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Science News Archive August 2018


Page 31 of 41

Scientists discover how to protect yeast from damage in biofuel production

Researchers have identified two changes to a single gene that can make yeast tolerate pretreatment chemicals used in biofuel production. The modified yeast can survive and ferment alongside amounts of toxic ionic liquids, increasing efficiency by up to 70%. This breakthrough could revolutionize the biofuel industry.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Hybrid catalyst with high enantiomer selectivity

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a hybrid catalyst that combines simple rhodium and organic catalysts to selectively produce molecules with high enantiomer selectivity. This technology is expected to assist in rapid and low-cost drug synthesis, particularly for nucleotide medicine.

Pass the salt: Study finds average consumption safe for heart health

A large international study found that individuals consuming average amounts of sodium (3-5g/day) do not face increased health risks. However, those exceeding five grams a day may experience cardiovascular events, and improving dietary quality with potassium-rich foods can mitigate this risk.

Surprise finding in neurons

Researchers discovered a high infection rate of Purkinje neurons with HHV-6 in patients with bipolar disorder and/or severe depression. The study suggests viruses can cause cognitive disturbances leading to mood disorders, contradicting the belief that dormant viruses never cause disease.

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

NASA sees Hector's large eye after passing Hawaii

NASA's Aqua satellite captured Hurricane Hector's large eye after it passed the Hawaiian Islands. The storm's cloud top temperatures were as cold as minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating strong storms capable of heavy rain. A tropical storm watch is in effect for Johnston Island, with swells expected to produce dangerous waves.

NASA's Parker Solar Probe is about to lift off

Parker Solar Probe will make its journey to the Sun's atmosphere, closer than any spacecraft in history, with a highly elliptical orbit and speeds of up to 430,000 miles per hour. The spacecraft will observe the acceleration of the solar wind and study extreme events on the Sun, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections.

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.

Research brief: New 3D-printed device could help treat spinal cord injuries

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a groundbreaking 3D-printed device that uses regenerative cells to connect living nerve cells above and below spinal cord injury sites. The device has shown promise in improving bladder control, stopping uncontrollable movements, and alleviating pain.

Genetic mutation underlying severe childhood brain disorder identified

Researchers have identified a genetic mutation and faulty development process that causes a debilitating brain-based disorder in children. The mutation, in the alpha-N-catenin gene (CTNNA2), leads to abnormal cell adhesion and impaired neuronal migration, resulting in severe intellectual impairment and limited life expectancy.

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.

New theory may explain cause of depression and improve treatments

A new review suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction may be the root cause of depression, providing a potential breakthrough for novel antidepressant medication. The researchers found that depression is associated with decreased energy production and increased metabolic demand in brain cells.

Epigenetic reprogramming of human hearts found in congestive heart failure

A study led by Adam Wende found an underlying mechanism that reprograms the hearts of patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, altering cellular remodeling and metabolism. The researchers identified epigenetic changes that encode a 'metabolic plasticity' in failing hearts, which may repair the ischemic and failing heart.

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.

Targeting a brain mechanism could treat aggression

Scientists discovered a link between polysialic acid and aggressive behavior in mice with psychiatric disorders. The absence of the enzyme ST8SIA2 reduced fear processing and anxiety, leading to abnormal aggression.

Scientists identify genetic marker for gastric cancer prognosis

Researchers have discovered a genetic marker, MUC16 mutation, associated with higher tumor mutation load and improved responsiveness to immunotherapy in gastric cancer. This finding could help identify eligible patients for immunotherapy treatment, which currently responds positively in only 20-30% of cases.

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.

Human microbiome influences rotavirus vaccine response

A proof-of-concept study found that antibiotic treatment prior to vaccination increased viral shedding in healthy adult men, while narrow-spectrum antibiotics showed a slight increase in early vaccine boosting. The results suggest a potential correlation between the microbiome and vaccine performance.

Environmental regulations drove steep declines in US factory pollution

A study by University of California, Berkeley economists found that air pollution emissions from US manufacturing fell by 60% between 1990 and 2008 due to stricter environmental regulations. The researchers analyzed data on over 1,400 products and found that changes in production technologies were the primary driver of these decreases.

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.

Cancer cells send out 'drones' to battle immune system from afar

Researchers discovered that cancer cells release exosomes carrying PD-L1 to suppress the immune system, enabling a new approach to predict treatment response and track therapy effectiveness through blood tests. This finding has significant implications for precision medicine and personalized cancer care.

Drug makes rats less likely to imbibe alcohol

Researchers have created a new drug that stimulates GPR88 receptor, reducing rats' tendency to drink alcohol. The molecule, RTI-13951-33, is potent and selective for the receptor, crossing the blood-brain barrier more effectively than its predecessor.

Hemingway Letters Project receives three-year NEH grant

The Hemingway Letters Project has received a three-year NEH grant to publish nearly 6,000 surviving letters written by Ernest Hemingway, including previously unpublished work. The project will cover volumes five through seven, spanning 1932-1941.

Hybridization boosts evolution

Researchers from four international universities analyzed cichlid fish DNA to understand the formation of new species. They found that hybridization between species led to rapid evolution and adaptation, boosting innovation and species development.

Hidden signs in cancer tissue

A study by ETH Zurich researchers has discovered new cancer-specific molecular changes in RNA molecules, which could inform the development of cancer treatments. The analysis found that alternative splicing occurs more frequently in tumor tissues than healthy tissues, particularly in pulmonary adenocarcinomas.

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.

Surviving large carnivores have far-reaching impact

A global study using camera trap data found that large-bodied mammalian carnivores exclude other carnivore species, shaping local communities. This leads to a chain reaction affecting prey species, plant communities, and even insect populations.

Blocking sunlight to cool Earth won't reduce crop damage from global warming

A new analysis by University of California, Berkeley researchers concludes that injecting particles into the atmosphere to cool the planet would have no effect on reducing crop damage from rising temperatures. The study found that lower productivity due to reduced sunlight would negate any benefits of cooler temperatures.

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.

Disaster relief: How can AI improve humanitarian assistance?

The workshop discussed how AI can help victims of disasters, including using unmanned aerial vehicles to find survivors and robots to communicate with trapped victims. The goal is to leverage AI to better deliver resources and people to those in urgent need.

Tracking the trends of online dating in major US Cities

A new study analyzing online dating website interactions in four major US cities found that both men and women pursued partners about 25% more desirable than themselves. The authors discovered a consistent hierarchy of desirability based on age, education, gender, and race/ethnicity.

NASA sees major Hurricane Hector moving south of Hawaii

Hurricane Hector maintains its major hurricane status as it moves south of Hawaii, with cloud top temperatures indicating strong storms capable of creating heavy rain. The National Weather Service predicts tropical storm conditions and large surf along the Big Island and Maui, prompting monitoring from interests in Johnston Island.

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.

World record: Fastest 3D tomographic images at BESSY II

Scientists at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin have developed an ultra-stable turntable to capture fast 3D tomographic images at a rate of approximately 2000 projections per second. This breakthrough enables detailed analysis of material processing, such as pore formation in metallic foams.

Half a degree less warming can avoid precipitation extremes

A study published in Nature Communications found that reducing global warming by half a degree Celsius could significantly decrease extreme precipitation events, resulting in lower exposure to flooding and landslides. The research suggests that limiting warming to 1.5°C could robustly benefit the populous global monsoon region.

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.

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.

Can medical marijuana help treat intractable epilepsy?

A review suggests that cannabidiol, a compound in cannabis, may have modest efficacy in treating severe epilepsy, particularly in children. However, more rigorous clinical trials are necessary to fully understand its potential and minimize side effects.