Researchers successfully train computers to identify animals in photos
Researchers developed a computer model that accurately identifies animal species in camera-trap images from across the US with a 97.6% accuracy rate, surpassing human volunteers.
Science News Archive 2018
Browse by Month - 2018
Page 40 of 473
Exposure to e-cigarette adverts linked to teenagers using e-cigarettes and smoking
A study published in ERJ Open Research found that adolescents who see e-cigarette adverts are more likely to use both e-cigarettes and smoke tobacco cigarettes. The researchers used a large sample of German school pupils to investigate the impact of advertising on young people's behavior.
Sugars and microbiome in mother's milk influence neonatal rotavirus infection
Researchers found that specific sugars in breast milk enhance infection of cells with a particular strain of rotavirus, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms in newborns. The study also identifies maternal components that could improve the performance of live, attenuated rotavirus vaccines.
Newly discovered wasp turns social spiders into zombies
Researchers discovered a newly found species of wasp transforming social spiders into zombie-like drones, abandoning their colonies. The wasps' parasitic relationship involves injecting hormones to alter the spider's behavior, making it leave its nest and spin new structures.
Using fine-tuning for record-breaking performance
Scientists at FAU have developed a new organic molecule that absorbs more light than fullerenes and is very durable. The hybrid printed photovoltaics achieved a certified power conversion efficiency of 12.25%, setting a new record for solution-based organic single-junction solar cells.
Researchers aim to prevent medical imaging cyberattacks
Researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev developed a system to monitor outgoing commands from CT equipment, detecting anomalies and alerting operators before execution. A second study looked at the potential to tamper with mammogram results using AI-powered image manipulation.
New methods help identify what drives sensitive or socially unacceptable behaviors
Researchers developed a new method to study sensitive behaviors, using a probabilistic technique that protects responders' identities. The study found that people from rural communities with limited job opportunities and those displaced by civil war were more likely to engage in illegal activities.
NASA's GPM shows small area of heavy rain in Tropical Storm Man-yi
Tropical Storm Man-yi has a small area of heavy rain northeast of its center, with precipitation rates exceeding 30 mm/h, according to NASA's GPM mission. The storm is expected to maintain strength and eventually transition into an extra-tropical cyclone by Nov. 28.
New concept for tractor beam from Star Wars developed
Researchers at ITMO University propose a new approach to creating tractor beams using hyperbolic metasurfaces, which can capture particles and cells. The study shows that these materials have the potential for practical applications in experiments and traps.
How changing labs revealed a chemical reaction key to cataract formation
A protein thought to be inert actually helps protect the lens of the eye from cataract formation. The protein's disulfide bond can drive damaged proteins to aggregate, leading to clouding and cataracts.
Trial of investigational Ebola treatments begins in Democratic Republic of the Congo
A randomized, controlled trial is enrolling patients with confirmed Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo to compare mortality among those receiving three investigational drugs with a control group. The trial aims to establish the safety and efficacy of these treatments in a comprehensive response to combat Ebola.
Researchers restore breathing, partial forelimb function in rats with spinal cord injuries
A breakthrough study has demonstrated that long-term effects of spinal cord trauma on breathing and limb function may be reversible. Rats treated with a new therapy regimen regained complete diaphragm and partial forelimb function, with full recovery maintained six months after treatment.
Biologists discover an unusual hallmark of aging in neurons
Researchers at MIT found a mysterious RNA buildup in neurons that increases with age, reducing protein production and potentially contributing to neurodegenerative diseases. The discovery was made using a novel technique that allowed them to isolate and sequence messenger RNA from specific types of cells.
Telemedicine use increases but still uncommon
Annual telemedicine visits increased from 0.02 to 6.57 per 1,000 members between 2005-2017, with growth accelerating after 2015. Most users resided in urban areas, a trend contrasting with the emphasis on expanding telemedicine access in rural regions.
Newly discovered deep-sea microbes gobble greenhouse gases and perhaps oil spills, too
Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin have discovered nearly two dozen new types of microbes that use hydrocarbons as energy sources. These microbes may be helping to limit greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere and could potentially clean up oil spills.
Study explains waterhemp's metabolic resistance to topramezone
A new study reveals waterhemp's unique detoxification pathway for topramezone, making chemical control difficult. The finding suggests that the weed uses a different mechanism than corn, rendering current herbicides ineffective.
AI system may accelerate search for cancer discoveries
The LION LBD AI system is designed to assist scientists in the search for cancer-related discoveries by analyzing tens of millions of publications. By identifying indirect associations between entities, it can help researchers make new connections and discover potential links that may have been overlooked.
Lobachevsky University scientists obtain a hexagonal modification of silicon
Researchers at Lobachevsky University have synthesized a hexagonal modification of silicon with enhanced optical properties, which can be used in optoelectronic integrated circuits. The material was created using ion implantation and exhibits an associated emission band in the infrared region.
10 percent of bowel cancer patients can wait more than a year to start treatment
Researchers found that it took a year or more from first spotting a symptom to beginning treatment for 10% of patients in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales. The time to diagnosis varied significantly across countries, with Denmark performing the best.
Early detection of epilepsy in children possible with deep learning computer science technique
Researchers developed a novel classification method combining brain imaging data from MRI and fMRI to recognize patients with benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes. This approach improved diagnosis accuracy, enabling early detection and treatment, which leads to better health outcomes for children. The study used a dataset of 40 B...
No clear evidence that diverting patients from emergency departments curbs overcrowding
A systematic review of 15 studies found no strong evidence to support the effectiveness and safety of diverting low-need patients from emergency departments. The strategy was also not effective in reducing subsequent use of emergency care services.
Microplastics pollution in Falklands as high as UK
A new study has discovered high levels of microplastic contamination in the Falkland Islands and Ascension Island, with some areas showing comparable levels to those around the UK. The research highlights the need for standardized monitoring methods to address this growing environmental concern.
Endurance but not resistance training has anti-aging effects
A recent study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that endurance training but not resistance training slows or reverses cellular aging. Telomerase activity and telomere length increased in volunteers who underwent endurance and high-intensity training, suggesting a potential mechanism for healthy aging.
Newfound mechanism may yield ways to counter mistaken immune attack on body
A recent study discovered a genetic regulatory mechanism that controls the production of interferon beta, which causes inflammation and activates immune cells. Interfering with specific enzymes involved in RNA methylation may represent a new approach to treating autoimmune diseases.
Veterans study points to suicide risk from multiple brain injuries
A new Veterans Affairs study found that Iraq and Afghanistan veterans with a history of repeated traumatic brain injuries are at much greater risk for recent suicidal ideation compared to those with one TBI or none. The researchers identified poor sleep quality and depression as key risk factors for suicidal thinking.
Largest study of CRISPR-Cas9 mutations creates prediction tool for gene editing
A new machine learning predictive tool, FORECasT, enables scientists to predict the exact mutations resulting from CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, saving time and resources. The tool was developed using a massive dataset of 40,000 DNA sequences and analysis of over 1 billion DNA sequences.
EurekAlert! Fellowships a 'stepping stone' for early-career science reporters in developing regions, fill growing need
The EurekAlert Fellowships provide opportunities for early-career science journalists from developing countries to attend the AAAS Annual Meeting and improve their skills. The program celebrates its 15th anniversary with five new winners, including those from China, India, Slovenia, and Egypt.
Cancer under pressure: Visualizing the activity of the immune system on tumor development
Scientists visualize immune system's action on tumor development, revealing its impact on cancer cell heterogeneity. The study highlights the potential for optimizing therapeutic combinations and sequences to improve immunotherapy outcomes.
Reliance on 'YouTube medicine' may be dangerous for those concerned about prostate cancer
A study of 150 popular YouTube videos on prostate cancer found that 77% had factual errors or biased content, while only 53% adequately described potential harms and side effects. Researchers urge viewers to consult credible sources for accurate information on prostate cancer.
ASH releases new clinical practice guidelines for venous thromboembolism
The American Society of Hematology has released new clinical practice guidelines for venous thromboembolism, covering evidence-based recommendations for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The guidelines aim to improve care for patients with blood clots, addressing current uncertainties and variations in clinical practice.
Seven UC San Diego professors named AAAS Fellows
Seven researchers from the University of California, San Diego have been recognized as AAAS Fellows for their groundbreaking work in various fields. Robert Continetti was honored for his novel studies on molecular reaction dynamics, while Farhat Beg received recognition for his contributions to high energy density science.
Medical referrals: Closing the communication loop to improve care and avoid delays
A new template for referral communication has been developed to improve communication among clinicians, increasing satisfaction, workload, and efficiency. The template addresses issues such as incomplete medical histories, delayed appointments, and phone tag between professionals.
Hacking the aging code: Big data to the rescue
Researchers use big data from medical studies and large biobanks to develop models predicting biological age, aging rate, and potential targets for future anti-aging therapies. The approach also led to the identification of wearable-based biomarkers of aging and frailty.
Home videos of children can be scored to diagnose autism, Stanford study says
A new study from Stanford University School of Medicine has developed a method to diagnose autism in children using short home videos, expanding on previous feasibility studies. The researchers employed machine learning to determine relevant behavioral features and devised an algorithm to provide an overall diagnostic score.
Pre-pregnancy health coverage climbs after Medicaid expansion
After Medicaid expansion, low-income women in expansion states saw significant increases in preconception health coverage, rising from 43% to 57%. This led to improved access to preconception care and reduced pregnancy risks.
Scripps Research scientists decode mechanism of remembering -- and forgetting
Researchers at Scripps Research have discovered the physiological mechanism behind memory formation and forgetting in fruit flies. A single dopamine neuron is responsible for driving both learning and forgetting processes, reversing cellular changes made during learning to degrade older memories.
Putting hybrid-electric aircraft performance to the test
Researchers created a flight-performance simulator to test the performance of a hybrid-electric drivetrain on a Tecnam P2006T aircraft. The study found that a parallel hybrid architecture can lead to substantial improvements in fuel efficiency, particularly for short-range missions.
Why small size matters: Tiny mitochondria stimulate brain cell connections
Researchers discovered that small, spherical mitochondria inside brain cells help neurons grow and form proper connections. This unique shape is tied to the neuron's shape and allows for optimal calcium uptake, driving healthy axonal growth and cellular communication.
UA researchers help discover genetic factor that can help or hurt risk for heart disease
A team of UA researchers discovered a previously unknown genetic effect that can raise or reduce the risk of coronary artery disease or ischemic stroke. People with the beneficial version of the genetic factor have less inflammatory cells lining their blood vessels, making them more resistant to building up plaque.
Is your office messy? If so, you may be seen as uncaring, neurotic
Participants in three experiments rated researchers with messy offices as less conscientious, agreeable, and less neurotic than those with clean offices. The findings suggest that perceived disorganization can impact how others treat individuals in personal and professional settings.
Undergraduate biology textbooks fail to teach how science can improve industry practice
A study from Bentley University's Center for Integration of Science and Industry reveals that many undergraduate biology textbooks fail to provide context for applying science in business. This can lead to impaired student engagement and limited ability to apply science in the workforce, hindering the goals of science education.
Why screen time can disrupt sleep
Salk scientists discovered that melanopsin cells, responsible for regulating consciousness and sleep, respond to prolonged illumination, but can become desensitized. The study may lead to new treatments for migraines, insomnia, jet lag and circadian rhythm disorders.
Photonic radiation sensors survive huge doses undamaged
Researchers at NIST discovered that oxide-coated silicon photonic devices can withstand up to 1 million gray of radiation exposure, making them suitable for measuring radiation dose in medical and industrial applications. This breakthrough could lead to the development of precise radiation sensors for medical imaging and therapy.
Drug use, religion explain 'reverse gender gap' on marijuana
A study by North Carolina State University found that women are more likely to support strict marijuana policies due to their religious beliefs and lower rates of cannabis use. Mothers, in particular, do not differ from childless women in terms of their views on marijuana policy or reported use.
New technique to make objects invisible proposed
Researchers at the University of Extremadura have demonstrated electromagnetic invisibility of objects using an alternative technique based on filler cloaking. This method makes objects invisible from the interior without using any external device.
Health surrogates for older adults often don't know their care preferences
A new study found that only 21% of health surrogates actually know what an older adult would want in the event of a serious illness, despite 75% feeling confident in their knowledge. The researchers emphasize the need for improved advance care planning and communication between patients and their health surrogates.
Certain dietary or nutritional supplements could improve sperm quality
A recent study published in Advances in Nutrition found that supplementing the diet with omega-3 and coenzyme Q10 can increase sperm count. Additionally, selenium, zinc, and carnitines have been associated with improved sperm mobility and morphology.
Brain responses to language in toddlers with Autism linked to altered gene expression
A study published in Nature Neuroscience found a large-scale association between molecular gene expression activity and neural responses to speech in toddlers with autism. The researchers identified widespread gene expression activity across the genome, which was linked to whole-brain neural response to speech.
Mere sunlight can be used to eradicate pollutants in water
Chemists at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg have developed a new process that utilizes hydrated electrons to degrade dissolved pollutants. The process requires only sunlight and can be conducted outdoors with minimal equipment, offering a promising solution for water pollution remediation.
Troubling statistics spark new effort to recruit chemical engineers
Clemson University's new program aims to recruit doctoral students from underrepresented groups to become professors in chemical engineering. The goal is to create a diverse generation of educators who will serve as role models for women and minority students.
Parents learn, babies talk: How coaching moms and dads improves infants' language skills
A new study from the University of Washington shows that parents who learn to speak parentese can improve their infants' language skills. Parents in the intervention group increased their use of parentese and directed more speech to their child, resulting in babies babbling more and producing more words by 14 months.
Cancer researchers ID 'Achilles heel' of drug-resistant tumors
Researchers have discovered a new way to target drug-resistant tumors by combining EGFR and Aurora Kinase A inhibitors. Elevated levels of TPX2 protein in biopsies can predict tumor susceptibility to combined therapies.
Racing electrons under control
Researchers controlled electron flow in graphene using light waves, enabling faster data transmission. They used two-dimensional materials to achieve this feat, opening doors for new transistor technologies.
Study reveals mechanisms that promote icing responsible for power disruptions
Researchers monitored agglomerate fog formation during a cold surge in Southeast China, analyzing the effect of rain, snow, and supercooled fog on wire icing growth. They found that certain meteorological conditions fueled the rate of icing growth, particularly at higher heights.
New device could monitor anticoagulant treatments with to deliver personalized therapies
A new biosensor device uses gold nanostructures to detect the presence of anticoagulant drugs like Sintrom, enabling personalized therapy adjustments. This technology has significant potential for patients with cardiovascular diseases or thromboembolic disorders, who often face risks associated with incorrect medication dosing.
Gene study boosts bid to keep British bees safe from disease
Researchers mapped bee colonies' entire genetic make-up to identify emerging diseases threatening native populations. The study found that native bees may survive better in cooler climates than southern European relatives.
Patients with rare natural ability to suppress HIV shed light on potential functional cure
Researchers have identified two patients with a rare natural ability to suppress HIV, shedding light on the potential for a functional cure. Despite high levels of infected T cells, these patients show no measurable viral load in blood tests, raising hopes that long-term viral remission might be possible for more people.
Emotional suppression has negative outcomes on children
Research from Washington State University found that emotional suppression in parents can lead to less positive and responsive interactions with their children. The study suggests that letting kids see a healthy conflict, from start to resolution, helps them learn to regulate their own emotions and solve problems.
Neurobiologists from Sechenov University specified functions of a gene autism-associated
Researchers from Sechenov University found that the absence of cadherin 13 protein affects mice's response to early stress differently than its activation. This discovery sheds light on the genetic basis of neuropsychiatric disorders.
NIST simulations suggest graphene can stretch to be a tunable ion filter
Researchers at NIST have conducted simulations suggesting that graphene can be stretched to create a tunable ion filter, increasing ion flow by up to 1,000 percent. This could have applications in nanoscale mechanical sensors, drug delivery, water purification and sieves for ion mixtures.