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Science News Archive December 2018 - Page 17


Page 17 of 33

Mini-detectors for the gigantic?

Researchers from HZDR found that Bose-Einstein condensates, which can be thought of as heavily diluted vapor from individual atoms cooled to extreme temperatures, are not sensitive enough to detect gravitational waves. The team discovered that the power of these gravitational waves is too weak to be measured using current methods.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalPhysical Review D·DateDec 12, 2018

Climate change imperils Midwest ag production

A Cornell University-led study finds that Midwest agriculture is increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events, with a clear escalation in climate sensitivity between the 1960s and '70s and more recent years. The region's reliance on rain-fed crops and specialization in crop production contribute to this vulnerability.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 12, 2018

Crashes increase when speed limits dip far below engineering recommendation

A study by Penn State researchers found that setting speed limits below engineering recommendations leads to an increase in fatal and injury crashes. Lowering speed limits by 10-25 miles per hour resulted in a decrease in property damage-only crashes, but drivers often ignore lower speed limits

SourcePenn State·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateDec 12, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tiny tech tracks hummingbirds at urban feeders

A study led by the University of California, Davis tracked over 230 Anna's and Allen's hummingbirds around urban feeders, providing insights into their interactions and health. The research found that females stayed longer at feeders than males and males overlapped their visits with other males more frequently than with other females.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 12, 2018

Study shows benefits of sex for older adults

A study published in Sexual Medicine found that sexual activity improves wellbeing in older adults, with both sexes experiencing benefits. For older women, activities like kissing and fondling are more closely linked to enjoyment of life, while intercourse is more important for men.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalSexual Medicine·DateDec 12, 2018

Rethinking school suspensions: School climate offers a clue

A study by University of Missouri researchers found that creating a positive school climate can reduce suspension rates by 10 percent. A positive climate features clear expectations, consistent discipline and supportive relationships between students and teachers.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·DateDec 12, 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.

Blood test could lead to cystic fibrosis treatment tailored to each patient

Researchers identified distinct molecular signatures in children with cystic fibrosis, which may help predict disease severity and treatment response. The findings pave the way for precision medicine, allowing for therapies tailored to each patient's unique biology.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalPhysiological Genomics·DateDec 12, 2018

Researchers design technology that sees nerve cells fire

A new noninvasive technology detects nerve cell firing based on changes in shape, allowing for quantitative monitoring of visual function at the cellular level. This technique could be used to observe nerve activity in light-accessible parts of the body, such as the eye.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·DateDec 12, 2018

Scientists develop a cellulose biosensor material for advanced tissue engineering

Scientists developed a hybrid biosensor scaffold material based on cellulose matrices labeled with pH- and calcium-sensitive fluorescent proteins. This allows visualization of cell growth and metabolism in engineered tissues by microscopy. The study was published in Acta Biomaterialia and has promising prospects for regenerative medicine.

SourceSechenov University·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateDec 12, 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.

Biologists shed new light on an old question

New research suggests sex-specific dominance reversal for fitness is a strong and common phenomenon throughout the genome. This mechanism helps maintain genetic variation that has led to life's spectacular diversity.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 12, 2018

Are suicidal thoughts, attempts more likely in people with eczema?

A recent study published in JAMA Dermatology found a significant association between eczema and suicidal thoughts or attempts. The research, analyzing data from over 310,000 patients with eczema and 4.4 million without, suggests individuals with eczema are more likely to experience suicidal thoughts and attempts compared to those without.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateDec 12, 2018

Fallen through the net?

A study using long-term data from 'Butterfly Monitoring Germany' found more butterfly species in Natura 2000 areas, but a significant decline in species numbers regardless of location. The network appears to protect valuable habitats, but its overall effectiveness remains unclear.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalDiversity and Distributions·DateDec 12, 2018

GVSU researcher compares running economy in Nike shoe, track spikes

Researchers compared the Nike Vaporfly 4% with traditional track spikes, finding that the shoe reduces oxygen update rates and improves performance by 4.2%. The study suggests that lighter running shoes like the NVF can propel athletes forward more efficiently.

SourceGrand Valley State University·JournalSports Medicine·DateDec 12, 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.

Students around the globe collect quality, eye-opening research data on mammals

Students from 28 schools and four countries contribute to a large-scale camera-trap study, collecting thousands of images of 83 native mammal species, including 12 threatened or endangered ones. The students' data is comparable to that of adult citizen scientists and professional researchers in nearby protected areas.

SourceNorth Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateDec 12, 2018

Marshall University study finds differences in umbilical cord blood metal levels in newborns

A Marshall University study found significant differences in umbilical cord blood metal levels between urban and rural newborns. Copper and molybdenum were higher in urban samples, while no marked differences occurred for other elements. The study suggests a potential link between prenatal exposure to toxins and neonatal outcomes.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·DateDec 12, 2018

Fire's effects on soil moisture, runoff

Researchers created an experimental model to evaluate fire and water interactions in soil, finding low- to moderate-severity wildfires result in wetter soil. High-severity burns lead to increased surface runoff, leaving drier soils after the fire.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalVadose Zone Journal·DateDec 12, 2018
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.

CU Anschutz to partner with Allen Institute for Immunology

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus will partner with the Allen Institute for Immunology to understand the human immune system and find novel mechanisms to halt or reverse rheumatoid arthritis. The research program aims to identify biomarkers for early detection and develop new treatments for this debilitating disease.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·DateDec 12, 2018

University of Miami medical team reports acute findings from Havana embassy phenomenon

A University of Miami medical team reported acute neurosensory symptoms in 25 US diplomats who experienced severe symptoms after exposure to a unique sound and pressure phenomenon. The study found evidence of balance disorders, cognitive dysfunction, and psychological issues, which do not resemble traumatic brain injury.

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·JournalLaryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology·DateDec 12, 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.

Scientists pave the way for saliva test for Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have identified three biomarkers in saliva samples to detect mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. The study uses metabolomics to analyze over 6,000 compounds, showing promising results for a potential clinical test.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·DateDec 12, 2018

Researchers report acute findings from Havana embassy phenomenon

US diplomats experienced sudden-onset symptoms including dizziness and cognitive impairment after exposure to a high-frequency noise at the Havana embassy. Researchers found an inner ear abnormality and evidence of cognitive dysfunction in affected individuals, with symptoms persisting even after treatment.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalLaryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology·DateDec 12, 2018

UNLV study unlocks clues to how planets form

A team of UNLV and international astronomers has conducted the first large-sample survey of protoplanetary disks using ALMA, yielding high-resolution images of 20 nearby disks. The results reveal a large population of young planets at wide-orbit similar to Neptune or Jupiter, which may be similar to our solar system

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateDec 12, 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.

New foldable drone flies through narrow holes in rescue missions

Researchers developed a new foldable drone that can squeeze itself through narrow passages and navigate tight spaces. The drone's mobile arms can fold around the main frame, allowing it to maintain stable flight while adapting to different configurations.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalIEEE Robotics and Automation Letters·DateDec 12, 2018

More 'heatwave' summers will affect animals

A new study from Lund University finds that heatwaves can lead to smaller offspring and lower survival chances for animals. Researchers observed that birds with easier access to cooling mechanisms have larger and more viable offspring.

SourceLund University·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateDec 12, 2018

New method for studying ALS more effectively

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have devised a new method called Axon-seq to study axons and better understand the pathological development of ALS. The method reveals significant differences in RNA profiles between healthy cells and those with mutated SOD1 genes, which causes ALS.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateDec 12, 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.

Gut hormone increases response to food

New research found that ghrelin hormone makes people associate food odours with reward, leading to increased eating and obesity risk. Ghrelin also reduces response time and increases pleasantness of food images

SourceMcGill University·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 12, 2018

3D-printed reconstructions provide clues to ancient site

Researchers at UC Berkeley created accurate 3D-printed miniature models to reconstruct Pumapunku building in Tiwanaku site, shedding light on its purpose and alignment. The study provides clues about the site's layout and potential connections to Incan beliefs.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalHeritage Science·DateDec 12, 2018

'Eavesdropping' on groupers' mating calls key to survival

A new technique uses deep neural networks to classify grouper species by their unique sounds, achieving accuracy of about 90 percent for four species. This technology is crucial for conservation efforts aimed at reversing depletion of endangered fishes and sustaining marine biodiversity.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateDec 12, 2018
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Buzz! Slap! Ow! Taking the virus out of a mosquito's bite

Scientists visualized a real virus with a three-dimensional model to track its movement within a mosquito's body. The study found that the virus leaves the midgut within 32-48 hours, revealing a narrow window for prevention. Researchers aim to inhibit genes involved in virus release to prevent future transmission.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalViruses·DateDec 12, 2018

Helping the anti-parasitic medicine go down

A team of researchers has developed a novel pharmaceutical formulation to administer triclabendazole, an anti-parasitic drug used to treat flatworm infections. The new nanocapsule formulation produces capsules less than one micron in size and is 100 times more soluble than its current tablet form.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 12, 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.

A new strategy for brain regeneration after stroke

Researchers have identified a novel mechanism for neuronal regeneration after stroke. By overproducing the protein Slit in neuroblasts, these cells can migrate past activated astrocytes and mature into functional neurons.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 12, 2018

Simple and rapid test for Ebola diagnosis could improve outbreak control

A new Ebola diagnostic test developed by David Sebba and colleagues offers a simple solution for detecting the disease in low-resource settings. The point-of-care test can distinguish between Ebola and other endemic diseases like Lassa fever and malaria within 30 minutes.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 12, 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.

Legal system may lead many UK parents abroad to find a surrogate

A new study reveals that many UK parents opt for overseas surrogacy to access better legal frameworks, but face significant challenges upon return, including delayed recognition of parenthood. The research highlights the need for clearer and more secure laws to support families undergoing surrogacy.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalHuman Fertility·DateDec 12, 2018

The epoch of planet formation, times 20

Researchers have discovered that large planets form quickly and in the outer reaches of their solar systems, which could explain the formation of rocky Earth-size worlds. High-resolution images of 20 nearby protoplanetary disks show common substructures, including concentric gaps and narrow rings.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateDec 12, 2018

New mouse model may speed identification of promising muscular dystrophy therapies

A new transgenic mouse model with fluorescent proteins can quickly reflect therapeutic effects in living mice, allowing for rapid identification of promising treatments. The model was used to test a novel antisense oligonucleotide drug that demonstrated therapeutic activity and corrected aberrant RNA splicing.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 12, 2018

Development of world's first vertical Ga2O3 transistor through ion implantation doping

The development of a vertical Ga2O3 metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor enables higher current drives without enlarging chip size, simplified thermal management, and improved field termination. The device shows decent electrical properties, paving the way for new generations of low-cost power electronic devices.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·JournalIEEE Electron Device Letters·DateDec 12, 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.

Hearing loss is a risk factor for premature death

A new study finds that hearing loss is associated with an increased risk of mortality before age 75 due to cardiovascular disease. Adults with a well-hearing partner experience diminished mortality risk, suggesting social support plays a crucial role in mitigating the effects of hearing loss.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateDec 12, 2018

Large restaurant portions a global problem, study finds

A new study found that large, high-calorie portion sizes in fast food and full service restaurants are not unique to the US, affecting people globally. The research measured calorie content in popular meals from five countries and found that fast food meals contained fewer calories than full service meals.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 12, 2018

Earth's cobalt deposits formed much later than previously believed

A new dating technique has pushed the formation of Earth's cobalt deposits back by 100-150 million years, according to a University of Alberta study. This revised timeline offers a fresh perspective on the global distribution of cobalt and its potential for sustainable exploration and mining.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 12, 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.

Cloud or no cloud, that is the question

Researchers at PNNL developed a deep learning model that surpasses current cloud detection algorithms by nearly doubling precision and reducing processing time. The model's performance is promising for global forecasting applications.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateDec 12, 2018

Chickens to be marker of Anthropocene

Modern broiler chickens are a defining feature of the Anthropocene, shaped by human biology and consumption. The rapid evolution of these chickens reflects a biosphere dominated by human activity.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateDec 12, 2018

A device that illuminates the invisible

Engineers at the University of Delaware have developed a camera-like device that generates and detects millimeter waves to 'see' through solid objects. The device can detect concealed objects and see through non-metallic objects, making it useful for military operations and improved security in various settings.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateDec 12, 2018