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Science News Archive February 2018 - Page 28


Page 28 of 36

Better knowledge of evolution leads to greater acceptance of the concept

A recent study published in BioScience found that knowing more about evolutionary theory is key to accepting it, even when considering religious and political beliefs. In a representative sample of over 1,100 people, researchers discovered that those with better knowledge of evolution were more likely to accept it.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalBioScience·DateFeb 7, 2018

Changes in mouse breast tissue after exposure to fracking chemicals

Researchers at UMass Amherst and University of Missouri found that prenatal exposure to a mixture of fracking chemicals affects mouse mammary gland development, leading to potential pre-cancerous lesions. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effects on long-term health and lactational capacity.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalEndocrinology·DateFeb 7, 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.

Suicides spiked after death of Robin Williams

After Robin Williams' suicide in 2014, researchers found a 10% increase in overall suicides, particularly among men aged 30-44. Suffocation suicides also increased by 32% compared to other methods.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 7, 2018

Public policy, transportation PhD student receives national award

Somayeh Moazzeni, a UTA doctoral student in public policy and transportation, has been recognized as the 2017 outstanding student of the year by the U.S. Department of Transportation for C-TEDD. She will receive a $1,500 cash prize and contribute to research on access to opportunities, public transit, and decent roads.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateFeb 7, 2018

Exposure to chemicals used during fracking may cause pre-cancerous lesions in mice

Researchers found that female mice exposed to fracking chemicals during prenatal development developed abnormal mammary glands and pre-cancerous lesions in adulthood. The study suggests that the mammary gland is sensitive to mixtures of fracking chemicals, increasing concerns about potential health effects in humans.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEndocrinology·DateFeb 7, 2018

Wage increases do not have a persistent effect on job satisfaction

A study by Dr. Patric Diriwaechter and Dr. Elena Shvartsman found that wage increases temporarily boost job satisfaction due to expectations and social comparisons, but this effect fades out within four years as individuals adapt to their new salary levels.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJournal of Economic Behavior & Organization·DateFeb 7, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Recreating liver tumors as organoids for faster, more accurate drug screening

Researchers have developed a new method to grow patient-derived xenografts (PDX) liver cancer cells in culture, which maintains their proper shape and function and grows as organoids. The success of the engineered organoids has the potential to revolutionize the screening and development of liver cancer drugs.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalBiomaterials·DateFeb 7, 2018

The social evolution of termites

Researchers compared termites' genetic features to those of ants and bees, discovering similar molecular mechanisms for eusocial lifestyles. They found evidence of convergent evolution in chemoreceptor families and genes involved in pheromone recognition.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateFeb 7, 2018

Cognitive enhancement therapy improves outcomes for adults with autism

A six-year study found that cognitive enhancement therapy (CET) significantly improved neurocognitive function in adults with autism, particularly in attention and social understanding. In contrast, enriched supportive therapy (EST) showed slower but still significant improvements in social cognition.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalAutism Research·DateFeb 7, 2018

Sweet route to greater yields

Researchers from Rothamsted Research introduce a rice gene that regulates sucrose accumulation in kernels, leading to increased productivity in maize even under drought conditions. The transgenic maize also improves rates of photosynthesis, resulting in more sucrose production for additional kernels.

SourceRothamsted Research·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateFeb 7, 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.

HKBU breakthrough in macromolecular machines for controlled drug deliv

Researchers at Hong Kong Baptist University have designed and synthesized a smart globular macromolecular machine vehicle for actively controlled cancer drug delivery, enhancing the efficacy of targeted therapy drugs. The breakthrough offers insights into targeted therapies such as Chlorambucil in leukemia treatment.

SourceHong Kong Baptist University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 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.

Super wood could replace steel

Researchers at the University of Maryland have created a new type of wood that is 10-12 times stronger than natural wood, making it a potential competitor to steel. The wood's mechanical properties are comparable to those of titanium alloys, but with improved toughness and reduced weight.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·DateFeb 7, 2018

Scientists unlock the molecular secret behind long-lived bat species

Researchers identified protective structures at the end of chromosomes called telomeres that don't shorten with age in longest-lived bat species. The study found two genes ATM and SETX drive this process, potentially leading to new solutions to slow down aging and extend human lifespan.

SourceUniversity College Dublin·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 7, 2018

Challenging core belief: Have we misunderstood how Earth's solid center formed?

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University question long-held understanding of Earth's solid center formation, citing energy barriers and supercooling issues. The team proposes alternative solutions, including the possibility of a nucleation-enhancing solid metal affecting the core's crystallization process.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateFeb 7, 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.

New research reveals plant wonderland inside China's caves

A team of researchers has discovered 31 species of plants known only from caves in China, highlighting the importance of cave flora for species conservation. The study also found that plants can photosynthesize at much lower light levels than previously thought.

SourceRoyal Botanic Gardens Kew·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 7, 2018

Researchers develop the first model to capture crosstalk in social dilemmas

Researchers developed a new framework to analyze the effects of crosstalk on cooperation dynamics in groups. The model shows that crosstalk hinders the evolution of cooperation and requires strategies with the correct level of forgiveness. This has significant implications for understanding human behavior in social dilemmas.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 2018

Acne linked with increased risk of depression

Researchers found a significant link between acne and major depression, with a 63% higher risk within the first year of diagnosis. The study highlights the importance of monitoring mood symptoms in patients with acne and initiating prompt treatment for depression.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology·DateFeb 7, 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.

Acute treatment suppresses posttraumatic arthritis in ankle injury

Researchers have identified a method to prevent posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) by reducing oxidative stress after fractures in an animal model. By inhibiting mitochondrial metabolism or boosting antioxidants, they demonstrated that PTOA can be significantly blunted.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 7, 2018

Small molecule could make a big difference for arthritis patients

Scientists at USC have discovered a new molecule, RCGD 423, that enhances cartilage regeneration and decreases inflammation. The molecule amplifies the body's natural signals to stimulate cartilage development while blocking inflammatory signals.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateFeb 7, 2018

Printable, colorful camouflage with polymers

Researchers develop polymers that can change colors like structural color in nature, enabling smart decorations and anti-counterfeiting measures. The new materials use inkjet printing technology to produce a wide range of colors, including blue, green, orange, and red.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 7, 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.

Towards a better prediction of solar eruptions

Scientists identified a confining 'cage' in which a magnetic rope forms, causing solar eruptions. The resistance of this cage determines the power and type of flare. A new model predicts maximum energy release during solar flares, potentially devastating for Earth's systems.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·DateFeb 7, 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.

Removing fossil fuel subsidies will not reduce CO2 emissions as much as hoped

New research reveals that removing fossil fuel subsidies will only slightly slow the growth of CO2 emissions, with smaller effects in developing economies. The largest emissions savings would come from oil and gas exporting countries, but removal could have a detrimental impact on poor households, who may struggle to afford modern fuels.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature·DateFeb 7, 2018

Here is the perfect spot for a birds' inner compass

Migratory birds use a light-dependent protein called cryptochrome 4 to navigate, which is specifically expressed in the outer segment of double-cone photoreceptor cells. This discovery provides new insights into magnetoreception and could help protect wildlife from human disturbances.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 7, 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.

WSU researchers build alien ocean to test NASA outer space submarine

Researchers re-created a Titan ocean in a laboratory and studied the freezing temperatures of methane and ethane lakes. They discovered that nitrogen in the liquid causes lakes to freeze at lower temperatures than expected, which could be beneficial for the submarine's operation.

SourceWashington State University·JournalFluid Phase Equilibria·DateFeb 7, 2018

Helping authorities respond more quickly to airborne radiological threats

Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a new technique that can detect potential airborne radiological materials in hours, instead of days. This approach uses existing technologies to provide quality information to first responders, allowing them to make informed decisions about evacuating the area.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalHealth Physics·DateFeb 7, 2018

Study punctures 'you are what you eat' paradigm for carnivore skull shape

Researchers create biomechanical models to test how ecological factors like age at sexual maturity and average precipitation influence skull shape in carnivoran species. The study reveals that nondietary factors significantly impact both skull form and function, surpassing dietary influences.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 7, 2018

Increased UV from ozone depletion sterilizes trees

Pine trees become temporarily sterile when exposed to intense UV radiation, similar to what scientists believe the Earth experienced 252 million years ago. The effect suggests caution in introducing chemicals that deplete the ozone layer.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 7, 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.

Star-like cells may help the brain tune breathing rhythms

Researchers found that silencing astrocytes in the brain's breathing center caused rats to breathe at a lower rate and tire out on a treadmill earlier. Astrocytes were shown to use adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to communicate with other cells, and their modulation was linked to changes in oxygen levels.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 2018

More work is needed to determine appropriate drug doses for children

A recent study analyzing pediatric drug dosage guidelines found inconsistencies in recommended doses, with varying results from allometric scaling and prior patterns of use. The analysis suggests a need for more precise treatment approaches to address the complexities of pediatric dosing.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateFeb 7, 2018

Scientists successfully test new, safer titanium plate for bone tissue repair

Researchers at Shinshu University have successfully tested a new, safer titanium plate for bone tissue repair, eliminating the need for plate extraction and associated surgical risks. The titanium fiber plates share a similar measurement of stiffness with natural bone, reducing the risk of embrittlement.

SourceShinshu University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 7, 2018

Smallpox vaccine study yields favorable results

A Phase 3 clinical trial demonstrates the safety and efficacy of IMVAMUNE, a non-replicating smallpox vaccine. The study showed twofold higher neutralizing antibodies compared to ACAM2000, a statistically superior immune response.

SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 7, 2018

Scientists halt breast cancer spread

Researchers found that restricting asparagine production in mice greatly reduced breast cancer's ability to spread, suggesting a potential new treatment approach. The study also suggests that dietary changes may help stop cancer from spreading and improve outcomes for patients.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalNature·DateFeb 7, 2018
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Scientists crack structure of enzyme complex linked to cancer

Researchers at UC Riverside have solved the crystal structure of an enzyme that plays a key role in DNA methylation, a process linked to various diseases including cancer. The breakthrough provides important information for understanding de novo DNA methylation and its implications for gene expression and cell differentiation.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature·DateFeb 7, 2018

The robots will see you now

Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering have created a bioinspired robotic replica that can interact in three dimensions with live zebrafish. The system allows the robot to watch and mimic the behavior of live fish in real-time, promoting social interactions.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 7, 2018

Study identifies how to improve WHO eradication strategy for skin disease

A new study suggests adapting the WHO eradication strategy for yaws by implementing multiple rounds of mass drug administration and targeting a broader geographic area. The research found that this approach can capture those not present during the first round and prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant strains.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 7, 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.

First-ever questionnaire assesses impact of brachial plexus injury and surgical outcomes

A new patient questionnaire developed by Hospital for Special Surgery measures the physical and emotional impact of brachial plexus injury, assessing patients' expectations and treatment outcomes. The survey has the potential to improve patient care by aligning surgical alternatives with patient needs and expectations.

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateFeb 7, 2018

Self-sealing miniature 'wound' created by engineers

Biomedical engineers developed a miniaturized system mimicking blood vessel injury, allowing for the study of bleeding and clotting. The device replicates all aspects of blood vessel injury, including clot formation and repair, and responds to drugs and other alterations.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 2018

A genetic trigger adds branches to plants, could boost crop yields

Researchers have discovered a genetic trigger that can increase plant branching, leading to improved crop yields. The newly identified chemical, DL1, has shown promise in both flower and rice plants, paving the way for potential commercial applications in agriculture.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateFeb 7, 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.

Versatile sensor against tumor initiating cells

A team of researchers developed a fluorescent sensor, TiY, that selectively stains tumor initiating cells (TICs) in various cancer tissues. The sensor can distinguish TICs from non-TICs and inhibit sphere formation, leading to suppressed tumor growth in mice xenograft models.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 7, 2018

A step toward sensitive and fast gluten detection

Researchers have developed a fast gluten detector that can detect and quantify different sources of gluten than current tests, providing more accurate results. The new test is faster, taking only 45 minutes, and can sense less than 20 parts per million of gluten, meeting the FDA's limit for 'gluten-free' designation.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sensors·DateFeb 7, 2018

Crowd workers, AI make conversational agents smarter

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have created a conversational agent, Evorus, that can answer a wide range of questions using a human/machine hybrid system. The system, which combines crowd workers and AI, allows the agent to learn and improve over time, making it more accurate and effective in its responses.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateFeb 7, 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.