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Science News Archive February 2018 - Page 21


Page 21 of 36

Study finds that a surprise stimulus helps people stop an action

Researchers found that an unexpected sound increased brainwave activity and improved stopping outcomes by up to 15%. The study offers insight into the brain's communication with the motor system and could lead to new treatments for motor-control disorders like Parkinson's disease and ADHD.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·DateFeb 14, 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.

Patients with chagas disease are often infected with an intestinal parasite

A retrospective study found that 49% of Latin American migrants screened positive for Chagas disease, with a higher percentage of patients with strongyloidiasis infected by the parasite. The authors recommend implementing a combined screening program to address both infections.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateFeb 14, 2018

Model of fecal transplantation predicts which bacteria will flourish

A statistical model predicts which bacteria will engraft after fecal transplantation, providing a context for developing synthetic probiotics. The study found that recipient microbiome and immune state play roles in successful FMT, and new bacteria are acquired from both donors and recipients.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateFeb 14, 2018

NASA totals rainfall from destructive Tropical Cyclone Gita

Tropical Cyclone Gita produced over a foot of rain, causing widespread destruction and flooding in Samoa and Tonga. NASA's IMERG analysis revealed heavy rains and strong winds affected both countries, with some structures destroyed including Tonga's historic Parliament House.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·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.

A gut reaction...on a chip

Researchers created an organ-on-a-chip model of the human gut to mimic radiation damage and tested a potential radioprotective drug, DMOG. The study found that DMOG significantly reduced cell damage, apoptosis, and intestinal permeability in both epithelial and endothelial cells.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalCell Death and Disease·DateFeb 14, 2018

Plants feel the heat

A team of researchers has discovered that plants' daily cycle of heat resistance is triggered by light exposure and involves chloroplast signalling. This finding could lead to the development of crops that can withstand increasingly hot temperatures and more frequent heatwaves under climate change.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 13, 2018

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: Worldwide, more than one in ten people have infections following gastrointestinal surgery

A study of over 12,500 patients across 66 countries found that surgical site infections are a significant global health issue, with 22% of cases resistant to pre-surgery antibiotics. The incidence of infections varied greatly depending on the country's income level, with low-income countries being most at risk.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 13, 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.

Can't buy me love: Materialism in marriage linked to devaluation of marriage

A recent study by Brigham Young University researchers links materialism in marriage to a diminished view of the importance of marriage and lower marital satisfaction. Materialistic spouses may prioritize possessions over people, leading to less time and energy invested in their relationship.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Family and Economic Issues·DateFeb 13, 2018

Problems with herbicide-resistant weeds become crystal clear

Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding how penoxsulam works to control weeds, which could lead to the development of new, safe herbicides. The study found that penoxsulam combines with an enzyme in the weed and prevents it from producing amino acids.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 13, 2018

Understanding a fly's body temperature may help people sleep better

Researchers found that ancient proteins in insect and mammal brains share common ancestry as regulators of body temperature rhythms crucial to metabolism and sleep. This discovery may lead to new treatments for circadian clock diseases and sleep problems.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalGenes & Development·DateFeb 13, 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.

Pride tops guilt as a motivator for environmental decisions

A recent Princeton University study found that highlighting the pride people will feel if they take pro-environmental actions may be a better way to change environmental behaviors. Participants who were exposed to anticipation of pride consistently reported higher pro-environmental intentions than those exposed to anticipated guilt.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 13, 2018

High-efficiency and low-cost catalyst for water electrolysis

Researchers have created an alternative and cheapest anode material for excellent and ultra-stable alkaline water electrolysis. The new core-shell nanostructured electrocatalyst replaces precious metals, achieving highly efficient oxygen evolution activity and ultrastability.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateFeb 13, 2018

Sex differences in lifespan: X chromosome not the reason

Researchers at Linköping University found that fruit flies do not have a shorter lifespan due to having one X chromosome. Instead, the study suggests that competition for mates may be responsible for the sex difference in lifespan. Further research will investigate alternative theories.

SourceLinköping University·JournalEvolution·DateFeb 13, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

True to type: From human biopsy to complex gut physiology on a chip

Researchers created Organ Chips to overcome limitations of organoids, enabling the study of dynamic processes and interactions with the microbiome. The innovation allows for highly personalized investigations into nutrient transport, digestion, and disease-related processes.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 13, 2018

Graphene on toast, anyone?

Rice University scientists have developed a technique to write graphene patterns onto various materials, including food, paper, and cloth. The new method uses laser-induced graphene (LIG) to create conductive identification tags and sensors that can be embedded into products.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 13, 2018

Eclipse season starts for NASA's SDO

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) begins its annual eclipse season, which lasts three weeks. During this period, Earth blocks SDO's view of the Sun for short periods, typically lasting from 2-72 minutes.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 13, 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.

Pregnant women deficient in vitamin D may give birth to obese children

Researchers found that 6-year-old children born to mothers with very low vitamin D levels during pregnancy had bigger waists and more body fat. Vitamin D supplements during pregnancy might help stem childhood obesity. The study, published in Pediatric Obesity, examined data from 532 mother-child pairs in Greece.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPediatric Obesity·DateFeb 13, 2018

Microjet generator for highly viscous fluids

Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology have developed a device that can generate microjets with high viscosity, similar to honey. This innovation overcomes the limitation of current inkjet printing methods, allowing for more precise control over fluid flow and properties.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateFeb 13, 2018

NASA eyes powerful Tropical Cyclone Gita in the South Pacific

Tropical Cyclone Gita, a Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind scale, is causing destruction and flooding in Fiji Islands. The storm's eye was located near 21.1 degrees south latitude and 179.1 degrees east longitude, with maximum sustained winds near 126.6 mph.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 13, 2018

Palm oil in your Valentine's chocolate?

A diet rich in saturated fat results in inflammation in the nucleus accumbens, a part of the brain that controls mood and reward. This inflammation leads to depressive, anxious, and compulsive behaviors associated with metabolic dysfunction and obesity.

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·JournalMolecular Metabolism·DateFeb 13, 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.

Direct access to physical therapy reduces costs to treat neck and back pain

A new study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy found that direct access to physical therapy for neck and back pain can reduce treatment costs by an average of $1,543. Patients who chose this approach reported similar improvement in their condition, with an average gain of over 50% in pain and disability.

SourceJOSPT, Inc. d/b/a Movement Science Media·JournalJournal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy·DateFeb 13, 2018

Building a DNA barcode library for the Canadian flora using herbarium collections

A new study by Dr. Maria Kuzmina provides a vast DNA barcode library for the Canadian flora, covering 98% of vascular plant species, using herbarium specimens. The scale of sampling and quality of curation lend the library taxonomic authority, offering a valuable resource for modern plant sciences.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateFeb 13, 2018

Study finds depression and fatigue increase women's risk of work-related injuries

A new study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that women with depression, anxiety, and fatigue are more likely to be injured at work. The study, which analyzed claims data from over 17,000 employees, suggests that behavioral health factors significantly affect women's risk of injury but not men's.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateFeb 13, 2018

Pimavanserin: Relief from psychosis in dementia, without devastating side-effects

Pimavanserin has been found to effectively reduce psychosis symptoms in people with Alzheimer's disease without the damaging effects of other antipsychotics. The research, published in Lancet Neurology, shows a significant improvement in psychotic symptoms without sedation or falls, which are common side-effects of current treatments.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateFeb 13, 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.

When it comes to extinction, body size matters

Scientists propose a nuanced model for extinction that incorporates body size and metabolic scaling, revealing why animal species tend to evolve toward larger body sizes. The model predicts an energetically ideal mammal size 2.5 times that of an African elephant, making it more stable against extinction by starvation.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 13, 2018

UCLA scientists develop low-cost way to build gene sequences

Researchers have developed a new method, DropSynth, to synthesize thousands of genes at once, reducing the cost from $50-$100 to $2 per gene. This breakthrough enables scientists to test hypotheses and analyze large numbers of cells with ease.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience·DateFeb 13, 2018

Understanding brain functions using upconversion nanoparticles

Scientists from NUS and international research team create a novel method for deep brain stimulation, utilizing upconversion nanoparticles to deliver visible light deep into the brain. The innovation enables researchers to uncover valuable insights about brain functions with less invasive methods.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalScience·DateFeb 13, 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.

SNMMI and ASNC issue joint guidelines for quantification of myocardial blood flow using PET

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging and the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology have issued joint guidelines for the clinical quantification of myocardial blood flow using Positron Emission Tomography (PET). The guidelines provide a comprehensive framework for the measurement and interpretation of myocardial blood ...

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateFeb 13, 2018

Nitrate in drinking water increases the risk of colorectal cancer

A new study from Aarhus University finds that high nitrate levels in drinking water are associated with a 15% greater risk of colorectal cancer. The study analyzed data from over 2.7 million Danes and found that even low nitrate concentrations may pose a health risk.

SourceAarhus University·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateFeb 13, 2018

Gene expression patterns may help determine time of death

An international team of scientists developed models to predict post-mortem interval based on tissue-specific gene expression changes. Changes in gene expression can be used to determine the time of death with considerable accuracy, potentially aiding forensic analyses.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 13, 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.

Heroin vaccine blocks lethal overdose

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have created a safe and effective vaccine to block heroin's lethal effects, using an adjuvant already approved by the FDA. The vaccine, which is stable at room temperature for up to 30 days, shows promise in treating heroin addiction and preventing overdose deaths.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalMolecular Pharmaceutics·DateFeb 13, 2018

Brain sciences researcher pinpoints brain circuit that triggers fear relapse

A study by Steve Maren and his team identified a key brain circuit that triggers fear relapse. The research found that the hippocampus is connected to a specific type of cell in the prefrontal cortex, which plays a crucial role in relapse. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments for disorders like PTSD.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 13, 2018

Marc Edwards receives 2018 AAAS Scientific Freedom and Responsibility Award

Edwards was recognized by AAAS for applying engineering expertise to expose dangerous levels of lead contamination in water supplies. His team tested over 250 homes, demonstrating corrosive water causing lead contamination, which led to the discovery of high blood levels in children living in Flint.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateFeb 13, 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.

Ketone drink could help diabetics by lowering blood sugar

A ketone ester supplement has been shown to lower blood sugar levels in healthy individuals by reducing spikes in sugar consumption. The study used a single drink containing 75 grams of sugar and found that the ketone drink reduced the blood sugar spike compared to a placebo.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateFeb 13, 2018

Quality toolkit improves care in Indian hospitals

A quality improvement toolkit improved the quality of care but not outcomes in hospitals in Kerala, India. The study found favorable trends in outcomes among heart attack patients, with lower rates of major cardiovascular events at discharge compared to usual care.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 13, 2018

Cancer-killing virus acts by alerting immune system

A new oncolytic virus has been shown to kill cancer cells by alerting the immune system, triggering a widespread immune response that kills cancer cells beyond the infected region. Researchers have found that the virus's mechanism of action involves exposing tumor proteins, which are then detected by the immune system, leading to a pow...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCancer Research·DateFeb 13, 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.

Energy-efficient encryption for the internet of things

MIT researchers have developed a new chip that consumes only 1/400 as much power as software execution of public-key encryption protocols, executing 500 times faster. The chip uses a general-purpose elliptic-curve design and features a dedicated inverter circuit to increase energy efficiency and reduce surface area.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 13, 2018

By 2100, arid cities will suffer from more severe heat waves than temperate cities

A global climate model predicts that arid cities like Phoenix will experience more severe heat waves by 2100 compared to their rural surroundings. This is because future arid cities will remain water-limited, while their rural neighbors are projected to be no longer dry due to increased rainfall.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateFeb 13, 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.

Ocean winds influence seal pup migration

New research confirms maritime winds displace seal pups by hundreds of kilometers during their first winter migration. The study found that strong winds can increase pup displacement, but the impact on survival is unclear.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·DateFeb 13, 2018