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Science News Archive January 2018


Page 1 of 37

Cells rockin' in their DNA

A study by Kyoto University has found that certain 'mechanosensitive' genes are suppressed when exposed to audible sound. The effects vary depending on the cell type, with some cells showing significant suppression while others show little response.

Dating partners more violent and account for more domestic violence than spouses

A recent study published in Preventive Medicine reveals that dating partners are more likely to engage in violent behavior and account for a larger percentage of domestic violence incidents compared to spouses. The research found that over 80% of intimate partner violence incidents involve current or former boyfriends and girlfriends.

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.

Following ISIS captivity, Yazidi women suffering from high percentage of C-PTSD

A comprehensive study found that over 50% of female Yazidi former ISIS captives suffered from complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD), with PTSD also prevalent among the population. The research highlights the need for sensitive therapeutic interventions and supportive environments to address the unique needs of these victims.

Eye and heart complications are tightly linked in type 1 diabetes

Scientists at Joslin Diabetes Center found a connection between eye damage and cardiovascular disease in people with type 1 diabetes, suggesting shared biological mechanisms. The study also showed that kidney disease was not necessarily linked to cardiovascular disease, challenging previous assumptions.

Reconstructing an ancient lethal weapon

Researchers recreated prehistoric projectiles and points from ancient sites in Alaska to understand technological choices made by early humans. The study found that composite microblade points were more effective on smaller prey, while stone and bone points had strengths for larger game.

How can students with autism be supported through college?

The US expects 45% of emerging adults with ASD to enroll in a post-secondary institution, but completion rates are lower compared to general population and disability groups. College experiences for students with ASD cover topics such as bullying, parental insights, and evidence-based programs.

Federico Rosei becomes Academician of the World Academy of Ceramics

Dr. Federico Rosei, a renowned professor and researcher, has been invited to join the prestigious World Academy of Ceramics as an Academician in recognition of his groundbreaking work on nanoscale functional materials. His research has led to significant advances in solar, optoelectronic, and biomedical technologies.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

'Anxiety cells' identified in the brain's hippocampus

Researchers discovered specific cells in the hippocampus that fire when animals are anxious, triggering anxiety-related behaviors. The findings suggest a direct pathway to respond to anxiety-provoking environments, opening up new areas for exploring treatment ideas.

These bacteria produce gold by digesting toxic metals

Researchers have discovered the molecular processes that allow bacteria to extract valuable trace elements from heavy metal compounds without poisoning themselves. The process results in the formation of tiny gold nuggets.

Columbia engineers develop flexible lithium battery for wearable electronics

Researchers at Columbia University have developed a flexible spine-like lithium-ion battery with high energy density, stable voltage, and excellent mechanical properties. The battery's design is inspired by the human spine and provides remarkable flexibility and durability, making it a promising candidate for wearable electronics.

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.

Catheter ablation better than pharmacological atrial fibrillation therapies

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that radiofrequency catheter ablation significantly lowers hospitalization and mortality rates compared to conventional drug therapies for atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure. Catheter ablation restored regular heart rhythm by isolating pulmonary veins an...

MIT engineers explore microfluidics with LEGO bricks

MIT researchers have developed a new approach to microfluidics using LEGO bricks, enabling the creation of modular devices that can perform various biological operations. The team has designed fluidic bricks with specific patterns of channels to perform tasks such as mixing and sorting fluids.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Who's still smoking: Report highlights populations still at risk

A new report highlights the persistence of smoking among vulnerable subpopulations in the US, including lower education and socioeconomic groups, certain racial/ethnic communities, and those with mental illness. The American Cancer Society calls for increased attention to novel interventions to address these disparities.

NASA finds Extra-Tropical Cyclone Fehi sheared

NASA's Terra and GPM satellites confirmed that wind shear pushed Tropical Cyclone Fehi's clouds and thunderstorms south of its center. The storm triggered warnings in New Zealand due to heavy rainfall and strong winds.

Most of last 11,000 years cooler than past decade in North America, Europe

A new climate study found that recent temperatures across North America and Europe are unusually high, exceeding past decade highs by 0.5 degrees Fahrenheit, and have few natural precedents over the last 11,000 years. The research suggests that human activity has significantly contributed to this warming trend.

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.

First John W. Walsh Translational Research Award granted

Joseph Kaserman, MD, receives $225,000 award to study risk of liver disease in Alpha-1 carriers using induced pluripotent stem cells and CRISPR technology. The research aims to find new treatments for Alpha-1 related liver disease and address concerns of carrier individuals.

Chlorinated lipids predict lung injury and death in sepsis patients

Researchers at Saint Louis University have discovered a link between elevated chlorinated lipids and severe outcomes in sepsis patients. The study found that high levels of these lipids can predict acute respiratory distress syndrome and death within 30 days, suggesting they may serve as an early warning sign of the condition.

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.

Applying conservation science

Kurt Ingeman's project aims to coordinate predator-prey management for optimal conservation outcomes and restoration of marine food webs. He will analyze recovery trajectories of species like rockfish and lingcod using strategic modeling and partner with organizations such as NOAA and The Nature Conservancy.

Stand up -- it could help you lose weight

A new study found that standing burns more calories than sitting, with a 65 kg person losing 10 kg in 4 years by substituting standing for sitting for 6 hours a day. Standing is linked to lower rates of heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes.

Getting ready for the summer sun with 'green' sunscreens

Scientists develop method to produce shinorine in lab, increasing reliable supply and reducing environmental impact. The new process uses freshwater cyanobacteria as host cells for shinorine expression, resulting in higher production yields.

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.

Computer models reveal best way to kill deadly bacteria

A new study uses computer-based models to identify mechanisms used by bacterial spores to evade extreme temperatures, chemicals, and radiation. The researchers determined the optimal conditions for killing harmful bacteria, revealing a unique 'freeze-dried' state that protects the DNA machinery.

Dishonest individuals perceived as less capable

Research published by the American Psychological Association found that people view immoral individuals as less able to do their jobs or complete tasks effectively. Immoral behavior reduces judgments of people's competence.

Pandemic risk: How large are the expected losses?

A new study calculates pandemic-related deaths of 700,000 and annual economic losses of $500 billion, according to a theoretical model applied to rare pandemic scenarios. The estimated costs fall within the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's estimates of global warming costs.

All in the family: Relatives of Zika virus may cause birth defects

Researchers found that relatives of Zika virus can damage developing fetuses in mice and replicate in human tissues, raising concerns about other emerging viruses causing birth defects. The study suggests that flavivirus infections might cause pregnancy complications more frequently than previously appreciated.

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.

Living too far from advanced cardiac care decreases your odds of survival

Patients with acute cardiac syndrome and cardiogenic shock living far from Halifax have significantly lower survival rates due to limited access to cardiac catheterization. The study found that patients with direct access to invasive care had a mortality rate of 41.7%, compared to 83.5% for those without direct access.

Letting molecular robots swarm like birds

Researchers developed DNA-assisted molecular robots that autonomously swarm in response to chemical and physical signals. The swarm behavior resembles that of fish, ants, and birds, featuring complex structures, distinct divisions of labor, robustness, and flexibility.

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.

Pulling an all-nighter impairs working memory in women

A recent study from Uppsala University found that sleep loss affects women's working memory differently than men's. Women who pulled an all-nighter performed worse on a working memory task, remembering fewer digits after sleep deprivation.

Fitness in childhood linked to healthy lungs in adulthood

A large study found that fitter children have better lung function as young adults and a reduced risk of developing chronic lung diseases. The study suggests that improving childhood fitness could help protect against lung disease in adulthood.

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.

Kids' well visits linked to lower appendicitis complications

A study of US insurance claims found that children whose families visited a doctor in the previous year were less likely to experience complications from appendicitis. The research suggests that establishing a relationship with a primary care doctor can lead to prompt emergency care and lower complication rates.

Cancer 'vaccine' eliminates tumors in mice, Stanford researchers find

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine developed a cancer vaccine that eliminates tumors in mice by stimulating immune cells within the tumor site. The treatment showed promise for many types of cancers and could potentially replace or complement existing immunotherapy approaches.

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.

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.

Overabundance of massive stars in the Tarantula Nebula

The study reveals that massive stars are much more abundant than previously thought, with a significant fraction of stellar mass in high-mass stars. The research has far-reaching consequences for the understanding of our cosmos, including an estimated 70% increase in supernovae and 200% increase in chemical yields.

How black holes shape the cosmos

The IllustrisTNG project simulates the universe's large-scale structure, gaining insights into how supermassive black holes shape galaxies. The simulations predict a key transformation in galaxy life cycles, with black holes extinguishing star formation.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.