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Science News Archive April 2018


Page 1 of 42

Axon guidance gene influences reward system

A study found that individuals with a DCC gene mutation had reduced connectivity between brain regions involved in reward processing, leading to less impulsive behavior and lower cigarette smoking. The researchers also observed decreased volume in the striatum, a brain region critical for motivation and pleasure.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateApr 30, 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.

Saving aging nerves from 'big eater' immune cells

Aging nerves are damaged by immune cells that drive degeneration, but a new treatment blocks these cells, restoring nerve structure and muscle strength. Treatment with a cytokine receptor inhibitor reduced macrophage numbers and improved grip force in aging mice.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateApr 30, 2018

An AI for deciphering what animals do all day

A new study from Columbia University uses an AI algorithm to analyze the full range of behaviors exhibited by the tiny pond-dwelling creature Hydra. By comparing its movements to neural firing patterns, researchers hope to gain insights into how its nervous system works.

SourceColumbia University·DateApr 30, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Humans are Sumatran rhinoceros' biggest threat -- and last hope

Researchers recommend translocating Sumatran rhinos to breeding centers due to low population numbers and genetic diversity loss. Combining remaining rhinos can prevent genetic erosion and potentially save the species from extinction.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalJournal of Heredity·DateApr 30, 2018

US gains in air quality are slowing down

A new study reveals that US improvements in air quality are slowing down, making it challenging to meet ozone pollution goals. The slowdown is attributed to slower-than-expected reductions in emissions from industrial and commercial sources.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 30, 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.

Seniors more likely to visit emergency department after home care visit from nurse

A recent study published in CMAJ found that patients who received home care visits from nurses were more likely to visit the emergency department during the evening on the same day. The likelihood of this occurrence was greater among people with non-urgent issues and those who had not been admitted to hospital.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 30, 2018

New materials for sustainable, low-cost batteries

ETH Zurich scientists have discovered two new materials that could advance the development of aluminum batteries: a corrosion-resistant titanium nitride material and a flexible polypyrene material for the positive electrode. These advancements aim to improve the energy storage capacity, cost-effectiveness, and scalability of sustainabl...

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 30, 2018

Habitat degradation and coral reef fish behavior

Coral reef fish rely on acoustic cues for habitat selection and settlement. Research found that degraded reefs have reduced acoustic complexity, richness, and sound-pressure levels, making them less attractive to fish larvae and juvenile fish. This may limit future fish settlement and reduce reef resilience.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 30, 2018

Vapers and non-smokers have the same flourishing gut flora

A study by Newcastle University found that vaping has the same beneficial gut bacteria as non-smokers, whereas smoking is associated with an increased risk of colon cancer and colitis. The research also discovered a decrease in beneficial Bacteroides bacteria in smokers.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalPeerJ·DateApr 30, 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.

Lonely and non-empathetic people more likely to make unethical shopping decisions

Research from Binghamton University found that lonely individuals with low empathy levels are more likely to cheat and return items, while those with high empathy levels exhibit less immoral behavior. Increasing empathy in lonely people can lead to better moral decision making, but has no effect on non-lonely individuals.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateApr 30, 2018

Double-bridged peptides bind any disease target

Researchers at EPFL have developed a new peptide format called double-bridged peptides that can bind to any disease target with high affinity and stability. By creating an enormous diversity of peptide architectures, they were able to isolate high-affinity binders to important protein targets, including kallikrein and interleukin-17.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 30, 2018
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Brains of young people with severe behavioral problems are 'wired differently'

Research reveals that young people with Conduct Disorder show lower amygdala responses to angry and sad faces, suggesting a possible link to emotion regulation difficulties. The study also found normal connectivity between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex in those with psychopathic traits.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateApr 30, 2018

Psychiatric diagnoses and medication use in children insured by Medicaid

A study of 35,244 children in a mid-Atlantic state found that those with psychiatric diagnoses were more likely to receive psychotropic medications from birth through age 7. The study highlights the need for further research on the safety and outcomes of early psychotropic medication use in young populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateApr 30, 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.

Workplace flexibility bias not just a mother's problem

A new study reveals that workplace flexibility bias, which assumes employees with family responsibilities are less devoted to their jobs, negatively impacts all workers, including men without children. Employees who feel penalized for taking time off experience lower work satisfaction and are more likely to leave their jobs.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalSociological Perspectives·DateApr 30, 2018

DNA adds twist to ancient story of a Native American group

The study found that the Tsimshian population's genetic diversity recovered after a collapse, with intermarriage increasing genetic diversity in some individuals. This contradicts previous notions of Native American populations expanding until European colonization.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 30, 2018

Farming fish saves land

A recent study found that farming fish can help feed the future global population while substantially reducing land use impacts of meat production. Replacing terrestrial livestock production with aquaculture could spare up to 747 million land hectares globally, an area twice the size of India.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 30, 2018

Five healthy habits may add more than a decade to life

A study published in the American Heart Association's Circulation Journal found that following five healthy habits can significantly improve longevity for both men and women. The research analyzed data from thousands of adults and estimated that maintaining these habits could add over a decade to life expectancy, with women seeing an i...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateApr 30, 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.

Research casts doubt on theories of star formation

A study using ALMA found a surprising distribution of star-forming cores, with fewer massive stars and more solar-mass stars than expected. This discovery may require reevaluation of the relationship between core mass and star mass.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 30, 2018

Daily photography improves wellbeing

Taking a daily photo has complex benefits, including improved wellbeing through self-care, community interaction, and the potential for reminiscence. The practice also led to more exercise, a sense of purpose, and managing loneliness and grief.

SourceLancaster University·JournalHealth·DateApr 30, 2018

Following bats to predict Ebola

Researchers have created a modeling framework that considers ecological dimensions driving bat migration patterns to forecast Ebola outbreaks. The tool analyzes spatially distributed random fluctuations of environmental parameters to understand how they impact bat migrations.

SourceLehigh University·DateApr 30, 2018
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.

Study identifies ways smaller hospitals can effectively reduce antibiotic overuse

A study found that using a centralized infectious disease support program decreased overall antibiotic use and the overuse of broad-spectrum drugs in smaller hospitals. Program 3, which included a pharmacy-based initiative and expert consultation via hotline, saw a significant reduction in antibiotic use compared to baseline data.

SourceIntermountain Medical Center·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateApr 30, 2018

Living close to a livestock farm linked to lowered allergy risk among adults

Research published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine found that adults living closer to farms had lower rates of allergic sensitization, with proximity to pigs and cattle being particularly significant. Long-term exposure to farm environments was also associated with reduced allergy risk.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateApr 30, 2018
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.

Topological insulator 'flips' for superconductivity

Researchers at University of Illinois & Tokyo developed innovative 'flip-chip' technique to create layered TI/SC samples. Measurements revealed proximity effect induces superconductivity in both bulk and surface states, with surprising dependence on film thickness and temperature.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 30, 2018

High wildfire severity risk seen in young plantation forests

A new analysis of the 2013 Douglas Complex fire reveals that young plantation forests experienced higher severity fires than nearby public forests. Daily weather was the most significant driver, but ownership, forest age, and topography also played critical roles.

SourceOregon State University·JournalEcological Applications·DateApr 30, 2018

Physics of a glacial 'slushy' reveal granular forces on a massive scale

Researchers connected microscopic theories to the world's largest granular material, a glacial ice mélange, to understand its dynamics and impact on glaciers. The study provides quantitative tools for glaciologists modeling ice shelves with ice mélanges.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 30, 2018
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.

Reef fish inherit tolerance to warming oceans

Researchers found that reef fish inherit epigenetic changes from their parents, enabling them to cope with warmer ocean temperatures. This adaptation may provide a buffer against the impacts of climate change and allow for genetic adaptation over time.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalNature Climate Change·DateApr 30, 2018

Not enough women included in some heart disease clinical trials

A study by the American College of Cardiology found that women are underrepresented in cardiovascular trials, with proportions ranging from 22-81% compared to disease populations. Researchers emphasize the need for better representation to determine potential gender differences in treatment responses.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 30, 2018

Geometry is key to T-cell triggering

Researchers created a biomimetic surface that simulates antigen-presenting cell features and found that precise ligand spacing is crucial for T-cell triggering. The study sheds light on the role of CD45 exclusion in receptor activation, offering new insights into T-cell stimulation.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateApr 30, 2018
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.

BU: Smoking, alcohol consumption increase lifetime risk of atrial fibrillation

A new study found that smoking and alcohol consumption significantly increase the lifetime risk of atrial fibrillation, with risk factors at age 55 rising to 38%. An optimal risk factor profile was associated with a reduced lifetime risk of 23%, highlighting the importance of modifiable borderline and elevated risk factors in prevention.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe BMJ·DateApr 30, 2018

Proximity to books and adult support enhance children's learning opportunities

A new NYU Steinhardt School study reveals that providing free children's books in low-income neighborhoods combined with supportive adults enhances literacy skills and learning opportunities. The innovative book distribution program, funded by JetBlue, distributed over 64,000 books to more than 26,000 unique users.

SourceNew York University·JournalUrban Education·DateApr 30, 2018

Water-repellent surfaces can efficiently boil water, keep electronics cool

Researchers at Purdue University have discovered that superhydrophobic materials can boil water efficiently when air and vapor are removed from the system. This breakthrough enables highly effective boiling, allowing for improved cooling of high-power electronics and enhancing thermal management technologies.

SourcePurdue University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 30, 2018

How to make solar hydrogen year round

A new dynamic model proposes a seasonal control strategy with ceria particles to buffer the effect of solar radiation variation, enabling continuous hydrogen production. The system can store and release heat as needed, maximizing solar energy utilization and potentially increasing efficiency.

SourceSolarPACES·DateApr 30, 2018
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.

STSI $34 million NIH Clinical and Translational Science Award

The Scripps Translational Science Institute has received a renewed $34 million funding from the National Institutes of Health to advance individualized medicine through genomic and digital technologies. The institute will form partnerships with other institutions to improve translational research and train future leaders in biomedicine.

SourceScripps Research Institute·DateApr 30, 2018

Impact of low-efficacy influenza vaccines

At 43% vaccine coverage, a low-efficacy vaccine (20% effective) could avert over 20 million infections, 61,000 deaths, and 2.2 million lost DALYs in the US. The optimal strategy involves targeting elderly populations as efficacy decreases.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 30, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Genomic analysis unravels complexities of the most common form of lymphoma and enables personalized treatment

A study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Broad Institute identified five genetic subtypes of diffuse large B cell lymphoma, which can help predict individual patient outcomes and guide personalized treatment. The analysis revealed clear links between specific genetic signatures and how patients respond to standard treatment.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNature Medicine·DateApr 30, 2018

A new formula for creating chemical reactions -- with carbs

A team of Yale University scientists has developed a new approach to glycosylation that is remarkably simple and works in water at room temperature. This process can be generalized to create large numbers of different compounds, making it easier to find the best biochemical probes and therapeutics.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 30, 2018

Effects of munitions in the seas only partially known

A new review paper highlights the global scope of the underwater munitions problem, with over a million tons of intact and corroding munitions littering the Baltic and North Seas. The chemicals released from these munitions pose significant risks to marine ecosystems, including carcinogenic and cyto- and genotoxic effects.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateApr 30, 2018
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

UCLA and University of Bern neuroscientists receive Sanberg Awards from ASNTR

Dr. S. Thomas Carmichael, a UCLA neuroscientist, received the 2018 Bernard Sanberg Memorial Award for Brain Repair from ASNTR for his career-long work in stroke recovery mechanisms. His research has shown that the adult brain can form new connections after stroke and may be critical for plasticity in the recovering brain.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·DateApr 30, 2018