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Science News Archive August 2018 - Page 21


Page 21 of 41

Societies release updated guideline for treating adult congenital heart disease patients

The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association released an updated guideline for managing adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients, incorporating new data and growing expertise. The guideline presents a new classification system that captures complexity in both anatomy and physiology.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 16, 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.

Microfossils, possibly world's oldest, had biological characteristics

The 3.4 billion year old Strelley Pool microfossils had chemical characteristics similar to modern bacteria, supporting a biological origin and ranking them amongst the world's oldest microfossils. The analysis also shows that these ancient fossils have survived extreme conditions over the last 3.4 billion years.

SourceGoldschmidt Conference·JournalGeochemical Perspectives Letters·DateAug 16, 2018

Previously grainy wheat genome comes into focus

The complete wheat genome is now sequenced, enabling researchers to identify genes controlling traits such as drought resistance and breed plants with higher nutritional quality. This breakthrough accelerates innovation in breeding resilient and disease-resistant crops to meet global demand for wheat.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalScience·DateAug 16, 2018

How an herbivore hijacks a nutrient uptake strategy of its host plant

The study reveals that the rootworm uses specific iron complexes formed at the root surface when benzoxazinoids bind to iron to guide itself to nutrient-rich crown roots. This allows the insect to severely damage maize plants and undermine plant breeders' efforts to control it.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalScience·DateAug 16, 2018

Men and women show surprising differences in seeing motion

Researchers found that men and women show surprising differences in perceiving motion, with men picking up on visual motion faster than women. The study suggests that the difference may be due to disrupted processes in the brain that down-regulate neural activity in males.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 16, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

ShareBackup could keep data in the fast lane

The ShareBackup system uses fast switches and software to take over network traffic after a failure, minimizing downtime for applications. It can analyze problems, including misconfigurations, and diagnose faulty devices, helping data centers optimize their networks.

SourceRice University·DateAug 16, 2018

Children put on by robots

A study by Anna-Lisa Vollmer and colleagues found that children give into social pressure from humanoid robots, unlike adults. The research used a conformity experiment with Nao robots and investigated the impact on children's decision-making.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalScience Robotics·DateAug 16, 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.

New manufacturing technique could improve common problem in printing technology

Researchers from Binghamton University have developed a new manufacturing technique that can avoid the coffee ring effect in printing technology, resulting in improved inkjet printer quality. The technique uses electrospray to add nanoparticles to droplets, leading to more even dispersal of ink and stopping the coffee ring effect.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalLangmuir·DateAug 16, 2018

Scientists discover new method of diagnosing cancer with malaria protein

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a new method to diagnose cancer at its early stages using a malaria protein. The method retrieves individual cancer cells from blood samples, catching them in greater numbers than existing methods, allowing for earlier detection and improved treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 16, 2018

Physicists fight laser chaos with quantum chaos to improve laser performance

Researchers have developed a new technique using 'quantum chaos' to prevent optical filaments from forming in semiconductor lasers, leading to instabilities. The new system uses a D-shaped cavity to create a quantum chaotic landscape, disrupting the formation of self-organized structures and maintaining laser stability.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScience·DateAug 16, 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.

Scientists create antilaser for ultracold atoms condensate

Researchers created an antilaser for nonlinear Bose-Einstein condensate of ultracold atoms, demonstrating perfect absorption without reflection. The breakthrough can be used to manipulate superfluid flows and study nonlinear optical systems.

SourceITMO University·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 16, 2018

Reliable point-of-care blood test can help prevent toxoplasmosis

A novel finger-prick test is 100% sensitive and specific for detecting Toxoplasma gondii infection during pregnancy. The test can rapidly inform obstetricians about the need for prompt treatment, potentially saving lives and preventing severe brain damage.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateAug 16, 2018

Super-resolution microscope reveals secrets of deadly Nipah virus

Researchers used a super-resolution microscope to observe viral assembly, finding that envelope proteins are randomly scattered on the cell membrane rather than recruited by matrix proteins. This discovery could lead to more effective vaccines for enveloped viruses like influenza and HIV.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 16, 2018

Dominant men make decisions faster

A large behavioral study shows a correlation between higher social dominance and faster decision-making in non-competitive situations. EEG measurements also reveal distinct neural signals for promptness in high-dominance men compared to low-dominance individuals.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateAug 16, 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.

RIT awarded NSF grant to advance high-tech computer architectures

Researchers at RIT will use photonic integrated circuit technology to improve processing speed and energy consumption of brain-inspired computing techniques. The project aims to realize high performance neural networks using light, enabling applications in autonomous systems, imaging, and cybersecurity.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·DateAug 16, 2018

OUHSC receives $20 million grant to advance research, patient care

The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center has renewed a $20 million federal grant to further research and patient care in Oklahoma. The program, Oklahoma Shared Clinical and Translational Resources, aims to improve health outcomes by conducting clinical and translational research with patients, particularly in rural areas.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateAug 16, 2018

Newly identified role for inhibition in cerebellar plasticity and behavior

Researchers have identified a new role for inhibition in regulating motor learning in the cerebellum, finding that inhibitory cell class molecular layer interneurons play a key role in modulating plasticity and learning behavior. This discovery provides fundamental insights into neural computation and mechanisms underlying motor learning.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalNeuron·DateAug 16, 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.

One giant leap for wheat

Scientists have produced the most comprehensive map of a wheat genome, paving the way for more resilient and nutritious varieties. The detailed findings describe over 94% of the Chinese Spring wheat genome, with benefits expected to boost wheat improvement over the next decades.

SourceRothamsted Research·JournalScience·DateAug 16, 2018

Obesity, infertility and oxidative stress in mouse egg cells

Researchers found that high-fat diets suppressed a protein called TIGAR, which plays a role in meiotic spindle formation and antioxidant production. This led to increased reactive oxygen species and autophagy in oocytes, impairing development.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·DateAug 16, 2018

Stretching beyond limits

Researchers design a functionally graded material to minimize the tradeoff between flexibility and strength, achieving optimal balance in both elasticity and rigidity. This technology has wide applications in various fields, including engineering, medicine, and soft robotics.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalMacromolecular Chemistry and Physics·DateAug 16, 2018

Study links mothers' pesticide levels with autism in children

A new study found an association between maternal pesticide levels and autism in children, with elevated DDE levels increasing the risk of autism by twofold. The study suggests a potential biomarker-based link between maternal exposure to insecticides and autism among offspring.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateAug 16, 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.

How people use, and lose, preexisting biases to make decisions

A study from Columbia University neuroscientists found that the human brain employs precise logic to decision-making, allowing prior knowledge to be updated based on new evidence. Participants learned to recognize and incorporate bias in a statistically optimal manner without confirmation bias.

SourceThe Zuckerman Institute at Columbia University·JournalNeuron·DateAug 16, 2018

First mouse model to mimic lung disease could speed discovery of more effective treatments

Researchers have developed a mouse model that induces scarring and damage similar to human idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, allowing for the study of new pathways and targets. The model enables the testing of drugs in more clinically relevant ways, potentially leading to more effective therapeutic options.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 16, 2018

Presenting the first fully annotated reference genome of bread wheat

The international team of researchers presents the first high-quality fully annotated reference genome sequence of bread wheat variety Chinese Spring. This advancement provides a powerful tool for accelerating the development of new wheat varieties designed to address human nutrition and crop resiliency needs.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 16, 2018

Sprawling galaxy cluster found hiding in plain sight

The discovery reveals hundreds of individual galaxies in the cluster, which surrounds an extremely active supermassive black hole at the center. The quasar's light has obscured these galaxies, making them invisible to astronomers.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateAug 16, 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.

Taking a closer look at unevenly charged biomolecules

A team in Japan developed a new technique to detect and analyze biomolecules with inhomogeneous charge distributions by adjusting the solution. They achieved improved sensor response, allowing researchers to determine the Debye length and map out a molecule's uneven charge distributions.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateAug 16, 2018

How do plants rest photosynthetic activity at night?

Researchers have identified a protein complex that helps plants 'switch off' photosynthesis at night and 'switch on' when light is available again. This complex, involving thioredoxin-like2 (TrxL2)/2-Cys peroxiredoxin (2CP), allows plants to conserve energy and restore photosynthetic activity when necessary.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 16, 2018

Stress during pregnancy increases risk of mood disorders for female offspring

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that high maternal cortisol levels during pregnancy are associated with anxious and depressive-like behaviors in female offspring at the age of 2. The effect is linked to altered brain connectivity, particularly in the amygdala region important for emotion processing.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateAug 16, 2018

Statins associated with improvement of rare lung disease

Researchers found that statins can improve conditions in people with autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, a rare syndrome affecting 1 in 150,000 people worldwide. The study also identified two new tests to help diagnose the condition and showed promise for oral statin therapy as a potential new approach.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 16, 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.

These tags turn everyday objects into smart, connected devices

Researchers have developed printable metal tags that reflect WiFi signals, turning everyday objects into 'smart' Internet of Things devices. These tags can be attached to various objects and track user interactions, such as water bottle hydration levels or motor activity after a stroke.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateAug 16, 2018

Female mosquitoes get choosy quickly to offset invasions

New research reveals that female mosquitoes rapidly evolve more selective mating behavior when faced with existential threats from other invasive mosquito species. This adaptation is driven by genetic changes in specific gene regions and enables them to avoid sterility caused by interbreeding with male males of a different species.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateAug 16, 2018

UConn scientists create reverse osmosis membranes with tunable thickness

Researchers at the University of Connecticut developed a new method to produce reverse osmosis membranes with controlled thickness and roughness, leading to improved efficiency and reduced fouling. The ultra-thin membranes exhibit high salt rejection and robust performance under various operating conditions.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalScience·DateAug 16, 2018

Individuals shot by police exhibit distinct patterns of recent prior hospitalizations and arrests

A study found that individuals shot by police have arrest histories similar to those involved in assaults and homicides, and medical histories similar to those with self-inflicted firearm injuries. The study identified patterns among intent-specific firearm injuries, including increased risk of interpersonal and self-directed violence,...

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 16, 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.

Quality of YouTube videos for facial plastics information

A new study has evaluated the quality of YouTube videos for facial plastics information, revealing they can present biased information and offer an unbalanced assessment of risks and benefits. The study suggests these videos may not provide clear guidance on the qualifications of featured practitioners.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Facial Plastic Surgery·DateAug 16, 2018

'Traffic wardens' of cells can be counterproductive

A study by researchers at the Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia found that the Spindle Assembly Checkpoint, a mechanism that regulates cell division, can sometimes be counterproductive. This checkpoint can increase genetic errors when cells have irreparable problems with chromosome cohesion.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 16, 2018

Scientists discover why silver clusters emit light

Researchers discovered that only small clusters of four silver atoms in a tetrahedral shape surrounded by water molecules emit light. This is due to the movement of two free electrons, which decay from higher to lower energy levels and produce a specific shade of green light.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalScience·DateAug 16, 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.

Resistance training and exercise-motivation go hand-in-hand

A nine-month resistance training intervention improved exercise motivation and planning in older adults, with nearly half continuing independently. Participants who increased intrinsic motivation and confidence maintained twice-a-week training

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateAug 16, 2018

Cells agree: What doesn't kill you makes you stronger

Research led by Salk Institute scientist Gerald Shadel found that short-term stress can trigger sustained production of antioxidants and increase mitochondria efficiency, potentially extending lifespan. Cells exposed to brief stress showed higher antioxidant levels, more mitochondria, and less superoxide buildup than unstressed cells.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 16, 2018

NIH begins clinical trial of live, attenuated Zika vaccine

The Phase 1 clinical trial will analyze the immune response and assess the safety of the experimental vaccine, which has shown promise in earlier tests in rhesus macaques. The trial is designed to enroll 28 healthy adults and will last up to one year.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateAug 16, 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.

What holds materials together -- on the inside

The FRASCAL research training group at FAU is investigating fracture processes in materials across all scales, from nanometers to visible cracks. This interdisciplinary study aims to develop computer-aided simulation methods to predict and prevent undesired fractures.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·DateAug 16, 2018

GW researchers publish review article on developing vaccines for human parasites

Developing vaccines for human parasites has proven challenging, with key challenges including immune response issues and limited scalability. GW researchers have outlined five key lessons learned along the critical path to vaccine development, aimed at accelerating progress in eradicating these diseases of poverty.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalTrends in Parasitology·DateAug 16, 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.

First biomarker evidence of DDT-autism link

A Finnish national birth cohort study linked DDT metabolite exposure to increased autism risk in offspring. Maternal blood analyzed for DDE and PCBs found higher odds of autism with intellectual disability among offspring exposed to elevated DDE levels, persisting after adjusting for confounding factors.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateAug 16, 2018

New aid to help identify and manage patients with diabetes at increased risk of fracture

A new expert review outlines the clinical characteristics of bone fragility in adults with diabetes and provides valuable insights for diagnosis and treatment. The review highlights recent studies on bone mineral density, biochemical markers, and fracture prediction to inform clinicians about the optimal approach to managing bone healt...

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateAug 16, 2018

Exercise shown to improve symptoms of patients with chronic kidney disease

A study found that 12 weeks of aerobic and strength-based exercise reduces symptoms and levels of fatigue in patients with chronic kidney disease. Exercise also improves blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetic control, making it a beneficial treatment option for patients with CKD.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalClinical Kidney Journal·DateAug 16, 2018