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Science News Archive April 2018


Page 2 of 42

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.

Thwaites glacier focus of international program

The Thwaites glacier, part of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, is under study due to its potential impact on sea levels. Researchers will use radar and seismic sensing to investigate the glacier's response over decades and centuries.

Researchers move toward understanding deadly citrus disease

Researchers at UCR have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the molecular mechanism of huanglongbing, a devastating citrus disease that costs billions worldwide. The team discovered that a bacterial protein called SDE1 helps infect plants by attacking specific proteases that could help trees resist infection.

Study explores link between curiosity and school achievement

A new study found that curiosity is a significant factor in determining academic achievement, with curious children performing similarly to their higher-income peers. This research has implications for families, educators, and policymakers looking to address the achievement gap.

Aquaculture feed and land use requirements

Researchers evaluated aquaculture feed and land use requirements in a simulation-based study, finding that future aquaculture production needs to be four times higher than current levels. An aquaculture-dominant diet reduces feed-crop requirements and land use compared to meat-based agriculture.

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.

Do women with epilepsy have similar likelihood of pregnancy?

A study of 89 women with epilepsy and 108 without found that women with epilepsy had a similar likelihood of becoming pregnant, achieving live births, and experiencing low miscarriage rates. The research suggests that biological and social factors may contribute to previous findings of lower birth rates among women with epilepsy.

Proximity to fracking sites affects public support of them, study finds

A new study from Oregon State University found that people living closer to fracking sites are more familiar with and supportive of hydraulic fracturing. The researchers used geo-spatial mapping and survey results to determine residents' proximity to fracking sites and their public opinion on the practice.

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.

Vultures reveal critical Old World flyways

Researchers tracked Egyptian vultures along the Red Sea Flyway, revealing key migratory bird corridors and bottlenecks. The study highlights a major research gap in conservation efforts for this endangered species.

Arctic survivalists

Researchers found that phytoplankton in Arctic coastal waters are resilient to ocean acidification and temperature changes, with some species producing spores that can survive and initiate blooms. This adaptation allows them to thrive in highly variable conditions, providing a vital ecosystem service for Arctic food webs.

Why Armenia's transition to democracy failed

A new paper by Arman Grigoryan attributes Armenia's stalled democratization to the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict and subsequent political processes. The conflict undermined liberal aspirations and empowered a military establishment, leading to the failure of Armenia's transition.

Obesity may hasten disability in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

A new study published in Arthritis Care & Research reveals that severe obesity is linked to faster progression of disability in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Intentional weight loss may help prevent worsening disability, but unintentional weight loss can be a poor prognostic sign.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Editing brain activity with holography

Researchers at UC Berkeley are developing a technology to read and write neural activity, enabling them to stimulate specific sets of neurons to simulate sensory experiences. The goal is to replace lost sensations after peripheral nerve damage or control prosthetic limbs, with potential applications in treating neurological disorders.

ISIL activity is not funded by oil, study suggests

A new study suggests that ISIL activity was not funded by oil as previously thought. The research used remote sensing technology to estimate oil production in areas controlled by the group, finding that production quickly fell after expansion.

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.

The effects of diet on the start of the menopause

A large UK cohort study found that eating oily fish and legumes was associated with a later onset of menopause, while consuming refined pasta and rice was linked to an earlier start. The study's findings could have implications for women's health and wellbeing.

NASA finds wind shear affecting Tropical Cyclone Flamboyan

NASA's Aqua satellite captured images of Tropical Cyclone Flamboyan, revealing northwesterly wind shear pushing the storm southeast. The coldest cloud tops were highest in the atmosphere, indicating strong storms capable of producing heavy rainfall.

Identifying the mechanism in obesity's link to colon cancer

Researchers at UMass Amherst have identified a new molecular mechanism explaining the link between obesity and increased risk of colon inflammation, a major risk factor for colorectal cancer. Inhibiting an enzyme called soluble epoxide hydrolase may abolish this risk, suggesting a potential treatment for obesity-induced colonic inflamm...

New details of molecular machinery that builds plant cell wall components

Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory uncover how membrane proteins organize three enzymes involved in building lignin, a crucial cell-wall component. The discovery sheds light on the metabolic pathway channeling carbon into lignin precursors, potentially leading to new ways to promote carbon storage or biofuel production.

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.

Pill for breast cancer diagnosis may outperform mammograms

Researchers at the University of Michigan are developing a pill that makes tumors light up when exposed to infrared light, offering a potential alternative to mammograms. The pill uses a dye that responds to infrared light to tag tumor cells, allowing physicians to better distinguish malignant from benign tumors.

Calcium-based MRI sensor enables more sensitive brain imaging

MIT researchers have developed a new MRI sensor that can detect direct signals of neural activity by tracking calcium ions, allowing for more precise mapping of brain function. The sensor can detect subtle changes in calcium concentrations outside of cells and respond in a way that can be detected with MRI.

Study: How to assess new solar technologies

A team of researchers at MIT analyzed four different solar cell technologies and found that the most efficient but expensive panels were the best option for residential systems in dry locations. However, for utility-scale installations or in wetter climates, less efficient but cheaper panels are more economical.

Earth's magnetic field is not about to reverse

A study of recent geomagnetic excursion events found no resemblance between current changes and past reversals, suggesting recovery without extreme event. The research implies the weakened magnetic field will recover, making a reversal unlikely.

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.

Study suggests ample warning of supervolcano eruptions

Researchers at University of Illinois found geological signs pointing to catastrophic supervolcano eruptions would be detectable hundreds to thousands of years before an eruption. The study suggests that people need not panic, as the precursors to massive eruptions will be long-lasting and far greater than recent seismic activity.

Labeling and detecting RNA modifications

Biochemists and molecular biologists use a new method to label m6A modifications in mRNA, allowing for precise detection using Next Generation Sequencing. The approach enables researchers to analyze the role of m6A modifications in physiological and pathological processes.

The laws of star formation challenged

Researchers challenged the existing understanding of star formation by observing a distant molecular cloud, W43-MM1, with ALMA. Contrary to previous findings, they discovered an overabundance of massive cores and underrepresentation of less massive cores.

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.

Stagediving with biomolecules improves optical microscopy

Physicists from TU Dresden and JMU developed a novel approach to measure optical near-fields with significantly less effort. By using biomolecules as a transport system, they can slide extremely small optical nano-probes over a surface, circumventing the diffraction limit.

Diet rich in fish and legumes may help to delay natural menopause

A diet rich in fish and legumes is associated with a delay of over 3 years in natural menopause, while a high intake of refined carbs like pasta and rice speeds up the process. The study also found that vegetarians and those who eat more fruits and poultry may experience later menopause.

Fertility rates no different for women with epilepsy

A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that women with epilepsy have the same fertility rates as those without, contradicting previous myths. The study of 89 women with epilepsy and 108 without found similar rates of pregnancy, miscarriages, and live births.

Taking medicine on time seems simple, is anything but

A researcher at University of Houston is developing a customized motivational interviewing intervention to improve medication adherence among elderly patients with diabetes and high blood pressure. The three-year grant aims to identify barriers to adherence and develop tailored approaches to address them.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

World-first synthesis of globalization effects on people and planet

A world-first study synthesizes globalization effects on people and planet, revealing increased child labor, environmental degradation, and inequality in developing countries. The research highlights the displacement of wealth-driven consumption into offshore production, compromising the achievements of Sustainable Development Goals.

Laser frequency combs may be the future of Wi-Fi

Researchers at Harvard have discovered a new phenomenon in quantum cascade laser frequency combs, enabling devices to act as integrated transmitters or receivers for efficient information encoding. This breakthrough has the potential to increase Wi-Fi capacity and pave the way for faster data transfer rates.

Antiepileptic drug induces birth defects in frogs

Researchers found that valproic acid, an antiepileptic drug, can cause birth defects in frog embryos by interfering with glutamate signaling. The study suggests that new epilepsy medications could be developed to be safer for pregnant women.

Cultural identifiers of the Levantine Aurignacian

Researchers found symbolic objects in Hayonim Cave, Israel, characterized by repetitive notches on scapulae and a hyoid of gazelle, suggesting cultural identification of the Levantine Aurignacian culture. The findings provide insights into the origins and spread of this ancient culture.

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.

Geomagnetic field reversals and excursions

Researchers developed a global model of the geomagnetic field between 30,000 and 50,000 years ago, revealing that the current field does not resemble past excursions. The study suggests that future reversals or excursions cannot be predicted by analyzing present-day field structures.

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.

Bacteria's appetite may be key to cleaning up antibiotic contamination

Scientists have discovered key steps in how bacteria eat antibiotics, transforming them into food. The findings could lead to new ways to eliminate antibiotics from land and water, slowing the spread of drug resistance. Researchers may engineer bacteria like E. coli to clean up contaminated soil and water.

Computer analysis is not better than human clinical evaluation

Automated BI-RADS breast density measures have similar predictive ability to clinical assessments, but may be more reproducible and suitable for identifying women at high risk of interval cancer. Hospital readmissions within the first week are more likely preventable than those occurring later, suggesting a shift in accountability model.

'Exceptional' research points way toward quantum discoveries

Researchers at Rice University have discovered exceptional points in a unique material, enabling continuous tuning of light and matter coupling. This breakthrough may lead to novel quantum technologies like advanced information storage and one-dimensional lasers.

Ultrafast compression offers new way to get macromolecules into cells

Researchers have developed a new way to introduce molecules and therapeutic genes into human cells using ultrafast compression, which can improve cell transfection efficiency. The technique involves compressing cells in microfluidic devices, causing them to take up surrounding fluid and macromolecules.

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.

Horses get the flu, too

University of Rochester researchers have developed a new live equine influenza vaccine that is safe and more protective than existing vaccines. The vaccine targets the H3N8 strain currently circulating in North America and Europe, and was shown to protect horses against the virus in a small study.

Are damselflies in distress?

Researchers found that damselfly genes strongly responded to environmental changes as they moved towards the northern edge of their range. The study suggests that the blue-tailed damselfly has a wealth of evolutionary strategies available to help it adapt to a changing climate.

Man vs. machine?

Recent studies by Case Western Reserve University's Anant Madabhushi show that his diagnostic imaging lab's 'deep learning' computers can accurately diagnose heart failure and detect various cancers. The machines offer valuable tools for pathologists and radiologists, helping them become more efficient in their work.

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.

Stress response and urban upbringing

A study of 40 healthy male participants found that those raised in urban areas without pets exhibited heightened immune activation and inflammation after psychosocial stress. This suggests a potential link between urban upbringing and increased vulnerability to stress-associated physical and mental disorders.

Slowdown in air pollutant emissions reduction

Researchers found a 76% slowdown in nitrogen oxide emissions reduction from 2005 to 2015, contradicting EPA predictions of a 16% decrease. The discrepancy was largely due to increased industrial and off-road vehicle emissions while on-road gasoline vehicles declined.