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Science News Archive 2018


Page 24 of 473

Being yelled at: Our brain on alert in a flash

A recent study by researchers at the University of Geneva found that our brains quickly differentiate between angry and happy voices, with a faster response time to perceived threats. This enhanced auditory attention enables us to detect potential dangers more effectively, leading to improved survival behavior.

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Lifestyle intervention helped breast cancer survivors lose weight

Breast cancer survivors who participated in a lifestyle intervention program lost weight and had higher disease-free survival rates compared to those who received general recommendations. The study found that completion of the program was associated with a 35% higher rate of disease-free survival.

Increasing statins dose and patient adherence could save more lives

A study by Imperial College London and University of Leicester found that patients taking high-intensity statins and adhering to treatment regimens can avoid 12,000 cardiovascular events. High adherence achieves better long-term cholesterol reductions and outcomes for patients.

In times of low unemployment, nursing home quality suffers

A Georgetown University Medical Center study found that nursing homes experience improved quality of care during periods of recession and worsened care when the economy is good. Higher unemployment rates are linked to higher nursing staff levels, leading to better retention and reduced turnover.

Experiments at PPPL show remarkable agreement with satellite sightings

Experiments at PPPL demonstrate striking similarities between laboratory findings and satellite observations of magnetic reconnection in space. Researchers found that electron and ion currents flow perpendicular to the magnetic field, converting energy and leading to northern lights, solar flares, and geomagnetic storms.

New algorithm provides a more detailed look at urban heat islands

A new algorithm developed by Yale Ph.D. student TC Chakraborty creates a more comprehensive and consistent estimate of urban heat islands worldwide. The Global Surface UHI Explorer map uses urban agglomerations instead of administrative city boundaries, providing surface UHI intensity estimates for over 10,000 urban clusters.

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.

Study upends timeline for Iroquoian history

Recent studies have questioned the conventional dating of indigenous sites in Ontario, Canada, with new evidence pointing to a 50-100 year shift in dates. The findings suggest that early contact between indigenous people and Europeans may have occurred later than previously thought.

How fruit flies ended up in our fruit bowls

Fruit flies were first found in southern Africa, where they colonized the area after humans moved in around 10,000 years ago. The flies are attracted to marula fruit, which has been linked to their historical presence among indigenous tribes.

More bioplastics do not necessarily contribute to climate change mitigation

A University of Bonn study suggests that bioplastics may not be as environmentally friendly as thought, as increased production could lead to land use changes and greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers found that even with a tax on conventional plastics, the benefits are temporary and offset by negative economic effects.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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Risk Analysis releases special issue on communicating about Zika virus

Researchers explore how scientific understanding of Zika developed over time and how North American agencies addressed public communication challenges. The special issue provides insights into the dissemination of information via traditional and social media and its effects on public knowledge and risk perception.

Planning processes for Chicago's 606 Trail spawned gentrification, study finds

A new case study examines the planning processes behind Chicago's 606 Trail and concludes that nonprofit coordination multiplied gentrification risks due to fragmentation. The trail's $95 million project converted an abandoned rail line into a multi-use path, but ignored displacement concerns and accelerated environmental gentrification

Friendly electromagnetic pulse improves survival for electronics

A 'friendly' EMP generator has been used to test various electronic devices, including military equipment and civilian products, for their ability to withstand an electromagnetic pulse. Preliminary results show that some devices can be protected with additional shielding.

Double the stress slows down evolution

Bacteria adapt more slowly and less efficiently when exposed to two stress factors, leading to smaller population sizes. This affects the evolution of antibiotic resistance, as bacteria are less able to protect themselves from predators, resulting in a stronger influence on their survival rate.

Modest increases indicate ongoing job growth for Americans with disabilities

The National Trends in Disability Employment - Monthly Update (nTIDE) shows modest increases in employment-to-population ratio and labor force participation rate for Americans with disabilities. The data continues the upward trend of economic indicators for people with disabilities, reflecting higher demand for workers.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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Seeing and avoiding the 'blind spot' in atomic force measurements

A team of researchers has discovered a 'blind spot' in atomic force microscopy that can lead to incorrect results due to the use of certain force laws. However, they have also developed a new mathematical method to identify and avoid this issue, safeguarding atomic force measurements from inaccurate results.

MIT engineers repurpose wasp venom as an antibiotic drug

Researchers at MIT created variants of a wasp venom peptide that are potent against bacteria while nontoxic to human cells. The peptides were designed by analyzing the structure and function of the original molecule, identifying optimal percentages of hydrophobic amino acids and positively charged amino acids.

A code for reprogramming immune sentinels

A research team at Lund University successfully reprograms mouse and human skin cells into immune cells called dendritic cells. This breakthrough enables the development of novel dendritic cell-based immunotherapies against cancer. The process is quick, effective, and opens up possibilities for patient-specific treatment.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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Iron-rich lamellae in the semiconductor

Scientists at HZDR created an iron-rich compound in a semiconductor that became magnetic due to the formation of two-dimensional lamellae. This unusual structure could help understand superconductors and optimize their properties.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

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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.

Gender bias sways how we perceive competence in faces

Research reveals a significant gender bias in how we perceive competence in faces, with masculine faces being rated as more competent. The study used a computational model to alter face stimuli and found that participants perceived more competent faces as more confident and masculine.

Choice of surgery may affect quality of life for young breast cancer survivors

A study of 561 young women with breast cancer found that those who underwent mastectomy scored lower in quality of life measures, including satisfaction with appearance, psychosocial well-being, and sexual well-being. Breast-conserving surgery was associated with better outcomes, regardless of whether one or both breasts were removed.

Graphic warnings snuff out cigarettes' appeal to kids

A new study from Cornell University suggests that graphic warning labels on cigarette ads have a significant anti-smoking effect on children and young adults. The research found that these warnings can cancel out the appeal of smoking as cool and fun, reducing the influence of social cues in advertising.

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.

Supercomputers without waste heat

Researchers from the University of Konstanz have demonstrated that lossless electrical transfer of magnetically encoded information is possible, enabling enhanced storage density and reduced energy consumption in computing centres. This finding paves the way for novel functionalities in future energy-efficient information technologies.

How ice particles promote the formation of radicals

Researchers discovered a mechanism for how ice particles and certain molecules release harmful substances into the atmosphere. The study found that organic molecules attach to ice particle defects, leading to UV radiation-induced radicals that damage the ozone layer.

The privacy risks of compiling mobility data

A new study by MIT researchers finds that compiling massive, anonymized datasets about people's movement patterns can make it easier to discern users' identities. The study shows how merging different types of location-stamped data can lead to a high matchability success rate, increasing the possibility of deanonymizing real user data.

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How do schools address self-harm in adolescents?

A study found that only 53% of UK schools have received staff training on self-harm, highlighting the need for comprehensive training to support students. Despite this, many schools see themselves as a site for prevention and intervention activities, indicating a positive approach to addressing adolescent self-harm.

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.

VCU researchers test effectiveness of anti-opioid vaccine

Researchers at VCU are testing a vaccine that blocks heroin and fentanyl effects in patients with opioid use disorder. The vaccine prompts the immune system to generate anti-opioid antibodies, preventing drug molecules from crossing the blood brain barrier.

Information on reproductive health outcomes lacking in Catholic hospitals

Researchers found that Catholic health care facilities often limit common women's health services like contraception and sterilization, and may only offer pills as a contraceptive method. The study highlights the need for further exploration of how institutional restrictions impact patient outcomes.

A mechanistic approach to neuroblastoma prognosis and risk

A new study identifies key molecular features that predict clinical outcomes in neuroblastoma patients. The research suggests a molecular classification scheme to select the best treatment for each patient, with tumors lacking telomere maintenance mechanisms considered low-risk and those with these features deemed higher-risk.

Putting the brakes on tumor stealth

Scientists at Monash University have identified a new immune brake called CD96 that enables tumors to evade the immune system. Blocking this receptor may lead to more effective cancer treatments. The research has significant implications for cancer immunotherapy.

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.

Fighting smog supports solar power

A study by ETH Zurich researchers found that clean air would increase solar radiation nationwide, allowing for a one-tenth increase in electricity production. This could lead to additional electricity generation of 85-158 terawatt hours per year, generating significant revenue for the Chinese electricity industry.

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.

Predicting the transmission of rare, genetically based diseases

A McGill-led research team has developed a computational process to track the transmission histories of rare genetic diseases, tracing CAID back to two European founding families in 17th century Quebec. The researchers hope to extend their search techniques to more common genetically based diseases and identify new genetic variants.

Simple steps to climate-proof farms have big potential upside for tropical farmers

A study in Central America, Africa, and Asia finds that implementing simple climate-resilient strategies can increase yields, benefit the environment, and increase farmer income. The research proposes site-specific techniques, such as crop rotation and organic fertilization, which have estimated rates of return ranging from 17% to 590%.

Link between newborns with vitamin D deficiency and schizophrenia confirmed

Researchers from Aarhus University and the University of Queensland found that newborns with vitamin D deficiency had a 44% increased risk of being diagnosed with schizophrenia as adults. The study suggests that ensuring pregnant women have adequate levels of vitamin D may result in the prevention of some schizophrenia cases.

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.

Hazelnuts improve older adults' micronutrient levels

A study by Oregon State University found that consuming hazelnuts daily for 16 weeks improved magnesium levels and reduced low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in older adults. Urinary levels of a vitamin E breakdown product also increased, indicating an improvement in overall nutritional status.