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Science News Archive April 2018 - Page 23


Page 23 of 42

What's in a niche? Time to rethink microbial ecology, say researchers

Researchers are rethinking microbial ecology, arguing that niche is more important than names. Microbes have many ways to get energy, and co-exist in redundant systems. The study's findings have major implications for interpreting changes in microbial communities, predicting health, and understanding environmental perturbations.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateApr 16, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Bike paths for everyone -- except children

A Montreal bike path network expansion has left children without equal access despite increased growth between 1991 and 2016. Researchers warn that targeting cycling infrastructure for children is crucial for understanding the benefits of bicycling once they become adults.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalJournal of Transport Geography·DateApr 16, 2018

From insulator to conductor in a flash

Researchers have developed a method to rapidly transition strongly correlated materials from insulators to conductors using tailored laser pulses. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of next-generation electronics that are faster and more energy efficient.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 16, 2018

General aviation pilots struggle to interpret weather forecast and observation displays

A study by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University researchers found that general aviation pilots had difficulty understanding various types of weather information, including METAR reports and radar displays. The findings suggest that improved pilot training and more effective weather display designs could help advance aviation safety.

SourceEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical University·JournalThe International Journal of Aerospace Psychology·DateApr 16, 2018

Post-surgical opioids can, paradoxically, lead to chronic pain

A new study by the University of Colorado Boulder found that post-surgical opioids can lead to chronic pain in rats for more than three weeks. The researchers discovered that opioids stimulate specialized immune cells in the spinal cord, making them more reactive to pain, and that gradual tapering has no effect on the prolonged pain.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalAnesthesia & Analgesia·DateApr 16, 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.

Can FraudBuster help insurers use big data to combat fraud?

The FraudBuster approach uses proactive risk prediction at the underwriting stage to identify unprofitable drivers who are likely fraudulent risks. This novel method can help insurers reduce fraud in high-risk markets, such as the automobile insurance market.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBig Data·DateApr 16, 2018

Run faster, learn better

A new study found that faster mice run, the faster they learn. Researchers used mutant mice with reduced running speed to demonstrate the causal link between running speed and enhanced learning. They also showed that once learned, performance still depended on running speed.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 16, 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.

Study identifies more than a hundred new genes that determine hair color

A team of scientists discovered 124 genes involved in determining human hair color variation, explaining a substantial fraction of hair color variation and heritability. The new findings have implications for conditions linked to pigmentation, such as skin, testicular, prostate, and ovarian cancers.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 16, 2018

Logging in tropical forests jeopardizing drinking water

Researchers found that logging in Solomon Islands' tropical forests can lead to unsustainable soil erosion and significant impacts on downstream water quality. The study highlights the need for tighter regulations and local buy-in for forest management to protect biodiversity and ecosystem services.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateApr 16, 2018

Children infected with malaria parasites produce odor more attractive to mosquitoes

Research found that infected children produce distinctive chemical fingerprints in their skin odors, making them more attractive to malaria mosquitoes. The study identified key volatile chemicals, including aldehydes, which are detected by mosquitoes and increase attractiveness.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 16, 2018

Antimicrobial therapy can prevent sepsis in pneumonia patients

Researchers at the University of Leicester have found that antimicrobial therapy can prevent sepsis and life-threatening disease in people suffering from pneumonia. By targeting specific immune cells, this treatment can abort the phase of intracellular replication that protects bacteria from antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalNature Microbiology·DateApr 16, 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.

Photovoltaics, thermal stability, and power conversion

Researchers developed ultraflexible OPVs with increased PCE and thermal stability, achieving 80% of initial PCE at over 500 hours of continuous thermal stress. The devices exhibit improved thermal stability compared to current OPVs, enabling optimal performance for wearable sensors and electronic devices.

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

Reversing brain injury in newborns and adults

Researchers discovered a new molecule that blocks brain repair after injury, halting myelination and causing dramatic disruption to brain function. The molecule prevents the development of brain cells needed for repair, but FoxO3 may serve as a biomarker for its effects.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 16, 2018

Three-fold higher risk of cancer after acute thrombosis in the leg

A study published in Circulation found that patients with acute thrombosis in the leg are at a three-fold higher risk of developing cancer during the first six months after the blood clot. The risk is highest for smoking-related forms of cancer, such as lung and pancreatic cancer.

SourceAarhus University·JournalCirculation·DateApr 16, 2018

Malaria infection and human attractiveness to mosquitoes

A study reveals that malaria infection increases human attractiveness to mosquitoes, particularly due to skin chemistry changes such as elevated levels of heptanal and nonanal. This finding could illuminate aspects of malaria transmission and lead to the development of novel diagnostic biomarkers.

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

Climate and peatland initiation

Peatland initiation coincided with warming and increased precipitation, forming globally important carbon sinks. The study's findings have implications for future changes in peatland distribution.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

Study shows fast-acting benefits of ketamine for depression and suicidality

A new study found that a nasal spray formulation of ketamine significantly improves depression scores and decreases suicidal ideation within four hours. However, the effects were not sustained at 25 days. The researchers call for additional research on the potential for abuse and the need for effective controls.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateApr 16, 2018

FCC awarded the 2018 INFORMS Edelman Award, the leading award in analytics and O.R.

The FCC's innovative two-sided Incentive Auction successfully repurposed TV spectrum to create a revolutionary approach to wireless communication. The auction raised nearly $20 billion and contributed over $7 billion to reduce the federal deficit, while also saving an estimated $200 million in relocation costs for TV stations.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·DateApr 16, 2018

Drowsy driving in the ridesharing industry is a public safety risk

Ridesharing companies' limits on driving time are considered insufficient by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, as drivers often work multiple jobs or drive late at night. The organization is calling for a collaborative effort to address fatigue and sleepiness in the industry.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateApr 16, 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.

Oregon scientists decipher the magma bodies under Yellowstone

Using computer modeling, University of Oregon scientists have unveiled a thick crustal transition zone that may control the movement of magma emerging from the Earth's mantle. This discovery provides a new explanation for the geology underlying recent seismic imaging of magma bodies below Yellowstone National Park.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 16, 2018

Once upon a time, an exoplanet was discovered

The discovery of 51 Pegasi b marked a significant milestone in the search for exoplanets, with Michel Mayor and his colleague Queloz credited with the groundbreaking find. The development of better telescopes enabled this achievement, contributing to a new community of researchers exploring this field.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal H·DateApr 16, 2018

Lack of sleep leads to obesity in children and adolescents

Research at the University of Warwick has found that children and adolescents who regularly sleep less than others of the same age gain more weight when they grow older and are more likely to become overweight or obese. The study suggests that getting enough sleep is equally important as healthy eating and exercise in preventing obesity.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalSLEEP·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.

First an alga, then a squid, enigmatic fossil is actually a fish

A 1.5-foot-long fossil slab, misidentified twice, has been reinterpreted as a large cartilaginous fish with characteristics similar to sharks and rays. The study suggests the fish lived between 70-85 million years ago and expands the diversity of the Niobrara fauna.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalJournal of Paleontology·DateApr 16, 2018

We think we're the first advanced earthlings -- but how do we really know?

Researchers Adam Frank and Gavin Schmidt propose a new definition of civilization based on its energy use, exploring the potential for detection in the geological record. They discuss various signs left behind by industrial activities, such as fossil fuel emissions and global warming, to determine if human beings existed.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalInternational Journal of Astrobiology·DateApr 16, 2018

Depression study pinpoints genes that may trigger the condition

A recent study has pinpointed nearly 80 genes that may contribute to depression, providing new insights into the causes of mental ill-health. The research, published in Nature Communications, analyzed genetic data from over half a million people and found links to synapse function.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 16, 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.

Engineering a plastic-eating enzyme

Scientists at the University of Portsmouth and NREL have engineered an enzyme that can break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics, a major contributor to ocean pollution. The discovery could lead to a recycling solution for millions of tons of plastic waste.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 16, 2018

A foodborne illness outbreak could cost a restaurant millions, study suggests

A single foodborne outbreak could cost a restaurant millions of dollars in lost revenue, fines, lawsuits, legal fees, insurance premium increases, inspection costs and staff retraining. Foodborne illness outbreaks can have large, reverberating consequences regardless of the size of the restaurant.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPublic Health Reports·DateApr 16, 2018

Two robots are better than one for NIST's 5G antenna measurement research

The Large Antenna Positioning System (LAPS) has been developed by NIST to measure transmissions to and from antennas on fast-moving mobile devices, requiring coordination between communication signals and robot motion. The system will help foster the development of 5G wireless and spectrum-sharing systems.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateApr 16, 2018

When nuclei catch up with electrons

Researchers at ETH Zurich found that ionization delays in molecules can significantly depend on the kinetic energy of both the photoelectron and the nuclei. This study extends the concept of ionization delays introduced for atomic systems, showing that variations can be as large as those with electronic kinetic energy.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalNature Physics·DateApr 16, 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.

How does one prepare for adverse weather events? Depends on your past experiences

A new study published in Risk Analysis: An International Journal reveals that individuals' past tornado experiences significantly impact their perception of future tornado risks. The research found that memorable past experiences shape people's fear, dread, worry, and depression, while multiple experiences influence their belief that t...

SourceSociety for Risk Analysis·JournalRisk Analysis·DateApr 16, 2018

Music intensifies effects of anti-hypertensive medication

A study found that listening to music after taking anti-hypertensive medication improves heart rate variability and reduces blood pressure. The effects were observed for about an hour after medication administration, with classical music shown to activate the parasympathetic nervous system.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 16, 2018

Warming planet led to peatland formation

Researchers found that higher local summer temperatures drove peatland formation in formerly glaciated regions, not increased rainfall. Peatlands store vast quantities of carbon and are sensitive to climate change.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·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.

Trial reveals differences in pain-relieving drugs when combined with aspirin

A substudy of the PRECISION trial found that adding aspirin to celecoxib reduced its cardiovascular safety advantage, while maintaining fewer GI problems and kidney issues compared to ibuprofen. Celecoxib remained associated with better overall outcomes in patients taking aspirin.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 16, 2018

UH researcher to produce next generation of Hispanic obesity educators

Norma Olvera, a UH health education professor, has received $297,385 from the USDA to train the next generation of Hispanic obesity educators. The three-year project will recruit 36 students from three Hispanic-serving institutions and provide them with career development training in community nutrition and public health.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateApr 16, 2018

How our senses connect with the stress system

Early life stress may affect mental health through epigenetic changes in both stress-related and sensory networks. This new hypothesis proposes that glucocorticoids prime the epigenetic machinery while neural activation coordinates programming mechanisms.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Genomics·DateApr 16, 2018

Altered immune cells clear childhood brain tumor in mice

Researchers at Stanford Medicine have developed a CAR-T therapy that eradicates diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) tumors in mice, leaving few residual cancer cells. The treatment targets the GD2 sugar molecule on DIPG tumors and has shown promising results, but side effects such as brain swelling must be carefully managed.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateApr 16, 2018

Drug reduces size of some lung cancer tumors, relapse rate after surgery

A new drug treatment has shown major tumor responses in early stage lung cancer patients before surgery, resulting in fewer relapses. The study found that providing the anti-PD-1 drug nivolumab before surgery increased anti-tumor T-cells that remained after the tumor was removed.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 16, 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.

Screenings miss half of diabetic, prediabetic patients

A new Northwestern Medicine study shows that screenings for diabetes and prediabetes could be improved by expanding the screening criteria to include additional risk factors. This would lead to the identification of most cases of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, with only 23% of patients being missed.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateApr 16, 2018

Surviving climate change, then and now

Researchers analyzed ancient tools, ornaments, and human remains to find that early Homo sapiens adapted to climate change by staying interconnected. The study found that a vast social network helped these ancestors survive a volcanic eruption 40,000 years ago and potentially inform our response to modern global warming.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Quaternary Science·DateApr 16, 2018

Warming climate could speed forest regrowth in eastern US

A new study suggests that warmer temperatures will speed up the transition from field to forest in the eastern US, leading to increased carbon sequestration. This could result in more rapidly growing forests replacing weeds and grasses, but also raises concerns about the impact of droughts on tree growth.

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

Freeing electrons to better trap them

Researchers at UNIGE and MBI successfully place an electron in a dual state, neither free nor bound, and regulate its electronic structure. They also discover that high-intensity lasers can amplify light, enabling new possibilities for intense laser propagation in gases.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Physics·DateApr 16, 2018

UTSA Open Cloud Institute supports cloud research & launches certificate program

The UTSA Open Cloud Institute is supporting collaborative R&D partnerships and creating educational opportunities through a $200,000 grant program. The institute is also launching a graduate-level certificate program in cloud computing to incorporate cloud expertise into engineering, computer science, and cybersecurity degrees.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateApr 16, 2018

Position statement: Avoid using medical marijuana to treat sleep apnea

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine advises against using medical marijuana to treat sleep apnea due to unreliable delivery methods and insufficient evidence on its effectiveness and safety. Effective treatments like CPAP therapy are available from licensed medical providers.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateApr 16, 2018