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Science News Archive April 2018 - Page 28


Page 28 of 42
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nature-based solutions can prevent $50 billion in Gulf Coast flood damages

A new study reveals that restoring coastal wetlands and oyster reefs can significantly reduce flood risks on the US Gulf Coast, with potential benefits exceeding $7 in direct flood-reduction benefits for every $1 spent on restoration. Nature-based solutions can be more cost-effective than traditional 'gray' measures like seawalls.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 11, 2018

Stronger evidence for a weaker Atlantic overturning

The Atlantic overturning has slowed down by 15% since the middle of the 20th century due to human-caused global warming. This weakening causes widespread cooling in the northern Atlantic and shifts the Gulf Stream northwards.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature·DateApr 11, 2018

Fossil study sheds light on ancient butterfly wing colors

A team of researchers has discovered new evidence for color in Mesozoic fossils, revealing that intricate microstructures created the metallic bronze to golden colors found on ancient butterfly wings. This study extends the evidence for light-scattering structures in insect fossil records by over 130 million years.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 11, 2018

Thyroid tumors in Alaska natives are larger and more advanced at diagnosis

A new study of 45 years reveals that Alaska Natives have a similar incidence of thyroid cancer as the U.S. white population, but their tumors tend to be larger and have spread beyond a localized area. The study suggests that differences in access to healthcare may contribute to these discrepancies.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThyroid·DateApr 11, 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.

Faba fix for corn's nitrogen need

Researchers found that faba bean cover crops can add a significant amount of nitrogen to the soil, reducing the need for commercial fertilizer by up to half. The timing and management of faba bean residues also play a crucial role in maximizing the benefits of this practice.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateApr 11, 2018

Brain activity can predict success of depression treatment

Researchers at McLean Hospital have identified a method to predict depressed patients' treatment prognosis by analyzing brain activity in the rostral anterior cingulate cortex. The study showed that patients with higher activity before treatment are more likely to respond positively, allowing clinicians to tailor treatment approaches.

SourceMcLean Hospital·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateApr 11, 2018

Research brief: Vaccines to treat opioid abuse and prevent fatal overdoses

Researchers have developed vaccines against heroin and prescription opioids that target the brain's opioid receptors, preventing addiction-relevant behaviors. The vaccines appear safe and effective in blocking opioid distribution to the brain, potentially helping prevent fatal overdoses.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalJournal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics·DateApr 11, 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.

Does age at menopause affect memory?

A study of over 1,300 women found that entering menopause at a later age was associated with better verbal memory skills. After adjusting for other factors, the researchers found a small but significant difference in memory scores, recalling an average of 0.09 additional words per year.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 11, 2018

Double hit on melanoma unlocks barrier to immunotherapy

A study published in Science Translational Medicine reveals that macrophages suppress the activity of CD8 T cells, a type of immune cell that recognizes and kills melanoma cells. By disrupting macrophages, researchers found improved efficacy for immunotherapy in experimental models of melanoma.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 11, 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.

3-D printed active metamaterials for sound and vibration control

The new 3D printed metamaterials, developed by researchers at the University of Southern California, can block sound waves and mechanical vibrations remotely using a magnetic field. They have the potential to be used for noise cancellation, vibration control, and sonic cloaking.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 11, 2018

Study explores new strategy to develop a malaria vaccine

Researchers at Yale University have developed a serum that reduces malaria infection in mice by targeting a protein in the saliva of infected mosquitoes. The novel approach could potentially be used to enhance existing malaria vaccines and has implications for other mosquito-borne infections.

SourceYale University·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateApr 11, 2018

Specific bacteria in the small intestine are crucial for fat absorption

A new study found that specific bacteria in the small intestine play a key role in fat absorption and digestion, with certain microbes multiplying in response to high-fat foods. The findings suggest that these microbes facilitate the production and secretion of digestive enzymes, enabling rapid absorption of calorie-dense foods.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateApr 11, 2018

Student class engagement soars when they use personal data to learn

A Brigham Young University study found that students who analyzed their own microbiome data spent 31% more time on coursework and reported increased confidence in scientific reasoning abilities. This approach may increase student engagement in science education, inspiring lifelong learning.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 11, 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.

Babies make the link between vocal and facial emotion

Researchers from UNIGE found that six-month-old babies can differentiate between happiness and anger based on voices and facial expressions. The study, published in PLOS ONE, shows that babies look longer at an angry face with a happy voice than at a neutral face or one expressing anger.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 11, 2018

US public companies have increasingly shorter lifespans, IU research says

Research from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business found that US publicly listed companies' chances of surviving over five years have declined significantly since the 1960s. The study suggests that traditional views on company age may no longer predict organizational success, as organizations become increasingly temporary.

SourceIndiana University·JournalAcademy of Management Annals·DateApr 11, 2018

Scientists discover a role for 'junk' DNA

Researchers found that satellite DNA, once thought to be 'junk,' is essential for holding the genome together and ensuring cell survival. This conserved function is critical for chromosomes to bundle correctly inside the nucleus.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateApr 11, 2018

Mutant ferrets offer clues to human brain size

Researchers created a genetically engineered ferret with a mutation linked to abnormally small human brain size, revealing an evolutionary mechanism governing cerebral cortical size. The study suggests that genes responsible for centriole function played a crucial role in the expansion of human brains over time.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateApr 11, 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.

Personalized tumor vaccine shows promise in pilot trial

A new type of cancer vaccine made from patients' own immune cells has yielded promising results in an initial clinical trial. The vaccine triggers a broad anti-tumor T-cell response, with half of the vaccinated patients showing signs of improved survival and one patient remaining disease-free for five years.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 11, 2018

It's not your fitness tracker -- it's you

A recent study published by the University of Southern California found that people from different countries have vastly different perceptions of their physical activity. The study, which tracked participants in the US, Netherlands, and England, revealed that Americans tend to overestimate their activity levels while Europeans underest...

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateApr 11, 2018

The neural circuitry of parental behavior

Researchers have identified a network of brain cells that orchestrate parental behavior in mice, including hormonal changes and altered social behaviors. The discovery could one day help develop treatments for postpartum depression and other related conditions.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateApr 11, 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.

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.

The dinosaur menu, as revealed by calcium

Researchers studied fossilized remains from Morocco and Niger to reconstruct the past's food chains, explaining how large predators coexisted. Calcium isotope analysis showed that carnivores shared resources by subtly hunting different prey types, such as herbivorous dinosaurs or fish.

SourceCNRS·DateApr 11, 2018

Swansea scientists discover greener way of making plastics

Researchers at Swansea University's Energy Safety Research Institute have found a way to convert CO2 into ethylene, the basis of making plastics, at room temperature. This process has the potential to offset global carbon emissions and utilise half a billion tonnes of emitted CO2 annually.

SourceSwansea University·JournalACS Catalysis·DateApr 11, 2018

New bioinformatics tool identifies and classifies CRISPR-Cas systems

A new bioinformatics tool, CRISPRdisco, has been developed to identify and classify CRISPR-Cas systems in genome assemblies. The software detects CRISPR repeats and accurately assigns class, type, and subtypes, enabling researchers to distinguish between complete and incomplete CRISPR systems.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe CRISPR Journal·DateApr 11, 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.

Scientists find excess mitochondrial iron, Huntington's disease link

Researchers found mice engineered with Huntington's disease have excessive mitochondrial iron accumulation, leading to dysfunction and neuronal death. This study identifies a pathway for the neurodegenerative disease and has implications for related disorders like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalFree Radical Biology and Medicine·DateApr 11, 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.

Do Democratic and Republican doctors treat patients differently at the end of life?

A new Harvard Medical School study published in The BMJ found that a doctor's political affiliation has no bearing on clinical decisions at the end of life. Despite previous research suggesting personal beliefs influence decisions, this analysis of nearly 1.5 million Medicare beneficiaries reveals no differences in treatment patterns b...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalThe BMJ·DateApr 11, 2018

From property damage to lost production: How natural disasters impact economics

The study highlights how natural disasters can disrupt industries and regions, causing significant economic losses. Intersectoral and interregional linkages contribute to these losses, which can be up to 50-70% of standard estimates for major metropolitan areas.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalEarth System Dynamics·DateApr 11, 2018

ACMG Foundation announces recipients of 2018 Shire/ACMG Foundation Next Generation Awards

The ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine announced four recipients of the 2018 Shire/ACMG Foundation Next Generation Fellowship Awards. These awards provide funding for clinical genetics and genomics residency fellowships as well as medical biochemical genetics specialty fellowships, supporting training in medical genetics.

SourceAmerican College of Medical Genetics and Genomics·DateApr 11, 2018

Snowfall patterns may provide clues to Greenland Ice Sheet

A new study from University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists describes a method using cloud characteristics to quantify snowfall on the Greenland Ice Sheet. The research found two distinct cloud types producing snow at Summit Station, with mixed-phase clouds accounting for 51% of snow accumulation.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateApr 11, 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.

Scientists to build the avian tree of life

Scientists are creating a comprehensive evolutionary tree of over 10,000 bird species using cutting-edge technologies and public data release. The OpenWings project will provide unparalleled insights into avian diversity and evolution.

SourceLouisiana State University·DateApr 11, 2018

'Everything-repellent' coating could kidproof phones, homes

A new 'omniphobic' coating repels liquids, including oil and alcohol, while remaining clear and durable. The coating could be used in various industries, including childcare, refrigeration and power generation, to increase efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 11, 2018

Biodiversity: All the colors of the rainbow

Researchers have discovered three new species of chameleons in Madagascar, showcasing the island's extraordinary biodiversity. The newly found Calumma uetzi features vibrant display colors when males interact with females, while a second species, Calumma juliae, is found only in a protected forest fragment under threat from deforestation.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateApr 11, 2018

Plants 'hedge their bets' in germination: The route to better crop yields

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have discovered a way for plants to 'hedge their bets' by germinating seeds at different times, reducing variability in agriculture. By understanding this process, farmers may be able to increase potential yields and address agronomic challenges.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateApr 11, 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.

Prototype of most advanced quantum memory presented by two Kazan universities

Researchers from Kazan Federal University and Kazan Quantum Center have developed a multiresonator broadband quantum memory-interface with a record-breaking 16.3% efficiency at room temperature. The innovation has the potential to create universal memory solutions for quantum computers on superconducting qubits.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 11, 2018

Synchrotron science could give soybeans a boost

Scientists have gained insight into how soil bacteria sense oxygen levels, which could help develop new treatments for promoting crop growth and tackling disease. The findings focus on the FixL/FixJ protein system in soybean nodule bacteria, essential for nitrogen supply.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalScience Signaling·DateApr 11, 2018

Repeat spawning comes with tradeoffs for trout

Steelhead trout that spawn multiple times have higher lifetime reproductive success, but at the cost of increased mortality and energy expenditure. The study found that single spawners die after reproduction, while repeat spawners save energy for later migrations.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 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.