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Science News Archive December 2018


Page 11 of 33

The importance of 'edge populations' to biodiversity

A study published in Ecology Letters found that edge populations of plants, such as yellow rattle, are better suited to surviving climate change. These populations have adapted to high-elevation summers by flowering earlier, allowing them to thrive in areas where lower elevation populations fail.

Ancient Japanese pottery includes an estimated 500 maize weevils

The discovery of a vessel with an estimated 500 maize weevils offers insights into the cultivation and distribution of chestnuts, food in the Jomon era, and the spirituality of ancient Japanese people. Researchers found that maize weevils were a dominant pest in stored rice and grains during this period.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Childhood blindness therapy shows 'very promising' results

A new therapy has shown 'very promising' initial results in improving the sight of people with Leber congenital amaurosis type 10 (LCA10), a severe inherited retinal disease. The therapy, QR-110, was injected into one eye and left untreated in the other, resulting in improved vision and restored levels of normal CEP290 protein in cells.

Split liver transplants could safely help sickest children

Researchers identified optimal recipients for split liver transplants, including children weighing under 10 kilograms and those with rare diseases. Split liver transplants were found to have similar outcomes as whole liver transplants when adjusting for variables such as donor age and recipient health.

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.

'Pause' in global warming was never real, new research proves

A team of climate researchers reviewed existing data and concluded there has never been a statistically significant 'pause' in global warming. The studies, published in Environmental Research Letters, reassessed the data and put it into historical context to find no evidence for a divergence between model projections and observations.

Research finds opioids may help chronic pain, a little

A recent study published in JAMA found that opioids provide only modest benefits for patients with chronic non-cancer pain. The research suggests that while opioids may help alleviate symptoms, their use comes with a high risk of side effects and addiction.

Does political party trump ideology?

A recent study published in American Political Science Review found that people's policy positions shift when informed of their party leader's stance on a controversial issue. Researchers used President Trump's statements to test the effect of party loyalty versus policy loyalty.

What prevents remyelination? New stem cell research reveals a critical culprit

A University at Buffalo team discovered that activation of PRRX1 induces pathological quiescence, rendering adult stem cells incapable of producing myelin-forming oligodendrocytes. This finding presents a novel approach to developing treatments for multiple sclerosis and other inflammatory diseases by blocking pathological quiescence.

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.

The full story on climate change requires the long view

A new study by Colorado State University researchers provides a long view of what nine different world regions have contributed to climate change since 1900. The analysis shows that China's contribution will increase as it implements clean air standards, while North America remains the largest contributor.

Microtube with built-in pump

Scientists at Tsinghua University and Beihang University developed a 'microtube pump' that can transport tiny amounts of fluid using sunlight-powered capillary forces. The pump consists of two layers with asymmetric properties that work together to accelerate water droplets to exceptional speeds.

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.

Two dimensions are better than three

Susan Fullerton is developing all 2D materials for next-generation electronics, with potential applications in information storage, brain-inspired computing, and security. Her research uses a novel approach to ion utilization, which could represent a paradigm shift in high-performance computing.

Baboon sexes differ in how social status gets 'under the skin'

A study of wild baboons in Kenya found that high-ranking individuals have better access to resources and immune system genes. However, the relationship between social status and health differs between males and females, suggesting a sex-specific connection between rank and immune function.

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.

UTSA wins Intel grant to cure cybersickness

Researchers at UTSA create Cyberwell, an algorithm that reduces negative side effects of virtual reality on users. The algorithm predicts and personalizes cybersickness reduction through deep learning models.

Green leafy vegetables may prevent liver steatosis

A diet rich in green leafy vegetables, especially those high in inorganic nitrate like spinach and rocket, may prevent liver steatosis. Researchers found that increased nitrate intake reduced fat accumulation in the liver and improved insulin/glucose homeostasis in mice with type 2 diabetes.

Radicals aren't good at knowing when they're wrong

People with radical political views tend to overestimate their certainty on incorrect answers, but struggle with recognizing when they're wrong. The study found no difference in task performance between moderates and radicals, despite radicals' higher confidence ratings.

UTA civil engineer named fellow of UK Institution of Civil Engineers

Anand Puppala, a professor of civil engineering at UTA, has been recognized as a Fellow of the United Kingdom's Institution of Civil Engineers. He is an expert in geotechnical and ground improvement, stabilization of expansive soils, and sustainable utilization of recycled materials.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Data storage using individual molecules

Physicists from the University of Basel created a network with pores about one nanometer in size and controlled the physical state of individual Xenon gas atoms between solid and liquid by temperature and electrical pulses. The study paves the way for the development of new, smaller data storage devices.

Growing a brain

Researchers discovered a two-step control mechanism in neural stem cells that differentiates into neurons and astrocytes. PRC1 represses genes related to neuronal function temporarily and permanently at two distinct stages of brain development.

School-based nutritional programs reduce student obesity

A new study led by Yale University finds that school-based nutritional programs limit increases in body mass index (BMI) among middle school students. Students in schools with enhanced nutrition policies and programs reported healthier behaviors and had lower BMI trajectories compared to those without such support.

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.

Discovery of a novel way synapses can regulate neuronal circuits

Researchers discovered that presynaptic active zones can accommodate additional calcium channels, increasing synaptic strength and overturning previous thinking on channel dominance. This finding opens up a new avenue of research for treating neurological disorders.

Understanding food's carbon footprint

A study found that people underestimate the environmental impact of food, especially meat, but can be helped by labels. The researchers asked participants to rate the energy used and greenhouse gas emissions generated by different foods and appliances.

Warning over deep-sea 'gold rush'

Scientists recommend measures to prevent environmental damage from seabed mining, including improved monitoring and protection of Marine Protected Areas. They suggest moving towards a circular economy that reduces demand for virgin minerals.

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.

Gently stroking babies before medical procedures may reduce pain processing

Researchers found that gently stroking newborns at a speed of approximately 3 centimeters per second can reduce pain-related brain activity. The study suggests that this technique could provide effective pain relief before clinically necessary medical procedures, and may also promote parent-infant bonding.

Magnesium isotopes reflect early lunar history

Researchers analyzed magnesium stable isotopes in lunar rock samples, finding they match the Inner Solar System's bulk composition before fractionation occurred. The results suggest the initial Moon impact did not separate isotopes and instead indicate a lunar magma ocean that re-melted and affected later basalt formations.

Protein police keep the immune system in check

A specific transcription factor called JunB helps control the activity of effector regulatory T cells, which suppress immune activity. Without JunB regulation, mice develop severe inflammation in their lungs and colons, suggesting JunB prevents autoimmunity in specific organs.

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.

Willow tits survive best with support from a flock

Young willow tits must find a flock to survive harsh winters, while those that establish high ranks have better odds of attaining long-term survival. Flocking also allows birds to learn from each other and detect predators more effectively.

Birds can mistake some caterpillars for snakes; can robots help?

Researchers observed a hummingbird defending its nest against a caterpillar disguising itself as a snake, highlighting the complexity of animal interactions. A tiny robot designed to mimic a snake-like appearance could potentially test various responses from nesting birds and provide insights into defense mechanisms.

Are migraines associated with type 2 diabetes risk in women?

A study of French women found that those experiencing migraines had a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those without migraines. The observational study included over 74,000 women and suggests potential underlying causes for the association between migraines and type 2 diabetes.

Neuroscience-protein that divides the brain

Researchers at Kanazawa University found that a neuroscience-protein regulates brain boundary formation in fly brains by exchanging with its partners between neurons and glial cells. The protein's balance of attraction and repulsion regulates boundary formation.

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.

School nutrition policy implementation slows weight gain in middle school students

A new study found that implementing strong school nutrition policies is associated with healthier weight trajectories in middle school students. The study, which followed 595 students over three years, found that students from schools with nutrition policy interventions experienced less than a 1% increase in body mass index (BMI), whil...

5TONIC Lab becomes key European 5G project test site

The 5TONIC Lab in Madrid is accelerating 5G network slice deployment by developing proof-of-concept demonstrations for vertical markets. The €8m EU-backed 5G-Transformer project enables standard technological frameworks for network slicing using NFV, SDN, and MEC.

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.

Real-time feedback tames Parkinson's brainwaves

Researchers developed a method to translate brain activity into visual representations, enabling patients to increase or decrease beta waves associated with symptoms. Although no improvement in symptoms was observed, the study demonstrates a new approach toward managing disease-related brain activity that could inform new treatments.

One type of brain cell may invite Alzheimer's

Excitatory neurons are more susceptible to abnormal tau protein accumulation, a key factor in Alzheimer's disease progression. The study identifies genetic differences between excitatory and inhibitory neurons that may explain their vulnerability.

$5.66 million CIRM grant strengthens researchers' spina bifida work

Researchers will continue their decade-long study exploring stem-cell therapies that show promise for both animals and humans with spina bifida. The therapy involves using stem cells taken from donor placentas on bioengineered scaffolds to help cover and close wounds, preventing damage to the spinal cords.

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.

Defining quality virus data(sets)

A recent report from a joint effort between researchers and experts has provided guidelines for defining the quality of uncultivated virus genomes. The new standards aim to improve the analysis and characterization of these viruses, which are increasingly being identified through genome sequencing and analyses.

Implicit perception of gaze

A study involving over 800 participants found that unconscious assumptions about extramission theory led to different force estimates when a person gazed at an object. The results suggest the brain constructs a social model with an invisible energy beam from others' eyes, influencing perception.

Monitoring lung function at home in teens with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

A new study in the Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases describes the use of a child-compatible, hand-held device to assess pulmonary function in teens with DMD. The results show that weekly use of the device was well accepted by participants, with high adherence rates and reliable data compared to standard spirometry.

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.

Physicists studied the influence of magnetic field on thin film structures

Researchers discovered that an inhomogeneous magnetic field affects the magnetization reversal mechanism of exchange-coupled structures, increasing sensitivity of magnetic field detectors. The study reveals a step-wise hysteresis loop and changes in the shape of the loop with varying magnetic field gradients.