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Science News Archive December 2018


Page 16 of 33

MON 810 and NK603 GM Maize: No effects detected on rat health or metabolism

Researchers tested rats on GM maize MON 810 and NK603 for 6 months, using high-throughput biology techniques. No significant biological markers were found, and anatomic pathology examination revealed no alteration of organs. The study does not detect any harmful effects of the GMOs on rat health or metabolism.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Noncoding mutations contribute to autism risk

A new study found that noncoding mutations in promoter regions contribute to autism risk. The researchers analyzed data from 1,902 families and identified de novo mutations in genes involved in neuronal differentiation and developmental delay.

Life expectancy for blacks in US driven down by guns

A new study by Columbia University Professors Charles Branas and Jeffrey Fagan found that US blacks face a significantly lower life expectancy due to firearm-related deaths, with substantially higher homicide rates among young black Americans contributing to this disparity.

Potential range for new invasive tick covers much of eastern US

A new study models potential habitat for the Asian longhorned tick in North America, suggesting a large swath of eastern US could be suitable. The tick's adaptable nature and ability to reproduce via parthenogenesis make it a significant public health concern, with over 300,000 people infected with Lyme disease each year.

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.

Study scrutinizes hidden marketing relationships on social media

Researchers at Princeton University analyzed 500,000 YouTube videos and 2.1 million Pinterest pins, finding that only 10% of affiliate marketing content on YouTube and 7% on Pinterest had disclosures about paid relationships. The study highlights the need for better transparency in social media marketing.

Tangled magnetic fields power cosmic particle accelerators

Researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory found that twisted magnetic field lines in black holes create the most powerful particle accelerators in the universe. This process can accelerate electrons and protons to extreme energies, resulting in cosmic rays with unprecedented powers.

OU meteorologist to lead NASA earth venture project science investigation

Cameron R. Homeyer, a University of Oklahoma meteorologist, will lead a $30 million NASA-funded project to investigate the impact of summer storms on the stratosphere's chemistry. The five-year project aims to understand how these storms affect ozone depletion and the potential for increased water in the stratosphere.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Slicing optical beams: Cryptographic algorithms for quantum networks

Researchers at Kazan Federal University developed cryptographic algorithms for quantum networks, which can facilitate fast and secure information transfer. The algorithms, known as quantum hash functions, can protect against mistakes and be used for authentication in various areas.

New climate model to be built from the ground up

Scientists and engineers will collaborate on a new Climate Modeling Alliance to advance climate modeling and prediction. The goal is a climate model that projects future changes more accurately, with uncertainties at least half the size of existing models.

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.

New techniques better determine how ancient viral DNA influences human genes

Researchers have developed new techniques to identify which of our genes are influenced by ancient viral DNA snippets, revealing complex interactions between viruses and human genetic material. The study found that a single transposon can control multiple genes, increasing the complexity of its impact on health and disease.

Gold recycling

A new gold recycling method has been developed using pyridinethiols and hydrogen peroxide, allowing for efficient extraction of gold from electronic waste. The process produces a stable cationic gold-containing product in organic solution, with nearly quantitative dissolution of gold after 20 minutes.

Swarming behavior discovered in fish-dwelling parasite

Scientists have observed a previously unrecognized swarming behavior in Spironucleus vortens, a single-celled parasite infecting ornamental fish. The swarm exhibits highly coordinated movement, suggesting interactions between the flagellates, which may contribute to its life cycle and lead to novel treatments.

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.

Exercise-induced hormone irisin triggers bone remodeling in mice

Researchers discover that exercise-induced hormone irisin activates cells responsible for bone remodeling in mice. The study reveals irisin's impact on sclerostin, a major cellular regulator of bone structure, and holds promise for future osteoporosis treatments.

UH chemist focuses on materials for LED lighting

Jakoah Brgoch aims to improve energy efficiency in LED lighting by developing new materials and algorithms. He will use machine learning to identify new phosphors and predict material behavior under temperature changes.

New study investigates treatments for prurigo nodularis

A systematic review of clinical studies on prurigo nodularis treatment found neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists to be the most promising emerging therapies. The study highlights the need for higher-powered studies and randomized controlled trials to better evaluate treatment options.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New undersea maps lead to hydrothermal vent and species discoveries

A new hydrothermal vent field, JaichMaat, has been discovered using submarine robotics. The vent field features multiple mounds with unique geological and geochemical characteristics, supporting diverse microbial and animal communities. Detailed maps allow for the quantification of these communities in relation to geologic features.

Amyloid pathology transmission in lab mice and historic medical treatments

A UCL-led study confirms that some vials of discontinued hormone used in medical treatments contained seeds of a protein implicated in Alzheimer's disease. The research found that these seeds can seed amyloid pathology in mice and supports the team's hypothesis that amyloid beta was accidentally transmitted to patients via this treatment.

Skin game

A recent study by Medical University of Vienna professor Leopold Eckhart reveals the key molecular and evolutionary origins of mammalian adaptations in skin proteins. The research found that fully aquatic mammals require only one set of epidermal keratins, suggesting a unique evolutionary path.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

To repair DNA damage, plants need good contractors

Scientists at the Salk Institute discovered a complex gene regulation network that helps plants cope with DNA damage. The research identified approximately 2,400 genes responding to DNA damage, with only 200 directly activated by SOG1, revealing its 'hands-off' overseer role.

Study finds sewage bacteria lurking in Hudson river sediments

A new study reveals that fecal bacteria from sewage are thriving in near-shore sediments of the Hudson River, with potential health risks for swimmers and kayakers. The researchers found high levels of bacteria in both water and sediment at some sites, suggesting an interchange between the two.

The immune system's supercell -- how it matures

Researchers at Lund University have mapped the maturation process of natural killer cells, which play a key role in fighting cancer and infections. The study found that Notch signaling is essential for NK cell development and function, highlighting its potential as a target for immunotherapies.

Death near the shoreline, not life on land

Researchers found 121 new millipede trackways in Ordovician sedimentary rocks, contradicting the current understanding of animal life on land. The discovery sheds light on a key evolutionary event and highlights the importance of ancient rock records in understanding global change.

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.

How the brain tells you to scratch that itch

Researchers have revealed the brain mechanism behind the uncontrollable itch-scratching cycle. A small subset of neurons in the periaqueductal gray region tracks itch-evoked scratching behavior. The study provides a starting point to decipher how itch is processed and modulated in the brain.

New findings on concussion in football's youngest players

A new study found that concussion rates among youth football players ages 5-14 were higher than previously reported, with 5% of players sustaining a football-related concussion each season. The study also identified factors that increase the risk of concussion, such as prior injury and depression.

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.

NSF awards $50 million in grants to improve STEM education

The NSF's Discovery Research PreK-12 program has awarded over $50 million to enhance STEM education for students and teachers across 24 US states and the US Virgin Islands. The grants focus on research-based projects that strengthen teaching, learning, and assessment in pre-K through grade 12 settings.

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.

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.

Fitness instructors' comments shape women's body satisfaction

A Northwestern University study found that exercise improves women's mood and body satisfaction, but instructor comments play a crucial role. Women who received health-focused comments reported increased positive emotions and self-satisfaction, whereas those with appearance-focused comments felt ashamed and disgusted. The study highlig...

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.

NSF and Internet2 to explore cloud computing

The NSF-funded E-CAS project will investigate the viability of commercial clouds for leading-edge research computing, with Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud Platform as initial providers. The project aims to accelerate scientific discoveries by leveraging cloud computing capabilities.

More than air: Researchers fine-tune wind farm simulation

A collaborative research team examined predictive models used to forecast wind farm effects, revealing the importance of model resolution in simulating weather patterns. Higher vertical and horizontal resolutions improved simulations, but more study is needed to optimize wind energy deployment.

Control HIV by treating schistosomiasis, new study suggests

Researchers found that schistosomiasis is associated with increased HIV transmission, acquisition in uninfected women, and mortality in infected women. Treating schistosomiasis may be a cost-effective way to reduce new HIV cases and death rates among HIV-positive individuals.

Regular trips out guard against depression in old age

A new study found that regular visits to museums, theatres, or cinemas can lower the chances of developing depression in people over 50. The research also showed that cultural activities have similar benefits to exercise and eating a balanced diet for mental health.

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.

Two UT Austin engineers elected to National Academy of Inventors

Two UT Austin engineers, Hal Alper and Alex Huang, have been selected as fellows in the prestigious National Academy of Inventors. Their research has led to significant innovations in biochemical engineering and power semiconductor device technology, resulting in seven U.S.-issued patents and technologies licensed to several companies.

Researchers create first sensor package that can ride aboard bees

Engineers at the University of Washington have developed a sensing system that can ride on top of a bumblebee, allowing for long-term data collection without power constraints. The system uses a tiny rechargeable battery and a receiver to triangulate the bee's position, enabling precise location tracking.

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.

Research unlocks secrets of iron storage in algae

Researchers discovered that diatoms storing iron through ferritin are more resilient to iron shortages, outcompeting others in shifting ocean conditions. This finding has significant implications for marine food webs and large ocean cycles.