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Science News Archive February 2018 - Page 27


Page 27 of 36

Improving drone performance in headwinds

Researchers from Tohoku University found that angling quad-rotor rotors by 20 degrees can reduce pitching by a quarter, improving stability in heavy winds. The study also identified the effects of rotor tilting on pitching moment generation, with outward tilting reducing pitch by 26%.

SourceTohoku University·JournalInternational Journal of Micro Air Vehicles·DateFeb 8, 2018

'Pillownauts' help future manned missions to Mars

A 3-day bed rest study is being conducted to investigate the effects of prolonged weightlessness on human metabolism, specifically insulin resistance. The study's findings could lead to the development of rehabilitation exercises to mitigate these effects and improve astronaut fitness for future Mars missions.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateFeb 8, 2018

Metasurfaces enable improved optical lens performance

Researchers at Penn State have developed a new theory that uses gradient index materials and metasurface layers to improve optical lens performance. The new design reduces the need for multiple lenses, resulting in lighter and thinner optical systems.

SourcePenn State·JournalOptica·DateFeb 8, 2018
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Research explores workers' response to abusive supervision

Research finds that abusive supervision affects more than 13% of U.S. workers, leading to retaliatory behavior and decreased productivity. The study also reveals cultural power distance influences employees' perceptions of justice and deviant behavior, with lower power distance countries experiencing stronger deviations.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalJournal of Business Ethics·DateFeb 8, 2018

TSRI scientists take big step toward stopping cancer metastasis

Researchers at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have discovered that levels of a key protein called LTBP3 fuel the chain reaction leading to cancer spread. Lower LTBP3 levels are associated with better prognosis in patients with certain types of cancer, suggesting it as a potential 'upstream' drug target.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalOncogene·DateFeb 8, 2018

Gut bacteria: It can be good, and bad, for health

Researchers found that impairing Paneth cells allows gut bacteria to invade the small intestine, causing major inflammation. Normal autophagy in Paneth cells is required to regulate bacteria, keeping it at bay and preventing disease.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateFeb 8, 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.

Deep-brain exploration with nanomaterial

Researchers have developed a non-invasive method for stimulating the brain using nanoparticles that absorb near-infrared light and emit visible photons, allowing for control of specific brain cells. This breakthrough enables the treatment of conditions such as seizures and fear memories with minimal invasiveness.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScience·DateFeb 8, 2018

Neanderthals' lack of drawing ability may relate to hunting techniques

A UC Davis study suggests that Neanderthals' inability to draw may be related to their hunting techniques, which required more precise eye-hand coordination. This could have contributed to the evolution of Homo sapiens' larger brains and advanced cognitive abilities.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEvolutionary Studies in Imaginative Culture·DateFeb 8, 2018

Surprise finding points to DNA's role in shaping cells

Researchers discovered that DNA acts as an 'air-in-a-balloon' mechanism to inflate bacterial cells, beyond its genetic information role. This finding has implications for understanding cell formation and growth, potentially revealing insights into the origins of cellular life.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell·DateFeb 8, 2018

Circulating lipids play roles in many diseases

Recent studies investigate the role of cholesterol and other lipids in blood circulation, discovering a correlation between bad cholesterol levels and muscle damage in muscular dystrophy patients. Another study reveals a synergistic effect of hepatitis B and alcohol on cholesterol metabolism, increasing biosynthesis and impairing uptake.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateFeb 8, 2018

Alien honeybees could cause plant extinction

Introduced 'alien' honeybees are competing with native bees for resources, posing a threat to the survival of plants that rely on specific pollinators. This is particularly concerning in arid environments where super-generalist honeybees visit up to 55% of available plant species.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalDiversity and Distributions·DateFeb 8, 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.

A view from above and below: Hatchery chinook salmon are self-sorting in tanks

A study by Oregon State University found that hatchery-raised chinook salmon self-sort into surface- and bottom-oriented groups in their tanks, leading to differences in body shape and size. The researchers observed consistent variations from year to year, suggesting genetics plays a role in this behavior.

SourceOregon State University·JournalEnvironmental Biology of Fishes·DateFeb 8, 2018

When it comes to genes, lichens embrace sharing economy

Researchers discovered molecular evidence of obligate symbiosis in lichens, where fungal organisms streamline their genomes to coexist with algae. This finding suggests a genetic division of labor that makes the resulting lichen more efficient, potentially conferring an ecological advantage.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateFeb 8, 2018

UTHealth leads ACSM paper on safety recommendations for energy drinks

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has published new safety recommendations for energy drink consumption, particularly among children, adolescents, and individuals with cardiovascular conditions. The guidelines warn against excessive caffeine intake and advise against using energy drinks before or after strenuous exercise.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalCurrent Sports Medicine Reports·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.

Which image of Martin Luther can we trust?

A joint research project is questioning the authenticity of pictures of Luther, exploring whether the images depict him at a certain moment in his life or represent later heroification and veneration. The project uses technological examinations, digital analysis, and scientific methods to date and authenticate the images.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·DateFeb 8, 2018

How good a match is it? Putting statistics into forensic firearm identification

A new approach by NIST enables numerical testimony for ballistic comparisons, estimating the probability of false positive matches. The method produces a numerical score describing similarity between cartridge cases and estimates the probability of random effects causing a false positive match.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalForensic Science International·DateFeb 8, 2018

A lightning-based nowcast-warning approach to predict short-duration rainfall

Scientists developed a lightning-based approach to predict short-duration rainfall, using sharp increasing rates of lightning flashes to provide early warnings. The new method was tested over the Beijing Metropolitan Region and showed encouraging model performance, with successful early warnings for 67.8% of moderate and 87.0% of inten...

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric Research·DateFeb 8, 2018

A less hazardous means to create phosphorus compounds

Researchers discover a precursor to create phosphorus compounds, bypassing hazardous substances. The new anions, bis(trichlorosilyl)phosphide, work well in various reactions, producing diverse phosphorus-containing compounds.

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

New study explains how your brain helps you learn new skills

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes discovered that fast-spiking interneurons play a fundamental role in brain plasticity, improving procedural learning and potentially linked to psychiatric diseases. The study found that these neurons act like gatekeepers for plasticity, restricting changes in connection strength between neurons.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell·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.

Ways to make data sharing between the global north and south more fair

LMIC researchers face concerns over national ownership and unequal publishing opportunities when sharing open datasets. To address these issues, increased investment in LMIC data management infrastructure and international policy frameworks are proposed.

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

Sticking sugar to protein

The study reveals the importance of sugary appendages on protein surfaces, which differ in composition and branching. The researchers discovered the three-dimensional structure of oligosaccharyltransferase, providing insight into eukaryotic N-glycosylation.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateFeb 8, 2018

CNIC scientists describe the mechanism of heart regeneration in the zebrafish

A study by CNIC scientists discovered that cardiomyocytes from the innermost heart regions can contribute to the regeneration of the external heart wall in zebrafish. This finding reveals a new way to rebuild a damaged heart and has implications for human heart regeneration.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Communications·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.

Ball games and circuit strength training boost bone health in schoolchildren

A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that ball games and circuit strength training increased bone density by 44% and 46%, respectively, in children aged 8-10. These exercises also improved muscular strength and balance, reducing the risk of osteoporosis later in life.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateFeb 8, 2018

MSU uses $3 million NASA grant to find better ways to regulate dams

The MSU project will investigate how to reduce dams' negative impact on people and the environment, using remote sensing and interviews with local residents. The research aims to improve dam policies and generate insights for future dams, balancing energy needs with environmental sustainability.

SourceMichigan State University·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.

Obesity drives US health care costs up by 29 percent, varies by state

The prevalence of obesity in the US has risen dramatically, but its economic impact on individual states is less understood. A recent study found that health care costs devoted to treating obesity-related illness vary significantly across states, with some spending over 12 percent of their total medical expenditures on obesity treatment.

SourceCornell University·JournalClinical Chemistry·DateFeb 8, 2018

Chemical composition of aircraft exhaust aerosols investigated

A team of scientists deployed the ERICA instrument on a DC-8 aircraft to measure chemical composition of aircraft exhaust aerosols. They tested different kerosene blends and biofuels to reduce soot particles and contrail formation, which could impact climate change.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·DateFeb 8, 2018

Veterans health administration outlines recommendations to combat 'crisis' of MDROs

The Veterans Health Administration has outlined recommendations to combat the 'crisis' of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs) in healthcare settings. The recommendations focus on four key areas: transmission dynamics, antimicrobial stewardship, microbiome research, and special populations.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateFeb 8, 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.

UCLA study sheds light on genetic overlap between major psychiatric disorders

A UCLA-led study has found significant overlap in gene expression patterns among autism, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, with distinct differences also observed. Researchers have identified a molecular pathological signature for these disorders, providing a large step forward in understanding their underlying causes.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience·DateFeb 8, 2018

Self-defeating humor promotes psychological well-being, study reveals

Researchers found that self-defeating humour is associated with greater levels of psychological well-being, particularly in terms of happiness and sociability. The study challenges previous research suggesting negative effects of self-defeating humour.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateFeb 8, 2018

Ebola virus infects reproductive organs in monkeys

A study found that Ebola virus infects reproductive organs of macaques, suggesting similar infection in humans. The virus can persist in female reproductive tissues and may reach seminal fluid in men.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateFeb 8, 2018

Repetition key to self-healing, flexible medical devices

Scientists at Penn State have created materials that can conduct protons, a process used in fuel cells, and are biocompatible. The protein-based proton conductors show promise for developing implantable medical devices without batteries.

SourcePenn State·JournalChemistry of Materials·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.

Antibacterial applications of graphene oxides

Research highlights graphene oxide's exceptional antibacterial properties, which differ from traditional antibiotics. The review emphasizes the importance of understanding structure-activity relationships and molecular initiating events to improve biosafety.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateFeb 8, 2018

Quantum dots display promise for polymers

Rice University scientists have developed a stable and economical method to make polymers through photo-controlled atom-transfer radical polymerization. The process uses photosensitive quantum dots as a catalyst, which can be triggered by light sources such as the sun or a household lamp.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Macro Letters·DateFeb 8, 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 marker could help to identify heart attack patients most at risk

A new study from the University of Sheffield has found that patients with a longer clot lysis time are at higher risk of recurrent myocardial infarction or death due to cardiovascular disease. The research may lead to new treatments targeting fibrin clot lysis time, aiming to reduce this risk.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateFeb 8, 2018

Drug shown to reverse brain deficits caused by alcohol

A study published in Scientific Reports has identified a drug that can reverse the damaging impacts of heavy alcohol consumption on brain cells. Tandospirone was found to improve brain neurogenesis and reduce anxiety-like behaviors associated with alcohol withdrawal, opening up new avenues for treating substance-abuse deficits.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 8, 2018

Brainpower wins over brawn when male hummingbirds display for mates

A study published in Scientific Reports found that dominant male Long-billed Hermits have better spatial memories and sing more consistent songs than less successful males. This advantage allows them to defend their singing perches and attract females, highlighting the importance of cognitive abilities in animal behavior.

SourceCornell University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 8, 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.

Hearing loss linked to poor nutrition in early childhood, study suggests

Young adults who were undernourished as preschool children were nearly twice as likely to suffer from hearing loss. Nutritional interventions in South Asia could help prevent hearing loss, a condition affecting an estimated 116 million young people.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateFeb 8, 2018

Therapeutic riding programs help veterans cope with PTSD

A University of Missouri study found therapeutic horseback riding to be a clinically effective intervention for alleviating PTSD symptoms in military veterans. Participants experienced a significant decrease in PTSD scores, dropping by 67% after three weeks and 87% after six weeks.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalMilitary Medical Research·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.

Scientists realize breakthrough in controlling the transmission of light

Researchers at ASRC have developed a new light wave-isolation method that ensures highly efficient broad bandwidth isolation without using external magnetic fields or devices. This breakthrough has potential uses in consumer communication systems, laser devices, automotive technology, and more.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalNature Electronics·DateFeb 8, 2018

First hybrid nanotech device mimicking blood-brain barrier

Scientists at IIT fabricated an artificial device reproducing the blood-brain barrier, a structure protecting the central nervous system. The device is composed of artificial and biological components and will be fundamental for studying new therapeutic strategies to overcome the blood-brain barrier.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalSmall·DateFeb 8, 2018

Nature, meet nurture

Researchers found diverse landscape of gene expression changes across all cell types in visual cortex, involving 611 genes linked to neural connectivity. The study suggests that each cell has a unique genetic program tailored to its function within the neural circuit.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 8, 2018

Sniffing out a mate with precision

Researchers discovered how male cockroaches locate a sexual mate by detecting fine structures of odor plumes, thanks to their antennae and neural circuits. They identified twelve key interneurons that convey spatial information to the brain, ensuring complete coverage over the entire flagellum.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 8, 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.

Study reveals genetic basis of quantitative traits and diseases in Japanese

A genome-wide association study has identified 1,407 genetic variations affecting 58 traits in a large cohort of Japanese individuals. The study also found complex interrelations between clinical measurements and diseases, highlighting the value of conducting GWAS for multiple traits in a single cohort.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 8, 2018