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Science News Archive April 2018 - Page 18


Page 18 of 42

Argonne selects innovators from across nation to grow startups

The Chain Reaction Innovations program at Argonne National Laboratory aims to accelerate the development of sustainable energy technologies. Eighty-three innovators from 26 states have been selected to participate in a two-year program focused on enhancing energy efficiency or sustainability, and overcoming complex scientific challenges.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateApr 18, 2018

Republicans more persuasive than scientists on climate change

A new study found that Republicans are more persuasive than scientists in correcting misinformation about climate change, despite being associated with denial. The researchers suggest that citing Republican elites endorsing the scientific consensus may be an effective way to persuade citizens.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalClimatic Change·DateApr 18, 2018

Ischemic mitral regurgitation

Researchers present a case study on ischemic secondary mitral regurgitation, highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary teams in managing this complex condition. Newer technologies provide new hope for patients, improving outcomes and treatment options.

SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateApr 18, 2018

A robot by NTU Singapore autonomously assembles an IKEA chair

The NTU Singapore robot assembled an IKEA chair with precision and speed, demonstrating its capabilities in dexterous manipulation. The robot uses a 3D camera and robotic arms equipped with grippers to pick up objects and execute tasks.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalScience Robotics·DateApr 18, 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.

Global warming is transforming the Great Barrier Reef

A new study found that corals on the northern Great Barrier Reef experienced a catastrophic die-off following the extended marine heatwave of 2016. The amount of coral death was closely linked to the amount of bleaching and level of heat exposure, with the northern third of the reef being the most severely affected.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalNature·DateApr 18, 2018

Molecular scaffolding aids construction at the nanoscale

Researchers have designed and synthesized molecules that can interact together to assemble complex molecular structures at the nanoscale. By mimicking biological self-assembly processes, chemists can learn new methods of chemical synthesis for nano/micro-structures.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 18, 2018

This 2-D nanosheet expands like a Grow Monster

Researchers have discovered a new material science concept that uses light to expand a two-dimensional nanosheet at incredible speeds. The nanosheet can expand up to 5.7% of its original size in sub-milliseconds, making it potentially useful for artificial muscles and soft robotic systems.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 18, 2018

Iron Age breeding practices likely influenced lack of stallion lineages in modern horses

Ancient European horse breeding practices likely contributed to the limited paternally-inherited Y chromosome diversity in modern horses. Selective breeding during the Iron Age may have reduced genetic variation, as humans prioritized reproductive success of selected stallions. The Roman Empire's shift towards male-based selective bree...

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 18, 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.

NYITCOM at A-State professor lends anatomy expertise to solve ancient mystery

Researchers used computer-based methods to compare the physiological behavior of Neanderthals to today's humans, finding that their noses were able to transport twice as much air to the lungs than modern humans. This unique feature allowed Neanderthals to thrive in Ice Age environments and power their more strenuous lifestyle.

SourceNew York Institute of Technology·DateApr 18, 2018

Three solutions to maximize the clinical benefit and affordability of targeted cancer drugs

To address escalating costs of targeted cancer drugs, a Penn-led group proposes three solutions: defining minimum clinically meaningful effect sizes for FDA approval, Medicare negotiating prices for targeted cancer drugs, and prioritizing effective treatments by clinical benefit and price. The recommendations aim to balance clinical be...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateApr 18, 2018

Charge density wave inhomogeneity and pseudogap in 1T-TiSe2

A new study reveals the existence of a pseudogap state in 1T-TiSe2, which shares similarities with high-Tc cuprates. The discovery indicates that CDW and superconductivity do not compete in this material, providing insight into the superconducting mechanism and its interplay with CDW.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateApr 18, 2018
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

New study improves 'crowd wisdom' estimates

A new study developed a mathematical correction to improve crowd estimates by accounting for individual bias and social information. Researchers found that collective intelligence is highly predictable and can be improved with the right rules for collective estimation.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateApr 18, 2018

A single concussion may increase risk of Parkinson's disease

A large population of U.S. veterans with mild, moderate, or severe traumatic brain injury were found to have a higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Those with mild traumatic brain injury had a 56% increased risk, while those with moderate to severe injuries had an 83% and 71% increased risk respectively.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 18, 2018

Why is it harder for females to gain weight?

Researchers found that female POMC neurons fire faster than male's due to the expression of gene TAp63, leading to increased energy expenditure and protection against weight gain. This novel mechanism may facilitate future gender-specific therapeutic strategies for obesity and related disorders.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 18, 2018

Salt boosts creation of 2-D materials

Rice University scientists discovered that salt reduces the temperature at which elements interact in a chemical vapor deposition furnace, making it easier to form atom-thin layers. This process allows for the creation of novel materials with customized properties.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·DateApr 18, 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.

How does the Pacific Walker circulation respond to strong tropical volcanism?

A recent study found that the Pacific Walker circulation (PWC) weakens significantly after strong tropical volcanic eruptions (SVEs), leading to changes in rainfall patterns and extreme climate events worldwide. The research suggests that the cooling effect of SVEs on the Maritime Continent plays a dominant role in weakening the PWC.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateApr 18, 2018

Study reveals new Antarctic process contributing to sea level rise and climate change

A new study reveals a previously undocumented process where melting glacial ice sheets further accelerate ice melt and sea level rise by making the ocean's surface layer less salty and more buoyant. Fresh glacial meltwater prevents deep mixing in winter, allowing warm water at depth to retain its heat and cause further glacial melting.

SourceUniversity of Tasmania·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 18, 2018

UTSA researcher and team launch diabetes support program

The Building a Healthy Temple Diabetes Self-Management Support program integrates spirituality and health education to help Hispanics with type 2 diabetes manage the disease. The 14-week program aims to prevent complications such as amputation, kidney failure, and blindness by providing a supportive community.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateApr 18, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

En route to the optical nuclear clock

Researchers at PTB have successfully measured some important properties of the thorium-229 nucleus using optical methods, bringing scientists closer to developing an optical nuclear clock. This breakthrough uses laser excitation to monitor the nucleus's behavior and could lead to a more precise atomic clock.

SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·JournalNature·DateApr 18, 2018

Graphene changes elastic properties depending on applied force

Researchers found that graphene's Poisson ratio, which determines material capability to shrink or extend in transverse dimension, varies depending on the applied tensile force. This discovery could help create new materials with required exotic properties and improve existing technologies.

SourceAKSON Russian Science Communication Association·JournalPhysical Review B·DateApr 18, 2018

Study shows men and women tear ACL the same way in non-contact injury

New research from Duke University Medical Center found that ACL tears occur the same way in women and men, contradicting previous theories. The study used forensic analysis to examine bone bruises on knees of athletes with torn ACLs, revealing no significant difference in injury mechanism between sexes.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateApr 18, 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.

Water dynamics indicate tumor status

Researchers developed a method to measure proton nuclear resonance dispersion profiles at low magnetic fields, revealing the water exchange rate of tumor cells. This enables direct assessment of tumor status and metabolic activity, which is characteristic of aggressive and highly metastatic tumors.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 18, 2018

Pepper plant sops up personal care product antibiotic

Researchers found that pepper plants metabolize triclocarban, an antibiotic commonly used in personal care products, into other molecules. The study suggests that these metabolites may have negative health effects, highlighting the need for further research on the impact of environmental triclocarban exposure on human health.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateApr 18, 2018

Overcoming bias about music takes work

Researchers found that simply being told a musician is professional changes the way the brain responds to music, with more activity in pleasure and reward regions for 'professional' recordings. Overcoming this bias requires conscious effort, as participants who resisted the bias showed increased executive control.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 18, 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.

T cell antigen receptors act alone: Longstanding immunological mystery solved

Researchers at TU Wien and Medical University of Vienna have discovered that T cell antigen receptors operate alone, contrary to previous assumptions. This groundbreaking finding has significant implications for understanding immune responses and developing effective therapies against cancer and autoimmune diseases.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Immunology·DateApr 18, 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.

World-first research into injury rates among people released from prison

A world-first study found that people released from prison who have both mental illness and substance use problems are at a significantly increased risk of suffering injury. The research, conducted by the University of Melbourne, identified hospital records for 1307 people released from seven Queensland prisons over a five-year period.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 18, 2018

Great Welsh science helps solve pollinator puzzle

A new study by Swansea University researcher Andrew Lucas reveals vital behaviors of hoverflies in plant pollination. The research helps identify the plants hoverflies visit and provides advice to landowners on species-rich grasslands.

SourceSwansea University·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateApr 18, 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.

Ebola media coverage impacted how the public perceived the disease and survivors

A MU study found that news coverage of Ebola focused on individual stories to humanize those affected, increasing public understanding and awareness. The researchers suggest that reporters covering health crises should consider writing human interest stories that also share helpful information.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAtlantic Journal of Communication·DateApr 18, 2018

Deep learning predicts drug-drug and drug-food interactions

A Korean research team developed a deep learning-based framework, DeepDDI, to predict 86 types of drug-drug and drug-food interactions. The model accurately predicts interactions for drug-pair constituent pairs with a mean accuracy of 92.4%.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 18, 2018

Bees and cuckoos will bring savings to airlines

A Polish-Colombian team developed software using bee and cuckoo behavior to optimize flight routes, achieving measurable financial and environmental savings. The algorithm allows real-time modification of routes, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalCogent Engineering·DateApr 18, 2018

Leptin's neural circuit identified

Researchers at Tufts University have identified the neural circuit in the hypothalamus that mediates leptin's anti-obesity and anti-diabetes effects. The study reveals two distinct mechanisms underlying leptin's inhibition of appetite, providing important insight into how leptin works and how resistance to it develops.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalNature·DateApr 18, 2018
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.

Harvesting water from fog with harps (video)

Researchers have developed a type of 'harp' to collect fresh water from fog, outperforming traditional mesh devices. The new harp technology consistently collected more water than equivalent meshes at all wire diameters, with the finest wires collecting over three times the amount.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 18, 2018

Fossilized algae hold promise for improved food safety testing

Researchers used fossilized algae to develop a sensitive method for detecting harmful contaminants in food, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses. The new technique utilizes photonic crystal features to amplify optical detection signals, enabling rapid identification of toxins like histamine in fish and meat.

SourceOregon State University·JournalMaterials·DateApr 18, 2018

Low-income HIV patients suffer with healthcare access

A 20-year Quebec study reveals socio-economic inequalities impact access to AIDS treatment, with HIV-infected individuals on social assistance struggling to initiate early ART. The study highlights the need to consider socio-economic factors in controlling the HIV epidemic, as delayed access can put patients' health at risk.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalJournal of the International AIDS Society·DateApr 18, 2018

Russian university's scientific groups receive a number of state grants

Ural Federal University has been awarded several state grants for its scientific research projects, with seven grants going to the Institute of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. The university's scientific groups are working on various topics, including remote sensing of the atmosphere and development of new hydro-metallurgical processes.

SourceUral Federal University·DateApr 18, 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.

A bioengineered tattoo monitors blood calcium levels

A bioengineered tattoo has been developed to detect elevated blood calcium levels in mice, offering a potential early diagnosis method for conditions like kidney failure and cancer. The tattoo becomes visible on the skin upon detection of high calcium concentrations, providing a proactive measure against diseases.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 18, 2018

Dogs could be more similar to humans than we thought

Researchers found that dogs have a more similar gene content to humans than previously thought, with changes in diet affecting both species' gut microbiota. The study suggests dogs could be used as models for human nutrition studies, providing insights into the impact of diet on obesity and overall health.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalMicrobiome·DateApr 18, 2018

New ancestor of modern sea turtles found in Alabama

A new ancestor of modern sea turtles has been found in Alabama, dating back to the Late Cretaceous epoch. The discovery reveals two distinct species within the Peritresius clade, expanding the known evolutionary history of these marine reptiles.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 18, 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.

Writing and deleting magnets with lasers

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf developed a method to create and erase magnetic areas in an alloy using lasers, transforming its magnetic behavior. The process involves heating the alloy with ultra-short laser pulses, allowing it to form a magnet.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 18, 2018

An eye toward regeneration

Researchers at UNLV have found that frog embryos can regenerate their entire eye within 3 to 5 days after injury, contradicting previous claims. This breakthrough has potential implications for human tissue regeneration and may lead to the development of new treatments for eye injuries.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalExperimental Eye Research·DateApr 18, 2018

Detailed images of tumor vasculature

The new technology, called Motion Model Ultrasound Localization Microscopy, allows for the tracking of individual microbubbles in real-time, enabling the reconstruction of fine vascular networks and monitoring of blood flow. This technique has potential applications in cancer treatment, particularly in sonoporation therapy.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 18, 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.