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Science News Archive December 2018 - Page 12


Page 12 of 33

Warmer winters threaten UK blackcurrant farming

Warmer UK winters may delay blackcurrant growing seasons, leading to reduced yields and poorer fruit quality. Researchers found that different varieties respond differently to climate change, but breeding new resilient ones is key.

SourceBritish Ecological Society·DateDec 17, 2018

New type of low-energy nanolaser that shines in all directions

Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology developed a new polariton laser that emits light in all directions, using deliberately imperfect silver nanostripes. The discovery has vast potential applications, including microscopy lighting, LIDAR technology, and general illumination.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 17, 2018

Communication between neural networks

The study combines synfire communication, coherence and resonance to provide insight into how messages are exchanged between brain areas. The researchers found that oscillations play a significant role in determining whether communication can take place.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Reviews Neuroscience·DateDec 17, 2018

Cell grafts for epilepsy treatment

Researchers have discovered a potential treatment for chronic epilepsy using human induced pluripotent stem cells. The study found that grafting these cells into the hippocampus can alleviate symptoms of chronic epilepsy, including reduced seizure frequency and improved cognitive function.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Front and center: Food labels have effects on consumption and product formulation

A systematic review of interventional studies found that food labels can lead to changes in consumer behavior, including reduced calorie and fat intake, but not significant impacts on other nutrients. Industry responses also showed reductions in trans fat and sodium, but no effects on added sugar or other healthy components.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateDec 17, 2018

New strains of hepatitis C found in Africa

A large population study in sub-Saharan Africa discovered three new strains of hepatitis C, which may not be effective against current antiviral drugs. The findings highlight the need for further research and clinical trials to inform optimal treatment strategies and vaccine development.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalHepatology·DateDec 17, 2018

Digital wood produced with 3D printing

Columbia University researchers used voxel printing to create digital wood, a complex material for 3D printing. The technique allows for the creation of objects with internal grains and external color textures. Digital wood has potential applications in various fields, including architecture and product design.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·Journal3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing·DateDec 17, 2018

Acoustic tweezers for 3D particle manipulation

Scientists have successfully created a holographic acoustic tweezers system that can trap and manipulate particles in three dimensions. This technology has potential applications in small-scale assembly and the creation of 3D displays with levitating voxels.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Do you know the carbon footprint of your food choices?

Research from the University of Technology Sydney and Duke University found that consumers significantly underestimate the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with their food choices. Participants preferred items with lower carbon footprints when given clear information on labels.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalNature Climate Change·DateDec 17, 2018

Boys with good motor skills excel at problem-solving, too

Researchers found that boys with better motor skills had higher cognitive scores over a two-year follow-up period. In contrast, aerobic fitness was not associated with cognitive function in either boys or girls.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateDec 17, 2018

New, rapid and robust method for single cell profiling

A new method for single cell chromatin accessibility profiling has been developed, allowing researchers to profile over 3000 cells from the spleen. The study revealed distinct immune cell types and related transcription factors, providing insights into cellular function and organization.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 17, 2018

Sex chromosomes hold the secret to female longevity

Researchers at UC San Francisco have found that female mice live longer than males due to the presence of two X chromosomes. Having both female sex chromosomes and gonads extended life in mice, with most of the effect coming from the sex chromosomes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAging Cell·DateDec 17, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Unrelated events are linked in memory when they happen close together

A recent study found that people constantly record information about the order of events, even if they are unrelated, and use this order to help search memory. The researchers used real-world data from news stories to demonstrate that temporal proximity acts as a tether connecting memories for different events.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 17, 2018

Rapid cropland expansion in Brazil

Between 2000 and 2014, Brazil's cropland area nearly doubled from 26 Mha to 46.1 Mha. Most of this growth (80%) came from converting pastureland, while 20% was due to natural vegetation conversion.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2018
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.

Changes in agriculture could cut sector non-CO2 greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50 percent

Researchers found that changing agricultural practices and shifting diets away from meat and dairy products could reduce sector emissions by up to 50% by 2050. Dietary changes in overconsuming countries could contribute additional reductions of 23%, with the beef and dairy industries having high greenhouse gas intensities.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Climate Change·DateDec 17, 2018

Discovery of novel mechanisms that cause migraines

A new mechanism has been discovered for the onset of migraines, involving a mutation in a protein that inhibits neuronal electrical activity. This finding opens a new path for the development of anti-migraine medicines by targeting K2P2.1 channels to reduce neuronal excitability.

SourceCNRS·JournalNeuron·DateDec 17, 2018

Sutimlimab shows promise for hard-to-treat, rare blood disorder

A first-in-human clinical trial found sutimlimab to be effective in treating severe hemolytic anemia in cold agglutinin disease. The investigational drug rapidly halted red blood cell destruction, increased hemoglobin levels, and eliminated the need for blood transfusions.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood·DateDec 17, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

MuSCAT2 to find Earth-like planets in the TESS era

The MuSCAT2 instrument will use multi-color transit observations to separate actual exoplanets from eclipsing binary stars. This technique is essential for confirming a large number of new transiting exoplanet candidates, including Earth-like habitable planets orbiting stars near the Sun.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·DateDec 17, 2018

Drones can detect protected nightjar nests

Researchers used drones equipped with thermal cameras to detect European nightjar nests in a pilot study. The method proved effective, allowing for accurate location of nests without disturbing the birds. This technology could have wider applications for detecting warm-blooded species.

SourceBritish Ecological Society·DateDec 17, 2018

Study reveals best tools for measuring severity of delirium

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine reveals six high-quality instruments to measure delirium severity, enabling accurate assessment and improving clinical care. The findings have the potential to stratify risk, target treatment, and monitor outcomes for persons with delirium.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateDec 17, 2018

Scientists report CRISPR restores effectiveness of lung cancer treatment

A new study published in Molecular Therapy Oncolytics found that combining chemotherapy with CRISPR-Cas9 can stop tumor growth and reduce existing tumor volume in both tissue culture and mouse models. The CRISPR application disables the NRF2 gene, which helps lung cancer tumors develop resistance to chemotherapies.

SourceBurness·JournalMolecular Therapy — Oncolytics·DateDec 17, 2018
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.

Conservation success depends on habits and history

A Rutgers-led study challenges conventional expectations that fast-growing resources are unlikely to collapse. The study found that those who start conserving can often stick with it, but when conservation is not in place, the opposite is true.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2018

New RNA sequencing strategy provides insight into microbiomes

Researchers from the University of Chicago have developed a high-throughput RNA sequencing strategy to study the activity of the gut microbiome. The new tools analyze transfer RNA, allowing scientists to understand the activity of naturally occurring microbiomes and study their responses to environmental changes.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 17, 2018

Tiny implantable device short-circuits hunger pangs, aids weight loss

A new, battery-free implantable device has been developed by University of Wisconsin-Madison engineers to aid in weight loss. The device generates gentle electric pulses that stimulate the vagus nerve, helping the brain feel full after only a few bites of food.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 17, 2018
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.

Sphinx molecule to rescue African farmers from witchweed

A team of researchers at Nagoya University has discovered a highly potent and selective molecule, SPL7, that can induce suicidal germination in Striga seeds, allowing for effective control over the parasitic weed. This breakthrough could alleviate Striga infestation and save crop losses worth billions of US dollars every year.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalScience·DateDec 17, 2018

NASA catches India landfall of Tropical Depression Phethai

Tropical Depression Phethai made landfall in southeastern India on Dec 17, causing significant wind shear that affected the storm's trajectory. NASA's Aqua satellite captured a visible image of Phethai after its landfall, revealing the bulk of clouds and showers north and east of the center of circulation.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 17, 2018

Microglia transmit pain to the brain during stress

Research found that activation of microglia in the spinal cord is responsible for increased pain sensitivity in response to stress. Eliminating microglia from the spinal cord prevented these effects, highlighting their role in transmitting pain to the brain.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateDec 17, 2018

Using light to stop itch

Scientists at EMBL Rome have discovered a way to treat itchy skin conditions like eczema by using near-infrared light to bind to specialized nerve cells. This method has shown promising results in mice with eczema and amyloidosis, offering new hope for potential human treatments.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateDec 17, 2018

Unraveling the link between obesity and sleep

A study published in JNeurosci found that one night of sleep loss increases the desire for junk foods, as measured by brain activity and hormone levels. The researchers suggest that a lack of sleep can promote overeating and obesity risk through increased food desirability.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateDec 17, 2018
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 study will track how trade wars affect the Midwest

A new study led by Ohio State University aims to build models that predict how future trade scenarios could affect the Great Lakes region's food, energy, and water supply. The research team is gathering input from farmers, state and regional policy organizations, and other stakeholders to formulate potential future scenarios.

SourceOhio State University·DateDec 17, 2018

Switch-in-a-cell electrifies life

Rice University scientists develop synthetic protein switches to control electron flow, enabled by chemical triggers. The discovery enables custom-designed switches for applications such as living sensors and electronically controlled metabolic pathways.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateDec 17, 2018

New approach will help geneticists identify genes responsible for complex traits

Researchers developed SPAEML, a statistical approach that can accurately detect the underpinnings of simulated complex traits. The method was tested on datasets similar to Alzheimer's disease and flower structure in corn, identifying simulated markers and distinguishing between additive and interacting loci.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalHeredity·DateDec 17, 2018

Biodegradable, edible film kills pathogens on seafood

Researchers developed a biodegradable edible film made with plant starch and antimicrobial compounds to control the growth of foodborne pathogens on seafood. The film successfully killed vibrio and salmonella bacteria, which are linked to gastrointestinal problems when consumed.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Food Microbiology·DateDec 17, 2018
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.

Seismic study reveals huge amount of water dragged into Earth's interior

A seismic study spanning the Mariana Trench reveals that subduction zones drag about three times more water into the deep Earth than previously estimated. The observations highlight the important role of subduction zones in the global water cycle, with implications for our understanding of the Earth's interior.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateDec 17, 2018

Study affirms geographic discrimination in allocating lungs for transplant

A medical records study of over 7,000 patients awaiting a lung transplant in the US has confirmed that the current organ allocation system is geographically biased. The study found significant disparities in lung transplant rates between different regions, with some areas receiving nearly four times more transplants than others.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateDec 17, 2018

When a fish becomes fluid

During zebrafish development, a region of the embryo switches from viscous to liquid, allowing it to take shape. The study found that this process is mediated by cell division and regulated by non-canonical Wnt signaling pathway.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateDec 17, 2018

Neurons with good housekeeping are protected from Alzheimer's

A new study found that certain neurons protect themselves from Alzheimer's by clearing toxic tau proteins, which accumulate in sluggish cells. The discovery suggests new treatment possibilities to support natural defense mechanisms against neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 17, 2018
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Climate change leading to water shortage in Andes, Himalayas

Researchers at Ohio State University warn that climate change is causing widespread and consistent warming in glaciers across the Andes and Himalayas, leading to a decline in water supply for millions of people. The melting glaciers can trigger hazards like avalanches and floods, and have long-lasting effects on regional water supplies.

SourceOhio State University·DateDec 17, 2018

A method to monitor indoor crop health no matter what planet you're on

Researchers developed a cost-effective method to monitor indoor crop health using SI-NDVI imaging, detecting stress signatures before visible signs appear. This technique has potential applications in space-based farming and can be used by indoor farmers to catch problems quickly.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateDec 17, 2018

Injection improves vision in a form of childhood blindness

A new injection treatment has shown success in improving vision in children with a form of congenital retinal blindness. The treatment, which targets CEP290 mutations, restored visual acuity and allowed patients to read letters on an eye chart within months.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 17, 2018

Drivers who can 'bid' for parking spaces may improve parking options around the world

A new Tel Aviv University study suggests that a parking algorithm can guarantee uniform parking occupancy by filling spots in less lucrative areas. The algorithm has been tested in the Israeli city of Bat Yam, establishing real-time adaptive parking prices that ensured 90 percent parking occupancy without expensive equipment.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems·DateDec 17, 2018
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.

Toward brain-like computing: New memristor better mimics synapses

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new memristor that can model synaptic behavior in hardware, allowing for exploration of competition and cooperation among neurons. The device enables controlled changes in conductance, mimicking the strengthening or weakening of connections between neurons.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Materials·DateDec 17, 2018

Fossil from the Big Bang discovered with W. M. Keck Observatory

Astronomers using the W. M. Keck Observatory have discovered a relic cloud of gas from the Big Bang, providing new information about how the first galaxies formed and offering clues to the universe's early structure.

SourceW. M. Keck Observatory·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateDec 17, 2018

Higher average potency cannabis may increase risk for first disorder symptom

A new study led by an Iowa State University researcher found that higher average potency cannabis at first use increases the risk for the first symptom of cannabis use disorder within a year. Individuals who started using cannabis with 4.9% THC had 1.88 times higher risk, while those with 12.3% THC had 4.85 times higher risk.

SourceIowa State University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateDec 17, 2018

Narrowing the universe in the search for life

Astrophysicist Wendy Panero proposes a new approach to determining a planet's habitability by analyzing its mass, radius, and star composition. This method could help scientists identify the most promising candidates for supporting life in the universe, saving time and resources.

SourceOhio State University·DateDec 17, 2018

New data show barbershop blood pressure checks remain highly effective

A recent study by the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai shows that a pharmacist-led intervention at barbershops can significantly lower blood pressure in high-risk African-American men. After 12 months, the average systolic blood pressure fell by nearly 29mmHg in the intervention group.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalCirculation·DateDec 17, 2018
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.

Space telescope detects water in a number of asteroids

The Japanese infrared satellite AKARI has detected hydrated minerals containing water in a number of asteroids, providing insight into the distribution of water in our solar system. The study reveals that C-type asteroids were formed by the agglomeration of rocks and water ice, followed by aqueous alteration and dehydration.

SourceKobe University·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of Japan·DateDec 17, 2018

Study finds increasing use, and misuse, of benzodiazepines

A recent study published in Psychiatric Services found that over 12% of U.S. adults used benzodiazepines in the past year, with misuse accounting for nearly 17% of overall use. Benzodiazepine misuse was strongly associated with opioid and stimulant misuse, highlighting concerns about substance abuse.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateDec 17, 2018

Advancing the description of 'mysterious' water to improve drug design

A team at Cal Tech developed a novel approach to building a water force field, demonstrating its accuracy in predicting various properties of water. The new force field shows promise in improving drug design and understanding anomalous characteristics of water.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateDec 17, 2018
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.

Effects of sugar on beneficial gut bacteria

Researchers found that dietary sugars, particularly fructose and glucose, decrease the abundance of a protein called Roc required for Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron colonization. A resistant strain engineered by researchers outcompeted the wild-type strain in mice fed high-sugar diets.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2018