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Science News Archive December 2018


Page 12 of 33

Warmer winters threaten UK blackcurrant farming

Warmer UK winters may delay blackcurrant growing seasons, leading to reduced yields and poorer fruit quality. Researchers found that different varieties respond differently to climate change, but breeding new resilient ones is key.

New type of low-energy nanolaser that shines in all directions

Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology developed a new polariton laser that emits light in all directions, using deliberately imperfect silver nanostripes. The discovery has vast potential applications, including microscopy lighting, LIDAR technology, and general illumination.

Communication between neural networks

The study combines synfire communication, coherence and resonance to provide insight into how messages are exchanged between brain areas. The researchers found that oscillations play a significant role in determining whether communication can take place.

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.

Cell grafts for epilepsy treatment

Researchers have discovered a potential treatment for chronic epilepsy using human induced pluripotent stem cells. The study found that grafting these cells into the hippocampus can alleviate symptoms of chronic epilepsy, including reduced seizure frequency and improved cognitive function.

New strains of hepatitis C found in Africa

A large population study in sub-Saharan Africa discovered three new strains of hepatitis C, which may not be effective against current antiviral drugs. The findings highlight the need for further research and clinical trials to inform optimal treatment strategies and vaccine development.

Digital wood produced with 3D printing

Columbia University researchers used voxel printing to create digital wood, a complex material for 3D printing. The technique allows for the creation of objects with internal grains and external color textures. Digital wood has potential applications in various fields, including architecture and product design.

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.

Acoustic tweezers for 3D particle manipulation

Scientists have successfully created a holographic acoustic tweezers system that can trap and manipulate particles in three dimensions. This technology has potential applications in small-scale assembly and the creation of 3D displays with levitating voxels.

Do you know the carbon footprint of your food choices?

Research from the University of Technology Sydney and Duke University found that consumers significantly underestimate the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with their food choices. Participants preferred items with lower carbon footprints when given clear information on labels.

New, rapid and robust method for single cell profiling

A new method for single cell chromatin accessibility profiling has been developed, allowing researchers to profile over 3000 cells from the spleen. The study revealed distinct immune cell types and related transcription factors, providing insights into cellular function and organization.

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.

Sex chromosomes hold the secret to female longevity

Researchers at UC San Francisco have found that female mice live longer than males due to the presence of two X chromosomes. Having both female sex chromosomes and gonads extended life in mice, with most of the effect coming from the sex chromosomes.

Unrelated events are linked in memory when they happen close together

A recent study found that people constantly record information about the order of events, even if they are unrelated, and use this order to help search memory. The researchers used real-world data from news stories to demonstrate that temporal proximity acts as a tether connecting memories for different events.

Rapid cropland expansion in Brazil

Between 2000 and 2014, Brazil's cropland area nearly doubled from 26 Mha to 46.1 Mha. Most of this growth (80%) came from converting pastureland, while 20% was due to natural vegetation conversion.

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.

Discovery of novel mechanisms that cause migraines

A new mechanism has been discovered for the onset of migraines, involving a mutation in a protein that inhibits neuronal electrical activity. This finding opens a new path for the development of anti-migraine medicines by targeting K2P2.1 channels to reduce neuronal excitability.

Sutimlimab shows promise for hard-to-treat, rare blood disorder

A first-in-human clinical trial found sutimlimab to be effective in treating severe hemolytic anemia in cold agglutinin disease. The investigational drug rapidly halted red blood cell destruction, increased hemoglobin levels, and eliminated the need for blood transfusions.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

MuSCAT2 to find Earth-like planets in the TESS era

The MuSCAT2 instrument will use multi-color transit observations to separate actual exoplanets from eclipsing binary stars. This technique is essential for confirming a large number of new transiting exoplanet candidates, including Earth-like habitable planets orbiting stars near the Sun.

Drones can detect protected nightjar nests

Researchers used drones equipped with thermal cameras to detect European nightjar nests in a pilot study. The method proved effective, allowing for accurate location of nests without disturbing the birds. This technology could have wider applications for detecting warm-blooded species.

Study reveals best tools for measuring severity of delirium

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine reveals six high-quality instruments to measure delirium severity, enabling accurate assessment and improving clinical care. The findings have the potential to stratify risk, target treatment, and monitor outcomes for persons with delirium.

Scientists report CRISPR restores effectiveness of lung cancer treatment

A new study published in Molecular Therapy Oncolytics found that combining chemotherapy with CRISPR-Cas9 can stop tumor growth and reduce existing tumor volume in both tissue culture and mouse models. The CRISPR application disables the NRF2 gene, which helps lung cancer tumors develop resistance to chemotherapies.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Conservation success depends on habits and history

A Rutgers-led study challenges conventional expectations that fast-growing resources are unlikely to collapse. The study found that those who start conserving can often stick with it, but when conservation is not in place, the opposite is true.

New RNA sequencing strategy provides insight into microbiomes

Researchers from the University of Chicago have developed a high-throughput RNA sequencing strategy to study the activity of the gut microbiome. The new tools analyze transfer RNA, allowing scientists to understand the activity of naturally occurring microbiomes and study their responses to environmental changes.

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.

Sphinx molecule to rescue African farmers from witchweed

A team of researchers at Nagoya University has discovered a highly potent and selective molecule, SPL7, that can induce suicidal germination in Striga seeds, allowing for effective control over the parasitic weed. This breakthrough could alleviate Striga infestation and save crop losses worth billions of US dollars every year.

NASA catches India landfall of Tropical Depression Phethai

Tropical Depression Phethai made landfall in southeastern India on Dec 17, causing significant wind shear that affected the storm's trajectory. NASA's Aqua satellite captured a visible image of Phethai after its landfall, revealing the bulk of clouds and showers north and east of the center of circulation.

Microglia transmit pain to the brain during stress

Research found that activation of microglia in the spinal cord is responsible for increased pain sensitivity in response to stress. Eliminating microglia from the spinal cord prevented these effects, highlighting their role in transmitting pain to the brain.

Using light to stop itch

Scientists at EMBL Rome have discovered a way to treat itchy skin conditions like eczema by using near-infrared light to bind to specialized nerve cells. This method has shown promising results in mice with eczema and amyloidosis, offering new hope for potential human treatments.

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.

Unraveling the link between obesity and sleep

A study published in JNeurosci found that one night of sleep loss increases the desire for junk foods, as measured by brain activity and hormone levels. The researchers suggest that a lack of sleep can promote overeating and obesity risk through increased food desirability.

New study will track how trade wars affect the Midwest

A new study led by Ohio State University aims to build models that predict how future trade scenarios could affect the Great Lakes region's food, energy, and water supply. The research team is gathering input from farmers, state and regional policy organizations, and other stakeholders to formulate potential future scenarios.

Switch-in-a-cell electrifies life

Rice University scientists develop synthetic protein switches to control electron flow, enabled by chemical triggers. The discovery enables custom-designed switches for applications such as living sensors and electronically controlled metabolic pathways.

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.

Biodegradable, edible film kills pathogens on seafood

Researchers developed a biodegradable edible film made with plant starch and antimicrobial compounds to control the growth of foodborne pathogens on seafood. The film successfully killed vibrio and salmonella bacteria, which are linked to gastrointestinal problems when consumed.

Seismic study reveals huge amount of water dragged into Earth's interior

A seismic study spanning the Mariana Trench reveals that subduction zones drag about three times more water into the deep Earth than previously estimated. The observations highlight the important role of subduction zones in the global water cycle, with implications for our understanding of the Earth's interior.

Study affirms geographic discrimination in allocating lungs for transplant

A medical records study of over 7,000 patients awaiting a lung transplant in the US has confirmed that the current organ allocation system is geographically biased. The study found significant disparities in lung transplant rates between different regions, with some areas receiving nearly four times more transplants than others.

When a fish becomes fluid

During zebrafish development, a region of the embryo switches from viscous to liquid, allowing it to take shape. The study found that this process is mediated by cell division and regulated by non-canonical Wnt signaling pathway.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Neurons with good housekeeping are protected from Alzheimer's

A new study found that certain neurons protect themselves from Alzheimer's by clearing toxic tau proteins, which accumulate in sluggish cells. The discovery suggests new treatment possibilities to support natural defense mechanisms against neurodegenerative diseases.

Climate change leading to water shortage in Andes, Himalayas

Researchers at Ohio State University warn that climate change is causing widespread and consistent warming in glaciers across the Andes and Himalayas, leading to a decline in water supply for millions of people. The melting glaciers can trigger hazards like avalanches and floods, and have long-lasting effects on regional water supplies.

Injection improves vision in a form of childhood blindness

A new injection treatment has shown success in improving vision in children with a form of congenital retinal blindness. The treatment, which targets CEP290 mutations, restored visual acuity and allowed patients to read letters on an eye chart within months.

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.

Toward brain-like computing: New memristor better mimics synapses

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new memristor that can model synaptic behavior in hardware, allowing for exploration of competition and cooperation among neurons. The device enables controlled changes in conductance, mimicking the strengthening or weakening of connections between neurons.

Higher average potency cannabis may increase risk for first disorder symptom

A new study led by an Iowa State University researcher found that higher average potency cannabis at first use increases the risk for the first symptom of cannabis use disorder within a year. Individuals who started using cannabis with 4.9% THC had 1.88 times higher risk, while those with 12.3% THC had 4.85 times higher risk.

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.

Narrowing the universe in the search for life

Astrophysicist Wendy Panero proposes a new approach to determining a planet's habitability by analyzing its mass, radius, and star composition. This method could help scientists identify the most promising candidates for supporting life in the universe, saving time and resources.

New data show barbershop blood pressure checks remain highly effective

A recent study by the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai shows that a pharmacist-led intervention at barbershops can significantly lower blood pressure in high-risk African-American men. After 12 months, the average systolic blood pressure fell by nearly 29mmHg in the intervention group.

Space telescope detects water in a number of asteroids

The Japanese infrared satellite AKARI has detected hydrated minerals containing water in a number of asteroids, providing insight into the distribution of water in our solar system. The study reveals that C-type asteroids were formed by the agglomeration of rocks and water ice, followed by aqueous alteration and dehydration.

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.

Study finds increasing use, and misuse, of benzodiazepines

A recent study published in Psychiatric Services found that over 12% of U.S. adults used benzodiazepines in the past year, with misuse accounting for nearly 17% of overall use. Benzodiazepine misuse was strongly associated with opioid and stimulant misuse, highlighting concerns about substance abuse.

Effects of sugar on beneficial gut bacteria

Researchers found that dietary sugars, particularly fructose and glucose, decrease the abundance of a protein called Roc required for Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron colonization. A resistant strain engineered by researchers outcompeted the wild-type strain in mice fed high-sugar diets.