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Science News Archive December 2018 - Page 31


Page 31 of 33

Study shows low-income women in Texas are not getting contraception after childbirth

A recent study from the University of Texas at Austin found that two-thirds of low-income women in Texas did not receive their preferred form of contraception at their six-week postpartum visit. Women who wanted IUDs or implants faced significant difficulties accessing these highly effective methods, with only ten percent receiving the...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalPerspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health·DateDec 4, 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.

A step closer to fusion energy

Scientists from Swansea University and international partners use x-ray and neutron imaging to assess fusion component robustness, yielding valuable data for development. The research aims to harness nuclear fusion safely and efficiently, overcoming temperature challenges in extreme environments.

SourceSwansea University·JournalFusion Engineering and Design·DateDec 4, 2018

Diversity efforts drive rise in female and minority medical school students

A decade after introduction of diversity standards, medical schools in the US are accepting more women and minority students, suggesting a sufficient pool of underrepresented talent to boost diversity. The study found that the number and proportion of female and African American medical school applicants increased significantly over time.

SourceYale University·JournalJAMA·DateDec 4, 2018

Marmoset study gives insights into loss of pleasure in depression

A recent study using marmosets identified the brain region responsible for anhedonia, a key symptom of depression. The researchers found that over-activity in this region blunts excitement and motivation, but a commonly used antidepressant ketamine blocks these effects, suggesting new treatment possibilities.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNeuron·DateDec 4, 2018

New catalyst achieves unprecedented activities

Researchers have developed a new efficient catalyst to synthesise aromatic amines, which are central building blocks in many drugs and pesticides. The system is more active than conventional catalysts, enabling faster and more efficient production of these compounds.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 4, 2018

Mathematical model offers new strategies for urban burglary prevention

A new mathematical model, inspired by age-dependent population models, analyzes urban burglary patterns and identifies key factors influencing repeat victimization. The model takes into account a burglar's age and a house's susceptibility to robbery based on its age, providing a flexible framework for prevention strategies.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Applied Dynamical Systems·DateDec 4, 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.

Study counts the high cost of infidelity for swift parrots

A study led by Australian National University found swift parrots experience love triangles, sneaky sex, and increased fighting among males as the ratio of females to males increases. The introduction of sugar gliders has led to a chronic shortage of females, resulting in fewer babies being born.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateDec 4, 2018

A missed opportunity

Despite unmet need for treatment of substance use disorders, telemedicine use for this condition remains woefully underused. The study found that telehealth visits for substance use disorder accounted for only 1.4 percent of all telehealth visits, highlighting a significant gap in access to care.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalHealth Affairs·DateDec 4, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Are opioids prescribed by dental providers associated with later use, abuse?

An observational study found a higher risk of subsequent opioid use and abuse among patients exposed to opioids prescribed by dental providers. The study, examining outpatient opioid prescriptions for patients aged 16-25, suggests increased scrutiny is needed during third-molar extractions and postoperative care

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateDec 3, 2018

Uneven rates of sea level rise tied to climate change

A new study reveals that human-caused climate change drives uneven sea level rise, with regions experiencing higher rates expected to continue trending. Climate models suggest that up to half of regional variation in sea level rise can be attributed to climate change.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 3, 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.

Researchers develop accurate, non-invasive method to detect bladder cancer

A new method for detecting bladder cancer has been developed using atomic force microscopy (AFM), which can accurately identify cancerous cells in urine samples with high sensitivity. The test demonstrates over 90% sensitivity in detecting bladder cancer, compared to 20-80% for current non-invasive diagnostics.

SourceTufts University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 3, 2018

Pesticides and honey bee mass mortality

Researchers identify fipronil as a potential cause of mass honey bee mortalities in France in the 1990s. Laboratory studies and modeling simulations suggest that fipronil, not imidacloprid, was more likely involved in colony collapse due to toxic bioaccumulation.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 3, 2018

Rural youth with mild head injuries face higher medical costs but get less care

A study by Washington State University found that rural children with mild traumatic brain injuries receive less care and have significantly higher healthcare costs compared to urban youth. This disparity is attributed to limited access to specialized services and a shortage of healthcare providers in rural areas, leading to longer tra...

SourceWashington State University·JournalHealth Services Research·DateDec 3, 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.

Children's Colorado researchers link sleep health to insulin resistance in obese teens

Researchers at Children's Hospital Colorado found that shorter sleep duration, later weekday bedtimes, and poor circadian timing were linked to reduced insulin sensitivity in adolescents with overweight or obesity. The study suggests potential benefits of improving sleep health through interventions like delayed school start times.

SourceChildren's Hospital Colorado·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateDec 3, 2018

Modelling study suggests that statins may be significantly overprescribed

A modelling study suggests that statins may be significantly overprescribed for people with a 10-year cardiovascular disease risk between 7.5% and 10%. The study found that the benefits of statin therapy did not outweigh the harms until the 10-year CVD risk threshold was above 21% for men aged 70-75, highlighting the need to reassess g...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 3, 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.

Sea level rise and climate variability

A recent study analyzed climate simulations and found that sea-level rise trends are largely driven by external factors such as aerosols and greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers used satellite altimetry data to calculate the forced response in sea level, which showed significant correlation with internal variability.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 3, 2018

First jellyfish genome reveals ancient beginnings of complex body plan

The Aurelia genome study reveals jellyfish recycled existing genes to transform from polyps to medusae, indicating early animals can easily adapt and radiate into new forms. This research provides insights into evolution, nervous system development, and potentially controlling environmentally damaging jellyfish blooms.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateDec 3, 2018

Machine learning identifies plants at risk of extinction

A machine-learning approach predicts plant species at risk of extinction using open-source data for over 150,000 land plant species. The approach identifies variables predicting extinction risk and calculates probability of a species being designated as endangered.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 3, 2018

Study takes stand on true health benefits of getting up out of your chair

A new study from the University of Bath found that standing for hours a day burns only about 9 calories an hour, equivalent to a stalk of celery. This suggests that replacing sitting with standing time is unlikely to lead to significant weight loss, and individuals should focus on increasing physical activity and diet instead.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateDec 3, 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.

The irrational consumer: Decision making based on feelings rather than facts

A recent study found that consumers' knowledge about toxicological principles is limited, leading to misconceptions about man-made versus natural chemicals. Emotions such as disgust also play a significant role in accepting new food technologies, with a negative association between willingness to eat and disgust responses.

SourceSociety for Risk Analysis·DateDec 3, 2018

Rotavirus outsources cellular protein CK1α to assemble virus factories

The study reveals that CK1α is essential for the formation of rotavirus factories by chemically modifying viral component NSP2. This process triggers its localization and assembly into the virus factory, a critical step in new virus production.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 3, 2018

Investigators discover compounds that block reactivation of latent HIV-1

A team of investigators from the University of Pittsburgh has identified compounds that block the reactivation of latent HIV-1 in a human cell line. The research, published in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, found 12 kinase inhibitors that irreversibly blocked HIV-1 reactivation with minimal toxicity.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateDec 3, 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.

Boys with social difficulties most susceptible to early substance use, study finds

A new study found that boys with social skills problems, anxiety, learning and conduct issues are at the greatest risk of developing aggressive behavior and using tobacco, alcohol and marijuana by the end of eighth grade. The study identified four distinct patterns of co-occurring social-emotional learning and behavioral problems among...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalThe Journal of Early Adolescence·DateDec 3, 2018

People who prefer casual sex still desire intimacy

A study by Binghamton University researchers found that individuals who prefer casual sex still desire intimacy and affection. The study revealed that partners were more likely to engage in intimate activities in romantic relationships than in casual sex, but the rate of these acts in casual sex was higher than expected.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Relationships Research·DateDec 3, 2018

Timing could mean everything after spinal cord injury

A study of male and female rats found that moderate spinal cord damage alters daily body temperature and activity patterns. Restoring normal routines through circadian therapies may promote recovery after spinal cord injury.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateDec 3, 2018

Tele-ERs can help strengthen rural hospitals

A University of Iowa study found that rural hospitals using tele-medicine to back up their emergency room health care providers save an average of $117,000 annually in healthcare provider costs. This model also helps recruit new physicians by offering better work-life balance and reducing burnout.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalHealth Affairs·DateDec 3, 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.

Innate auditory skills and music training

Research suggests that innate auditory perception skills play a significant role in shaping the neural encoding of speech during music training. Volunteers with higher musical listening abilities exhibited enhanced neural encoding of speech cues, comparable to those with extensive formal music training.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 3, 2018

Children perform better when parents are involved in school life

A family's involvement in their child's education plays a crucial role in breaking the cycle of inequality. Parents who actively participate in academics tend to have higher socioeconomic status, which translates to better academic performance and increased opportunities for higher education.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalEducational Studies·DateDec 3, 2018

Nanoscale tweezers can perform single-molecule 'biopsies' on individual cells

Researchers have developed nanoscale tweezers that can perform single-molecule 'biopsies' on individual cells, extracting DNA, proteins, and organelles without destroying the cell. This technique could help scientists build a 'human cell atlas' and better understand fundamental cellular processes.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 3, 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.

Effects of climate change on animal mimicry

A study on climate change and its effects on animal mimicry found that seasonal shifts alter the relationship between mimics, models, and predators. Climate change affects the emergence timing of different species in a Batesian mimicry system, leading to changes in predator-prey interactions.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 3, 2018

Pulses of sinking carbon reaching the deep sea are not captured in global climate models

A recent study found that pulses of organic carbon reaching the deep sea are not accurately represented in global climate models. The research, conducted at Station M off California's coast, showed a significant increase in pulse events between 2011 and 2017, with 40% of total carbon arriving during these episodes.

SourceMonterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 3, 2018

Early clinical trial data show gene therapy reversing sickle cell anemia

Researchers have developed a gene therapy treatment that is reversing disease symptoms in two adults with Sickle Cell Anemia. The treatment, which uses reduced-intensity preconditioning, shows promise for transportability to resource-challenged parts of the world where SCA is most common.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·DateDec 3, 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.

New review highlights importance of good sleep routines for children

A recent review by University of British Columbia sleep expert Wendy Hall emphasizes the importance of good sleep hygiene for children, recommending regular bedtimes and limiting technology use before bedtime. The study found that these practices can help promote healthy sleep and prevent problems at school and development delays.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPaediatric Respiratory Reviews·DateDec 3, 2018

Not in the DNA: Epigenetics discovered in single-celled archaea

University of Nebraska-Lincoln researchers found epigenetic traits in Sulfolobus solfataricus, a species of archaea that thrive in acidic environments. The discovery could accelerate the study of epigenetics in humans, potentially leading to new insights into trait inheritance and management.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 3, 2018

Machine learning helps predict worldwide plant-conservation priorities

A new machine learning-based approach predicts conservation status of over 150,000 plants, identifying 15,000 species at high risk. The method uses data analytics and machine learning to assess habitat features, weather patterns, and physical characteristics.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 3, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Epigenetic map may pave way for new therapeutic solutions to hearing loss

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have created the first map of methylation that reflects the functioning of the inner ear, revealing critical genes for hearing development. The discovery may lead to new therapeutics by modifying epigenetic signals to allow regeneration of hair cells.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 3, 2018

Borophene advances as 2D materials platform

Physicists from Brookhaven National Laboratory and Yale University have synthesized large-area single-crystal domains of borophene on copper substrates, expanding its potential for fabricating high-performance devices. The discovery represents a significant step towards practical borophene-based electronics.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 3, 2018

Salt-evolved zooplankton grow too slowly to block salt-induced algal blooms

Research shows that salt-adapted zooplankton grow 65% slower than regular zooplankton, triggering algal blooms in polluted environments. Salt tolerance comes with a cost, including slower growth and reduced ability to control algal blooms.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateDec 3, 2018

New tool to find and fight most dangerous types of lymphoma

Researchers have developed a new test called gene expression profiling that identified one in 10 patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma as being half as likely to be cured with existing treatments. The 'molecular high grade' group has a three-year survival rate of only about 37% after standard treatment.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateDec 3, 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.

Targeting scar-free wound healing

A European Research Council Consolidator grant has been awarded to Dr. Yuval Rinkevich's team at Helmholtz Munich to study the role of fibroblasts in wound healing, with a focus on determining how differences in their populations affect scarring outcomes.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·DateDec 3, 2018

Capturing the surprising flexibility of crystal surfaces

Researchers observed flexible changes on crystal surfaces using real-time imaging, finding porous coordination polymer crystals can dynamically change shape when introduced to guest molecules. This property makes them attractive for developing devices that selectively adsorb gas molecules.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateDec 3, 2018

Linguistic study finds 'the I's have it' when it comes to education rates

A new linguistic study by the University of Bath found that countries where personal pronouns can be omitted have lower secondary school enrolment rates, especially among women. The research analyzed data from over 114,000 individuals in 75 countries and found a significant effect on educational attainment.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalKyklos·DateDec 3, 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.