Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive August 2018


Page 13 of 41

Fighting lung infection trumps wound healing

A recent study has found that the innate immune system responds more aggressively to lung infections than wound healing, leading to delayed wound recovery. This priority of responses, known as immune triage, highlights the complex interplay between different parts of the immune system and their impact on overall health.

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.

Oxford University: Tracking the evolution and transmission of yellow fever

Researchers used genomic and epidemiological approaches to understand the mode of transmission of the South America's largest yellow fever virus outbreak. The study revealed that the virus lineage had spread through a sylvatic cycle of transmission in primates before spilling over into human populations.

How rabies virus moves through nerve cells, and how it might be stopped

Researchers at Princeton University discovered that rabies virus uses a distinct transport process to reach neuronal cell bodies, contrasting with other neuron-invading viruses. Emetine, a protein synthesis inhibitor used to treat amoebic dysentery, efficiently blocks rabies virus transport by immobilizing endosomes carrying the virus.

Researchers outline risk factors for facial gangrene

Researchers have pinpointed risk factors for noma, a rare disease causing facial gangrene, in northwest Nigeria. Children who were fed pap daily were at higher risk, while those breastfed colostrum and had varied diets were less likely to contract the disease.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Care access not main driver of racial disparities in kidney disease

A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that black and Hispanic veterans with chronic kidney disease are more likely to progress to advanced kidney disease despite equal access to nephrologist care. Genetic or environmental factors, such as APOL1 mutations, may be central to these disparities.

A world on fire

Wildfires in Africa, driven by agricultural practices, have intensified due to low humidity, high winds, and extreme temperatures. In contrast, South American fires, particularly in Chile, are exacerbated by a mega drought and flammable tree plantations.

New study highlights shark protections, vulnerability to fishing

A new analysis shows that habitats of three shark species are relatively well protected from longline fishing, but some prime locations remain vulnerable. The study's findings have important implications for protecting at-risk species from bycatch in U.S. federal waters.

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.

Integrated analysis finds vulnerabilities to target in a high-risk pediatric tumor

Researchers identified vulnerabilities to target in a high-risk pediatric tumor, rhabdomyosarcoma, through an integrated analysis of cellular origins and epigenetic changes. The study promotes precision medicine by prioritizing drug development and highlighting the importance of preclinical models in streamlining treatment strategies.

On-again, off-again relationships might be toxic for mental health

A recent study found that on-again, off-again relationships are associated with higher rates of abuse, poorer communication, and lower levels of commitment. Researchers suggest that partners who regularly break up and get back together should re-examine their relationship dynamics to prioritize their well-being.

Stanford researchers' model could help stem opioid crisis

The Stanford model analyzes opioid use and addiction among Americans, projecting a decline in deaths if doctors reduce prescriptions by 25% over 10 years while expanding treatment programs. The researchers aimed to provide policymakers with 'what-if' scenarios to address the crisis.

Computing catalysts

A collaboration between University of Pittsburgh and Lubrizol Corporation has revealed the molecular reaction mechanism of PIB polymer. The team found that a 'superacid' catalyst is required for initiation, which could lead to designing different catalysts and controlling the reaction.

New research proposes using local data in resolving malnutrition

A new study published in the Food and Nutrition Bulletin reveals that analyzing global data carries risks of missing local patterns and effects of health interventions. Researchers found varying rates of kwashiorkor across villages, with some areas experiencing extreme nutritional stress, highlighting the need for targeted interventions

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Traumatic brain injury recovery via petri dish

Researchers at University of Georgia have successfully reproduced the effects of traumatic brain injury and stimulated recovery in neuron cells grown in a petri dish. The procedure has significant implications for studying and treating such injuries.

Kelp forests function differently in warming ocean

A new study finds that warm-water kelp species are outcompeting cold-water species in UK kelp forests, leading to changes in ecosystem functioning. The warm-water kelps provide a continuous supply of food but also harbor less biodiversity.

Large scale preparation method of high quality SWNT sponges

A new flame burning method was developed to prepare single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) sponges on a large scale, achieving mass production and low energy consumption. The resulting SWNT sponges exhibit high conductivity, moderate organic liquid adsorption, good elasticity, and high specific capacitance.

Genetically engineered virus spins gold into beads

Engineers at UCR have created gold nanobeads with spiky and hollow structures by modifying the M13 bacteriophage virus. The discovery could lead to more efficient production of electronic components and new applications for wastewater treatment.

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.

The Lancet: Alcohol is associated with 2.8 million deaths each year worldwide

The Lancet study estimates that one in three people drink alcohol, with 2.2% of women and 6.8% of men dying from alcohol-related health problems each year. The risk of death increases rapidly with higher levels of consumption, offsetting any potential protective effects against cancer, injuries, and infectious diseases.

UNC builds better particle tracking software using artificial intelligence

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has developed a new method of single-particle tracking based on machine learning, achieving higher accuracy and automation than current techniques. The technique is widely used in physical and life sciences to track individual particles such as viruses, cells, and drug-loaded nanoparticles.

New research uncovers 'one of the tobacco industry's greatest scams'

Two new studies from the University of Bath expose evidence that big tobacco companies are still facilitating tobacco smuggling and funding studies that overestimate levels of tobacco smuggling. The findings highlight the tobacco industry's elaborate efforts to control a global track and trace system and undermine international agreeme...

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.

Algal blooms a threat to small lakes and ponds, too

A recent study by Ohio State University researchers found high levels of toxins in water near farm fields in rural Ohio, posing serious health risks to people, pets, and wildlife. The study highlights the need for judicious fertilizer use and measures to reduce animal waste contamination to control algal blooms.

Prospect of a new treatment for rheumatoid arthritis

A new drug, upadacitinib, has been shown to be effective in patients with moderate to severe forms of rheumatoid arthritis who have not responded to conventional treatments. The drug, a selective inhibitor of Janus kinase 1, has been found to improve joint swelling and pain symptoms in a phase III clinical trial.

Biomimetic chemistry: Carbohydrate capture

Researchers have designed and synthesized a molecular structure featuring a helical binding pocket that selectively captures xylobiose, a disaccharide class of carbohydrates. The molecule's synthesis and characterization were published in Angewandte Chemie, with the journal editors rating it as 'very important.'

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.

Dramatic development of immune system after birth

Researchers from Karolinska Institutet have discovered that a baby's immune system undergoes dramatic changes within the first few weeks of life, adapting to its new environment. This phenomenon was made possible by using advanced techniques of immune cell analysis.

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.

The world's cleanest water droplet

Scientists at TU Wien and Cornell University develop a novel method to create ultra-pure ice and apply it to titanium dioxide surfaces, revealing that smallest impurities are surprisingly significant. The study finds that two organic acids, acetic acid and formic acid, are the main culprits behind surface contamination.

Research reveals gene regulation can be digital and stochastic

Researchers discovered that gene regulation is largely digital and stochastic, with genes being on or off for a fraction of time. This finding adds complexity to human diseases, such as neuropsychiatric disorders, and may help better understand dosage-sensitive genes contributing to these conditions.

Discovery of two new Chinese dinosaurs by international research team

The discovery of Bannykus and Xiyunykus provides significant insights into the evolution of alvarezsaurs, an enigmatic group of theropod dinosaurs. The fossils reveal transitional steps in their adaptation to new diets, showing that these dinosaurs evolved short arms only later in their evolutionary history.

Modifying the major model of a modern major mouse model

Scientists have created a more complete humanized mouse model by combining human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells with mesenchymal stem cells. This allows for more realistic testing of immunotherapies, leading to improved cancer treatment predictions. The new model enables researchers to compare the interaction of the immune sys...

Newly identified structure in lymph nodes was 'hiding in plain sight'

Scientists at Garvan Institute of Medical Research have identified a new micro-organ within the immune system that helps fight reinfection fast. The structure, named SPFs, is strategically positioned to detect infection early and contains immune cells gathering to mount a rapid response.

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.

Fast visible-UV light nanobelt photodetector

Researchers have developed a CdS-CdSxTe1-x-CdTe core-shell nanobelt photodetector with high sensitivity and fast speed, outperforming traditional nanostructures. The detector has a responsivity of 1520 A/W and a detection spectrum covering the entire visible range.

Candidate for universal flu vaccine protects against multiple strains

A modified RNA vaccine elicits protective response in mice to a conserved region of the flu virus, providing broad protection against various strains. The vaccine has shown promise as a universal flu vaccine candidate, which could be given multiple times over a lifetime for long-lasting protection.

Study examines how nurses understand and deal with racism in healthcare

A new study explored how nurses understand and deal with racism in practice, finding mixed understandings and misunderstandings about its nature. The findings suggest an urgent need for interactive and sustained anti-racist education to address structural racism and promote culturally safe healthcare practices.

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.

Improving health insurance literacy aids Missourians' ACA enrollment

A study by Washington University researchers found that community outreach and educational support led to a higher enrollment rate in ACA plans among Missourians in 2018. The initiative also developed an online decision support tool, Show Me Health Plans, which reported higher health insurance knowledge and confidence among users.

Study investigates shortcoming of ITQ systems for fisheries

A new paper warns of the shortcomings of Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) systems for fisheries, which can discourage development of equitable alternatives. ITQs regulate fisheries access by dividing up total catch limits among individual quota owners, leading to negative consequences for small-scale fisheries and marginalized groups.

People pick gifts that will 'wow' rather than satisfy recipients

Researchers found that gift givers tend to choose gifts based on anticipated emotional responses, rather than long-term satisfaction. In studies involving real and imaginary gift-giving decisions, participants preferred personalized gifts that would elicit stronger emotional reactions.

Bees need it colorful

Scientists discovered that bees' quality of life is highest in gardens and biodiverse forests, while lowest in plantations. The decline of biodiversity is linked to bee extinction due to the lack of sufficient food and resources.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Air pollution leads to cardiovascular diseases

A study published in European Heart Journal reveals that air pollution is a significant contributor to cardiovascular diseases, with particulate matter playing a key role. The review article highlights the importance of reducing emissions from traffic, industry, and agriculture to mitigate the negative effects on vascular function.

Media alert: New articles in The CRISPR Journal

The CRISPR Journal publishes groundbreaking research on gene editing, including off-target effects in HIV therapy and the role of p53 in genome editing. The journal explores the ethics of CRISPR technology and its potential applications.

Mixed report card for low-cost indoor air quality home monitors

Four low-cost indoor air quality monitors reliably detect high levels of particulate matter in the air, enabling use of ventilation systems or air cleaners to reduce pollutant exposure. However, all monitors faltered for ultrafine particles smaller than 0.3 micrometers, which pose significant health risks.

Water monitor

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new method to monitor water levels in underground aquifers using seismic noise. They were able to measure the water depth of an aquifer in California to within a centimeter, and estimated that half a cubic kilometer of water was pumped out during a drought. This technique has the poten...

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.

A milestone for forecasting earthquake hazards

Researchers from Columbia University and USGS develop a physics-based model that replicates California's statistical seismic hazard model. This breakthrough marks a turning point in earthquake forecasting, providing accurate hazard estimates for engineers and regulators to make informed decisions on building codes and construction costs.

When confronted, a single neuron helps a fruit fly change course

A team of researchers from the University of Oregon has made a groundbreaking discovery about the neural circuitry that controls movement in fruit flies. By mapping the communications between a pair of brain neurons and motor neurons, they found that a single neuron can trigger both forward and backward motion.