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Science News Archive August 2018 - Page 10


Page 10 of 41

UIC awarded $7 million to develop depression prevention program

A $7 million grant will fund a 18-month study comparing two interventions: online CATCH-IT and in-person POD group therapy, to prevent depressive episodes among adolescents. The trial aims to identify which program has the greatest capacity for large-scale impact.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateAug 27, 2018

Gas-sensing drones draw NSF backing

Rice University researchers have developed a fleet of autonomous aerial drones that can coordinate to detect and track airborne pollutants. The system, called ASTRO, will use real-time data to alert neighborhoods of hazardous conditions following extreme weather events.

SourceRice University·DateAug 27, 2018

Research methods that find serial criminals could help save tigers

A geographic profiling tool used to catch serial criminals could help reduce the casualties of human-tiger conflict. By analyzing data from 2,386 Sumatrans and 13 years of human-tiger encounter records, scientists identified three places with high risk and low tolerance for tigers.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 27, 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.

Measuring the tension of a cell with a molecule

Scientists develop FliptR, a fluorescent molecule that measures cell membrane tension, revealing how cells adapt their surface to volume changes. The discovery paves the way for applications in cancer cell detection and membrane tension regulation.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Chemistry·DateAug 27, 2018

Upper Cretaceous trench deposits of the Neo-Tethyan subduction zone

The Jiachala Formation, a key deposit in the Neo-Tethyan subduction zone, was formed in a submarine fan environment during Late Cretaceous (~88-84 Ma) at the active southern margin of the Asian plate. Provenance analysis indicates it originated from the Gangdese arc and central Lhasa terrane.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateAug 27, 2018

Environmentally friendly farming practices used by nearly 1/3 of world's farms

A global assessment by scientists reveals nearly one-third of world's farms use sustainable intensification practices, improving productivity and biodiversity. Less developed countries see the largest gains in productivity, while industrialized countries focus on minimizing harm to ecosystem services.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateAug 27, 2018

How do fruit flies grow legs? Solving a molecular mystery

A team of neuroscientists at Columbia University has figured out how to tease apart the many roles EGFR plays in the body. They report their findings in PLOS Genetics, solving a long-standing question about EGFR signaling and development. The study sheds light on the link between EGFR and disease, offering clues for diseases like cancer.

SourceThe Zuckerman Institute at Columbia University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateAug 27, 2018

Connectivity explains ecosystem responses to rainfall, drought

Researchers used information theory techniques to track changes in rainfall, heat, soil moisture and carbon flow in two ecosystems before, during and after rainfall and drought events. The study found that stronger connectivity alters how rainfall affects moisture, heat and carbon flux in the system.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 27, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Assessment, monitoring, and mitigation of stressors on bee health

The PoshBee EU Horizon 2020 project aims to support healthy bee populations and sustainable beekeeping practices in Europe. The project will integrate knowledge from academics, beekeepers, and farmers to quantify the exposure hazard of chemicals on bees and determine their impact on health.

SourcePensoft Publishers·DateAug 27, 2018
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.

Patients with high blood pressure unlikely to reduce salt

Research suggests that patients with high blood pressure are more likely to rely on medication rather than reducing their salt intake, leading to higher blood pressure levels and increased medication use. Salt restriction is recommended as a key strategy to manage hypertension, but many patients fail to adhere to guidelines.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 26, 2018

Weight loss drug shows no increased risk in cardiovascular outcomes

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that lorcaserin, a weight loss drug, helped patients lose weight without increasing the incidence of heart attacks, strokes, and death from heart disease. The trial involved 12,000 overweight or obese patients at risk for cardiovascular events.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 26, 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.

Weight loss drug does not increase cardiovascular events

A weight loss drug, lorcaserin, does not increase the risk of cardiovascular events, according to a study that enrolled over 12,000 adults. The trial found noninferiority of lorcaserin for major adverse cardiovascular events compared to placebo after three years.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 26, 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.

Fish oils do not prevent heart attack or strokes in people with diabetes

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that fish oil supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids did not reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes. The ASCEND trial involved over 15,000 participants and followed them for an average of 7.4 years.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 26, 2018

Apps a timely reminder for those on heart medication

Research from the University of Sydney shows that high-quality medication reminder apps increase people's adherence to cardiovascular medication. A clinical trial found no additional benefits from advanced features like snooze reminders and social support structures.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalHeart·DateAug 26, 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.

Jury still out on aspirin a day to prevent heart attack and stroke

The ARRIVE study found that daily aspirin use did not reduce cardiovascular events, but participants who took aspirin had fewer heart attacks. Aspirin reduced the risk of total and nonfatal myocardial infarction in certain age groups, but increased gastrointestinal bleeding rates.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 26, 2018

Short and fragmented sleep linked to hardened arteries

A large study found that sleeping less than six hours or waking up several times in the night increases the risk of asymptomatic atherosclerosis. Participants with short and fragmented sleep had significantly more atherosclerosis, according to Dr. Fernando Dominguez.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 26, 2018
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.

Cellular pumps protect the gut from toxins

Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School discovered that gut stem cells have a unique population of cells with intrinsic toxin resistance, enabling them to withstand drugs and spicy foods. These 'drug efflux pumps' protect the gut from toxic compounds, promoting intestinal regeneration and overall health.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateAug 26, 2018

Finding the sweet spot of a good night's sleep: Not too long and not too short

A recent study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that sleeping six to eight hours a night is most beneficial for heart health. The research, which analyzed data from over one million adults, suggests that both short and long sleepers have an increased risk of developing coronary artery disease or stroke.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 26, 2018

Scans cut heart attack rates and save lives, major study finds

A new study suggests that incorporating heart scans into routine care could save thousands of lives in the UK. The SCOT-HEART study found that patients who received a computed tomography angiogram (CTA) scan had a 40% lower risk of heart attack within five years.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 25, 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.

I have had a heart attack. Do I need open heart surgery or a stent?

The new guidelines recommend open heart surgery for patients with complex coronary artery disease, as it provides better long-term survival and outcomes compared to stent placement. In contrast, patients with simpler disease can benefit from both surgical bypass and PCI, with complete revascularization being the preferred option.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 25, 2018

Why the effects of a boozy binge could last longer than you think

A recent study published in the journal Addiction found that individuals who experience hangovers continue to exhibit impaired cognitive function, including poorer attention and memory, the day after a heavy drinking session. This highlights the need for workplaces to reconsider their guidelines on alcohol intoxication at work.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalAddiction·DateAug 25, 2018

A smartphone application can help in screening for atrial fibrillation

A smartphone application has been shown to effectively screen for atrial fibrillation, with a verification process that can be downsized or omitted. The study found that approximately 225 people would need to be screened to detect one new case, making this technology an attractive option for widespread screening.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 25, 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.

Unnecessary heart procedures can be avoided with noninvasive test

A new non-invasive test called FFRCT accurately reflects invasively measured fractional flow reserve, showing it can safely guide treatment for patients with moderate stenosis. The study found that patients with normal FFRCT results had a similar prognosis to those with mild or no stenosis.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 25, 2018

Do doctors really know how to diagnose a heart attack?

The 2018 Fourth Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction provides clarity on diagnosing a heart attack, distinguishing between myocardial infarction and myocardial injury. Elevated troponin levels are not sufficient for diagnosis, and oxygen shortage detection via electrocardiogram is crucial.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 25, 2018

Study investigates major cause of heart attacks in women

A new study published by the European Society of Cardiology has investigated the major cause of heart attacks in women, finding that spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a leading factor. The study also identified emotional stress as a key trigger for SCAD, which can lead to narrowing, aneurysms, or tears in the arteries.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 25, 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
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.

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.