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Science News Archive April 2018 - Page 39


Page 39 of 42

Tropical Cyclone Josie's deadly flooding rainfall examined with IMERG

NASA analyzed Tropical Cyclone Josie's heavy rainfall using Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) data, revealing extreme rainfall totals of over 450 mm in some areas. The study showed that Josie's clockwise circulation caused flooding leading to at least four deaths in Fiji.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 3, 2018

Smartphone app performs better than traditional exam in cardiac assessment

A randomized clinical trial found a smartphone application to have a 94% diagnostic accuracy for assessing blood flow in wrist arteries, surpassing the traditional Allen test. The study highlights the potential of smartphone applications to aid physicians in making decisions at the bedside.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 3, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Considering an employee for an overseas assignment?

A recent study from Florida Atlantic University suggests that expatriates' personality characteristics have a significant impact on their ability to adjust to new environments. The research found that extraverts who are emotionally stable and open to new experiences tend to perform better in foreign assignments.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology·DateApr 3, 2018

Flare-responsive hydrogel developed to treat arthritis

Scientists at Brigham and Women's Hospital have created a hydrogel that responds to increased disease activity during flares, releasing drugs to alleviate symptoms. The technology has shown promise in preclinical models and could provide a new treatment option for patients with arthritis.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 3, 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.

NAS review: More research needed to develop optimal assessment, treatment standards

A recent review article emphasizes the need for further clinical studies on neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) to develop evidence-based assessment, diagnosis, and treatment guidelines. Non-pharmacologic interventions like breastfeeding and rooming-in have shown positive short-term results, but larger, multi-site trials are necessary.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateApr 3, 2018

The plant hormone auxin coordinates wood formation

Researchers found that auxin hormone controls stem cell division and WOX4 gene expression, essential for wood formation. The study revealed a direct regulation of WOX4 by auxin signaling factors, shedding light on the complex mechanism behind plant growth.

SourceAKSON Russian Science Communication Association·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 3, 2018

For women with kidney cancer, belly fat matters

A new study by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found that women with kidney cancer who have substantial abdominal fat are more likely to die within 3 1/2 years after diagnosis, while those with little belly fat tend to live longer. For men, the amount of abdominal fat does not appear to affect survival rates.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalRadiology·DateApr 3, 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.

Mathematical modeling offers new way to understand variable responses to targeted therapy

Researchers used a unique approach combining cell culture studies with mathematical modeling to determine how heterogeneity within a tumor and surrounding environment affect responses to targeted therapies. The study suggests that using a combination of drug inhibitors may be necessary to target diverse tumor cells.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 3, 2018

Your wood stove affects the climate more than you might think

A Norwegian study reveals that wood stove emissions have a complex effect on the climate, with black carbon being the primary warming agent. The research suggests that reducing soot emissions from wood stoves could also improve air quality and mitigate health risks.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 3, 2018

Partner's finances impact well-being, even in young love

Research finds that young adults' own financial behaviors have the most impact on their well-being, followed by their romantic partners' behaviors. Parents' financial expectations had the least impact, but still influence young adults' objective financial knowledge. The study suggests that even in non-marital relationships, a partner's...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Family and Economic Issues·DateApr 3, 2018

Apps to keep children safe online may be counterproductive

Research from the University of Central Florida suggests that parental-control apps may be counterproductive, reducing trust and increasing online risks for teens. Studies found that authoritarian parents are more likely to use these apps, which can limit teen autonomy and hinder their ability to respond to online threats.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·DateApr 3, 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.

Cells are pretty much smarter than previously supposed

Researchers have discovered that cells' G protein-coupled receptor signaling systems can pass more than 2 bits of information per interaction with external stimuli, exceeding previous estimates. This finding has crucial implications for biology and drug discovery, particularly in the development of novel anti-cancer agents.

SourceFar Eastern Federal University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 3, 2018

Portland State study links outdoor recreation with water quality concerns

A recent Portland State University study reveals people who engage in outdoor activities such as camping and fishing are more attuned to water quality issues than the general population. The research found that higher levels of education and socioeconomic status correlate with increased concern for water quality.

SourcePortland State University·JournalJournal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism·DateApr 3, 2018

Spa therapy helps Japan's snow monkeys cope with the cold

Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, have been enjoying regular baths in the hot spring at Jigokudani in Japan for decades. A recent study found that female snow monkeys use the hot spring more often in winter than in spring to lower stress levels.

SourceSpringer·JournalPrimates·DateApr 3, 2018

Scientists create 'Swiss army knife' for electron beams

Researchers have developed a 'Swiss army knife' for electron beams, combining acceleration, compression, focusing and analysis in a single device. The Segmented Terahertz Electron Accelerator and Manipulator (STEAM) uses precise timing control to perform these functions with ultra-high precision.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 3, 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.

Study reveals a way to make prostate cancer cells run out of energy and die

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory discovered that cancer cells lacking tumor-suppressor protein PTEN are vulnerable to mitochondrial inhibitors, which induce them to consume glucose and quickly run out of energy. This finding suggests that such drugs could eliminate cancer cells while leaving healthy cells intact.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 3, 2018

Physicists at FAU demonstrate demixing behavior of rotating particles

Physicists at FAU have demonstrated that macroscopic particles rotating in opposite directions form homogeneous groups. The researchers used miniature robots manufactured using 3D printing methods for their experiment. After only one minute, single domains were clearly visible, and after 15 minutes, the robots had almost entirely demixed.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 3, 2018

Preprints accelerated between Ebola and Zika epidemics

The study found that preprint posting increased during the Zika epidemic compared to the Ebola outbreak, providing earlier access to scientific reports. The authors advocate for broader use of preprints to facilitate criticism, analysis, and further studies in infectious disease outbreaks.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 3, 2018

Study says meat protein is unhealthy, but protein from nuts and seeds is heart smart

A study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology found that consuming large amounts of meat protein increases cardiovascular disease risk by 60%, while nuts and seeds reduce CVD risk by 40%. The research suggests that proteins from these sources have distinct effects on heart health.

SourceLoma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateApr 3, 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.

Losing your nest egg can kill you

A new Northwestern University study reveals that losing 75% of one's wealth in two years increases the risk of death by 50% over the next 20 years. The research also found that socially vulnerable individuals, including low-income people, are more likely to die after a financial shock.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA·DateApr 3, 2018

Timing of stress-hormone pulses controls weight gain, Stanford study finds

Research by Stanford University School of Medicine researchers provides the first molecular understanding of why people gain weight due to chronic stress and disrupted circadian rhythms. The team identified key molecules involved in controlling fat-cell maturation and found that the timing of glucocorticoid pulses controls weight gain.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateApr 3, 2018

A New Metasurface Model Shows Potential to Control Acoustic Wave Reflection

Researchers developed a nonlinear elastic metasurface that can convert a soundwave's fundamental frequency to its second harmonic, advancing noise control technologies. This concept could isolate low frequencies, making it easier to absorb them, and potentially lead to new acoustic devices like diodes and transistors.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateApr 3, 2018

Inner ear provides clues to human dispersal

Researchers analyzed inner ear structure in humans from diverse populations, finding variation within populations greater than between them. The shape of the labyrinth correlates with dispersal distance from Africa, providing insights into human migration history and population movements within continents.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 3, 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.

Mantle minerals offer clues to deep Earth's composition

Scientists used lab-cooked recipes to model mantle minerals, providing clear measurements of density, compressibility and electronic conductivity. This study will help scientists interpret seismic waves and accurately map the amount of iron in the mantle.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 3, 2018

Ancient paper art, kirigami, poised to improve smart clothing

Researchers at University at Buffalo have developed strong yet bendable electronic materials using kirigami-inspired design. The innovation enables pliable circuitry for applications like smart clothing, electronic skin, and bendable displays.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 3, 2018

Genes can help predict children's risk of type 1 diabetes

Researchers calculated genetic scores from over 30 genes in 3000 children with no family history of type 1 diabetes. The upper quartile of scores was associated with a greater than 10% risk for pre-symptomatic stage of multiple islet autoantibodies by age 6.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 3, 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.

Gender roles highlight gender bias in judicial decisions

A study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science found that judges may be biased against women in sexual discrimination lawsuits and favor mothers in custody cases, even when similar to the general public's views. This bias is linked to traditional gender roles and their influence on court decisions.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateApr 3, 2018

Human daily rhythms: Clocks vs. light/dark cycle

A study by University of Seville finds that human primary activities are synchronized with the winter day as a synchronizer, rather than clock time. The study characterizes laborer's activities along the daily and yearly cycle of light and dark, revealing latitudinal patterns tied to the light/dark cycle.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 3, 2018
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

How to cool a smartphone

Scientists at NUST MISIS have developed composites that can efficiently remove heat from electronic devices, potentially replacing traditional materials like fiberglass. The new material has high thermal conductivity and mechanical properties, making it suitable for use in smartphones and other electronics.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·DateApr 3, 2018

Medical marijuana gets wary welcome from older adults, poll shows

Most older adults (4/5) support allowing medical marijuana if recommended by a physician, while 2/3 advocate for more government-sponsored research on its health effects. The poll also reveals conflicting views on pain management, with prescription medications seen as more effective in controlling dosages.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateApr 3, 2018

Peer influence, better HIV counseling could encourage boys in Africa to be circumcised

A recent study found that a focus on boys and young men is crucial to continue progress in reducing new HIV infections. Researchers suggest that improved health counseling and engagement with peers can encourage more adolescents to undergo circumcision, which reduces the risk of HIV transmission by 60%. The study also highlights the ne...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateApr 3, 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.

Smokers have worse diets than non-smokers

A study of 5293 US adults found that smokers consumed around 200 more calories a day than non-smokers or former smokers, despite eating smaller portions. Smokers' diets were also high in energy density, meaning they consumed food with fewer nutrients and potentially increased risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateApr 3, 2018

High-speed and on-silicon-chip graphene blackbody emitters

Researchers have developed highly integrated graphene blackbody emitters with a fast response time of ~100 ps, outperforming previous emitters. The emitters' properties are controlled by the number of graphene layers and can be used for real-time optical communication.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 3, 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.

Anticipating the dangers of space

Researchers estimated radiation risks for astronauts in low Earth orbits, finding they would have faced toxic doses during a massive solar event. The study used supercomputers to model the Manned Orbiting Laboratory's orbit profile and simulate space weather.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateApr 3, 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.

Paper: Surprise can be an agent of social change

Researchers found that surprises can have far-reaching effects on attitudes and behavior, making them a valuable tool for communication. Surprises can also rapidly spread through networks, creating collective effects on culture.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalTopics in Cognitive Science·DateApr 3, 2018

Monitor detects dangerously low white blood cell levels

A new device developed by MIT researchers can monitor white blood cell levels at home without taking blood samples, potentially preventing thousands of infections among chemotherapy patients. The technology uses a tabletop prototype that records video of blood cells flowing through capillaries beneath the skin's surface.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 3, 2018

Study explains resurgence of pertussis

A study reveals that incomplete vaccination coverage is causing a predictable increase in pertussis cases. The vaccine's effectiveness decreases over time, allowing susceptible individuals to contract the disease. Researchers recommend targeting schoolchildren for vaccination campaigns.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 3, 2018

Reversal of fortunes

A new study reveals the Mississippi River Delta is experiencing seafloor erosion at an alarming rate, threatening marine ecosystems and infrastructure. The research, published in Marine Geology, found that sediment deposition has stopped, leading to land loss and degradation of wetlands and seafloors.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalMarine Geology·DateApr 3, 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.