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Science News for August 10, 2018


Strathclyde shares in £1 billion funding for innovation

Strathclyde will benefit from a UK-wide £1 billion funding boost to create the technologies of tomorrow through three Catapult Centres. The Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) is set to receive £96 million, while FutureForge will establish a major advanced engineering facility.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·DateAug 10, 2018

Gips-Schüle Foundation funds new research group in Konstanz

Dr Ariana Strandburg-Peshkin has established the first Gips-Schüle Junior Research Group at the University of Konstanz, researching animal social networks and collective behaviour. With €875,000 funding over five years, her team aims to characterize and understand these complex systems.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·DateAug 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.

Adolescent health undervalued and under-invested across the globe

A study by the University of Melbourne and Harvard Medical School found that international aid spent on youth health projects is drastically underinvested in the developing world. Despite making up 12-13% of disease burden, adolescents receive only a tiny share of global investments.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 10, 2018

Precision public health method identifies clusters of respiratory disease in Uganda

A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases identified nine clusters of respiratory infections in Uganda, including one potentially linked to UK tourism. The researchers used a genetic sequencing method called VirCapSeq-VERT to analyze nasal and throat swabs, providing detailed information on viral pathogens.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateAug 10, 2018

Creation and selective functionalization of virus-like polymer particles

Scientists at Tohoku University successfully developed a method to create virus-like polymer particles with various nanostructures, which can be selectively functionalized. This technology has potential applications in immunoassay systems, drug delivery, and enzymatic reactions.

SourceTohoku University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 10, 2018

AI model 'learns' from patient data to make cancer treatment less toxic

MIT researchers develop a machine-learning model that reduces toxic chemotherapy and radiotherapy dosing for glioblastoma patients, maintaining tumor-shrinking potential while minimizing side effects. The model uses reinforced learning to favor lower doses and schedules, improving patient quality of life.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateAug 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.

New water simulation captures small details even in large scenes

Researchers at IST Austria developed a method that can reproduce complex interactions with the environment and tiny details over huge areas in real time. The new simulation method simplifies artistic effects and allows graphics designers to create realistic water wave simulations with detailed interactions.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·DateAug 10, 2018

Breaking down the Wiedemann-Franz law

Researchers at ETH Zurich explore the coupling between heat and particle currents in a gas of strongly interacting fermionic atoms. They found an order of magnitude below predictions of the Wiedemann-Franz law, indicating separation of mechanisms responsible for particle and heat currents.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 2018

Men take care of their spouses just as well as women (new research suggests)

A new study published in the Journals of Gerontology, Series B, found that men respond to their spouse's illness just as much as women do and are better caregivers in later life. The research reveals similar levels of care given by male and female caregivers when a spouse is severely ill.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalThe Journals of Gerontology Series B·DateAug 10, 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.

Generating DNA sequence data in the developing world

A recent study demonstrates the feasibility of producing high-quality DNA sequence data at a laboratory in Indonesia. The research shows that molecular techniques like DNA extraction and PCR can be done using relatively simple methods and inexpensive reagents.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateAug 10, 2018

Laziness helped lead to extinction of Homo erectus

The research found that Homo erectus used 'least-effort strategies' for tool making and resource collection. This lack of innovation led to the species' demise, as they failed to adapt to a changing climate and technological advancements.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 10, 2018

Young salmon may leap to 'oust the louse'

A study by Simon Fraser University aquatic ecologists reveals that young salmon may leap out of water to remove sea lice, which can reduce growth and competitive ability. The researchers found that on average, leaping salmon had 22% fewer sea lice than non-leaping fish.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalJournal of Fish Biology·DateAug 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.

Research may help rescue antibiotics' effectiveness in the face of drug-resistant bacteria

Researchers have discovered synergy between colistin and other antibiotics, offering hope for treating multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections. Combination therapy may allow clinicians to use lower effective doses of antibiotics, reducing toxicities and slowing antibiotic resistance development.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateAug 10, 2018

Global funding for adolescent health misses the target

Despite making up 26% of the population, adolescents receive only 1.6% of global development assistance, with funding primarily focused on HIV/AIDS and other leading causes of illness, leaving underfunded areas such as mental health and injury prevention unaddressed.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 10, 2018

NASA eyes Tropical Storm Kristy's strong core

Tropical Storm Kristy has a strong core with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating powerful storms capable of heavy rain. The storm is moving north-northeast at 9 mph, with a turn expected later today and gradual weakening by Saturday.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 10, 2018

Why we're susceptible to fake news, how to defend against it

Researchers say childhood thoughts and beliefs make people vulnerable to fake news. To defend against it, psychologists recommend reducing anxiety through humor, sublimation, and cultivating an open mind. Critical thinking skills also play a key role in questioning information and diminishing confirmation bias.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·DateAug 10, 2018

New type of bed net could help fight against malaria

A new type of bed net showed a 12% reduction in clinical malaria cases compared to conventional nets, and children sleeping under it were 52% less likely to be anaemic. The study also found a 51% reduction in risk of malaria-infective mosquito bites.

SourceDurham University·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 10, 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.

Deep in the weeds: Using eDNA sequencing to survey pondweed diversity

A recent study using eDNA sequencing identified aquatic plant diversity in ponds, offering a new approach to ecological surveys. The study found that pondweed diversity had been underestimated at a reserve in Ontario, detecting three previously unknown species.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateAug 10, 2018

Tough life in the savannah? Chimpanzee foods are mechanically more demanding than previously thought

A new study reveals that chimpanzees in the savannah consume tougher and less digestible food than those in the rainforest. The researchers found that the outer casing of certain fruits had higher toughness values, suggesting that the chimps' teeth evolved to handle these more challenging foods.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalCommunications Biology·DateAug 10, 2018

Dealing with digital distraction

Studies find that even minor phone use during meals can make diners feel distracted, reducing enjoyment. Compassionate people spend less time on social media than those with narcissistic tendencies. Digital distractions undermine face-to-face interactions, causing decreased bonding and emotional intelligence.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·DateAug 10, 2018

Icahn Institute partners in $6.5 million NIH award to advance precision medicine

The Icahn Institute is partnering with the National Institutes of Health to establish a center for reproducible biomedical modeling, aiming to accelerate development of predictive models for precision medicine and bioengineering. The center will provide much-needed model building resources to the research community.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·DateAug 10, 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.

More than 40 percent of women with asthma may develop COPD, but risk may be reduced

A study found that nearly 40% of women with asthma may develop COPD, but certain factors such as smoking, obesity, and socioeconomic status may lower this risk. The researchers identified individual risk factors playing a more significant role in the development of COPD overlap syndrome than exposure to air pollution.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateAug 10, 2018

Study suggests glaucoma may be an autoimmune disease

A recent study suggests that glaucoma is not just a pressure-related disease, but also an autoimmune disorder caused by the immune system attacking retinal cells. The researchers found that T cells, which normally target foreign substances, are responsible for progressive retinal degeneration in glaucoma.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 10, 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.

Amazingly 'green' synthesis method for high-tech dyes

Researchers at TU Wien have successfully synthesized high-tech dyes using plain water under high temperatures, breaking the need for toxic solvents. The new method utilizes water's properties to dissolve organic substances and crystallize the dyes, enabling their use in organic electronics and demanding applications.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateAug 10, 2018

USTC develops a family of bioinspired artificial woods by traditional resins

Researchers at USTC fabricate a family of polymeric woods with similar cellular structures to natural wood, exhibiting lightweight and high-strength properties. The novel strategy involves self-assembly and thermocuring processes using traditional resins, offering a green approach to prepare multifunctional artificial woods.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 10, 2018
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Biomimetic micro/nanoscale fiber reinforced composites

Scientists develop a new assembly strategy to mimic the hierarchical structure of natural materials, resulting in high-performance composites with excellent damage tolerance. The proposed approach is eco-friendly, scalable, and programmable.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateAug 10, 2018

Ice sheets of the last ice age seeded the ocean with silica

Researchers found that ice sheet meltwater contains a distinctive isotopic signature of silica, which supports the growth of diatoms in oceans. This study suggests that glacial meltwater plays a significant role in sustaining marine ecosystems and carbon cycles.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 10, 2018

Autoimmune response drives vision loss in glaucoma

Researchers discover immune cells in eye contribute to progressive vision loss from glaucoma. Elevated eye pressure triggers autoimmune response attacking neurons, leading to optic nerve degeneration and permanent vision loss. The findings offer a promising new target for future therapies.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 10, 2018

Experts highlight Ebola vaccine progress and suggest next steps

Experts review current Ebola vaccine candidates and clinical trials, highlighting key gaps in knowledge that need to be addressed by future research. More data is needed on the durability and rapidity of immune responses generated by various vaccine approaches.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 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.

How young people choose their news impacts how they participate in politics

Research by a University of Arizona sociology doctoral student finds that young people who self-select their news are more likely to engage in high-cost forms of activism and campaigning, such as attending meetings or donating money to campaigns. In contrast, those relying on elite-selected media or social networking sites have lower l...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateAug 10, 2018

Fresh insight into invasive plant that blights UK rivers

A new study reveals that Himalayan balsam thrives in drier riverbanks and prefers steeper slopes to native plants, shedding light on its spread. Understanding these conditions can help mitigate the invasive plant's impact on UK rivers.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalEcosystems·DateAug 10, 2018

Breastfeeding in Germany from a scientific viewpoint

A new special issue of Bundesgesundheitsblatt explores the prevalence, benefits, and risks of breastfeeding in Germany. The study highlights the positive effects of breastfeeding for both mother and child, including reduced risk of respiratory infections and overweight/Type 2 diabetes.

SourceBfR Federal Institute for Risk Assessment·JournalBundesgesundheitsblatt·DateAug 10, 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.

Mechanism of fibrosis development discovered

IPF is associated with increased extracellular vesicles that relay WNT5A signals to lung cells, leading to scarring and impaired lung function. The study proposes a pharmacological biomarker and therapeutic approach to address this disease.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 10, 2018

NASA sees the wind knocked out of Tropical Storm John

Tropical Storm John weakened to a remnant low pressure area after moving over cool waters, indicating a loss of strength due to colder ocean temperatures. The storm's convection vanished, and it is now classified as a post-tropical cyclone, expected to dissipate in a couple of days.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 10, 2018

An ion channel differentiates newborn and mature neurons in the adult brain

Newborn granule cells in the dentate gyrus become less excitable after three weeks, a crucial step for mature functioning. The researchers found that functional GIRK channels start to appear at this stage, controlled by G protein signaling, and contribute to lowering excitability of mature dentate granule cells.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·DateAug 10, 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.