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Science News Archive December 2018


Page 29 of 33

New Zika vaccine effective in preclinical trials

Researchers at the University of Hawaii have developed a recombinant subunit vaccine that uses only a small part of the Zika virus to protect against infection. The vaccine has shown efficacy in both mice and monkeys, providing an important milestone in its development.

A bit of a stretch... material that thickens as it's pulled

Researchers have discovered a new non-porous material with unique 'auxetic' stretching properties, allowing it to thicken when stretched. This discovery has significant benefits for the development of products with wide range applications, including body armour, architecture and medical equipment.

Researchers use a virus to speed up modern computers

Researchers successfully engineered a better type of memory using a virus, reducing millisecond time delays for faster computing. Phase-change memory technology can now be integrated into current integrated circuits without material separation constraints.

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.

High lead levels found in some spices purchased abroad

A study by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene found that over half of spice samples had detectable lead concentrations, with higher levels detected in spices purchased abroad. The study highlights the importance of considering spices as a potential risk factor for lead exposure in high-risk populations.

Can rice and flushing the toilet be slowly poisoning you?

Research highlights the presence of harmful toxins in common food items and water sources, including rice, barbecued meat, tap water, and toilets. Studies estimate high levels of arsenic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in rice and heat-processed meat, respectively.

More diversity than before

Researchers found that hybridization during eutrophication led to an expansion in biodiversity of the European whitefish species once the ecosystem recovered. This rapid niche expansion was made possible by genetic variation, demonstrating functional variation can quickly recover after ecosystem restoration.

Study shows how mussels handle microplastic fiber pollution

A study by researchers from Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences found that mussels readily take in microplastic fibers but quickly flush most of them out. This suggests that marine animals may play a role in mitigating the impact of microplastics on ecosystems.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

High salt diet may increase the risk of developing heart arrhythmia

A high salt diet may increase the risk of developing heart arrhythmia, according to a new study published in Annals of Medicine. Researchers followed 716 middle-aged men and women for 19 years, finding that those who consumed the highest levels of salt had a higher incidence of atrial fibrillation.

Inactivating genes can boost crop genetic diversity

Researchers have discovered that inactivating the RECQ4 gene can treble recombination frequency, leading to increased chromosome shuffling and greater genetic diversity. This discovery is expected to improve crop breeding operations by allowing breeders to combine more genes in a single generation.

Algae testbed experiment yields data useful for future projects

Researchers conducted a 19-month experiment to study algae growth in five outdoor locations across the US. The project provided valuable data on optimal conditions for algae production, which can help others make predictions and develop strategies for growing algae in various regions.

Gene therapy for blood disorders

Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a novel approach to gene therapy using microparticles that deliver gene-regulating material to hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. This technology could potentially treat inherited blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia by altering the genetic defect in t...

New graphene-based sensor design could improve food safety

A new graphene-based sensor design can detect multiple substances simultaneously, including bacteria and pathogens, offering improved food safety. The sensor's high sensitivity and adjustable properties make it suitable for a wide range of applications.

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.

Toxic chemicals calling: Cell phones as a source of flame retardants

Researchers at the University of Toronto discovered that cell phone levels of toxic chemicals correlate with those on hands and in urine, suggesting handheld devices as time-integrated samplers for chemical exposure. The study highlights the need to reduce use of handheld devices, especially by children.

Global review finds consumption of children's antibiotics varies widely

A global review of antibiotic sales in 70 high- and middle-income countries found that consumption patterns vary widely, with low levels of 'Access' antibiotics like amoxicillin. The study also highlights the overuse of 'Watch' antibiotics, which should only be used for specific indications.

Gut microbiome differs among ethnicities, researchers find

Researchers discovered 12 bacteria types consistently varying in abundance by ethnicity, highlighting a baseline for understanding healthy microbiome differences among individuals. The findings hold promise for developing personalized approaches to prevent and treat chronic diseases disproportionately affecting ethnic minorities.

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.

Weirdly shaped mouse sperm can be used to tell species apart

Researchers analyzed sperm from 58 South American rodents to find that distinct shapes can differentiate between closely related species. The study suggests that sperm shape may be an evolutionary advantage, providing a new method for identifying and conserving rodent species.

No bleeding required: Anemia detection via smartphone

A new smartphone app uses fingernail photos to detect anemia with high accuracy, offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional blood tests. The app was developed by a biomedical engineer who lives with beta-thalassemia and aims to facilitate self-management for patients with chronic anemia.

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.

Spinal cord injury could throw off body's internal clock, study shows

Researchers found that spinal cord injuries disrupt circadian rhythms of hormones, body temperature and movement, resulting in widespread disruption throughout the body. This could lead to new recovery efforts targeting daily schedules, sleep, physical rehabilitation and bright light.

Human actions impact wild salmon's ability to evolve

A study led by University of California, Davis, found that human actions alter the characteristics of wild species, leading to irreversible changes. The researchers analyzed genetic data from spring-run Chinook salmon and concluded that losing this gene could result in their extinction forever.

Biologists show inner workings of cellular 'undertaker'

Biologists have visualized the inner workings of cellular 'undertaker' proteasomes using cryo-electron microscopy. The study reveals how ATP powers movements within the motor that enable it to pull in proteins, providing insights into neurogenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, as well as cancer therapy.

Protein may slow progression of emphysema, Rutgers study finds

A Rutgers study suggests that a protein produced in response to parasitic intestinal worms can suppress harmful inflammation linked to emphysema and control its progression. The study provides new insights into possible treatments for the deadly disease, which currently has no cure but can be managed through treatment.

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.

Colombia tropical forest fires spike after 2016 Peace Accords

A Rutgers University study found a 600% increase in forest fires in protected areas and a 52% increase in deforestation probability following guerrilla demobilization. The researchers recommend real-time monitoring and payment programs to protect forests.

Mystery of color patterns of reef fish solved

Researchers found that closely related reef fish species with vastly different colour patterns are most pronounced when their ranges overlap. The study also discovered that this divergence in colour patterns can occur quickly over 300,000 years but remains stable for millions of years.

A toxin that travels from stomach to brain may trigger Parkinsonism

Researchers found that combining low doses of paraquat herbicide with sugar-binding proteins called lectins triggered Parkinsonism-like symptoms in rats. The study suggests that the toxin travels from the stomach to the brain, forming a misfolded protein alpha-synuclein that causes the disease.

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.

The health risks of being employed are changing in the US and globally

The article highlights the growing occupational health risks faced by workers in various industries, including nail salons and garment manufacturing. In these sectors, workers often bear the risk due to lack of regulation or inadequate training, leading to increased rates of asthma, miscarriages, and microbial infections.

How does the precision medicine initiative affect me?

The precision medicine initiative is shifting healthcare from population-based approaches to individualized care focusing on each patient's genetic makeup. This shift raises new legal, policy, and ethical issues, including liability, trust, governance, and data access and quality.

Money ills add to cancer struggle

New research reveals that financial difficulties are a significant strain on cancer patients, with over 20% reporting financial trouble. The study found that employment status and cancer type significantly impact financial well-being.

Yumanity Therapeutics announces publication of paper in Cell Reports

The company's discovery engine identified a series of compounds that shielded cells against alpha-synuclein-induced toxicity by inhibiting stearoyl-CoA desaturase. This finding suggests that inhibition of fatty acid desaturation could be a potential therapeutic approach for treating Parkinson's disease and other synuclein-based disorders.

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.

Researchers demonstrate new building block in quantum computing

The researchers successfully demonstrated a new level of control over photons encoded with quantum information, performing distinct operations on two qubits in parallel. This breakthrough enables universal quantum computing and improves energy efficiency, stability, and control.

Negative views of flexible working prevalent, especially among men

New research reveals that a third of UK workers believe flexible working creates more work for others and harms their career prospects. Men are more likely to view part-time and reduced-hour workers as negatively impacted, while women suffer from such stereotypes, leading to low uptake of flexible working rights.

Blast to the future

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory are developing a machine learning-based framework called BLAST to accelerate and simplify materials modeling and simulation. This software will enable companies to quickly perform molecular dynamics simulations needed for new material vetting, with applications in polymers and steel alloys.

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.

Nine honored by Society for Risk Analysis

The Society for Risk Analysis awarded six scholarly and service awards and named three new Fellows at its Annual Meeting. The recipients were selected for their expertise in regulatory impact analysis, training of new risk analysis experts, and substantial achievements in science or public policy relating to risk analysis.

Gene that lets you eat as much as you want holds promise against obesity

A study led by Flinders University found that removing the RCAN1 gene in mice prevented weight gain despite a high-fat diet. Blocking this gene may transform unhealthy white fat into healthy brown fat, presenting a potential treatment method against obesity. Further studies are needed to confirm these results in humans.

Social marketing campaigns can help threatened wildlife species recover

A new research from Imperial College London found that social marketing campaigns play a crucial role in the recovery of threatened wildlife populations. The study examined the success of a conservation campaign for the yellow-shouldered Amazon parrot and identified behavior change campaigns as a key factor in its population growth.

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.

Enhancing our vision of the past

A team of scientists combined fossil and genetic data to infer that ancient animals with complex eyes were likely colour-vision capable, providing insights into the evolution of vision.

Single workout can boost metabolism for days

A single workout can activate neurons influencing metabolism for up to two days, according to a mouse study from UT Southwestern Medical Center. The finding provides an avenue to explore potential treatments to improve glucose metabolism in diabetes patients.

Natural selection in the womb can explain health problems in adulthood

A study found that random differences in gene expression during fetal development can lead to a survival advantage, potentially contributing to adult health issues. The researchers propose that these epigenetic variations can become more common in individuals exposed to famine or adverse conditions during gestation.

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.

Fasting for lab tests isn't good for patients with diabetes

Patients with diabetes are more likely to experience hypoglycemia after fasting, which can lead to faintness, confusion, and loss of consciousness. The study suggests that routine fasting guidelines may not be necessary anymore, and proper education about fasting and diabetes is lacking.

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.

NIH-funded tissue chips rocket to International Space Station

A set of immune system tissue chips is scheduled to launch on SpaceX's 16th commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station, where they will simulate the aging process of the immune system. The goal is to gain new insights into the molecular basis for many human conditions and develop novel therapies.

Researchers classify Alzheimer's patients in 6 subgroups

Researchers identified six distinct subgroups of Alzheimer's patients based on cognitive functioning and genetic data. The study found substantial biological differences among these subgroups, which may lead to the development of precision medicine approaches for Alzheimer's disease.