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Science News Archive April 2018


Page 11 of 42

Could eating moss be good for your gut?

Researchers found a new polysaccharide in moss with properties similar to beta glucan, a dietary fiber known for its health benefits. The discovery suggests great potential for this new compound as it relates to health, industrial and medical fields.

How to hijack degrading complexes to put cancer cells asleep

Researchers found that palbociclib induces substantial changes in the proteasome, degrading proteins required for cell cycle progression and driving cells into senescence. The discovery suggests that proteasomal activity may be an additional mechanism by which palbociclib stalls proliferation.

Paint job transforms walls into sensors, interactive surfaces

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University created smart walls using conductive paint that can detect human touch, gestures, and appliance usage. The system operates in two modes: capacitive sensing and electromagnetic (EM) sensing, allowing for location tracking of devices and people.

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.

Scientists use rocket scanner to learn how whales hear

Researchers used a rocket scanner to take the first whole-body CT scan of a minke whale, revealing insights on whale communication. The team modeled how whales hear low-frequency sounds using custom-developed computer simulation tools.

Complete skin regeneration system of fish unraveled

Researchers discovered that fish regenerate skin without scarring by controlling the proliferation of stem cells in the basal layer. This mechanism may be applicable to other vertebrates, including humans, for treating various skin diseases and regenerative medicine research.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nanomedicine: Drugs can be made 'smarter'

Researchers developed a method to 'decorate' gold nanoparticles with proteins, allowing drugs to target specific areas in the body. This technology can improve drug delivery and overcome biological barriers.

CRISPR used to genetically edit coral, Stanford researchers report

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine successfully used CRISPR-Cas9 to genetically edit coral, demonstrating its potential as a resource for coral biologists. The technique allowed them to identify critical genes in coral biology and alter multiple gene copies, offering hope for conserving coral reefs.

New control strategy helps reap maximum power from wind farms

Researchers at UT Dallas developed a new control strategy using supercomputers to extract more power from wind turbines. The approach has the potential to increase wind energy production by up to six percent and generate $100 million in value per one percent improvement.

Earth BioGenome Project aims to sequence genomes of 1.5 million species

The Earth BioGenome Project proposes sequencing genomes of all known eukaryotic species, an undertaking estimated to take 10 years and cost $4.7 billion. This initiative aims to create a complete digital library of life that will guide future discoveries, building on the success of previous genomics projects like the Human Genome Project.

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.

Sense of control and meaning helps protect women from anxiety

A study led by the University of Cambridge found that women who feel in control of their lives and find purpose and meaning are less likely to have anxiety disorders. The research highlights inner strengths that can protect against anxiety in tough times, offering new approaches for therapy development.

Virulence switch in 'Iraqibacter': Potential Achilles heel?

Researchers have discovered a genetic switch in the bacteria that can be targeted by small molecules to prevent its virulent form from emerging. By disabling this switch, the bacteria become more vulnerable to host defense molecules and disinfectants, making it a potential key for new antibiotics.

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.

Why freeloader baby-eating ants are welcomed to the colony

Researchers found that parasitic ants are accepted by host colonies due to their potent chemical weaponry, which protects against a more deadly invader. The study suggests a mutually beneficial relationship between the hosts and parasites, where the enemy of your enemy is your friend.

Carbon capture could be a financial opportunity for US biofuels

Researchers at Stanford University have found cost-effective carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technologies commercially feasible with existing technology in the US. CCS can be profitable through tax credits and low-carbon fuel standards, incentivizing its deployment to meet climate goals.

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.

Galaxies grow bigger and puffier as they age: New study

A new international study has found that galaxies grow bigger and more ordered with age, with stars moving in all directions. The research team measured the movement of stars in 843 galaxies using an instrument called SAMI on the Anglo-Australian Telescope.

Upswings in older-age cognitive ability may not be universal

A study of a majority-black cohort found no clear upward trend in cognitive abilities among older adults, contradicting previous observations. Cognitive performance differed significantly by race and function, with black participants scoring lower than their white counterparts.

Potential gender bias against female researchers in peer review of research grants

A study published in CMAJ found that peer reviewers' characteristics, including gender and previous success rates with grants, can introduce bias into grant applications. This bias results in lower scores, making applications less likely to be funded. The researchers suggest that training of reviewers, policy changes, and monitoring ma...

Yale plays quantum catch in new research

Yale researchers have achieved a major milestone in quantum computing by transmitting quantum data between two separate points using a new 'pitch-and-catch' technology. This innovation allows qubits to be interfaced with each other, enabling more complex algorithms and potentially faster computation speeds than classical computers.

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.

Skin microbiota, rural lifestyle, and allergies

A study found that dogs living in rural environments had distinct skin microbiota and lower allergy prevalence compared to urban dogs. Exposure to rural microbes through urban planning may improve urban health.

Spider venom to treat paralysis

Researchers found that Heriaeus melloteei spider venom can block leakage currents through mutated ion channels, potentially treating hypokalemic periodic paralysis. The toxin fixes the voltage-sensing domain of the channel, preventing ions from leaking out and restoring normal muscle function.

Detecting Alzheimer's disease before it's too late

Researchers found that trace amounts of beta-amyloid predicted future levels of tau and both preceded memory decline. Early intervention is crucial in slowing Alzheimer's disease progression by targeting anti-amyloid therapies before symptoms appear.

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.

The role of 'extra' DNA in cancer evolution and therapy resistance

Glioblastoma tumors exhibit cell-to-cell differences that contribute to therapy resistance. Extrachromosomal DNA is found to play a key role in oncogene amplification, driving cancer progression and evolution. Researchers are developing novel combination therapies targeting ecDNA elements to improve treatment outcomes.

Glowing contact lens could prevent a leading cause of blindness

A team of researchers has developed a glowing contact lens that reduces the retina's oxygen demands at night, potentially preventing diabetic retinopathy. Early testing shows promising results, with rod cell activity reduced by up to 90 percent when worn in the dark.

Measuring impacts of mass extinctions

By combining fossil occurrence data with social network analysis, researchers identified distinct associations of ancient marine animal life and investigated the representation of these communities over geologic time. This approach enabled the quantification of ecological impacts of mass extinctions and major ecological shifts.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New cell therapy aids heart recovery -- without implanting cells

A new cell therapy has been developed to aid heart recovery without implanting cells, using extracellular vesicles secreted by cardiomyocytes derived from human pluripotent stem cells. The therapy shows promising results in recovering cardiac function and reducing arrhythmias in rat models of myocardial infarction.

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.

Wiping out the gut microbiome could help with heart failure

Researchers found mice with induced heart failure fared better after being treated with antibiotics for five weeks, which sterilized the gut. This suggests that modulating the microbiota could modulate T cell activation and changes in the heart that lead to heart failure.

Science funding and early-career scientists

Researchers analyzed over 4,000 grant applications from 2002 to 2008 and found that high-scoring early-career scientists accumulated more research funding in subsequent years. They were also more likely to achieve full professorship compared to low-scoring counterparts.

New guideline: Start taking MS drugs early on

A new guideline from the American Academy of Neurology suggests that starting MS drugs early may be better than letting the disease run its course. Disease-modifying therapies can alter or change the course of MS, reducing relapses and slowing disease progression.

Island-dwelling mammal from Cretaceous Period

A previously undescribed species of Cretaceous period island-dwelling mammal has been discovered in present-day Romania, exhibiting a domed skull and an extremely small brain relative to body size. The mammal's adaptability to island environments developed early in the evolutionary history of mammals.

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.

Eating more fish could prevent Parkinson's disease

Researchers from Chalmers University of Technology have discovered that a protein called parvalbumin, found in many fish species, can form amyloid structures that bind to and neutralize the 'Parkinson's protein' alpha-synuclein. This could potentially help prevent the formation of harmful amyloids associated with Parkinson's disease, a...

What do Uranus's cloud tops have in common with rotten eggs?

Astronomers have confirmed the presence of hydrogen sulfide in Uranus's cloud tops using sensitive spectroscopic observations. This discovery sheds light on questions about the planets' formation and history, particularly regarding the early Solar System's balance between nitrogen and sulfur.

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.

Swirling liquids work similarly to bitcoin

Researchers have found that swirling liquids, such as coffee, follow the same mathematical principles as transactions with cryptocurrencies like bitcoin. This discovery may lead to more advanced digital security methods and a deeper understanding of chaotic mixing in nature. The findings also suggest that cryptographic computations can...

Ocean warming and continental temperature and humidity

Researchers found a direct link between ocean warming and trends in continental humidity and temperature. Analysis of data from 1979-2016 revealed land temperatures increasing faster than ocean temperatures, but specific humidity over oceans increased faster than over land.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Saving a penalty: How science helps predict the score

Researchers propose a new affordance-based control model to explain how goalkeepers dive at the right time in penalty kicks. The study suggests that goalkeepers should regulate their actions to sustain perception of 'stoppability', allowing for individually-tailored interventions.

Why have all Western-owned digital firms failed in China?

A study from Cass Business School reveals that Western Internet Firms (WIFs) fail in China due to cultural and competitive differences. CIFs' use of ancient Chinese military strategies and tactics gave them an advantage in competition, while WIFs' limited understanding of the local market hindered their success.

Hungry birds as climate change drives food 'mismatch'

Scientists found that warmer springs cause a mismatch between birds' hatching and caterpillar abundance, making it harder for chicks to feed. This affects three bird species: blue tits, great tits, and pied flycatchers, with the biggest mismatch seen among pied flycatchers.

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.

Did last ice age affect breastfeeding in Native Americans?

A genetic mutation that increased mammary duct branching may have provided more vitamin D to infants, helping them survive in the far north. Shovel-shaped incisors became more frequent among Native Americans due to the same genetic factor, highlighting the importance of the mother-infant bond.