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Science News Archive December 2018


Page 33 of 33

Prescribed burning not as damaging as previously thought

Researchers found that prescribed burning can produce positive outcomes when carried out on a sensible rotation, including reduced fire fuel loads and increased carbon accumulation. The study used stratigraphical techniques to analyze data from long-term ecological experiments at Moor House National Nature Reserve.

Reproductive cycle may foreshadow Alzheimer's disease

Researchers found that female mice with Alzheimer's-like pathology spent more time in stages with high estrogen levels than control mice, associated with impaired learning and memory. Beta-amyloid production also increased during these stages, highlighting the importance of female biology in nervous system disorders.

What makes rats relapse

A recent study published in JNeurosci found that activation of the anterior insular cortex is a key predictor of relapse after abstinence in male rats. This finding has implications for understanding the neurobiology of relapse and may inform preventative strategies for alcohol use disorder in humans.

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.

Global warming increases frost damage on trees in Central Europe

A Finnish-Chinese study found that global warming increases frost damage on trees in Central Europe, with some areas experiencing substantial increases in spring frosts. This is due to earlier flowering and leafing out of plants, which can lead to more frequent and severe frost events.

Genetic relic of the 'black death' may offer clues in treating liver disease

A study found that a gene mutation believed to have protected people from the bubonic plague may also protect HIV patients with hepatitis C from fatal liver scarring. Researchers matched patients with and without the CCR5-delta 32 gene mutation and found that those with the mutation had less fibrosis progression.

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.

In team sports, chemistry matters

Researchers analyzed data from professional sports leagues and online games to find that past shared success among team members boosts their chances of winning future games. The study's findings suggest that team chemistry is a crucial factor in determining team success, transcending cultural differences and industries.

In death, Lonesome George reveals why giant tortoises live so long

Researchers at Yale University discovered genetic variants linked to DNA repair, immune response, and cancer suppression in giant tortoises that enable them to live over 100 years. These findings provide new insights into aging research and could lead to breakthroughs in human health.

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.

New drug combination could be more effective against melanoma

A new study suggests combining kinase inhibitors with ribonucleases could lead to better results against melanoma. The combination kills cells more effectively than either drug alone, potentially preventing tumor resistance. Researchers hope to test the combination in clinical trials.

Will light be the basis for quantum computing?

A team from INRS has successfully generated high-dimensional cluster states and implemented novel quantum operations, paving the way for one-way quantum computing. This breakthrough uses photons as a data medium, leveraging their unique properties to increase information storage capacity and boost computational power.

Young, hip farmers: Coming to a city near you

A new generation of farmers is shifting towards the outskirts of cities with high demand and purchasing power, driven by a desire for healthier food systems and authentic rural identities. The movement, identified by Purdue University researcher Andrew Flachs, thrives in hotspots like central Texas, Oklahoma, and the Great Lakes region.

Billions of nanoplastics accumulate in marine organisms within six hours

A groundbreaking study found that billions of nanoplastics can accumulate in the bodies of marine organisms like great scallops within just six hours. The research, led by the University of Plymouth, showed that even smaller particles measuring 20nm had become dispersed throughout the body's organs.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

SUTD researchers discover new material -- black silver

Researchers from Singapore University of Technology and Design have engineered a new inexpensive nanomaterial with exceptional performance in visible and infrared light interaction. The material can be used to improve solar cells and optically detect minute traces of biomolecules, offering potential industrial relevance.

A change in marital status affects the number of daily steps

A recent study found that changes in relationships affect physical activity levels, with divorced men and newly partnered women experiencing significant reductions in daily steps. Interestingly, higher socioeconomic individuals showed increased aerobic steps over a four-year follow-up period.

Neuroscientists pinpoint genes tied to dementia

A UCLA-led research team has identified two major groups of genes involved in mutations that result in an overproduction of tau protein, a hallmark of progressive dementia. The study suggests that these genetic processes may be targetable with experimental drugs.

Light-induced changes in photosensory proteins

The study reveals the molecular mechanisms of phytochromes, which convert light into cellular information, and their potential applications in oncology and genetic disease treatment. Understanding these proteins can help develop non-invasive imaging techniques and light-controlled tools for medical applications.

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.

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.

Aluminum nitride to extend life of solar power plants

Researchers developed porous composites based on SiC/AIN with up to 40% aluminum nitride, exceeding traditional materials due to solid solution formation at grain boundaries. These composites improve thermal conductivity, heat resistance, and low coefficient of thermal expansion.

For large health systems, telehealth programs mean challenges and results

A new report highlights the common challenges faced by large health systems when implementing telehealth programs, including engaging leadership, prioritizing areas for support, and educating patients. Despite these hurdles, investing in telehealth can lead to significant cost savings and improved patient access.

Colloidal quantum dots make LEDs shine bright in the infrared

Researchers at ICFO have developed colloidal quantum dot (CQD) infrared emitting LEDs with unprecedented values in the infrared range, achieving external quantum efficiency of 7.9% and power conversion efficiency of 9.3%. The CQDs' unique properties allow for efficient charge funnelling and low electronic defect density, enabling signi...

Women in hospital medicine face major obstacles

A CU Anschutz study found that female academic hospitalists face inadequate paid parental leave, difficulty with breastfeeding support and diminished career opportunities. The study calls for more generous paid leave policies to attract and retain women in the profession.

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.

Alcohol intake may be key to long-term weight loss for people with diabetes

A new study published in the journal Obesity suggests that alcohol consumption may attenuate long-term weight loss in adults with Type 2 diabetes. Participants who abstained from alcohol during a lifestyle intervention program lost more weight than those who drank, highlighting the importance of limiting alcohol intake for effective we...

A sobering conclusion: Adult hearts contain no stem cells

Researchers at the Hubrecht Institute found that adult hearts do not have stem cells that can regenerate lost heart muscle after a heart attack. Instead, connective tissue cells produce scar tissue to replace the lost cardiac muscle, which helps maintain heart integrity.

Saltier waterways are creating dangerous 'chemical cocktails'

A new study by UMD researchers found that saltier waterways are creating 'chemical cocktails' that release toxic metals and pollutants from streambeds. These cocktails can have devastating effects on drinking water supplies and ecosystems, similar to the 2014 Flint water crisis.

Women reveal the reasons they reject a preventive drug for breast cancer

A recent study found that around 72% of women at higher risk of breast cancer are worried about the long-term effects of tamoxifen, while 57% believe it will give them unpleasant side-effects. Despite its proven ability to prevent breast cancer, fewer than 15% of women with discussed preventive therapy are taking tamoxifen.

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.

Epileptics in high-crime neighborhoods have three times as many seizures

People with epilepsy living in high-crime Chicago neighborhoods have three times as many seizures as those in low-crime areas, a new study finds. The researchers used data from 63 participants and found that those in high-crime neighborhoods experienced an average of seven seizures over 90 days.

Wild yeasts may hold key to better wines from warmer climates

Researchers have discovered that certain naturally occurring yeast strains can produce beneficial acids, improving wine taste and quality. The study focused on Lachancea thermotolerans yeast, which can be used in conjunction with traditional wine yeasts to enhance the flavor profile.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Studies suggest immunotherapy adds punch to earlier attempts

Researchers found that checkpoint blockade therapy can sensitize patients to better respond to future use of drugs, even when initial attempts failed. This breakthrough has significant implications for treating relapsing non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma patients.

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.

Learning to read comes at a cost

Preliterate 6-year-olds outperformed their peers on grammatical relations, but struggled with novel words. After six months of reading instruction, the advantage disappeared, suggesting that literacy may come at a cost.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.