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Science News Archive February 2018 - Page 14


Page 14 of 36

Housing problems found to be common at safety-net community health centers

A new study from Massachusetts General Hospital reveals that over 40% of patients treated at community health centers have a history of housing problems. The researchers emphasize the importance of identifying these issues in a clinical setting to initiate referrals for housing assistance and other social services.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 20, 2018

UA study: Brain liquefaction after stroke is toxic to surviving brain

Researchers at the University of Arizona have discovered that brain liquefaction after a stroke can be toxic, slowly leaking into the remaining healthy portion of the brain and potentially causing harm. The study suggests that this toxic fluid may contribute to dementia after stroke.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·DateFeb 20, 2018

Researcher focuses on environmentally friendly plastics

A chemist at the University of Houston has received a $626,300 NSF CAREER Award to develop more versatile and sustainable ways of producing polyolefins. By varying catalyst design and modulating temperature and pressure, he aims to reduce energy intensity and environmental impact.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateFeb 20, 2018

Land use change has warmed the Earth's surface

A recent study by the Joint Research Centre reveals that changes in global vegetation cover from 2000 to 2015 have made the planet warmer. The research found that the removal of tropical evergreen forests for agricultural expansion is the most significant factor contributing to local increases in surface temperature.

SourceEuropean Commission Joint Research Centre·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 20, 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.

Resolvin D-1 limits kidney damage after heart attacks

Research found that resolvin D-1 limits heart attack-induced kidney inflammation and promotes reparative macrophage change. This suggests potential application to clinical settings for treating cardiorenal syndrome.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateFeb 20, 2018

Researchers use data to look 'upstream' to see what makes patients sick

Researchers successfully used data to identify conditions that affect health and led to patient illnesses, allowing them to predict need for social service referrals. This approach has the potential to shift focus from treating ill patients to preventing future illnesses.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateFeb 20, 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.

Atomic structure of ultrasound material not what anyone expected

Scientists used advanced microscopy techniques to study the atomic structure of PMN, a widely used relaxor material in ultrasound and sonar applications. The findings reveal that atoms are arranged in a gradual gradient, differing from conventional wisdom predictions.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 20, 2018

Rare find from the deep sea

Scientists from the University of Bonn and the US study a newly hatched dumbo octopus for the first time, revealing surprising similarities with adult animals. The rare find provides valuable insights into the extraordinary habitat of deep-sea dumbo octopuses.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 20, 2018

Reaching new heights in laser-accelerated ion energy

Researchers at the University of Strathclyde developed a laser-driven ion acceleration scheme, achieving proton energies of 100 mega-electron-volts. This innovation could lead to smaller, cheaper, and more efficient ion accelerators with transformative potential for various applications.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 20, 2018

Guidelines for fluoride intake -- Are they appropriate?

Researchers question the longstanding guidelines for fluoride intake, citing changes in sources and prevalence of dental caries and fluorosis. The symposium highlights research gaps, including measuring total fluoride intake and evaluating its effects on children and adults.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateFeb 20, 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.

Designing microbial communities to help plants battle nutritional stress

A team of scientists has devised a general experimental scheme to identify and predict which small groups of bacterial species can help plants respond to phosphate starvation. The study demonstrates that the functional complexity of the root microbiome might be simplified by testing only a subset of all possible microbial combinations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 20, 2018

Computer models allow farmers to diversify pest management methods

Researchers developed mathematical models to analyze the connections between pest patterns of dispersal in crops and diversified intercropping systems. The models showed that spatial configurations can favor or inhibit pest dispersal, and identified the best refuge configuration to delay Bt crop resistance in pests.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 20, 2018

New study aims to measure how PTSD affects police officers

A new study at the University at Buffalo aims to measure the effects of PTSD symptoms on attention and cognitive control in police officers. The research, led by Janet Shucard, will examine brain structure and function in police officers using electrophysiological activity and psychological interviews.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateFeb 20, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study of mollusk epidemic could help save endangered sea snail

A new study finds that species adapted to colder waters are more vulnerable to withering syndrome, and that rising water temperatures lead to greater susceptibility. The research also suggests that genetics may play a role in the disease's impact on abalone populations.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Invertebrate Pathology·DateFeb 20, 2018

Can your cardiac device be hacked?

Cybersecurity risks exist in cardiac devices due to software integration and wireless communications, according to the American College of Cardiology's Electrophysiology Council. The potential consequences include device malfunction, battery depletion, and interruptions in life-saving therapies.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 20, 2018

Climate projections show a warmer future for the Pacific northwest

Climate projections for the Pacific Northwest reveal a warmer future under high greenhouse gas concentrations, with temperatures expected to rise between 1.5 and 7 degrees Celsius. The regional consensus among climate models indicates that the region will become considerably warmer in the next century.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScientific Data·DateFeb 20, 2018

A drug long used to treat gout may help adult heart failure patients

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have shown that probenecid may improve heart function in adult patients with heart failure by increasing ejection fraction and enhancing calcium use in cardiac muscle contraction. The study found promising results, suggesting a new potential treatment for this condition.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateFeb 20, 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.

Pillars of academic innovation

The National Academy of Inventors (NAI) recognizes and encourages inventors with life-saving and life-changing advances. The journal Technology and Innovation features research on pillars of academic innovation, including public policy, industry-university partnerships, and mentorship of innovators.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalJournal of Technology and Innovation·DateFeb 20, 2018

Some black holes erase your past

Mathematical calculations show that certain types of black holes can break down determinism, leading to unpredictable futures. The discovery provides evidence for a violation of strong cosmic censorship in a theory of gravity and electromagnetism.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 20, 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.

Can menstrual cups help prevent vaginal infections?

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago are investigating whether menstrual cup use reduces bacterial vaginosis and sexually transmitted infections in girls in Kenya. Studies have shown that menstrual cups can significantly reduce these infections by up to 52%.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateFeb 20, 2018

Oil-eating microbes are challenged in the Arctic

A new review assesses the microbial degradation potential in Arctic seas, highlighting six factors challenging oil-eating microbes, including low temperatures, sea ice, and nutrient-poor environments. The research reveals that these factors can slow down biodegradation and reduce the efficiency of microbial degradation.

SourceAarhus University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateFeb 20, 2018
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Postnatal depression has life-long impact on mother-child relations

Research found that postnatal depression continues to impact mother-child relationships into later life, affecting emotional, cognitive, and physical development in children. Women who experienced PND reported lower relationship quality with their offspring, even those now adults.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalPeerJ·DateFeb 20, 2018

Study exposes misperception of poaching on the GBR and its remedy

Researchers found that nearly 97% of recreational fishers considered poaching personally unacceptable, while a small minority believed it was common. The study suggests that the 'false consensus effect' may be influencing poachers' perceptions, making them overestimate the prevalence of poaching.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalMarine Policy·DateFeb 20, 2018

Open data help scientists to unravel Earth systems

Researchers at the University of Helsinki's BioGeoClimate Modelling Lab have developed a new model to predict soil moisture using airborne laser scanning data. The study reveals that fine-scale topography is essential for modeling water distribution, providing valuable insights into climate change impact and biodiversity assessments.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·DateFeb 20, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

The plastics industry is leaking huge amounts of microplastics

A recent study found that plastic pellets in marine environments have been leaking for decades, with continuous leakage leading to massive releases. Researchers calculated that 3-36 million pellets are spread every year from the Stenungsund production site.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·DateFeb 20, 2018

Bacteria-eaters to prevent food poisoning?

Researchers have found four bacteriophages effective in eliminating Yersinia enterocolitica from food and kitchenware. The study's results suggest phage treatment could become a routine method in food production to prevent foodborne infections.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalInternational Journal of Food Microbiology·DateFeb 20, 2018

The superionic form of water

Researchers have recreated superionic water, a state where oxygen remains fixed while protons flow freely, exhibiting properties of both solid and liquid. This discovery could lead to new materials with unique practical applications and provide insights into the physical properties of planets in our solar system.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 20, 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.

A trip to the mountains despite a heart condition?

High-altitude exposure affects cardiovascular systems differently for various individuals. Experts recommend maximum altitudes and caution when taking medications. Hiking can have a positive effect on disease progression and psychological well-being for those following guidelines.

SourceEurac Research·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateFeb 20, 2018

Health: Are the dice rolled before ten years of age?

Researchers found that children from disadvantaged households are at greater risk of low muscle strength and poor health status as adults. Chronic stress in childhood may alter the body's ability to maintain good health over time.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalAge and Ageing·DateFeb 20, 2018

Study: Corporations can benefit from altruism during a crisis

Research found that corporate social responsibility efforts during and after disasters build strong relationships with consumers if they appear altruistic on social media. Users who frequently use social media to find information during crises are more likely to trust companies engaged in CSR efforts.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateFeb 20, 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.

MicroRNA could help treat cancer and asthma

Researchers at Purdue University found that microRNA miR-223 can help control inflammatory disease by regulating the NF-kB pathway, which is critical in human bronchial epithelial cells. Supplementing this microRNA to epithelial cells may provide a new treatment option for asthma and cancer.

SourcePurdue University·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 20, 2018

Largest study of its kind finds alcohol use biggest risk factor for dementia

A nationwide observational study of over one million adults with dementia found that alcohol use disorders are the most important preventable risk factors for dementia. Chronic heavy drinking was linked to 57% of early-onset dementia cases, highlighting the need for screening and treatment interventions.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateFeb 20, 2018

Low-fat or low-carb? It's a draw, Stanford study finds

A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that cutting carbs or fats results in similar weight loss, with no association between individual biological factors and diet success. Participants followed either a low-fat or low-carb diet for one year, showing that the fundamental strategy for losing weight is to eat whole foods.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 20, 2018
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.

Past encounters with the flu shape vaccine response

New research suggests that immune history with flu plays a significant role in vaccine effectiveness, rather than egg adaptations. The study found that antibodies produced from previous encounters with flu tend to take precedence over new vaccinations, making the vaccine less protective for those with a history of infection.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 20, 2018

Countries investing in well-being allocate resources to child and adolescent psychiatry

A new study by the Eurasian Child & Adolescent Mental Health Study network reveals a strong correlation between Human Development Index scores and the availability of mental health services. Countries with high HDI rankings have higher ratios of child and adolescent psychiatrists per population size, indicating better investment in chi...

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalEuropean Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateFeb 20, 2018

Typhoid outbreak: Genetic cause of extensive drug-resistance found

A study published in mBio reveals that a strain of typhoid acquired an additional piece of DNA encoding multiple antibiotic resistance genes, making it extensively drug-resistant. This outbreak highlights the urgent need for preventive measures, including vaccines, to combat the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalmBio·DateFeb 20, 2018
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.

Preventing the misdiagnosis of cellulitis

A new study finds that early consultation by a dermatologist can improve health-related outcomes and reduce costs associated with misdiagnosed pseudocellulitis. The researchers estimate that this intervention could prevent up to 256,000 hospitalization days and $210 million in net cost savings annually.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateFeb 20, 2018

New imaging technology may help predict aggressiveness of lung cancer

A new computerized tissue-imaging program could identify lung cancer patients at higher risk of recurrence, allowing for targeted chemotherapy to be administered. The program, supported by a $3.16 million National Cancer Institute grant, uses digital images of tissue biopsies to analyze the shape and texture of cancer cells.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateFeb 20, 2018

Microanalysis of biological samples for early disease detection

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a nonlinear optical crystal chip combining THz waves with microfluidic devices, enabling sensitive detection of low concentrations in small volumes. The technique has great potential for early disease detection and non-destructive analysis of living cells.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAPL Photonics·DateFeb 20, 2018

Pulsating Aurora mysteries uncovered with help from NASA's THEMIS mission

New research using NASA's THEMIS and Japan's ERG satellite data reveals chirping waves cause pulsating auroras by disturbing electrons in Earth's upper atmosphere. The discovery provides a definitive explanation for the mysterious phenomenon, with implications for understanding plasma waves across the universe.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature·DateFeb 20, 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.

'Icebreaker' protein opens genome for t cell development, Penn researchers find

A study by Penn researchers reveals that the 'Icebreaker' protein TCF-1 plays a crucial role in targeting condensed chromatin and regulating genome sequences in T-cell development. This breakthrough has significant implications for developing new therapies using epigenetic drugs to alter T-cell fate.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalImmunity·DateFeb 20, 2018

Brain immune system is key to recovery from motor neuron degeneration

Researchers at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that microglia, a type of brain immune cell, are essential for dealing with TDP-43-associated neuron death in ALS. Microglia proliferation and activation helped clear accumulated human TDP-43 from motor neurons, restoring muscle function and mobility.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 20, 2018

Fancy a jellyfish chip?

Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark have developed a new method to rapidly transform the soft body of jellyfish into a crunchy treat. The technique, which uses ethanol, produces crispy jellyfish chips that could be of potential gastronomic interest.

SourceBiophysical Society·DateFeb 20, 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.