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Science News Archive February 2018


Page 6 of 36

Discovery reveals way to stop inflammation in Alzheimer's, arthritis, more

A new discovery about the immune system may allow doctors to treat harmful inflammation that damages the brain in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. The finding could also be used to save patients from deadly sepsis, a full-body infection that kills hundreds of thousands of Americans every year.

Cyberslug: Virtual predator makes decisions like the real one

Researchers simulated a sea slug's decision-making process in Cyberslug, a virtual environment that mimics the creature's behavior. The study found that hunger and learning ability are crucial attributes in regulating prey consumption, laying the groundwork for more complex models of AI decision-making.

Imaging plays key role in evaluating injuries at Olympics

A new study published in Radiology found that imaging services played a crucial role in managing Olympic athletes with sports-related injuries and disorders. The study showed that MRI was used for nearly 60% of all imaging performed for diagnosis, highlighting its importance in fast and relevant diagnoses.

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.

Global fossil fuel emissions of hydrocarbons are underestimated

New research reveals that global fossil fuel emissions of hydrocarbons, particularly ethane and propane, have been significantly underestimated. These pollutants are harmful in large cities, forming ozone that directly links to increased mortality. The study calls for further investigation into methane emissions from natural gas sources.

For energy experts, new method is a gas

Researchers have created a novel non-invasive method to quantify untapped natural gas reservoirs by analyzing the compositional distribution on porous surfaces inside shale rocks. This method provides both average and deviation values of material properties, aiding decision-making in the industry.

Social touch, pain reduction, and empathy

A study of 20 couples found that brain-to-brain coupling during handholding was associated with pain reduction in the female partner. The phenomenon, known as social touch analgesia, may be linked to increased empathic accuracy between partners.

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.

Check offenders for history of head injuries, experts say

Researchers recommend routine screening for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in offenders to improve medical support and reduce crime. Young people with TBI are at greater risk of early, violent offending due to compromised neurological functions and increased risk of behavioral disorders.

Researchers discover receptor that protects against allergies, asthma

A special receptor called dectin-1 recognizes a protein found in house dust mites, cockroaches, shellfish, and other invertebrates, suppressing immune reactions to these common allergy triggers. The discovery suggests new ways to treat or prevent allergies and asthma, which affect tens of millions in the US.

Artificial intelligence techniques reconstruct mysteries of quantum systems

Machine learning techniques can reconstruct a quantum system based on relatively few experimental measurements, allowing scientists to thoroughly probe complex systems exponentially faster than conventional methods. This method benefits the development of quantum computers and other applications of quantum mechanics.

Targeting pathway may reduce cocaine's cardiovascular harms

A study published in Hypertension Journal found that targeting a specific miRNA-mRNA pathway may reduce cocaine-induced cardiovascular disease. The researchers discovered that activating this pathway leads to increased reactive oxygen species, causing damage and cell death.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Tracking data reveal the secret lives of marine animals

Marine animals such as seals, whales, sharks, turtles, seabirds, and others exhibit similar movement patterns globally, despite differences in geography, phylogeny, or travel mode. In coastal areas, tracking data show complex search behavior, while open ocean movements are more predictable.

New advances in medication for muscle disease in children

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that Spinraza significantly improves outcomes for children with spinal muscular atrophy type 2, who have not yet begun to walk. The drug also shows promise for reversing muscle weakness and improving mobility.

Ketamine works for female rats, too

A groundbreaking study published in eNeuro finds that low-dose ketamine promotes resilience to future adverse events in female rats, similar to its effects in males. The researchers identified a neural circuit involving the prefrontal cortex and dorsal raphe nucleus responsible for ketamine's stress-reducing properties.

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.

Could cleaning up beaches make Americans better off?

A new study by Ohio State University found that cleaning up beaches in Orange County, California could bring in significant economic benefits, ranging from $13 to $42 per resident. The research estimated that reducing ocean debris by 25-75% could lead to a $46 million boost to the county's economy in just one summer.

How do your friends plan to vote?

Researchers found that social-circle questions led to more accurate predictions for election outcomes than traditional polling methods. Social-circle questions provide information about people who aren't explicitly included in the sample and can help anticipate the processes of social influence.

Migration research reveals key to declines in rare songbirds

Researchers found that golden-winged warblers from declining populations spend winters in northern South America, while stable populations spend winters in Central America. This strong link between breeding and non-breeding areas suggests that tropical habitats may be crucial for the species' survival.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Improving quality of life for people with chronic heart failure

A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that a collaborative care intervention significantly improved depression and fatigue in patients with chronic heart failure. While it did not affect their overall health status, the treatment offered benefits to these patients' quality of life.

Infants' expectation of ingroup support and fairness

In a series of experiments, researchers found that infants prioritize ingroup support over fairness when resources are limited. The study involved 72 participants aged 18-20 months and 48 participants aged 25-33 months, who observed resource-allocation events involving a puppet distributor and two potential recipients.

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.

Stormy weather

Researchers found a unique deposit in upper meter of marsh sediments, suggesting the 1861-62 storm season was erosive enough to remove coastal barriers. The team used sediment cores and analyzed European crop pollen and spheroidal carbonaceous particles to confirm the deposit's age.

Setting guidelines for effective and ethical short term medical missions

A recent study by Lehigh University identifies key principles for responsible short-term global health activities, emphasizing the need for host partner control, sustainability, and respect for governance standards. The study aims to address criticisms of volunteer trips in underserved communities.

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.

Human activity and late Holocene rainforests

Researchers found evidence of early human impacts on African rainforests, with a switch from mature rainforest to forest-savannah mosaic occurring around 3,000 years ago. Human population growth and land-use changes are thought to have driven this transition, contradicting the current consensus that climate change was the primary cause.

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.

Helium ions open whole new world of materials

Researchers at QUT have developed nano 'sieves' that can separate molecules up to 10,000 times finer than a human hair. The discovery opens the door to early detection of cancer through blood tests and creation of smart materials with novel functions.

Program shows success in implementing patient transition care processes

The American College of Cardiology's Patient Navigator Program has shown significant improvement in transitioning heart attack and heart failure patients from hospital to home, reducing readmissions and in-hospital mortality. Hospitals participating in the program have increased prescriptions of life-saving medications, scheduled follo...

How biofuels from plant fibers could combat global warming

A recent study by Colorado State University found that biofuels produced from switchgrass can store carbon in the soil, sequestering it and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The research used a simulation model to analyze various growing scenarios, finding a climate footprint ranging from -11 to 10 grams of carbon dioxide per mega-joule.

New study shows repurposing leukemia drugs may prevent melanoma metastasis

Researchers found that repurposed leukemia drugs can inhibit the secretion of pro-metastatic cathepsins in melanoma. This is due to ABL kinases increasing activity, which regulates transcription factors and induces gene expression. The study also showed that approved leukemia drug inhibitors prevent metastasis.

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.

Role of Cloudina fossils in reef-building

Researchers used 3D digital models to reconstruct Cloudina fossils, finding they were detritus and not the architects of early animal reefs. The study suggests reef building likely emerged around 20 million years later than initially thought.

Improving the quality of high altitude medicine

The new guidelines aim to standardize data capture in high altitude research, enabling researchers to replicate studies and compare findings. The guidelines provide a structured approach for collecting data on factors such as local conditions, study participants' characteristics, and medical history.

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.

Health staff 'too stressed' to deal with disasters

New research finds that high workloads and targets lead to psychological stress, demotivation, and reduced initiative among healthcare staff. This exposes healthcare services to major risk of staff shortage and inoperability during disasters.

New directions found in understanding, fighting glaucoma

Researchers have identified two distinct types of vision-degrading glaucoma and pinpointed key genes associated with the condition. The study also suggests that exercise can help reduce eye pressure and provides a potential new point of intervention for treating glaucoma.

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.

Ohio State study reveals no link between hormonal birth control and depression

A new study by researchers at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found no evidence of a link between hormonal birth control and depression. Dr. Brett Worly notes that while some groups may be at higher risk of depression, including adolescents and postpartum women, this is not due to the birth control itself.

Anxiety can help your memory

A study by the University of Waterloo found that moderate anxiety enhances memory recall in individuals, while high anxiety levels distort neutral information and negatively impact performance.

Life under extreme drought conditions

Researchers have discovered an active microbial community in the Atacama Desert's most arid zones, which becomes metabolically active following periodic moisture increases. The findings have implications for the search for life on Mars, suggesting that past conditions may have supported life that could endure hyper-arid environments.

People rationalize policies as soon as they take effect

New research found that people rationalize policies and politicians as soon as they take effect, reporting more favorable opinions after the policy becomes a reality. This suggests that public opinion polls may overestimate opposition to new initiatives once they are implemented.

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.

Perceptions of old age change as we age

A study of over half a million Americans reveals that perceptions of aging shift as people get older, with younger adults viewing older age as negative and older adults feeling younger, while ideal retirement ages vary by age group.

Forecasting influenza outbreaks

A new model forecasts influenza spread based on commuter data, predicting disease onset weeks up to 6 weeks in advance. The method outperforms traditional models when analyzing state-level transmission, offering a promising approach for future outbreak prediction and real-time monitoring.

DASH-style diet associated with reduced risk of depression

Researchers found that participants who closely adhered to a DASH-style diet were less likely to develop depression than those who did not. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Aging, evaluated 964 participants and showed an association between a healthier diet and lower rates of depression.

Researchers find low magnesium levels make vitamin D ineffective

A study published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that low magnesium levels can make vitamin D ineffective for metabolization. Patients with optimal magnesium levels require less vitamin D supplementation to achieve sufficient levels.

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 move closer to treatment for Huntington's disease

Researchers have developed a safer and more specific CRISPR/Cas9 system to treat Huntington's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a defective gene. The new technique successfully inactivates the mutant gene and reduces toxic protein synthesis, offering hope for a potential cure.