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Science News Archive August 2018 - Page 17


Page 17 of 41

NASA stares major Hurricane Lane in the eye

NASA's Terra satellite monitored Hurricane Lane's powerful storms, confirming strong thunderstorms capable of heavy rainfall. The storm is expected to make a turn toward the Hawaiian Islands, bringing large swells and excessive rainfall that could lead to flash flooding and mudslides.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 21, 2018

Study shows diminished but 'robust' link between union decline, rise of inequality

A new study finds that while the link between union decline and wage inequality is weaker when accounting for individual worker characteristics, its effects remain significant. The study tracked individuals over a 42-year period and found that union decline led to lower wages and greater volatility in paychecks.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalSocial Forces·DateAug 21, 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.

Annual pap test a 'thing of the past?'

The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for cervical cancer every three to five years with primary hrHPV test alone or co-testing. This new approach aims to reduce participant burden and increase efficiency in cervical cancer screening.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJAMA·DateAug 21, 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.

Less drain on freshwater supplies with seawater fuel discovery

Scientists at the University of Nottingham have found a way to produce Bioethanol using seawater and a novel marine yeast strain, reducing the need for freshwater resources. This breakthrough could help alleviate concerns over food crop and water usage, making it a more sustainable fuel alternative.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 21, 2018

Fake news detector algorithm works better than a human

A University of Michigan-developed algorithm has been shown to accurately detect fake news stories up to 76% of the time, surpassing human performance. The system uses linguistic analysis and can be used to identify fake news articles that are too new to be debunked by cross-referencing their facts with other stories.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateAug 21, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

ASU partners with Mayo Clinic to move germ-killing clays closer to medical use

Researchers at Arizona State University and the Mayo Clinic have found that certain blue clays may help fight disease-causing bacteria in wounds, including those resistant to antibiotics. The study's findings build on earlier research into the antibacterial properties of these clays.

SourceArizona State University·JournalInternational Journal of Antimicrobial Agents·DateAug 21, 2018

Powerful molecules provide new findings about Huntington's disease

A direct link has been discovered between protein aggregation in nerve cells and the regulation of gene expression in Huntington's disease. The study found that impaired autophagy leads to accumulation of misfolded proteins, including AGO2, which disrupts cell function and signal pathways.

SourceLund University·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 21, 2018
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.

Researchers unravel the path of electrical discharges on phenomenally small scales

Scientists have unraveled the behavior of electrical discharges on extremely small scales, revealing new insights into gas breakdown mechanisms. The study found that at these microscopic gap distances, no obvious discharge channel formed, and the voltage necessary for breakdown decreased linearly with decreasing gap distance.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateAug 21, 2018

Clay to fight bacteria in wounds: An old practice may be a new solution

Researchers at Mayo Clinic and Arizona State University have discovered that a type of clay can kill certain bacteria causing infections in wounds. The clay's antibacterial properties were tested against various bacterial strains, including those resistant to antibiotics.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalInternational Journal of Antimicrobial Agents·DateAug 21, 2018

Researchers shine a light on 150-year-old mystery

A team of researchers has discovered a way to measure the effect of light momentum on materials, shedding new light on a 150-year-old mystery. The study reveals that light momentum is converted into force through elastic waves on mirrors.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 21, 2018

I hear what you say! Or do I?

A study published in Scientific Reports found that children's susceptibility to the McGurk effect decreases with age, while adults are more likely to be influenced by visual information. The research suggests a shift in sensory dominance across development, with reduced susceptibility in childhood and adult-like levels by 10 years of age.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 21, 2018

Gut bacteria provide key to making universal blood (video)

Researchers have discovered a new family of enzymes in the human gut microbiome that can remove red blood cell antigens, enabling the conversion of type A and B blood into universal O-type blood. These enzymes are 30 times more effective than previously studied candidates, paving the way for potential clinical trials.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 21, 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.

Standard hypothyroidism treatment falling short

A meta-analysis of 99 studies found that levothyroxine, a common medication for hypothyroidism, is inadequate in controlling high cholesterol levels. The study's findings suggest that patients may require additional therapies or adjustments to their treatment plans.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateAug 21, 2018

Structural fluctuation evaluation in substances from measurement data

Researchers developed a new analytical method using sparse modeling to analyze atomic structure and structural fluctuation in materials. This method can determine radial structure and estimate Debye-Waller factor from measured data, indicating potential improvements in battery and electronic device performance.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalJournal of the Physical Society of Japan·DateAug 21, 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.

For women undergoing IVF, is fresh or frozen embryo transfer best?

A study of almost 83,000 IVF patients found that women who produce 15 or more eggs benefit from frozen embryo transfers, while those producing fewer eggs see better results with fresh transfers. This challenges the long-held 'freeze-all' approach.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateAug 21, 2018

Supercomputing simulations and machine learning help improve power plants

Researchers at University of Stuttgart are developing tools to make supercritical heat transfer more viable using high-performance computing and machine learning. They explore using carbon dioxide as a cleaner alternative to water in power plants, which could reduce hardware requirements by ten-fold.

SourceGauss Centre for Supercomputing·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateAug 20, 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.

Biological engineers discover new antibiotic candidates

Researchers at MIT have discovered fragments of a protein found in the stomach that can kill certain bacteria, including those resistant to antibiotics. The peptides show promise as new candidates for treating infections and may be used to develop synthetic antibiotics.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateAug 20, 2018

Early monumental burial sites

A 5,000-year-old monumental cemetery near Lake Turkana in Kenya suggests alternative models for understanding the relationships between monuments and social change. The site's burial of diverse individuals with personalized ornamentation indicates no social stratification.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 20, 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.

Precipitation and fire activity in the US west

A recent study found that summer precipitation declines contribute to increased wildfire activity in the western United States, particularly on wetting rain days. The research suggests that precipitation may drive wildfire activity through its effect on air moisture, with decreased rainfall forecasted to exacerbate future wildfires.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 20, 2018

Proposal seeks to improve assessment of drug risks

A researcher proposes changes to the MCDHS, including addressing use and abuse separately, collecting input from a broader range of stakeholders, and targeting substance-specific experts. This could lead to a more robust understanding of drug risks and improved public health outcomes.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalFrontiers in Pharmacology·DateAug 20, 2018

Progress toward plugging an antibiotic pump

Using computer modeling, researchers have teased out the details of how an antibiotic pump works, revealing its 'lock' and mechanism. This breakthrough aims to develop new drugs that can plug the pump, potentially restoring antibiotics' effectiveness.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 20, 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.

Could vitamin B3 treat acute kidney injury?

A multidisciplinary research team found a form of vitamin B3 has the potential to prevent acute kidney injury by boosting NAD+ levels in high-risk patients. The study suggests a non-invasive test and therapy for patients at risk for acute kidney injury.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 20, 2018

Preventing life-threatening laryngeal swelling

Researchers have successfully tested a medicine that can treat hereditary angioedema by inhibiting the kallikrein enzyme, preventing severe swelling. The daily administration of the drug has been shown to prevent symptoms from developing, offering a new hope for patients suffering from this rare genetic disease.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 20, 2018

Metamolds: Molding a mold

Researchers from IST Austria have developed a tool that automatically finds the best way of designing molds, producing optimized silicone mold pieces. The method can lower the cost of this fabricating technique, making it accessible for everyone.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·DateAug 20, 2018
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.

Potential gene therapy for inherited retinal degeneration

Researchers developed a single gene therapy vector that preserved retinal structure and function for over 8 months in a canine model of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa. The treatment had potential implications for treating inherited retinal degeneration associated with the rhodopsin gene.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 20, 2018

Dengue vaccine efficacy and viral genetic diversity

A statistical analysis of two Phase 3 clinical trials reveals a decrease in dengue vaccine efficacy with increasing antigen amino acid mismatch in children aged 2-8. In contrast, older children showed broader protective responses with prior virus exposure.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 20, 2018

Saliva could influence taste preferences

Salivary proteins could be part of a feedback loop that influences food taste and dietary choices. Researchers found that drinking bitter foods altered saliva protein composition, which corresponded to changes in sensory ratings.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 20, 2018

Teens today spend more time on digital media, less time reading

A recent study published by the American Psychological Association found that teenagers are spending less time reading books, magazines, and newspapers, and more time on social media. The study analyzed data from over 1 million teenagers between 1976 and 2016, revealing a significant decline in traditional media consumption.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychology of Popular Media Culture·DateAug 20, 2018

Near 2 million acres on fire in the United States

The West Coast of the United States is experiencing a massive wildfire season with over 1.9 million acres ablaze. The situation is exacerbated by warmer temperatures and dry conditions, leading to increased lightning strikes and potential for further blazes.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 20, 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.

Study details effect of radiation exposure on hormone deficiencies

Researchers studied the correlation between radiation therapy dosage to the hypothalamus and pituitary gland and development of endocrine dysfunction in pediatric and young adult patients. The study found a strong association between radiation dose and age on the development of hormone deficiencies, supporting the benefits of advanced ...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateAug 20, 2018

NCI-led research team develops predictor for immunotherapy response in melanoma

A gene expression predictor was developed to indicate whether melanoma patients are likely to respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors, a novel type of immunotherapy. The predictor was accurate across multiple melanoma patient datasets and identified nearly all responders and more than half of non-responders.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 20, 2018

Can we have a fire in a highly vacuumed environment?

Researchers from Toyohashi University of Technology discovered that smoldering combustion can sustain even under nearly 1% atmospheric pressure, challenging conventional fire extinguishing methods. The study's findings suggest that vacuumed operations to extinguish fires in space may fail unless proper conditions are achieved.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalProceedings of the Combustion Institute·DateAug 20, 2018

Scientists discover intricacies of serotonin receptor crucial for better therapeutics

Researchers have crystallized serotonin receptors bound to several compounds, revealing why some drugs cause severe side effects while others do not. The study provides valuable insight into the receptor's structure and binding mechanisms, enabling drug developers to create safer and more effective medications.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateAug 20, 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.

NIH officials: Closing treatment gaps critical to ending the US HIV epidemic

A recent study found that rates of viral suppression among HIV-infected adults improved from 32% in 1997 to 86% in 2015, but disparities persist across demographic groups. Closing treatment gaps and addressing social and economic barriers to care will be essential to ending the US HIV epidemic.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 20, 2018

Massive monumental cemetery built by Eastern Africa's earliest herders discovered in Kenya

The Lothagam North Pillar Site is the earliest and largest monumental cemetery in eastern Africa, built by an egalitarian society of mobile pastoralists around Lake Turkana. The site's construction contradicts traditional theories about the emergence of social hierarchy and its relationship to monument building.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 20, 2018

Quantum bugs, meet your new swatter

A Rice University scientist has developed a new method to diagnose quantum computers, reducing the need for expensive measurements. This approach uses compressed sensing to minimize data while ensuring accurate results, making it possible to validate even large-scale systems.

SourceRice University·DateAug 20, 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.

Listeria surveillance: New EU-wide study reveals that most outbreaks remain undetected

A new EU-wide study found that more than half of severe listeriosis cases belong to clusters, which are often not detected quickly enough by current surveillance systems. The use of whole genome sequencing could lead to faster detection of multi-country outbreaks, saving up to 5 months of investigations.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·DateAug 20, 2018

Healthy diet linked to healthy cellular aging in women

A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that a healthy diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can promote healthy cellular aging in women. The researchers used telomere length as a measure of cellular aging and found that higher diet quality indices were associated with longer telomeres.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateAug 20, 2018