Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive December 2018 - Page 33


Page 33 of 33

Prescribed burning not as damaging as previously thought

Researchers found that prescribed burning can produce positive outcomes when carried out on a sensible rotation, including reduced fire fuel loads and increased carbon accumulation. The study used stratigraphical techniques to analyze data from long-term ecological experiments at Moor House National Nature Reserve.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNature Geoscience·DateDec 3, 2018

Reproductive cycle may foreshadow Alzheimer's disease

Researchers found that female mice with Alzheimer's-like pathology spent more time in stages with high estrogen levels than control mice, associated with impaired learning and memory. Beta-amyloid production also increased during these stages, highlighting the importance of female biology in nervous system disorders.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateDec 3, 2018

What makes rats relapse

A recent study published in JNeurosci found that activation of the anterior insular cortex is a key predictor of relapse after abstinence in male rats. This finding has implications for understanding the neurobiology of relapse and may inform preventative strategies for alcohol use disorder in humans.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateDec 3, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Global warming increases frost damage on trees in Central Europe

A Finnish-Chinese study found that global warming increases frost damage on trees in Central Europe, with some areas experiencing substantial increases in spring frosts. This is due to earlier flowering and leafing out of plants, which can lead to more frequent and severe frost events.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateDec 3, 2018

Genetic relic of the 'black death' may offer clues in treating liver disease

A study found that a gene mutation believed to have protected people from the bubonic plague may also protect HIV patients with hepatitis C from fatal liver scarring. Researchers matched patients with and without the CCR5-delta 32 gene mutation and found that those with the mutation had less fibrosis progression.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateDec 3, 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.

In team sports, chemistry matters

Researchers analyzed data from professional sports leagues and online games to find that past shared success among team members boosts their chances of winning future games. The study's findings suggest that team chemistry is a crucial factor in determining team success, transcending cultural differences and industries.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateDec 3, 2018

In death, Lonesome George reveals why giant tortoises live so long

Researchers at Yale University discovered genetic variants linked to DNA repair, immune response, and cancer suppression in giant tortoises that enable them to live over 100 years. These findings provide new insights into aging research and could lead to breakthroughs in human health.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateDec 3, 2018

Research: A third of hospitalized adolescents with life-threatening anorexia are not thin

A study by Australian Dietitian Melissa Whitelaw found that 51 patients with 'atypical anorexia' had significant eating disorder psychopathology but were not underweight. The patients experienced life-threatening complications such as low pulse rates and deranged blood electrolytes despite being within or above the healthy weight range.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·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.

New drug combination could be more effective against melanoma

A new study suggests combining kinase inhibitors with ribonucleases could lead to better results against melanoma. The combination kills cells more effectively than either drug alone, potentially preventing tumor resistance. Researchers hope to test the combination in clinical trials.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMolecular Cancer Therapeutics·DateDec 3, 2018

Will light be the basis for quantum computing?

A team from INRS has successfully generated high-dimensional cluster states and implemented novel quantum operations, paving the way for one-way quantum computing. This breakthrough uses photons as a data medium, leveraging their unique properties to increase information storage capacity and boost computational power.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalNature Physics·DateDec 3, 2018

Young, hip farmers: Coming to a city near you

A new generation of farmers is shifting towards the outskirts of cities with high demand and purchasing power, driven by a desire for healthier food systems and authentic rural identities. The movement, identified by Purdue University researcher Andrew Flachs, thrives in hotspots like central Texas, Oklahoma, and the Great Lakes region.

SourcePurdue University·JournalRural Sociology·DateDec 3, 2018

Billions of nanoplastics accumulate in marine organisms within six hours

A groundbreaking study found that billions of nanoplastics can accumulate in the bodies of marine organisms like great scallops within just six hours. The research, led by the University of Plymouth, showed that even smaller particles measuring 20nm had become dispersed throughout the body's organs.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 3, 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.

SUTD researchers discover new material -- black silver

Researchers from Singapore University of Technology and Design have engineered a new inexpensive nanomaterial with exceptional performance in visible and infrared light interaction. The material can be used to improve solar cells and optically detect minute traces of biomolecules, offering potential industrial relevance.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalNano Energy·DateDec 3, 2018

A change in marital status affects the number of daily steps

A recent study found that changes in relationships affect physical activity levels, with divorced men and newly partnered women experiencing significant reductions in daily steps. Interestingly, higher socioeconomic individuals showed increased aerobic steps over a four-year follow-up period.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateDec 3, 2018

Neuroscientists pinpoint genes tied to dementia

A UCLA-led research team has identified two major groups of genes involved in mutations that result in an overproduction of tau protein, a hallmark of progressive dementia. The study suggests that these genetic processes may be targetable with experimental drugs.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 3, 2018

Light-induced changes in photosensory proteins

The study reveals the molecular mechanisms of phytochromes, which convert light into cellular information, and their potential applications in oncology and genetic disease treatment. Understanding these proteins can help develop non-invasive imaging techniques and light-controlled tools for medical applications.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 3, 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.

Can predictive analytics help banks, consumers avoid overdraft issues? New study says, yes

A recent study found that data and predictive analytics can help address the issue of bank overdraft fees, which are a significant source of revenue for banks. The researchers developed policy simulations to show that alternative pricing strategies can increase bank revenue while improving consumer welfare.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·DateDec 3, 2018

Aluminum nitride to extend life of solar power plants

Researchers developed porous composites based on SiC/AIN with up to 40% aluminum nitride, exceeding traditional materials due to solid solution formation at grain boundaries. These composites improve thermal conductivity, heat resistance, and low coefficient of thermal expansion.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalRenewable Energy·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.

For large health systems, telehealth programs mean challenges and results

A new report highlights the common challenges faced by large health systems when implementing telehealth programs, including engaging leadership, prioritizing areas for support, and educating patients. Despite these hurdles, investing in telehealth can lead to significant cost savings and improved patient access.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalHealth Affairs·DateDec 3, 2018

Colloidal quantum dots make LEDs shine bright in the infrared

Researchers at ICFO have developed colloidal quantum dot (CQD) infrared emitting LEDs with unprecedented values in the infrared range, achieving external quantum efficiency of 7.9% and power conversion efficiency of 9.3%. The CQDs' unique properties allow for efficient charge funnelling and low electronic defect density, enabling signi...

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 3, 2018

Women in hospital medicine face major obstacles

A CU Anschutz study found that female academic hospitalists face inadequate paid parental leave, difficulty with breastfeeding support and diminished career opportunities. The study calls for more generous paid leave policies to attract and retain women in the profession.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Hospital Medicine·DateDec 3, 2018

Alcohol intake may be key to long-term weight loss for people with diabetes

A new study published in the journal Obesity suggests that alcohol consumption may attenuate long-term weight loss in adults with Type 2 diabetes. Participants who abstained from alcohol during a lifestyle intervention program lost more weight than those who drank, highlighting the importance of limiting alcohol intake for effective we...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalObesity·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.

A sobering conclusion: Adult hearts contain no stem cells

Researchers at the Hubrecht Institute found that adult hearts do not have stem cells that can regenerate lost heart muscle after a heart attack. Instead, connective tissue cells produce scar tissue to replace the lost cardiac muscle, which helps maintain heart integrity.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 3, 2018

Saltier waterways are creating dangerous 'chemical cocktails'

A new study by UMD researchers found that saltier waterways are creating 'chemical cocktails' that release toxic metals and pollutants from streambeds. These cocktails can have devastating effects on drinking water supplies and ecosystems, similar to the 2014 Flint water crisis.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateDec 2, 2018

Women reveal the reasons they reject a preventive drug for breast cancer

A recent study found that around 72% of women at higher risk of breast cancer are worried about the long-term effects of tamoxifen, while 57% believe it will give them unpleasant side-effects. Despite its proven ability to prevent breast cancer, fewer than 15% of women with discussed preventive therapy are taking tamoxifen.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalClinical Breast Cancer·DateDec 2, 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.

Epileptics in high-crime neighborhoods have three times as many seizures

People with epilepsy living in high-crime Chicago neighborhoods have three times as many seizures as those in low-crime areas, a new study finds. The researchers used data from 63 participants and found that those in high-crime neighborhoods experienced an average of seven seizures over 90 days.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateDec 2, 2018

Wild yeasts may hold key to better wines from warmer climates

Researchers have discovered that certain naturally occurring yeast strains can produce beneficial acids, improving wine taste and quality. The study focused on Lachancea thermotolerans yeast, which can be used in conjunction with traditional wine yeasts to enhance the flavor profile.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 2, 2018

More than half of patients alive two years after receiving CAR-T therapy for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in ZUMA-1 trial

A follow-up analysis of axi-cel-treated patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) reported that 51% were still alive two years post-treatment. The study found that 83% achieved a reduction in cancer activity, and 39% had ongoing responses. CAR-T cell persistence and B-cell recovery were also observed in most patients.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateDec 2, 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.

Global trial shows CAR T therapy can lead to durable remissions in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

A global clinical trial has shown that chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy can lead to long-lasting remissions in patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The treatment, known as Kymriah, modified patients' own immune T cells to target cancer cells and achieved high remission rates.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 1, 2018

CAR-T cell update: Therapy improves outcomes for patients with B-cell lymphoma

The phase-2 JULIET trial found that CAR-T cell therapy achieved a 52% favorable response rate in patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, with 40% experiencing complete responses. Sixty-five percent of patients remained relapse-free after one year.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 1, 2018

Studies suggest immunotherapy adds punch to earlier attempts

Researchers found that checkpoint blockade therapy can sensitize patients to better respond to future use of drugs, even when initial attempts failed. This breakthrough has significant implications for treating relapsing non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma patients.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·DateDec 1, 2018

Sickle cell anemia treatment safely lowers disease burden in African children

A daily hydroxyurea pill has been shown to improve health outcomes for young children with sickle cell anemia in resource-challenged sub-Saharan Africa. The treatment reduced rates of pain episodes, infections, malaria, transfusions, and death by significant margins.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 1, 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.

Learning to read comes at a cost

Preliterate 6-year-olds outperformed their peers on grammatical relations, but struggled with novel words. After six months of reading instruction, the advantage disappeared, suggesting that literacy may come at a cost.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics·JournalJournal of Cultural Cognitive Science·DateDec 1, 2018