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Science News Archive February 2018 - Page 33


Page 33 of 36

New insight into the molecular weapons of the plant microbiome

A study found that Pseudomonas protegens, a soil-dwelling bacterium, releases toxins through its type VI secretion system to protect plants from diseases. The toxins target NAD+, destroying other bacterial species and allowing the plant-protective bacteria to outcompete them.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 5, 2018

Columbia engineers win $4.7 million DARPA grant to revolutionize augmented reality glasses

A team of Columbia engineers, led by Michal Lipson, has developed a groundbreaking AR glass design that enables high-resolution projection and detection with no moving parts. The technology leverages recent work on engineered optical materials (EnMats) and silicon nitride integrated photonics to provide an ultrahigh-resolution see-thro...

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateFeb 5, 2018

Mapping the first family tree for tropical forests

Researchers classify world's tropical forests by evolutionary history, uncovering five major regions and finding surprising similarities between African and South American forests. The study aims to inform conservation efforts by predicting region-specific vulnerability to global environmental changes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 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.

Islands in yeast membrane revealed by extreme microscopy

Researchers discovered tiny islands in yeast cell membranes where transport proteins are stored before use. The study reveals how these proteins move slowly through the membrane and provides new insights into protein localization and trafficking.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 5, 2018

Patients with kidney disease with heart defibrillators at greater risk of hospitalization

A study by Kaiser Permanente and University of Washington found that patients with chronic kidney disease who receive implantable cardioverter defibrillators experience a significantly increased risk of subsequent hospitalization. The use of ICDs was associated with a 49% increased risk of hospitalization for heart failure and a 25% in...

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2018

Radical new technology prevents 'freezer burn' in cells, tissues

PanTHERA CryoSolutions has discovered a small molecule inhibitor that prevents ice recrystallization, a process causing cell death and damage when freezing cells and tissues. This technology results in faster engraftment and increased incidence of engraftment for clinical settings.

SourceCanadian Glycomics Network·DateFeb 5, 2018

Clemson researchers blaze new ground in wireless energy generation

Researchers at Clemson University have developed a wireless energy generation device called W-TENG, which generates electricity from motion and vibrations. The device uses graphene-PLA fiber and can generate enough voltage to power standard electrical outlets or store energy wirelessly in capacitors.

SourceClemson University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateFeb 5, 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.

Fish study IDs genes that regulate social behaviors

A Cornell University study has identified genes in the brain that regulate social behaviors in fish, including reproduction, parental care, and aggression. The research found that these genes are expressed during flexible social behaviors, which is crucial for survival and reproduction.

SourceCornell University·DateFeb 5, 2018

Zika brain damage may go undetected in pregnancy

Researchers found subtle changes in fetal brains infected with Zika virus during pregnancy, which can lead to significant learning problems and mental health disorders. The study suggests that children infected with the virus at a young age may also be at risk of brain damage.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2018

Novel research approach sheds light on how midsize predators interact

A novel research approach by Oregon State University has shed light on how midsize predators like fishers interact with each other. The study found that fishers are the dominant small carnivore when present, negatively affecting foxes directly and ringtails indirectly.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateFeb 5, 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.

Invasive species source pools

The study analyzed nearly 46,000 records of alien species from 1500-2005, finding that a substantial proportion of newly recorded species had not been previously reported elsewhere. This suggests that access to new potential alien species has increased over time, contributing to the global rise in emerging alien species.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2018

Super-adsorbent MOF to control humidity

Researchers at KAUST have developed a super-adsorbent metal-organic framework (MOF) that can adsorb water at high capacity and release it easily when humidity levels fall. This MOF has been shown to outperform existing materials in terms of capacity, reversibility, and cyclic performance.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalChem·DateFeb 5, 2018

Drinking hot tea associated with a 5-fold increased risk for esophageal cancer

A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that consuming hot tea at high temperatures is associated with a significant increase in the risk of esophageal cancer. The research, which followed over 450,000 participants for nine years, suggests that abstaining from hot tea may be beneficial for individuals who drink al...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2018

For world's poorest, vaccines prevent deaths, medical impoverishment

Increased investments in vaccines administered to low- and middle-income countries could avert up to 36 million deaths and 24 million cases of medical impoverishment. The poorest households would likely receive the most benefit from increased access to vaccines due to their higher risk and limited healthcare use.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateFeb 5, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Trains, planes, automobiles and heart disease

A review published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggests that environmental noise, including traffic noise, may contribute to the development of heart disease. The study proposes that noise induces a stress response, leading to vascular damage and increased risk of hypertension and diabetes.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 5, 2018

Ants: Master manipulators for biodiversity, or sweet treats

Ants and aphids coexist in a symbiotic relationship where ants protect aphids from predators and aphids secrete honeydew for ants. The presence of ants improves the reproduction rate of inferior green aphid morphs, which were previously thought to be disadvantaged.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 5, 2018

Making the Arctic accessible for excellent science

The EU-funded Arctic Research Icebreaker Consortium (ARICE) aims to improve access to research icebreakers and develop strategies for coordinated use of polar research vessels. The consortium will give scientists fully funded access to six research icebreakers, enabling them to conduct research in the Arctic Ocean.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·DateFeb 5, 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.

Autism might be better detected using new two-minute questionnaire

Researchers at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School developed a two-minute questionnaire to detect autism in toddlers. The Psychological Development Questionnaire (PDQ-1) correctly identified children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from all socioeconomic communities.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateFeb 5, 2018

Building a future in science with construction-based toys

A new study by CIRES at the University of Colorado Boulder reveals that children who played with construction-based toys and video games had higher spatial skills compared to their peers. The research found that when childhood play patterns were controlled for, gender differences in spatial skills disappeared.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalGeosphere·DateFeb 5, 2018

Normalization of Alzheimer's disease pathology in mice

NAD+ supplementation improves cognitive function, reduces DNA damage and neuroinflammation in AD mouse model with DNA repair deficiency. Researchers report promising results with potential implications for Alzheimer's disease treatment.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2018

Studies reveal looming shortage of rheumatologists

The US rheumatology workforce is projected to face a shortage due to an aging population, retiring baby boomer rheumatologists, and changing practice trends. By 2030, the supply of rheumatologists is expected to fall short of demand, with some regions facing a particularly severe maldistribution.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateFeb 5, 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.

Scientists explain the impacts of aerosol radiative forcing

Scientists investigated aerosol optical properties and radiative effects in the Pearl River Delta region of China. They found that fine-mode strongly absorbing particles dominated aerosols during the dry season, significantly influencing radiation exchange between Earth's surface and atmospheric system.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2018

Assessment of Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Flint

A study examined the relationship between free chlorine concentrations and the 2014-2015 Legionnaires' disease (LD) outbreak in Flint, Michigan. The results indicate that decreasing concentrations of free chlorine in the water were associated with increased risk of developing LD, with a 80% increase per 1 mg/L decrease.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 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.

Controlling quantum interactions in a single material

A team of researchers has successfully controlled multiple quantum mechanical properties in a single material, including ferroelectricity and conductivity. The breakthrough could lead to the development of ultrafast, low-power electronics and quantum computers.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 5, 2018

Cellular senescence in naked mole rats

Newborn naked mole rats display developmental senescence in various tissues, including hair follicles, nail beds, and skin dermis. Oncogene-induced and DNA damage-induced senescence occur in embryonic and skin fibroblasts, suggesting cellular senescence is not eliminated with evolution.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2018

Why nerve cells die in ALS and frontotemporal dementia

Researchers at USC discovered a cellular mechanism that limits the number of 'cellular janitors' in the nervous system, leading to increased risk for ALS and frontotemporal dementia. The study found that a mutation in the C9ORF72 gene causes toxicity in nerve cells, resulting in cell death and degeneration.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 5, 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.

Researchers take important step toward gonorrhea vaccine

Researchers have shed light on the mechanism behind important proteins on N. gonorrhoeae's outer membrane, potentially leading to new antibiotics or a vaccine. The findings suggest that BamE could be a new vaccine target against N. gonorrhoeae.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 5, 2018

Adding crizotinib to radiation therapy may help preserve hearing in patients with NF2

Researchers found that crizotinib enhances radiosensitivity of tumors and inhibits growth of cultured tumor cells from NF2 patients. A novel mouse model mimicking NF2-associated hearing loss was also created to study the molecular pathway contributing to tumor progression and radiation-induced hearing loss.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2018

Dim light may make us dumber

Researchers found that dim light exposure led to significant reductions in brain-derived neurotrophic factor and dendritic spines, impairing learning and memory performance. Bright light exposure, on the other hand, showed improvement in spatial task performance, with full recovery after a break.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalHippocampus·DateFeb 5, 2018

Opioid cessation may be more successful when depression is treated

A Saint Louis University study found that treating depression can increase the likelihood of successful opioid cessation in non-cancer pain patients. Patients who adhered to antidepressant medications were more likely to stop opioids and experience a rapid decline in depression symptoms.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateFeb 5, 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.

BU: Police shootings reflect structural racism

A new study by Boston University School of Public Health researchers found a strong association between structural racism and racial disparities in fatal police shootings at the state level. States with higher levels of residential segregation had higher rates of unarmed black victims killed by police, even controlling for arrest rates.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the National Medical Association·DateFeb 5, 2018

Detecting and treating dnDSA early preserves allograft function

A study published in Pediatric Transplantation found that detecting and treating dnDSA early can decrease antibody levels by 76% and prevent graft failure. However, the treatment came at a price: increased hospitalization rates for infection.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalPediatric Transplantation·DateFeb 5, 2018

A good life for all within the planet's means

A study by the University of Leeds found that no country satisfies basic human needs while using resources sustainably. The research analyzed 151 countries and their resource use and well-being achievements, revealing that only wealthy nations like the US and UK meet basic needs without exceeding global environmental limits.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Sustainability·DateFeb 5, 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.

Reversing severe bone loss

A possible treatment for Hajdu-Cheney syndrome has been identified, which may also help with age-related osteoporosis. Researchers found that a medication called DAPT blocks osteoclast formation, reversing bone loss in mice with the disease.

SourceTohoku University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 5, 2018

Toddler formulas and milks -- not recommended by health experts -- mislead with health claims

A new study by NYU College of Global Public Health researchers finds that misleading labeling on toddler drinks lacks oversight, leading to confusion among parents. The American Academy of Pediatrics and World Health Organization do not recommend these products, but manufacturers make health claims that are not supported by evidence.

SourceNew York University·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateFeb 5, 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.

Drugs sold in India pose a global threat to antibiotic resistance control

A new study reveals that millions of unapproved antibiotics are sold in India each year, posing a significant threat to global antibiotic resistance control. Multinational pharmaceutical companies manufacture dozens of unapproved formulations, contributing to the country's high rates of antimicrobial resistance.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateFeb 5, 2018

Classification of tropical forests

Researchers used phylogenetic analysis to classify tropical forests into two major regions: an American-African combined region and an Indo-Pacific region. The study also identified a dry region encompassing areas in America, Africa, India, and Madagascar, as well as a subtropical region with parts of America and Asia.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2018

IA in pest control increases its eficiency and environmental impact

A Brazilian startup has developed an AI-powered pest control system that uses IoT technology to help farmers apply agrochemicals at the right time and in the right amount. The system, which integrates integrated pest management techniques with machine learning algorithms, is expected to increase efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateFeb 5, 2018

New alien species invasions still rising globally

A new study reveals that up to 16% of Earth's species could qualify as potential alien species, posing significant challenges to biosecurity efforts. The research found that the number of newly emerging alien species continues to rise, with insects and molluscs being the groups most affected.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 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.

Nearly one in three pugs has an abnormal gait

A Swedish study found that nearly one-third of pugs have abnormal gait, associated with breathing problems, incontinence, and neurological disorders. The prevalence of gait abnormalities was higher than previously thought, suggesting a more significant health issue.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalVeterinary Record·DateFeb 5, 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.

NASA finds wind shear tearing Tropical Cyclone Cebile apart

Tropical Cyclone Cebile is being severely impacted by strong northwesterly vertical wind shear, causing clouds and thunderstorms to be sheared to the southeast of the center. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center predicts further weakening due to decreasing sea surface temperatures and persistent high wind shear.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 5, 2018

Moffitt researchers identify new target to reduce risk of GVHD

Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center identified a new target to reduce the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in stem cell transplants. The JAK2 inhibitor pacritinib has been shown to minimize GVHD while maintaining antitumor response.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2018