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Science News Archive February 2018 - Page 6


Page 6 of 36

Discovery reveals way to stop inflammation in Alzheimer's, arthritis, more

A new discovery about the immune system may allow doctors to treat harmful inflammation that damages the brain in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. The finding could also be used to save patients from deadly sepsis, a full-body infection that kills hundreds of thousands of Americans every year.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalImmunity·DateFeb 26, 2018

Cyberslug: Virtual predator makes decisions like the real one

Researchers simulated a sea slug's decision-making process in Cyberslug, a virtual environment that mimics the creature's behavior. The study found that hunger and learning ability are crucial attributes in regulating prey consumption, laying the groundwork for more complex models of AI decision-making.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateFeb 26, 2018

Imaging plays key role in evaluating injuries at Olympics

A new study published in Radiology found that imaging services played a crucial role in managing Olympic athletes with sports-related injuries and disorders. The study showed that MRI was used for nearly 60% of all imaging performed for diagnosis, highlighting its importance in fast and relevant diagnoses.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateFeb 26, 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.

Global fossil fuel emissions of hydrocarbons are underestimated

New research reveals that global fossil fuel emissions of hydrocarbons, particularly ethane and propane, have been significantly underestimated. These pollutants are harmful in large cities, forming ozone that directly links to increased mortality. The study calls for further investigation into methane emissions from natural gas sources.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 26, 2018

Study reveals key inner control mechanism of cell's 'smart glue'

The discovery of nucleophosmin's self-interaction mechanism could advance understanding of ALS and acute myeloid leukemia. Nucleophosmin plays a critical role in regulating the construction of ribosomes, which assemble proteins using RNA genetic code.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 26, 2018

For energy experts, new method is a gas

Researchers have created a novel non-invasive method to quantify untapped natural gas reservoirs by analyzing the compositional distribution on porous surfaces inside shale rocks. This method provides both average and deviation values of material properties, aiding decision-making in the industry.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 26, 2018

Social touch, pain reduction, and empathy

A study of 20 couples found that brain-to-brain coupling during handholding was associated with pain reduction in the female partner. The phenomenon, known as social touch analgesia, may be linked to increased empathic accuracy between partners.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 26, 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.

Check offenders for history of head injuries, experts say

Researchers recommend routine screening for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in offenders to improve medical support and reduce crime. Young people with TBI are at greater risk of early, violent offending due to compromised neurological functions and increased risk of behavioral disorders.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateFeb 26, 2018

Researchers discover receptor that protects against allergies, asthma

A special receptor called dectin-1 recognizes a protein found in house dust mites, cockroaches, shellfish, and other invertebrates, suppressing immune reactions to these common allergy triggers. The discovery suggests new ways to treat or prevent allergies and asthma, which affect tens of millions in the US.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalScience Immunology·DateFeb 26, 2018

Artificial intelligence techniques reconstruct mysteries of quantum systems

Machine learning techniques can reconstruct a quantum system based on relatively few experimental measurements, allowing scientists to thoroughly probe complex systems exponentially faster than conventional methods. This method benefits the development of quantum computers and other applications of quantum mechanics.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 26, 2018

Study links responsible behavior in high school to life success 50 years later

A new study by University of Illinois researchers found that students who behaved responsibly in high school, showed interest, and had good writing skills tend to earn higher incomes and have higher occupational prestige 50 years later. Education was the factor mediating this relationship.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateFeb 26, 2018

Targeting pathway may reduce cocaine's cardiovascular harms

A study published in Hypertension Journal found that targeting a specific miRNA-mRNA pathway may reduce cocaine-induced cardiovascular disease. The researchers discovered that activating this pathway leads to increased reactive oxygen species, causing damage and cell death.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalHYPERTENSION·DateFeb 26, 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.

Tracking data reveal the secret lives of marine animals

Marine animals such as seals, whales, sharks, turtles, seabirds, and others exhibit similar movement patterns globally, despite differences in geography, phylogeny, or travel mode. In coastal areas, tracking data show complex search behavior, while open ocean movements are more predictable.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 26, 2018

New advances in medication for muscle disease in children

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that Spinraza significantly improves outcomes for children with spinal muscular atrophy type 2, who have not yet begun to walk. The drug also shows promise for reversing muscle weakness and improving mobility.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 26, 2018

Ketamine works for female rats, too

A groundbreaking study published in eNeuro finds that low-dose ketamine promotes resilience to future adverse events in female rats, similar to its effects in males. The researchers identified a neural circuit involving the prefrontal cortex and dorsal raphe nucleus responsible for ketamine's stress-reducing properties.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateFeb 26, 2018

Could cleaning up beaches make Americans better off?

A new study by Ohio State University found that cleaning up beaches in Orange County, California could bring in significant economic benefits, ranging from $13 to $42 per resident. The research estimated that reducing ocean debris by 25-75% could lead to a $46 million boost to the county's economy in just one summer.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMarine Resource Economics·DateFeb 26, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How do your friends plan to vote?

Researchers found that social-circle questions led to more accurate predictions for election outcomes than traditional polling methods. Social-circle questions provide information about people who aren't explicitly included in the sample and can help anticipate the processes of social influence.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateFeb 26, 2018

Migration research reveals key to declines in rare songbirds

Researchers found that golden-winged warblers from declining populations spend winters in northern South America, while stable populations spend winters in Central America. This strong link between breeding and non-breeding areas suggests that tropical habitats may be crucial for the species' survival.

SourceUniversity of Toledo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 26, 2018

Improving quality of life for people with chronic heart failure

A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that a collaborative care intervention significantly improved depression and fatigue in patients with chronic heart failure. While it did not affect their overall health status, the treatment offered benefits to these patients' quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 26, 2018

Infants' expectation of ingroup support and fairness

In a series of experiments, researchers found that infants prioritize ingroup support over fairness when resources are limited. The study involved 72 participants aged 18-20 months and 48 participants aged 25-33 months, who observed resource-allocation events involving a puppet distributor and two potential recipients.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 26, 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.

Stormy weather

Researchers found a unique deposit in upper meter of marsh sediments, suggesting the 1861-62 storm season was erosive enough to remove coastal barriers. The team used sediment cores and analyzed European crop pollen and spheroidal carbonaceous particles to confirm the deposit's age.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalMarine Geology·DateFeb 26, 2018

Researchers discover new source of skin defects in eczema

Eczema patients' skin shows shorter lipids that protect less effectively, allowing irritants to enter and setting the stage for lesions. An allergic immune response shortens lipids, making skin more susceptible to eczematous lesions.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalJCI Insight·DateFeb 26, 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.

Setting guidelines for effective and ethical short term medical missions

A recent study by Lehigh University identifies key principles for responsible short-term global health activities, emphasizing the need for host partner control, sustainability, and respect for governance standards. The study aims to address criticisms of volunteer trips in underserved communities.

SourceLehigh University·JournalGlobalization and Health·DateFeb 26, 2018

Human activity and late Holocene rainforests

Researchers found evidence of early human impacts on African rainforests, with a switch from mature rainforest to forest-savannah mosaic occurring around 3,000 years ago. Human population growth and land-use changes are thought to have driven this transition, contradicting the current consensus that climate change was the primary cause.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 26, 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.

Helium ions open whole new world of materials

Researchers at QUT have developed nano 'sieves' that can separate molecules up to 10,000 times finer than a human hair. The discovery opens the door to early detection of cancer through blood tests and creation of smart materials with novel functions.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 26, 2018

Program shows success in implementing patient transition care processes

The American College of Cardiology's Patient Navigator Program has shown significant improvement in transitioning heart attack and heart failure patients from hospital to home, reducing readmissions and in-hospital mortality. Hospitals participating in the program have increased prescriptions of life-saving medications, scheduled follo...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateFeb 26, 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.

Physicians develop recommendations for managing in-flight medical emergencies

In-flight medical emergencies are increasing due to longer flights and more passengers with pre-existing conditions. The Canadian Medical Association has developed guidelines to help healthcare professionals respond, outlining available medical equipment, environmental challenges, and airlines' policies.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 26, 2018

How biofuels from plant fibers could combat global warming

A recent study by Colorado State University found that biofuels produced from switchgrass can store carbon in the soil, sequestering it and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The research used a simulation model to analyze various growing scenarios, finding a climate footprint ranging from -11 to 10 grams of carbon dioxide per mega-joule.

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Energy·DateFeb 26, 2018

New study shows repurposing leukemia drugs may prevent melanoma metastasis

Researchers found that repurposed leukemia drugs can inhibit the secretion of pro-metastatic cathepsins in melanoma. This is due to ABL kinases increasing activity, which regulates transcription factors and induces gene expression. The study also showed that approved leukemia drug inhibitors prevent metastasis.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalScience Signaling·DateFeb 26, 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.

Role of Cloudina fossils in reef-building

Researchers used 3D digital models to reconstruct Cloudina fossils, finding they were detritus and not the architects of early animal reefs. The study suggests reef building likely emerged around 20 million years later than initially thought.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 26, 2018

Characterization of Zygophyllum album L monofloral honey from El-Oued, Algeria

This study characterizes the monofloral honey of Zygophyllum album L from El-Oued, Algeria, revealing high acidity, conductivity, phenolic compound content, and antioxidant activity. The results suggest this dark honey has potential therapeutic properties and warrants further investigation.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Nutrition & Food Science·DateFeb 26, 2018

Improving the quality of high altitude medicine

The new guidelines aim to standardize data capture in high altitude research, enabling researchers to replicate studies and compare findings. The guidelines provide a structured approach for collecting data on factors such as local conditions, study participants' characteristics, and medical history.

SourceEurac Research·JournalHigh Altitude Medicine & Biology·DateFeb 26, 2018

Researchers identify how phishing strategies may lead to success or failure

A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that certain phishing strategies are more effective than others in deceiving victims. The study identified tactics like communicating failure, using an authoritative tone, and expressing a shared interest as successful approaches.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateFeb 26, 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.

Hidden 'rock moisture' could be key to understanding forest response to drought

A recent study has found that a layer of weathered bedrock can store significant amounts of water that may sustain trees during droughts. Researchers discovered that up to 27% of annual rainfall was stored as 'rock moisture' in the field site, allowing trees to survive severe droughts.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 26, 2018

Health staff 'too stressed' to deal with disasters

New research finds that high workloads and targets lead to psychological stress, demotivation, and reduced initiative among healthcare staff. This exposes healthcare services to major risk of staff shortage and inoperability during disasters.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalProcedia Engineering·DateFeb 26, 2018

New directions found in understanding, fighting glaucoma

Researchers have identified two distinct types of vision-degrading glaucoma and pinpointed key genes associated with the condition. The study also suggests that exercise can help reduce eye pressure and provides a potential new point of intervention for treating glaucoma.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateFeb 26, 2018

Ohio State study reveals no link between hormonal birth control and depression

A new study by researchers at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found no evidence of a link between hormonal birth control and depression. Dr. Brett Worly notes that while some groups may be at higher risk of depression, including adolescents and postpartum women, this is not due to the birth control itself.

SourceMediaSource·JournalContraception·DateFeb 26, 2018

Anxiety can help your memory

A study by the University of Waterloo found that moderate anxiety enhances memory recall in individuals, while high anxiety levels distort neutral information and negatively impact performance.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Brain Sciences·DateFeb 26, 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.

Life under extreme drought conditions

Researchers have discovered an active microbial community in the Atacama Desert's most arid zones, which becomes metabolically active following periodic moisture increases. The findings have implications for the search for life on Mars, suggesting that past conditions may have supported life that could endure hyper-arid environments.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 26, 2018

People rationalize policies as soon as they take effect

New research found that people rationalize policies and politicians as soon as they take effect, reporting more favorable opinions after the policy becomes a reality. This suggests that public opinion polls may overestimate opposition to new initiatives once they are implemented.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 26, 2018

Perceptions of old age change as we age

A study of over half a million Americans reveals that perceptions of aging shift as people get older, with younger adults viewing older age as negative and older adults feeling younger, while ideal retirement ages vary by age group.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateFeb 26, 2018

Forecasting influenza outbreaks

A new model forecasts influenza spread based on commuter data, predicting disease onset weeks up to 6 weeks in advance. The method outperforms traditional models when analyzing state-level transmission, offering a promising approach for future outbreak prediction and real-time monitoring.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 26, 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.

DASH-style diet associated with reduced risk of depression

Researchers found that participants who closely adhered to a DASH-style diet were less likely to develop depression than those who did not. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Aging, evaluated 964 participants and showed an association between a healthier diet and lower rates of depression.

SourceRush University Medical Center·DateFeb 26, 2018

Researchers find low magnesium levels make vitamin D ineffective

A study published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that low magnesium levels can make vitamin D ineffective for metabolization. Patients with optimal magnesium levels require less vitamin D supplementation to achieve sufficient levels.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateFeb 26, 2018

Scientists move closer to treatment for Huntington's disease

Researchers have developed a safer and more specific CRISPR/Cas9 system to treat Huntington's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a defective gene. The new technique successfully inactivates the mutant gene and reduces toxic protein synthesis, offering hope for a potential cure.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateFeb 26, 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.