Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive August 2018 - Page 11


Page 11 of 41

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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
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.

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
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 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
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.

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
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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

Antibiotic side effects in kids lead to nearly 70,000 ER visits in the US each year

A new analysis found that antibiotic use in children leads to an estimated 69,000 emergency room visits each year for allergic reactions and other side effects. The risk varies by child age and type of antibiotic used, with younger children aged 2 or under being at highest risk.

SourcePediatric Infectious Diseases Society·JournalJournal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society·DateAug 23, 2018

Fresh and raw diets for dogs may have health benefits, study says

A study published in the Journal of Animal Science found that fresh and raw diets for dogs can be more digestible than traditional kibble, leading to lower blood triglyceride levels. The diets also showed major shifts in the microbiota of the dogs' gut, but all diets were considered healthy and palatable.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateAug 23, 2018

Predicting when virus outbreaks will peak

Scientists developed a model to accurately predict the transmission dynamics of various viruses, enabling optimized vaccination programs. The analysis analyzed over 100 enterovirus serotypes and demonstrated patterns in their transmission cycles.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 23, 2018

Scientists close in on mystery surrounding dangerous blood syndromes

A new study identifies HIF1A, a gene that regulates metabolic changes and oxygen levels in cells, as a potential therapeutic target for treating myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). The researchers found that inhibiting HIF1A reversed a broad spectrum of MDS symptoms in genetic mouse models.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalCancer Discovery·DateAug 23, 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.

Rice U. lab finds evidence of matter-matter coupling

Researchers at Rice University have discovered the first example of Dicke cooperativity in a matter-matter system, which could lead to faster information processing and lower power consumption. The discovery uses a magnetic field to prompt cooperativity among spins within a crystalline compound made primarily of iron and erbium.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·DateAug 23, 2018

How can parents help children navigate an increasingly diverse world?

A team of multidisciplinary researchers provides novel insights into parenting and diversity, identifying common themes and future directions for research. The study sheds light on the impact of increasing population diversity on parenting adolescents, offering new ways of thinking about parenting.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Office of Research Communication·JournalJournal of Research on Adolescence·DateAug 23, 2018

Increased phosphate intake elevates blood pressure in healthy adults

A recent study has found that consuming more phosphate with food increases blood pressure and pulse rate in healthy young adults. The study, published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, suggests that increased phosphate intake can lead to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 23, 2018
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.

Treatment for severe heartburn prevents cancer

Effective medical treatment and surgery prevent esophageal cancer in people with severe heartburn. The study used health data from 1964 to 2014 and found a significant decrease in cancer risk after treatment.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateAug 23, 2018

The molecular link between aging and neurodegeneration

A study published in Cell describes the discovery of a molecular link between aging and two major genetic causes of neurodegenerative diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The findings reveal possible new targets for treatment and highlight the need for a better understanding of the biology of...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateAug 23, 2018

'Safe' UV light may prevent infections in catheters, cardiac drivelines

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have discovered that UV light can kill drug-resistant bacteria, a major cause of infections around skin-penetrating medical devices. The study, published in PLOS ONE, suggests that far-UVC light delivered through optical fibers could be used to prevent catheter-based and drivelin...

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 23, 2018

How did alvarezsaurian dinosaurs evolve monodactyl hand?

The discovery of Bannykus and Xiyunykus sheds light on the evolution of alvarezsaurian dinosaurs' monodactyl hands. These ancient theropods display a major macroevolutionary shift from grasping hands to specialized, functionally monodactyl hands.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 23, 2018
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.

Alzheimer's one day may be predicted during eye exam

Scientists have detected signs of Alzheimer's disease in the eyes of patients who showed no symptoms, using a non-invasive technique called optical coherence tomography angiography. The study found that patients with elevated levels of Alzheimer's proteins had significant thinning in the center of their retinas.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateAug 23, 2018

Smartphones may be used to better predict the weather

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a system to harness data from smartphones to forecast weather patterns, particularly those that lead to flash floods. The smartphone sensors can monitor various atmospheric conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and light levels, providing valuable data for accurate forecasts.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics·DateAug 23, 2018

Research reveals dangerous midlife switch of ditching activity to sit still

New research reveals a dangerous midlife switch from daily activity to sedentary behavior, with black men and women at highest risk. The study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, calls for revised national physical activity guidelines to address this trend.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateAug 23, 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.