Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive December 2018


Page 1 of 33

Origin of magnetite in Hadean zircons

Researchers found that magnetite in Hadean zircons is likely a secondary deposit, formed after crystallization, precluding analysis of the Earth's earliest magnetic field. The presence of secondary magnetite indicates that a magnetic field may have existed during the Hadean Eon, but more evidence is needed to confirm this.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 31, 2018

Canagliflozin not associated with increased risk for fracture

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that canagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, is not associated with an increased risk of nonvertebral fractures among patients with type 2 diabetes. The research, which analyzed data from over 70 million patients, suggests that caution may still be necessary when prescribing canaglifloz...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 31, 2018

Skill acquisition and STEM specialization

Analysis of nearly 120,000 immigrants suggests that STEM specialization develops early in life, influenced by math course preferences and language skills at immigration. This pattern is more pronounced among those with lower initial English proficiency.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 31, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A new 'atlas' of genetic influences on osteoporosis

Researchers have created an atlas of genetic factors associated with estimated bone mineral density, explaining 20% of the genetic variance linked to osteoporosis. The study identifies over 500 genetic determinants, providing promising targets for novel therapeutics to prevent or treat the disease.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 31, 2018

Snowball Earth and great unconformity

The study suggests that late Proterozoic 'snowball Earth' events triggered rapid glacial erosion, transferring sediment from continents to ocean basins. This process may be linked to the formation of the Great Unconformity.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 31, 2018

Tumors backfire on chemotherapy

Researchers found that chemotherapy can induce tumors to release exosomes containing a protein that stimulates immune cells to attract cancerous cells, leading to metastasis. Neutralizing this protein or blocking immune cells may improve the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateDec 31, 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.

Early protostar already has a warped disk

Researchers have observed a warped disk around an infant protostar, suggesting that misalignment of planetary orbits could be caused by distortions in the planet-forming disk. The discovery provides new insights into how planets form and could explain why many extrasolar systems have planets not lined up in a single plane.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·DateDec 31, 2018

Patients now living a median 6.8 years after stage IV ALK+ lung cancer diagnosis

A new study found that patients with stage IV ALK-positive lung cancer have a median overall survival of 6.8 years, significantly higher than the 2 percent five-year survival rate for all NSCLC patients. This optimistic outlook is attributed to targeted therapies and careful surveillance.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateDec 31, 2018

Surface ozone trends in China

Summer surface ozone levels in China rose in four major cities between 2013 and 2017 due to decreasing particulate matter emissions. This increase can slow the natural cleanup of hydroperoxy radicals from aerosols, sparking concerns about anthropogenic ozone precursor emissions.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 31, 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 produce 'designer triacylglycerols' in industrial microalgae

Researchers have discovered novel diacylglyceryl transferases that selectively assemble essential fatty acids into microalgal TAGs. By modulating the ratio of these enzymes, they created a strain bank with customized FA compositions, offering potential for 'designer' TAGs with tailored health benefits.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalMolecular Plant·DateDec 31, 2018

The immune system's fountain of youth

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science found that clearing senescent cells, which contribute to inflammation and aging, improves health outcomes in mice. The study, led by Prof. Valery Krizhanovsky and Dr. Yossi Ovadya, offers hope for potential anti-aging therapies.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 31, 2018

Infectious disease burden and research intensity

High research intensity relative to published global disease burden was found for influenza, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, and tuberculosis, while paratyphoid fever had low research intensity. Certain neglected tropical diseases such as Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, and leprosy also showed high research intensity.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 31, 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.

Global mangrove dispersal patterns

A high-resolution ocean current model reveals significant connectivity between mangrove regions, including trans-Pacific dispersal via archipelagos. The study also highlights the importance of viable propagule time in determining effective dispersal distance.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 31, 2018

Physicists record 'lifetime' of graphene qubits

Researchers at MIT and elsewhere have recorded the temporal coherence of a graphene qubit, demonstrating a key step forward for practical quantum computing. The qubit maintained a superposition state for 55 nanoseconds before returning to its ground state.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 31, 2018

Smelling in tiny houses: how ciliary electric currents keep olfaction reliable

Researchers used mathematical modeling to understand how cells communicate effectively in highly constricted spaces like olfactory cilia. The model showed that relying on Cl- ions instead of Na+ provides advantages for odor detection, enabling reliable responses despite an unstable external environment.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 31, 2018

Some tensions are good for life

Cells utilize membrane tension to regulate endocytosis and maintain homeostasis. A protein called vinculin senses changes in force and regulates the CLIC/GEEC pathway to control endocytic processes.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 31, 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.

Nontraditional genetic code in parasitic plant

Researchers sequenced and analyzed the plastid genomes of two species of Balanophora, a fully parasitic mushroom-like plant, revealing a nontraditional genetic code. The discovery includes a novel stop codon TAG that encodes tryptophan, and most genes involved in protein synthesis reside outside the traditional plastid genome.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 31, 2018

Don't go breaking my heart

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed an ultra-soft electronic sensor that can closely monitor beating heart cells without affecting their behavior. This breakthrough device uses a nanomesh sensor to study cardiomyocytes in a more faithful way, paving the way for future embedded medical devices.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 31, 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.

Unmuting large silent genes lets bacteria produce new molecules, potential drug candidates

Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed a technique to activate large silent gene clusters in Streptomyces bacteria, yielding new natural products and potential anti-microbial drugs. By using transcription factor decoys, researchers successfully expressed genes that had previously remained dormant.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateDec 31, 2018

Evolutionary origin of pathogenic obesity

Research suggests that abdominal obesity may have evolved as a protective mechanism against infections in individuals who experienced poor fetal nutrition. This study proposes that the hallmark of obesity, visceral adipose tissue, provides immunity against abdominal infections.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 31, 2018

Adults with cerebral palsy at increased risk of depression, anxiety

A recent study published in JAMA Neurology found that adults with cerebral palsy are at a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety, particularly those without intellectual disabilities. The study analyzed data from over 1,700 adults with cerebral palsy and 5,100 adults without the condition.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateDec 28, 2018
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

After naloxone, when can opioid overdose patients be safely discharged?

Researchers developed a new guideline to safely discharge patients who have received naloxone for suspected opioid overdose. The study found that most adverse events occurred in patients with normal examinations, suggesting the current one-hour observation period is sufficient.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateDec 28, 2018

Sound changes the way rodents sense touch

A study found that auditory stimulation affects responses to tactile stimulation in mice and rats, highlighting the interconnectedness of senses. The findings suggest that the barrel cortex, which processes touch, also treats auditory stimuli separately, leading to enhanced detection of prey or predators in nocturnal animals.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 28, 2018

Marine debris study counts trash from Texas to Florida

A two-year study by researchers at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab found that ten times more trash washes up on the coast of Texas than any other Gulf state. The majority of the trash was plastic, with most occurring during spring and summer months.

SourceDauphin Island Sea Lab·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·DateDec 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.

Wide variation in use of pain relievers during labor across US

A study of 2.6 million pregnant women who gave birth in 2015 found wide variation in the use of neuraxial analgesia, with rates ranging from 73% in Maine to 96% in Nevada. The reasons behind this variation are not fully understood and may be influenced by patient-level and hospital-level factors.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 28, 2018

Study examines development of physical aggression in children as they age

A study of 2,223 children found that physical aggression typically declines before elementary school but a small proportion have high problems into adolescence, increasing risk for violent crime and social maladjustment. Interventions during pregnancy and early childhood may help prevent high physical aggression in high-risk families.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 28, 2018

Our universe: An expanding bubble in an extra dimension

Researchers propose a new structural concept for the Universe, including dark energy, which rides on an expanding bubble in an additional dimension. This model may solve the enigma of dark energy and provide insight into the creation and future fate of the Universe.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 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.

ESA Tipsheet for January 2019

Researchers tested flashing light deterrents to protect llama and alpaca herds from pumas and found them effective but not against Andean foxes. Surface coal mining was also shown to alter or eliminate rattlesnake habitats, while small ponds acted as carbon sinks with higher rates of organic carbon burial than many other terrestrial ha...

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateDec 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.

Study shows high cholesterol levels after Christmas

A new study of 25,000 Danes reveals that cholesterol levels are 20% higher after the Christmas break, increasing the risk of high cholesterol by six times. The research suggests that festive food may contribute to elevated cholesterol readings, highlighting the importance of monitoring cholesterol levels during the holiday season.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalAtherosclerosis·DateDec 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.

FSU researchers unravel mystery of how, when DNA replicates

Researchers have identified specific points along the DNA molecule that control replication, shedding light on a decades-old mystery. This discovery could lead to breakthroughs in understanding genetic diseases where replication timing is disrupted.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalCell·DateDec 27, 2018

Researchers discover kidney disease gene affects more populations than previously thought

A team of researchers discovered that APOL1 risk variants, previously known to affect African and African American populations, are also found at appreciable frequencies in Caribbean and Latin American populations. This finding could help physicians tailor treatment more closely to their needs through precision medicine.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 27, 2018

Breaking down AGEs: Insight into how lifestyle drives ER-positive breast cancer

Medical University of South Carolina researchers found that advanced glycation end products (AGEs) can hamper response to tamoxifen therapy for ER-positive breast cancer patients. Lifestyle interventions, such as exercise and dietary counseling, may help reduce AGE levels and improve treatment outcomes.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·DateDec 27, 2018

Making 'smart' safe -- when every millisecond matters

Lehigh University researchers aim to improve the safety and reliability of cyber-physical systems by developing a systematic approach to network infrastructure design. The project seeks to establish a measurement-driven analytical framework for worst-case delay analyses in non-feedforward CPS networks.

SourceLehigh University·DateDec 27, 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.

Hybrid qubits solve key hurdle to quantum computing

Researchers have developed a hybrid device combining two types of qubits to solve the speed bottleneck in quantum computing. By integrating different qubit architectures, they achieved rapid initialization and coherent measurements, paving the way for more scalable devices.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 27, 2018

MIT researchers develop novel 3D printing method for transparent glass

Researchers at MIT have developed a novel 3D printing method for creating transparent glass structures with improved speed, scale and reliability. The G3DP2 platform enables the fabrication of large-scale transparent objects with precise control over behavior and design specifications.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·Journal3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing·DateDec 27, 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.

Contact with monkeys and apes puts populations at risk

Researchers found that Cameroonian adults frequently interact with nonhuman primates through hunting, butchering, and consuming meat. This exposure puts people at risk of infection with new diseases, highlighting the need for improved surveillance and safe handling practices.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateDec 27, 2018