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Science News Archive April 2018


Page 5 of 42

The complicated biology of garlic

Researchers argue that garlic's unique flavor comes from sulfur compounds, which are biologically active within mammalian cells. However, the complexity of preparing garlic affects which sulfur compounds are consumed, leading to inconsistent results in human intervention studies.

Curiosity is key to early childhood success in math and reading

A study found that curiosity is a small but significant contributor to academic achievement in kindergarten-age children. Children from lower socio-economic backgrounds may particularly benefit from fostering their curiosity as an alternative intervention strategy.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

Want to remember your dreams? Try taking vitamin B6

Research from the University of Adelaide found that high-dose vitamin B6 supplements improved dream recall in participants. The study revealed no effects on vividness, bizarreness, or sleep patterns, suggesting a potential role for vitamin B6 in lucid dreaming and controlling dreams.

Noninvasive brain tumor biopsy on the horizon

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking technique to detect tumor biomarkers in brain tumors through a simple blood test, potentially eliminating the need for surgical biopsies. The method uses focused ultrasound and tiny bubbles to release tumor-specific biomarkers into the bloodstream.

Community efforts to prevent teen problems have lasting benefits

Researchers found that communities using a coordinated approach to prevention were more likely to reduce substance use, violence, and other antisocial behaviors in young adults. The study, conducted among 4,400 youth participants, showed significant long-term effects of Communities That Care (CTC) programs.

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.

What's the best way to accelerate: Muscles or springs?

Researchers identified principles for efficient mechanical systems that generate and amplify kinetic energy. Shorter latch release times amplify power, while longer durations eliminate it, explaining why small spring-based systems are more effective.

Researchers assassinate disease-causing bacteria with virus cocktail

Scientists at the University of Copenhagen have successfully targeted and killed E. coli using a cocktail of viruses, preserving the surrounding community of commensal bacteria in a simulated small intestinal microbiome. This breakthrough could lead to a new treatment method for food-borne illnesses without the use of antibiotics.

Diabetes UK commits £2.6 million to new research

Diabetes UK has committed £2.6 million to 19 new research projects investigating medieval remedies for foot ulcers, sleep disturbances as a predictor of Type 2 diabetes, and other forms of diabetes. The funding aims to reduce amputations, sepsis cases, and improve treatment options.

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.

Searching for a nursing home and don't know where to turn?

A new USC study reveals that Yelp reviews of nursing homes tend to focus more on staff attitudes and responsiveness than government reviews. The study evaluated 264 Yelp reviews and grouped them into five categories, finding that nearly 53% of reviewers posted comments about staff attitude and caring.

A simple method etches patterns at the atomic scale

Researchers at Penn State have developed a chemical-free method for etching nanoscale features on silicon wafers. The technique, called tribochemical reaction, uses a scanning probe microscope to remove single layers of atoms from the surface without damaging underlying layers.

Study to explore whether cannabis compound eases severe symptoms of autism

A new study funded by a $4.7 million gift from the Ray and Tye Noorda Foundation aims to investigate the therapeutic benefits of cannabidiol for children with severe symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. The study will involve clinical assessments and basic research to better understand how CBD interacts with neural activity.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Who is using guns for suicide?

Research highlights gun suicides disproportionately affect older, married white men experiencing declining health. Financial stressors also play a role in younger age groups. Tailored interventions and gun ownership registry measures may help reduce mortality associated with gun suicides.

Discovery of new material is key step toward more powerful computing

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new inorganic compound that adopts a crystal structure capable of sustaining a quantum spin liquid state. This discovery is a key step toward the creation of next-generation supercomputers, which will solve complex problems efficiently and consume less energy.

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.

Speeding up material discovery

Researchers have developed an algorithm that can discover and optimize thermoelectric materials in a matter of months, rather than years. The new method simplifies computational approaches for electron-phonon scattering, speeding up the process by about 10,000 times and reducing development time.

Sub-sea rift spills secrets to seismic probe

A Rice University-led study has provided first clues about internal structure of the Galicia margin using a seismic probe. The data revealed seismic images of the S-reflector, a prominent detachment fault within the continent-ocean transition zone, which accommodated slipping along the zone.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

Improving mid-infrared imaging and sensing

The new approach uses flat, artificial material composed of nanostructured optical elements to control and detect mid-IR waves, enabling cheaper, flatter, and more efficient detectors for night vision, biomedical sensing, and free-space communication. The devices can transmit up to 80% of mid-IR light with high efficiency and are made ...

BU study: Egyptian fruit bat genome yields clues to protection

A new study from Boston University has identified larger-than-expected families of genes related to the mammalian immune system in the Egyptian fruit bat. This finding may lead to a deeper understanding of virus transmission and better treatments for humans infected with deadly pathogens.

VaxArray immunogenicity study published in Vaccine

A new study shows a predictive link between VaxArray-measured potency and vaccine-induced immunogenicity in mice. The study found strong correlations between VaxArray assays and serum levels of antibodies targeting influenza hemagglutinin and neuraminidase.

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.

Probiotics useful in the fight against infection prevention

Two studies published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology found that multi-strain probiotics reduced CDI incidence rates by about two-thirds. Probiotics were especially effective among participants taking two or more antibiotics, suggesting a potential prevention tool for hospital settings.

Upgrading the immune system to fight cancer

Researchers have developed a refined CAR-T therapy called SUPRA-CART that addresses the three major flaws of traditional CAR-T: target specificity, response strength, and adaptive capability. This new system allows for continuous alteration to target different types of cancer cells and can be deactivated in case of severe side effects.

A polymer that puts plastic on a better path toward recyclability

Researchers have developed a family of synthetic polymers that can be repeatedly recycled with great efficiency. These new polymers overcome the challenges faced by existing biodegradable plastics and mechanical approaches to reusing plastic, offering a highly desirable chemical recycling method.

Cancer drug helps treat tuberculosis by restoring leaky blood vessels

Researchers at Duke University have discovered that a cancer drug, Marimastat, can help treat tuberculosis by improving the structural integrity of leaky blood vessels in granulomas. This allows antibiotics to penetrate and attack the disease-causing bacteria more effectively, leading to improved treatment outcomes.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Researchers simulate conditions inside 'super-Earths'

Scientists at Johns Hopkins University and Princeton University simulated the deep interiors of super-Earths using intense X-ray beams, revealing insight into their crystal structure. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding planetary architecture and may lead to breakthroughs in exoplanet research.

Did eating dark chocolate improve vision?

Researchers found slight improvements in vision after eating dark chocolate, particularly in visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. The effects of dark chocolate on vision remain unknown beyond the short-term, and further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Army researcher uses math to uncover new chemistry

A U.S. Army Research Laboratory researcher has developed a mathematical approach to design chemical compounds, reducing complexity and leveraging machine learning. This method could lead to the discovery of new materials with unique properties.

Rugosity and concentricity: In urban planning, look to edges, not just the core

Research suggests that cities like Portland and Copenhagen benefit from high-rugosity layouts, with diverse uses and green spaces supporting resilience and growth. By integrating farms and greenways, developers can accommodate more population while reducing the urban heat island effect and improving stormwater management.

Weighing single molecules with light

Researchers have developed a new method for weighing single molecules using light scattering, enabling the measurement of mass with high accuracy. This breakthrough has potential applications in fields such as protein-protein interactions, drug discovery, and point-of-care diagnostics.

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.

Study finds horses remember facial expressions of people they've seen before

A study by the Universities of Sussex and Portsmouth reveals that horses can read human facial expressions and remember specific individuals' emotional states. The research found that horses perceive people more negatively if they had previously seen them looking angry in a photograph, adapting their behavior accordingly.

Accepted or rejected? Uncovering how fate of B cell is determined

A team of Osaka University researchers identified a specific subset of B cells with higher affinity that preferentially commit to plasma cell fate. The study suggests that stable Tfh-GC B cell contacts are key for plasma cell-prone GC cell formation, providing valuable insights for vaccine development.

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.

Seniors stick to fitness routines when they work out together

Older adults are more likely to adhere to a group exercise program when they work out with people their own age. A recent University of British Columbia study found that participants in age-targeted groups attended an average of 9.5 more classes than those in mixed-age groups.

New study addresses the role of health in climate lawsuits

A new analysis by George Washington University researchers finds that health concerns are cited in a minority of climate lawsuits but may have critical potential for protecting communities. The study suggests that including health benefits in climate litigation could catalyze effective policy-making.

Obesity inhibits key cancer defense mechanism

Research reveals that obesity suppresses the epithelial defense against cancer, allowing malignant cells to remain and develop tumors. Aspirin treatment enhances this defense mechanism, suggesting a potential role in cancer prevention.

How success breeds success in the sciences

A study of Dutch research grants reveals that winning an early-career grant leads to more research funding, awards, and prestigious academic appointments. The 'Matthew effect' erodes quality of scientific research due to projects being funded based on status rather than merit.

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.