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Science News Archive April 2018 - Page 13


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.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateApr 23, 2018

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.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 22, 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.

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

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·DateApr 22, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalParasitology·DateApr 22, 2018

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.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 22, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 22, 2018

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.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 22, 2018

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.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 22, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalMultiple Sclerosis Journal·DateApr 22, 2018

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.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 22, 2018

Researchers describe role of novel mutations in fosfomycin resistance

Researchers have discovered novel chromosomal mutations contributing to fosfomycin resistance in E. coli, with uhpB and uhpC mutations showing highest impact. The study found that these mutations rendered the antibiotic ineffective at lower doses compared to other mutations.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·DateApr 22, 2018

Addition precautions at hospital don't help prevent spread of resistant bacteria

Research presented at ECCMID shows that additional contact precautions in non-ICU wards did not limit the spread of drug-resistant bacteria. The study found a high prevalence of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae among patients admitted to these wards, despite strict adherence to standard precautions.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·DateApr 22, 2018

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.

SourceEuropean Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO)·DateApr 22, 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 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.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 22, 2018

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.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 21, 2018

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.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 21, 2018
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.

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.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 21, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

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.

SourceRothamsted Research·JournalBMC Genomics·DateApr 20, 2018

HKU medical chemists discover peptic ulcer treatment metallodrug effective in 'taming' superbugs

Researchers have discovered an alternative strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance by repositioning colloidal bismuth subcitrate, which effectively paralyzes multi-resistant superbugs and suppresses the development of antibiotic resistance. The findings offer a promising new approach to treat deadly infections caused by CRE and CRKP.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 20, 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.

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.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 20, 2018

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateApr 20, 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.

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.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Catalysis·DateApr 20, 2018

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.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism·DateApr 20, 2018

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 20, 2018

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.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalProfession·DateApr 20, 2018
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateApr 20, 2018

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 ...

SourceLobachevsky University·JournalJournal of Experimental and Theoretical Physics·DateApr 20, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 20, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateApr 20, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateApr 20, 2018

New DNA screening reveals whose blood the vampire bat is drinking

A new DNA method efficiently screens vampire bat blood meal and faecal samples to determine which domestic animals they feed on, while also assessing population structure. This technique may aid in preventing rabies exposure by identifying animal hosts at risk.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalMolecular Ecology Resources·DateApr 20, 2018
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

A CNIC-coordinated project is set to receive €1 million in funding over the next 3 years

A CNIC-coordinated project will investigate the oxidative phosphorylation system (OXPHOS) and its structural heterogeneity, with potential implications for metabolic plasticity. Researchers from various countries and specialties will collaborate to develop new methods and gain a deeper understanding of this fundamental biological process.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·DateApr 20, 2018

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.

SourceOhio State University·JournalApplied Ergonomics·DateApr 20, 2018

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.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Genomics·DateApr 20, 2018

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.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateApr 20, 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.

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.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 20, 2018

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateApr 20, 2018
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateApr 20, 2018

Brachytherapy for cervical cancer does not increase the risk of ureteral stricture

New research from two large international trials confirms that intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy is safe and does not increase the risk of ureteral stricture in cervical cancer patients. The treatment is associated with better survival rates and fewer adverse side effects compared to other radiation therapies.

SourceEuropean Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO)·DateApr 20, 2018

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.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateApr 20, 2018