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Science News Archive August 2018


Page 9 of 41

Massive effort yields image-based cell sorting technology

A new intelligent machine, Image-Activated Cell Sorting (IACS), sorts cells based on their spatial and morphological properties using an image-driven approach. The platform has been optimized for analyzing individual cells and holds promise for making machine-based discoveries in biological sciences.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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For carbon storage, biodiversity can help -- or hurt

Research found that biodiversity increases live tree carbon storage by up to 20 megagrams per hectare, but has a smaller impact on overall carbon storage. Climate and site topography have a more significant effect on forest carbon storage.

In the race of life, the tortoise beats the hare every time

A study by Duke University researchers shows that slow and steady animals actually have a faster average speed over their lifetimes than fast but erratic ones. The analysis also applies to modern aircraft design, where jet fighters are surprisingly slow when averaged over their service lifetime.

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Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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Child lead exposure study finds substantial reductions possible

Researchers reduced household lead levels and found significant reductions in dust lead levels, especially among black children. However, the intervention did not result in significant neurobehavioral improvements, such as improved IQ or behavior. The study suggests that eliminating residential lead exposure may be necessary to fully p...

Brain-heart activity predicts post-malaria epilepsy in mice

Researchers discovered a brain-heart biomarker that can identify mice at risk of developing post-cerebral malaria epilepsy. This finding could translate to humans and improve therapeutic approaches for patients recovering from traumatic brain injury or stroke, which are estimated to develop epilepsy in up to 15 percent of survivors.

The sugar wars: Rhetoric or reason?

Researchers argue that sugar is not responsible for obesity and metabolic diseases, citing evidence from multiple domains. Experts also highlight the importance of physical activity in determining metabolic health. The debate raises questions about the role of sugar in modern diets and whether restrictive recommendations are effective.

Keeping cost from getting in the way of stroke prevention

A new study published in JAMA Neurology shows that the Affordable Care Act's Medicaid expansion has reduced the number of young stroke survivors who stop taking their medications due to cost. The study found that nearly 31% of all stroke survivors aged 45-64 were covered by Medicaid, up from 24% in 2011-2013.

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Study finds 1 in 12 children taking multiple medications at risk

A study found that nearly 20% of children use prescription medications, with 7.5% using multiple medications simultaneously. Adolescent girls are most vulnerable to harmful drug-drug interactions due to higher concurrent use of antidepressants and other psychotropic medications.

In sync: How cells make connections could impact circadian rhythm

Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have created an algorithm to reveal connections between cells over time, potentially impacting circadian rhythms. The approach, called ICON, shows the strength of these connections, which could lead to a better understanding of brain disorders such as epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease.

Breast cancer breakthrough: Some tumors can stop their own spread

Researchers discovered a previously unseen 'ecosystem' in advanced breast cancer, where primary tumors emit signals to halt secondary tumor growth. The study found that activating the immune response can freeze secondary cancers, offering new hope for living with advanced breast cancer.

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.

Enzyme ducts in the pancreas are formed like rivers

Researchers studied pancreas duct formation in mice and found that the network resembles road networks, with stronger ducts expanding and weaker ones shrinking. This study may lead to better understanding and treatment of cystic fibrosis and other diseases involving abnormal duct formation.

Heart-brain connection could be predictive biomarker for epilepsy

Researchers discovered a predictive biomarker for epilepsy by analyzing the connection between heartbeat irregularities and abnormal brain activity in mice. They found that anomalous heart rate patterns slightly preceded abnormal brain waves, allowing them to predict which mice would develop seizures with 100% accuracy.

Climate change and Neanderthal transition in Europe

Researchers found that cold climate cycles coincided with the absence of Neanderthal tools and the rise of modern humans in Europe. The limited diet of Neanderthals, which relied on terrestrial meat sources, may have contributed to their decline during stadials.

From farm to fridge: Milk carton 'sell-by' dates may become more precise

A new predictive model by Cornell University researchers aims to reduce food waste and spoilage by making 'sell-by' dates on milk cartons more precise. The model shows that refrigerated milk at lower temperatures significantly reduces the presence of spore-forming bacteria, leading to improved shelf life.

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Metabolic engineering of E. coli for the secretory production of free haem

Engineered E. coli strains have successfully produced extracellular free haem using a novel strategy, overcoming previous limitations in production efficiency and yield. The optimized metabolic pathway enables high titer production of haem, paving the way for its use as a bioavailable iron-supplying agent in medical applications.

Significant Dialysis Development

A new minimally-invasive surgical technique has been developed to create dialysis access for patients with severe kidney disease. The WavelinQ endoAVF System allows vascular surgeons to create a connection between an artery and vein using magnets, reducing the risk of complications and surgeries.

Scientists 'fix' bacterial tree of life

Researchers create standardized model by reclassifying bacteria into 121 separate genus groups across 29 different families. The study uses metagenomics and genome sequencing technology to overcome historical difficulties in classifying microbial species.

A blue paradox

Researchers at UCSB and the University of Oregon discovered that efforts to close off fishing in marine reserves paradoxically led to more fishing, exacerbating habitat degradation. The preemptive behavior was equivalent to 1.5 years of avoided fishing following the ban.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

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Traffic noise may make birds age faster

A study published in Frontiers in Zoology found that traffic noise may contribute to aging in Zebra finches, with birds exposed after fledging having shorter telomeres. The researchers suggest that this period is critical for song learning and development, making birds more sensitive to noise.

Scientists identify a new kind of human brain cell

Researchers discover a new type of human brain cell that has never been seen in mice and other laboratory animals. These 'rosehip neurons' may play a role in fine-level control between regions of the human brain, and their absence in rodents suggests difficulties in modeling human brain diseases.

Geologists uncover new clues about largest mass extinction ever

A new study found that the Siberian Flood Basalts, a massive volcanic eruption around 250 million years ago, sent nearly 90% of life into extinction. The team discovered that chlorine, bromine, and iodine in the lithosphere were released into the atmosphere, destroying the ozone layer.

Unearthing the secrets of cellular energy

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes identify 156 genes affecting ATP levels in cells, shedding light on cellular energy production. The findings could lead to the development of new therapies for diseases such as mitochondrial disorders, heart disease, and neurodegenerative diseases.

NASA observes Tropical Storm Miriam's formation

Tropical cyclones regularly develop in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. NASA's GPM mission observed intense rainfall near Tropical Storm Miriam's center, with rain falling at over 190 mm per hour. The satellite's radar data revealed the 3D structure of precipitation within the storm, providing insights into energy release and fuel formation.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

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Evidence of ancient Chilean mammal diets

Researchers analyzed gomphotheres' tooth fossils for dietary patterns, finding evidence of tree browsing and herb grazing. The study suggests that the mammals' diets were flexible according to resource availability and latitudinal climate gradients.

Australian, UK scientists solve 30-year wheat rust genetics puzzle

Researchers from Australia and the UK have isolated three related rust resistance genes that confer distinct recognition specificities to the stripe rust pathogen. This breakthrough could enable accurate monitoring and integration of these genes into breeding programs to combat evolving pathogens.

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.

Chemists develop tools to reduce pesticide impact

Researchers have developed tools to break down pesticides in the environment using catalytic amyloids. The discovery shows that these molecules can facilitate multiple chemical transformations at once, offering a promising approach for OP detoxification. Catalytic amyloids have been shown to hydrolyze paraoxon by several thousand-fold.

Towards untangling the 'antennal grabbing' phenomenon in mating cuckoo bees

Researchers observed 'antennal grabbing' behavior in three different cuckoo bee species in the genus Nomada, where males transfer pheromones during copulation. This phenomenon has been documented for the first time in this genus, shedding new light on the courtship and mating behaviors of these kleptoparasitic bees.

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.

Food insecurity leads to higher mortality risk, a new study finds

A new study published in PLOS ONE found that household food insecurity is strongly associated with increased mortality rates in adults. The study analyzed data from Ontario, Canada and found that more severe levels of food insecurity were linked to a higher risk of mortality.

Connectome organization in childhood ALL and risk of delayed neurodevelopment

A new study explores the cognitive effects of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and its treatment on brain function. The research reveals that connectome disruption is associated with delayed neurodevelopment in long-term survivors, with younger age at diagnosis and longer chemotherapy duration linked to poorer outcomes.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

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Fishing activity skyrocketed ahead of ban in South Pacific area

Researchers found a 130% increase in fishing activity in the Phoenix Islands Protected Area before a full ban took effect, setting back conservation efforts. The study suggests that people will adapt rationally to policy changes, leading to unintended consequences for conservation goals.

One in 3 US veteran firearm owners keeps a gun loaded and unlocked

A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that nearly 1 in 3 US veterans who own firearms store at least one loaded gun unlocked. This practice contributes to heightened suicide risk among vulnerable individuals who perceive firearms as a means of protection.

Happy older people live longer, say researchers

A new study among senior Singaporeans suggests that happiness is directly proportional with a reduction in mortality. Happy older people lived 15% longer on average compared to unhappy counterparts, with even small increments in happiness showing significant benefits for longevity.

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.

Investigating what keeps metastatic breast cancer in check

Researchers found that inflammatory response triggered by primary breast cancer prevents tumor cells from growing in distant organs. Inhibitors of interleukin-1β, such as canakinumab, are being tested in clinical trials for potential benefits in preventing metastatic growth.

Many Arctic pollutants decrease after market removal and regulation

Levels of some persistent organic pollutants (POPs) regulated by the Stockholm Convention are decreasing in the Arctic, according to an international team of researchers. The biggest decreases were in a byproduct of the pesticide lindane and PCBs, with mean annual declines of 9% and 4% per year across the Arctic 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.

Quantitative classification of art

Researchers used a quantitative method to analyze over 140,000 artworks and found a temporal evolution of artistic styles reflecting divisions in style during Renaissance, Modern, and Contemporary art. The study demonstrates the utility of quantitative metrics in assessing artistic style evolution.

New urine dipstick test detects cause of disease that blinds millions

Scientists at Scripps Research have developed a non-invasive urine test to detect the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus, causing river blindness. The new lateral flow assay uses a biomarker in human urine to identify active infections, offering a crucial tool for tracking outbreaks and treating current infections.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

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