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Science News Archive August 2018 - Page 6


Page 6 of 41

Protect key habitats, not just wilderness, to preserve species

A new study suggests that protecting key habitats outside of existing wildernesses and preserves is essential for conserving at-risk species with small ranges. The analysis shows that even half of the world's large wilderness areas may not be enough to protect many more species.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 29, 2018

Research study sheds new light on relationship between genes and bone fracture risk

A large international collaboration identified 15 genetic variations linked to bone fracture risk, contradicting previous assumptions about clinical risk factors. The study highlights the importance of increasing bone strength in preventing fractures, rather than relying solely on calcium and vitamin D supplementation.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalThe BMJ·DateAug 29, 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.

Six countries in the Americas account for half of all firearm deaths

A new study reveals that six countries in the Americas - Brazil, the US, Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, and Guatemala - accounted for over half of all firearm-related deaths in 2016. The study found that global firearm-related deaths exceeded conflict and terrorism deaths every year from 1990 to 2016, except for 1994.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalJAMA·DateAug 28, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Migrating monarchs facing increased parasite risks

Research found that migrating monarchs encounter high levels of disease when interacting with resident monarchs at tropical milkweed sites, which can lead to reproductive issues and reduced migration rates. Monarch populations are vulnerable to parasitic protozoan OE due to the loss of natural migration patterns.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalEcology Letters·DateAug 28, 2018

Amazonian rainfall increases in wet season

Recent study reveals Amazonian precipitation in wet season has largely increased during the past three decades due to changes in sea surface temperature (SST) variability. This finding suggests a new perspective for studying long-term change in Amazonian precipitation.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateAug 28, 2018

A non-canonical strategy may improve cancer radiotherapy

Researchers have found that disrupting the non-canonical NF-κB pathway improves the effects of radiotherapy by enhancing the immune system's ability to interact with radiation. This new approach may lead to novel combination strategies for improving cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalImmunity·DateAug 28, 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.

Differences between combined, isolated use of cannabis, nicotine on brain networks

Researchers at the Center for BrainHealth investigated concurrent cannabis and nicotine use on brain networks. The study found that combined use had greater connectivity compared to isolated use of either substance. These findings suggest unique contributions of cannabis and nicotine on brain network connectivity.

SourceCenter for BrainHealth·JournalBrain Structure and Function·DateAug 28, 2018

Smoking and drinking can damage arteries 'very early in life'

A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that teenage smokers and heavy drinkers experience arterial damage, which can predict heart problems later in life. The research analyzed data from over 1,200 adolescents and showed that a combination of smoking and drinking significantly increased arterial stiffness.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 28, 2018

Discovery on East Asian monsoon dynamics

Scientists found four pivotal strengthening events in the East Asian summer monsoon between 1250-1900 CE, with ocean sediments offering a more reliable record of past monsoon signals. The study provides insights into Asian monsoon dynamics and their impact on regional societies.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 28, 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.

Close ties with fathers help daughters overcome loneliness

A recent study found that girls who have closer relationships with their fathers tend to report less loneliness as they transition from first grade to fifth grade. This suggests that fathers can help their daughters feel more connected and reduce feelings of isolation.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateAug 28, 2018

Chest pain drug falls short in preventing first episode of ventricular arrhythmia or death

A clinical trial of over 1,000 patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators found that ranolazine was safe but did not significantly decrease the likelihood of the first occurrence of ventricular arrhythmia or death. However, it did lower the number of recurring episodes of ventricular tachycardia.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 28, 2018

Scientists in Fiji examine how forest conservation helps coral reefs

A new study uses modeling tools to identify areas where forest conservation in Fiji can reduce harm to coral reefs and their fish populations. The research found that protecting or restoring native forests can provide the most benefit to downstream coral reef systems.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 28, 2018

Take a vacation -- it could prolong your life

A 40-year study found that vacations can prolong life by reducing stress. Men who took longer vacations had lower mortality rates than those with shorter vacation times, suggesting that stress reduction is key to cardiovascular health.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 28, 2018

The 'invisible hand' doesn't control markets

New research from Michigan State University challenges the traditional 'invisible hand' theory of market control. A third party's intervention disrupts trading relationships, establishing trust and loyalty among parties involved. This leads to favorable prices, but also creates a risk of runaway train-like effects unless regulated.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalRationality and Society·DateAug 28, 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.

Diagnosis is not best predictor of avoidable hospitalizations of nursing home residents

A recent study from Regenstrief Institute found that a patient's diagnosis is not the primary factor in determining whether a nursing home resident needs to be hospitalized. Instead, coordinated care systems and quality improvement opportunities are crucial in preventing unnecessary hospitalizations. The study highlighted gaps in commu...

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalInnovation in Aging·DateAug 28, 2018

E. coli strain from retail poultry may cause urinary tract infections in people

A study found that a specific E. coli strain from retail poultry products is causing urinary tract infections in people, with nearly 80% of meat samples and 72% of patient cultures positive for the bacteria. The research suggests that cooking poultry thoroughly and handling it carefully are crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalmBio·DateAug 28, 2018

Goats prefer happy people

A new study found that goats can differentiate between positive and negative human facial expressions and prefer to interact with the former. The researchers observed that goats spent more time approaching images of happy faces than angry ones, suggesting a preference for positive emotions.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateAug 28, 2018

Crowdsourcing campaigns increase HIV testing among at-risk men in China

Researchers found a 9% increase in HIV testing during the intervention period, with crowdsourcing effective in promoting HIV self-testing among MSM. The study suggests crowdsourcing as a tool for developing youth-friendly HIV services and improving treatment outcomes worldwide.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 28, 2018
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

FeCo-selenide -- Next-generation material in energy storage devices?

Researchers fabricated an asymmetric supercapacitor based on FeCo-selenide nanosheet arrays, demonstrating a specific capacitance of 978 F/g and cycle stability of 81.2%. The device also showed excellent electrochemical performance, providing evidence that FeCo-selenide could be the next-generation promising electrode material.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalNANO·DateAug 28, 2018

Blood pressure drug slows aortic dilatation in Marfan syndrome

Treatment with irbesartan, a blood pressure medication, slows aortic dilatation in children and young adults with Marfan syndrome. The five-year study found a clinically important reduction in aortic dilatation rates, potentially delaying surgical intervention and reducing complications.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 28, 2018

Invisible needles

Researchers from Politecnico di Torino and NUST MISIS create a new metamaterial that cloaks nano-sensors, improving their accuracy in optics and biomedicine. The development is part of the Italian-Russian project ANASTASIA, funded by Compagnia di San Paolo.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 28, 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.

The link between obesity, the brain, and genetics

New research at McGill University found that people with higher BMI tend to have reduced cognitive flexibility, increased volume in the left amygdala and decreased volume in certain memory structures. The study suggests a model where genetics play a role in obesity through brain anatomy and cognitive functions.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 28, 2018

Is it safe for women with heart disease to become pregnant?

Researchers analyzed data from over 5,700 pregnant women with heart disease and found that fewer deaths occurred during pregnancy compared to previous years. However, nearly one in ten women with pulmonary arterial hypertension died during pregnancy or early post-partum. Pre-pregnancy counseling is crucial to identify high-risk patients.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 28, 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.

Remote islands harbor higher numbers of non-native species

Research by an international team from the University of Vienna reveals that remote islands have higher numbers of non-native species, which can lead to extinction events and threaten unique island species. The study found that isolation from the mainland increases the number of non-native species, while native species decline.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 28, 2018

Does chemotherapy harm ability to function for older women with breast cancer?

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that short-term decline in physical function was common among older adults treated with chemotherapy for breast cancer. However, about half of patients were resilient and able to recover their ability to function within 12 months.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 28, 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.

Combination approach shows promise for beating advanced melanoma

A UCLA-led study found that a combination of pembrolizumab and SD-101 can alter the tumor microenvironment, enabling the immune system to attack cancer more effectively. The treatment has shown promise in people receiving immunotherapy for the first time, with some patients experiencing complete tumor disappearance.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCancer Discovery·DateAug 28, 2018

Rethinking a healthy diet from a global perspective

Scientists developed an updated international approach to identifying a healthy diet by analyzing data from large global studies involving over 240,000 people from more than 50 countries. The new guidelines suggest higher amounts of fruit, vegetables, nuts, and fish in the diet to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.

SourceMcMaster University·DateAug 28, 2018

New approach makes sprayed droplets hit and stick to their targets

A team of MIT researchers has found a way to balance the size of droplets used in spraying pesticides, making them stick to targets more effectively. The new method uses a fine mesh screen to break up larger drops into tiny ones, reducing waste and pollution.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Fluids·DateAug 28, 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.

All wired up: New molecular wires for single-molecule electronic devices

Researchers designed a novel molecular wire with a polyyne backbone and a ruthenium-based unit, achieving higher conductance than previous organic molecular wires. The origin of high conductance lies in orbital splitting, which induces changes in the electron orbitals to facilitate electron transfer between metal electrodes and the wir...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 28, 2018

Few people at risk for heart disease understand food labels

A study of 200 Irish adults found that many struggle to understand food labels, particularly men and those at risk for cardiovascular disease. The survey revealed gaps in consumers' use and interpretation of nutritional information, highlighting the need for improved public education and enhanced labeling.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 28, 2018

Genes that regulate how much we dream

Researchers identified two essential genes involved in regulating REM sleep duration in mice. The knockout of these genes resulted in drastically decreased REM sleep and altered sleep patterns. This study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying REM sleep, a crucial aspect of maintaining mental and physical health.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 28, 2018

Research brief: Researchers 3D print prototype for 'bionic eye'

A team of researchers at the University of Minnesota has successfully 3D printed a hemispherical surface with an array of light receptors. This breakthrough discovery brings scientists closer to creating a 'bionic eye' that could potentially restore vision in blind individuals.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 28, 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.

A novel nanoactuator system has been developed

A new nanoactuator system has been developed that can tune the conformation of biomolecules using an electric field. The system uses a gold nanoparticle tethered on a conducting surface, which can be moved reversibly using electric fields and monitored optically via changes in its plasmon resonance.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalNanoscale·DateAug 28, 2018

INSiGHT identifies unique retinal regulatory genes

A new platform called INSiGHT was used to examine over 100 genes in the retina, identifying 16 key retinal regulatory genes. Of these, 15 were previously unknown and nine have been linked to human diseases.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 28, 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.

New treatment can halve hospital stays for some patients with heart infection

A new treatment has been found to significantly reduce hospital stays for patients with heart infections by halving the duration of intravenous antibiotic treatment. The POET trial showed that giving patients oral antibiotics after at least ten days of intravenous treatment was as effective and safe as continued intravenous treatment, ...

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 28, 2018

If military robot falls, it can get itself up

Scientists at U.S. Army Research Laboratory and Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory develop software to analyze a robot's ability to self-right from any overturned orientation. The team evaluates the Advanced Explosive Ordnance Disposal Robotic System and determines it can right itself on level ground regardless of its ...

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalIEEE Robotics and Automation Letters·DateAug 28, 2018

WSU Spokane researchers develop potential drugs to help curb smoking

Researchers at WSU Spokane have created candidate drugs to slow down the breakdown of nicotine in the body, aiming to reduce tobacco consumption and quit smoking. The substances target liver enzyme CYP2A6, which metabolizes nicotine, potentially alleviating withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and irritability.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateAug 28, 2018

Twitter useful for stock picks, could boost market efficiency, shows study

A study by University of Toronto researchers found that Twitter is a reliable source for investor information, predicting company earnings and stock price movements. The 'Wisdom of Crowds' concept highlights the value of social media in promoting market efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalThe Accounting Review·DateAug 28, 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.

Study helps children hit the right note in supporting autistic peers

Researchers discovered that children without autism who participated in music classes with autistic peers displayed increased empathy and a decrease in antisocial emotions. Children with autism reported feeling less victimized after participating in music lessons, which could lead to improved social interactions and reduced bullying.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalAutism·DateAug 28, 2018