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Science News Archive August 2018 - Page 4


Page 4 of 41

CNIO researchers find first indicators of prognosis for the most aggressive breast cancer

Researchers identified six protein kinases that predict the evolution of triple negative breast cancer, allowing for new pharmacological targets and potential treatment combinations. The study's findings indicate a high cure rate (95%) for patients with no activated proteins, but increased relapse risk if one or more are active.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 29, 2018

NASA examines intensifying Tropical Storm Norman

Tropical Storm Norman is rapidly intensifying, with maximum sustained winds reaching near 60 mph, and a high chance of becoming a hurricane by Thursday. The storm's infrared satellite signature indicates significant strengthening over the next couple of days.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 29, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Discovery could lead to higher immunotherapy response rates for bladder cancer patients

Researchers at Mount Sinai discovered that stromal cells in bladder cancer tumors prevent immune cells from attacking them, leading to low response rates with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. The study identified genes linked to more aggressive cancers and found that tumors with these genes were less responsive to treatment.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 29, 2018

Jang to receive GSA's 2018 Minority Mentorship Award

Yuri Jang, PhD, receives GSA's 2018 Minority Mentorship Award for her exceptional mentorship of minority researchers in the field of aging. She has mentored over 30 scholars during her 15-year tenure, inspiring them to pursue research and careers promoting the well-being of minority older adults.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateAug 29, 2018

Unlocking the secrets of cell division in cancer

Researchers found liver cells do not need ORC1 to replicate DNA, a key component of cell division. This process, called an endocycle, allows cells to copy their DNA multiple times without dividing, resulting in larger cells with more DNA. Understanding this mechanism could help explain how cancer arises and how it spreads.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalGenes & Development·DateAug 29, 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.

The hidden life of rock gnome lichen

A new genome-wide analysis of the rock gnome lichen reveals its genetic distinctiveness across different locations and informs conservation efforts. The research highlights the importance of preserving habitat and geography in maintaining biodiversity.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateAug 29, 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.

Attacking aftershocks

Using deep learning algorithms, researchers have developed a system that forecasts aftershocks significantly better than random assignment. By analyzing earthquake data and physics-based models, they identified the second invariant of the deviatoric stress tensor as an important factor in predicting aftershock locations.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateAug 29, 2018

Genomic study of 412 anthrax strains provides new virulence clues

Researchers analyzed over 400 anthrax strains and found that human and animal samples tend to have more virulent plasmids than environmental sources. The study suggests a correlation between plasmid copy number and virulence, offering new insights into the severity of specific anthrax strains.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalmSystems·DateAug 29, 2018

Drought increases CO2 concentration in the air

A new study uses satellite technology to measure the impact of droughts on photosynthesis and ecosystem respiration. Researchers found that during dry years, natural ecosystems removed about 30% less carbon from the atmosphere, leading to faster CO2 concentration increases.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateAug 29, 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.

Mongrel Mob open up to Otago researchers for the good of their health

A study published in Royal Society Open Science found that Mongrel Mob members had low knowledge of viral hepatitis, leading to risky infection behaviors. The research also identified concerning liver health issues, including high rates of inflammation and damage.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateAug 29, 2018

New research: Ketamine activates opioid system to treat depression

A new study found that ketamine's antidepressant effect requires opioid system activation in humans, raising concerns about the risk of dependence. The study used naltrexone, an opioid blocker, to block ketamine's effects and found that it reduced antidepressant symptoms but not dissociative effects.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateAug 29, 2018

Researchers highlight neglected evidence on the cardiovascular risks of toxic metals

A comprehensive analysis found associations between exposure to toxic metals and increased risk of cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease. The study's authors call for attention to metals as a significant source of cardiovascular risk, highlighting the need for population-wide strategies to minimize exposure.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalThe BMJ·DateAug 29, 2018
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Drought, groundwater loss sinks California land at alarming rate

A new Cornell University study reveals that the San Joaquin Valley in central California is sinking by up to a half-meter annually due to drought and ongoing groundwater extraction. Groundwater depletion has been estimated at 10 miles cubed between 2012 and 2016, posing significant engineering problems and threatening water quality.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 29, 2018

New Texas supercomputer to push the frontiers of science

The University of Texas at Austin will build the nation's fastest academic supercomputer with a $60 million NSF grant, expected to enable major scientific discoveries in fields like astrophysics and zoology. The system, known as Frontera, will begin operations in 2019 and be twice as powerful as its predecessor.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateAug 29, 2018

New national training program aims to mainstream glycosciences

The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute will award $20 million to four academic centers over five years, with UC San Diego receiving $5 million. The program aims to correct the lack of attention given to glycans in biomedical research and train 18 early-career glycoscientists.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateAug 29, 2018
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Electronic device implanted in the brain could stop seizures

Researchers have successfully implanted a device in mice brains to detect, stop and prevent epileptic seizures. The device uses a neurotransmitter to signal to neurons to stop firing, effectively ending the seizure. Early results show promising potential for treating conditions like Parkinson's disease and brain tumors.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 29, 2018

Cannabis extract helps reset brain function in psychosis

Research from King's College London has found that cannabidiol can help reduce psychotic symptoms by resetting abnormal brain activity. The study provides the first evidence of how cannabidiol acts in the brain to alleviate psychosis and suggests it could be a safer alternative to current treatments.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateAug 29, 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.

Tight-knit teammates may conform to each other's behavior

A study found that athletes who feel more closely connected to their teammates are more likely to conform to their behaviors, including both positive and risky actions. The researchers suggest that teams should find ways to encourage bonding without pressuring members to engage in negative behavior.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Sport and Exercise Psychology·DateAug 29, 2018

Better assessments for early AMD

The European MACUSTAR consortium is conducting a multi-country clinical study on early AMD, focusing on intermediate-stage disease progression. Novel tests will be developed to assess earlier stages of the disease, improving diagnosis and treatment methods.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalOphthalmologica·DateAug 29, 2018

Diehl to receive GSA's 2018 Distinguished Mentorship in Gerontology Award

Dr. Manfred Diehl, a renowned gerontologist, has been awarded the GSA's Distinguished Mentorship in Gerontology Award for his outstanding mentoring skills and impact on the field. He has successfully mentored numerous students through various fellowships and training programs, inspiring them to innovate and strive for excellence.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateAug 29, 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.

Bifunctional compound tackles pain relief and opioid dependency

Researchers have developed a bifunctional compound that both relieves pain and suppresses opioid dependency in primates, providing 100-fold stronger pain relief than morphine. The compound lacks rewarding characteristics and motor impairment, indicating a safer alternative to traditional opioids.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 29, 2018

New test uncovers metabolic vulnerabilities in kidney cancer

Researchers developed a novel approach using glucose to assess how kidney cancer tumors use glucose. The study found that ccRCC tumors process glucose differently than most tissues, providing a potential target for new treatments.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 29, 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.

DOE study targets safer storage of nuclear waste

A University of Houston engineer is leading a $800,000 project to improve the safety of storage containers for nuclear waste. The team will explore ways to reduce or avoid the degeneration of glass containers used to store radioactive waste.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateAug 29, 2018

Biodegradable plastic blends offer new options for disposal

Researchers develop biodegradable plastics that break down under diverse conditions, offering new options for disposal. The study examines the degradation of individual bioplastics and blends under managed and unmanaged environments, finding improved characteristics in certain blends.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 29, 2018

NYC’s tobacco-free pharmacy law substantially reduces tobacco retailer density yet impact is unequal across neighborhoods

A new study finds that NYC's tobacco-free pharmacy law substantially reduces tobacco retailer density overall, particularly in high-income neighborhoods. However, disadvantaged neighborhoods experienced little to no change in retailer density, highlighting unequal impact across neighborhoods.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalTobacco Control·DateAug 29, 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.

Spinal muscular atrophy drug may be effective if started later than previously shown

A study published in Neurology suggests that spinal muscular atrophy drug nusinersen may be effective for muscle control even when treatment is started in children seven months and older. The research found significant muscle control improvements in participants, including an 8-year-old child, with some able to sit up without support.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateAug 29, 2018

Father's diet could affect the long-term health of his offspring

A study by the University of Nottingham discovered that a lack of protein in a father's diet can negatively impact his offspring's long-term health. The research found that low-protein diets affect sperm quality, leading to increased obesity, type 2 diabetes, and reduced metabolic gene expression in offspring.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 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.

Robotic herding of a flock of birds using drones

Researchers created a new algorithm to safely herd flocks of birds away from airports, reducing bird strikes and potential damages. The drone-based system successfully diverted entire flocks without fragmenting their formation.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Robotics·DateAug 29, 2018

Study finds multiple sclerosis drug slows brain shrinkage

A clinical trial of over 250 participants with progressive multiple sclerosis found that ibudilast slowed down brain shrinkage compared to a placebo. The study showed a difference of approximately 2.5 milliliters of brain tissue between the two groups, but it is unclear if this translates to improved symptoms or function.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 29, 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.

'Archived' heat has reached deep into the Arctic interior, researchers say

A new study has found that warmer water from hundreds of miles away is penetrating deep into the Arctic's interior, leading to a two-fold increase in heat content over the past 30 years. If this 'archived' heat reaches the surface, it could melt the entire sea-ice pack covering most of the region for most of the year.

SourceYale University·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 29, 2018

Clearing a xenotransplantation hurdle: detecting infectious agents in pigs

A new study has developed highly sensitive and specific assays to detect infectious agents in pigs, a crucial step towards ensuring the safety of xenotransplantation. The assays were validated on over 300 pig specimens and showed promising results, suggesting they can identify potential pathogens in donor pigs.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalXenotransplantation·DateAug 29, 2018

Food activates brown fat

Researchers at TUM demonstrated that food increases thermogenesis in brown fat, contrary to the long-held assumption that it only responds to cold. This discovery could lead to new ways to prevent obesity and diabetes.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 29, 2018

Scientists take big step toward finding non-addictive painkiller

Researchers at Wake Forest School of Medicine discover a safe and non-addictive pain medication called AT-121, which suppressed addictive effects of opioids and produced morphine-like analgesic effects. The compound also blocks abuse potential of prescription opioids like buprenorphine, offering hope to treat pain and opioid abuse.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 29, 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.

A new take on fighting multi-drug resistant bacteria

Researchers at UH University have won a $3.5M grant to develop technology suggesting the best combinations of antibiotics to kill certain resistant bacteria. The project aims to combat antibiotic resistance, a major public health threat.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateAug 29, 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.

HKBU scholars in world-first breakthrough for difficult-to-treat breast cancer

Researchers at Hong Kong Baptist University have developed a metal compound that inhibits the enzyme lysine-specific demethylase 5A (KDM5A) in TNBC tumours with less toxicity in mice. This discovery holds great promise for the development of targeted drugs for TNBC therapy, offering a new approach to treating this difficult form of bre...

SourceHong Kong Baptist University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 29, 2018

$3.8 million NIMH grant to diagnose suicidal thinking using brain imaging

A $3.8 million NIMH grant will support the development of a predictive model that uses machine learning techniques to identify neural signatures of suicidal ideation and behavior. This technology has the potential to improve clinicians' ability to detect and treat suicidal patients, reducing suicide risk among young adults in the US.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateAug 29, 2018