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Science News Archive April 2018 - Page 15


Page 15 of 42
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.

Why traffic accidents with cyclists are becoming increasingly more common

A study reveals that cyclist accidents are increasing due to inadequate infrastructures and risk behavior from drivers and cyclists. The research found that 47.2% of serious injuries occur on conventional urban roads, highlighting the need for improved road safety education and infrastructure design.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalSustainability·DateApr 19, 2018

Porous salts for fuel cells

Researchers have created a new class of crystalline porous organic salts with exceptional proton conductivity, potentially revolutionizing fuel cell technology. The salts' unique structure and strong ionic bonds enable stable pore systems, making them highly efficient electrolytes for fuel cells.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 19, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Novel antioxidant makes old blood vessels seem young again

Researchers found that taking a mitochondrial-specific antioxidant supplement improved blood vessel dilation by 42%, making them appear younger. The improvement was due to reduced oxidative stress and associated with a 13% reduction in heart disease risk.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateApr 19, 2018

New research: Eyes of adolescents could reveal risk of cardiovascular disease

Research found a link between poorer health-related quality of life in adolescence and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Adolescents with lower scores in social and mental well-being domains had structural changes in their retinal blood vessels, which could be indicative of future cardiovascular disease risk.

SourceWestmead Institute for Medical Research·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 19, 2018

Smartphone app successfully promotes child car seat safety

A smartphone app designed to promote proper child car seat use has been shown to improve safety practices among parents. The app, Safety in Seconds v2.0, was tested in a randomized controlled trial involving over 700 participants and reported significant improvements in several child car seat behaviors.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateApr 19, 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.

Low total testosterone in men widespread, linked to chronic disease

A new study found that low total testosterone levels are associated with chronic disease in men of all ages, including those under 40. The research team studied the relationship between testosterone, age, and chronic disease prevalence, using a population sample from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 19, 2018

Exercise after a heart attack -- it could save your life

A recent study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that becoming more physically active after a myocardial infarction halves the risk of dying within four years. The research involved over 22,000 patients and showed that levels of physical activity were reported 6-10 weeks and 12 months after the heart attack.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateApr 19, 2018

In the surcharge blame game, companies tend to finish last

A study found that consumers tend to blame companies for imposing internal and external surcharges, even if the charges were imposed by an outside agency. The characteristics of the surcharge can shift blame, with customers being more likely to blame the firm if it's something internal.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Service Research·DateApr 19, 2018

Think diamonds are unyielding? Think again

Researchers have discovered a way to make diamonds flexible by etching tiny needles from artificial diamond films, achieving strains up to 9% and surpassing theoretical limits. The development holds implications for bioimaging, biosensing, and ultra-strength nanostructures, as well as optomechanical devices.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 19, 2018

NASA GPM data used to evaluate Hawaii's flooding rainfall

In April 2018, a weather system caused destructive flooding and mudslides in Hawaii. The NASA GPM satellite provided detailed data on the heavy rainfall, showing that Kauai received over 478 mm of rain, with some areas experiencing even higher totals.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 19, 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.

Great Barrier Reef corals can survive global warming for another century

Researchers found that Great Barrier Reef corals have enough genetic variation to adapt to rising ocean temperatures, allowing them to potentially survive for at least another century. This offers a glimmer of hope for conservation efforts, but also highlights the need to take action against global warming.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateApr 19, 2018

Scientists identify unique binding mechanism of antifreeze molecule

Researchers at Shinshu University used molecular simulations to understand the binding mechanism of antifreeze glycoproteins in polar fish. The study revealed that AFGPs can 'walk' on ice surfaces, selectively binding to growth points and preventing ice recrystallization.

SourceShinshu University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 19, 2018

What's needed for the next WHO Biosafety Handbook

The next WHO Biosafety Handbook revision should prioritize local relevance, proportionate infrastructure and sustainable work practices. This new approach would ensure safe laboratory procedures with minimal resources in less developed countries.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 19, 2018
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.

Using the right plants can reduce indoor pollution and save energy

Researchers recommend integrating smart-sensor-controlled air cleaning technologies with plants to optimize indoor air quality. Plants absorb carbon dioxide, increase humidity, and passively absorb pollutants, making them a potential solution for reducing indoor pollution and saving energy.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Plant Science·DateApr 19, 2018

Enlarged spleen key to diving endurance of Indonesian 'sea nomads'

The Bajau people's larger spleens enable them to dive longer and deeper by injecting more oxygenated red blood cells into the circulation. Genetic analysis reveals a link between increased thyroid hormone levels and enhanced diving ability in this Southeast Asian group.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalCell·DateApr 19, 2018

Study examines sperm production in men with testicular cancer

Increasing tumor size relative to testis size is linked to reduced sperm production in men with testicular cancer. The rule of 50s suggests that men with a testis tumor occupying greater than 50% of their testis have less than a 50% chance of sperm production.

SourceWiley·JournalBJU International·DateApr 19, 2018

Energy conversion: Optical 'overtones' for solar cells

Researchers at LMU have found a novel effect in optical excitation of charge carriers in solar semiconductors, enabling more efficient conversion of infrared light into electrical power. The discovery involves resonances between light overtones and excitonic band-gaps, offering new avenues for solar cell innovation.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 19, 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.

Innovations for investigating the plant tree of life

New sequencing technologies and image analysis techniques enable novel solutions to phylogenetics challenges, providing insights into plant genomes and evolution. The special issue highlights cutting-edge approaches for exploring the plant family tree.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateApr 19, 2018

Molecular motor: Four states of rotation

The hemithioindigo-based molecular motor exhibits unidirectional rotational motion about a specific chemical bond when exposed to light. The team has characterized the dynamics of unidirectional rotation in the motor using ultrafast spectroscopic techniques and quantum mechanical calculations.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 19, 2018

Dartmouth College brings smartwatch innovations to CHI2018

Researchers from Dartmouth College introduced two smartwatch innovations, WrisText and Jetto, designed to enhance the overall user experience. WrisText enables one-handed text entry using wrist gestures, while Jetto provides immersive interaction through lateral force feedback, blurring the lines between physical and virtual worlds.

SourceDartmouth College·DateApr 19, 2018

Research on sex in malaria parasites granted prestigious EU grant

A new EU grant of EUR 2.5 million will fund research on the sexual biology of malaria parasites to develop novel intervention targets. The project aims to map the functions of approximately 700 parasite genes involved in sexual reproduction to prevent malaria transmission by mosquitoes.

SourceUmea University·DateApr 19, 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.

Study predicts 2018 flu vaccine will have 19 percent efficacy

A Rice University study predicts the 2018 flu vaccine will have limited efficacy against the dominant circulating strain of influenza A due to viral mutations related to egg production. The pEpitope method accurately predicted vaccine efficacy rates for over 40 years of flu records and suggests a more accurate predictor than ferret tests.

SourceRice University·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateApr 19, 2018

Policy driver of soil organic carbon accumulation in Chinese croplands identified

Chinese croplands experienced drastic changes in management practices since the 1980s, leading to increased soil organic carbon (SOC) accumulation. The study found that economics and policy-driven organic inputs dominated SOC sequestration, particularly through crop straw/stover return policies.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 19, 2018

Does concussion recovery and symptom severity differ between men and women?

A new study reveals significant differences in post-concussion symptom severity and length of recovery between male and female college athletes. Notably, female athletes who used hormonal contraceptives experienced different outcomes compared to non-users, suggesting a potential impact on concussion recovery.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateApr 19, 2018

Cancer: Tumor transition states

Researchers at Université libre de Bruxelles identified different tumor transition states during cancer progression and metastasis. They found that cells with intermediate EMT phenotypes are the most metastatic populations.

SourceUniversité libre de Bruxelles·JournalNature·DateApr 19, 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.

For nuclear weapons reduction, a way to verify without revealing

Researchers at MIT have developed a physics-based system to verify the destruction of nuclear warheads, using cryptographic keys in physical form. The new method uses neutron detection and resonance processes to identify authentic warheads, while concealing their designs.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 19, 2018

ERC Advanced Grant for Professor Manolis Pasparakis

Manolis Pasparakis, a professor at the University of Cologne, has received a 2.5 million euro ERC Advanced Grant to investigate the role of necroptosis in chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. His research focuses on the mechanisms regulating inflammation.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·DateApr 19, 2018

Enduring cold temperatures alters fat cell epigenetics

A new study reveals that cold temperatures can transform white fat cells into 'beige' cells, which perform thermogenesis like brown fat cells. This process could potentially reduce the symptoms of metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 19, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Integrating optical components into existing chip designs

A new technique allows for the assembly of optical and electronic components on separate layers of silicon, enabling the use of modern transistor technologies. This breakthrough increases the speed and reduces the power consumption of chips, which is crucial as transistors continue to rise in count.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateApr 19, 2018

Swapping cars for shared bicycles would avoid up to 73 deaths per year

A new study reveals that swapping cars for shared bicycles avoids up to 73 deaths and saves $226 million annually. The use of mechanical bicycles offers the most health benefits, with Paris and Barcelona experiencing notable reductions in fatalities and pollution exposure.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·DateApr 19, 2018

Pathways to spatial recognition

Scientists have identified distinct subclasses of pyramidal cells in the subiculum, a region crucial for memory and navigation. These subclasses are associated with processing local and global cues, shedding light on the neural mechanisms underlying spatial recognition.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalCell·DateApr 19, 2018

'Peace agreements have always only succeeded with genuine trust'

Historian Prof. Dr Gerd Althoff argues that peace agreements have historically been successful when opponents establish genuine trust, rather than relying solely on confidence-building measures. This approach emphasizes forgiveness, mutual visits, and friendly conversation to create a foundation for long-term peace.

SourceCluster of Excellence "Religion and Politics"·DateApr 19, 2018
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.

More students report carrying guns in Chicago than New York or Los Angeles

A new Northwestern University study reveals that more high school students in Chicago reported carrying guns between 2007 and 2013 compared to those in New York and Los Angeles. The study found a strong correlation between gun carrying and exposure to violence risk factors, suggesting a link to the city's spike in gun violence in 2016.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalInjury Epidemiology·DateApr 19, 2018

DOR protein deficiency favors the development of obesity

Researchers discovered that DOR protein deficiency stimulates the generation of new adipose cells and leads to a less harmful form of obesity. This type of obesity is characterized by an increase in the number of fat cells rather than their volume, which may be less susceptible to metabolic complications.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateApr 19, 2018

Museum researchers rediscover animal not seen in 30 years

Researchers from the San Diego Natural History Museum have rediscovered the San Quintin kangaroo rat in Baja California, partnering with a conservation plan to protect the endangered species. The discovery was made using traditional field techniques and live traps, and the rat has been found to persist in the Valle Tranquilo Nature Res...

SourceSan Diego Natural History Museum·JournalBulletin Southern California Academy of Sciences·DateApr 19, 2018

Let's talk about sex chromosomes

Male and female cells behave differently after being reprogrammed into stem cells due to their number of X chromosomes. This affects DNA methylation, a process that changes DNA activity without changing its sequence.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateApr 19, 2018
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Weight-loss surgery improves lives and saves money

A new study found weight-loss surgery reduces average costs to the UK National Health Service by €2742, while gaining 0.8 life-years and 4.0 quality-adjusted life years compared to usual care. The procedure also has potential benefits in reducing obesity-related cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

SourceWiley·JournalBJS·DateApr 19, 2018

Medical doctors remain trapped in their substance-use disorders

A study by Aarhus University finds that medical doctors' substance use disorders are exacerbated by legal and social sanctions, leading to a lack of help-seeking behavior. Doctors often turn to self-treatment or performance-enhancing medicine to cope with work pressure, resulting in worsening substance use disorders.

SourceAarhus University·DateApr 19, 2018

Bedside tests for syphilis and yaws tested in sub-Saharan Africa

Researchers tested Dual Path Platform (DPP-POCT) Syphilis Screens tests in rural clinics and a hospital in the Solomon Islands, showing high patient satisfaction and ease of use. The point-of-care test can provide results in under half an hour with no electricity or special equipment needed.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateApr 19, 2018

Online ads help pregnant smokers quit

A new study found that commercial online advertising can engage large numbers of pregnant smokers earlier in their pregnancies, with an overall uptake rate of 3.4% among those who clicked on adverts. The ads were more effective than free-of-charge adverts on health websites and yielded a high user engagement rate.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateApr 19, 2018

Successive solid transformations induced electron transfer and switchable functions

Researchers from Dalian University of Technology have developed a new material that can exhibit switchable functions through successive solid transformations and electron transfer. The material's properties, including magnetic, electric, and optical behavior, can be controlled using external stimuli such as light or temperature.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateApr 19, 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.

Researchers at LSTM take a novel approach to snakebite treatment

A team of researchers at LSTM has developed a new approach to treating snakebite using antivenom produced from a different species than the one that caused the bite. The study, published in Communications Biology, shows that this approach can be effective in neutralizing certain pathologies caused by venomous snakes.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·JournalCommunications Biology·DateApr 19, 2018

Unprecedented wave of large-mammal extinctions linked to ancient humans

A new study links human activities to a massive extinction event that wiped out large mammals globally. The research suggests that size-biased extinctions started at least 125,000 years ago in Africa and spread to other continents as humans migrated, leaving only smaller mammals behind.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalScience·DateApr 19, 2018

How can medical marijuana benefit older adults?

Medical marijuana shows promise in managing pain and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in older adults. However, its use requires a thorough assessment of side effects to ensure lower doses have a greater impact.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 19, 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.