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Science News Archive December 2018 - Page 20


Page 20 of 33

Green production of chemicals for industry

Researchers from KIT develop a new biomaterial that enables the use of enzymes for 'green' production of value-added chemicals. The new biomaterial facilitates rapid reactions with low energy consumption, making it an attractive alternative to traditional catalysts.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 11, 2018

Relationship between low income and obesity is relatively new, says study

A recent study found that poverty and obesity are connected, with a significant increase in obesity rates among low-income households since the early 1990s. The correlation between household income and obesity rate has grown steadily over time, with the poorest counties experiencing the largest increases.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalPalgrave Communications·DateDec 11, 2018

Roadmap reveals shortcut to recreate key HIV antibody for vaccines

A team of researchers at Duke University Medical Center has identified a shortcut to recreate a critical HIV antibody that neutralizes the virus. By understanding the maturation pathway of this antibody, they found a strategic detour around a previous obstacle, enabling the development of more effective vaccines.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalImmunity·DateDec 11, 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.

Brigham researchers develop smartphone-based ovulation test

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital developed an automated, low-cost tool to predict ovulation using AI-powered fern pattern detection. The device achieved over 99% accuracy in detecting ovulation and non-ovulation, offering a potential solution for family planning and fertility monitoring.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalLab on a Chip·DateDec 11, 2018

Internet therapy apps reduce depression symptoms, IU study finds

A study led by Indiana University psychologists found that internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy apps effectively alleviate depression symptoms in all stages. The analysis of 21 studies with over 4,700 participants showed that these apps can help a large number of people without severe mental health issues.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateDec 11, 2018

Researchers discover unique immune cell likely drives chronic inflammation

Researchers identified gamma delta T cells as a key driver of 'inflamm-aging' in both HIV-infected individuals and the general geriatric population. The study found that targeting these immune cells could potentially reduce the onset and severity of inflammation-related diseases.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateDec 11, 2018

Neighborhood affects the healthiness of dietary choices

Researchers from the University of Turku found that people living in neighborhoods with lower socioeconomic status ate less healthily, while those moving to more prosperous areas improved their diet. The study used a food index to measure adherence to dietary recommendations.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalHealth & Place·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.

BMI is a good measure of health after all, new study finds

A new study from the University of Bristol found that higher total fat and trunk fat at age 10 and 18 were associated with damaging levels of cardiometabolic traits. Higher BMI showed similar effects as higher total and trunk fat, reflecting close overlap between these measures.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateDec 11, 2018

Taming turbulence: Seeking to make complex simulations a breeze

Scientists have developed a new approach to modeling turbulence, which allows for the simplification of complex systems. By representing both growing and decaying motions, researchers can greatly improve existing models and tackle previously intractable problems, such as fusion experiments and weather forecasting.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateDec 11, 2018

Are you stressed? Your eyes may provide a window into your mental workload

Researchers at University of Missouri-Columbia have discovered that pupil size can indicate stress levels when multitasking. The study found a negative relationship between pupil dilation and workload, suggesting a potential tool for monitoring mental well-being in workers.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Human-Computer Interaction·DateDec 11, 2018

UH Professor named Fellow of National Academy of Inventors

Ruiwen Zhang, a University of Houston College of Pharmacy scientist, has been recognized as a leader in cancer prevention and treatment drug discovery and development. He has made major contributions to the discovery of cancer pharmacogenetic/pharmacogenomic syndrome and developed novel gene silencing technologies.

SourceUniversity of Houston·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.

Dracula ants possess fastest known animal appendage: The snap-jaw

The Dracula ant has the fastest animal movement on record, with its mandibles snapping shut at incredible speeds. This unique mechanism allows the ants to capture prey and defend their nests, making them a fascinating subject for study.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateDec 11, 2018

Sierra snowpack could drop significantly by end of century

A study by Berkeley Lab found that the Sierra Nevada snowpack could drop by 79% by 2100, leading to a shift in peak timing four weeks earlier. The researchers worked closely with water managers to produce 'actionable science' for resource planning purposes.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 11, 2018

Stop sterilizing your dust

A Northwestern University study reveals that triclosan in dust can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant infections. The researchers found higher abundances of genetic markers indicating resistance in dust with higher concentrations of triclosan, suggesting a link between the chemical and antibiotic resistance.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalmSystems·DateDec 11, 2018

Researchers use computer model to predict prostate cancer progression

A team of researchers has created a computer model using cancer patient data to predict the course of disease for prostate cancer. The model, currently being implemented at a clinic in Germany, can identify key mutations that trigger the disease.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalCancer Cell·DateDec 11, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Pregnant women, young children most likely to use bed nets to prevent malaria

A new study by Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs finds that pregnant women and young children in sub-Saharan Africa are the most likely family members to sleep under bed nets to prevent malaria. The study suggests that providing enough bed nets can reduce age and gender disparities in net use, but highlights concerns abou...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalMalaria Journal·DateDec 11, 2018

Pollen dispersal in traditional processing of buckwheat

Researchers examined pollen dispersal in traditional buckwheat processing, finding that pollen content reached over 70% during threshing and sieving stages. This study provides a scientific basis for identifying crop processing remains in archaeological sites and assessing human agricultural activities.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateDec 11, 2018

Study links frequent red meat consumption to high levels of chemical associated with heart disease

Researchers found that people who eat a diet rich in red meat have triple the TMAO levels of those who eat a diet rich in either white meat or mostly plant-based proteins. However, discontinuation of red meat eventually lowers these TMAO levels, suggesting a promising new strategy for individualizing diets and preventing heart disease.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateDec 11, 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.

Custom-made artificial mother-of-pearl

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a method to produce artificial mother-of-pearl with tailored properties, similar to natural mussels. The material's structure is composed of tiny plates stacked on top of each other and interconnected with mineral bridges, which can be adjusted to achieve desired physical properties.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2018

FSU researchers find racial inequity among adolescents receiving flu vaccine

A recent study by FSU researchers found significant racial disparities in flu vaccine rates among adolescents. Black teens received significantly lower vaccination rates than their white and Hispanic peers. The researchers suggest targeted interventions to improve vaccination rates and reduce disparities.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalPublic Health Reports·DateDec 11, 2018

Algorithms to locate centrioles in the cell

The University of Extremadura researchers have developed a methodology with new algorithms to analyse the location of centriole in a model cell. They discovered how the actin cytoskeleton influences polarised placement of centrioles in Drosophila and vertebrates.

SourceUniversity of Extremadura·JournalDevelopment·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.

What social stress in monkeys can tell us about human health

Researchers studied the impact of social status on macaques' immune systems and found that lower-status individuals had less responsive cells to glucocorticoid hormones. The study suggests a possible mechanism underlying glucocorticoid resistance in humans, which can lead to chronic stress and related health issues.

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

New tool delivers swifter picture of cognitive deficit

A new digital software tool, THINC-it, evaluates cognitive functions of severely depressed people and provides an accurate measure of patients' cognitive difficulties. The research assessed the tool's effectiveness in checking the cognitive function of 127 life-long sufferers of MDD.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateDec 11, 2018

How returning to a prior context briefly heightens memory recall

Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute discovered a mechanism the brain employs to make returning to a familiar context lead to vivid memories. The study found that brief re-exposure to the initial context increases the electrical excitability of 'engram cells,' which encode memory through specific neural connections.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalNeuron·DateDec 11, 2018

New understanding of mysterious 'hereditary swelling'

Researchers at Aarhus University have made a breakthrough in understanding hereditary angioedema by identifying cellular defects leading to the rare disease. The study reveals that genetic mutations cause intracellular retention of C1-inhibitor, resulting in patients producing only 10-20% of normal levels.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 11, 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.

Did supernovae kill off large ocean animals at dawn of Pleistocene?

A team suggests that a supernova or series of supernovae may have caused mass extinctions of large ocean animals, including the massive shark species Megalodon. The energy from these cosmic events would have triggered climate change and increased cancer rates in larger animals due to penetrating particles called muons.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalAstrobiology·DateDec 11, 2018

Tenacious and flexible goal pursuit gets older people on the move

A recent study at the University of Jyväskylä found that older people who persistently strive for their goals but can adjust them to current circumstances tend to move more and participate in outdoor activities. This suggests that tenacity and flexibility are essential resources for maintaining autonomy and quality of life in old age.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalAging Clinical and Experimental Research·DateDec 11, 2018

Researchers: Sawdust is next wave in renewable energy

A UMass Lowell team is working on developing renewable fuel additives from sawdust to increase energy efficiency and reduce emissions. The project aims to create a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels in internal combustion engines.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Lowell·DateDec 11, 2018

New link between atrial fibrillation and mutations in heart disease gene

A nationwide research team has discovered a strong relationship between early-onset atrial fibrillation and mutations in the TTN gene, which helps maintain heart muscle structure. Roughly two percent of patients with early-onset Afib had a loss-of-function mutation in TTN, increasing their likelihood of diagnosis at younger ages.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalJAMA·DateDec 11, 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.

Depressive symptoms higher for gay, lesbian and bisexual youth from age 10

A new UCL-led study found that gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth experience higher depressive symptoms starting at age 10 and persisting through adolescence. The study also showed that LGBQ young people are four times more likely to self-harm with suicidal intent than their heterosexual peers.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateDec 11, 2018

When less is more: A promising approach for low-cell-number epigenomic profiling

A new approach to epigenomic profiling has been developed that can analyze DNA-protein interactions using very small numbers of cells, ranging from 100 to 1,000. This technique, called Chromatin Integration Labeling sequencing (ChIL-seq), allows for the detection of histone modifications and DNA-binding factors with high precision.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateDec 11, 2018

New study makes 52 million tree stories more accessible to science

A new version of the International Tree Ring Data Bank has made it easier for scientists outside dendrochronology to access and interpret the data. The team corrected thousands of formatting issues, including reducing analytical bias from overrepresentation of certain tree species.

SourceHarvard University·JournalJournal of Biogeography·DateDec 11, 2018

Copper compound as promising quantum computing unit

Researchers at Friedrich Schiller University Jena have synthesized a molecule that can perform the function of a computing unit in a quantum computer. The molecule, a trinuclear copper complex, meets the condition of having a sufficiently long-lived spin state to be used as a qubit.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalChemical Communications·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.

New light-based technology reveals how cells communicate in human disease

Scientists have developed a new technique using light to detect signaling molecule secretion from individual cells, allowing for the simultaneous analysis of cell behavior over time. This enables early detection of diseases such as cancer and blood clots, which is critical for improving survival rates.

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

Pushing closer to a new cancer-fighting strategy

Researchers discovered that protrusions on cells trigger Ras-ERK activity, a frequently mutated cancer pathway. This finding could lead to new targets for cancer therapeutics and potentially offer alternative approaches to modulating the pathway's activity.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 11, 2018

Superhero science: Ant-Man and the Wasp

Researchers Max Mikel-Stites and Anne Staples investigated Ant-Man's microscale respiration, finding that superhero suits contain a combination of air pumps, compressors, and molecular filters to breathe while insect-sized. Their study could lead to new microfluidic technologies with potential consumer benefits.

SourceVirginia Tech·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.

Music evokes powerful positive emotions through personal memories

Researchers found that music and pictures evoke strong positive emotions due to personal memories, especially for social and positive feelings like tenderness and joy. The study also showed that personal memories play a crucial role in triggering sad emotions in response to music and pictures, particularly for dementia patients.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 11, 2018

UFZ model in the fight against African swine fever

The UFZ model suggests that managing isolated outbreaks of African swine fever requires swift action, including the removal of 20% of dead wild boars to control virus spread. The model also recommends establishing a central core zone and buffer zone to prevent further spread, highlighting the importance of fast response times.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·DateDec 11, 2018

Lithuanian scientists' approach to perovskite solar cells -- cheaper production and high efficiency

Researchers from Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) and Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin (HZB) developed a novel approach to form selective contact layers in perovskite solar cells using self-assembling monolayers. This method achieves extremely low material consumption and high efficiency, outperforming traditional methods.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateDec 11, 2018
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

New models sense human trust in smart machines

Researchers developed two classification models that gauge human trust in intelligent machines using electroencephalography and galvanic skin response. The models achieved a mean accuracy of 71.22 percent, enabling real-time trust estimation.

SourcePurdue University·DateDec 11, 2018

The source of stem cells points to two proteins

Researchers at Michigan State University have identified YAP1 and WWTR1 as crucial proteins in regulating the balance between pluripotent cells and placenta formation. This discovery sheds light on the natural process of creating embryonic stem cells, which could lead to advances in regenerative medicine and organoid technologies.

SourceMichigan State University·DateDec 11, 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.

Hong Kong's waters benefit health and wellbeing

A study found that residents with a view of the water from their home reported better health, while those who regularly visit such environments had higher wellbeing and lower depression risk. The research suggests Hong Kong's blue spaces could be an important public health resource.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalHealth & Place·DateDec 11, 2018

PCORI Board approves $20 million to support research on mental health, obesity

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has approved $20 million to support two new studies comparing different treatments for anxiety, depression, and obesity. The studies will examine strategies for treating expectant and new mothers with anxiety and depression, as well as approaches to preventing childhood obesity.

SourcePatient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute·DateDec 11, 2018

Online game trains players how to sort waste correctly

A new study found that a simple online game can teach people to sort waste correctly with lasting results. Players who received immediate feedback on their sorting choices showed significant improvements in accuracy, even after multiple sessions.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateDec 11, 2018

New approach towards an improved treatment of anxiety disorders

Researchers at Mainz University Medical Center have developed a new approach to treating anxiety disorders by anchoring positive experiences in the brain's memory. The study, published in Nature Communications, found that administering a commercially available drug that increases dopamine levels can reinforce fear extinction memories a...

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 11, 2018

Transformed: the plant whose sex life fascinated Charles Darwin

Researchers use Agrobacterium-mediated plant transformation to study heteromorphy in Primula vulgaris, a plant with a complex reproductive system that fascinated Charles Darwin. The transformation system allows scientists to delve deeper into the mysteries of heteromorphy and potentially lead to improvements in commercial crops.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalPlant Methods·DateDec 11, 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.

Small and isolated habitat patches crucial to species survival

New research reveals small and isolated habitat patches in Australia are vital to the survival of many rare and endangered species. Small patches of vegetation, such as those along roadsides or in urban areas, can be a last piece of habitat for species that once had widespread habitats.

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

CCNY-Yale researchers make shape shifting cell breakthrough

Researchers at CCNY and Yale developed a new efficient computational model to simulate the behavior of soft, shape-changing cells. The model provides accurate capture of particle deformation and allows easy adjustment of cell-cell interactions, enabling studies on tumor growth and embryonic development.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 11, 2018