Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive April 2018 - Page 21


Page 21 of 42

A graphene roll-out

Researchers at MIT have developed a continuous manufacturing process to produce long strips of high-quality graphene. The team's results are the first demonstration of an industrial, scalable method for manufacturing high-quality graphene suitable for membrane applications.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 17, 2018

The enzyme designers

The study reveals that a slight change in the substrate can practically stop an enzyme reaction. Computational design of a new variant was successfully produced and tested, demonstrating the method's accuracy and potential for future research.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 17, 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.

Chip developed by Brazil researchers will be linchpin of LHC upgrade

The Brazilian chip SAMPA will upgrade the detection system in ALICE at the Large Hadron Collider, enabling the detection of thousands of particles per second. The new system will increase the collision rate by a factor of 100, from 500 to 50,000 collisions per second.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateApr 17, 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.

When others fail, new migraine treatment may work

A new migraine treatment, erenumab, has shown significant promise in reducing headache frequency by over 50% in nearly a third of participants. The study found that erenumab reduced monthly migraine headaches by more than 50% for those who had tried up to four other preventative treatments without success.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateApr 17, 2018

FDA approves new standard of care for kidney cancer

The US FDA approved the combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab for metastatic kidney cancer patients. The treatment led to a 37% improvement in survival compared to sunitinib and durable responses in 42% of patients.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 17, 2018

A potential setback in the personalized medicine of cancer

A study published in the Genes & Development journal reveals that tumor cells can survive even without Ras genes if Erf is also lost, casting doubt on the effectiveness of potential treatments. The researchers found that eliminating ERF allows mouse stem cells to grow and differentiate in the absence of RAS genes.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalGenes & Development·DateApr 17, 2018

A new Listeria species from Costa Rica identified

A new bacterial species, Listeria costaricensis, has been identified in Costa Rica, increasing the knowledge of Listeria's pathogenic potential. The discovery was made through a three-year research project that sampled water from an industrial drainage area, revealing the biodiversity of Costa Rican soils.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·DateApr 17, 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.

Battery's hidden layer revealed

Researchers deciphered the chemistry behind lithium fluoride's formation in SEI, discovering a new method to monitor hydrogen fluoride concentration. This monitoring capability is crucial for future basic science studies and commercial applications.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Catalysis·DateApr 17, 2018

Under-fives should be priority for snail fever therapy, study finds

Regular testing and treatment of pre-school children for snail fever could reduce the spread of the disease while promoting childhood health and development. Infected children can develop symptoms within three months and may experience stunted growth, learning difficulties, and increased risk of malnutrition.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalBMJ Global Health·DateApr 17, 2018

Researchers develop first gene drive targeting worldwide crop pest

Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a gene drive system targeting the invasive spotted-wing drosophila, a fruit fly causing millions of dollars in damage. The Medea system dramatically biases inheritance rates with near-perfect efficiency, allowing for potential control of populations.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Multidisciplinary study provides new insights about French Revolution

Researchers analyzed 40,000 speeches from the National Constituent Assembly to track word-use patterns and find that the revolution's principles emerged and evolved over time. Committees played a significant role in proposing and disposing legislation, reducing the effectiveness of charisma in direct debate.

SourceIndiana University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2018

What happens to our muscles during spaceflight and when living on Mars?

A new study found that microgravity during spaceflights has a more significant negative impact on skeletal muscle than low oxygen environments. Researchers suggest that therapeutic and rehabilitative interventions should focus on correcting inactivity rather than hypoxia.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateApr 17, 2018

An AI that makes road maps from aerial images

Researchers at MIT's CSAIL have developed RoadTracer, an automated method to build road maps that is 45 percent more accurate than existing approaches. The system uses data from aerial images and creates maps step-by-step, tracing out roads one step at a time.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, CSAIL·DateApr 17, 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.

Carbon dioxide as a raw material

Scientists at Ruhr-University Bochum successfully converted CO2 into an alcohol through a two-step reaction, facilitated by copper and rhodium catalysts. The process achieved a 40% recycling rate for the base, paving the way for industrial-scale applications.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateApr 17, 2018

Polymer-graphene nanocarpets to electrify smart fabrics

Scientists have developed a method to modify graphene without destroying it, creating a stable structure called 'polymer carpets'. When exposed to light, these carpets generate current, making them suitable for use in solar batteries and flexible electronics.

SourceTomsk Polytechnic University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry C·DateApr 17, 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.

Safety concerns over tungsten

A recent study published in Communications Chemistry found that tungsten accumulates in specific regions of the bone, particularly in bone marrow and cancellous bone tissue. This accumulation raises concerns over the element's safety for human exposure, especially among young individuals.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateApr 17, 2018

Better species mapping can improve conservation efforts, study finds

A new study found that scientific models used to determine which species and habitats to protect lack critical information, leading to ineffective conservation efforts. The research highlights the need for more accurate species distribution models to target conservation efforts in areas with the most impact.

SourcePortland State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 17, 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.

Timing is everything: Researchers describe genetic clockwork in germ cell development

Geneticists at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg deciphered a central signalling pathway that encodes and controls the synchronisation of multiple processes during germ cell development in C. elegans. This process involves RNA-binding proteins and a MAP kinase signalling pathway, optimising germ cell production.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 16, 2018

Overdose antidote promotes stroke recovery in rats

Naloxone has been shown to reduce brain inflammation and improve neurological function in rats after a stroke, with a potential new treatment avenue for stroke patients. Further study is warranted to investigate naloxone's effectiveness in humans.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateApr 16, 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.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals and developmental effects

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals like DES can cause developmental effects in mouse seminal vesicles, affecting gene expression and DNA methylation. The study also reveals that estrogen receptor alpha plays a key role in mediating these effects.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 16, 2018

ASIP Gold-Headed Cane awarded to Janardan K. Reddy, MD

Janardan K. Reddy, a world-renowned pathologist, has been awarded the ASIP Gold-Headed Cane Award for his significant research contributions to liver biology, particularly peroxisomes and carcinogenesis. He is also recognized for his exceptional teaching and mentoring skills.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 16, 2018

Virtual contact lenses for radar satellites

The Technical University of Munich (TUM) has developed an adaptive algorithm called ALES+, which can accurately measure sea levels in both open and ice-covered ocean areas. This improvement enables researchers to track changes in sea level and ocean currents, crucial for understanding climate change.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·DateApr 16, 2018
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.

New disease model to facilitate development of ALS and MS therapies

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have created a new disease model for neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and MS using the TGF-β protein. This model shows that monocytes can transform into microglia-like cells in response to TGF-β, which could lead to the development of new immunotherapies for these devastating diseases.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Immunology·DateApr 16, 2018

'Marriage diversity' a must-have for rock bands to businesses

Michigan State University researchers discovered that having a blended mix of married and unmarried bandmates boosts creative success and innovation. Similarly, MBA students benefited from marital diversity, with its impact growing over time. This study highlights the benefits of lifestyle diversity in various groups.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalSmall Group Research·DateApr 16, 2018

Basel researchers succeed in cultivating cartilage from stem cells

Researchers at the University of Basel have developed a method to generate stable cartilage tissue from adult human mesenchymal stem cells by inhibiting specific signaling pathways. This breakthrough has significant implications for the treatment of joint diseases and injuries.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 16, 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.

Articles provide updated guidance to authors submitting to the British Journal of Pharmacology

The British Journal of Pharmacology has published updated guidance for authors on designing experiments, analyzing data, and presenting results. The editorials aim to improve reproducibility and transparency in preclinical research by providing approaches to data presentation and checklists for immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateApr 16, 2018

Some superconductors can also carry currents of 'spin'

Researchers have discovered a way to create superconducting materials that carry 'spin' currents, improving efficiency in high-performance computing. By aligning electron spins, they can generate pure spin supercurrents, which could use significantly less energy than current silicon-based electronics.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 16, 2018

'Mono' virus linked to 7 serious diseases

A new study found the Epstein-Barr virus is linked to seven serious diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), multiple sclerosis (MS), and type 1 diabetes. The virus affects nearly 8 million people in the US, highlighting a common cause of chronic illness.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 16, 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.

Self-regulation in children, adolescents

A systematic review of 49 randomized trials involving 23,098 participants found that various self-regulation interventions were effective in promoting emotional control, social skills, and learning. The review suggests that these programs can help maintain health and well-being throughout life.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateApr 16, 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.

Elevation in buildings can affect the decisions we make

A study by Sina Esteky found that people at higher elevations are more willing to take financial risks and engage in sensory risks. This effect is subconscious and disappears when participants are informed or unable to see their floor level.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateApr 16, 2018

Women remain less likely to receive high-intensity statins following heart attack

A recent study found that women are consistently less intensively treated with high-intensity statins after a heart attack, even when prescribed, and across various patient characteristics. This underutilization can lead to preventable vascular events, emphasizing the need for clinicians to communicate the benefits of these medications.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 16, 2018

Climate change mitigation project threatens local ecosystem resilience in Ethiopia

A new study from Stockholm University shows that prescribed burning in southern Ethiopia's tree heather heathlands maintains biodiversity and habitats for alpine plant species. The practice, which has been used for at least 2000 years, is recommended to be maintained but regulated to protect local ecosystems and societies.

SourceStockholm University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateApr 16, 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.

Portland State researchers chart a new way to look at concussion

A Portland State University research team published an interactive diagram and web-based presentation in Frontiers in Neurology, revealing the complex nature of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). The causal-loop diagram shows how specific variables interact to influence concussion recovery.

SourcePortland State University·JournalFrontiers in Neurology·DateApr 16, 2018

Hope for new treatment of severe epilepsy

Researchers at Lund University discovered a new approach to treat severe epilepsy by targeting a specific brain area, reducing seizure activity. This breakthrough method, using chemogenetics, may pave the way for improved treatment options for thousands of people in Sweden affected by the disease.

SourceLund University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 16, 2018

New study discovers cancer-relevant protein shield

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have identified a new protein shield called Shieldin that helps repair damaged DNA and affects resistance to PARP inhibitor drugs used for breast cancer treatment. This discovery may contribute to making decisions for treating cancer patients and understanding mechanisms of resistance.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalCell·DateApr 16, 2018

Man-made antibodies show promise in attacking cancer cells in animal models

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed man-made aptamers that target prostate cancer cells, killing them while leaving healthy tissue unscathed. The findings suggest that these molecules could form the basis of new cancer therapies if further studies bear out.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 16, 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.