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Science News Archive December 2018


Page 31 of 33

A step closer to fusion energy

Scientists from Swansea University and international partners use x-ray and neutron imaging to assess fusion component robustness, yielding valuable data for development. The research aims to harness nuclear fusion safely and efficiently, overcoming temperature challenges in extreme environments.

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.

Diversity efforts drive rise in female and minority medical school students

A decade after introduction of diversity standards, medical schools in the US are accepting more women and minority students, suggesting a sufficient pool of underrepresented talent to boost diversity. The study found that the number and proportion of female and African American medical school applicants increased significantly over time.

Marmoset study gives insights into loss of pleasure in depression

A recent study using marmosets identified the brain region responsible for anhedonia, a key symptom of depression. The researchers found that over-activity in this region blunts excitement and motivation, but a commonly used antidepressant ketamine blocks these effects, suggesting new treatment possibilities.

New catalyst achieves unprecedented activities

Researchers have developed a new efficient catalyst to synthesise aromatic amines, which are central building blocks in many drugs and pesticides. The system is more active than conventional catalysts, enabling faster and more efficient production of these compounds.

Mathematical model offers new strategies for urban burglary prevention

A new mathematical model, inspired by age-dependent population models, analyzes urban burglary patterns and identifies key factors influencing repeat victimization. The model takes into account a burglar's age and a house's susceptibility to robbery based on its age, providing a flexible framework for prevention strategies.

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.

Study counts the high cost of infidelity for swift parrots

A study led by Australian National University found swift parrots experience love triangles, sneaky sex, and increased fighting among males as the ratio of females to males increases. The introduction of sugar gliders has led to a chronic shortage of females, resulting in fewer babies being born.

A missed opportunity

Despite unmet need for treatment of substance use disorders, telemedicine use for this condition remains woefully underused. The study found that telehealth visits for substance use disorder accounted for only 1.4 percent of all telehealth visits, highlighting a significant gap in access to care.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Are opioids prescribed by dental providers associated with later use, abuse?

An observational study found a higher risk of subsequent opioid use and abuse among patients exposed to opioids prescribed by dental providers. The study, examining outpatient opioid prescriptions for patients aged 16-25, suggests increased scrutiny is needed during third-molar extractions and postoperative care

Uneven rates of sea level rise tied to climate change

A new study reveals that human-caused climate change drives uneven sea level rise, with regions experiencing higher rates expected to continue trending. Climate models suggest that up to half of regional variation in sea level rise can be attributed to climate change.

Researchers develop accurate, non-invasive method to detect bladder cancer

A new method for detecting bladder cancer has been developed using atomic force microscopy (AFM), which can accurately identify cancerous cells in urine samples with high sensitivity. The test demonstrates over 90% sensitivity in detecting bladder cancer, compared to 20-80% for current non-invasive diagnostics.

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.

Pesticides and honey bee mass mortality

Researchers identify fipronil as a potential cause of mass honey bee mortalities in France in the 1990s. Laboratory studies and modeling simulations suggest that fipronil, not imidacloprid, was more likely involved in colony collapse due to toxic bioaccumulation.

Rural youth with mild head injuries face higher medical costs but get less care

A study by Washington State University found that rural children with mild traumatic brain injuries receive less care and have significantly higher healthcare costs compared to urban youth. This disparity is attributed to limited access to specialized services and a shortage of healthcare providers in rural areas, leading to longer tra...

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.

Modelling study suggests that statins may be significantly overprescribed

A modelling study suggests that statins may be significantly overprescribed for people with a 10-year cardiovascular disease risk between 7.5% and 10%. The study found that the benefits of statin therapy did not outweigh the harms until the 10-year CVD risk threshold was above 21% for men aged 70-75, highlighting the need to reassess g...

Sea level rise and climate variability

A recent study analyzed climate simulations and found that sea-level rise trends are largely driven by external factors such as aerosols and greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers used satellite altimetry data to calculate the forced response in sea level, which showed significant correlation with internal variability.

First jellyfish genome reveals ancient beginnings of complex body plan

The Aurelia genome study reveals jellyfish recycled existing genes to transform from polyps to medusae, indicating early animals can easily adapt and radiate into new forms. This research provides insights into evolution, nervous system development, and potentially controlling environmentally damaging jellyfish blooms.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Machine learning identifies plants at risk of extinction

A machine-learning approach predicts plant species at risk of extinction using open-source data for over 150,000 land plant species. The approach identifies variables predicting extinction risk and calculates probability of a species being designated as endangered.

Study takes stand on true health benefits of getting up out of your chair

A new study from the University of Bath found that standing for hours a day burns only about 9 calories an hour, equivalent to a stalk of celery. This suggests that replacing sitting with standing time is unlikely to lead to significant weight loss, and individuals should focus on increasing physical activity and diet instead.

The irrational consumer: Decision making based on feelings rather than facts

A recent study found that consumers' knowledge about toxicological principles is limited, leading to misconceptions about man-made versus natural chemicals. Emotions such as disgust also play a significant role in accepting new food technologies, with a negative association between willingness to eat and disgust responses.

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.

Investigators discover compounds that block reactivation of latent HIV-1

A team of investigators from the University of Pittsburgh has identified compounds that block the reactivation of latent HIV-1 in a human cell line. The research, published in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, found 12 kinase inhibitors that irreversibly blocked HIV-1 reactivation with minimal toxicity.

Boys with social difficulties most susceptible to early substance use, study finds

A new study found that boys with social skills problems, anxiety, learning and conduct issues are at the greatest risk of developing aggressive behavior and using tobacco, alcohol and marijuana by the end of eighth grade. The study identified four distinct patterns of co-occurring social-emotional learning and behavioral problems among...

People who prefer casual sex still desire intimacy

A study by Binghamton University researchers found that individuals who prefer casual sex still desire intimacy and affection. The study revealed that partners were more likely to engage in intimate activities in romantic relationships than in casual sex, but the rate of these acts in casual sex was higher than expected.

Timing could mean everything after spinal cord injury

A study of male and female rats found that moderate spinal cord damage alters daily body temperature and activity patterns. Restoring normal routines through circadian therapies may promote recovery after spinal cord injury.

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.

Tele-ERs can help strengthen rural hospitals

A University of Iowa study found that rural hospitals using tele-medicine to back up their emergency room health care providers save an average of $117,000 annually in healthcare provider costs. This model also helps recruit new physicians by offering better work-life balance and reducing burnout.

Innate auditory skills and music training

Research suggests that innate auditory perception skills play a significant role in shaping the neural encoding of speech during music training. Volunteers with higher musical listening abilities exhibited enhanced neural encoding of speech cues, comparable to those with extensive formal music training.

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.

Children perform better when parents are involved in school life

A family's involvement in their child's education plays a crucial role in breaking the cycle of inequality. Parents who actively participate in academics tend to have higher socioeconomic status, which translates to better academic performance and increased opportunities for higher education.

Effects of climate change on animal mimicry

A study on climate change and its effects on animal mimicry found that seasonal shifts alter the relationship between mimics, models, and predators. Climate change affects the emergence timing of different species in a Batesian mimicry system, leading to changes in predator-prey interactions.

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.

New review highlights importance of good sleep routines for children

A recent review by University of British Columbia sleep expert Wendy Hall emphasizes the importance of good sleep hygiene for children, recommending regular bedtimes and limiting technology use before bedtime. The study found that these practices can help promote healthy sleep and prevent problems at school and development delays.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Not in the DNA: Epigenetics discovered in single-celled archaea

University of Nebraska-Lincoln researchers found epigenetic traits in Sulfolobus solfataricus, a species of archaea that thrive in acidic environments. The discovery could accelerate the study of epigenetics in humans, potentially leading to new insights into trait inheritance and management.

Borophene advances as 2D materials platform

Physicists from Brookhaven National Laboratory and Yale University have synthesized large-area single-crystal domains of borophene on copper substrates, expanding its potential for fabricating high-performance devices. The discovery represents a significant step towards practical borophene-based electronics.

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.

New tool to find and fight most dangerous types of lymphoma

Researchers have developed a new test called gene expression profiling that identified one in 10 patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma as being half as likely to be cured with existing treatments. The 'molecular high grade' group has a three-year survival rate of only about 37% after standard treatment.

Targeting scar-free wound healing

A European Research Council Consolidator grant has been awarded to Dr. Yuval Rinkevich's team at Helmholtz Munich to study the role of fibroblasts in wound healing, with a focus on determining how differences in their populations affect scarring outcomes.

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.

Capturing the surprising flexibility of crystal surfaces

Researchers observed flexible changes on crystal surfaces using real-time imaging, finding porous coordination polymer crystals can dynamically change shape when introduced to guest molecules. This property makes them attractive for developing devices that selectively adsorb gas molecules.

Linguistic study finds 'the I's have it' when it comes to education rates

A new linguistic study by the University of Bath found that countries where personal pronouns can be omitted have lower secondary school enrolment rates, especially among women. The research analyzed data from over 114,000 individuals in 75 countries and found a significant effect on educational attainment.