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Science News Archive August 2018 - Page 31


Page 31 of 41

Scientists discover how to protect yeast from damage in biofuel production

Researchers have identified two changes to a single gene that can make yeast tolerate pretreatment chemicals used in biofuel production. The modified yeast can survive and ferment alongside amounts of toxic ionic liquids, increasing efficiency by up to 70%. This breakthrough could revolutionize the biofuel industry.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalGenetics·DateAug 9, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Potential solutions to drug shortages and the lack of competition in generic medicines

The authors propose increasing incentives and modifying regulations to improve competition, redirecting overinvestment in new drug development to the generic market, and pivoting from short-term survival mode to long-term organized responses. These solutions aim to enhance competition, provide patients with reliable access to vital dru...

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateAug 9, 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.

Hybrid catalyst with high enantiomer selectivity

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a hybrid catalyst that combines simple rhodium and organic catalysts to selectively produce molecules with high enantiomer selectivity. This technology is expected to assist in rapid and low-cost drug synthesis, particularly for nucleotide medicine.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Catalysis·DateAug 9, 2018

Pass the salt: Study finds average consumption safe for heart health

A large international study found that individuals consuming average amounts of sodium (3-5g/day) do not face increased health risks. However, those exceeding five grams a day may experience cardiovascular events, and improving dietary quality with potassium-rich foods can mitigate this risk.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 9, 2018

Surprise finding in neurons

Researchers discovered a high infection rate of Purkinje neurons with HHV-6 in patients with bipolar disorder and/or severe depression. The study suggests viruses can cause cognitive disturbances leading to mood disorders, contradicting the belief that dormant viruses never cause disease.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateAug 9, 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.

NASA sees Hector's large eye after passing Hawaii

NASA's Aqua satellite captured Hurricane Hector's large eye after it passed the Hawaiian Islands. The storm's cloud top temperatures were as cold as minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating strong storms capable of heavy rain. A tropical storm watch is in effect for Johnston Island, with swells expected to produce dangerous waves.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 9, 2018

NASA's Parker Solar Probe is about to lift off

Parker Solar Probe will make its journey to the Sun's atmosphere, closer than any spacecraft in history, with a highly elliptical orbit and speeds of up to 430,000 miles per hour. The spacecraft will observe the acceleration of the solar wind and study extreme events on the Sun, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 9, 2018

Research brief: New 3D-printed device could help treat spinal cord injuries

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a groundbreaking 3D-printed device that uses regenerative cells to connect living nerve cells above and below spinal cord injury sites. The device has shown promise in improving bladder control, stopping uncontrollable movements, and alleviating pain.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 9, 2018

Loss of a gene long ago puts marine mammals at risk today, as environments change

A genome-wide scan reveals the shared loss of Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) gene function across marine mammal lineages, leaving them vulnerable to neurotoxic chemicals. This loss may be related to PON1's role in fatty acid oxidation and poses a significant health risk for marine mammals living near agricultural runoff.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 9, 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.

There can be no sustainable development without profound changes in food systems

A proposed four-pillar strategy aims to drastically change consumption patterns, ensuring agricultural production and supply chains play a greater role in sustainable development. The transformation hinges on renewing food system governance, prioritizing human development, food security, and rational resource management.

SourceCirad·JournalAgronomy for Sustainable Development·DateAug 9, 2018

Genetic mutation underlying severe childhood brain disorder identified

Researchers have identified a genetic mutation and faulty development process that causes a debilitating brain-based disorder in children. The mutation, in the alpha-N-catenin gene (CTNNA2), leads to abnormal cell adhesion and impaired neuronal migration, resulting in severe intellectual impairment and limited life expectancy.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 9, 2018

New theory may explain cause of depression and improve treatments

A new review suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction may be the root cause of depression, providing a potential breakthrough for novel antidepressant medication. The researchers found that depression is associated with decreased energy production and increased metabolic demand in brain cells.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateAug 9, 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.

Epigenetic reprogramming of human hearts found in congestive heart failure

A study led by Adam Wende found an underlying mechanism that reprograms the hearts of patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, altering cellular remodeling and metabolism. The researchers identified epigenetic changes that encode a 'metabolic plasticity' in failing hearts, which may repair the ischemic and failing heart.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalLaboratory Investigation·DateAug 9, 2018

Marine mammals lack functional gene to defend against popular pesticide

Researchers found that marine mammals lost the functional Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) gene, which protects land-dwelling mammals from pesticides. This loss may have allowed marine mammals to adapt to a marine environment, but also makes them vulnerable to organophosphate poisoning.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalScience·DateAug 9, 2018

Doctors reduced opioid prescriptions after learning a patient overdosed

A USC study found that when clinicians are given information about a patient's fatal overdose, they prescribe fewer powerful painkillers. Clinicians who received a letter from the county medical examiner were 9.7% less likely to prescribe opioids in the following three months.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience·DateAug 9, 2018

Targeting a brain mechanism could treat aggression

Scientists discovered a link between polysialic acid and aggressive behavior in mice with psychiatric disorders. The absence of the enzyme ST8SIA2 reduced fear processing and anxiety, leading to abnormal aggression.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateAug 9, 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.

Scientists identify genetic marker for gastric cancer prognosis

Researchers have discovered a genetic marker, MUC16 mutation, associated with higher tumor mutation load and improved responsiveness to immunotherapy in gastric cancer. This finding could help identify eligible patients for immunotherapy treatment, which currently responds positively in only 20-30% of cases.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateAug 9, 2018

New RNA & DNA-sequencing platform matches thousands of drugs to late-stage cancer patients

A new RNA sequencing platform has been developed to match thousands of drugs with late-stage and drug-resistant multiple myeloma patients, providing a more accurate treatment approach. The platform's results showed that a majority of patients benefited from personalized treatment plans based on their cancer's RNA profile.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJCO Precision Oncology·DateAug 8, 2018

Human microbiome influences rotavirus vaccine response

A proof-of-concept study found that antibiotic treatment prior to vaccination increased viral shedding in healthy adult men, while narrow-spectrum antibiotics showed a slight increase in early vaccine boosting. The results suggest a potential correlation between the microbiome and vaccine performance.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateAug 8, 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.

Environmental regulations drove steep declines in US factory pollution

A study by University of California, Berkeley economists found that air pollution emissions from US manufacturing fell by 60% between 1990 and 2008 due to stricter environmental regulations. The researchers analyzed data on over 1,400 products and found that changes in production technologies were the primary driver of these decreases.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateAug 8, 2018

Inducing labor at 39 weeks decreases need for cesarean section

A study found that inducing labor at 39 weeks in healthy women reduces the need for cesarean sections and is as safe as waiting for spontaneous labor. The procedure may also lower the risk of preeclampsia and respiratory issues in newborns.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 8, 2018

Cancer cells send out 'drones' to battle immune system from afar

Researchers discovered that cancer cells release exosomes carrying PD-L1 to suppress the immune system, enabling a new approach to predict treatment response and track therapy effectiveness through blood tests. This finding has significant implications for precision medicine and personalized cancer care.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateAug 8, 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.

Drug makes rats less likely to imbibe alcohol

Researchers have created a new drug that stimulates GPR88 receptor, reducing rats' tendency to drink alcohol. The molecule, RTI-13951-33, is potent and selective for the receptor, crossing the blood-brain barrier more effectively than its predecessor.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateAug 8, 2018

Hybridization boosts evolution

Researchers from four international universities analyzed cichlid fish DNA to understand the formation of new species. They found that hybridization between species led to rapid evolution and adaptation, boosting innovation and species development.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 8, 2018

Hidden signs in cancer tissue

A study by ETH Zurich researchers has discovered new cancer-specific molecular changes in RNA molecules, which could inform the development of cancer treatments. The analysis found that alternative splicing occurs more frequently in tumor tissues than healthy tissues, particularly in pulmonary adenocarcinomas.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCancer Cell·DateAug 8, 2018

Surviving large carnivores have far-reaching impact

A global study using camera trap data found that large-bodied mammalian carnivores exclude other carnivore species, shaping local communities. This leads to a chain reaction affecting prey species, plant communities, and even insect populations.

SourcePenn State·JournalEcology Letters·DateAug 8, 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.

Blocking sunlight to cool Earth won't reduce crop damage from global warming

A new analysis by University of California, Berkeley researchers concludes that injecting particles into the atmosphere to cool the planet would have no effect on reducing crop damage from rising temperatures. The study found that lower productivity due to reduced sunlight would negate any benefits of cooler temperatures.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateAug 8, 2018

Scientists squeeze nanocrystals in a liquid droplet into a solid-like state and back again

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have discovered a way to transform a liquid-like state into a solid-like state and back again by introducing a chemical compound. The study has implications for developing all-liquid electronics and interacting with cells, and could lead to new ways of controlling nanoscale elements.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 8, 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.

Disaster relief: How can AI improve humanitarian assistance?

The workshop discussed how AI can help victims of disasters, including using unmanned aerial vehicles to find survivors and robots to communicate with trapped victims. The goal is to leverage AI to better deliver resources and people to those in urgent need.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateAug 8, 2018

Tracking the trends of online dating in major US Cities

A new study analyzing online dating website interactions in four major US cities found that both men and women pursued partners about 25% more desirable than themselves. The authors discovered a consistent hierarchy of desirability based on age, education, gender, and race/ethnicity.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 8, 2018

NASA sees major Hurricane Hector moving south of Hawaii

Hurricane Hector maintains its major hurricane status as it moves south of Hawaii, with cloud top temperatures indicating strong storms capable of creating heavy rain. The National Weather Service predicts tropical storm conditions and large surf along the Big Island and Maui, prompting monitoring from interests in Johnston Island.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 8, 2018

World record: Fastest 3D tomographic images at BESSY II

Scientists at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin have developed an ultra-stable turntable to capture fast 3D tomographic images at a rate of approximately 2000 projections per second. This breakthrough enables detailed analysis of material processing, such as pore formation in metallic foams.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalJournal of Synchrotron Radiation·DateAug 8, 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.

Immigrants use little health care, subsidize care of non-immigrants: Harvard/Tufts study

A new study by Harvard Medical School and Tufts University finds that immigrants use significantly less health care than US-born individuals, with lower rates of utilization and expenditures. Immigrants also pay more out-of-pocket health care payments, effectively subsidizing private insurance and some public programs like Medicare.

SourcePhysicians for a National Health Program·JournalInternational Journal of Health Services·DateAug 8, 2018

New NYUAD research finds 3D printers offer alternate method to create microfluidic probes

Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have developed a method to create microfluidic probes using 3D printing, which provides an effective and inexpensive technique for studying cancer cells. The new approach enables scientists to fabricate probes that can deliver reagents in a localized manner, allowing for targeted cell culture and analysis.

SourceRubenstein Associates, Inc.·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 8, 2018

Half a degree less warming can avoid precipitation extremes

A study published in Nature Communications found that reducing global warming by half a degree Celsius could significantly decrease extreme precipitation events, resulting in lower exposure to flooding and landslides. The research suggests that limiting warming to 1.5°C could robustly benefit the populous global monsoon region.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 8, 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.

Boxers or briefs? Loose-fitting underwear may benefit sperm production

Men who wear loose-fitting boxers have significantly higher sperm concentrations and total sperm counts compared to those who don't. Researchers found a potential compensatory mechanism where decreased sperm production triggers hormone production boosts to stimulate gonad activity.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateAug 8, 2018

Can medical marijuana help treat intractable epilepsy?

A review suggests that cannabidiol, a compound in cannabis, may have modest efficacy in treating severe epilepsy, particularly in children. However, more rigorous clinical trials are necessary to fully understand its potential and minimize side effects.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateAug 8, 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.