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Science News Archive 2018


Page 165 of 473

An ocean apart, carnivorous pitcher plants create similar communities

Research reveals that pitcher plant communities converge in terms of microbial life and small animal populations, even across different continents. The study found that Asian and North American pitchers house similar species, such as bacteria and insects, and can even mimic each other's ecosystems.

How eggplants became Asian -- genomes and elephants tell the story

Researchers sequenced eggplant and wild relative plastomes, finding a single event led to two lineages: one in Africa and the other in Asia. This dispersal resulted in the current wide distribution of eggplant relatives across Africa, linked to African elephant and impala seed dispersal.

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.

First randomised trial tests criteria used to diagnose heart attack

A new randomized trial tested a revised set of criteria for diagnosing heart attacks, but found that using these criteria did not reduce the rate of recurrent heart attacks or cardiovascular deaths. The study suggested that the revised criteria could lead to more diagnoses and treatment, but with no adverse effects on patient outcomes.

New compact hyperspectral system captures 5-D images

A new compact hyperspectral system captures 5-D images with high speed and accuracy, benefiting applications such as optical-based sorting and personal medical monitoring. The system uses structured light to create detailed digital archives of historically valuable artifacts.

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.

Post-epidemic seroprevalence of Zika virus in Nicaragua

Researchers studied blood samples from 3,740 children and 1,074 adults in Managua, Nicaragua, after the 2016 Zika epidemic. The study found a high post-epidemic seroprevalence of 36% in children and 56% in adults, with immunity rates higher in females and increasing nonlinearly with age.

Scientists find corals in deeper waters under stress too

A new study reveals that even deep coral reefs in Palau are exposed to thermal stress at intervals different than those near the surface. By combining sea level and temperature data sets, researchers developed a forecast tool for predicting temperature stress on corals up to 150 meters below the surface.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study reveals when and why people die after noncardiac surgery

A study of over 40,000 patients found that myocardial injury, major bleeding, and sepsis contributed to nearly three-quarters of all deaths after noncardiac surgery. Most deaths were linked to cardiovascular causes, with cardiologists playing a crucial role in preventing further complications.

Stress gene influences chronic pain after car crash

A study of over 1,000 motor vehicle accident survivors found a common genetic variant in the stress response gene FKBP5 linked to increased chronic pain. The researchers discovered that addressing this interaction between the genetic variant and post-traumatic stress may represent a supplemental or alternative treatment option.

Paternal diet and offspring health

A new study suggests that paternal diet influences offspring health by affecting sperm DNA methylation tags and seminal plasma immunological responses. Mice fed a low-protein diet had overweight offspring with dysfunctional metabolism, highlighting the importance of a healthy father's nutrition for child well-being.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Even toddlers care what others think

By 24 months old, children demonstrate awareness that their behavior can be positively or negatively evaluated by others. The study found that even young toddlers are attuned to the judgments of others and adjust their behavior accordingly.

Analysis: Commonly used drugs are rarely studied in primary care patients

Researchers found that only 8% of studies included some primary care patients, and none were conducted solely in primary care settings. Primary care physicians should be represented in advisory boards, considered for study grants, and primary care patients need to be included in trials of drugs used in primary care.

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.

Preemptive overfishing and marine reserves

Researchers found that fishing in the Phoenix Islands Protected Area doubled before its implementation, leading to excess fishing equivalent to what was prevented by the reserve for 1.5 years. This suggests that anticipating marine reserves can trigger overfishing, undermining conservation efforts.

How the cholera bacterium survives water predators

The Vibrio cholerae bacterium has evolved skills to survive in aquatic environments by 'hitchhiking' on predatory amoebas and establishing a replication niche within their osmoregulatory organelle. This adaptation may have contributed to the emergence of V. cholerae as a major human pathogen.

As CO2 levels climb, millions at risk of nutritional deficiencies

A new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health warns that high CO2 levels could lead to widespread nutritional deficiencies, affecting 1.9% of the global population by 2050. The research estimates that 175 million people will become zinc deficient and 122 million will become protein deficient due to lower crop yields.

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.

Air pollution and cognitive decline

A study found that air pollution exposure was associated with decreased cognitive test scores, particularly in verbal abilities. Reducing fine particulate matter concentrations could lead to significant improvements in cognitive performance, equivalent to a shift from median to 63rd percentile scores.

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.

Marijuana found in breast milk up to six days after use

A study by University of California - San Diego found that 63% of breast milk samples from mothers using marijuana contained THC, the primary psychoactive component. The study suggests that while the amount of THC in breast milk is relatively low, more research is needed to understand its potential effects on nursing babies.

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.

Wildfire risk doesn't douse housing demand

A new UNLV study reveals that real estate prices for homes in wildfire-prone areas fall initially after a blaze, but rebound within one to two years. The phenomenon may pose a curse, as homebuyers prioritize environmental amenities over fire risk.

Algae a threat to walleye vision, study finds

A new study led by Ohio State University found that algae poses a greater threat to freshwater fish vision than sediment, causing a 40% decrease in their ability to see in cloudy water. This could jeopardize the future of walleye and other fish populations if harmful algal blooms persist.

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.

Epigenetic analysis of aggressive brain tumors

Researchers identified epigenetic changes that accompany glioblastoma progression and predict patient survival. DNA methylation sequencing can be used to predict clinically relevant tumor properties.

Providing care for transgender patients

The article highlights the importance of providing care for transgender patients by incorporating patient-centered approaches and creating more inclusive healthcare environments. Key strategies include using preferred names, pronouns, and gender-affirming language, as well as training staff on trans-specific health issues.

Sensitivity to how others evaluate you emerges by 24 months

A new study finds that toddlers are attuned to how others may be judging them and modify their behavior accordingly. Children between 14 and 24 months show inhibition when being watched with a neutral or negative expression, but press the buttons associated with positive responses more often.

Ant-y social: Successful ant colonies hint at how societies evolve

Researchers found that ant colonies with as few as six individuals experienced significant benefits from group living, including better-surviving babies and faster growth. The study suggests that increases in group size alone can create benefits for small colonies, challenging the idea that strong groups require strong leaders.

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.

Can 'microswimmers' swim through jelly?

Scientists from Tokyo Metropolitan University studied how microswimmers navigate gels with contrasting results based on swimmer features and size relative to the gel's mesh. They discovered two mechanisms for achieving motion, one through breaking time-reversal symmetry and the other by modulating arm amplitudes

Cedars-Sinai investigators develop more accurate measure of body fat

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have developed a simpler and more accurate method to estimate body fat percentage than the widely used BMI. The new relative fat mass index (RFM) formula uses only height and waist circumference measurements, providing a better measure of body fatness without requiring expensive equipment.

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.

Improving physicians' judgment with video games

Researchers designed video games to enhance heuristic judgment in emergency medicine physicians. The intervention improved accuracy in trauma triage decisions, with participants who used the games showing a 17-18 point lower under-triage rate compared to those receiving no intervention.

Beluga whales and narwhals go through menopause

Researchers discovered that beluga whales and narwhals undergo menopause, mirroring killer whales' behavior. This reproductive strategy may have evolved due to increased relatedness among family members and the need for older females to contribute to group survival through knowledge sharing.

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 alter membrane proteins to make them easier to study

MIT researchers create a new technique to alter membrane proteins, making them more accessible for structural studies. The QTY code allows for the substitution of hydrophobic amino acids with hydrophilic ones, enabling water-soluble proteins that can be analyzed using X-ray crystallography or NMR.

Refugee naturalization in the United States

Female refugees are more likely to become naturalized US citizens than male counterparts, according to a recent study. The study found that higher levels of education and longer US residency also contribute to increased naturalization rates among refugees.

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.

Drug could aid recovery after a heart attack

Researchers discovered a protein called HIF helps heart cells survive after a heart attack, but its effect is blocked by fats accumulating within the heart muscle in people with diabetes. Repurposed drugs that activate HIF may help prevent lasting heart muscle damage and improve recovery in Type 2 diabetics.

Particles collected by Hayabusa give absolute age of asteroid Itokawa

Japanese researchers from Osaka University analyzed Hayabusa particles to determine the age of asteroid Itokawa, finding it formed 4.6 billion years ago and was destroyed 1.5 billion years later. The study used precise isotope analyses to clarify the chronology of the asteroid's evolution.

Huntington disease and histone deacetylase inhibition

Studies with rodent models show reduced anxiety and improved brain function with early treatment using the histone deacetylase inhibitor LBH589. This approach may offer a new therapeutic strategy for Huntington disease.