Eclipse season starts for NASA's SDO
NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) begins its annual eclipse season, which lasts three weeks. During this period, Earth blocks SDO's view of the Sun for short periods, typically lasting from 2-72 minutes.
Science News Archive 2018 - Page 422
Browse by Month - 2018
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Pregnant women deficient in vitamin D may give birth to obese children
Researchers found that 6-year-old children born to mothers with very low vitamin D levels during pregnancy had bigger waists and more body fat. Vitamin D supplements during pregnancy might help stem childhood obesity. The study, published in Pediatric Obesity, examined data from 532 mother-child pairs in Greece.
Microjet generator for highly viscous fluids
Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology have developed a device that can generate microjets with high viscosity, similar to honey. This innovation overcomes the limitation of current inkjet printing methods, allowing for more precise control over fluid flow and properties.
SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateFeb 13, 2018
NASA eyes powerful Tropical Cyclone Gita in the South Pacific
Tropical Cyclone Gita, a Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind scale, is causing destruction and flooding in Fiji Islands. The storm's eye was located near 21.1 degrees south latitude and 179.1 degrees east longitude, with maximum sustained winds near 126.6 mph.
Penn chemists develop motion capture-like technology for tracking protein shape
Researchers at Penn develop a technology to track protein shape changes, which could lead to improved drug treatments and earlier detection of neurodegenerative diseases. By labeling proteins with probes, they can observe movement and create computational models for atomic-level detail.
Palm oil in your Valentine's chocolate?
A diet rich in saturated fat results in inflammation in the nucleus accumbens, a part of the brain that controls mood and reward. This inflammation leads to depressive, anxious, and compulsive behaviors associated with metabolic dysfunction and obesity.
SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·JournalMolecular Metabolism·DateFeb 13, 2018
Direct access to physical therapy reduces costs to treat neck and back pain
A new study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy found that direct access to physical therapy for neck and back pain can reduce treatment costs by an average of $1,543. Patients who chose this approach reported similar improvement in their condition, with an average gain of over 50% in pain and disability.
SourceJOSPT, Inc. d/b/a Movement Science Media·JournalJournal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy·DateFeb 13, 2018
Building a DNA barcode library for the Canadian flora using herbarium collections
A new study by Dr. Maria Kuzmina provides a vast DNA barcode library for the Canadian flora, covering 98% of vascular plant species, using herbarium specimens. The scale of sampling and quality of curation lend the library taxonomic authority, offering a valuable resource for modern plant sciences.
Study finds depression and fatigue increase women's risk of work-related injuries
A new study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that women with depression, anxiety, and fatigue are more likely to be injured at work. The study, which analyzed claims data from over 17,000 employees, suggests that behavioral health factors significantly affect women's risk of injury but not men's.
SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateFeb 13, 2018
Pimavanserin: Relief from psychosis in dementia, without devastating side-effects
Pimavanserin has been found to effectively reduce psychosis symptoms in people with Alzheimer's disease without the damaging effects of other antipsychotics. The research, published in Lancet Neurology, shows a significant improvement in psychotic symptoms without sedation or falls, which are common side-effects of current treatments.
Prestigious NSF grant to help study compassion, local decisions in disaster planning
The researcher aims to advance natural hazard mitigation by examining local stakeholder networks involved in planning and implementing risk reduction. His project will use a combination of methods, including surveys, interviews, and multivariate regression modeling, to better understand how compassion can be fostered in urban planning.
When it comes to extinction, body size matters
Scientists propose a nuanced model for extinction that incorporates body size and metabolic scaling, revealing why animal species tend to evolve toward larger body sizes. The model predicts an energetically ideal mammal size 2.5 times that of an African elephant, making it more stable against extinction by starvation.
Congenica and FutureNeuro unite to deliver more accurate diagnoses for genetic epilepsy
A ground-breaking partnership between Congenica and FutureNeuro aims to improve diagnosis accuracy in genetic epilepsy. The new software will work with electronic health records to provide clinicians and patients with tailored treatment decisions.
UCLA scientists develop low-cost way to build gene sequences
Researchers have developed a new method, DropSynth, to synthesize thousands of genes at once, reducing the cost from $50-$100 to $2 per gene. This breakthrough enables scientists to test hypotheses and analyze large numbers of cells with ease.
Understanding brain functions using upconversion nanoparticles
Scientists from NUS and international research team create a novel method for deep brain stimulation, utilizing upconversion nanoparticles to deliver visible light deep into the brain. The innovation enables researchers to uncover valuable insights about brain functions with less invasive methods.
Shorter time between first medical contact to PCI in heart patients linked to saving lives
A new study published in the European Heart Journal found that every ten-minute delay in treatment for STEMI patients with cardiogenic shock results in an extra 3.3 deaths per 100 patients treated with PCI. Treating STEMI patients within 90 minutes of first contact can prevent one death in every 12 patients.
SNMMI and ASNC issue joint guidelines for quantification of myocardial blood flow using PET
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging and the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology have issued joint guidelines for the clinical quantification of myocardial blood flow using Positron Emission Tomography (PET). The guidelines provide a comprehensive framework for the measurement and interpretation of myocardial blood ...
SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateFeb 13, 2018
Nitrate in drinking water increases the risk of colorectal cancer
A new study from Aarhus University finds that high nitrate levels in drinking water are associated with a 15% greater risk of colorectal cancer. The study analyzed data from over 2.7 million Danes and found that even low nitrate concentrations may pose a health risk.
Gene expression patterns may help determine time of death
An international team of scientists developed models to predict post-mortem interval based on tissue-specific gene expression changes. Changes in gene expression can be used to determine the time of death with considerable accuracy, potentially aiding forensic analyses.
Heroin vaccine blocks lethal overdose
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have created a safe and effective vaccine to block heroin's lethal effects, using an adjuvant already approved by the FDA. The vaccine, which is stable at room temperature for up to 30 days, shows promise in treating heroin addiction and preventing overdose deaths.
Brain sciences researcher pinpoints brain circuit that triggers fear relapse
A study by Steve Maren and his team identified a key brain circuit that triggers fear relapse. The research found that the hippocampus is connected to a specific type of cell in the prefrontal cortex, which plays a crucial role in relapse. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments for disorders like PTSD.
TV's influence on pregnancy, childbirth more powerful than many women admit
A University of Cincinnati study reveals that TV's influence on pregnancy and childbirth is stronger than many women think, with educated women downplaying its impact. However, those with lower education levels often rely on reality TV as a valuable source of information.
Marc Edwards receives 2018 AAAS Scientific Freedom and Responsibility Award
Edwards was recognized by AAAS for applying engineering expertise to expose dangerous levels of lead contamination in water supplies. His team tested over 250 homes, demonstrating corrosive water causing lead contamination, which led to the discovery of high blood levels in children living in Flint.
Ketone drink could help diabetics by lowering blood sugar
A ketone ester supplement has been shown to lower blood sugar levels in healthy individuals by reducing spikes in sugar consumption. The study used a single drink containing 75 grams of sugar and found that the ketone drink reduced the blood sugar spike compared to a placebo.
ACA dependent coverage provision associated with increased use of prenatal care
A study of nearly 3 million births found the ACA's dependent coverage provision led to increased use of prenatal care, higher private insurance payments for births, and a modest decline in preterm births. However, it did not affect cesarean delivery rates or low birth weight.
Quality toolkit improves care in Indian hospitals
A quality improvement toolkit improved the quality of care but not outcomes in hospitals in Kerala, India. The study found favorable trends in outcomes among heart attack patients, with lower rates of major cardiovascular events at discharge compared to usual care.
PFASs, chemicals commonly found in environment, may interfere with body weight regulation
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) may interfere with human body weight regulation, leading to greater weight gain after dieting. Higher blood levels of PFASs were linked with lower resting metabolic rates, which can result in slower metabolism and increased calorie burn.
Cancer-killing virus acts by alerting immune system
A new oncolytic virus has been shown to kill cancer cells by alerting the immune system, triggering a widespread immune response that kills cancer cells beyond the infected region. Researchers have found that the virus's mechanism of action involves exposing tumor proteins, which are then detected by the immune system, leading to a pow...
Powerful LED-based train headlight optimized for energy savings
Researchers designed an LED-based train headlight that reduces energy consumption and emits less CO2. The new design uses precisely positioned high-efficiency LEDs to create a bright beam while minimizing electricity use.
Energy-efficient encryption for the internet of things
MIT researchers have developed a new chip that consumes only 1/400 as much power as software execution of public-key encryption protocols, executing 500 times faster. The chip uses a general-purpose elliptic-curve design and features a dedicated inverter circuit to increase energy efficiency and reduce surface area.
By 2100, arid cities will suffer from more severe heat waves than temperate cities
A global climate model predicts that arid cities like Phoenix will experience more severe heat waves by 2100 compared to their rural surroundings. This is because future arid cities will remain water-limited, while their rural neighbors are projected to be no longer dry due to increased rainfall.
SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateFeb 13, 2018
World's biggest city database shines light on our increasingly urbanized planet
The new database shows that the world has become more urbanized than thought, with population growth doubling in Africa and Asia. The database also tracks environmental factors like greenness, soil sealing, and air pollution, revealing promising signs for sustainability.
Medical cannabis significantly safer for elderly with chronic pain than opioids
Researchers found medical cannabis significantly relieves pain and improves quality of life for seniors with minimal side effects. The study surveyed 2,736 patients aged 65+ who received medical cannabis through Israel's largest supplier, Tikun Olam.
SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalEuropean Journal of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 13, 2018
Phase II trial shows activity of durvalumab in recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer
The phase II CONDOR trial demonstrates durvalumab's safety and encouraging anti-tumor activity as second-line treatment for tumors with low or negative PD-L1 expression. Seventeen patients experienced partial responses, with an overall response rate of 9.2% for durvalumab alone.
Ocean winds influence seal pup migration
New research confirms maritime winds displace seal pups by hundreds of kilometers during their first winter migration. The study found that strong winds can increase pup displacement, but the impact on survival is unclear.
Nivolumab immunotherapy safe, feasible during chemoradiation for adv. head and neck cancer
A clinical trial found that nivolumab can be administered safely with radiation therapy and chemotherapy for patients with newly diagnosed local-regionally advanced head and neck cancers. Most patients completed curative-intent radiation therapy and were able to tolerate continuing immunotherapy for up to a year.
Surgical infections linked to drug-resistant bugs, study suggests
Patients in low-income nations have higher rates of surgical infections and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Infection complications can prolong recovery times and be fatal, highlighting an urgent need for global healthcare action.
Breaking local symmetry: Why water freezes but silica forms a glass
Research at The University of Tokyo's Institute of Industrial Science reveals that water and silica diverge when cooled due to differences in atomic arrangement. Water's strong orientational order leads to easy crystallization, whereas silica's weak ordering results in supercooling and glass formation.
SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 13, 2018
Researchers discover new lead-free perovskite material for solar cells
Researchers at Brown University have developed a new titanium-based material for making lead-free, inorganic perovskite solar cells. The material has favorable properties for solar applications and can be tuned to improve efficiency.
Lassina Zerbo receives 2018 AAAS Award for Science Diplomacy
Lassina Zerbo received the 2018 AAAS Award for Science Diplomacy for his efforts to strengthen nuclear test-ban verification. He has led international diplomacy efforts, negotiated data-sharing agreements, and promoted universalization of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.
March Madness mentality: Faced with chance to win, most coaches go for tie
A study by Cornell University researchers found that most coaches prefer to tie games over risking a potential win to avoid sudden defeat. This phenomenon, known as sudden-death aversion (SDA), reflects a common bias in decision-making that can lead to suboptimal choices.
Is cupping therapy effective among athletes?
A new systematic review of eleven clinical trials involving nearly 500 participants found that cupping therapy has a high risk of bias and inconsistent results. The authors concluded that no conclusive recommendations for or against the use of cupping in sports performance can be made until further trials are carried out.
SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateFeb 13, 2018
Patients lack information about imaging exams
A study found that patients and caregivers seek information on their own after receiving inadequate pre-examination information from providers. RadiologyInfo.org is an online resource providing detailed information on medical imaging procedures and preparation.
Screening for ovarian cancer not recommended
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends against screening for ovarian cancer in women without symptoms and at low risk. The task force found that the harms of screening, including unnecessary surgery, outweigh its benefits.
Chemical cluster could transform energy storage for large electrical grids
Researchers at University at Buffalo have developed a promising compound that can transform the energy storage landscape for large electrical grids. By modifying a metal-oxide cluster, they were able to nearly double its electrochemical energy storage in redox flow batteries, making it an ideal candidate material.
NIH-funded researchers identify risk factors for sleep apnea during pregnancy
Researchers have identified risk factors for sleep apnea during pregnancy, including frequent snoring and older maternal age. A calculator tool has been developed to help obstetric providers identify women at risk for the condition, enabling early referral for definitive testing.
APSOS in Tibet: Probing the whole atmosphere
The APSOS facility in Tibet provides range-resolved profiles of atmospheric variables and constituents, including temperature, wind, water vapor, and greenhouse gases. Long-term measurements are being taken to establish the first whole-atmosphere measurement database over the Tibetan Plateau.
SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateFeb 13, 2018
Rock art: Life-sized sculptures of dromedaries found in Saudi Arabia
Researchers from CNRS and Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage have uncovered life-sized dromedary sculptures in northwest Saudi Arabia, dating back to the first centuries BC or AD. The discovery provides significant insights into the evolution of rock art in the Arabian Peninsula.
Self-driving servicer now baselined for NASA's Restore-L satellite-servicing demonstration
The Kodiak system has been officially baselined for NASA's Restore-L project, demonstrating an autonomous satellite-servicing capability. The system will provide real-time images and distance-ranging information to extend a satellite's lifespan.
Interdisciplinary approach yields new insights into human evolution
A new themed issue of the Royal Society journal explores human evolution through an interdisciplinary lens, combining biological, anthropological and cultural perspectives. Researchers found that English speakers' regional dialects influenced Sranan creole's development, shedding light on events in human history with few other traces.
SourceVanderbilt University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateFeb 13, 2018
Polar vortex defies climate change in the Southeast
The Southeast US has experienced colder winters despite global warming, according to a Dartmouth-led study. The polar vortex allows arctic air to plunge into the region, resulting in persistently cooler temperatures. This phenomenon, known as the U.S. warming hole, is linked to natural climate cycles and potentially to climate change.
New device measures blink reflex parameters to quickly and objectively identify concussion
Researchers developed a new device measuring blink reflex parameters to help diagnose concussions. The Blink Reflexometer TM assesses blink reflex data, providing an objective measure of primitive reflex changes, allowing for accurate diagnoses and decision-making in sports settings.
New study finds sea level rise accelerating
A new study based on 25 years of NASA and European satellite data reveals that global sea level rise is accelerating, driven mainly by increased melting in Greenland and Antarctica. The rate of ocean rise could double the projected sea level rise by 2100 if current trends continue.
SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 13, 2018
Three's company: New alloy sets magnetism benchmark
Researchers have created a stable thin film made from iron, cobalt, and manganese that boasts an average atomic moment potentially 50% greater than the Slater-Pauling limit. The new alloy features a magnetization density of 3.25 Bohr magnetons per atom, besting the previously considered maximum of 2.45.
Scientists identify factors which drive the evolution of herbicide resistance
Researchers from the University of Sheffield have identified key drivers of herbicide resistance in crops, including higher volumes of herbicide use. The study found that farms using more herbicides had greater resistance, highlighting the need for diversifying management techniques to reduce evolution of resistance.
Snapping shrimp may act as 'dinner bell' for gray whales off Oregon coast
Researchers have detected snapping shrimp off the Oregon coast and believe their loud clicking noise may attract eastern Pacific gray whales. The crustaceans are typically found in warm waters but were previously unknown to inhabit the cooler coastal areas.
Brain imaging helps redefine intelligence
Researchers used functional MRI scans to measure brain entropy in 892 participants and found a strong link between higher entropy and intelligence, as measured by standard IQ tests. This suggests that brain imaging could one day help assess problems in brain function for conditions like depression and autism.
Fighting for love: Dominant male pheasants learn faster
A study by researchers at the University of Exeter found that dominant male pheasants were better at remembering which tunnel was clear. This suggests a link between social dominance and cognitive performance, with top-ranking males performing 40% better than their less dominant peers.
Kidney stones on the rise, Mayo Clinic study finds
A Mayo Clinic study found a steady increase in kidney stone formers, particularly among women aged 18-39. Improved imaging technology allowed for better diagnosis and classification of stones, leading to more symptomatic cases being detected.
Diet or regular? Decoding behavioral variation in ant clones
Research reveals that clonal ants show diversity in their attraction to sweetness, with some preferring diet soda-like solutions and others requiring regular soda concentrations. The study suggests epigenetic modifications are involved, leading to changes in gene functions and potentially affecting colony survival.