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Science News Archive February 2018


Page 28 of 36

Better knowledge of evolution leads to greater acceptance of the concept

A recent study published in BioScience found that knowing more about evolutionary theory is key to accepting it, even when considering religious and political beliefs. In a representative sample of over 1,100 people, researchers discovered that those with better knowledge of evolution were more likely to accept it.

Changes in mouse breast tissue after exposure to fracking chemicals

Researchers at UMass Amherst and University of Missouri found that prenatal exposure to a mixture of fracking chemicals affects mouse mammary gland development, leading to potential pre-cancerous lesions. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effects on long-term health and lactational capacity.

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.

Suicides spiked after death of Robin Williams

After Robin Williams' suicide in 2014, researchers found a 10% increase in overall suicides, particularly among men aged 30-44. Suffocation suicides also increased by 32% compared to other methods.

Public policy, transportation PhD student receives national award

Somayeh Moazzeni, a UTA doctoral student in public policy and transportation, has been recognized as the 2017 outstanding student of the year by the U.S. Department of Transportation for C-TEDD. She will receive a $1,500 cash prize and contribute to research on access to opportunities, public transit, and decent roads.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

The social evolution of termites

Researchers compared termites' genetic features to those of ants and bees, discovering similar molecular mechanisms for eusocial lifestyles. They found evidence of convergent evolution in chemoreceptor families and genes involved in pheromone recognition.

Cognitive enhancement therapy improves outcomes for adults with autism

A six-year study found that cognitive enhancement therapy (CET) significantly improved neurocognitive function in adults with autism, particularly in attention and social understanding. In contrast, enriched supportive therapy (EST) showed slower but still significant improvements in social cognition.

Sweet route to greater yields

Researchers from Rothamsted Research introduce a rice gene that regulates sucrose accumulation in kernels, leading to increased productivity in maize even under drought conditions. The transgenic maize also improves rates of photosynthesis, resulting in more sucrose production for additional kernels.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

HKBU breakthrough in macromolecular machines for controlled drug deliv

Researchers at Hong Kong Baptist University have designed and synthesized a smart globular macromolecular machine vehicle for actively controlled cancer drug delivery, enhancing the efficacy of targeted therapy drugs. The breakthrough offers insights into targeted therapies such as Chlorambucil in leukemia treatment.

Super wood could replace steel

Researchers at the University of Maryland have created a new type of wood that is 10-12 times stronger than natural wood, making it a potential competitor to steel. The wood's mechanical properties are comparable to those of titanium alloys, but with improved toughness and reduced weight.

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.

Scientists unlock the molecular secret behind long-lived bat species

Researchers identified protective structures at the end of chromosomes called telomeres that don't shorten with age in longest-lived bat species. The study found two genes ATM and SETX drive this process, potentially leading to new solutions to slow down aging and extend human lifespan.

New research reveals plant wonderland inside China's caves

A team of researchers has discovered 31 species of plants known only from caves in China, highlighting the importance of cave flora for species conservation. The study also found that plants can photosynthesize at much lower light levels than previously thought.

Researchers develop the first model to capture crosstalk in social dilemmas

Researchers developed a new framework to analyze the effects of crosstalk on cooperation dynamics in groups. The model shows that crosstalk hinders the evolution of cooperation and requires strategies with the correct level of forgiveness. This has significant implications for understanding human behavior in social dilemmas.

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.

Acne linked with increased risk of depression

Researchers found a significant link between acne and major depression, with a 63% higher risk within the first year of diagnosis. The study highlights the importance of monitoring mood symptoms in patients with acne and initiating prompt treatment for depression.

Acute treatment suppresses posttraumatic arthritis in ankle injury

Researchers have identified a method to prevent posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) by reducing oxidative stress after fractures in an animal model. By inhibiting mitochondrial metabolism or boosting antioxidants, they demonstrated that PTOA can be significantly blunted.

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.

Printable, colorful camouflage with polymers

Researchers develop polymers that can change colors like structural color in nature, enabling smart decorations and anti-counterfeiting measures. The new materials use inkjet printing technology to produce a wide range of colors, including blue, green, orange, and red.

Towards a better prediction of solar eruptions

Scientists identified a confining 'cage' in which a magnetic rope forms, causing solar eruptions. The resistance of this cage determines the power and type of flare. A new model predicts maximum energy release during solar flares, potentially devastating for Earth's systems.

Drugs, alcohol and suicides contributing to alarming drop in US life expectancy

Middle-aged white Americans and rural communities are disproportionately affected by the alarming drop in US life expectancy. Experts attribute this decline to factors such as social mobility decline, economic hardship, and distress over losing stability, highlighting the need for policymakers to address these conditions.

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.

Removing fossil fuel subsidies will not reduce CO2 emissions as much as hoped

New research reveals that removing fossil fuel subsidies will only slightly slow the growth of CO2 emissions, with smaller effects in developing economies. The largest emissions savings would come from oil and gas exporting countries, but removal could have a detrimental impact on poor households, who may struggle to afford modern fuels.

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.

Here is the perfect spot for a birds' inner compass

Migratory birds use a light-dependent protein called cryptochrome 4 to navigate, which is specifically expressed in the outer segment of double-cone photoreceptor cells. This discovery provides new insights into magnetoreception and could help protect wildlife from human disturbances.

WSU researchers build alien ocean to test NASA outer space submarine

Researchers re-created a Titan ocean in a laboratory and studied the freezing temperatures of methane and ethane lakes. They discovered that nitrogen in the liquid causes lakes to freeze at lower temperatures than expected, which could be beneficial for the submarine's operation.

Helping authorities respond more quickly to airborne radiological threats

Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a new technique that can detect potential airborne radiological materials in hours, instead of days. This approach uses existing technologies to provide quality information to first responders, allowing them to make informed decisions about evacuating the area.

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.

Increased UV from ozone depletion sterilizes trees

Pine trees become temporarily sterile when exposed to intense UV radiation, similar to what scientists believe the Earth experienced 252 million years ago. The effect suggests caution in introducing chemicals that deplete the ozone layer.

Star-like cells may help the brain tune breathing rhythms

Researchers found that silencing astrocytes in the brain's breathing center caused rats to breathe at a lower rate and tire out on a treadmill earlier. Astrocytes were shown to use adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to communicate with other cells, and their modulation was linked to changes in oxygen levels.

More work is needed to determine appropriate drug doses for children

A recent study analyzing pediatric drug dosage guidelines found inconsistencies in recommended doses, with varying results from allometric scaling and prior patterns of use. The analysis suggests a need for more precise treatment approaches to address the complexities of pediatric dosing.

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.

Smallpox vaccine study yields favorable results

A Phase 3 clinical trial demonstrates the safety and efficacy of IMVAMUNE, a non-replicating smallpox vaccine. The study showed twofold higher neutralizing antibodies compared to ACAM2000, a statistically superior immune response.

Scientists halt breast cancer spread

Researchers found that restricting asparagine production in mice greatly reduced breast cancer's ability to spread, suggesting a potential new treatment approach. The study also suggests that dietary changes may help stop cancer from spreading and improve outcomes for patients.

Scientists crack structure of enzyme complex linked to cancer

Researchers at UC Riverside have solved the crystal structure of an enzyme that plays a key role in DNA methylation, a process linked to various diseases including cancer. The breakthrough provides important information for understanding de novo DNA methylation and its implications for gene expression and cell differentiation.

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.

The robots will see you now

Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering have created a bioinspired robotic replica that can interact in three dimensions with live zebrafish. The system allows the robot to watch and mimic the behavior of live fish in real-time, promoting social interactions.

Study identifies how to improve WHO eradication strategy for skin disease

A new study suggests adapting the WHO eradication strategy for yaws by implementing multiple rounds of mass drug administration and targeting a broader geographic area. The research found that this approach can capture those not present during the first round and prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant strains.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Self-sealing miniature 'wound' created by engineers

Biomedical engineers developed a miniaturized system mimicking blood vessel injury, allowing for the study of bleeding and clotting. The device replicates all aspects of blood vessel injury, including clot formation and repair, and responds to drugs and other alterations.

Versatile sensor against tumor initiating cells

A team of researchers developed a fluorescent sensor, TiY, that selectively stains tumor initiating cells (TICs) in various cancer tissues. The sensor can distinguish TICs from non-TICs and inhibit sphere formation, leading to suppressed tumor growth in mice xenograft models.

A step toward sensitive and fast gluten detection

Researchers have developed a fast gluten detector that can detect and quantify different sources of gluten than current tests, providing more accurate results. The new test is faster, taking only 45 minutes, and can sense less than 20 parts per million of gluten, meeting the FDA's limit for 'gluten-free' designation.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Crowd workers, AI make conversational agents smarter

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have created a conversational agent, Evorus, that can answer a wide range of questions using a human/machine hybrid system. The system, which combines crowd workers and AI, allows the agent to learn and improve over time, making it more accurate and effective in its responses.