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Science News Archive February 2018 - Page 20


Page 20 of 36

Study: Running helps brain stave off effects of chronic stress

A new study by Brigham Young University finds that running under stress protects the hippocampus, a part of the brain responsible for learning and memory. Exercise strengthens synapses, maintaining long-term potentiation levels, which are essential for optimal memory formation and recall.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalNeurobiology of Learning and Memory·DateFeb 14, 2018

Thermal blankets melt snow quickly

Researchers created thermal blankets to absorb sunlight, melting snow three times faster than natural processes. The eco-friendly solution slashes snow-removal costs and reduces environmental contamination risks.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalLangmuir·DateFeb 14, 2018
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.

Organ-on-chip technology enters next stage as experts test hepatitis B virus

Scientists at Imperial College London have developed an organ-on-chip technology to study the interaction of pathogens with artificial human organs. They tested the artificial liver's response to hepatitis B virus infection, revealing intricate mechanisms of immune evasion that could be exploited for future drug development.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 14, 2018

A new class of drug to treat herpes simplex virus-1 infection

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have identified a small drug molecule that can clear HSV-1 infection in cells and works differently than current drugs. The new compound, BX795, has shown to be effective in treating resistant cases with minimal toxicity.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 14, 2018

Back-and-forth exchanges boost children's brain response to language

Researchers found that back-and-forth conversations between adults and children significantly impact brain response to language and lead to better language skills. The study suggests that parents can influence their child's language development by engaging them in interactive dialogue, not just talking to them.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 14, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

More squid, less fish: North Pacific seabirds alter their prey preferences

North Pacific seabirds' prey preferences have shifted from fish to squid over the last 125 years, driven by commercial fishing and climate change. The findings suggest massive changes in ocean ecosystem structure, with species declining in trophic position and squid consumption increasing.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 14, 2018

Milky Way ties with neighbor in galactic arms race

Researchers have discovered that the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies are roughly the same size, with Andromeda being 800 billion times heavier than the Sun. This finding challenges previous estimates of dark matter in the Andromeda galaxy and suggests that scientists may need to revise their understanding of the local group.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 14, 2018

Uniting diverse research areas to drive autonomous cars

WPI researchers Raghvendra Cowlagi and Alexander Wyglinski combine their expertise in autonomy and wireless communications to create a network that enables self-driving cars to share information about traffic flow, road conditions, and accidents. This allows for safer operation on highways and congested city streets.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·DateFeb 14, 2018
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.

Study: Rigorous hand hygiene-intervention practices can lower mortality, antibiotic prescription rates in nursing homes

A new study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that implementing consistent hand hygiene measures in nursing homes can lead to lower mortality rates and reduced antibiotic prescriptions. The study assessed 26 French nursing homes and found a 30% lower mortality rate in the intervention group compared to the co...

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateFeb 14, 2018

AAAS Leshner Leadership Institute names new public engagement fellows

The American Association for the Advancement of Science has selected 15 researchers to participate in its Public Engagement Fellowship program, which aims to promote meaningful dialogue between science and society. The fellows will receive training and support to develop public engagement activities and increase capacity for leadership.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateFeb 14, 2018

Asthma linked to infertility but not among women taking regular asthma preventers

Women with asthma who use short-acting asthma relievers take longer to become pregnant than those without asthma, but using long-acting asthma preventers has no impact on fertility. The study of over 5,000 women in Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland shows a significant difference between short-acting and long-acting treatments.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateFeb 14, 2018
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.

The search for dark matter: Axions have ever fewer places to hide

A new analysis of ultracold neutron measurements imposes strict constraints on the interactions of axions with nucleons and gluons. Researchers discovered frequency changes in neutrons that could be indicative of an 'axion wind', suggesting a specific direction of movement for these hypothetical particles.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalPhysical Review X·DateFeb 14, 2018

Hydrogen transfer: One thing after the other

Researchers used time-resolved spectroscopy to study the mechanism of light-dependent hydrogenation of protochlorophyllide. They found evidence of partially stepwise hydride transfer involving three discrete intermediates. This discovery sheds light on how light energy can be harnessed for chemical reactions.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 14, 2018

Deforestation in the tropics

A study using physics principles explains global patterns of tropical forest fragmentation, revealing critical points beyond which fragment numbers increase dramatically. The research found similar size distributions on all three continents, suggesting a universal pattern.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalNature·DateFeb 14, 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.

Most parents don't believe their child's BMI report card

A study found that 53% of parents questioned the accuracy of their child's BMI report card, leading to limited behavioral changes. Schools can support parents by providing resources and healthcare professional guidance to help improve children's health.

SourceSAGE·JournalHealth Promotion Practice·DateFeb 14, 2018

Video games to improve mobility after a stroke

A study published in PNAS suggests that video games can complement physical therapies to overcome attention deficit disorders, which contribute to motor skills disorders in stroke patients. The researchers analyzed brain injuries in 167 patients and found a connection between attention control areas and mobility problems.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 14, 2018

Remote jets are clearer now

Astrophysicists develop model to test hypothesis about supermassive black holes and their impact on galaxy jets. The study suggests that part of the jet's power comes from the rotating black hole, which loses angular momentum as it emits energy. By measuring magnetic fields in jets, scientists can estimate this rotational energy loss.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·DateFeb 14, 2018

A second life for old treated wood

Researchers at INRS develop a hydrometallurgical process to decontaminate treated wood waste, removing over 90% of contaminants. The process is environmentally friendly and cost-effective, diverting wood waste from landfills and incineration.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·DateFeb 14, 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.

Dance of auroras

Researchers have made the first direct observation of electron scattering in auroras, revealing a previously unknown mechanism behind the colorful displays. The discovery was made using a specialized sensor on the ERG satellite and confirms that chorus waves are capable of exciting electrons to create pulsating auroras.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature·DateFeb 14, 2018

Muscle more important than fat in regulating heat loss from the hands

A study by University of Cambridge biological anthropologists reveals that muscle mass is key to regulating heat loss from the hands in cold conditions. Volunteers with higher muscle mass experienced faster rewarming of their hands after exposure to ice-cold water.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateFeb 14, 2018

Cardiac macrophages found to contribute to a currently untreatable type of heart failure

A Massachusetts General Hospital team discovered that macrophages, immune cells known for removing debris, are actively involved in the development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Elevated levels of inflammatory cardiac macrophages were found in both mouse models and human patients with HFpEF.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateFeb 14, 2018

Company partnerships may have in-house ramifications

Researchers found that positive sponsorship agreements can increase employee identification with the organization, while negative ones can lead to turnover. Deals that resonate with employees' values can strengthen their bond with the company.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalAcademy of Management Review·DateFeb 14, 2018

Can learning stress-reducing techniques help reduce seizures?

A recent study found that learning stress-reducing techniques can significantly reduce the frequency of seizures in people with difficult-to-treat epilepsy. Participants who learned progressive muscle relaxation and breathing techniques experienced a 29% decrease in seizures, while those in the control group had a 25% reduction.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 14, 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.

Understanding how the body builds immunity, to build better influenza vaccines

Researchers analyzed blood samples from 35 healthy adults and found a marked increase in antibody-producing B cells and circulating T follicular helper cells after vaccination. The study's findings suggest that intranasal vaccination might be more effective than injections, with implications for ideal inoculation routes.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 14, 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.

Living human tracheas

Case Western Reserve University scientists have engineered natural windpipe replacement structures using patient cells and self-assembling modules. This approach overcomes challenges in current tissue-engineering methods, enabling the creation of functional living tracheas that can be implanted into patients with damaged airways.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateFeb 14, 2018

Neural networks everywhere

MIT researchers developed a special-purpose chip that increases the speed of neural-network computations while reducing power consumption. The chip can calculate dot products for multiple nodes in a single step, improving efficiency and making neural networks more practical for handheld devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 14, 2018

Tiny membrane key to safe drinking water

CSIRO scientists have developed a new filtering technique using Graphair that can remove almost all contaminants from water in a single step. The breakthrough technology has the potential to provide clean drinking water for millions of people worldwide who currently lack access to safe drinking water.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 14, 2018

Cells 'walk' on liquids a bit like geckos

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have discovered that cells can 'walk' on liquids using protein nanosheets with strong mechanical properties. This breakthrough could lead to the design of new cell technologies for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 14, 2018

Hip hop meets health in a campaign against type 2 diabetes

A new campaign uses spoken word videos to educate young people about the link between diet, environment, and type 2 diabetes, promoting change and demanding healthier habits. The 'Bigger Picture' campaign aims to address the social determinants of health behind the rising rates of Type 2 diabetes in youth.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 14, 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.

Turning background room temperature heat into energy

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have developed a new kind of thermoelectric system that can harness small energy differences at low temperatures, producing an electrical energy of 2.3 meV per cycle. The device has shown promising prospects for large-scale heat energy recovery and could help industries become more efficient.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalApplied Physics Express·DateFeb 14, 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.

Personality: Where does it come from and how does it work?

The theory proposes that personalities develop around three basic psychological needs: predictability, competence, and acceptance. These needs form the basis of personality and drive behavior. The article also highlights the role of temperament in shaping personality, particularly in children.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychological Review·DateFeb 14, 2018

Rotating dusty gaseous donut around an active supermassive black hole

Researchers used ALMA to directly observe the rotation of a compact gaseous structure around a supermassive black hole in galaxy M77. The team found that the structure, called a torus, has an asymmetry and contains random motion, suggesting a possible violent history.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateFeb 14, 2018

Would-be social entrepreneurs need more than a kind heart

A study by Anglia Ruskin University found that millennials who feel confident in their ability to solve social problems and feel valued are more likely to consider becoming social entrepreneurs. Empathy is not enough, but self-efficacy and social worth play a strong role in translating into social entrepreneurial intentions.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalJournal of Business Venturing·DateFeb 14, 2018

New method to replicate harsh conditions for materials

A new method has been proposed to stress test materials subjected to harsh conditions, offering a faster and more accurate alternative to existing methods. Laser-accelerated proton beams can reproduce damage equivalent to several months of full operation of facilities producing a harsh environment for materials.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 14, 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.

Rutgers-led innovation could spur faster, cheaper, nano-based manufacturing

Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a new method for processing nanomaterials that could lead to faster and cheaper manufacturing of flexible thin film devices. The 'intense pulsed light sintering' method uses high-energy light to fuse nanomaterials in seconds, retaining conductivity while reducing temperatures.

SourceRutgers University·JournalRSC Advances·DateFeb 14, 2018

Scientists fill in a piece of the copper transport puzzle

Researchers have identified the protein SLC25A3 as the copper carrier into mitochondria, where it plays a crucial role in energy conversion. This discovery has implications for understanding metabolic diseases related to copper transport and energy production.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 14, 2018

Study links fox domestication to gene activity in the pituitary gland

Researchers found changes in gene activity in the pituitary gland of foxes selectively bred for tameness, which may explain why tame foxes are less stressed. The study suggests that domestication alters animals' reactivity to stress by modifying the way their brain centers communicate about hormone release.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateFeb 14, 2018
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Suiker's equations prevent 3-D-printed walls from collapsing or falling over

Professor Akke Suiker developed a model to determine the stability of 3D-printed walls, considering factors such as material curing characteristics and wall dimensions. His equations enable engineers to calculate the optimal printing speeds and minimize material usage, leading to more stable structures.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Mechanical Sciences·DateFeb 14, 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.

Rapid evolution of a calcareous microalgae

A team of scientists found that Emiliania huxleyi adapted rapidly to ocean acidification, with some lineages exhibiting extremely rapid changes in ecological fitness. However, the algae's ability to adapt did not translate to better survival in natural conditions.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateFeb 14, 2018