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Science News Archive December 2018


Page 22 of 33

Two compounds in coffee may team up to fight Parkinson's

Researchers at Rutgers University discovered that a fatty acid derivative of serotonin in coffee beans' waxy coating, EHT, combined with caffeine can protect against brain degeneration. This combination boosts the activity of a catalyst that prevents protein accumulation associated with Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Syracuse physicist creates tiny sensors to assist in cancer detection

A Syracuse University physicist has developed tiny sensors that can detect and analyze protein-protein interactions in blood serum, which could lead to improved cancer detection. The technology, known as nanobiosensors, uses a nanopore to measure changes in electric current when proteins are present.

Regular problem solving does not protect against mental decline

A new study suggests that engaging in intellectually stimulating activities throughout life can improve mental ability and provide a higher starting point for decline. The research found no link between regular problem-solving activities and slowing down age-related mental decline.

Dopamine's yin-yang personality: It's an upper and a downer

A new study finds that dopamine is released in response to both pleasurable and unpleasurable experiences, training the brain to avoid painful stimuli. This yin-yang personality of dopamine has significant implications for treating addiction and other mental disorders, including schizophrenia.

NASA-NOAA satellite sees Tropical Cyclone Owen's remnants reorganizing

NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite captured the remnants of Tropical Cyclone Owen showing a consolidating low level circulation center with deep convection building over the center. Sea surface temperatures are conducive for future tropical cyclone development, and forecast models indicate potential development over the next 24-36 hours.

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.

How glial cells develop in the brain from neural precursor cells

A study published in Cell Stem Cell found that glial cell development involves three stages and is regulated by specific transcription factors. The researchers discovered that the proteins NFIA, ATF3, and Runx2 play key roles in organizing glia-specific gene expression.

Loss of small habitats and biodiversity

Researchers found isolated habitat patches with high conservation value are critical for rare and threatened species. Small habitats pose greater risks to biodiversity than large ones due to land clearing and degradation.

Hair colour gene study sheds new light on roots of redheads' locks

A study of 350,000 people has identified eight genetic differences associated with red hair, revealing new insights into its inheritance. The research also uncovered over 200 genetic variations linked to blonde and brunette traits, including those related to hair texture and growth patterns.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Using machine learning to design peptides

A new algorithm that combines experimental data with machine learning reduces the time needed to find optimal peptide sequences, allowing for faster discovery and synthesis. This method has the potential to revolutionize how peptides are designed and could lead to breakthroughs in materials science, chemistry, and medicine.

Increasing seal population will not harm largest fish stocks in the Baltic

A new study from Stockholm University shows that seal predation on fish does not significantly decrease cod, herring, and sprat populations in the Baltic Sea. Climate change, nutrient load, and fisheries have a greater impact on commercial fish stocks, but excessive seal numbers could still harm fish in extreme scenarios.

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.

New insights into childhood cancer

Researchers from Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin studied genetic factors behind different tumor subtypes and their prognoses. They found that telomere maintenance mechanisms play a crucial role in the development of malignant tumors, enabling precise predictions of disease prognosis.

Humans may be reversing the climate clock, by 50 million years

A recent study suggests that humans are accelerating a long-term cooling trend, tracing back at least 50 million years, with projected warming expected by 2030 and potentially reaching Eocene-like conditions by 2150. The research implies that the planet's climate may resemble that of the mid-Pliocene epoch within two centuries.

Genetic changes associated with physical activity reported

Researchers studied 91,105 UK Biobank participants and found 14 genetic regions related to physical activity, including seven new discoveries. The analysis also showed that increased physical activity lowers blood pressure and has a causal link to better health outcomes.

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.

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.

A glimmer of hope for the world's coral reefs

A new study published in Nature Climate Change reveals that corals that survived 2016 bleaching were more resistant to heat stress in 2017. The research highlights the extent of damage caused by multiple coral bleaching events on the Great Barrier Reef, with only 7% of reefs escaping bleaching entirely since 1998.

Evolution of light skin in Southern Africa

Researchers discovered an East African pastoralist's introduction of the light skin allele to KhoeSan populations around 2,000 years ago. The allele underwent strong positive selection, resulting in the observed high frequencies of light skin pigmentation among the KhoeSan.

Memory tests predict brain atrophy and Alzheimer's disease

A study found that using two memory tests to assess episodic memory improves the accuracy of diagnosing mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease. Those who performed poorly in both tests showed faster brain atrophy, highlighting the importance of comprehensive neuropsychological assessment.

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.

Plants as antifungal factories

Researchers have created a biotechnological tool to produce antifungal proteins in plants, offering a sustainable solution to combat fungal infections. The new compounds have shown potential in protecting crops and humans from pathogens, improving food security and human health.

Study examines risk of stroke by sex among black and white women, men

A study of over 25,000 participants found that white women had a lower risk of stroke than white men and black women had a lower risk than black men between 45-64 years old. The findings suggest earlier management of risk factors may be necessary for certain demographic groups to prevent stroke

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Trees can help mitigate ammonia emissions from farming

A new online calculator and guidance aid farmers in designing woodlands to recapture airborne ammonia emissions from farming, reducing air pollution. The tool, developed by UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, estimates the percentage of ammonia that will be recaptured by different planting options.

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.

Bioenergy crops could be as bad for biodiversity as climate change

A large-scale expansion in bioenergy crop production could lead to a significant decline in vertebrate biodiversity, with potential losses of up to 36% of global habitats. The study argues that the benefits of bioenergy mitigation may be outweighed by its negative impacts on biodiversity.

Transgenerational antidepressant effects in zebrafish

Administration of fluoxetine to zebrafish embryos reduced cortisol levels in three subsequent generations, affecting gene expression and steroid production pathways. The antidepressant's impact on offspring was more pronounced in males than females.

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.

Treatment of hypertension induced albuminuria

The study suggests using CCBs and RAAS blockades in combination to reduce albuminuria, while also advising low-salt intake and different antihypertensive drugs for resistant hypertension. Multifactorial and early treatment is recommended for patients with albuminuria values below the cut-off value.

Study: Early career choices appear to influence personality

A new study from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign suggests that early career choices can influence personality development. Researchers found that 16-year-olds who pursued vocational training and employment reported increased conscientiousness and decreased interest in scientific activities compared to their peers in acad...

Cancer cells distinguished by artificial intelligence-based system

Researchers at Osaka University have developed an AI-based system that can automatically differentiate between various types of cancer cells using microscopic images. The system achieved higher accuracy than human judgment, making it a potential game-changer in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

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.

Nanoglue can make composites several times tougher during dynamic loading

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute discovered that oscillating loads at certain frequencies can increase the strength of composites with a nanoglue interface by several times. The nanoglue layer facilitates load transfer and dissipates energy, leading to an increase in fracture energy.

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.

Most people overestimate total number of US gun owners

A study by University of Kansas professors finds that most people overestimate the number of US gun owners, with 75% of respondents estimating more than 50% own firearms. This overestimation could influence gun policy attitudes.

SwRI-led team finds evidence for carbon-rich surface on Ceres

A team led by SwRI has concluded that Ceres' surface is rich in organic matter, containing several times more carbon than primitive meteorites found on Earth. The surface's unique mineralogy and rock-water interactions suggest a cold environment formation process.

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.

Predicting leaky heart valves with 3D printing

Researchers at Harvard University have developed an integrated 3D printing and valve sizing system to predict leaky heart valves during aortic valve replacement procedures. The system uses CT scan data to create physical models of individual patients' aortic valves, allowing cardiologists to determine the perfect replacement valve size.