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Science News Archive December 2018 - Page 13


Page 13 of 33

Teens using vaping devices in record numbers

The 2018 Monitoring the Future survey found a dramatic increase in teen vaping, with over 1 in 10 eighth graders and nearly 20% of high school seniors using nicotine vapes. Meanwhile, opioid misuse has dropped to record lows, with only 3.4% of 12th graders reporting past-year use.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·DateDec 17, 2018

Species at the extremes of the food chain evolve faster, study says

A new study reveals that coral reef fish species at the extremes of the food chain, such as strict herbivores or predators, evolve faster than those in the middle with varied diets. This finding has valuable conservation implications for managing fisheries exploitation and preserving functional diversity on coral reefs.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateDec 17, 2018

How a personality trait puts you at risk for cybercrime

A study by Michigan State University found that people with low self-control are more likely to fall victim to cybercrime involving Trojans, viruses, and malware. The research, which analyzed nearly 6,000 survey participants, identified impulsiveness as a key factor in increasing the risk of infection.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalSocial Science Computer Review·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.

Regional contribution to radiative forcing

A study found that China, Europe, and North America experienced periods of reduced cumulative radiative forcing due to offsetting warming and cooling emissions. The regions' future contributions to CRF are expected to be larger than their past contributions, with China potentially emerging as a major contributor.

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

Passive exposure alone can enhance the learning of foreign speech sounds

A recent study found that passive exposure to unfamiliar speech sounds can improve adult language learners' ability to discriminate speech sounds. Researchers from the University of Jyväskylä and Beijing Normal University used brain response measurements to measure discrimination ability after prolonged passive exposure.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalNeuroImage·DateDec 17, 2018

Antimicrobial resistance and vaccines

Qualitative analyses suggest vaccine-based strategies can outperform antibiotic-centered approaches in certain cases, limiting AMR spread and preserving the human microbiome. Vaccine development is crucial to address growing AMR concerns, as indicated by studies highlighting vaccines' potential economic benefits.

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

Looking on bright side may reduce anxiety, especially when money is tight

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that people with lower incomes who practice cognitive reappraisal strategies experience reduced anxiety levels. The researchers analyzed data from experiments and a national survey to understand how socioeconomic status affects emotional regulation strategies.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalEmotion·DateDec 17, 2018
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.

India's right to information act provides lessons on government transparency

A University of Arizona researcher found that India's strong freedom-of-information law, enacted in 2005, created a culture demanding government transparency. The study highlights the importance of collaboration between journalists, social activists, and civil society organizations to create a right-to-information agenda.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournalism·DateDec 17, 2018

Progress in super-resolution microscopy

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have successfully applied U-ExM to image multi-protein complexes with unprecedented molecular resolution. This breakthrough resolves long-standing doubts about the method's reliability and preserves ultrastructural details.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Methods·DateDec 17, 2018

Scientists revealed how water fleas settled during the Ice Age

Researchers found that three Daphnia species had distinct roots for settling in Northern Eurasia, shedding light on continental freshwater fauna formation. Genetic analysis revealed differences between populations and the approximate time of their divergence, with one species spreading quickly across the region.

SourceAKSON Russian Science Communication Association·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 17, 2018

DOE approves technical plan and cost estimate to upgrade Argonne facility

The U.S. Department of Energy has approved the technical scope, cost estimate and plan of work for an upgrade of the Advanced Photon Source (APS), a major storage-ring X-ray source at Argonne National Laboratory. The resulting facility will allow researchers to view matter at the atomic scale in three dimensions, opening new frontiers ...

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateDec 17, 2018

NASA finds tiny remnants of Tropical Cyclone Owen

NASA's Terra satellite captured an infrared image revealing two small areas of strong thunderstorms with cloud top temperatures as cold as -63 degrees Fahrenheit. These conditions are indicative of heavy rain generation, suggesting the potential for further storm activity.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·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.

Study suggests promising new Rx target for obesity and diabetes

Research suggests that a novel protein called Nischarin may be a promising therapeutic target for obesity and diabetes. Studies found that Nischarin expression is suppressed in fat tissue of obese humans and that its disruption leads to insulin resistance in female mice, but not male mice.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateDec 17, 2018

Inflate cells to observe their inner life

Researchers at the University of Geneva have developed a new technique called Ultrastructure Expansion Microscopy (U-ExM), which allows for the visualization of cellular structures and protein complexes at a nanoscale. This method enables the detection of biochemical modifications and mapping of large intracellular molecular complexes.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Methods·DateDec 17, 2018

Strong committed relationships can buffer military suicides

A strong committed relationship provides a critical sense of belonging and motivation for living, buffering the risk of suicide among National Guard members. The study found that higher couple satisfaction reduces the association between mental health symptoms and suicide risk.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalSuicide and Life-Threatening Behavior·DateDec 17, 2018

Pressure tuned magnetism paves the way for novel electronic devices

A team of researchers has found a surprising link between emergent magnetism and mechanical pressure in artificially engineered non-magnetic oxide heterostructures. The study reveals that the strength of magnetism can be controlled by applying pressure to the material, opening new routes for developing novel spintronic devices.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalNature Physics·DateDec 17, 2018

Economic climate feedbacks

Researchers found that climate-driven economic losses can offset natural warming feedbacks, but this comes with increased inequality and reduced resources for mitigating climate change. The study suggests that climate-related economic activity slowdowns can temporarily reduce atmospheric CO2 levels.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

Brain-inspired computer vision

Researchers developed Structural Unsupervised Viewlets Models (SUVMs) to recognize object categories, inspired by brain's unsupervised learning ability. The SUVMs performed well on the face dataset but underperformed on airplane images.

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

Paradigm shift needed for designing tsunami-resistant bridges

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new, physics-based methodology to design bridge connections and steel bearings to better withstand tsunamis. Their study found that the transmission of forces to supporting substructures changes significantly with modifications to vertical and horizontal stiffness.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Marine Science and Engineering·DateDec 17, 2018

Scientists design new material to harness power of light

Researchers at UMass Lowell have created a new class of metamaterial that can change the color of light, enabling on-chip optical communication. This technology could lead to smaller, faster, and more efficient computer chips with wider bandwidth and better data storage.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Lowell·JournalOptica·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.

Nature's sweets

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new method for glycosylation, using a precisely designed hydrogen-bond-donor catalyst to attach sugars to molecules. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of crucial biomedical benefits such as new vaccines and drugs to treat human disorders and diseases.

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

Old mines cast a long shadow on their surroundings

A new study from Finland highlights the importance of post-mining land use planning to mitigate environmental impacts and retain local activities. The research shows that old mines can have far-reaching effects on landscape values, natural products, and community land use.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalLand·DateDec 17, 2018

AIBS selects winners of 2018 Faces of Biology Photo Contest

Three biologists have been selected as winners of the 2018 Faces of Biology Photo Contest for their outstanding contributions to communicating biological research through photography. The contest aims to inspire scientists to explore new ways to convey their work to the public.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·DateDec 17, 2018
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.

Möbius kaleidocycles: Sensational structures with potential applications

Möbius kaleidocycles are ring linkages that can be turned inside-out continuously, inspiring wonder in engineers and mathematicians. The objects have unique properties, such as a one-sided surface, and could be used for designing new mixing machines, energy transmitting devices, or robotic arms.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2018

Wound care revolution: Put away your rulers and reach for your phone

A new app called Swift Skin and Wound measures wounds accurately, providing a way to clearly document and quantify wound size. The app is being used by clinicians and healthcare professionals at the McGill University Health Centre in Montreal to improve clinical management and patient outcomes for diabetic patients.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalJMIR Dermatology·DateDec 17, 2018

URI researcher: Oyster aquaculture limits disease in wild oyster populations

A URI researcher found that oyster aquaculture can limit the spread of disease among wild oysters. Aquaculture operations can reduce disease by filtering parasites from the water and holding oysters long enough to prevent their development. Intensive oyster aquaculture, when done correctly, can be beneficial for wild populations.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalAquaculture Environment Interactions·DateDec 17, 2018

One-third of Americans consider living abroad

A new study reveals that approximately one-third of all US-born US citizens living in the US are considering leaving to live abroad. The main motivations cited are exploration, retirement, and dissatisfaction with their current situation. National identity and networks played a significant role in shaping these aspirations.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalInternational Migration Review·DateDec 17, 2018

New property revealed in graphene could lead to better performing solar panels

Research reveals pristine graphene can efficiently convert light into electricity with no special junctions, leading to potential improvements in solar panels and photodetectors. The unique electronic structure of graphene allows for long-distance energy transfer without excess electronic charge.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 17, 2018
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.

Boston Harbor cleanup was economically justifiable, finds new study

A new study finds that the Boston Harbor cleanup was economically justifiable, with an estimated value of restored ecosystem services between $30 and $100 billion. The analysis highlights the importance of considering the environmental value of an area post-cleanup rather than pre-cleanup.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateDec 17, 2018

Building a better weapon against harmful algal blooms

A team of scientists from The Ohio State University shared early results from a trio of studies aimed at improving models designed to guide agricultural practices for reducing the risk of nitrogen and phosphorous farm runoff. These models can help quantify the impact of fertilizer application timing on nutrient runoff.

SourceOhio State University·DateDec 17, 2018

The gene helping submerged plants

Researchers at Stockholm University found a special gene PLD that helps plants stay healthy and resistant to oxygen deficiency when underwater. The study suggests that increasing the amount of this gene may help protect crops from flooding, improving harvest yields.

SourceStockholm University·JournalPhysiologia Plantarum·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.

Satellite data exposes looting

Researchers used high-resolution satellite imagery to assess the destruction of archaeological heritage in a remote region. Over 74% of analyzed burials were found to be destroyed and plundered, highlighting the urgent need for site protection.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalHeritage·DateDec 17, 2018

Patients with heart failure have lower risk of death, hospital admission if seen by physician in first 7 days after emergency department discharge

Patients with heart failure who receive early follow-up by a physician within 7 days of emergency department discharge have lower risk of death and hospital admissions. The study found that 47% of patients were seen by a physician within a week, with the lowest death rate in those who received care within 7 days.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateDec 17, 2018

A fire-breathing dragon helps fight ember attacks on thatched-roof buildings

Researchers used the NIST Dragon to simulate ember attacks on thatched-roof buildings, revealing ignition occurred within 90 seconds and flames penetrated completely through the roofing assembly. The study's findings will help Japanese fire services develop effective counter measures and mitigate damage from large outdoor fires.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalFire Safety Journal·DateDec 17, 2018

Plain packaging sparked tobacco price rises, new study finds

A new study found that plain packaging for tobacco products led to a five percent increase in sales price and an eight percent rise in hand-rolling tobacco prices. The research contradicts predictions made by the tobacco industry, suggesting they aimed to deter government implementation through increased prices.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalAddiction·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.

Medical emergency department visits can indicate increased suicide risk among teens and young adults

A new study identifies medical conditions that increase the risk of self-directed violence among teens and young adults visiting emergency departments. These conditions include epilepsy, seizures, multiple pain visits, syncope, vomiting, and dental complaints, highlighting the importance of EDs in suicide prevention.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateDec 17, 2018

'Job readiness' more important to UK employers than academic credentials

A new study challenges traditional theories that higher education determines job success in the UK. Employers focus on job readiness, highlighting social qualifications, specific skills, and cognitive abilities. This shift suggests employers seek marketable skills with immediate value to reduce training costs and enhance productivity.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Education Policy·DateDec 17, 2018

Researchers develop global checklist for hospital antimicrobial stewardship programs

Researchers at CDDEP developed a global checklist for hospital antimicrobial stewardship programs to optimize antibiotic use and slow antimicrobial resistance. The seven-core component checklist was tested in 12 hospitals across nine countries, highlighting common barriers to implementation.

SourceCenter for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy·JournalClinical Microbiology and Infection·DateDec 16, 2018
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.

Stop that clot! Quantitative assessment of the blood coagulation cascade

Researchers developed a new dielectric blood coagulometry (DBCM) method to assess Factor Xa (FXa) activity in patients treated with FXa inhibitors. The study showed that DBCM detected FXa inhibitor-specific changes in a manner similar to more complicated methods, offering a promising easy-to-use clinical treatment option.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 16, 2018

Plants don't like touch: Green thumb myth dispelled

New research reveals that plants are highly sensitive to touch, with repeated touching retarding growth by up to 30%. The study found that a major genetic defense response is triggered within 30 minutes of being touched, altering 10% of the plant's genome.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateDec 15, 2018

Study shows magnesium optimizes vitamin D status

A randomized trial by Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers found that magnesium boosts vitamin D status in people with low levels and reduces it in those with high levels. The ideal level of vitamin D is believed to be within the middle range of a U-shape, linked to the lowest risk of cardiovascular disease.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateDec 14, 2018
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.

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.

Low skilled, low paid workers of the world don't unite, research shows

A new study led by Dr Constantine Manolchev from the University of Exeter Business School found that low-skilled workers in insecure employment do not form a unified 'precariat' to resist their bosses. The research contradicts the idea that these workers are united by working contexts.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEconomic and Industrial Democracy·DateDec 14, 2018

A painless adhesive

Researchers have developed an adhesive that can strongly adhere to wet materials like hydrogel and living tissue, and be easily detached with specific frequencies of light. This technology has the potential to enable painless detachment of wound dressings and transdermal drug delivery devices.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 14, 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.

Folate deficiency creates hitherto unknown problems in connection with cell division

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen found that folate deficiency creates far more damaging chromosomal abnormalities than previously known. This can lead to problems with cell division and DNA replication, increasing the risk of diseases like infertility, mental health disorders and cancer.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2018

NIH scientists find that breast cancer protection from pregnancy starts decades later

Women who have given birth experience a lower risk of breast cancer, but this protective effect may not begin until as many as 30 years after the last pregnancy. A new study found that breast cancer risk increases in the years following childbirth, with the highest risk about five years later.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 14, 2018