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Science News Archive April 2018 - Page 11


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.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateApr 23, 2018

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.

SourceEMBO·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateApr 23, 2018

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.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateApr 23, 2018
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.

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.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalDevelopment·DateApr 23, 2018

Researchers use 'environmental DNA' to identify killer whales in Puget Sound

A new study has found that researchers can detect killer whales in Puget Sound by analyzing environmental DNA (eDNA) in water samples. The eDNA persists for up to two hours after the whales have passed through, providing a potential game-changing advance in whale tracking and identification.

SourceOregon State University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateApr 23, 2018

Where you live is more influential than where you worship in shaping racial attitudes

A Baylor University study reveals that living arrangements have a more significant impact on shaping racial attitudes than congregational composition. The study found that attending white-only churches decreases comfort with non-white individuals, while living near diverse neighborhoods increases friendships across racial lines.

SourceBaylor University·JournalSociology of Race and Ethnicity·DateApr 23, 2018
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Lincoln·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2018

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.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalWind Energy·DateApr 23, 2018
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBMJ Open·DateApr 23, 2018

Prolonged acetaminophen use during pregnancy linked to increased ASD and ADHD risk

A study by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem found a link between prolonged acetaminophen use during pregnancy and an increased risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). The analysis shows a 30% increase in relative risk for ADHD and a 20% increase in relative risk for ASD.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateApr 23, 2018

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.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Microbiology·DateApr 23, 2018
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

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.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateApr 23, 2018

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.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2018
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.

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.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 23, 2018

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.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Gerontology·DateApr 23, 2018

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...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 23, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Physics·DateApr 23, 2018

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.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2018

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.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2018

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.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateApr 23, 2018
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.

Study: Girls more likely than boys to struggle with social, behavioral, academic needs

A study found that girls are more likely than boys to struggle with social-emotional learning problems, academic difficulties, and behavioral issues in high school. The researchers identified five patterns among youths, with girls accounting for nearly 66% of students with high needs across all domains.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·DateApr 23, 2018

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.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 23, 2018

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.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·DateApr 23, 2018

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.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2018
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 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.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateApr 23, 2018
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.

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.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 23, 2018

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.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2018

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.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 23, 2018

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.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2018
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.

New UTSA study shows wearable technology also contributes to distracted driving

A recent UTSA study found that wearable technology, including Google Glass and smart phones, can cause significant distraction while driving. Despite a perceived marginally reduced risk with wearable devices, the study reveals that texting or using these technologies increases the danger of accidents.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalApplied Ergonomics·DateApr 23, 2018

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...

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 23, 2018

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.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 23, 2018
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.

Liquid cell transmission electron microscopy makes a window into the nanoscale

Researchers developed an LC-TEM device to study the impacts of high-energy electron bombardment on nanoparticles and sensitive biological samples. The team successfully captured pristine images of cells using their multi-chamber device, revealing the effects of electron irradiation on cell dynamics.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 23, 2018

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...

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2018

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.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2018

Hippo pathway found essential to orchestrate the development of the heart

Researchers discovered the Hippo pathway is essential for normal heart and blood vessel development. The study used single cell transcriptomics to analyze thousands of cells from developing heart tissue, revealing new insights into cellular and molecular processes leading to an adult heart.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateApr 23, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

MSU scientists rolled 2-D cadmium telluride up into nanoscrolls

Researchers discovered that 2D cadmium telluride sheets can spontaneously fold into nanoscrolls when attached with specific organic molecules. This effect may be used in the development of new devices, including optic materials and light-emitting matrices.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateApr 23, 2018

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.

SourceSpringer·JournalGerman Journal of Exercise and Sport Research·DateApr 23, 2018

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.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalAcademy of Management Discoveries·DateApr 23, 2018
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateApr 23, 2018

Antibiotic resistance can be caused by small amounts of antibiotics

New research shows that low concentrations of antibiotics can lead to high antibiotic resistance in bacteria, with mutations occurring mainly in genes previously not regarded as typical resistance genes. This highlights the need to prevent further development of resistance.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2018