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Science News Archive February 2018 - Page 26


Page 26 of 36

Bitcoin crash could derail other cryptocurrencies

New research finds that a Bitcoin crash would likely only affect other cryptocurrencies, while traditional assets remain unaffected. The study reveals significant price spillovers between cryptocurrencies and other financial assets.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalEconomics Letters·DateFeb 8, 2018

Biochar could replace unsustainable peat moss in greenhouse industry

Researchers have found that biochar can replace unsustainable peat moss in potting mix without harming plant growth. Biochar decomposes slowly, sequestering carbon and reducing emissions. However, high concentrations of biochar can cause pH issues, but these effects are short-lived.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalIndustrial Crops and Products·DateFeb 8, 2018

Blood sodium levels may affect cognition in older adults

A new study found that lower sodium levels in the blood, known as hyponatremia, are related to declines in cognitive function with advancing age. Slightly lower serum sodium levels were associated with increased risk of cognitive impairment and decline over time, while high serum sodium was also linked to cognitive decline.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 8, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Human antibodies undermine parasite sex

Researchers have discovered that human antibodies can prevent malaria spread by destroying parasites in mosquitoes and preventing fertilization. This finding holds promise for developing a vaccine to halt the disease's transmission, which could significantly reduce global malaria burden.

SourceRadboud University Nijmegen·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 8, 2018

'Spectacular' finding: New 3-D vision discovered in praying mantis

Researchers at Newcastle University have discovered a new form of 3D vision in praying mantises that works differently from previously known forms. This unique vision system allows mantises to detect movement and distance without detailed image matching, making it robust and efficient for processing.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 8, 2018

What makes the bacteria behind Lyme disease tick?

Researchers have identified the crucial role of peptide uptake in Borrelia burgdorferi's viability and ability to infect mammals. Blocking this process could lead to novel therapeutic interventions for Lyme disease.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalmBio·DateFeb 8, 2018

AI computer vision breakthrough IDs poachers in less than half a second

Researchers at USC Center for Artificial Intelligence in Society developed an AI algorithm, SPOT, to detect poachers in near real-time using infrared images. The algorithm can distinguish between humans and animals in just over three-tenths of a second, reducing the time spent on monitoring wildlife.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateFeb 8, 2018

Rapid land changes forecast for East African savannahs

A 5000-year study of Amboseli National Park in Kenya reveals rapid environmental changes caused by human activities, including the arrival of Massai people and the ivory trade. The findings highlight the need to manage national park boundaries more strictly to keep pace with climate change.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalKungl Svenska vetenskapsakademiens handlingar·DateFeb 8, 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.

More efficient method devised to drug test athletes

Researchers at University of Waterloo develop coated blade-spray mass spectrometry for rapid on-site screening of athletes' blood and urine samples, reducing analysis time to 55 seconds and cost to a few dollars per sample. The technology aims to prevent cheating by providing continuous monitoring.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalBioanalysis·DateFeb 8, 2018

Termites' unique gut 'factory' key to global domination

The study reveals that termites' gut microbiome is a complex factory producing sugars and proteins from wood and air, with up to 5000 different microbe species. Researchers discovered that microbes are shared across colonies, allowing termites to diversify their food source and achieve ecological dominance.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 8, 2018

Include patient's bucket list in end-of-life care conversations

Researchers identified common bucket-list themes among patients with chronic and serious illnesses, including travel, personal goals, and quality time with friends and family. This knowledge can serve as a roadmap for clinicians to provide tailored care that respects patients' preferences and values.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Palliative Medicine·DateFeb 8, 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.

Black patients more likely to be excluded from prostate cancer trials

A recent study found that nearly half of all prostate cancer randomized clinical trials use lab results that disproportionately exclude black patients. The study, published in JAMA Oncology, highlights the need for researchers to adjust entry criteria to prevent racial biases.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateFeb 8, 2018

New glucagon delivery system reduces episodes of post-bariatric surgery hypoglycemia

A new 'smart' glucagon delivery system has been developed to treat post-bariatric hypoglycemia. The system combines a continuous glucose monitor, rapid glucagon delivery, and a mobile platform with a hypoglycemia prediction algorithm, successfully alerting investigators to impending hypoglycemia and reducing episodes.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalDiabetes Technology & Therapeutics·DateFeb 8, 2018

Lab-grown eggs could pave way towards new fertility treatments

Scientists have successfully grown human eggs in a laboratory from their earliest stage to full maturity, paving the way for improved fertility treatments. The advance aims to safeguard the fertility of girls with cancer ahead of potentially harmful medical treatment.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalMolecular Human Reproduction·DateFeb 8, 2018

Chimpanzee self-control is related to intelligence, Georgia State study finds

A recent study by Georgia State researchers found a correlation between chimpanzee self-control and general intelligence, mirroring the famous marshmallow test results in humans. The Hybrid Delay Task revealed that chimps who showed higher levels of generalized intelligence were more efficient in delayed gratification tests.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 8, 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.

Study finds only one-third of patients diagnosed with depression start treatment

A Kaiser Permanente study found that only one-third of patients diagnosed with depression start treatment, with racial and ethnic minorities and the elderly facing significant disparities. The study's findings highlight the need for improved detection and treatment strategies to address these disparities.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateFeb 8, 2018

Smart Thermometer improves flu forecasting

Researchers found that de-identified smart thermometer data was highly correlated with traditional public health surveillance systems, improving flu forecasting by up to four weeks. The data also revealed age-group specific incidence and estimated the duration of fevers during flu season.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 8, 2018

Are you rocky or are you gassy?

Astronomers have discovered a trio of super-Earths around the star GJ 9827, with two of them having radii between 1.7 times and 2.5 times that of Earth, sparking debate about their composition. The study's findings provide insight into how these planets form and evolve, with implications for the search for life beyond our Solar System.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·DateFeb 8, 2018
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

The secrets behind hummingbirds' flight agility revealed

A new study found that hummingbirds' muscle capacity is associated with better deacceleration, accelerating on a dime, and upward rotations. Wing loading was also linked to rotational movement and turns in general, suggesting that evolved changes in muscle capacity may compensate for relatively small wing size.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 8, 2018

Light and copper catalysis improves amine synthesis

A new method has been developed for synthesizing alkyl amines using photocatalysis alongside copper catalysis, overcoming the challenge of alkyl group synthesis. The approach allows for high selectivity and compatibility with functional groups, and can be carried out at ambient temperatures.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Catalysis·DateFeb 8, 2018

Double trouble: Invasive insect species overlooked as a result of a shared name

Researchers have uncovered two distinct moth species using leaf-mining moths that were previously misidentified due to their shared name. The corrected classification reveals that these insects expand their ranges differently, with one having a single annual generation and the other featuring multiple generations.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNota Lepidopterologica·DateFeb 8, 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.

Simple rules can help fishery managers cope with ecological complexity

A study found that economic benefits from considering ecosystem factors in fisheries management are minor, but the approach offers help in avoiding worst-case scenarios and identifying 'safe zones' for managing fisheries. This framework allows managers to identify specific zones with low risks of major economic losses.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2018

'Zipping-up' rings to make nanographenes

Researchers at Nagoya University have created a simple and efficient way to form nanographenes in a controlled fashion. The team's approach uses a palladium catalyst to connect benzene units at two points, forming a triangle-like structure that can be repeated to generate the desired molecule.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalScience·DateFeb 8, 2018

With new grant, MIT neuroscientists will give 'invisible' cells a new look

Astrocytes may partner with neurons to process information, according to a new MIT study funded by a $1.9 million grant. The research aims to uncover the crucial role of astrocytes in brain function and development, potentially providing insight into disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and autism.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·DateFeb 8, 2018

Timing is everything, to our genes

A Salk Institute study has discovered that nearly 80 percent of genes exhibit daily fluctuations, with the most rhythmic genes peaking in early morning and late afternoon. This finding has significant implications for understanding circadian disruption's impact on diseases such as depression and heart disease.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateFeb 8, 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.

Thousands of lives would be saved if counties met ATS clean air standards

The American Thoracic Society and Marron Institute report estimates that meeting the ATS's standards for ozone and fine particulate matter would save approximately 6,270 lives annually and avoid 15,300 instances of serious illness. Implementing these standards could reduce missed school and work days by 12.7 million.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateFeb 8, 2018

FSU researchers: Savanna fires pump Central African forests full of nitrogen

Researchers have discovered a new role for large-scale fires and high nitrogen deposition in the ecology and biogeochemistry of Central African forests. The findings suggest that massive tracts of biomass from savannas are swept up into the atmosphere and deposited on the forests, stimulating growth in certain species.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2018

Distinctive brain pattern helps habits form

Researchers found neurons that fire at the beginning and end of a behavior, marking the start and end of habits. The study sheds light on how the brain groups behaviors together into routines.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 8, 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.

Talking to doctors about your bucket list could help advance care planning

Discussing patients' bucket lists with their doctors can encourage making medical care fit life plans, providing personalized care and healthy behaviors. Researchers found that 91% of respondents had made a bucket list, with those who valued faith and spirituality more likely to have one.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of Palliative Medicine·DateFeb 8, 2018

A noninvasive way to manipulate neural activity with optogenetics

A new optogenetic technique allows for non-invasive deep brain neural stimulation or inhibition by applying light externally to the skull. The technique, tested in mice, may one day complement current approaches to deep brain stimulation and therapies for neurological disorders in humans.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 8, 2018

Interference as a new method for cooling quantum devices

Researchers propose a novel method to cool quantum devices by leveraging quantum interference, effectively cancelling heat flow and mitigating thermal noise. This innovative approach has the potential to significantly enhance the performance and stability of quantum computers.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 8, 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.

Thirdhand smoke lingers in casino months after smoking ban

A new study found that thirdhand smoke residue remains in casino surfaces six months after a smoking ban, posing health risks to non-smokers. The researchers recommend casinos implement smoking bans sooner to reduce the toxic legacy of tobacco use.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalTobacco Control·DateFeb 8, 2018

Researchers help robots think and plan in the abstract

Scientists at Brown University have created a way for robots to learn high-level abstract representations of their surroundings, enabling them to plan and act more autonomously. By using machine learning algorithms, robots can distill complex sensory data into simple, text-based descriptions that facilitate planning and skill execution.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Artificial Intelligence Research·DateFeb 8, 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.

New '4-D goggles' allow wearers to be 'touched' by approaching objects

Researchers developed 4-D goggles that allow wearers to feel a looming object on screen, such as an approaching spacecraft. The device synchronizes with entertainment content to deliver immersive multisensory effects near the face and enhance sense of presence.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateFeb 8, 2018

Stroke risk factors unique to women identified

Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified unique stroke risk factors in women, including early age of menarche, low levels of dehydroepiandrosterone hormone, and oral estrogen use. The study emphasizes the need for clinicians to consider these factors, particularly in women with a history of pregnancy complications.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·DateFeb 8, 2018

Tea Party movement has paved the way for racialized language in US politics

Italian researchers found that Tea Party supporters exhibited greater racial resentment towards non-white individuals and relied on it when evaluating Obama. The study suggests the Tea Party movement paved the way for mainstream acceptance of racially hostile content, contributing to Trump's communication strategy.

SourceSpringer·JournalRace and Social Problems·DateFeb 8, 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.

Scientists observe nanowires as they grow

Researchers at DESY's X-ray source PETRA III have observed the growth of gallium arsenide nanowires for the first time, providing new insights into their shape and crystal structure. The study reveals a second component contributing to the growth process, allowing wires to gain width independently of the VLS mechanism.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 8, 2018

Scientists develop a 'third eye' to examine stem cells

Researchers have developed a method for marking dividing stem cells with three different labels, increasing accuracy and speed of analysis. This allows study of new populations of stem cells, including those in the brain and other tissues.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateFeb 8, 2018

Study reveals molecular mechanisms of memory formation

Researchers identify protein Npas4 as key controller of synaptic strength in CA3, essential for encoding contextual memories. Without Npas4, synapses become over-strong and unable to be further strengthened.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 8, 2018

Vape shops could be 'valuable allies' to NHS

Research shows that vape shops provide valuable behavioural support for quitters and offer an opportunity for socialisation to reinforce vaping. Vape shops could be a valuable ally to the NHS in reducing smoking, according to new study.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateFeb 8, 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.

Evolution -- and skill -- help hefty hummingbirds stay spry

New research reveals that larger hummingbirds can compensate for their greater body masses by adapting their physiology. The study found that acceleration is primarily driven by muscle capacity, while wing size plays a key role in maneuverability.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScience·DateFeb 8, 2018

iPS cell-derived inner ear cells may improve congenital hearing loss

Researchers at Kumamoto University successfully grafted human iPS cell-derived inner ear cells into embryonic mice, expressing key proteins essential for hearing development. The study's findings suggest that these cells may compensate for missing proteins and improve hearing loss in hereditary cases.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 8, 2018

Avoiding blackouts with 100 percent renewable energy

The study proposes three methods for consistent power among all sectors in 20 world regions, matching supply and demand in 30-second increments. It suggests solutions with no added hydropower turbines and no storage in water, ice or rocks, avoiding blackouts at low cost.

SourceStanford University·JournalRenewable Energy·DateFeb 8, 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.

Molecular 'magnets' could improve cancer immunotherapy

Research from the Francis Crick Institute discovered that immune cells called Natural Killer cells accumulate in tumours and release chemicals attracting specialised dendritic cells. Genes associated with these cells correlated with cancer patient survival rates, suggesting a new basis for immunotherapies.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalCell·DateFeb 8, 2018

First 3-D imaging of excited quantum dots

A US research team has successfully imaged excited quantum dots at multiple orientations using a new technique called single molecule absorption scanning tunneling microscopy (SMA-STM). This allows for the visualization of defects in quantum dots, which can be characterized and precisely controlled to improve their performance.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateFeb 8, 2018

New map profiles induced earthquake risk for West Texas

A new study maps induced earthquake risk in the Permian Basin of West Texas, highlighting areas prone to seismic activity from fluid injection. The detailed stress map provides quantitative data for oil companies to inform more effective drilling operations and reduce the probability of larger earthquakes.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalThe Leading Edge·DateFeb 8, 2018