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Science News Archive February 2018 - Page 2


Page 2 of 36

Are government controls on indigenous caribou hunting warranted?

A new analysis found that subsistence harvesting by indigenous people has a positive association with caribou numbers, contradicting previous speculation. The study's results suggest that government controls on indigenous caribou hunting may not be necessary and highlight a 'science-policy gap' in U.S. and Canadian governments

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 28, 2018

Forage-based diets on dairy farms produce nutritionally enhanced milk

Research shows that cows fed a 100% organic grass and legume-based diet produce milk with elevated levels of omega-3 and CLA, improving the fatty acid profile. This results in a near-perfect balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalFood Science & Nutrition·DateFeb 28, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New data helps explain recent fluctuations in Earth's magnetic field

Researchers gathered ancient clay samples to compile a record of Earth's magnetic field strength over many centuries, revealing the South Atlantic Anomaly is part of a recurring phenomenon. The data suggests that the region under southern Africa may be responsible for recent changes in the global magnetic field.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateFeb 28, 2018

Experts call for more evidence to test impact of GP video consultations

Researchers highlight the need for more evidence on video consultation's impact on patient access and GP workload. The study found that some private companies using video consulting prescribe antibiotics without proper guidance, raising concerns over antimicrobial resistance.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateFeb 28, 2018

Growing economies help the detergent industry clean up

The detergent industry is innovating to keep up with evolving market demands as consumers invest in upgraded products. Manufacturers are now considering e-commerce and sustainable packaging options, such as lighter and leak-proof formulations for long-distance shipping.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateFeb 28, 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.

Astronomers detect ancient signal from first stars in universe.

Researchers using a unique radio antenna detected a clear signal from the earliest stars in the universe, revealing the formation of these massive, blue, and short-lived stars within 180 million years of the Big Bang. The discovery provides new insights into the early universe's mysteries and potential connections to dark matter.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateFeb 28, 2018

Cancer metastasis: Cell polarity matters

Researchers from DKFZ found that circulating cancer cells exhibit specific polarity, which helps them attach to endothelial cells and migrate into tissues. This discovery may help predict individual risk for metastasis and find therapies to reduce it.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 28, 2018

Dyes for 'live' extremophile labeling will help discover life on Mars

Researchers have discovered a fluorescent dye that allows them to observe the life cycle of bacteria in real time, enabling the study of microorganisms in their natural environment. This method will help locate halophiles, ancient salt-loving organisms that thrive in extreme conditions and may hold clues to the origin of life on Earth.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 28, 2018

Glowing molecule can reveal live tuberculosis bacteria

Researchers have developed a glowing molecule that can detect live tuberculosis bacteria, offering a quick and simple diagnosis method. The molecule, DMN-Tre, incorporates into the cell membranes of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, allowing for accurate detection in sputum samples.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 28, 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.

Breastfeeding may have long-term heart health benefits for some moms

Women who breastfed for six months or more during pregnancy had higher levels of HDL cholesterol, lower triglycerides, and healthier carotid artery thickness compared to those who never breastfed. This suggests breastfeeding may reduce the risk of heart disease in women with normal blood pressure during pregnancy.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateFeb 28, 2018

The moon formed inside a vaporized Earth synestia

A new explanation for the Moon's origin proposes it formed inside a rapidly spinning, vaporized rock cloud called a synestia. The model resolves several problems in lunar formation and matches the pattern of the Moon's composition.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateFeb 28, 2018

Aspirin lowers risk of death for patients with diabetes, heart failure

A study found that aspirin reduces mortality in patients with Type 2 diabetes and heart failure, but increases the risk of nonfatal heart attacks and strokes. The research used data from over 12,000 patients and suggested that aspirin may be beneficial for those living longer due to their age.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateFeb 28, 2018

Missing link found between pathways involved in cell development

Researchers at the Wellcome Sanger Institute discovered that SMAD2/3 proteins coordinate unexpected pathways with finely tuned gene expression, allowing cells to switch on and off genes rapidly. This mechanism could be essential for rapid responses in other processes like organ repair or cancer growth.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature·DateFeb 28, 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.

Newly discovered CRISPR mechanism may help prevent dangerous errors

Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a new CRISPR mechanism that can help prevent gene-editing errors. The discovery reveals how the Cas9 enzyme determines where and when to cut DNA strands, allowing for more precise control over gene editing.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 28, 2018

Firearm injuries drop during NRA conventions, research shows

Researchers at Harvard Medical School found a 20% decline in gun injuries nationwide during the dates of the National Rifle Association's annual convention. The decrease is attributed to a brief period of gun abstinence and the well-trained gun owners attending the meetings.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 28, 2018

Soil cannot halt climate change

Scientists at Rothamsted Research have found that modern carbon emissions cannot be locked in the ground to halt global warming. The study analyzed long-term soil data and concluded that even significant increases in soil organic carbon are unrealistic over large areas of the planet.

SourceRothamsted Research·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateFeb 28, 2018

'Obesity paradox' debunked

Research debunks the 'obesity paradox' by revealing that maintaining a normal weight can postpone cardiovascular disease and reduce overall risk. Normal weight individuals live longer and have a greater proportion of life with cardiovascular disease compared to overweight or obese individuals.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateFeb 28, 2018

Genital inflammation reduces efficacy of tenofovir gel

A new study found that genital inflammation significantly reduces the effectiveness of tenofovir gel in preventing HIV infection in women. The study showed that tenofovir gel provided only 57% protection against HIV acquisition in women with genital inflammation, even if they used the gel consistently.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 28, 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.

New evidence of nuclear fuel releases found at Fukushima

A new study by international researchers has found uranium and other radioactive materials in tiny particles released from the damaged Fukushima Daiichi reactors. These micro-particles could last much longer than previously expected due to their small size, which allows humans to inhale them.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 28, 2018

Aqueous storage device needs only 20 seconds to go

Researchers at KAIST developed a hybrid energy storage device that can be charged in less than half a minute using aqueous electrolytes and graphene. The device facilitates rapid charging and high energy density, making it suitable for portable electronic devices.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateFeb 28, 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.

Opioid crisis affects children and teens too -- Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics outlines strategies to reduce opioid prescribing

A review in Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics outlines the severity of opioid use among children and teenagers undergoing surgery, with nearly one-fourth of US high school seniors having exposure to prescription opioids. Strategies for reducing opioid prescribing include education, standardized practices, and legislation to shift presc...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Pediatric Orthopaedics·DateFeb 28, 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.

MSU lands $4.8 million NSF grant to improve corn

Researchers will focus on controlling phenolics, compounds that protect plants from pathogens and adapt to environmental changes. The project aims to decipher the genetic secrets of corn's complex genome, expected to consist of 50,000 genes.

SourceMichigan State University·DateFeb 28, 2018

Soccer success study kicks goals

The study found that top-performing soccer teams exhibit greater total sprint distance, possession in the opponent's half, and entry passes in the final third of the field. This suggests that ball possession is a key determinant of success in soccer.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalResearch in Sports Medicine·DateFeb 28, 2018

Research directions for 5G and beyond testbeds

Researchers emphasize the importance of international collaboration in developing 5G and beyond technologies. The 5TONIC testbed has brought together companies, universities, and research institutions to test and prototype advanced wireless network systems.

SourceIMDEA Networks Institute·DateFeb 28, 2018

Gluten-free diet may help people with neuropathic pain

A preliminary study found that a strict gluten-free diet may reduce the risk of pain in people with gluten neuropathy, with those on the diet scoring higher on mental health assessments. The study involved 60 participants and showed an association between a self-reported gluten-free diet and less pain.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateFeb 28, 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.

New graphene laser technique opens door for edible electronics

Scientists have developed a way to write graphene patterns onto virtually any surface, including food, using a new laser technique. This technology could enable edible electronics that track food origin, storage, and safety, as well as detect harmful organisms like E. coli.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 28, 2018

For girls who mature early, psychological problems last into adulthood

A study of nearly 8,000 girls found that those who began menstruating earlier were more prone to depression and antisocial behavior in their late 20s. This suggests that psychological problems can persist for years after adolescence, warranting continued awareness and support from pediatricians.

SourceCornell University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateFeb 28, 2018

New TSRI method accelerates studies on carbohydrate biology

The Scripps Research Institute has developed a new method for creating glycan arrays that can be used to study the interactions between glycans and proteins. The breakthrough, published in Nature Communications, uses enzymes naturally produced by cells to create branching glycans.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 28, 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.

Seeing nanoscale details in mammalian cells

The new TILT3D microscope produces clear 3-D images of structures and individual molecules within a cell, overcoming existing illumination techniques' limitations. Researchers can track the 3-D movement of molecules over time with high precision, enabling detailed studies of cellular structures.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 28, 2018

Beneficial skin bacteria protect against skin cancer

Researchers identified a strain of Staphylococcus epidermidis that produces a chemical compound 6-N-hydroxyaminopurine (6-HAP), which inhibits the growth of some cancers. In mice exposed to UV rays, those with 6-HAP-producing bacteria had significantly reduced skin tumors.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 28, 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.

New-found stem cell helps regenerate lung tissue after acute injury, finds Penn study

Researchers have identified a lung stem cell that repairs the organ's gas exchange compartment and restores respiratory function after severe influenza and other respiratory ailments. The discovery provides new insights into lung regeneration and identifies novel genetic and epigenetic pathways important for lung regeneration.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateFeb 28, 2018

Six decades of cosmology

Narlikar shares personal reminiscences on the evolution of cosmology over six decades, highlighting the increase in confidence in the standard model. However, he also notes that this model lacks independent observational support and an established theoretical base.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal H·DateFeb 28, 2018

More isn't always better when it comes to health care, older Americans say

A new poll of older Americans reveals that many see a mismatch between what they need and what their doctors prescribe. The study suggests improving communication could reduce unnecessary tests, screenings, medications, and procedures. Healthcare providers may have more leeway to deny services that hold little value for certain patients.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateFeb 28, 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.

Researchers find new target on lethal brain tumor that can be hunted by immune cells

A team of researchers has genetically engineered cancer-killing immune cells to hunt brain tumors displaying CSPG4, a highly prevalent molecular target. The approach holds promise for controlling tumor growth in glioblastoma patients, who currently have limited treatment options with survival benefits of less than a year and a half.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 28, 2018

Genetics or lifestyle: What is it that shapes our microbiome?

A large-scale study led by the Weizmann Institute of Science found that diet and lifestyle are the primary factors shaping our microbiome composition. The research suggests that understanding these influences may be key to improving health and treating common diseases.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·DateFeb 28, 2018

RNA-based therapy cures lung cancer in mouse models

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed an RNA-based therapy that has been shown to cure lung tumors in mice by 40-50 percent. The therapy targets specific long non-coding RNA molecules involved in uncontrolled cell division, which are a key driver of cancer growth.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 28, 2018

Why the institution of fatherhood is taking so long to change

In working-class Russian families, conservative stereotypes about men's roles as breadwinners and homemakers prevail. Fathers tend to be emotionally distant, rarely involved in childcare. However, some young fathers are trying to break this mold by showing emotional involvement and equal parenting. This change is slow and often met wit...

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalThe Journal of Social Policy Studies·DateFeb 28, 2018

More than just a cosmetic procedure -- 'tummy tuck' reduces back pain and incontinence

A new study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery reports that abdominoplasty ('tummy tuck') surgery with muscle repair can improve back pain and urinary incontinence in women after labor and delivery. The study included 214 women who underwent the procedure, showing significant improvement in both back pain and incontinence ...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateFeb 28, 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.

Football associated with heart changes, increased cardiovascular risk

Studies reveal that football players face an elevated risk of heart rhythm disorders later in life due to structural changes in the heart. College and professional players showed significant changes in cardiac structure and function, including enlargement of the aortic root and increased systolic blood pressure.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateFeb 28, 2018

A lithium battery that operates at -70 degrees Celsius, a record low

Researchers in China have developed a battery that can function at -70 degrees Celsius, far colder than traditional lithium-ion batteries. The breakthrough design uses organic compound electrodes with an ester-based electrolyte, enabling it to conduct a charge even at extremely low temperatures.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·DateFeb 28, 2018

ECG on smartwatch accurately detects AFib

A new smartwatch ECG can accurately detect atrial fibrillation (AFib) with a high degree of sensitivity and specificity. When coupled with physician review, the device can reliably differentiate between AFib and normal heart rhythm.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateFeb 28, 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.

'Botox' improves appearance of facial scars in reconstructive surgery

A clinical trial found that Botox injections can improve facial surgical scars by producing narrower and flatter scars. The study used a split-scar design, with half of the patient's face treated with Botox and the other half with a placebo, and found significant improvements in scar appearance six months later.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateFeb 28, 2018