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Science News Archive August 2018 - Page 2


Page 2 of 41

New personality test is faster -- and tougher to trick

Researchers developed a new personality test that is both faster to take and more resistant to manipulation. The test uses rapid response measurement (RRM) to collect data in a short period of time, making it difficult for users to game the system. Studies found comparable results with established Big Five testing protocols.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalOrganizational Research Methods·DateAug 30, 2018

Study by blood doctors a breakthrough for hemophiliacs

A new protein called emicizumab, administered via subcutaneous injection, has shown significant reductions in bleeding episodes in patients with haemophilia A. Weekly and fortnightly dosing regimens have been found to reduce bleed rates by 96% and 97%, respectively.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 30, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A master switch controls aggressive breast cancer

A team at the Salk Institute has identified a genetic master switch, Sox10, that controls the growth and invasion of aggressive triple-negative breast cancers. This discovery may lead to new avenues for diagnosing and treating intractable cancers by targeting specific genes.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCancer Cell·DateAug 30, 2018

An international team led by the CNIO reveals that human genome could contain up to 20 percent fewer genes

A new international collaboration led by the CNIO reveals that up to 20% of human genes may not be coding genes, but rather non-coding or pseudogenes, which could have significant effects on biomedicine. The study analyzed gene catalogs and found that many genes were more likely to be non-coding than previously thought.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateAug 30, 2018

Research could lead to security scanners capable of detecting explosives

Scientists at the University of Sussex have created a blueprint for airport scanners capable of detecting explosives using a single pixel camera and Terahertz electromagnetic waves. The innovative imaging concept, Nonlinear Ghost Imaging, produces high-accuracy images of objects' chemical composition, surpassing previous studies.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalACS Photonics·DateAug 30, 2018

Rutgers scientists identify protein that may have existed when life began

Rutgers researchers discovered a primordial peptide with two types of amino acids and a metal cluster similar to iron-sulfur minerals, suggesting it could have emerged spontaneously on early Earth. The short peptide may have served as a catalyst for life-producing chemistry.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 30, 2018

Stanford researchers rank countries by oil production emissions

The study analyzed global oil supply data to estimate emissions from flaring and found that it remains the most carbon-intensive part of oil production. Flaring, which involves burning unwanted gas associated with oil extraction, is often used when there are no economically viable outlets for the gas.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience·DateAug 30, 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.

Otago-led research set to make smartphones even smarter

Researchers at the University of Otago have developed a new approach to achieve centimeter-level precise positioning on smartphones using a combination of signals from four different GNSSs. This technology has the potential to revolutionize applications requiring accurate location information, such as precise car navigation and surveying.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalJournal of Geodesy·DateAug 30, 2018

A FEW good collaborators

A multinational team led by Lehigh University's Y.C. 'Ethan' Yang develops a comprehensive model to manage the complex interplay between food, energy, and water resources. The project aims to provide a flexible framework to address supply challenges and maintain security for farmers, utilities, and households.

SourceLehigh University·DateAug 30, 2018

UTA biochemists study enzymes to provide keys for drug development

Researchers are mapping the function of specific enzymes that may facilitate the development of new drugs to fight bacterial infections and cancer. The study could also potentially help against neurodegenerative diseases such as autism, Down syndrome, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateAug 30, 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.

The potential harbingers of new physics just don't want to disappear

Researchers observed anomalies in decays of beauty mesons, which may be signs of new physics beyond the Standard Model. The inclusion of long-distance effects increased the significance of these findings, reaching a 6.1 sigma value.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalThe European Physical Journal C·DateAug 30, 2018

Climate change increasing the prevalence of harmful parasite, warn scientists

A new model developed by scientists at the University of Bristol aims to help farmers tackle multi-million losses due to liver fluke infestations. The model explicitly links liver fluke prevalence with key environmental drivers like soil moisture, enabling farmers to make informed decisions on grazing and treatment.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateAug 30, 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.

New program boosts use of HIV medications in injection-drug users

A simple intervention program increased antiretroviral medication use by 30% among HIV-positive injection-drug users, while also reducing deaths and viral suppression. The flexible program was well-received globally and can be scaled up to improve worldwide health.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 30, 2018

Regulatory and effector B cells control scleroderma

In scleroderma, IL-6-producing effector B cells promote fibrosis, while IL-10-producing regulatory B cells suppress inflammation. Administering a BAFF antagonist selectively depletes Beffs while sparing Bregs, suggesting this approach could be a therapeutic strategy for SSc.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 30, 2018

Hungry insects threaten food security in a warming climate

A new study predicts that rising insect populations will lead to significant crop losses due to increased metabolic rates and population growth with temperature. Global yield losses for major crops are expected to increase by 10-25% per degree of surface warming, threatening the already fragile global food supply.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 30, 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.

Global warming: More insects, eating more crops

Rising global temperatures will lead to increased pest pressure and crop losses, especially in temperate regions, with wheat, rice, and maize facing substantial declines. Crop losses are projected to rise by 10-25% per degree of warming, with the most severe impacts expected in countries like France and China.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalScience·DateAug 30, 2018

The Lancet: Armed conflicts may have contributed to 5 million under-5 deaths in Africa over 20 years, study suggests

A recent study published in The Lancet found that armed conflicts across Africa may have resulted in the deaths of as many as 5 million children aged under 5 years between 1995 and 2015. Conflict increased mortality risk for infants and children, particularly those born near conflict zones or exposed to higher-intensity conflicts.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 30, 2018

Heritability explains fast-learning chicks

A new study on red junglefowl has found that the ability to learn quickly is heritable, while optimism can be explained by environmental factors. The researchers tested over 300 chicks with various cognitive tasks and found that genetic factors play a larger role in fast-learning abilities.

SourceLinköping University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateAug 30, 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.

NASA sees Typhoon Jebi moving through Northwestern Pacific

Typhoon Jebi, a category 4 hurricane, is expected to strengthen and maintain its strength for one and a half days before weakening on September 1. The storm has a small eye and deepening convection, with warm sea surface temperatures and low vertical wind shear favoring continued intensification.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 30, 2018

Predicting how splicing errors impact disease risk

Splicing errors can lead to faulty proteins, increasing disease risk. Researchers analyzed 32,000 DNA sequences to understand the rules guiding RNA processing and improve predictions of genetic mutations' impact on disease risk.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalMolecular Cell·DateAug 30, 2018

Simple test detects disease-carrying mosquitoes, presence of biopesticide

A new diagnostic tool has been developed to identify the species of mosquitoes that carry diseases such as Zika virus and dengue. The tool uses a smartphone camera and detects the presence of biopesticide Wolbachia, which helps curb disease transmission. With high accuracy of over 97%, this innovative technology represents a significan...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateAug 30, 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.

Breeder meerkats age faster, but their subordinates still die younger

Researchers found that dominant meerkat breeders exhibit accelerated aging due to the physical and social stresses of leadership, yet they consistently outlive their subordinate counterparts. This study suggests that being a dominant breeder is key to longevity in meerkats.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 30, 2018

Missing men, missing infertility: New research flags up problem

A new study by Lancaster University highlights the issue of men's invisibility in fertility research, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The study found that surveys like the Demographic and Health Surveys often exclude or unfairly represent men's experiences, leading to gender inequalities.

SourceLancaster University·JournalPopulation Horizons·DateAug 30, 2018

Great minds may think alike, but all minds look alike

Researchers discovered a universal phenomenon where all brains are composed of the same wide spectrum of strong and weak links. Dendritic learning enables fast information flow through strong entry points, explaining the stable distribution of link strengths across all brains.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 30, 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.

UVA developing 'two-headed arrow' to kill ovarian cancer

Researchers at UVA are developing a new antibody-based approach that combines targeting two receptors on ovarian cancer cells to increase its effectiveness. The approach has shown promising results in lab tests, with antibodies being more than 100 times more effective than existing therapies.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalCancer Cell·DateAug 30, 2018

Obstructive sleep apnea linked with higher risk of gout

A study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology found that people with obstructive sleep apnea have a higher risk of developing gout. The risk was highest one to two years after diagnosis and was seen in patients with normal body mass index, regardless of weight status.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateAug 30, 2018

Pushing big data to rapidly advance patient care

The article highlights the need for harnessing technology to analyze healthcare data and generate new evidence, which can be combined with published reviews to improve health outcomes. Michigan Medicine's Knowledge Grid platform is taking the lead in transforming biomedical knowledge into computable forms that can inform medical practice.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateAug 30, 2018
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.

Friending God increases purpose in life in the socially disconnected

The study found that religious beliefs can compensate for lost purpose in socially disconnected individuals, but do not restore it to the same level as human connections. People who rely on religion instead of social connections may feel more connected to God but still experience lower levels of purpose and direction in life.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Personality·DateAug 30, 2018

Prehistoric changes in vegetation help predict future of Earth's ecosystems

A University of Arizona-led research team analyzed past vegetation changes to project future ecosystem transformations under current warming scenarios. The study found that regions with highest temperature increases since the last ice age experienced dramatic vegetation changes, posing a significant risk to global biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalScience·DateAug 30, 2018

Heteractis magnifica sea anemones can help fight Alzheimer's disease

Researchers from Far Eastern Federal University have discovered a new group of Kunitz-type peptides in Heteractis magnifica sea anemones, which exhibit neuroprotective properties. The peptides inhibit the development of inflammations and reduce levels of active oxygen forms that cause cell damage.

SourceFar Eastern Federal University·JournalRussian Journal of Bioorganic Chemistry·DateAug 30, 2018
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.

Study provides an early recipe for rewiring spinal cords

Researchers have found a way to overcome the barrier that prevents damaged neurons from regrowing after spinal cord injury. By turning back the neurons' clocks and reactivating growth patterns, they were able to reconnect severed spinal cord nerves and induce new axons to regrow across the scarred tissue.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature·DateAug 30, 2018

Amazonian fruit prevents obesity in overfed mice

Researchers at Université Laval found that camu camu phytochemicals prevent obesity in mice fed a diet rich in sugar and fat. The extract improved glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and reduced inflammation, suggesting its potential as a natural weight management tool.

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalGut·DateAug 30, 2018

Discovery of long-lived macrophages in the intestine

KU Leuven scientists found long-lived macrophages in mice intestines that can survive for at least eight months, vital for nerve cell survival. These macrophages play a critical role in maintaining intestinal health, and their dysfunction leads to digestive problems.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalCell·DateAug 30, 2018
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.

NSF awards $60 million for next-generation supercomputer

The NSF is investing $60 million in a new high-performance computing system, Frontera, at the Texas Advanced Computing Center. The system will offer unprecedented scale and capacity for science and engineering research, enabling leap-ahead discoveries in fields like physics and molecular dynamics.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateAug 30, 2018

New genetic marker could help diagnose aggressive prostate cancer

Researchers discovered a link between ANO7 gene mutations and aggressive prostate cancer risk and severity, suggesting improved diagnosis and treatment options. The study found specific genetic mutations that correlated with increased disease risk and poorer survival rates.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateAug 30, 2018

Whitfield earns GSA's 2018 Robert W. Kleemeier Award

Keith E. Whitfield, PhD, is recognized for his contributions to the study of aging and health disparities among older African Americans. He has published extensively on biobehavioral aspects of cognitive aging and has received numerous awards for his mentorship and research.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateAug 30, 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.

Power plant safety: From pipe dream to reality

A new technology to detect corrosion and erosion in pipelines can prevent catastrophic explosions at power plants. Dr. Piero Rizzo's project aims to develop a device that monitors pipeline conditions continuously and remotely.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateAug 30, 2018

Infurna earns GSA's 2018 Baltes Foundation Award

Frank J. Infurna, PhD, received the GSA's 2018 Baltes Foundation Award for his contributions to behavioral and social gerontology. His research focuses on personal control, resilience, and healthy aging.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateAug 30, 2018

How the poppy evolved its pain-relieving properties

The opium poppy's genome has been sequenced to understand its pain-relieving properties, with a notable whole-genome duplication event occurring around 7.8 million years ago.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 30, 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.

Study illustrates challenges of lowering tetanus mortality

Researchers found that implementing a standard tetanus protocol in an ICU in Tanzania did not significantly reduce mortality rates, but shifted causes of deaths to airway compromise and sepsis. The study emphasizes the need for increased vaccination coverage to eliminate this preventable disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateAug 30, 2018

Selling access to human specimens: Survey reveals public attitudes

A survey by University of Michigan researchers found that only one in four people would be comfortable with companies getting access to their leftover specimens. Institutions should disclose what money from commercialization deals will be used for, as this can reengage trust and encourage participation.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalHealth Affairs·DateAug 30, 2018

Insulin gives an extra boost to the immune system

Researchers at Toronto General Hospital have identified a specific insulin signaling pathway that revs up the response of T cells in the immune system, enabling them to divide rapidly and secrete cytokines. This finding opens avenues for better regulating the immune system and potentially developing new therapies.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 30, 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.

Now we can see brain cells 'talk' -- and that will shed light on neurological diseases

Scientists have developed a way to visualize brain cells communicating through neurotransmitters, providing insight into conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and depression. The new lab technique enables the study of poorly understood neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, which affects memory, mood, and emotional regulation.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateAug 30, 2018