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Science News Archive August 2018


Page 5 of 41

More than just a DNA repair deficiency syndrome

Researchers found that the CSB protein, previously thought to be solely responsible for DNA repair, also enhances acetylation of alpha-Tubulin and regulates autophagy. HDAC inhibition restores balance, improving skin symptoms in mouse models. Further studies aim to explore its potential treatment for Cockayne syndrome.

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.

What's that smell? Scientists find a new way to understand odors

Researchers at Salk Institute and Arizona State University develop mathematical model to organize odor molecules by frequency of co-occurrence in nature, mapping pleasant directions. This breakthrough enables construction of artificial pleasant odor mixtures, with potential implications for understanding diseases like Parkinson's.

A tool to improve the design of growing urban areas

The study provides a framework to analyze and improve urban design in growing cities, connecting disconnected areas with minimal infrastructure costs. Researchers used topology and spatial analysis to identify opportunities for reblocking, transforming informal settlements into more livable spaces.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New genetics findings unravel key components of fracture risk in osteoporosis

A recent genome-wide association study found that only two factors - bone mineral density and muscle strength - contribute to fracture risk, while vitamin D levels do not directly predispose people to fractures. Increasing bone strength is more effective in preventing fractures than widespread vitamin D supplementation.

McMullen to receive GSA's 2018 Carroll L. Estes Rising Star Award

Tara McMullen has been recognized with the 2018 Carroll L. Estes Rising Star Award by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) for her outstanding contributions to social research, policy, and practice. The award honors her work in standardizing post-acute care assessment data and quality measures.

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.

Overconfident CEOs are more likely to get sued

Researchers found that overconfident CEOs are 33% more likely to be sued by shareholders. A shareholder lawsuit can curb future risk-taking behavior, leading to lower confidence and more prudent actions. This study highlights the importance of shareholder power in regulating CEO behavior.

How your brain experiences time

A team of researchers has identified a neural clock in the brain that organizes the flow of our experiences into an orderly sequence of events. This discovery sheds light on how our brains measure subjective time, which is distinct from external timekeeping mechanisms like clocks and circadian rhythms.

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.

Terahertz wave activates filamentation of actin

Researchers at Tohoku University have discovered that terahertz wave irradiation activates the filamentation of actin protein. This non-invasive method could overcome problems with current drugs used to control actin filamentation and expand its applications in biological technologies.

Watching two-dimensional materials grow

Researchers have developed a new method to directly observe the crystallisation process of two-dimensional materials under the electron microscope. This allows for accurate study and control of the process, leading to better production methods for ultra-thin crystals with desired properties.

The fate of plastic in the oceans

Researchers discovered that microplastics form stable aggregates with biogenic particles, such as plankton and faecal material, which can sink into deeper water layers. The presence of biofilms on microplastics also facilitates aggregation, potentially affecting the transport and distribution of microplastics in the oceans.

Unstoppable monster in the early universe

Astronomers used ALMA to create the most detailed map of a distant starburst galaxy, finding highly unstable molecular clouds that lead to rapid star formation. The galaxy's gas is estimated to be consumed in 100 million years, 10 times faster than in other galaxies.

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.

A recipe for regenerating nerve fibers across complete spinal cord injury

Researchers have discovered a three-pronged recipe to regenerate severed nerve fibers across complete spinal cord injuries, replicating conditions that promote growth during development. The treatment involves delivering growth factors and proteins to reanimate the genetic program for axon growth and create a permissive environment.

Failing immune system 'brakes' help explain type 1 diabetes in mice

A study published in Frontiers in Immunology reveals that a specific immune checkpoint molecule, interleukin-10 (IL-10), is not functioning properly in mice with type 1 diabetes. This defect leads to an overactive immune response, attacking insulin-producing cells and causing the disease.

Ancient African herders had lasting ecological impact on grazed lands

A new study found that ancient animal herders in Africa added to the ecological richness and diversity of the savanna thousands of years ago. Their practice of penning cattle, goats, and sheep at night created nutrient-rich grassy glades, or hotspots, that still attract wildlife and have increased habitat diversity in the region.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Soy natural: Genetic resistance against aphids

Researchers have discovered genetic landmarks associated with soybean aphid resistance in thousands of varieties, paving the way for developing new resistant varieties. This breakthrough could provide an alternative to insecticides, reducing environmental issues and crop losses.

Improving soil quality can slow global warming

A new study suggests that low-tech ways of improving soil quality on farms and rangelands worldwide could capture significant amounts of carbon from the atmosphere and store it in the soil. If instituted globally, these practices could reduce global temperatures by nearly half a degree Fahrenheit by 2100.

Beavers have an impact on the climate

Beaver dams raise water levels, releasing organic carbon to the atmosphere. Research indicates beavers can act as both carbon sinks and sources, with some ponds fixing up to 470,000 tons of carbon per year or releasing 820,000 tons annually.

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.

Cold climates contributed to the extinction of the Neanderthals

A recent study suggests that climate change contributed to the decline and eventual extinction of the Neanderthals. The researchers found that prolonged extreme cold periods coincide with a near complete absence of archaeological artefacts from the Neanderthals. This indicates that climate change played a significant role in their demise.

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.

Experts warn of cardiovascular risk from heavy metal pollution

A systematic review and meta-analysis found exposure to arsenic, lead, cadmium, and copper increases the risk of coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that even low doses of toxic chemicals pose a significant risk to cardiovascular health, highlighting the need for policymakers to take action to reduce p...

Mark Nieuwenhuijsen receives 2018 John Goldsmith Award

Mark Nieuwenhuijsen, Director of Urban Planning, Environment and Health Initiative at ISGlobal, wins the 2018 John Goldsmith Award for his work on promoting healthier cities through reduced car use and increased public transportation. His research aims to reduce premature deaths in cities like Barcelona due to suboptimal urban planning.

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.

US soldiers who attempt suicide often have no prior mental health diagnosis

A recent study of 9,650 US soldiers who attempted suicide reveals that nearly one-third had no prior mental health diagnosis. Risk factors for attempting suicide were similar across both groups, but being in the first year of service and certain sociodemographic characteristics increased the risk in soldiers without a prior diagnosis.

Air pollution can put a dent in solar power

Research reveals that air pollution can reduce solar panel output by up to 17% in some cities, leading to significant financial losses. The study found that urban areas like Delhi and Beijing could lose tens of millions of dollars annually due to haze-related reductions in solar power.

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.

New way to break cancer's vicious cycle

University of Toronto researchers have identified protein NUAK2, associated with poor disease prognosis in bladder cancer. Blocking NUAK2 slows down cancer cell growth and raises hopes for treating patients.

Celebrity culture likely contributed to destigmatizing out-of-wedlock childbirth

A new study by Hanna Grol-Prokopczyk found that celebrities in the US have lower rates of out-of-wedlock births compared to the general population, but this disparity is seen among white women with college education. Celebrity news outlets like People magazine may be contributing to a shift towards more non-traditional family arrangeme...

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.

Changes in breakfast and dinner timings can reduce body fat

A 10-week pilot study found that participants who delayed their breakfast by 90 minutes and had their dinner earlier lost more than twice as much body fat compared to those in the control group. This reduction was partly due to decreased food intake, with 57% of participants reporting a decrease in eating opportunities.

A climate 'wake-up call'

Research suggests that proactive implementation of fisheries management and climate action can create a more bountiful future for the world's oceans. The study finds that concerted responses to climate change can lead to increased fish populations, food availability, and profit for fishermen.

China is hot spot of ground-level ozone pollution

A new study reveals China's air quality is worse than the US, Europe, Japan, and South Korea in terms of surface ozone levels. The country experiences more high ozone days than any other nation, posing a significant threat to human health and crops.

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.

On the horizon: An acne vaccine

Researchers have made significant progress in developing an acne vaccine by targeting a toxin secreted from Propionibacterium acnes bacteria. The vaccine has shown promise in reducing inflammation in human acne lesions. Future studies aim to engineer a non-toxic chemical or targeted vaccine formulation for its human application.

The God of small things

Researchers found that religious people regularly assign significance to unremarkable events, leading to positive emotions like gratitude and contentment. The study suggests that giving meaning to everyday events is a general phenomenon across religious groups.

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.

CVIA special issue on special issue on current issues in cath labs

This CVIA special issue brings together valuable new insights into research in cath lab procedures. Papers cover topics such as intravascular ultrasound-guided percutaneous coronary intervention, cardiac catheterization after cardiac arrest, and the current state of transradial access.