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Science News Archive April 2018 - Page 36


Page 36 of 42

Older adults grow just as many new brain cells as young people

Researchers have found that older adults can produce thousands of new hippocampal neurons, similar to younger individuals, which may suggest that senior citizens remain more cognitively intact than believed. However, they also had less vascularization and reduced connections between new neurons.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 5, 2018

Freed from the rocky constraints of bedrock, nitrogen supports life

A recent study by Benjamin Houlton et al. suggests that weathered bedrock is a significant source of nitrogen in terrestrial ecosystems, releasing 11-18 teragrams annually and rivaling atmospheric contributions. This finding has important implications for understanding the carbon cycle and global climate change.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 5, 2018

Negative fateful life events and the brains of middle-aged men

Researchers found that major adverse events like divorce or death of a family member can measurably accelerate brain aging in older men. The study used MRI scans to assess brain volume and cortical thickness, predicting brain age difference based on life-changing events.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNeurobiology of Aging·DateApr 5, 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.

More dairy associated with higher bone density and greater spine strength in men over 50

Research found that higher dairy consumption is associated with improved volumetric bone mineral density and vertebral strength in men aged 50 and above. The study also showed positive associations between cream intake and bone health in women, although results were less significant compared to men.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateApr 5, 2018

Eating less enables lemurs to live longer

A study on grey mouse lemurs found that chronic caloric restriction increased their median survival time to 9.6 years, compared to 6.4 years in control groups. Calorie restriction also delayed the onset of age-related pathologies and preserved motor capacities.

SourceCNRS·JournalCommunications Biology·DateApr 5, 2018

Tracking Aedes mosquito invasions in Panama

Researchers tracked Aedes mosquito invasions in Panama, finding evidence of multiple invasions via land and sea. The study revealed high genetic diversity in central Panama, suggesting transport networks facilitate the mixing of different molecular lineages.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 5, 2018

Carbon taxes can be both fair and effective, study shows

A study by researchers at MIT and NREL found that carbon taxes can be an effective way to curb emissions of greenhouse gases. The analysis showed that depending on the exact mechanism chosen, such a tax can also be fair and not hurt low-income households. The most efficient way to achieve reductions in terms of overall impact on the ec...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalClimate Change Economics·DateApr 5, 2018

New immunotherapy for lung cancer shows promise of success

A clinical trial has shown that a combination of checkpoint inhibitors and an immune stimulation drug can control the progression of non-small cell lung cancer. The treatment was administered in an outpatient setting and demonstrated significant prolonged survival in patients.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateApr 5, 2018
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Green technologies environmentally and profit friendly

A new study by Terence Saldanha at Washington State University suggests that investing in green technologies can lead to increased energy conservation efforts and profits for companies. The research highlights the importance of timing and technology investments in achieving these benefits.

SourceWashington State University·JournalProduction and Operations Management·DateApr 5, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

It's all about the (stem cell) neighborhood

Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have identified key regulators of the intestinal stem cell niche, including hormones R-spondins and Wnts. The team's study shows that subepithelial myofibroblasts are essential sources of these hormones, highlighting the close interaction between epithelial stem cells and their niche.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2018

Diabetes: A new insight of the protective role of estrogens

Estrogen supplementation may prevent type 2 diabetes incidence by regulating glucagon and GLP1 hormones, according to a new study published in JCI Insight. The research highlights the protective role of oestrogens on type 2 diabetes incidence, particularly in post-menopausal women.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJCI Insight·DateApr 5, 2018

What is the best way to treat infected hip replacements?

A recent study has found that treating an infected hip replacement in a single stage procedure may be as effective or better than the widely used two-stage procedure. The one-stage revision strategy is shown to have advantages for patients, including shorter hospital stays and reduced functional impairment. However, further research is...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEuropean Journal of Epidemiology·DateApr 5, 2018

Bonobos share and share alike

Researchers observed bonobos sharing meat across community borders for the first time, demonstrating cooperative behavior and social structure dominance by females. The study provides insights into how our last common ancestor may have acted when dividing food with others, shedding light on human origins.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Nature·DateApr 5, 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.

ASU online science course brings to life a new way of teaching

The study found that the student-centered design resulted in high course grades and demonstrable mastery of content. The course uses Smart Sparrow's learning platform to access learner analytics, enabling instructors to make rapid design improvements.

SourceArizona State University·JournalAstrobiology·DateApr 5, 2018

Identifying what makes a faster typist

Researchers analyzed 136 million keystrokes from 168,000 volunteers to identify what makes a faster typist. The study found that the fastest typists use rollover typing, where they press the next key before the previous one is released, and display different typing styles.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·DateApr 5, 2018

A vaccine for edible plants? A new plant protection method on the horizon

A new collaborative project has developed an RNA-based vaccine for protecting plants against diseases and pests, providing a promising environmentally friendly solution. The vaccine triggers RNA interference, which prevents pest gene expression without affecting the plant's own genes.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateApr 5, 2018

Web-based program may help address underage drinking

A new study found that a brief, web-based program is effective in delaying drinking initiation among female ninth-grade students. The program was more effective than traditional education when combined with personalized feedback.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Addictions & Offender Counseling·DateApr 5, 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.

NUS engineers pioneer greener and cheaper technique for biofuel production

A team of NUS engineers discovered a novel method to convert cellulose to biobutanol directly using the Thermoanaerobacterium thermosaccharolyticum TG57 strain, isolates from mushroom waste. This breakthrough could improve sustainability and reduce costs in biofuel production without competing with food crops.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 5, 2018

Prehistoric reptile pregnant with octuplets

A 180 million-year-old pregnant ichthyosaur has been discovered in Yorkshire, featuring six to eight tiny embryos. This find is significant as it is the first time a reptilian embryo has been found in Yorkshire and the youngest of British embryo-bearing specimens.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalProceedings of the Yorkshire Geological Society·DateApr 5, 2018

When health care hurts: High-deductible plans raise financial risk

A new study by the University of Southern California finds that high-deductible health plans increase the risk of financial trouble and out-of-pocket spending for low-income and chronically ill consumers, who are more likely to face excessive financial burden or financial disaster. The study shows that enrollment in high-deductible pla...

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateApr 5, 2018

Which education systems are best? Look past the superficial numbers

ILSA rankings can be misleading due to overlapping margins of error and cultural attitudes. By analyzing the strength of relationships between socioeconomic status and school performance, countries can identify areas for improvement and adopt strategies from neighboring nations with more equitable systems.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 5, 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.

Coral bleaching threatens the diversity of reef fish

New research reveals coral bleaching events reduce fish species and community diversity on reefs. The Great Barrier Reef suffered significant losses after a mass bleaching event in 2016, with some fish species declining sharply.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateApr 5, 2018

Patients with Medicaid have limited access to physical therapy in Massachusetts

A new study found that only slightly more than half of PT clinics in the metropolitan Boston area accept Medicaid, leading to longer wait times for initial appointments compared to privately insured patients. The authors highlight the importance of providers working with patients with Medicaid earlier on to establish a postoperative tr...

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalOrthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine·DateApr 5, 2018

Genes' interplay gives clues to how new cell types could evolve

Researchers discovered that SOX10 and SOX5 transcription factors interact differently in zebrafish and medaka fish to develop pigment cells. The study suggests that these proteins may work together to form a novel pigment cell type, the leucophore, which could offer clues about how new cell types evolve.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateApr 5, 2018

Microplastics litter the ocean, but what about freshwater and land?

Researchers are studying microplastics in freshwater and terrestrial systems to understand their impacts on human health. Early evidence suggests that microplastics may travel via soil and atmospheric deposition, highlighting the need for a global approach to addressing microplastic pollution.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 5, 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.

Presentations at #AGS18 address advance care planning, osteoporosis, hypertension and falls

Researchers investigated barriers to advance care planning in prisons, finding profound patient mistrust and obstructive institutional policies. The study also explored the link between hypertension treatment and an increased risk of falls, suggesting that de-intensified blood pressure control may reduce recurrent falls.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 5, 2018

Theorists described an inertial lift of particles in microchannels

Scientists at Lomonosov Moscow State University have developed a new theory explaining the inertial lift force acting on finite-sized particles in microchannels. This phenomenon enables efficient particle sorting, including separation of healthy cells from cancerous ones.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·DateApr 5, 2018

How lemurs win 'friends' and influence other lemurs

In a study on ring-tailed lemurs, researchers found that those who learned to solve tasks received more affiliative behaviors, such as grooming, from others. This increased their social position and became more influential within their group.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 5, 2018

Researchers identify the cells that trigger flowering

A new study identifies the cells responsible for producing the small protein Flowering Locus T (FT), which triggers the flowering process in plants. The research reveals an extensive intercellular signaling system that regulates FT production, shedding light on how plants control their flowering times.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 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.

PDX finder -- Free global portal for cancer models

The PDX Finder is a free global portal for cancer models, offering over 1900 clinically relevant models from multiple repositories. Researchers can search and submit their own models to accelerate collaborative research and time-saving.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory - European Bioinformatics Institute·DateApr 5, 2018

How do very small particles behave at very high temperatures?

Researchers used advanced imaging techniques to subject small gold particles to extreme temperatures, revealing their remarkable resilience and ability to change shape. The findings have significant implications for nanotechnology applications in catalysis and aerospace.

SourceSwansea University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 5, 2018

Why noise can enhance sensitivity to weak signals

Researchers at Hokkaido University discovered a new mechanism explaining stochastic resonance, where noise boosts signal detection in noisy environments. This finding has significant implications for engineering devices and addressing noise issues in various fields.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalApplied Physics Express·DateApr 5, 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.

Like human societies, whales value culture and family ties

A genetic kinship study of beluga whales reveals they return to the same locations year after year, inheriting migration routes from mother to calf. This demonstrates philopatry and cultural behavior in whales, challenging our understanding of non-primate societies.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 5, 2018

The traits of fast typists discovered by analyzing 136 million keystrokes

Researchers found that fast typists use a combination of techniques, such as rollover typing and parallel hand movement, to achieve high speeds. This approach allows for efficient keypresses and minimizes errors. The study provides insights into modern typing habits and suggests simple exercises to improve typing technique.

SourceAalto University·DateApr 5, 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.

Electronic alerts lower co-prescribing of opioids and benzodiazepines

A VA study found that electronic medication alerts can reduce the risk of dangerous drug combinations by 25% for patients with substance use disorder, sleep apnea, and suicide risk. The alerts also improved coordination between primary care and mental health services.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalMedical Care·DateApr 5, 2018

Dead star circled by light

Astronomers have discovered an isolated neutron star with low magnetic field located beyond our Milky Way galaxy using the MUSE instrument on ESO's Very Large Telescope in Chile. The neutron star is surrounded by a ring of gas that includes neon and oxygen.

SourceESO·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 5, 2018

For a better influenza vaccine, focus on the neglected 'N'

Researchers argue that targeting neuraminidase, the 'N' protein, could substantially decrease infection rates and reduce disease severity for those infected with the influenza virus. The current anti-flu vaccines concentrate on hemagglutinin, leaving a big hole in immunity.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalCell·DateApr 5, 2018

New health benefits discovered in berry pigment

A study from the University of Eastern Finland has found that anthocyanins in berries increase SIRT6 enzyme levels and decrease cancer genes in human cells. The findings suggest a potential role for anthocyanins in preventing cancer growth, paving the way for new drug development.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 5, 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.

Hybrid swarm in global mega-pest

A new hybrid mega-pest has been confirmed in Brazil, combining the cotton bollworm and corn earworm to create a super-pest with unlimited geographical boundaries. The hybrid's emergence poses significant concerns for global food security due to its high resistance to pesticides and widespread damage to crops.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2018

Forecasting the 'whether' with computer modeling

University of Pittsburgh researchers are developing computer models to predict world events such as famine in South Sudan and refugee displacement. The models will analyze complex socioeconomic and geopolitical dynamics, incorporating both numerical and textual data.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateApr 5, 2018

Genetic variants linked to type 2 diabetes identified in Chinese populations

Researchers have identified genetic variants associated with type 2 diabetes and blood sugar levels in a large Chinese population study. The findings suggest that these variants can reduce gene activity, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Further analysis is needed to understand the role of these variants in human insulin secretion.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateApr 5, 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.

Don't forget the 'epi' in genetics research, Johns Hopkins scientist says

Geneticist Andrew Feinberg highlights the importance of combining epigenetics and genetics research to understand the impact of environmental exposures on human health. He argues that epigenetics can provide valuable insights into gene expression and its relationship with disease.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 5, 2018

Review of vitamin D research identifies ethical issues in placebo use

A review of vitamin D research highlights ethical concerns with placebo groups in clinical trials, particularly in vulnerable populations. The authors propose solutions and recommend guidelines for the use of placebos to mitigate risks and ensure informed study design.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalNutrients·DateApr 5, 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.