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Science News Archive April 2018 - Page 30


Page 30 of 42

Research gives new understanding of 17th century Scottish natural history

A new study re-examines a 17th-century Scottish natural history book, revealing insights into the country's pre-industrial environmental change. The research, published in the Royal Society Journal of the History of Science, highlights Scotland's lost wildlife species and its ecosystem's preservation of ancient species.

SourceSwansea University·JournalNotes and Records the Royal Society Journal of the History of Science·DateApr 11, 2018

NIH researchers crack mystery behind rare bone disorder

Researchers have identified the genetic basis of melorheostosis, a rare bone disorder characterized by excess bone formation resembling dripping candle wax. The study found that mutations in the MAP2K1 gene were responsible for the condition, offering potential treatment targets and insights into bone development.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases·JournalNature Communications·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.

Baby fish led astray by high CO2 in oceans

Researchers found that baby fish are deterred by natural sounds in their habitats due to ocean acidification, and instead attracted to 'white noise' from irrelevant habitats. This could lead to smaller population sizes and impacts on commercial fisheries.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 11, 2018

Atlantic Ocean circulation at weakest point in more than 1,500 years

New research shows Atlantic Ocean circulation has weakened by 15-20% since the mid-1800s, posing a threat to weather patterns and sea levels. The weakening of the Global Ocean Conveyor Belt could disrupt climate regulation and lead to more rapid sea level rise on the US East Coast.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalNature·DateApr 11, 2018

Why do some children read more?

A study of over 11,000 twins found that children's reading level is highly heritable and determines their reading habits. The research highlights the importance of improving both reading skills and motivation to combat a cycle where children avoid reading due to difficulties.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateApr 11, 2018

Most primitive kangaroo ancestor rediscovered after 30 years in obscurity

Scientists have identified the most primitive kangaroo ancestor, Palaeopotorous priscus, which lived around 24 million years ago and was similar to living rat-kangaroos. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of modern kangaroos and their adaptations for hopping gaits.

SourceUppsala University·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateApr 11, 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.

Scientists discover first subglacial lakes in Canadian Arctic

Two newly discovered subglacial lakes beneath the Devon Ice Cap in the Canadian Arctic are thought to be the first isolated hypersaline lakes in the world. The lakes, containing water four to five times saltier than seawater, exist at temperatures below freezing and have the potential to support microbial life.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 11, 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.

A cosmic gorilla effect could blind the detection of aliens

Scientists warn that human brains may be overlooking signs of extraterrestrial life due to cognitive biases. Researchers conducted an experiment where participants failed to detect artificial structures in images, mirroring the famous gorilla suit test.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalActa Astronautica·DateApr 10, 2018

Genetic screening tool identifies how the flu infiltrates cells

Researchers developed a genetic screening tool that identified two key genes, SLC35A1 and CIC, that enable the influenza virus to infect human lung cells. The study found that modifying these genes can make cells resistant to the flu, which could lead to new antiviral drug targets.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 10, 2018

Scientists discover a link between superconductivity and the periodic table

Researchers at Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and Skoltech have discovered a general principle for calculating the superconductivity of hydrides based on the periodic table. High-temperature superconductivity is achieved in substances containing metal atoms that come close to populating a new electronic subshell, resulting ...

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateApr 10, 2018

Large-scale study links PCOS to mental health disorders

A large-scale study finds that women with PCOS are prone to mental health disorders and their children have a greater risk of developing ADHD and autism spectrum disorders. The study suggests that women with PCOS should be screened for mental health disorders to improve their quality of life.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 10, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists uncover details of viral infections that drive environmental, human health

Researchers from Ohio State University have discovered that viral infections can affect nutrient turnover, health, and disease in bacteria commonly found in the environment. The study highlights the importance of understanding these interactions to improve environmental preservation and human health, potentially leading to new ways to ...

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateApr 10, 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.

Mini toolkit for measurements: New NIST chip hints at quantum sensors of the future

Researchers at NIST developed a miniature chip that uses laser light to measure quantities like length with quantum precision. The design packs the atom cloud and structures for guiding light waves into less than 1 square centimeter, achieving a hundredfold increase in measurement precision compared to other devices.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalOptica·DateApr 10, 2018

NASA's GPM sees Keni following Tropical Cyclone Josie's track

Tropical Cyclone Keni has formed in the South Pacific Ocean, with NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission (GPM) detecting heavy rainfall. The storm is tracking southeastward at 25 knots, expected to weaken and begin extratropical transition by April 11.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 10, 2018

Paralyzed patient feels sensation again

Researchers at Caltech have successfully induced natural sensations in a paralyzed man by stimulating his somatosensory cortex with tiny arrays of electrodes. The study could enable people with prosthetic limbs to feel physical feedback from sensors.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·DateApr 10, 2018

Nanoparticles for lung cancer pass next test

Researchers developed nanoparticles that deliver microRNA-29b to lung tumors, potentially improving treatment outcomes. The technology overcomes limitations of traditional delivery methods and demonstrates promising results in mouse models.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalMolecular Pharmaceutics·DateApr 10, 2018

New study shows invasive Chinese privet can be well controlled with lower concentrations of herbicide

Researchers have developed an alternative approach to controlling invasive Chinese privet, achieving great control with much less herbicide than typically used. The study found that a 25% concentration of glyphosate or triclopyr is sufficient for effective control, and timing also plays a crucial role in the process.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalInvasive Plant Science and Management·DateApr 10, 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.

Life expectancy significantly worse in deprived areas

New research from Cass Business School finds life expectancy and health outcomes worsen with deprivation, with men more adversely impacted. The study also reveals a widening gap between rich and poor, with top five districts in Northern England being the most deprived.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·DateApr 10, 2018

Biomarker panel can guide treatment of brain cancer

Researchers have identified seven biomarkers that can predict which glioma patients will progress to a more aggressive form of the disease. A biomarker panel could help physicians decide whether more aggressive treatment is necessary to prevent progression.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 10, 2018

Experience of black doctoral students underscores need for diversity in STEM

A six-year study by Iowa State University researchers found black doctoral students in STEM fields face structural racism, leading to unfair treatment, isolation and strain. The study highlights the need for diversity in STEM fields to broaden participation and increase representation.

SourceIowa State University·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·DateApr 10, 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.

Impact of Medicare annual wellness visit on detection of cognitive impairment is minimal

A nationwide study found that Medicare's Annual Wellness Visit has only a minimal effect on early identification of cognitive impairment and subsequent care. The visit did lead to increased use of laboratory tests for thyroid dysfunction and vitamin B deficiency, which may be related to reversible causes of cognitive impairment.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 10, 2018

Does physical activity influence the health of future offspring?

Researchers found that physical and mental exercise improves learning ability and reduces disease risk in mice, with the effect being passed on to the next generation through epigenetic inheritance. The study identified two microRNA molecules, miRNA212 and miRNA132, as responsible for this inherited learning capacity.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 10, 2018

US FDA sodium reformulation targets projected to save lives and costs

A modeling study estimates that US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sodium reformulation targets will reduce cardiovascular disease cases, saving lives and costs. The study projects a gain of approximately 1.1 million discounted quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and $19 billion in societal costs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 10, 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.

Even short travel can spread colistin-resistant bacteria

Researchers at Osaka University found that short trips to developing countries significantly increase the appearance of colistin-resistant bacteria in Japanese travelers. The study tracked 19 participants who traveled for less than 2 weeks and discovered nearly 90% of travel events resulted in resistant strains.

SourceOsaka University·JournalInfection and Drug Resistance·DateApr 10, 2018

Springer launches Journal for STEM Education Research

The Journal for STEM Education Research is a subscription-based, open-access journal focusing on students' cognitive and non-cognitive development in STEM education. It explores learning environments and pedagogies to facilitate student learning and development.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal for STEM Education Research·DateApr 10, 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.

When enemies come to help

Crab spiders aid buckler-mustard plants by eliminating plant-eating insects and their larvae. This unexpected alliance benefits the plant, as it increases the production of floral volatile that attracts beneficial spiders.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 10, 2018

Lack of vegetable choices in infant and toddler food is widespread

A new study reveals that only 52 out of 548 infant and toddler foods sold in the US contain single-vegetable products, with dark green vegetables being largely absent. This lack of variety may contribute to low vegetable consumption rates among children.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateApr 10, 2018

Birds migrate away from diseases

Researchers at Lund University found that migratory birds have a less variable immune system than sedentary birds, possibly due to the reduced diversity of pathogens in their breeding grounds. This adaptation could provide a survival advantage, as dealing with multiple pathogens is often difficult for birds when they first encounter them.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateApr 10, 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.

Making computer animation more agile, acrobatic -- and realistic

Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a method using deep reinforcement learning to create realistic computer animations. The system, dubbed DeepMimic, can simulate various skills, including acrobatic feats like break dancing and martial arts, and respond naturally to changes in the environment.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateApr 10, 2018

Bugs, microbes and death can inform the living

A study from Michigan State University reveals the postmortem microbiome provides crucial insights into public health, with consistent patterns regardless of factors like sex or ethnicity. The research also suggests that the microbiome can be used to assess health conditions, such as heart disease, in living populations.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 10, 2018

New class of drugs could help tackle treatment-resistant cancers

Researchers have discovered a new class of drug that targets treatment-resistant cancers by inhibiting the action of enzyme CDK7. Early lab-based tests showed minimal side effects and successful suppression of tumour growth in various cancer types.

SourceImperial College London·JournalMolecular Cancer Therapeutics·DateApr 10, 2018

Weight loss is an important predictor of cancer

Research analysis found unintended weight loss to be the second-highest risk factor for some forms of cancer. The study of 11.5 million patients revealed significant associations with colorectal, lung, pancreatic, and renal cancers, emphasizing the need for streamlined services to investigate non-specific symptoms like weight loss.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·DateApr 10, 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.

Researchers inaugurate a new era of precision antimatter studies

Researchers from Swansea University have conducted the most precise direct measurement of antimatter ever made, revealing the spectral structure of antihydrogen atoms in unprecedented detail. The result surpasses previous measurements by a factor of 100, bringing us closer to testing fundamental symmetries like CPT invariance.

SourceSwansea University·JournalNature·DateApr 10, 2018

Using 'smart' algorithm to save energy bills -- rain or shine

A new 'smart' algorithm is proposed to manage household energy usage, taking into account varying power sources like windmills and solar panels. The goal is to minimize costs while meeting energy demand, with the potential for future optimization through machine learning.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateApr 10, 2018

How intestinal bacteria can affect your blood sugar and lipid levels

Changes in intestinal bacteria have been linked to metabolic diseases such as diabetes and dyslipidemia. A study found that antibiotic-induced dysbiosis can decrease blood glucose and triglyceride levels, highlighting the potential for targeting intestinal bacteria to prevent or treat these conditions.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 10, 2018

School-based yoga can help children better manage stress and anxiety

A new study published in Psychology Research and Behavior Management found that school-based yoga can help children better manage stress and anxiety. Third-graders who participated in small group yoga/mindfulness activities for eight weeks showed improved psychosocial and emotional quality of life scores compared to their peers who rec...

SourceTulane University·JournalPsychology Research and Behavior Management·DateApr 10, 2018

Tiny injectable sensor could provide unobtrusive, long-term alcohol monitoring

Engineers at the University of California San Diego developed a miniature biosensor that can be implanted under the skin to track alcohol levels continuously. The chip consumes ultra-low power and is powered wirelessly by a wearable device, making it suitable for long-term monitoring in substance abuse treatment programs.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateApr 10, 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.

Later school start times really do improve sleep time

A new study found that delaying school start times by 45 minutes results in students getting more sleep and feeling better. In Singapore, where students are driven to trade sleep for academic success, the study showed a significant increase in time-in-bed and improvement in mental health, prosocial behavior, and attentiveness.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalSLEEP·DateApr 10, 2018

NREL opens large database of inorganic thin-film materials

The High Throughput Experimental Materials (HTEM) Database contains detailed properties and synthesis conditions of inorganic materials, accelerating material science advancement globally. NREL's large-scale database makes it easier for researchers without expensive equipment to explore new materials.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalScientific Data·DateApr 10, 2018

Scientists record brain activity of free-flying bats

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University developed a way to study the brain of a bat as it flies, recording brain activity for the first time in naturally behaving animals. The team observed bursts of activity in midbrain cells as the bat shifted attention, providing insights into how brains process information in real-world situations.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateApr 10, 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.

Sex and race disparities in cardiovascular health could be reduced

A recent study found significant sex and racial gaps in cardiac rehabilitation referral at hospital discharge, with females and minority groups receiving lower rates. By increasing referrals, long-term mortality could be reduced by up to 40% for women and 25-38% for African-American, Hispanic, and Asian patients

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateApr 10, 2018

Social manufacturing to meet the need of picky and innovative 'prosumers'

Researchers propose social manufacturing as an innovative solution for the personalized customization era, allowing consumers to participate in the design and production process. This approach can reduce material waste and energy consumption while satisfying both material and spiritual needs.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateApr 10, 2018

Study identifies new molecular target for treating deadly lung disease IPF

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have identified a new molecular target, FOXF1, that slows or stops idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in preclinical laboratory tests. The study found that FOXF1 inhibits IPF disease process by regulating genes involved in lung scarring and inflammation.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 10, 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.