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Science News Archive August 2018


Page 11 of 41

Sweeter dreams in a peaceful mind

A new study by University of Turku researchers found that individuals with higher levels of peace of mind reported more positive dream emotions, while those with anxiety experienced negative dream emotions. The study suggests a link between peaceful mind and better emotion regulation during both waking life and dreaming.

Smoked out: Researchers develop a new wildfire smoke emissions model

Chemical engineering researchers at Brigham Young University have developed a physical model that can accurately predict soot and smoke emissions from wildfires. The model provides foundational elements for validating more efficient models, which will aid in predicting smoke emissions and related health effects.

NASA looks at heavy rainmaker in Hurricane Lane

Hurricane Lane is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 10 to 20 inches, with localized amounts up to 40 inches possible over Hawaiian Islands. The slow movement of the storm increases the threat for prolonged heavy rainfall and extreme rainfall totals.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A new permafrost gas mysterium

Scientists at University of Copenhagen find thawing permafrost releases high diversity of VOCs, harming human health and forests, but also producing clouds that may cool climate.

Disappearing into thin air

University of Bristol researchers have discovered a way to exploit hypoxia to kill cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. The study found that a specific receptor, GPRC5A, can be targeted using genetic techniques to trigger cancer cell death.

Calcium-catalyzed reactions of element-H bonds

Recent advances in organocalcium-catalyzed hydrofunctionalization reactions of element-H bonds are summarized. The use of calcium compounds as catalysts has been shown to be effective and environmentally friendly, providing a cost-effective solution for industrial applications.

An avatar uses your gait to predict how many calories you will burn

Researchers developed a software program that uses an avatar to predict energy expenditure during walking, considering parameters like stride length and foot lift. The tool has potential applications in designing custom exoskeletons and prosthetics to reduce user effort and optimize calorie burn.

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.

Nanotubes change the shape of water

Rice University engineers discovered that weak van der Waals forces between nanotubes and water molecules can align into a square rod. The research provides valuable insight on ways to leverage atomic interactions for fabricating nanochannels and energy-storing nanocapacitors.

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.

For first time in 40 years, cure for acute leukemia within reach

Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem have developed a new biological drug that has shown a 50% cure rate in lab mice with acute leukemia. The single-molecule drug targets multiple leukemic proteins, making it difficult for cancer cells to evade therapy and reducing the need for multiple treatments.

Friends' influence helps telecom firms retain customers

A study by Carnegie Mellon University and partners found that contacting customers' friends can help reduce churn rates by 1.3-1.9%. This approach leverages social networks to identify likely churners and offer personalized deals, increasing profits for the company.

The youngest smoke more

A recent EU research project ALEC found that all age groups have declined in starting to smoke except for 11-15 year olds, who increased significantly over the last decade. Young women in Western Europe are particularly at risk, with 40 per 1000 starting to smoke annually.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Study reveals potential biomarkers of cerebral aneurysm risk

A recent study has identified 24 genes that are differentially expressed in rats with cerebral aneurysms compared to those without. These genes may enable the development of diagnostic biomarker tests for patients at increased risk of cerebral aneurysm formation.

Shape-shifting material can morph, reverse itself using heat, light

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have developed a shape-shifting material that can transform into complex, pre-programmed shapes via light and temperature stimuli. The controllable material could have broad applications for manufacturing, robotics, and biomedical devices.

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.

Why polluted air may be a threat to your kidneys

A new study published in PLOS ONE suggests that polluted air may be a threat to your kidneys, increasing the risk of chronic kidney disease. Air pollution contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which can cause serious health effects when inhaled regularly.

Being the market leader is not everything

A new study from the University of Cologne found that market share has limited influence on a company's financial performance. Instead, customer relationships and brand equity deliver six times the effect and three times the effect of market share gains alone.

Flirting flies: More than just winging it

Researchers study how male fruit flies generate their courtship song using cutting-edge imaging techniques and genetic tools. They discover that the song serves as an honest signal of a male's fitness, with flaws indicating neuromuscular deficits, which can affect flying abilities.

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.

Female basketball players face disproportionate racial bias: New study

A new study by Dr. Andrew Dix found that referees called more personal fouls against female basketball players from historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) compared to those from predominantly white institutions (PWIs). This bias is a recurring pattern, with HBCU teams facing an average of 1.5 extra personal fouls per game.

£30 million global cardiovascular challenge launched

The British Heart Foundation is launching a £30 million global cardiovascular challenge to identify and solve the biggest problems in heart and circulatory disease. The Big Beat Challenge will bring together world-leading researchers and innovators to accelerate breakthroughs that could transform lives across the globe.

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.

New immunotherapy inhibits tumor growth and protects against metastases

Researchers developed an immunotherapy that induces antitumor immunity by provoking necroptosis in cancer cells, destroying tumors while protecting against secondary tumor formation. The treatment provides protection against disseminated tumors and stimulates the immune system to attack persistent surviving cancer cells.

Cardio exercise and strength training affect hormones differently

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation - Insight found that cardio exercise increases the production of the hormone FGF21, which has positive effects on metabolism. In contrast, strength training with weights had no significant impact on this hormone or another muscle-building hormone called FGF19.

Chronic malnutrition in children: A new gut microbial signature

Researchers identified a unique microbial signature in the guts of malnourished children, characterized by widespread presence of bacteria normally found in noses and mouths. The study, part of the Afribiota project, aims to improve treatment and diagnosis of chronic malnutrition.

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.

INRS takes aim at the dreaded tropical disease leishmaniasis

Researchers at INRS have developed a cost-effective approach to rapidly identify molecules capable of eliminating Leishmania, a parasite responsible for the deadly tropical disease. The innovation, led by Professors Albert Descoteaux and Steven LaPlante, aims to overcome obstacles in finding effective treatments.

Mutations in this molecule may have helped mammoths tolerate the cold

Researchers captured detailed images of TRPV3, a skin-cell ion channel involved in temperature sensation. The study reveals how a mutation in the woolly mammoth's TRPV3 gene may have helped them adapt to cold environments and provides clues for new treatments of human skin diseases such as eczema and vitiligo.

One step closer to bioengineered replacements for vessels and ducts

Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers have developed a method to bioprint complex tubular structures that mimic native vessels and ducts in the body. The 3D bioprinting technique allows for fine-tuning of printed tissues' properties, enabling potentially viable replacements for damaged tissue.

Self-healing reverse filter opens the door for many novel applications

A team of Penn State mechanical engineers developed a self-healing membrane that screens out smaller objects while allowing larger ones to pass through. The membrane responds to an object's kinetic energy and can be optimized for various applications, including medical devices and sanitation systems.

UTA art lecturer wins Puffin Grant

Billi London-Gray, a UTA art lecturer, has won a Puffin Grant for her ongoing project, The Loop and Saw Choir. She collaborates with volunteers of all ages and abilities to create music using unique instruments such as musical saws and analog synthesizers.

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.

Fresh and raw diets for dogs may have health benefits, study says

A study published in the Journal of Animal Science found that fresh and raw diets for dogs can be more digestible than traditional kibble, leading to lower blood triglyceride levels. The diets also showed major shifts in the microbiota of the dogs' gut, but all diets were considered healthy and palatable.

Predicting when virus outbreaks will peak

Scientists developed a model to accurately predict the transmission dynamics of various viruses, enabling optimized vaccination programs. The analysis analyzed over 100 enterovirus serotypes and demonstrated patterns in their transmission cycles.

Scientists close in on mystery surrounding dangerous blood syndromes

A new study identifies HIF1A, a gene that regulates metabolic changes and oxygen levels in cells, as a potential therapeutic target for treating myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). The researchers found that inhibiting HIF1A reversed a broad spectrum of MDS symptoms in genetic mouse models.

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.

Rice U. lab finds evidence of matter-matter coupling

Researchers at Rice University have discovered the first example of Dicke cooperativity in a matter-matter system, which could lead to faster information processing and lower power consumption. The discovery uses a magnetic field to prompt cooperativity among spins within a crystalline compound made primarily of iron and erbium.

How can parents help children navigate an increasingly diverse world?

A team of multidisciplinary researchers provides novel insights into parenting and diversity, identifying common themes and future directions for research. The study sheds light on the impact of increasing population diversity on parenting adolescents, offering new ways of thinking about parenting.

Increased phosphate intake elevates blood pressure in healthy adults

A recent study has found that consuming more phosphate with food increases blood pressure and pulse rate in healthy young adults. The study, published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, suggests that increased phosphate intake can lead to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Treatment for severe heartburn prevents cancer

Effective medical treatment and surgery prevent esophageal cancer in people with severe heartburn. The study used health data from 1964 to 2014 and found a significant decrease in cancer risk after treatment.

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.

The molecular link between aging and neurodegeneration

A study published in Cell describes the discovery of a molecular link between aging and two major genetic causes of neurodegenerative diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The findings reveal possible new targets for treatment and highlight the need for a better understanding of the biology of...

'Safe' UV light may prevent infections in catheters, cardiac drivelines

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have discovered that UV light can kill drug-resistant bacteria, a major cause of infections around skin-penetrating medical devices. The study, published in PLOS ONE, suggests that far-UVC light delivered through optical fibers could be used to prevent catheter-based and drivelin...

How did alvarezsaurian dinosaurs evolve monodactyl hand?

The discovery of Bannykus and Xiyunykus sheds light on the evolution of alvarezsaurian dinosaurs' monodactyl hands. These ancient theropods display a major macroevolutionary shift from grasping hands to specialized, functionally monodactyl hands.

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.

Alzheimer's one day may be predicted during eye exam

Scientists have detected signs of Alzheimer's disease in the eyes of patients who showed no symptoms, using a non-invasive technique called optical coherence tomography angiography. The study found that patients with elevated levels of Alzheimer's proteins had significant thinning in the center of their retinas.

Smartphones may be used to better predict the weather

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a system to harness data from smartphones to forecast weather patterns, particularly those that lead to flash floods. The smartphone sensors can monitor various atmospheric conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and light levels, providing valuable data for accurate forecasts.

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.