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Science News Archive August 2018


Page 1 of 41

NASA finds Super Typhoon Jebi undergoing eyewall replacement

NASA's Terra satellite found that Super Typhoon Jebi was undergoing an intense eyewall replacement cycle, with powerful storms surrounding the 15 nautical-mile wide eye. The storm's cloud top temperatures were as cold as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating its capability to generate heavy rain.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New guideline aids in diagnosing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

A new international guideline has been developed to aid in the diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a rare and often fatal lung disease. The guidelines provide evidence-based criteria for diagnosis and recommend multidisciplinary discussions to facilitate accurate diagnosis.

Printing with sound

Harvard researchers use acoustic forces to create a new technology that enables the printing of materials in a drop-on-demand manner. The technique expands possibilities for biopharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and optical materials, and is safe to use with sensitive biological cargo.

Similar changes in the brains of patients with ADHD and emotional instability

A new study published in Molecular Psychiatry reveals that patients with ADHD and emotional instability disorders exhibit similar brain changes, particularly in the frontal lobe. The findings suggest a broader treatment approach for both conditions, potentially benefiting individuals with ADHD who also experience emotional problems.

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.

Are vulnerable lions eating endangered zebras?

A recent study by WCS and WWF suggests that the decline of Grevy's zebras may be linked to competitive displacement by livestock, rather than lion predation. The population of Grevy's zebras is stabilizing with recruitment tripling since 2004.

Online HIV prevention program receives $8.8 million NIH grant

The Keep It Up! program, a novel online HIV prevention initiative, has been shown to reduce sexually transmitted infections by 40 percent among gay young men. The program will now be implemented nationally as part of the next phase, testing two implementation strategies: community-based and direct-to-consumer methods.

Mutations, drugs drive cancer by blurring growth signals

Genetic mutations in non-small cell lung cancer blur cells' perception of key growth signals, leading to excessive growth and tumor formation. Researchers use optogenetics to reveal that blurring signal timing may explain why targeted drugs can paradoxically activate the pathway.

Biophysics: Self-centered

Researchers developed a model explaining how the plane of cell division is specified in bacteria Myxococcus xanthus. The critical component PomZ proteins bind to DNA and recruit a cluster, then detach and diffuse, tethering it to the nucleoid. This system ensures accurate division by balancing forces and thermal fluctuations.

Managing multiple health conditions

A study of older adults with multiple chronic health conditions and their caregivers revealed key findings about supportive and conflicted caregiver-care recipient relationships. Supportive behaviors included agreement on caregiving levels, mutual understanding, and collaborative decision-making. Conflicts arose from disagreements over...

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.

UTA doctoral student in biology earns prestigious AAUW fellowship

Beston's research focuses on the ecological drivers of eye and brain size evolution in a species of fish, with funding from the AAUW. Her work reveals that increased predation is associated with smaller eye sizes, while larger eye sizes are correlated with improved vision and fitness benefits.

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.

Cryptosporidiosis worsened in mice on probiotics

Research published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology found that probiotics increased the severity of cryptosporidiosis in mice, defying initial hypotheses. The study suggests that manipulating gut microbiota may hold potential for developing probiotics to mitigate the disease.

Severe human infection with a novel avian-origin influenza A(H7N4) virus

A novel reassortant AIV, influenza A(H7N4), has been identified in a backyard poultry setting, leading to severe human infection. The virus originated from wild bird AIVs and was low pathogenic to avian species, susceptible to antivirals and binding to avian-like α2,3-linked sialic acid receptors.

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.

Artificial cells are tiny bacteria fighters

Researchers at UC Davis have created artificial cells that can sense, react, and interact with bacteria, as well as detect and kill them. These artificially engineered cells mimic the essential features of live cells but are short-lived and cannot reproduce themselves.

Mouse models may not accurately mimic severity of gonorrhea infection

Gonorrhea is a rapidly worsening public health threat with over 550,000 new cases reported in 2017 and global yearly incidence estimated at 106.1 million cases. Researchers warn that animal models, like mouse models, may not accurately reflect the infection's severity or human immune responses.

Patent mining indicates promising routes for research

A patent mining method developed by Brazilian scientists uses big data tools to identify technological routes, trends, and partnerships in various knowledge areas. The method has been validated in an analysis of studies on hemophilia, revealing a promising molecule called XTEN that can extend the half-life of recombinant factor VIII.

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.

Why two?

The FAT10 protein has a unique structure with two domains and a flexible linker, allowing it to regulate degradation in an efficient manner. This finding has significant implications for potential cancer therapies, as FAT10's presence is associated with aggressive tumor growth.

Overcoming resistance

Pericytes, supporting blood vessels, may trigger tumor cell resistance to therapy by releasing molecules. Targeting these factors could represent a novel approach for aggressive tumors resistant to conventional treatments.

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.

Bodily sensations give rise to conscious feelings

Finnish research reveals that bodily sensations play a crucial role in shaping conscious feelings, with emotions influencing both physical and mental states. The study identifies five major categories of subjective feelings, including positive emotions, negative emotions, cognitive functions, somatic states, and illnesses.

How weight loss is linked to future health for older adults

Research found that even moderate weight loss (20+ pounds) over 20 years increases risk of death by 74%, while greater weight variability is associated with poor physical function. Long-term weight loss may be a marker for increased health decline in older women.

NASA tracking Hurricane Miriam in Central Pacific

Hurricane Miriam is tracking north through the Central Pacific Ocean, with cloud top temperatures reaching as cold as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Rapid weakening is expected to begin later today and continue through Sunday, with Miriam becoming a post-tropical remnant low pressure area.

A new way to remove ice buildup without power or chemicals

MIT researchers have developed a passive, solar-powered system to prevent ice buildup on surfaces, using a three-layered material that absorbs sunlight and spreads heat to melt boundary layers of ice. The system has been tested extensively and shows great promise for commercial use in various applications.

Dopamine receptor study offers hope for improved treatments with fewer side effects

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have discovered a new approach to targeted and more tolerable therapeutics for treating disorders like schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease. The study found that selectively activating the G protein signaling pathway can enhance motor function while avoiding negative side effects.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

The low impact of the high-speed train on international tourism

A study by the University of Seville found that high-speed trains primarily benefit national tourism, while planes have a close and direct relationship with both national and international tourism. Countries with lower per capita income tend to attract more foreign tourists.

A telephone for your microbiome

Researchers create a genetic signal-transmission system allowing E. coli and Salmonella Typhimurium bacteria to communicate in the mouse gut, enabling a potential 'synthetic microbiome' with engineered bacteria species. This breakthrough could lead to optimized human health through coordinated bacterial functions.

Inspired by feet

A research team from Kiel University has developed a method to boost the adhesive effect of silicone materials by combining surface structuring with plasma treatment. They found that surfaces with a mushroom-like microstructure exhibit significantly improved adhesion, even when bent to varying degrees. This breakthrough could enable ne...

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.

Stroke doubles dementia risk, concludes large-scale study

A large-scale study has found that people who have had a stroke are around twice as likely to develop dementia. The study analyzed data from 3.2 million people and found that having a stroke significantly increases the risk of dementia, with recent strokes more than doubling the risk.

NASA Finds a less elongated potential Tropical Cyclone Six

NASA's Suomi NPP satellite captured an infrared image of Potential Tropical Cyclone Six, revealing a circulation that is gradually becoming less elongated. A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for the southern Cabo Verde islands as the storm strengthens and is expected to become a tropical storm later today or Saturday.

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.

Genetics and pollution drive severity of asthma symptoms

Asthma patients with specific genetic profiles exhibit more intense symptoms following traffic pollution exposure. The study suggests that tailoring treatments to individual gene-environment interactions could enhance quality of life for people with asthma.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Improving operations for the brain's most malignant tumor

Researchers evaluated state-of-the-art optical technology in commercial-grade operating microscopes to detect fluorescence signals produced by pro-drug 5-ALA. They found variability in signal intensity and bleaching rates, highlighting the need for standardized methods and built-in standards for reliable detection and measurement.

Water worlds could support life, study says

A new study challenges the idea that life requires an 'Earth clone' by finding that water worlds could be habitable for a significant percentage of simulated planets. Researchers used over 1,000 simulations to find that 10% of planets stay stable for more than a billion years without geochemical cycling.

Faster than we thought: sulfurization of organic material

Organic matter sulfurization can occur on the timescale of just hours to days, according to new research published in Nature Communications. This process may have sizable implications for understanding the past and future of the Earth's climate.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Mapping trees can help count endangered lemurs

A study led by Duke University estimates total population sizes and geographic ranges for 19 lemur species across Madagascar using trees as a proxy. The findings suggest that not all lemurs are endangered, with some species having healthy populations remaining, while others face significant declines due to habitat loss and hunting.

NUS researchers use AI to successfully treat metastatic cancer patient

A clinical study using the CURATE.AI platform successfully treated a patient with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, completely halting disease progression. The AI platform continuously optimised novel drug combination dosages to achieve a durable response, allowing the patient to resume an active lifestyle.

Friction loss at first contact: The material does not forgive

Scientists at KIT discovered a sharp line at a depth of 150-200 nm where wear particles are detached, contributing to the later weakness in the material. This finding contributes to understanding processes on the molecular level during friction and may lead to developing materials with better friction properties.

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.

How damaging immune cells develop during tuberculosis

Researchers found that immune cells in lung tissue accumulate triglycerides, a type of fat, rather than cholesterol, and form through distinct mechanisms depending on the disease. This discovery may lead to new biomarkers and therapeutic strategies against tuberculosis.

Deadline for climate action

A new study sets a deadline of 2035 for governments to take decisive climate action to limit global warming below 2°C. The research found that even with strong renewable energy growth, humanity will likely cross the point of no return unless drastic emissions reductions are made immediately.

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.