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Science News Archive 2018 - Page 2


Page 2 of 473

MIT researchers develop novel 3D printing method for transparent glass

Researchers at MIT have developed a novel 3D printing method for creating transparent glass structures with improved speed, scale and reliability. The G3DP2 platform enables the fabrication of large-scale transparent objects with precise control over behavior and design specifications.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·Journal3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing·DateDec 27, 2018

Contact with monkeys and apes puts populations at risk

Researchers found that Cameroonian adults frequently interact with nonhuman primates through hunting, butchering, and consuming meat. This exposure puts people at risk of infection with new diseases, highlighting the need for improved surveillance and safe handling practices.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateDec 27, 2018

Genetic polymorphisms and zinc status

Genetic variations in metallothionein and zinc transporter genes impact zinc homeostasis and immune function. SNPs may influence the response to zinc supplementation in individuals with certain non-communicable diseases.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Pharmaceutical Design·DateDec 27, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Phytochemistry, traditional uses and pharmacological profile of rose hip

The rose hip fruit contains a range of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and tannins, with potential therapeutic effects on conditions such as arthritis, hypertension, and respiratory problems. Further research is needed to confirm its efficacy in treating various illnesses.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Pharmaceutical Design·DateDec 27, 2018

Sugar-sweetened beverage pattern linked to higher kidney disease risk

A study of 3003 African-American adults found that consuming a pattern of soda, sweetened fruit drinks, and water was associated with a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease. The researchers were surprised to see that water as part of this beverage pattern was linked to a higher risk of CKD.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 27, 2018

Bacteria found in ancient Irish soil halts growth of superbugs -- new hope for tackling antibiotic resistance

Researchers have discovered a previously unknown strain of bacteria in ancient Irish soil that effectively inhibits the growth of four top-six multi-resistant pathogens. The strain, Streptomyces sp. myrophorea, has shown promise against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, providing new hope for combating antibiotic resistance.

SourceSwansea University·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateDec 27, 2018
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.

Computational advances in the label-free quantification of cancer proteomics data

Recent advances in computational methods enhance the accuracy and reproducibility of label-free quantification (LFQ) in cancer proteomics, enabling discovery of anti-cancer targets and drugs. The study evaluates popular acquisition techniques and state-of-the-art quantification tools to improve LFQ performance.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Pharmaceutical Design·DateDec 27, 2018

How exercise reduces belly fat in humans

A 12-week exercise intervention reduced visceral abdominal fat in obese adults, but tocilizumab treatment abolished this effect and increased cholesterol levels. Exercise promotes better health and reduces the risk of cardio-metabolic diseases by reducing abdominal fat mass.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateDec 27, 2018

Multicenter trial supports use of topical antibiotics in NICU babies

A clinical trial tested the effectiveness of topical antibiotic mupirocin in eliminating Staphylococcus aureus colonization in hospitalized infants. The study found that mupirocin is safe and highly effective in reducing SA infection, with over 90% of treated infants testing negative for SA after treatment.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateDec 27, 2018

Sleeping sickness parasite uses multiple metabolic pathways

Research reveals that trypanosomes use gluconeogenesis and glycerol metabolism to produce ATP and synthesize glucose, challenging the long-held assumption of exclusive reliance on glycolysis. This metabolic flexibility is essential for adaptation to environmental conditions and survival in mammalian host tissues.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 27, 2018
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.

Distinguishing between students who guess and those who know

A new approach solves challenges in assessing student knowledge in online courses, considering multiple attempts and student experience. The expanded Rasch model provides a single scale for comparing students' proficiency even with changing test questions.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalHeliyon·DateDec 27, 2018

The landscape of protein tyrosine phosphatase (Shp2) and cancer

Recent studies have highlighted the significant role of Shp2, a phosphatase protein, in governing signaling response amplitude and regulating cell differentiation and growth. Dysregulation of Shp2 has been linked to various types of leukemia, including acute myeloid, juvenile myelomonocytic, and B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Pharmaceutical Design·DateDec 27, 2018
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.

Online mirrors: Video bloggers and viewers share emotions

Researchers from Tilburg University studied over 2000 YouTube vlogs and found that people mirror the emotions of those they see online. They also seek out others with similar outlooks and moods, a phenomenon known as homophily. This emotional contagion can be seen in both immediate and sustained reactions.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateDec 27, 2018

A boundary dance of amyloid-β stepping into dementia

Scientists have elucidated the formation mechanism of amyloid-β substances, causative agents of Alzheimer's disease. They found that Aβ peptides tend to aggregate at hydrophilic/hydrophobic interfaces, forming β-hairpin structures that facilitate intermolecular hydrogen bonding.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·DateDec 27, 2018

These nine measures reveal how forests are controlled by climate

Researchers analyzed global forest communities to understand how climate affects tree growth traits, revealing nine key changes that could impact forest productivity and composition. Temperature variability and vapor pressure emerged as major factors influencing these traits.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 27, 2018
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.

Reliable tropical weather pattern to change in a warming climate

The Madden-Julian Oscillation is likely to experience increased precipitation intensity under a warmer climate, while wind variations may slow or even decrease, according to a new study published in Nature Climate Change. This change could impact weather prediction for extreme events like hurricanes and droughts.

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateDec 27, 2018

A tilt of the head facilitates social engagement, researchers say

A new study by Nicolas Davidenko and colleagues reveals that a small tilt of the head can reduce the left-gaze bias and increase the upper-eye bias when viewing faces, making people more approachable. This finding has potential implications for individuals with autism and amblyopia.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalPerception·DateDec 27, 2018

Silver nanowires promise more comfortable smart textiles

Researchers developed a simple method to create silver nanowire-coated fibers with high conductivity, flexibility, and mechanical strength. The fibers have promising applications in wearable devices, addressing the need for comfortable and functional smart textiles.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalNANO·DateDec 27, 2018
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.

Flavonoids as P-gp inhibitors: A systematic review of SARs

Research reveals flavonoids as potent P-gp modulators with high binding affinity and low toxicity, offering a new generation of drug candidates to reverse multidrug resistance. Synthetic flavonoid dimer FD18 specifically targets the pseudodimeric structure of the drug transporter.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Medicinal Chemistry·DateDec 26, 2018
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.

Losing neurons can sometimes not be that bad

Neuronal cell death in Alzheimer's disease may be beneficial as it removes dysfunctional neurons, according to new research published in Cell Reports. The study suggests that the anti-aging mechanism of 'cell competition' plays a crucial role in protecting the brain from damage.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 26, 2018

Breast cancer drugs could help treat resistant lung cancers

A class of breast cancer drugs could potentially benefit patients with EGFR-mutant lung cancers that have become resistant to treatment. Lung tumours in mice caused by mutations in a gene called EGFR shrunk significantly when a protein called p110α was blocked.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 26, 2018

For patients with kidney disease, genetic testing may soon be routine

A new study found that genes cause about 1 in 10 cases of chronic kidney disease in adults, and identifying the responsible gene has a direct impact on treatment. DNA testing reclassified the cause of kidney disease in 1 out of 5 individuals with a genetic diagnosis.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 26, 2018
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.

Treatment of Parkinson's disease: Separating hope from hype

Recent advancements in Parkinson's disease treatment hold promise for patients, with gene therapy approaches showing potential, and brain stimulation techniques also being explored. Despite progress, hurdles persist, and understanding the reasons for treatment failure is crucial to overcoming the disease.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Gene Therapy·DateDec 26, 2018

UC San Diego researchers identify how skin ages, loses fat and immunity

Researchers discovered the pathway that causes dermal fibroblasts to lose their ability to convert into fat cells as people age. This process affects the skin's ability to fight infections, particularly bacterial ones like MRSA. The study may lead to new treatments for obesity, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalImmunity·DateDec 26, 2018

Fish bones yield new tool for tracking coal ash contamination

Researchers at Duke University have discovered that fish ear bones can serve as a fingerprint for identifying and tracking coal ash contamination in aquatic ecosystems. The study used strontium isotope ratios in otoliths to connect high levels of toxic elements back to the contamination source.

SourceDuke University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateDec 26, 2018

Illuminating nanoparticle growth with X-rays

Researchers developed a new catalyst composed of platinum and nickel, which is more efficient than pure platinum. The study used ultrabright x-rays to reveal the growth pathway and chemical characterization of the nanoparticles in real time.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 26, 2018

Buzzed flies reveal important step to intoxication

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have identified an important intermediate step in how alcohol intoxication occurs. The enzyme phospholipase D2 links ethanol molecules to lipid membranes, triggering a metabolite called phosphatidylethanol that causes nerves to fire more easily, leading to hyperactivity in flies.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·DateDec 26, 2018
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.

Antifungal activity and detoxification of aflatoxins

Essential oils and aqueous plant extracts inhibit Aspergillus growth and aflatoxin biosynthesis, offering potential solutions to prevent food contamination. Standardization of extraction procedures and further study on active compounds are necessary to ensure safe use in food products.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Food Science Journal·DateDec 26, 2018

What influences a person's psychological boundaries?

Researchers found that age and sex play a greater role in forming psychological boundaries than culture. In the study, youth had a higher level of personal sovereignty than adolescents, with men being more concerned with territory sovereignty and women with time habits sovereignty.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalPsychology in Russia State of Art·DateDec 26, 2018

Confronting the side effects of a common anti-cancer treatment

Researchers found that aromatase inhibitors suppress estrogen synthesis, but paradoxically increase estrogen levels in the brain, leading to memory and thermal regulation deficits. The study calls for new therapies to prevent breast cancer recurrence while minimizing side effects.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateDec 26, 2018
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.

Cell size and cell-cycle states play key decision-making role in HIV

Researchers found that HIV-infected cells can only reactivate in larger host cells, while smaller cells remain latent or silent. The study suggests a natural mechanism for viral reactivation and offers potential strategies for biasing viral decision-making through drug treatments.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 26, 2018

Kicking, yelling during sleep? Study finds risk factors for violent sleep disorder

A study found that people taking antidepressants, having post-traumatic stress disorder or anxiety are at risk of developing REM sleep behavior disorder. Men are also more likely to have the condition. Lifestyle factors such as education level, income, smoking status and moderate to heavy drinking habits were also linked to the disorder.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateDec 26, 2018

Collecting clean water from air, inspired by desert life

Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered ways to gather water from nighttime fog and condensation using surfaces with conical shapes and grooved patterns. These designs can efficiently collect water droplets, similar to how cacti and desert grasses do in nature.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (A )·DateDec 26, 2018

Artificial activation of cancer cells to destroy them

Researchers at Far Eastern Federal University propose using stem cell activation to target glioma tumors. The approach aims to bring cancerous stem cells into an active state, making them vulnerable to chemotherapy. This method has been approved for publishing and is considered promising despite its risks.

SourceFar Eastern Federal University·JournalFrontiers in Cellular Neuroscience·DateDec 26, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Tree-ring analysis explains physiology behind drought intolerance

A study of 2,800 hectares of mixed-conifer forest found that increasing tree density due to fire suppression leads to increased drought stress and reduced resilience to wildfires. Rising carbon dioxide levels exacerbate this effect, suggesting that denser forests will be more vulnerable to drought in the future.

SourceOregon State University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateDec 26, 2018

Research shows biases against immigrants with non-anglicized names

A new study reveals biases against immigrants with non-anglicized names in the US, particularly in moral dilemmas. The research suggests that anglicizing ethnic names may reduce bias towards immigrants, but cautioning against promoting equity through name changes.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateDec 26, 2018

Autophagy and mitochondria: Targets in neurodegenerative disorders

Research suggests that autophagy on neuronal cells can lead to neurodegeneration, highlighting the importance of targeting mitochondria and autophagy-related proteins in disease treatment. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a significant contributor to neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets·DateDec 26, 2018
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.

Give it the plasma treatment: strong adhesion without adhesives

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a method to make industrial polymers adhesive without the need for adhesives or corrosive chemical treatments. This breakthrough enables vulcanized rubber and plastic PTFE to adhere strongly to each other, or to glass and copper, using surface chemistry.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 26, 2018

How the brain enables us to rapidly focus attention

Researchers discovered a key brain mechanism that underlies our ability to rapidly focus attention. The cholinergic system plays a crucial role in triggering desynchronization of neurons, allowing individual neurons to respond to sensory information differently. This allows us to focus on specific stimuli while ignoring distractions.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNeuron·DateDec 26, 2018

Study yields new insight on how memory works

Researchers discover that conscious knowledge is key to declarative memory, a type of memory linked to facts and events. The study, using amnesic patients with MTL lesions, found impaired performance in recognizing changes in images, highlighting the role of the hippocampus in memory acquisition.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 26, 2018

European wheat lacks climate resilience

Researchers at Aarhus University found that current breeding programs for European wheat do not provide sufficient climate resilience. This lack of response diversity can lead to reduced yields, increased yield variability, and market volatility.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 26, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Editing malarial parasite gene expression

Researchers developed a modified CRISPR/Cas9 system to efficiently edit the malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum's gene expression. By altering histone acetylation near invasion-related genes, they increased or decreased erythrocyte invasion efficiency.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 24, 2018

Researchers use 'blacklist' computing concept as novel way to streamline genetic analysis

Researchers have developed a novel way to streamline genetic analysis by utilizing the blacklist computing concept. This method has shown promise as a key to faster therapeutic innovation, enabling clinicians and researchers to focus on true disease-causing mutations., By removing non-pathogenic genetic variants from consideration, thi...

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 24, 2018