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Science News Archive April 2018


Page 12 of 42

Dementia trend shows later onset with fewer years of the disease

A recent study indicates that dementia is being diagnosed later in life and lived for a shorter period, with possible contributing factors such as reduced stroke risk and increased vaccination rates. Researchers suggest other causes, including lower pollution levels and better nutrition, may also play a role.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

'Flexible' mirror for space telescopes

Researchers from Samara Polytech created a 'flexible' mirror that can deform in micron increments to compensate for optical aberrations. The innovation enables higher image quality and resolution for Earth remote sensing satellites.

Status threat, economic hardship, and US presidential election

A study found that threats to dominant group status and economic issues like trade and China drove voting behavior in the 2016 US presidential election. Changes in household income and employment status were not associated with shifts in support for the Republican candidate.

Fossil record quality and early hominin diversity

Research suggests that uneven fossil sampling patterns, rather than climate dynamics, are the primary driver of fluctuations in early hominin species diversity. Peak taxic diversity was linked to maximal rock exposure and collection effort.

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.

Young athletes interested in healthy protein, not French fries

A study by the University of Waterloo found that young athletes prefer healthy protein options and value performance and recovery over unhealthy foods. The research suggests that marketing strategies can influence food choices, highlighting the need for nutrition guidelines in recreation facilities.

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.

Asthma and hay fever linked to increased risk of psychiatric disorders

A new study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry found a significant link between common allergic diseases and a broad spectrum of psychiatric disorders. Patients with asthma and hay fever were found to have a 1.66-fold increased risk of developing a psychiatric disorder within a 15-year period.

What learning looks like in the brain

Using advanced imaging technology, researchers found structural changes in the connections between neurons that strengthen to enable learning. The molecules involved in sending and receiving signals appeared to be organized in clumps or 'nanomodules' that both dance and multiply when stimulated by learning-like signals.

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.

Researchers see promise for safer opioid pain reliever

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new compound that could offer pain-relieving properties without the risk of addiction. The compound interacts with two types of opioid receptors, one responsible for pain relief and another that can reduce addiction liability.

Market failure, fake news and the First Amendment

A Duke professor argues that fake news and social media's 'filter bubbles' threaten the functioning of the First Amendment. The proliferation of cheap, easily spreadable misinformation raises concerns about the role of government intervention in regulating online content.

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.

Odd one out: Protein goes against the family to prevent cancer donate

A Melbourne research team discovered that a protein called NF-kB1, which was previously thought to drive cancer development, actually plays a critical role in preventing stomach cancers. The study also found that immunotherapy may be a significant tool for treating stomach cancers driven by chronic inflammation.

Trees with grassy areas soften summer heat

A recent study by the Technical University of Munich found that trees with grassy areas can significantly cool urban environments, particularly on hot summer days. The research showed that black locust trees provide a higher cooling effect compared to linden trees, making them a promising option for cities like Munich.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Cigarillo packaging can influence product perception, study finds

A study by University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers found that cigarillo packaging with colors and flavors increases their appeal, even when text or pictorial warnings are present. The findings suggest that stricter regulations on imagery, such as plain packaging, may reduce cigarillo use.

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.

New research modernizes rammed earth construction

Researchers at University of British Columbia Okanagan have developed a new method to improve the strength of rammed earth walls using calcium carbide residue and fly ash as binding agents. The treated walls were found to be 25 times stronger than those without, paving the way for its use in modern construction.

Drinking affects mouth bacteria linked to diseases

A recent study published in the journal Microbiome has found that drinking alcohol can disrupt the balance of oral bacteria, leading to an overabundance of harmful germs. Researchers discovered that moderate drinkers had fewer beneficial bacteria than non-drinkers, while heavy drinkers had more potentially harmful bacteria species.

Study: Health benefits will offset cost of China's climate policy

A new MIT study estimates that China's climate policy would improve air quality and human health, saving $339 billion in health costs by 2030. The researchers used a new modeling approach to simulate the effects of different policy scenarios on provincial air quality and public health.

Even a single mindfulness meditation session can reduce anxiety

A single mindfulness meditation session has been shown to reduce anxiety and stress on the arteries, with participants reporting reduced anxiety scores even a week later. The study suggests that this brief intervention may help reduce cardiovascular risk in individuals with moderate anxiety.

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.

Opioid use linked to increased risk of falls, death in older adults

Recent opioid use is associated with an increased risk of falls in older adults and a higher risk of death during hospital stays. Researchers found that patients who had filled an opioid prescription before injury were 2.4 times more likely to have fallen, resulting in injury and higher mortality rates.

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.

Watch your step: How vision leads locomotion

Researchers used new technologies to study how vision guides foot placement, revealing distinct patterns between vision and locomotion in different terrain types. They found that participants consistently looked 1.5 seconds ahead of their current location, suggesting a global locomotor strategy.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Hemp shows potential for treating ovarian cancer

Researchers found that hemp extract slowed cell migration and reduced inflammation in ovarian cancer cells, suggesting a possible biological mechanism behind its anti-cancer effects. The study's results are comparable to or even better than current ovarian cancer drug Cisplatin, with potential for fewer side effects.

£1 million toolkit to calculate economic value of urban greenspace

A £1 million toolkit will help cities and developers accurately assess the benefits of green infrastructure, supporting recreation, community events, and wildlife. The project aims to provide a practical decision-making tool for land owners and managers, protecting existing provision and promoting high-quality green space.

What the oldest peace treaty in the world teaches us

The oldest peace treaty, dating back over 3,200 years, shows that peaceful agreements were made through extensive negotiations between Egyptians and Hittites. The exhibition 'Peace. From Antiquity to the Present Day' challenges common clichés about ancient peace symbols, revealing a complex history of war and negotiation.

Animal cyborg: Behavioral control by 'toy' craving circuit

Researchers at KAIST have identified a neural circuit in the hypothalamus governing obsessive behavior towards non-food objects in mice. The MPA-PAG circuit modulates object craving and facilitates hunting behavior, allowing for controlled mammalian behavior with optogenetics.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

NASA's GPM sees Tropical Cyclone Fakir forming near Madagascar

Tropical Cyclone Fakir is expected to intensify as it moves southeastward, with heavy rainfall rates reaching over 8.6 inches per hour in some areas. The GPM satellite revealed bands of extremely heavy rainfall spiraling into the cyclone's southeastern side, and predicted that the storm could peak in strength on April 24.

BU medical student receives student fellowship from Alpha Omega Alpha

Melissa Chua, a fourth-year medical student at Boston University School of Medicine, has received the Alpha Omega Alpha Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship to conduct research on brain tumors. She is investigating the potential of combining oncolytic virotherapy and immunotherapy for glioblastoma treatment.

Translating elephant seal data into a symphony provides surprising insights

Researchers used GPS tracking data to visualize and sonify elephant seal group dynamics, creating a 45-minute symphony that showcases remarkable coordination in their ocean exploration. The study successfully compressed 10 years of data into a condensed musical composition, providing new cutting-edge research opportunities at KAUST.

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.

Carbon removal during biofuel production

Researchers found that capturing and compressing 45 megatons of CO2 from US ethanol biorefineries could be cost-effective at under $25 per ton. Implementing carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) in California's low-carbon fuel standards and federal tax credits could catalyze substantial growth of CCS infrastructure.

Caregivers can help assess whether older adults are dealing with delirium

A new study found that caregivers can use six proven tools to detect delirium on their own, taking just several minutes or less to complete. This enables caregivers to identify symptoms more easily than healthcare professionals and notify them sooner, potentially leading to earlier diagnoses and improved outcomes.

Alcohol intake may be linked to premenstrual syndrome

A pooled analysis of published study data suggests that around 11% of PMS cases may be associated with alcohol intake globally. Heavy drinking is estimated to increase the risk by 79%, with potential biological explanations including altered sex steroid hormone levels and serotonin production.

Endocrine disruptors and frog metabolic disorders

Researchers report that tadpoles and adult female frogs exposed to endocrine disruptors develop metabolic disorders. Exposure leads to delayed metamorphosis, lower reproductive success, and smaller offspring.

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.

Applying network analysis to natural history

A team of researchers used network analysis techniques to study the fossil records of marine life, revealing patterns in Earth's natural history. The analysis showed that major events like mass extinctions had significant ecological impacts, with some effects previously underestimated or overestimated.

Vitamin A derivative selectively kills liver cancer stem cells

Researchers have discovered that acyclic retinoid targets EpCAM-positive cancer stem cells by repressing MYCN expression, slowing cell growth and leading to greater cell death. This finding has significant implications for decreasing cancer recurrence and curing patients.

Attosecond physics: Molecules brilliantly illuminated

Researchers develop powerful femtosecond light source for mid-infrared spectroscopy, enabling detection of organic molecules at low concentrations. The system uses coherent light to reveal molecular fingerprints and diagnose diseases like cancer at early stages.