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Science News for August 24, 2018


Illinois researchers develop method to cancel noise without ear-blocking headphones

A team of researchers from the University of Illinois has developed a new method for canceling noise without requiring ear-blocking headphones. By using wireless IoT networks, they can sense sounds and send them to an earpiece with enough time to produce a better anti-noise signal, effectively canceling out external sounds.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·DateAug 24, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Getting a charge out of MOFs

A team of researchers developed an electrically conductive MOF that conducts electricity up to 10,000 times better than before, using a potassium chemical mix to boost conductivity. The new material has high electron mobility and can be used in various applications including batteries, supercapacitors, and fuel cells.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 24, 2018

Carbon emissions in African savannas triple previous estimates

Research suggests that tree felling in African savannas is releasing at least three times more carbon than previously thought. The study found that degradation releases around twice as much carbon as deforestation, leading to combined losses of three to six times higher than expected.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 24, 2018

Risk adjusting for race and poverty bolsters rankings of some hospitals

A new study published in Academic Emergency Medicine finds that risk adjusting for race and poverty improves the apparent performance of hospitals treating large numbers of nonwhite or poor patients. The study's lead author recommends including sociodemographic adjustment in payment models to prevent harm to vulnerable populations.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateAug 24, 2018

UMass Amherst research discovers new channel-gating mechanism

A team of computational biophysicists has identified a hydrophobic dewetting mechanism that blocks intracellular access to the selectivity filter in BK channels. This finding represents a paradigm shift in understanding the regulation and gating process of these channels, which play a crucial role in various health conditions.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 24, 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.

From guts to glory: The evolution of gut defense

Researchers mapped the evolutionary journey of animal guts to defend against microbial attack. They discovered that tunicates, a simple animal related to vertebrates, had an intermediate gut lining with both chitin and mucous coexisting. This finding suggests a missing link between invertebrate and mammalian gut defenses.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 24, 2018

Researchers stop cell suicide that worsens sepsis, arthritis

A team of researchers from Case Western Reserve University discovered a way to stop immune cell death associated with multiple diseases, including sepsis, IBD, and arthritis. They identified a chemical, necrosulfonamide, that potently inhibits inflammatory cell death by preventing pyroptosis, a type of cell suicide.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalScience Immunology·DateAug 24, 2018

Producing hydrogen from splitting water without splitting hairs

Researchers developed a new model explaining the interactions between small copper clusters and water molecules in producing molecular hydrogen. The study shows that copper-water complexes synthesized in ultra-cold helium nanodroplets can catalyze hydrogen production.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateAug 24, 2018

Kelp forests function differently in warmer oceans

Warm-water kelps alter ecosystem functioning, with faster food production and processing, but may reduce biodiversity. Kelp forests are expected to survive, unlike in other regions where they are disappearing.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateAug 24, 2018

Researchers achieve multifunctional solid-state quantum memory

The team developed a multi-degree-of-freedom multiplexed solid-state quantum memory with high multimode capacity and demonstrated photon pulse operation functions with time and frequency DOFs. The device enables coherent manipulation of quantum states and can serve as a quantum mode converter with high fidelity.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 24, 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 insights on sperm production lay groundwork for solving male infertility

Michigan Medicine researchers created the most complete catalog of cells in the male gonads by analyzing over 30,000 individual cells from mouse testes. The study reveals a continuous sperm cell developmental program and identifies new cell types and molecular features that can help understand the causes of male infertility.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateAug 24, 2018

Effective fisheries management can reduce extinction risk of marine fish stocks

A new UBC study analyzed 825 marine fish species and found that 499 are projected to face very high extinction risks due to overfishing and climate change. Effective fisheries management and low greenhouse gas emissions can reduce this risk by up to 63%, saving hundreds of fish stocks from becoming endangered.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateAug 24, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 24, 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.

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.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalCombustion and Flame·DateAug 24, 2018

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 24, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 24, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateAug 24, 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.

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.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateAug 24, 2018

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.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 24, 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.

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.

SourceRice University·JournalLangmuir·DateAug 24, 2018

In ancient Rome, insults in politics knew hardly any boundaries

In ancient Rome, politicians ruthlessly insulted each other, while the public was allowed to insult them, showing a unique balance of power. The culture of conflict had a politically stabilising effect, with few limits on what was considered acceptable.

SourceCluster of Excellence "Religion and Politics"·DateAug 24, 2018

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.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalCell·DateAug 24, 2018

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.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalMarketing Science·DateAug 24, 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.

Protecting your health data -- healthcare leaders share their experience with cybersecurity strategy

A series of articles and commentaries highlights the importance of process improvements, team culture, and enterprise cybersecurity in preventing cyberattacks. Healthcare executives discuss key components of effective cybersecurity strategies, including organization-wide training and shared responsibility.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalFrontiers of Health Services Management·DateAug 24, 2018

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.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 24, 2018

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.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Neurovascular Research·DateAug 24, 2018
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

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.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 24, 2018

A molecular pit crew responsible for refuelling in signaling cells

A team from NCBS has identified a set of three proteins - PI4KIIIα, Efr3, and TTC7 - crucial for maintaining PIP2 levels on the surface membranes of cells. This helps maintain the signaling system going by rapidly resynthesizing essential molecules.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournalJournal of Cell Science·DateAug 24, 2018

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 24, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateAug 24, 2018

Scientists have developed an effective marker for cancer diagnosis and therapy

Researchers at NUST MISIS have developed a system that improves cancer diagnosis accuracy and provides opportunities for targeted therapy. The magnetoferritin compound, introduced into the body before diagnosis, enhances contrast signals in imaging and targets tumor cells for destruction.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 24, 2018

How low is too low? Study highlights serious risks for intensive blood pressure control

A Kaiser Permanente study found that patients with hypertension who experience unusually low blood pressures are twice as likely to experience a fall or faint. The study suggests that physicians should weigh the risks and benefits of aggressive blood pressure lowering on an individual basis, especially in older patients.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 24, 2018

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.

SourceAarhus University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 24, 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.

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.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalHoward Journal of Communications·DateAug 24, 2018

£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.

SourceSCIAD·DateAug 24, 2018

Tree species richness in Amazonian wetlands is three times greater than expected

A new study reveals that Amazonian wetlands are home to an astonishing 3,615 tree species, exceeding expectations by three times. This comprehensive list of tree species was compiled from forest inventories and botanical collections, providing valuable insights into the region's biodiversity.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 24, 2018

Many young adults lack financial literacy, economic stability, study finds

A recent study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that nearly a third of young adults are financially precarious due to poor financial literacy and income instability. These individuals often rely on alternative financial services, which can lead to high interest rates and fees.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·DateAug 24, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 24, 2018

Researchers discover epigenetic reason for drug resistance in a deadly melanoma

Mount Sinai researchers discovered a novel epigenetic mechanism causing drug resistance in melanoma patients with BRAF gene mutations. A biomarker called IGFBP2 was also identified, which could benefit from combination therapies that inhibit BRAF and IGFBP2-driven pathways.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 24, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·DateAug 24, 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.

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.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2018

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.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalChemMedChem·DateAug 24, 2018

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.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateAug 24, 2018

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.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 24, 2018

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 24, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateAug 24, 2018