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Science News Archive April 2018


Page 13 of 42

New study shows prenatal cannabis use associated with low birth weights

A new study found a significant association between prenatal cannabis use and low birth weights, with a 50 percent increase in risk. The study's lead author emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to screen for cannabis use during pregnancy and provide counseling on its adverse health consequences.

Growing evidence that probiotics are good for your liver

A new study suggests that probiotics can improve liver health by reducing oxidative stress caused by acetaminophen. Researchers found that mice treated with the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG suffered less liver damage when exposed to a high dose of acetaminophen.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Drinking water may help exercising seniors stay mentally sharp

Researchers found that hydrated older adults showed noticeable improvement in executive function after exercising, while dehydrated individuals also improved but to a lesser extent. The study highlights the importance of hydration for cognitive health benefits in exercise

Trichomonosis discovered amongst myna birds in Pakistan

Researchers have found a strain of trichomonosis in myna bird populations in Pakistan, infecting around 20% of the birds. The disease is carried by a parasite primarily found in pigeons and larger birds of prey, posing a risk to other species due to the invasive nature of myna birds.

Human-like walking mechanics evolved before the genus Homo

Research suggests that human-like bipedalism emerged around 3.6 million years ago, allowing for more efficient energy expenditure during long-distance travel. This shift likely responded to climate and habitat changes, enabling ancestral hominins to cover longer distances while foraging.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Endangered salamander offers clues on healing spinal cord injury

Researchers have discovered that certain genes are shared between salamanders and humans, which could lead to new therapeutic targets for treating spinal cord injuries. By studying the molecular mechanisms at work in salamanders, scientists hope to understand why humans cannot regenerate nerves after injury.

Four innovations that aim to improve the environment

Researchers have developed biomarkers to detect harmful environmental contaminants in wildlife, enabling faster development of diagnostic tools. Additionally, scientists have created a more sustainable method for producing biodiesel from low-cost cooking oil waste using nanoparticles.

Brainy new approaches to autism, chronic pain, concussion and more

Researchers are using cutting-edge techniques to shed new light on the intricate circuitry behind our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Innovative nanocapsules could improve drug delivery for Autism Spectrum Disorder, while mapping brain circuits with rabies and herpes viruses provides insights into learning and memory.

Multiple sclerosis may be linked to sheep disease toxin

A new study suggests that exposure to epsilon toxin, produced by the bacterium Clostridium perfringens, may play a role in the development of multiple sclerosis. Antibodies against the toxin were found in 43% of MS patients in the UK, compared to 16% of control group participants.

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 report four new insights into diet and health

Researchers report four new insights into diet and health: time-restricted eating reduces tumor growth in mice, adults who eat breakfast gain less weight, and alternate-day fasting enhances weight loss. New studies also reveal the importance of taste perception in modulating hunger and fullness cues.

Shorter courses of prostate cancer radiotherapy are safe and effective

Researchers found that ultrahypofractionated radiotherapy is just as effective as standard radiotherapy in stopping prostate cancer from returning, with no significant long-term side effects. Patients treated with this method spend less time traveling to and from hospital for treatment.

New vaccine could help people overcome bath salts abuse

Researchers developed a vaccine to blunt bath salts' stimulant effects on the brain, which could aid recovering drug users experiencing relapse. The vaccine showed promising results in reducing MDPV-induced movement and activity in rodents.

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.

Why zero-calorie sweeteners can still lead to diabetes, obesity

New research finds sugar replacements can cause health changes associated with diabetes and obesity, suggesting switching from regular to diet soda may not be a healthier option. Artificial sweeteners alter the body's processing of fat and energy, increasing the risk of negative health outcomes.

New leads in the development and treatment of liver disease

Researchers have identified new treatments for liver diseases, including the use of melatonin receptors to slow disease progression. Additionally, scientists have discovered potential therapeutic targets for acetaminophen-related liver damage and a link between non-coding RNA and alcoholic liver disease.

New hope for treating diabetic wounds that just won't heal

Scientists have found that a specific protein called thrombospondin-2 (TSP2) is elevated in wounds of patients with diabetes and contributes to delayed wound healing. Removing or inhibiting TSP2 from mice with diabetes led to improved wound healing, suggesting it could be a target for new treatments.

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.

New advances in the fight against cancer

Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in treating pancreatic, colon and breast cancers, as well as developing new pain treatments for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. A new compound has shown promise in targeting cancer cell death pathways, while indomethacin has been found to inhibit colon cancer growth.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

The good, the bad and their fortuitous differences

Scientists have discovered key features that explain how two very similar fungi, one causing crop failure and the other producing mycoprotein for consumption, differ in lifestyle. The study highlights potential targets for disease control.

One step closer to reality

A new open-access software called PyFRAP has been developed to accurately analyze molecular diffusion in living cells. The program takes into account three-dimensional structures and provides reliable results, especially under complicated conditions.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

When there's an audience, people's performance improves

A new study published in Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience found that having an audience improves performance at skilled tasks. When people know they are being observed, their brain activity increases in areas associated with social awareness and reward, leading to better motor skills.

New theory shows how strain makes for better catalysts

Researchers have developed a new theory to explain why stretching or compressing metal catalysts can make them perform better. The theory suggests that applying a strain to a catalyst's atomic lattice can tune its reactivity, enabling fine-tuning of catalyst performance throughout different reaction steps.

Compound improves stroke outcome by reducing lingering inflammation

An experimental compound appears to improve stroke outcomes by reducing lingering inflammation, leading to better memory and movement in its aftermath. The compound, known as compound 21, stimulates the angiotensin type 2 receptor, which aids blood vessel dilation, minimizes cell death, and reduces inflammation.

Wood formation model to fuel progress in bioenergy, paper, new applications

The researchers created a systems biology model that mimics the process of wood formation, allowing them to predict the effects of modifying multiple genes involved in lignin biosynthesis. This model will speed up the engineering of trees for specific needs in timber, biofuel, pulp, and paper applications.

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.

SLU students learn Italian playing Assassin's Creed

Saint Louis University professor Simone Bregni uses video games like Assassin's Creed II to teach Italian, reinforcing vocabulary and grammar while introducing cultural data. His students made significant progress, exceeding traditional Italian courses by 3-5 points in a single semester.

Studying Midwest soil erosion from space

A UMass Amherst geologist is using satellite photos and high-resolution images to estimate topsoil loss in the Midwest, a challenge that has uncertainties about its extent. The research aims to identify areas where farm practices can be changed to reverse soil loss, with potential economic benefits for farmers.

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.

On the shape of the 'petal' for the dissipation curve

Researchers at Lobachevsky University have made significant progress in understanding the shape of the energy dissipation curve of edge states in topological insulators. The study reveals specific and measurable regularities that affect the physical properties of electron gases, including new peaks in absorption spectra and changes in ...

Fight, flight, or freeze

Researchers found that coordinated brain activity between the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and olfactory system is linked to freeze behavior in mice. The study suggests that rhythmic breathing can help regulate emotional states and provides potential avenues for anxiety-reducing therapies.

Improving citizen science and big data analysis

Daniel Sheldon's NSF grant aims to develop efficient algorithms for complex models, enabling scientists to make predictions and test hypotheses from large datasets. He plans to address challenges in modeling animal populations, causal reasoning about citizen scientist data, and optimizing decision-making with multiple objectives.

Immune diversity among the KhoeSan population

A study of the KhoeSan population found high levels of immune cell diversity and divergence in two distinct groups. Researchers identified unique genetic variants that impact natural killer cell function and combat disease specific to this geographic area.

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.

For heavy lifting, use exoskeletons with caution

A study found that wearing an exoskeleton increases stress on the back by up to 53% and stresses different muscles in the torso by anywhere from 56-120%. Despite relieving arm stress, users reported discomfort due to stiff metal rods in the harness.

Spit and polish: The beauty of saliva for epigenetic studies

Researchers found epigenetic changes in saliva linked to childhood trauma and autism spectrum disorder, suggesting saliva as a potential biomarker. The study aimed to identify early markers of abuse-related deaths and ASD diagnosis, providing insights into the impact of early life experiences on health outcomes.

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.

How social networking sites may discriminate against women

A study by Columbia University researchers found that social networking site Instagram's recommendation algorithms amplify homophily, making women less visible and reducing their popularity. The algorithms, which turn loose on a network with homophily, effectively make women less visible.

Biomarkers for irritable bowel syndrome

An international team has identified potential biomarkers for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a disease affecting one in six people. The study found that IBS-specific proteins and proteases play a key role in triggering nerve activation, providing new evidence for organic causes of the disease.

Tampons can cause toxic shock syndrome

Research reveals tampons, particularly those made from cotton and rayon, can foster Staphylococcus aureus growth and production of toxic shock toxin. Menstrual cups may harbor bacteria more effectively, increasing risk.

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.

Research debunks 'myth' that strenuous exercise suppresses the immune system

Research from the University of Bath found that exercise can increase immune cells and improve response to flu jabs, contradicting a long-held myth. The study suggests that low numbers of immune cells after exercise are not a sign of suppression, but rather a signal that cells are working in other parts of the body.

A fat belly is bad for your heart

A study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that central obesity, even in patients with normal BMI, significantly increases the risk of heart problems. Measuring central obesity can provide a more accurate picture of cardiovascular health than relying solely on BMI.