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Science News Archive August 2018 - Page 40


Page 40 of 41
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.

Improvement of humanlike conversations in humanoid robots

A child-like android named 'ibuki' was developed to facilitate human-robot interaction. The robot's conversation control system allows it to regulate speech, motion, gaze, and emotion based on its intention, increasing perceived human-likeness. This technology enables more natural conversations and social interactions.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·DateAug 1, 2018

Optical secrets of disulfide nanotubes are disclosed by Lomonosov MSU Scientists

Researchers from Lomonosov MSU and international partners demonstrate a strong light-matter interaction in suspensions and self-assembled films of tungsten disulfide nanotubes. This allows consideration of WS2 nanotubes as a platform for developing new concepts in nanotube-based photonic devices.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateAug 1, 2018

On-chip optical filter processes wide range of light wavelengths

Researchers at MIT have designed an optical filter on a chip that can process optical signals from across an extremely wide spectrum of light. The technology offers greater precision and flexibility for designing photonic devices, studying photons, and other applications.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 1, 2018

Active substance raises hopes of curing hepatitis E

Researchers have found a possible active substance against the hepatitis E virus in naturally occurring silvestrol, which inhibits pathogen replication in cell cultures and mice. Silvestrol is formed by mahogany plants and has been shown to be effective against the virus in both lab tests and animal models.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAntiviral Research·DateAug 1, 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.

Otago researcher claims new study a step forward in fight to eliminate tuberculosis

A new international collaborative research study has found that a four-month daily regimen of antibiotic rifampicin is as effective as a nine-month daily regimen of another antibiotic, isoniazid, in preventing people with latent tuberculosis infection from developing the full-blown disease. The study, published in the New England Journ...

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 1, 2018

Baby talk words build infants' language skills, study shows

Researchers found that nine-month-old children who heard baby talk words such as 'bunny' and 'choo-choo' more frequently grasped new words faster between 9-21 months. This suggests that specific types of baby talk words, like those ending in 'y', can facilitate vocabulary development.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalCognitive Science·DateAug 1, 2018

Antennas for cosmic rays

Dr. Frank Schröder will search for high-energy photons accompanying cosmic rays using a novel radio measurement technique. He aims to find the highest-energy photons ever measured at an Antarctic location.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·DateAug 1, 2018

Researchers uncover molecular mechanisms of rare skin disease

Researchers found that people with the rare disease have genetic mutations in CIB1, EVER1, or EVER2, which compromises their immune response to ß-HPVs. The study revealed that ß-HPVs can replicate and cause skin lesions and cancer when this defense mechanism is disrupted.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateAug 1, 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.

Alessio Figalli wins the 'Nobel Prize of Mathematics'

Alessio Figalli, a mathematician at ETH Zurich, has been awarded the Fields Medal for solving the Monge-Ampere equation, a famous partial differential equation with applications in urban planning, imaging, and meteorology. He has also made significant contributions to optimal transport and its connections to probability.

SourceETH Zurich·DateAug 1, 2018

TMAC at UTA granted $6.6 million federal award

The University of Texas at Arlington's TMAC has been awarded $6.6 million to help small and mid-sized manufacturing firms develop or improve products, processes, and human capital. Over the last decade, TMAC has served over 2,100 customers, saving them more than $1.2 billion in costs and retaining or generating over 35,000 jobs.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateAug 1, 2018

Deportation and family separation impact entire communities, researchers say

A policy statement by the American Psychological Association highlights the negative effects of deportation on families, children, and entire communities. Research reveals increased anxiety, trauma, and depression among affected individuals, as well as housing instability, academic withdrawal, and family dissolution.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalAmerican Journal of Community Psychology·DateAug 1, 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.

Politicization and prioritization in the judiciary

A study by Adam Bonica and Maya Sen reveals that American courts become politicized due to strategic judicial selection. The researchers found that higher courts are more conservative and polarized, deviating from the broader legal profession's liberal ideology.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalThe Journal of Law and Economics·DateAug 1, 2018

Single-payer plan in New York could cover all without increasing spending

A single-payer health care plan in New York could expand coverage for all residents without increasing overall spending, according to a RAND Corporation analysis. The plan would require substantial new tax revenue and shift financing among households and businesses, with the highest-income households paying substantially more.

SourceRAND Corporation·DateAug 1, 2018

As temperatures rise, Earth's soil is 'breathing' more heavily

A recent study suggests that rising temperatures are causing soil microbes to convert more carbon into carbon dioxide, entering the atmosphere at an increasing rate. This phenomenon is outpacing plant photosynthesis and has significant implications for the planet's carbon cycle.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateAug 1, 2018

Troubled waters

A study by UCSB researchers reveals that wealthy countries' industrial fishing fleets dominate the global oceans, with China, Taiwan, and Japan leading the list. This dominance has significant implications for food security and access to healthy food sources, particularly in less-wealthy countries.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 1, 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.

What can the herpesvirus teach us about oral inflammation?

A $2 million NIH grant will support research on how herpesviruses contribute to periodontitis and explore the potential of viral microRNAs as biomarkers for oral inflammation. The study aims to identify microRNAs that change in inflamed tissues and understand their impact on host immune cell functions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateAug 1, 2018

Behavioral nudges lead to striking drop in prescriptions of potent antipsychotic

A randomized controlled trial found that peer comparison letters targeting high Seroquel-prescribing doctors reduced quetiapine prescribing by 11% over 9 months and 16% over 2 years. The letters had no negative effects on patients, and similar messages could address over-prescribing of other drugs.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateAug 1, 2018

Inexpensive biology kits offer hands-on experience with DNA

The BioBits kits allow students to learn about key biological concepts through experiments with DNA and produce glowing proteins or scents. The kits contain freeze-dried cellular components, making them inexpensive and accessible.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 1, 2018

DIY robots help marine biologists discover new deep-sea dwellers

A team of engineers, marine biologists, and roboticists developed soft gripper devices that allow scientists to gently collect delicate organisms from the deep sea. The devices were able to collect sea slugs, corals, sponges, and other marine life with less damage than traditional tools.

SourceThe City University of New York·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 1, 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.

Hospital-associated bacterial species becoming tolerant to alcohol disinfectants

A new study reveals that hospital-associated bacterial species Enterococcus faecium is adapting to alcohols used in handwash disinfectants, increasing treatment resistance. The analysis of 19-year-old bacterial samples from two Australian hospitals suggests several mutations confer increased alcohol resistance.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 1, 2018

Synthetic suede gives high-end cars that luxury feel

The article reveals how Japanese companies have mastered the production of high-quality synthetic suede for luxury cars, offering advantages over natural leather and suede. The development of this material has led to a boom in business for manufacturers, with increased demand prompting expansions and ramped-up production.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateAug 1, 2018

BMC selects 10 communities to strengthen trauma-informed early childhood systems

Boston Medical Center's Vital Village Network has selected ten local communities to form the Networks of Opportunity for Child Wellbeing Learning Community to address barriers and develop innovative community partnerships aimed at improving the early childhood experience. The initiative will support these communities in building a robu...

SourceBoston Medical Center·DateAug 1, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Understanding soil through its microbiome

The first global survey of soil genomics found a constant competition between bacteria and fungi for nutrients, leading to the production of antibiotics. The study's results have implications for predicting the impact of climate change on soil and improving agricultural practices.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature·DateAug 1, 2018

Monsoon rains found to be beneficial to underground aquifers

Researchers found that nearly 25% of monsoon rainfall percolates into groundwater systems, recharging aquifers near their point of origin. The study used field instrumentation and hydrological modeling to demonstrate the importance of small stream beds in this process.

SourceArizona State University·JournalWater Resources Research·DateAug 1, 2018

Safeguarding fetal brain health in pregnancies complicated by CHD

Researchers aim to safeguard fetal brain health in pregnancies complicated by CHD by identifying vulnerable regions and correlating with infant development. Early findings suggest impaired fetal brain growth and metabolism, highlighting the need for interventions during the prenatal period.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·DateAug 1, 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.

3D-printed implants shown to help grow 'real bone'

Researchers at NYU Langone Health successfully guided the regrowth of missing bone in lab animals using chemically coated ceramic implants. The implants, made from beta tricalcium phosphate and dipyridamole, were naturally absorbed by the test animals' bodies as new bone gradually replaced the devices.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine·DateAug 1, 2018

Questioning conventional understanding of antifreeze proteins

Scientists have discovered an ice-binding protein that attaches to both basal and prism faces of ice crystals, affecting their growth and defying conventional classification. This finding could lead to a broader application of antifreeze proteins in food and medical industries.

SourceHokkaido University·DateAug 1, 2018

Computer simulations predict the spread of HIV

Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory used computer simulations to accurately predict HIV transmission patterns and track the disease's spread. The study found that genetic signatures can be used to determine the origin and time frame of an infection, allowing for targeted prevention campaigns.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature Microbiology·DateAug 1, 2018

Drexel's polymer pill proves it can deliver

Drexel University researchers have developed a new type of container that can deliver medicine to the bloodstream for extended periods. The 'crystalsome' nanoparticle lasts up to 96 hours in the bloodstream, surpassing current injectable medication with improved stability and reduced side effects.

SourceDrexel University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 1, 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.

Only 10 percent of non-dialysis kidney patients ever see a dietitian

Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is crucial for slowing chronic kidney disease progression and reducing healthcare costs. Despite its importance, only 10% of non-dialysis kidney patients receive MNT, which includes individualized nutrition assessment and personalized dietary education.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateAug 1, 2018

Discovery gives cystic fibrosis researchers new direction

A team of researchers has identified a new type of pulmonary ionocyte, which is the site of cystic fibrosis-causing CFTR gene activity. This discovery could lead to new therapeutic approaches by increasing CFTR activity in affected cells.

SourceNovartis Institutes for BioMedical Research·JournalNature·DateAug 1, 2018

Financial checkup should be part of health screenings for childhood cancer survivors

A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that 65% of adult childhood cancer survivors reported financial challenges, including reduced health-related quality of life and increased risk of depression and suicidal thoughts. The researchers recommend routine screening for financial hardship to address these issues.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 1, 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.

UCF professor discovers a first-of-its-kind material for the quantum age

Assistant Professor Madhab Neupane has discovered a new material with multiple quantum properties, which could become the foundation for quantum computers and long-lasting memory devices. The discovery is expected to increase computing power and reduce energy consumption for electronics.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 1, 2018

BioBits: Teaching synthetic biology to K-12 students

BioBits kits use freeze-dried cell-free reactions to enable simple, hands-on biological experiments without specialized lab equipment. The kits introduce molecular and synthetic biology concepts, inspiring students to consider STEM careers.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 1, 2018

Pregnant with epilepsy? Folic acid may prevent language delays for baby

A study found that children of mothers with epilepsy who took folic acid supplements had lower rates of language delays compared to those who did not take supplements. The study suggests that folic acid may be beneficial in preventing language delays for babies born to mothers with epilepsy.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateAug 1, 2018

Pinpointing a molecule for sea lamprey control

Researchers have identified a pheromone, a fatty acid derivative, that guides larval and adult sea lampreys to spawning grounds. The discovery holds potential for disrupting adult sea lampreys' reproduction, offering a new approach to controlling the invasive species.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 1, 2018

A RACIPE for success

Jackson Laboratory Assistant Professor Mingyang Lu has developed a computational approach called RACIPE to capture genetic events in cellular decision-making. The algorithm could have broad impact on basic research and designing new therapeutic interventions in genomic medicine.

SourceJackson Laboratory·DateAug 1, 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.

What makes diamonds blue? Boron from oceanic crustal remnants in Earth's lower mantle

Researchers discovered that blue diamonds form at least as deep as the transition zone between the upper and lower mantle. The boron element was incorporated into water-rich minerals like serpentine during geochemical reactions between seawater and oceanic plate rocks, traveling far deeper into the mantle than previously thought.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature·DateAug 1, 2018

Scientists identify new mechanisms underlying pediatric kidney cancer

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have uncovered the means by which pediatric kidney cancer continues to grow, providing potential targets for more effective treatments. Impairment of miRNA function drives Wilms tumor formation through increased IGF2 production.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalGenes & Development·DateAug 1, 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.

Obesity in young women may set the stage for heart

Researchers found that obese women had a thicker left ventricle, lower E/A ratio, and higher systolic blood pressure compared to normal or overweight women. These changes may explain their predisposition to preeclampsia and cardiovascular complications during pregnancy.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateAug 1, 2018

Real or crocodile tears? Psychopaths may not know the difference

Research from Australian National University found people with psychopathic traits have difficulty distinguishing real from fake emotional expressions, particularly in expressing distress. This impairment leads to reduced motivation to assist those experiencing genuine emotional pain.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalJournal of Personality Disorders·DateAug 1, 2018

Fields Medal for Peter Scholze

Peter Scholze's discovery of perfectoid spaces has fundamentally expanded the range of methods used at the intersection of number theory and geometry. This award is a milestone in the long tradition of mathematics in Bonn, one of the biggest centers for mathematical teaching and research in Germany and worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·DateAug 1, 2018

Scientists draw new connections between climate change and warming oceans

A recent study published in Science suggests that global warming can alter ocean chemistry, threatening the future of many fish species. The researchers found that increased CO2 levels can lead to oxygen loss in oceans, allowing sulfate-eating bacteria to thrive and producing hydrogen sulfide, a broad-spectrum toxin.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalScience·DateAug 1, 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.