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Science News Archive December 2018 - Page 28


Page 28 of 33

Greenland ice sheet melt 'off the charts' compared with past four centuries

Research shows Greenland's surface melting has increased dramatically since the mid-19th century, with a 50% increase in total ice sheet meltwater runoff versus the start of the industrial era. This study provides evidence that climate change is driving unprecedented rates of ice sheet melting, which could accelerate sea level rise.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalNature·DateDec 5, 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.

A microbe's membrane helps it survive extreme environments

Stanford researchers discovered a protective lipid-linked cellular membrane in archaea, allowing them to thrive in highly acidic habitats. The discovery could provide new evidence about the evolution of life on Earth and shed light on molecular fossils.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 5, 2018

'Sun in a box' would store renewable energy for the grid

Researchers propose new storage system to deliver electricity on demand using molten silicon and high-temperature pump, offering cost-effective alternative to pumped hydroelectric storage. The system could be paired with existing renewable energy systems to capture excess electricity during the day and store it for later use.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateDec 5, 2018

Information from citizens could improve flood modelling

A new study uses citizen science to enhance flood forecasting by integrating water level data into models. The Hydrological Alert Model with Participatory Basis (HAMPB) model has shown promising results in improving forecast accuracy.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Flood Risk Management·DateDec 5, 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.

Neighborhoods with more green space may mean less heart disease

Research found that living in areas with dense vegetation is associated with lower stress levels, better blood vessel health, and improved cardiovascular function. The study's findings suggest that increasing green spaces in neighborhoods could be a significant public health intervention for reducing heart disease risk.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateDec 5, 2018

Study solves puzzle of snail and slug feeding preferences

A study by the University of Plymouth found that snails are attracted to seedlings based on their volatile scent preferences, while those with repellent chemicals avoid damage. This discovery provides insights into the complex interactions between slugs and snails in natural habitats.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalAnnals of Botany·DateDec 5, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Type 2 diabetes: A therapeutic avenue is emerging

Researchers have discovered a new therapeutic avenue for treating type 2 diabetes by targeting the interaction between hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) and a transcription factor responsible for fatty acid synthesis. Decreasing HSL expression leads to improved insulin sensitivity, which may help prevent or manage the disease.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalNature Metabolism·DateDec 5, 2018

DNA damage leads to genetic diseases and cancer

Scientists discovered that DNA damage, not just errors in DNA doubling, causes many genetic mutations. This challenge traditional views on mutagenesis and its role in hereditary diseases and cancer.

SourceAKSON Russian Science Communication Association·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 5, 2018

Revolutionary technology pinpoints biopsies to detect prostate cancer

A new medical software system, SmartTarget, enhances prostate cancer detection by overlaying MRI scans onto ultrasound images, guiding surgeons during biopsies. The technology has shown that combining both techniques can detect clinically relevant cancers missed with current methods.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalEuropean Urology·DateDec 5, 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.

NUS engineers invent groundbreaking spin-based memory device

Researchers have developed a novel ferrimagnetic spintronic memory device, outperforming traditional ferromagnet-based memories in terms of stability and efficiency. The new technology has the potential to accelerate the growth of the spintronic industry.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Materials·DateDec 5, 2018

Strong growth in global CO2 emissions expected for 2018

Global CO2 emissions are expected to reach 37.1 billion tonnes in 2018, with a solid growth in coal use for the second year in a row and sustained growth in oil and gas use. Emissions need to peak and rapidly decrease to address climate change.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature·DateDec 5, 2018

Peace, not war, responsible for deforestation in armed conflict zones

Rates of deforestation in war zones increase dramatically once peace is declared, according to a University of Waterloo study. Forests and jungles provide ecosystem services like carbon sequestration and food provision, which are hindered by deforestation after conflict ends.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalLand Use Policy·DateDec 5, 2018

Newly identified T cells could play a role in cancer and other diseases

Researchers have identified a new type of T cell called phospholipid-reactive T cells that recognize phospholipids, which can stimulate them or prevent glycolipids from reaching the surface of cells. This balance is crucial for maintaining homeostasis in the immune system.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalEuropean Journal of Immunology·DateDec 5, 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.

How the brain hears and fears

Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory found that brain cells in mice associate sounds with emotions through experience and learning. The amygdala, a key brain region, shows specific patterns of neuron activity when animals are trained to fear or anticipate rewards.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 5, 2018

Paving the way for more efficient hydrogen cars

Scientists have used metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to set a new record for hydrogen storage capacity under normal operating conditions. The researchers found that a MOF called Ni2(m-dobdc) had the highest hydrogen-storage capacity, with 11.9 g of fuel per liter of MOF crystal.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateDec 5, 2018

Breakthrough in blood vessel engineering

A team at the University of Delaware has pioneered methods to grow a self-assembling, functional network of blood vessels. The system works across centimeter scales, necessary for functional tissue replacement, and could someday be utilized for tissue and organ transplantation into humans.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalBiomaterials·DateDec 5, 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.

COSINE-100 experiment investigates dark matter mystery

The COSINE-100 experiment has released its first results, confirming the absence of a dark matter signal in the data. The study challenges the DAMA claim as a WIMP signal, significantly challenging the traditional Standard Halo Model for dark matter.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature·DateDec 5, 2018

Infections during childhood increase the risk of mental disorders

A new study from iPSYCH shows that childhood infections increase the risk of mental disorders, with high temperatures and hospital admissions being particularly associated. The study found an 84% increased risk of mental disorders in children who were hospitalized for infections.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateDec 5, 2018

Possible alterations in the DNA involved in cancer

A study published in Cell Reports reveals the role of protein PIF1 in repairing G-quadruplex DNA structures, which can impede DNA repair mechanisms. The discovery sheds light on potential therapeutic options for cancer treatment and could improve patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 5, 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.

Modeling the microbiome

Researchers analyzed the interactions between five core species of bacteria found in the fly gut, revealing a nuanced tradeoff between lifespan and fecundity. The study suggests that the presence or absence of individual species influences the host's fitness, and that the microbiome's influence cannot be solely attributed to its parts.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 5, 2018

Dirty air now could harm hearts of offspring later

Researchers at Ohio State University found that mice exposed to polluted air before conception had heart problems and impaired function in their offspring. The study suggests that pollution-related cardiovascular disease may start even before conception.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateDec 5, 2018

Whole-brain imaging of mice during behavior

Researchers developed high-resolution functional ultrasound imaging to study brain activity in awake and behaving mice. They found that out of 181 consistently identified brain regions, 87 were modulated during the optokinetic reflex, a stabilizing eye movement response.

SourceInstitute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel·JournalNeuron·DateDec 5, 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.

Molecular adlayer produced by dissolving water-insoluble nanographene in water

Researchers from Kumamoto University and Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a method to dissolve water-insoluble nanographene in water using molecular containers. The method successfully produced a highly ordered 2D molecular adlayer on a gold substrate, revealing its potential for next-generation functional nanomaterials.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 5, 2018

CEASE program increases smoking cessation assistance provided to breastfeeding mothers

A new study by MassGeneral Hospital for Children finds that breastfeeding mothers are more likely to quit smoking when they have access to evidence-based assistance. The CEASE program, which trains pediatric office staff to screen and support smoking families, provides nicotine replacement prescriptions and referrals to state quitlines.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateDec 5, 2018

Study examines effects of different opioids on driving performance

A recent study found that opioids like methadone and buprenorphine can impair cognitive tasks and increase sleepiness, with four participants stopping their tests due to drowsiness. The study's results indicate that patients should be informed about the potential driving impairment caused by these medications.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateDec 5, 2018

Researchers advance biomass transformation process

Scientists developed a strategy to transform 70% of carbon in ABE fermentation mixture to 4-heptanone with high selectivity using tin-doped ceria. The catalyst achieves excellent performance despite the presence of water, which is detrimental to most catalysts.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 5, 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.

Breast cancer patients who take heart drug with trastuzumab have less heart damage

A recent study presented at EuroEcho-Imaging 2018 suggests that breast cancer patients who take the beta-blocker carvedilol together with trastuzumab have better-preserved left ventricular function compared to those who take trastuzumab alone. This may indicate that carvedilol can help prevent heart damage caused by trastuzumab treatment.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateDec 5, 2018

A new therapeutic target for metastatic and resistant prostate cancers

Researchers have identified NSD2 as a new vulnerability in aggressive, metastatic prostate cancers that have become resistant to hormonal therapies. The study suggests a combined therapeutic approach using an NSD2 inhibitor drug with conventional antiandrogenic drugs to re-sensitize resistant tumors.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 5, 2018

Study: Tuberculosis survives by using host system against itself

Scientists discovered Mycobacterium tuberculosis releases RNA into infected cells, stimulating interferon beta production to support pathogen growth. Mice lacking key protein required for responding to foreign RNA were better able to control MTB infection.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateDec 5, 2018

Sea invertebrate sheds light on evolution of human blood, immune systems

Researchers have found that Botryllus schlosseri, a marine invertebrate, has a blood-forming system with uncanny similarities to humans. This discovery may provide a way to improve immune function and find new tools for biological discovery. The study also reveals parallels between the blood systems in Botryllus and mammals.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature·DateDec 5, 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.

Wind power vulnerable to climate change in India

A new study found that warming waters in the Indian Ocean are causing a decline in wind power potential in India, with western regions experiencing the steepest decrease. The research suggests that investing in wind turbines in areas with stronger monsoon winds can help minimize the impact of climate change.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 5, 2018

People and plants: Working together for the planet

The new journal explores the unbreakable bond between people and plants, highlighting its impact on societies, cultures, and ecosystems. It aims to publish emerging plant science with societal relevance, covering six themes: plant conservation, genomics applications, diversity, global change, natural assets, and their interconnections.

SourceNew Phytologist Foundation·DateDec 5, 2018

Widespread decrease in wind energy resources found over the Northern Hemisphere

A new study reveals a significant decline in wind energy resources over the Northern Hemisphere, with 30-80% of stations losing wind power potential since 1979. Climate models are found to be inadequate in simulating long-term wind energy changes, underscoring the need for careful consideration when using GCM-based projections.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalEnergy·DateDec 5, 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.

Rethinking the history related to indigenous sites in northeast North America

Scientists used radiocarbon dating to re-evaluate the history of key indigenous sites in Canada, finding that European trade goods were not reliable chronological markers. The study suggests that notable 'contact-era' events may need to be revaluated, as previously dated sites now date 50-100 years later than assumed.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 5, 2018

UC San Diego researchers develop sensors to detect and measure cancer's ability to spread

Researchers have engineered sensors to monitor multiple signaling pathways driving tumor metastasis, enabling the prediction of a tumor cell's potential to spread. The development of Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) biosensors has the potential to transform cancer cell biology and inform personalized treatment strategies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournaliScience·DateDec 5, 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.

Using graphene to detect ALS, other neurodegenerative diseases

Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago used graphene to identify cerebrospinal fluid from patients with ALS, multiple sclerosis, or no neurodegenerative disease. The study found unique changes in graphene's vibrational characteristics depending on the patient's condition.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateDec 5, 2018

Extreme ethnic inequalities in the care system

Research reveals extreme ethnic inequalities in the care system, with disparities affecting children from minority ethnic groups. The study found that 'White British' children are ten times more likely to be in care than 'Asian Indian' children, and 'Black Caribbean' children are 20 times more likely.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·DateDec 5, 2018

Multifunctional dream ceramic matrix composites are born!

Researchers created AI2O3/Ti composites with improved fracture toughness, electrical conductivity, and photocatalytic ability through percolation structure and chemical treatment. The composites also showed machinability like metals and antibacterial properties.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of the Ceramic Society of Japan·DateDec 5, 2018

Monitoring species: Are we looking long enough?

Conservation efforts rely heavily on estimates of animal populations, but monitoring periods are often short due to funding cycles and experimental time frames. Research by Easton R. White suggests that 72% of species require at least 10 years of continuous monitoring for high statistical power.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateDec 5, 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.

Arc welding fume is detrimental to human health

Researchers at Far Eastern Federal University found that arc welding produces toxic nanoparticles in the air, which can be inhaled through the respiratory system. The particles contain metal oxidation products, particularly those with diameters under 1 nanometer, and can translocate to the central nervous system.

SourceFar Eastern Federal University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 5, 2018

Small molecules come into focus

Scientists at Harvard University and Brigham and Women's Hospital developed a new immunoassay technique that measures extremely low concentrations of small molecules using single-molecule detection. The method was tested on two important human body molecules, cortisol and PGE2, achieving up to 50 times greater sensitivity than conventi...

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 5, 2018

Can rice filter water from ag fields?

Researchers have discovered that rice plants can be used to clean runoff from farms before it enters waterways, capturing pesticides and reducing their presence in rivers and streams. The study found that levels of three common pesticides dropped by as much as 97% in fields where rice was planted.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateDec 5, 2018

Reflecting antiferromagnetic arrangements

A team demonstrated an x-ray imaging technique that can image antiphase magnetic domains in antiferromagnets, a key step towards controlling their magnetic structure. This could lead to the development of smaller, faster, and more robust electronics using spintronics.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 5, 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.