to assess Factor Xa (FXa) activity in patients treated with FXa inhibitors. The study showed that DBCM detected FXa inhibitor-specific changes in a manner similar to more complicated methods, offering a promising easy-to-use clinical treatment option.

Plants don't like touch: Green thumb myth dispelled

New research reveals that plants are highly sensitive to touch, with repeated touching retarding growth by up to 30%. The study found that a major genetic defense response is triggered within 30 minutes of being touched, altering 10% of the plant's genome.

Study shows magnesium optimizes vitamin D status

A randomized trial by Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers found that magnesium boosts vitamin D status in people with low levels and reduces it in those with high levels. The ideal level of vitamin D is believed to be within the middle range of a U-shape, linked to the lowest risk of cardiovascular disease.

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.

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.

A painless adhesive

Researchers have developed an adhesive that can strongly adhere to wet materials like hydrogel and living tissue, and be easily detached with specific frequencies of light. This technology has the potential to enable painless detachment of wound dressings and transdermal drug delivery devices.