Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive December 2018 - Page 15


Page 15 of 33

Protein involved in nematode stress response identified

The discovery of protein DEX-1 in the roundworm C. elegans sheds light on the molecular trigger for structural remodeling in response to stress, allowing animals to better withstand challenging conditions. This research has implications for understanding nematode biology and its impact on parasitic species affecting crops.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalGenetics·DateDec 13, 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.

TGen receives PayPal grant for 'Hope Fund'

The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) has received a $10,000 grant from PayPal Gives to support the cost of genetic testing for low-income children with rare disorders. The grant will help TGen's Center for Rare Childhood Disorders provide state-of-the-art genetic testing and potentially save the lives of fragile children.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·DateDec 13, 2018

Unpredictable food sources drive some bats to cooperatively search for food

Researchers tracked bat species with unpredictable food sources using miniature sensors, finding that they foraged socially when food was scarce. In contrast, bats with predictable food sources foraged alone. The study suggests that social foraging may be a strategy to exploit ephemeral resources.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 13, 2018

Moun­tain birds de­clin­ing in Europe

A recent study has found that European mountain bird populations have declined by as much as 10% in the 2000s, mainly due to climate change and changes in land use. The decline is particularly worrying for species that only inhabit mountain regions and are unable to live in other environments.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateDec 13, 2018

Four studies by Mount Sinai investigators featured in upcoming special issue of Science

Researchers from Mount Sinai's Icahn School of Medicine published four scientific papers highlighting their work on brain genomics and psychiatric diseases. They analyzed over 2,000 brains to identify non-coding functional genomic elements associated with schizophrenia risk, autism spectrum disorder, and bipolar disorder.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateDec 13, 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.

The home healthcare frontier: new study explores nurses' knowledge attitudes toward infection control

A new study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that home healthcare workers' beliefs about infection prevention influence their compliance with protocols more than their actual knowledge. The researchers suggest targeting nurse perceptions to improve infection control strategies. Key findings include gaps in k...

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateDec 13, 2018

Ebola-fighting protein discovered in human cells

Researchers discovered a human protein, RBBP6, that interferes with the Ebola virus replication cycle. By mimicking this protein's function, a small molecule drug could potentially block Ebola virus infection in human cells.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCell·DateDec 13, 2018

Computer chip vulnerabilities discovered by WSU researchers

A WSU research team has uncovered previously unknown vulnerabilities in high-performance computer chips, which could be exploited by malicious attacks. The communications system is a critical component of the chip, and its malfunction can have severe consequences.

SourceWashington State University·DateDec 13, 2018
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.

Scientists crack the CRISPR code for precise human genome editing

Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute discovered simple rules that determine the precision of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in human cells. By analyzing hundreds of edits, they found predictable patterns behind the technology, allowing for greater precision and efficiency.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 13, 2018

UA chemical biologists unearth cause of a rare brain disorder

Researchers at the University of Arizona have identified the biological process behind pontocerebellar hypoplasia type Ib, a deadly disease affecting infants. They believe their discovery could lead to the development of a drug to stop the disease progression and improve treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateDec 13, 2018

Study shows massage helps ease arthritis pain, improve mobility

A study at Duke University Medical Center found that weekly whole-body massage improved symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, including pain and mobility, in patients. The treatment maintained its benefits over 52 weeks, suggesting a potential complement to existing treatments.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateDec 13, 2018

Ionosphere plasma experiments reviewed in a new Kazan University publication

A new publication by Kazan Federal University reviews ionosphere plasma experiments using artificial heating facilities like SURA, EISCAT-Heater, and HAARP. The study reveals insights into plasma fluctuations, turbulence, and electron acceleration, shedding light on the ionosphere's role as a natural plasma laboratory.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalSpace Science Reviews·DateDec 13, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Neandertal genes give clues to human brain evolution

Researchers identified two genes, UBR4 and PHLPP1, that correlate with reduced cranial roundness in modern humans carrying Neandertal DNA fragments. These genes are involved in brain development and may have played a role in the evolution of human brain shape.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 13, 2018

Vaccine could help address the opioid epidemic

Researchers have developed monoclonal antibodies effective against several synthetic opioids, including fentanyl and carfentanil. The vaccine could help combat opioid addiction and reduce overdose deaths by blocking the analgesic effects of these potent drugs.

SourceAmerican College of Neuropsychopharmacology·DateDec 13, 2018

Megacity traffic soot contributes to global warming

A recent study by an international team of researchers found that soot from road traffic in emerging countries can reach high altitudes and contribute to global warming. The reduction of pollutants from diesel cars has a positive impact on both human health and climate protection.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateDec 13, 2018

The 'greying' of T cells

Research suggests that weakened metabolism of immune T cells, specifically one-carbon metabolism, may contribute to age-related immunity loss. Adding small-molecule compounds that boost T cell performance could potentially restore immune function.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 2018

Researchers peel off slimy biofilms like old stickers

Biofilm researchers at Princeton University have found a new method for removing nasty biofilms, which can cause medical infections and clog equipment. The technique, called capillary peeling, uses water to drive a wedge between the biofilm and surface, allowing for complete removal.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 13, 2018
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Collagen nanofibrils in mammalian tissues get stronger with exercise

Researchers found that collagen fibrils in mammalian tissues become stronger and tougher when repeatedly stretched and relaxed. This discovery has significant implications for understanding tissue mechanics and designing better biocompatible materials for wound healing and tissue growth.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateDec 13, 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.

Plants' defense against insects is a bouquet

A research study published in Ecology Letters found that plants using a mix of chemical compounds for defense are more effective at deterring insect pests than those relying on single compounds. The type of bouquet matters, with blends having multiple defensive chemicals reducing damage by up to 37%.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEcology Letters·DateDec 13, 2018

Book publications still going strong in humanities and social sciences

Research by Kazan Federal University professor Andreja Istenič Starčič reveals that book publishing in humanities is on the rise, with some countries seeing significant increases. Monographs account for varying percentages of total publications across five European nations, while book chapters dominate in others.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalAslib Journal of Information Management·DateDec 13, 2018

Santa Claus take note: Winter is coming, but get yourself a raincoat

Researchers found that warmer winters mean more ice on the ground due to increased winter rain, posing challenges for Arctic wildlife and ecosystems. The formation of basal ice can kill plants and starve animals, while rain-on-snow events can lead to avalanches.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateDec 13, 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.

MIT team invents method to shrink objects to the nanoscale

Researchers develop 'implosion fabrication' technique to create nanoscale 3D objects with high resolution and functional materials. The method enables assembly of materials in a low-density scaffold, allowing for easy modification and dense solid formation.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateDec 13, 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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Watching brain cells fire

Stanford researchers have developed a way to study the firing of individual brain cells using only light, eliminating the need for invasive methods. The new approach measures subtle changes in cell shape when they fire, allowing for a cleaner and simpler way to study the brain.

SourceStanford University·DateDec 13, 2018

Impairment rating of injured workers depends on the when and where of assessment

A study from McMaster University and the Netherlands found that the impairment rating of injured workers significantly differs depending on the edition of the American Medical Association (AMA) guides used. The researchers compared two editions and found that the sixth edition resulted in lower impairment ratings.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateDec 13, 2018

New drug seeks receptors in sarcoma cells, attacks tumors in animal trials

A new drug candidate targeting a receptor in sarcoma cancer cells was found to be more than three times more effective than currently available drugs. The compound shrank tumors and hindered their ability to spread in mice and pigs, offering hope for a new treatment option.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateDec 13, 2018

Exercise-related hormone irisin found to target key bone cells

Scientists have discovered that irisin, a hormone released by muscles during exercise, directly acts on key regulatory cells that control the breakdown and formation of bone. Treating osteocytes with irisin protected them from age-related death and increased their production of sclerostin, a protein that triggers bone remodeling.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalCell·DateDec 13, 2018

'Imploding' 3D printed nanomaterials in a shrinking gel

Researchers develop a new technique called Implosion Fabrication, which prints nanomaterials inside shrinking gel to create complex shapes and geometries. This method surpasses previous techniques in terms of material versatility and design complexity.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 13, 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.

Where did the hot Neptunes go? A shrinking planet holds the answer

Researchers discovered two warm Neptunes at the edge of the 'hot Neptune desert' losing their atmospheres at a rapid pace. This supports the idea that hot Neptunes transform into super-Earths, which are more numerous than previously thought. The study used NASA's Hubble Space Telescope to observe the evaporation of these planets.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateDec 13, 2018

Using EHR-linked medication reminders for glaucoma patients

A study of 100 patients found that linking medication reminders to electronic health records (EHRs) improved adherence among glaucoma patients. The reminders were delivered via text or voice message for three months and were reported useful by 74% of participants.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateDec 13, 2018
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.

New study: Average outpatient visit in US approaching $500

A new study by IHME finds that the average US outpatient visit costs nearly $500, highlighting the high cost of healthcare in the country. The study also estimates that universal health coverage (UHC) for all nations would require a significant increase in admissions and visits, with costs estimated at $576 billion.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateDec 13, 2018

Hubble finds far-away planet vanishing at record speed

Researchers using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope have discovered a medium-sized exoplanet, GJ 3470b, losing mass at a rate 100 times faster than similar planets. The study advances knowledge of planetary evolution and suggests that half of the planet may be gone in a few billion years.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateDec 13, 2018

High-efficiency discovery drives low-power computing

Researchers have discovered a way to create atomic-scale binary logic that powers faster and more energy-efficient electronics. This breakthrough could lead to significant reductions in power consumption and pave the way for sustainable, green technology.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNature Electronics·DateDec 13, 2018

Higher education research and development expenditures

Funding for higher education research and development (R&D) in the US increased by 4.7% to $75.3 billion in FY2017, with federal funding accounting for 53.5% of total expenditures. Basic research accounted for 62% of R&D spending, down from 66% in FY2010.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateDec 13, 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.

NYU researchers pioneer machine learning to speed chemical discoveries, reduce waste

Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering have developed a machine learning system that pairs artificial neural networks with infrared imaging to control and interpret small-scale chemical reactions. This technique can reduce the decision-making process from one year to weeks, saving tons of chemical waste and energy.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalComputers & Chemical Engineering·DateDec 13, 2018

Illuminating the brain architecture of neuropsychiatric risk: The latest from PsychENCODE

Recent PsychENCODE research provides a better understanding of brain development and neuropsychiatric risks, with critical expression differences in genes identified during early brain development and adolescence. The findings highlight the importance of studying specific cell types and time points in brain development to model disease...

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 13, 2018

When heat ceases to be a mystery, spintronics becomes more real

A Polish-German team of physicists has described the dynamic phenomena occurring at the interface between a ferromagnetic metal and a semiconductor, filling the 'thermal' gap in material knowledge. The study used computational models to simulate atomic vibrations and showed that the interface exhibits unique patterns.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalPhysical Review B·DateDec 13, 2018

New discovery improves use of optical tweezers

Researchers from the University of Gothenburg have developed a new method to improve the use of optical tweezers, allowing for more accurate measurements with less data and faster processing. This breakthrough enables the technique to be used in pharmaceutical research and study systems that are not in equilibrium.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 13, 2018
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.

Researchers uncover molecular mechanisms linked to autism and schizophrenia

A major study has linked genetic variants to their molecular effects in the brain, revealing new mechanisms of diseases. The findings provide a roadmap for development of new therapies for psychiatric conditions. Thousands of RNA molecules are dysregulated in autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalScience·DateDec 13, 2018

Study compares dialysis reimbursement around the globe

A new study examines dialysis reimbursement policies worldwide, revealing significant disparities in access to care. The research suggests that high-income countries spend more on dialysis but have a lower percentage of healthcare budget allocated to it compared to low- and middle-income countries.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 13, 2018