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Science News Archive December 2018 - Page 19


Page 19 of 33

Why deep oceans gave life to the first big, complex organisms

A new study from Stanford University suggests that the deep ocean's stable temperatures enabled the emergence of complex life forms during the Ediacaran period. The research proposes that animals needed a haven from temperature fluctuations, which were less severe in the deep ocean, allowing them to thrive with limited oxygen supplies.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·DateDec 12, 2018

How bullying affects the brain

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that chronic peer victimization during adolescence can lead to structural changes in the brain, including decreased volume in areas related to anxiety and depression. The research suggests that early intervention may help mitigate these effects.

SourceSpringer·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·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.

Calories in popular restaurant chain meals 'excessive' warn experts

A University of Liverpool study found that popular restaurant chain meals in the UK and internationally have excessive calorie content, with only a small minority meeting public health recommendations. The researchers call for the food industry to reduce calories in their products and mandatory labelling of all restaurant food.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 12, 2018

Developing brains of premature babies benefit from caffeine therapy

A new study led by UCalgary researcher finds that early caffeine treatment has no long-term negative effects on neurodevelopment, but is associated with better cognitive scores. The therapy also reduces the risk of cerebral palsy and hearing impairment in premature babies.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateDec 12, 2018

Obtaining polyester from plant oil

Researchers developed a method to obtain polyester from plant oil by functionalizing polymerization, preventing loss of Undecenol and disrupting molecular chain-building process. The concept has potential transfer applications for other renewable resources.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 12, 2018

An intellectually active lifestyle protects against neurodegeneration in Huntington's

Researchers found that greater cognitive activity throughout life delays the appearance of symptoms and reduces grey matter loss in the brain. Participants with higher educational levels, language proficiency, and cognitive stimulation showed better neuropsychological test scores and slower disease progression.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalNeuropsychologia·DateDec 12, 2018

Stem cell researchers develop promising technique to generate new muscle cells in lab

Scientists at the University of Texas Health Science Center have engineered a novel human stem cell line for skeletal muscle, enabling faster and more efficient generation of muscle stem cells. The breakthrough could lead to disease modeling, gene correction, and potential cell therapy for patients with muscle disorders.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalCell Reports·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.

Insight into cause of rare disorder may aid quest for treatments

MeCP2 duplication syndrome, a rare genetic disorder affecting mainly boys, may benefit from new treatments by blocking key protein interactions. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh identified a crucial part of the protein binding to NCoR as responsible for disease symptoms, paving the way for therapies that target this interaction.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalGenes & Development·DateDec 12, 2018

Researchers develop mathematical solver for analog computers

Researchers at University of Notre Dame have developed a new mathematical approach to solve NP-hard problems using analog computing. The 'solver' has the potential to find better and possibly faster solutions than digital computers for complex optimization problems.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 12, 2018

Pesticide exposure raises risk for cardiovascular disease among Latino workers

A new study published in the journal Heart found that Latinos exposed to pesticides at work are twice as likely to have cardiovascular disease. The study, based on survey responses from 7,404 employed Latinos, also found increased risk of atrial fibrillation among those with occupational exposure to metals or pesticides.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalHeart·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.

The stiffest porous lightweight materials ever

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed porous lightweight materials that approach theoretical maximum stiffness, outperforming traditional truss-based structures. These novel plate-lattice materials are stiffer, stronger, and more efficient than their counterparts, opening up new possibilities for various applications.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 12, 2018

New sepsis treatment a step closer

A large clinical study in Australia and New Zealand aims to better understand sepsis treatment practices and evaluate the effectiveness of a reduced fluid approach. The study, funded by the Emergency Medicine Foundation, will investigate how intravenous fluids are used to treat sepsis patients.

SourceEmergency Medicine Foundation (Australia)·JournalTrials·DateDec 11, 2018

Silica paradox

Researchers have synthesized and described metastable phases of high-pressure silica, coesite-IV and coesite-V, with crystal structures drastically different from earlier models. These new materials exist at extreme pressures and challenge Pauling's rules on bonding in inorganic materials.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 11, 2018

Yale chemists find a new tool for understanding enzymes -- Google

Yale researchers used Google's algorithm to understand how information is transferred between enzyme sites, identifying crucial amino acids. This breakthrough could lead to new antibiotics, pesticides, and herbicides, combining data science with molecular dynamics simulations and NMR spectroscopy.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 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.

Color-changing fabric warns military about chemical agents

The US military seeks to protect its troops against chemical attacks with a new color-changing fabric developed by University of Cincinnati Professor Anastasios Angelopoulos. The fabric, made from the polymer Nafion, detects chemical agents in the air while preventing them from interacting with the skin.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateDec 11, 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.

The costs and trade-offs of reforming long-term care for older people

A £36k lifetime cap on care costs could cost £3.6 billion by 2035, while ensuring a minimum level of social care for all older people with high needs would also cost around £3.6 billion. The proposed reforms investigated include previous plans and suggestions for caps on care costs, free personal care, and easing the means test.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·DateDec 11, 2018

Smelling the forest -- not the trees

A new study by the University of Konstanz and the University of Sussex found that animals can detect complex odor mixtures more quickly and reliably than individual pure compounds. This suggests that our olfactory systems may be better suited to handle mixed smells, which are a common aspect of our environment.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateDec 11, 2018

New guidance outlines recommendations for infection control in anesthesiology

The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America has issued a new expert guidance on how hospitals can reduce infections associated with anesthesiology procedures and equipment. The guidance recommends steps to improve infection prevention through increased hand hygiene, environmental disinfection, and continuous improvement plans.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateDec 11, 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.

Calibrating cosmic mile markers

New work from the Carnegie Supernova Project provides precise calibrations for using type Ia supernovae to measure cosmic distances. This improvement helps astronomers better understand how fast the universe is expanding and the potential impact of dark energy on this process.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·DateDec 11, 2018

Digital mammography increases breast cancer detection

A recent study published in the journal Radiology found that digital mammography significantly increased breast cancer detection by 14 percent compared to screen film mammography. The technology improved detection of early-stage cancers, including ductal carcinoma in situ, without increasing recall rates.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateDec 11, 2018

Whole-body PET/MRI provides one-stop shop for staging high-risk prostate cancer patients

PSMA-targeted PET/MRI performs equally well as clinical nomograms to determine risk for advanced disease in high-risk prostate cancer patients, providing valuable information for treatment planning. The study results show whole-body imaging with 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/MRI offers a one-stop shop for staging and guiding treatment options.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateDec 11, 2018

Researchers at LSTM identify additional mechanisms at play in insecticide resistance

A study published in Nature Communications has uncovered additional mechanisms of insecticide resistance in mosquitoes, which had not been previously recognized. The research used a bioinformatics approach to integrate data from multiple studies and identified new gene families and pathways involved in resistance.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 11, 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.

Brain activity shows development of visual sensitivity in autism

Research on brain activity shows that sensory responses to visual patterns change between childhood and adulthood in people with autism, mirroring a genetic change associated with autism in fruit flies. The study provides insight into the mechanisms underlying sensory issues in autism, potentially leading to new treatments.

SourceUniversity of York·DateDec 11, 2018

Alzheimer's drug may help battle antibiotic resistance

Researchers discovered that a drug initially developed for Alzheimer's disease has antibacterial properties, potentially breaking antibiotic resistance in bacteria. The findings suggest the drug could be repurposed to treat infectious diseases.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalmBio·DateDec 11, 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.

Maintaining the unlimited potential of stem cells

Scientists from the Salk Institute discovered a new protein complex that keeps embryonic stem cells at their fullest potential, allowing them to maintain their indefinite potential. This discovery could provide a future target for regenerative therapies.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 11, 2018

Pitt chemical engineers develop new theory to build improved nanomaterials

Researchers have developed a new theory to better predict the behavior of nanoclusters when a metal is introduced, reducing experimental time and costs. The theory enables the precise control of nanocluster size, shape, and composition, opening doors for tailored properties in nanotechnology.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateDec 11, 2018

Inaccurate prescribing warnings in electronic medical record systems

A survey of psychiatrists found that a substantial proportion believe their electronic prescribing systems provide incorrect warnings, potentially leading to inadequate treatment. The study highlights the need for more research on the accuracy and usefulness of automated alerts.

SourceParthenon Management Group·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateDec 11, 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.

Relationship impairments hinder men seeking mental health treatment

Researchers found that relationship impairment interferes with treatment seeking among post-9/11 military veterans, particularly men, while facilitating treatment seeking among women. The study suggests a sex difference in the role of relationships on treatment use.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalPsychiatry Research·DateDec 11, 2018

Human antibody discovery could save lives from fungal killer

Researchers have developed a new technique using antibodies cloned from patients who recovered from Candida infections, showing potential in treating and diagnosing these life-threatening fungal infections. The discovery could lead to the development of novel antifungal drugs through mycoBiologics, a spinout company.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 11, 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.

Drug repositioning strategy identifies potential anti-epilepsy drugs

Researchers at the University of Iowa used a multidisciplinary approach to identify 90 FDA-approved drugs that may have potential as anti-seizure treatments. Gene expression profiling and bioinformatics revealed that these drugs significantly reduced seizures in zebrafish models.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalAnnals of Clinical and Translational Neurology·DateDec 11, 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.

How skin cells protect themselves against stress

Cell biologists at University of Münster create mini-measuring device to analyze molecular forces in desmosomes. They find that desmosomes only experience stress when cells are pulled, and the degree of stress depends on force magnitude and orientation.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 11, 2018

Number of dementia sufferers worldwide grew by 117 percent in 26 years

A recent study reveals a significant increase in worldwide dementia cases over the past 26 years, with the number of people suffering from Alzheimer's disease and other dementias rising to 43.8 million in 2016. This represents a 117% growth, attributed to both aging and global population growth.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateDec 11, 2018

Citations show academic and non-academic researchers 'win' when they collaborate

A new analysis by University of Maryland professor Ben Shneiderman reveals that research papers with multiple coauthors receive significantly more citations. The study found that university-corporate collaborations produce breakthrough research with substantial impact. Researchers and universities recognize the power and benefits of pa...

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2018

USC study examines disruption of circadian rhythm as risk factor for diseases

Researchers found a novel time-keeping mechanism within liver cells that contributes to disease development when its natural rhythm is disrupted. The study suggests that the circadian clock modulates HNF4A's classical functions, providing a potential explanation for diseases such as diabetes and cancers.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 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.

MSMU scientists discovered the role of iron in programmed cell death

Iron plays a significant role in ferroptosis, a type of programmed cell death, by inducing lipid oxidation and ROS formation. A recent review by MSMU scientists reveals that glutathione peroxidase 4 reduction is the primary mechanism driving this process.

SourceSechenov University·JournalFree Radical Biology and Medicine·DateDec 11, 2018

The richer the reward, the faster you'll likely move to reach it, study shows

A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that humans are hardwired to maximize rewards, leading to faster movement towards desirable outcomes. The research found that richer rewards result in quicker eye movements and decision-making, with implications for understanding human behavior and economic theory.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2018

How does pregnancy inflammation affect immunity in newborns?

Researchers studying fetal exposure to inflammation aim to understand its impact on infant immune responses and potential prevention methods. High levels of Th17 cells in pregnancy-inflammation mothers and preterm babies have been linked to tissue damage, but their role in infection protection is unclear.

SourceSaint Louis University·DateDec 11, 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.

Medical training or a family? Residents, training programs seek balance

A new study finds striking inconsistency in parental leave policies at top residency programs, highlighting the need for balance between medical training and personal/family needs. The average maternity leave was 6.6 weeks, with paid leave policies averaging only 3.9 weeks for same-sex couples or adoptive parents.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA·DateDec 11, 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.

Taking uncertainty out of cancer prognosis

A recent study published in eLife found a strong relationship between copy number changes in genes and cancer patient outcomes. The researchers identified specific biomarkers that can determine a patient's prognosis, providing new hope for personalized cancer treatment.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·DateDec 11, 2018