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Science News Archive August 2018 - Page 7


Page 7 of 41

Treating inflammatory bowel disorder by delivering microRNAs

Osaka University researchers successfully delivered microRNAs to immune response cells in inflamed intestinal tracts using a super carbonate apatite (sCA), reducing inflammatory cytokines. The study showed that sCA could be used to treat a wide range of immunity and allergic disorders caused by immune responses.

SourceOsaka University·JournalMolecular Therapy — Nucleic Acids·DateAug 28, 2018

Researchers uncover the science behind blowing bubbles

New York University researchers discovered two ways to blow bubbles: pushing a steady wind on a soap film through a circular wand and gently driving an already-inflated film. This study has potential applications in consumer products with bubbles or droplets, such as sprays and foams.

SourceNew York University·JournalPhysical Review 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.

Researchers find elusive source of most abundant immune cell

A team of researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology has identified a previously unknown progenitor population with neutrophil characteristics, which promotes tumor growth. The discovery could serve as an early warning sign for cancer and drive new therapeutic approaches for treating neutropenia, chronic inflammation, and cancer.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateAug 28, 2018

Clinical trials needed to study cannabinoid use in Canadian children

A national approach is needed for trialing cannabinoids in children due to the lack of high-quality evidence and unregulated use of products. Collaboration among academics, industry, and provincial governments is required to conduct multiple-site clinical trials with long-term follow-up.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 28, 2018

Immune system prioritizes distinct immune responses in infants with flu

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered that unconventional T cells play a crucial role in protecting infants from severe flu complications by promoting lung cell repair. This immune response differs from adults and may provide a new target for therapies to ease flu symptoms in infants.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalImmunity·DateAug 28, 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.

Scientists sweep cellular neighborhoods where Zika hides out

Researchers identify key host-virus protein interactions that enable Zika to evade immune signaling and proliferate. The study provides insight into the viral life cycle and potential targets for antiviral drugs.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·DateAug 28, 2018

Novel gene mutation found in lymphatic disorder

Researchers identified a gene mutation causing abnormal lymphatic circulation and restored normal vessel architecture using signal inhibitors. The study may lead to a new therapy for patients with central conducting lymphatic anomaly, a complex condition affecting immune function and fat transport.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateAug 28, 2018

Three previously unknown ancient primates identified

Biological anthropologists from the University of Texas at Austin have discovered three previously unknown ancient primates in San Diego County. The fossils date back 42 million to 46 million years, with estimated weights ranging from 113 to 796 grams.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·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.

Parasites discovered in fossil fly pupae

Researchers discovered fossil parasites inside their hosts, describing four extinct wasp species that were unknown until now. The study provides major information on the evolution of parasitism and its impact on ecosystems.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 28, 2018

Protein modifications pointing to cancer

Scientists have developed a method to investigate all proteins in tissue samples that are modified by ADP-ribosylation, a stress response pathway. This allows for conclusions to be drawn about activated signaling pathways and potentially leads to new diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities for cancer and other diseases.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·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.

The math of malaria

A mathematical model for malaria shows that competition between parasite strains within a human host reduces the odds of drug resistance developing in high-transmission settings. The model reveals how once a drug-resistant strain becomes established, it will spread faster in high-transmission areas than in low-transmission areas.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 28, 2018

CU researchers identify potential target for treating pain during surgery

A research team at the University of Colorado School of Medicine has identified a potential target for treating pain during surgery, aiming to reduce the use of narcotics. By understanding how nociceptors work, researchers hope to develop new therapies and decrease post-surgical pain duration and intensity.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalScience Signaling·DateAug 28, 2018

All that is gold is not biochemically stable

A study by environmental engineers at Duke University found that gold nanoparticles can be dismantled by microorganisms on aquatic plants, complicating laboratory experiments. This discovery highlights the importance of considering complex ecosystems in research design to ensure accurate results.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateAug 28, 2018

Wilder wildfires ahead?

Researchers at UCSB and NCAR find that climate change is affecting the connection between El Niño and wildfires, leading to more extreme and frequent fires. As the Earth warms, El Niño events are expected to have a larger impact on fire risk in California and other fire-prone regions.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 28, 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.

Leaf molecules as markers for mycorrhizal associations

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology have found substances that accumulate in plant leaves when mycorrhizal fungi successfully colonize roots, providing a new tool for studying fungal associations and breeding programs. The discovery has significant implications for global phosphate resources and food production.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·DateAug 28, 2018

In warming Arctic, major rivers show surprising changes in carbon chemistry

Researchers found that major Arctic rivers have increased alkalinity production over the past 40 years, potentially offsetting the negative effects of climate change. This increase in riverine alkalinity could be triggered by thawing permafrost, changes in acid deposition, and other human activities.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 28, 2018

New phase proposed in the relationship between figs and wasps

A new phase has been proposed in the relationship between figs and wasps, revealing a sixth developmental cycle where insects other than wasps can insert their eggs into figs. This finding highlights the complex mutualism between figs and wasps, which have evolved over 65 million years.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalActa Oecologica·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.

New cancer treatment uses enzymes to boost immune system and fight back

Researchers at UT Austin have developed a new approach to treating cancer using enzyme therapy, which boosts the immune system by degrading kynurenine, a metabolite that suppresses the immune system. The treatment could prove effective in treating various types of cancers and is expected to initiate clinical trials soon.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateAug 28, 2018

Multiple facets of biodiversity reduce variability of grassland biomass production

Research shows that multiple facets of biodiversity, including species richness and plant evolutionary history, jointly reduce annual variation in grassland productivity. High-species-rich communities with diverse histories exhibit reduced biomass production variability.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateAug 28, 2018

Purdue researchers developing novel biomedical imaging system

Purdue University researchers are developing a photoacoustic tomography system that provides real-time compositional information of body tissue without contrast agents. The technology has the potential to detect or monitor diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.

SourcePurdue University·JournalPhotoacoustics·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.

Getting to the roots of our ancient cousin's diet

Researchers found that Australopithecus africanus had wider, splayed roots than Paranthropus robustus and Paranthropus boisei, indicating increased lateral chewing loads. The study suggests that the orientation of tooth roots provides valuable insights into the dietary ecology of ancient humans and their extinct relatives.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateAug 28, 2018

Breakthrough sensor to help people with bipolar disorder monitor lithium levels

Researchers from the University of Surrey developed a fiber-based sensor that can detect lithium concentration levels in blood, providing an easy-to-use alternative to invasive blood samples. The sensor is ready to use and doesn't require pre-conditioning, making it ideal for people with bipolar disorder and depression.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalACS Sensors·DateAug 28, 2018

Writing a 'thank you' note is more powerful than we realize, study shows

A study found that people's likelihood of expressing gratitude is driven by predictions of recipient reactions, highlighting the importance of overcoming fear to write sincere thank-you notes. The research suggests that writing gratitude letters can improve well-being for both writers and recipients at little cost.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 28, 2018
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Carbon in color: First-ever colored thin films of nanotubes created

Researchers at Aalto University developed a method to control the fabrication of carbon nanotube thin films, producing colored thin films for various applications. The breakthrough uses aerosols of metal and carbon, with small doses of carbon dioxide tuning the growth of nanotubes.

SourceAalto University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 28, 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.

Mapping out cancer's movements

Researchers have developed a new method using TOF-SIMS to map the flow of biomolecules in and around solid tumors. This technique reveals how tumors signal to their microenvironment and sap local tissue resources.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalBiointerphases·DateAug 28, 2018

HIV/AIDS research yields dividends across medical fields

HIV/AIDS research has led to significant advances in heart disease, hepatitis, and cancer. Scientists have better understood the vital role of CD4+ T cells in thwarting other infectious diseases and certain cancers.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·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.

Novel brain network linked to chronic pain in Parkinson's disease

A novel brain network has been discovered that links chronic pain in Parkinson's disease to a specific region of the brain, including the subthalamic nucleus. This research provides new insights into pain processing and suggests a potential target for pain relief in PD and other neurological diseases.

SourceeLife·DateAug 28, 2018

Components of heart healthy diet may differ from what was previously thought

A new study suggests that a heart-healthy diet may consist of foods previously thought to be detrimental, such as dairy products and meat. The research, which analyzed data from over 218,000 people across five continents, found that consuming these foods was associated with lower risks of cardiovascular disease and death.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 28, 2018

Tackling the great paradox of biodiversity with game theory

Scientists developed a new mathematical model using game theory to explain the biodiversity paradox, which predicts that hundreds of plankton species can coexist in open sea water despite limited resources. The model shows that biodiversity increases exponentially with the number of resources, leading to a large number of potential spe...

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·DateAug 28, 2018

NASA looks at fluctuating strength of Tropical Storm Lane

Tropical Storm Lane underwent significant changes in its strength after being analyzed by NASA's Aqua satellite on August 27. The storm showed powerful thunderstorms east of its center but weakened due to wind shear, only to regain tropical storm status later that day.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 28, 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.

Current advice to limit dairy intake should be reconsidered

Research suggests that dairy products can protect against total mortality and cerebrovascular causes, but milk consumption increases the risk of CHD. Public health officials should revise guidelines on dairy consumption, recommending fat-free or low-fat milk.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 28, 2018

Disentangling the relationships between cultural traits and other variables

A team of researchers identified three sources of non-independence in cultural variables: phylogenetic non-independence, spatial autocorrelation, and covariation. By controlling for these factors, they found that parasites have no more explanatory power for cultural traits than other environmental factors like biodiversity and climate.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateAug 28, 2018

Higgs particle's favorite 'daughter' comes home

Researchers at Princeton University have detected the Higgs boson's decay into two bottom quarks, a pathway that confirms theories about matter's nature. The detection gives scientists a new way to study the physical laws governing the universe.

SourcePrinceton University·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.

Teenagers have a hard time reading one another's tones of voice

Researchers found that teenagers have difficulty reading the emotions expressed in their peers' voices, particularly when it comes to tones of voice conveying anger, meanness, or happiness. However, they can accurately interpret adult tone of voices. This challenges the social interactions and relationships among teens.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of Nonverbal Behavior·DateAug 28, 2018

NASA finds little improvement in Miriam's structure

NASA's Aqua satellite detected slight improvement in Tropical Storm Miriam's cloud pattern and convective organization on Aug. 27. The storm still exhibited wind shear effects, with coldest cloud top temperatures reaching -63 degrees Fahrenheit.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 28, 2018

Ironing out the difficulties of moving fluids in space

Researchers on the International Space Station are studying ferrofluids with magnetic fields to create pump systems without mechanical moving parts. This could extend system lifetimes and improve performance in next-generation space vehicles.

SourceNASA/Johnson Space Center·DateAug 28, 2018

An ocean apart, carnivorous pitcher plants create similar communities

Research reveals that pitcher plant communities converge in terms of microbial life and small animal populations, even across different continents. The study found that Asian and North American pitchers house similar species, such as bacteria and insects, and can even mimic each other's ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateAug 28, 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.

How eggplants became Asian -- genomes and elephants tell the story

Researchers sequenced eggplant and wild relative plastomes, finding a single event led to two lineages: one in Africa and the other in Asia. This dispersal resulted in the current wide distribution of eggplant relatives across Africa, linked to African elephant and impala seed dispersal.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateAug 28, 2018

First randomised trial tests criteria used to diagnose heart attack

A new randomized trial tested a revised set of criteria for diagnosing heart attacks, but found that using these criteria did not reduce the rate of recurrent heart attacks or cardiovascular deaths. The study suggested that the revised criteria could lead to more diagnoses and treatment, but with no adverse effects on patient outcomes.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 28, 2018

New compact hyperspectral system captures 5-D images

A new compact hyperspectral system captures 5-D images with high speed and accuracy, benefiting applications such as optical-based sorting and personal medical monitoring. The system uses structured light to create detailed digital archives of historically valuable artifacts.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateAug 28, 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.

Percutaneously reducing secondary mitral regurgitation in heart failure appears futile

Researchers found that reducing secondary mitral regurgitation in heart failure patients did not improve survival or symptoms, suggesting the procedure is futile. Despite successful procedure completion, there was no significant difference in primary endpoint outcomes between intervention and medical treatment groups.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 27, 2018