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Science News Archive January 2018


Page 18 of 37

0.6 percent soy isoflavone in the diet decrease muscle atrophy

A study published in European Journal of Nutrition found that dietary isoflavone aglycone can reduce muscle atrophy by blocking the apoptosis-dependent pathway in muscle fibers. The researchers observed significantly thicker muscle fibers in mice fed with AglyMax supplement compared to those on a normal diet.

A novel method of isolating infecting organisms after joint replacement

Researchers developed a method using next-generation genomic sequencing to isolate infecting organisms after joint replacement surgery. The technique identified pathogens in over 80% of cases that previously went undetected, revolutionizing treatment for patients with joint-replacement infections.

Let's make a deal: Could AI compromise better than humans?

A recent study by Brigham Young University researchers found that machines trained with an algorithm called S# outperformed humans in finding compromises that benefit both parties. The machines were able to learn from 'cheap talk' phrases and maintain cooperation, often more effectively than humans.

More genes are active in high-performance maize

Researchers found that hybrid offspring have significantly more active genes than their parent plants, leading to increased yield. This discovery may help breeders create even more productive maize varieties in the long term.

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.

Reviled animals could be our powerful allies

A study by University of Queensland researchers reveals that predators and scavengers can regulate diseases, improve agricultural productivity, and dispose of waste. These animals are often considered a threat to humans but may provide valuable services.

A new, dynamic view of chromatin movements

The study observes actual chromatin motions using single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy approaches, revealing the internal structure and rapid dynamics of chromatin fibers. The researchers found that nucleosomes form short stacks that quickly fall apart and reform within milliseconds.

Warming Arctic climate constrains life in cold-adapted mammals

A new study reveals the impact of warming Arctic temperatures on muskoxen populations, showing that rain-on-snow events and extreme weather are stressing mothers and young muskoxen. This is causing underdeveloped skeletal growth in juvenile muskoxen, leading to poorer health and fitness.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

From healthcare to warfare: How to regulate brain technology

Researchers call for regulations to protect human mental privacy and integrity in neurotechnology, citing concerns over dual-use applications. The University of Basel outlines a new framework concept aimed at preventing the weaponization of brain technology.

Hunter-gatherers have a special way with smells

A new study found that hunter-gatherer groups, such as the Semaq Beri, excel at naming odors with ease, while non-hunter-gatherer groups, like the Semelai, struggle. The researchers suggest that cultural practices may play a role in shaping olfactory cognition.

Study examines employment trends among patients with kidney failure

A study examining employment trends among patients with kidney failure found that employment was low throughout the study period at 23-24%. Approximately 120,000 adults in the US develop kidney failure each year, a majority of whom undergo dialysis. The probability of employment in kidney failure patients increased slightly over time.

2017 was the warmest year on record for the global ocean

According to an updated analysis from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics/Chinese Academy of Sciences, 2017 was the warmest year on record for the global ocean. The oceans accumulated 1.51 × 10^22 J of heat, surpassing the previous second-warmest year of 2015.

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.

Where are individual refugees most likely to succeed professionally?

A new algorithm developed by Kirk Bansak et al. uses machine learning and optimal matching to align refugees with suitable employment locations based on their individual skillsets. The results show that the algorithm boosts employment success in both the US and Switzerland, with gains of up to 71% compared to current practices.

Researchers discover new enzymes central to cell function

Researchers have discovered new enzymes that convert nitric oxide into stopgap molecules, modulating proteins and achieving diverse cellular functions. The newly found enzymes may serve as prime therapeutic targets for treating a range of diseases, including Alzheimer's, heart failure, cancer, asthma, and infection.

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.

Can mice really mirror humans when it comes to cancer?

A new Michigan State University study finds that mice can mimic human breast cancer tissue and genes, as well as other cancers including lung, oral, and esophagus. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments by identifying similarities between tumors.

Polymers based on boron?

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have successfully funded a project to develop boron polymers with unique properties. The team, led by Holger Braunschweig, aims to create efficient synthetic strategies to form stable boron chains, paving the way for a new class of materials.

Low-income immigrants face barriers to US citizenship

A new Stanford University study found that low-income immigrants in New York struggle to become US citizens due to high application fees. The research highlights the need for cost-effective solutions to address this barrier, such as introducing a multi-tiered fee structure and local public-private funding.

The Pentagon built with mineralized microbes predating dinosaurs

A new study found that some building blocks of the Pentagon and Empire State Building were made by microbes up to 340 million years ago. The material, oolitic limestone, is composed of concentric layers of mineralized microbes debunking the popular snowball theory.

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.

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.

Neutron-star merger yields new puzzle for astrophysicists

Astronomers studying the aftermath of a distant neutron-star merger are puzzled by the continued brightening of its afterglow, which defies initial expectations. New X-ray observations suggest a more complex emission process, potentially involving a hot 'cocoon' around a jet that shock-heated surrounding debris.

Using data mining to make sense of climate change

A new data mining methodology developed by Georgia Tech scientists can analyze millions of climate data points without relying on human expertise. The approach breaks down complex models into simpler components, allowing for more robust and transparent results in climate science research.

Research reveals atomic-level changes in ALS-linked protein

A team of researchers has described atom-by-atom changes in a family of proteins linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a group of brain disorders. The study suggests that small chemical changes can lead to big changes in assembly and disease-associated aggregation, offering new insights into disease mechanisms.

APA releases new journal article reporting standards

The American Psychological Association has released new Journal Article Reporting Standards for researchers seeking to publish in scholarly journals. The standards aim to enhance the assessment of methodological integrity and provide guidelines on information needed to ensure comprehensibility and replicability. These updates are expec...

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Statins to help prevent scar tissue in the eye?

A Finnish study found that statin medication reduces risk of repeated surgery after vitrectomy for retinal detachment, likely due to reduced inflammation and scar tissue formation. Statins show promise in preventing scar tissue in eye health, but further research is needed.

Americans are getting more ZZZZs

According to a new Penn study, most Americans averaged an extra 7.5 hours of sleep each year between 2003 and 2016. The increase in sleep duration was mostly due to respondents turning in earlier at night and getting up later in the morning.

Babies' babbling betters brains, language

New research shows that babies' babbling has a significant impact on their language development, with mothers responding more often to speech-like sounds. The study found that infants who babble more effectively learn words and vocabulary earlier in life, highlighting the importance of social feedback in language acquisition.

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.

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.

New 'Buck' naked barley: Food, feed, brew

Researchers at Oregon State University developed a new 'Buck' naked barley variety with high yields and nutrition, making it suitable for human consumption, animal feed and brewing. The barley's unique characteristics enable it to thrive with less fertilizer and water.

Low fitness is associated with larger waist size and higher degree of inflammation

A study found an inverse correlation between waist circumference and fitness, suggesting that high fitness levels can reduce abdominal fat mass and low-grade inflammation. The researchers analyzed data from 10,976 individuals and found that higher fitness was associated with smaller waist circumferences and lower inflammation levels.

Researchers discover structure of anti-aging hormone

The study reveals how fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) signals to cells through its receptor and alpha-Klotho, reversing previous conjecture on alpha-Klotho's anti-aging role. The findings also shed light on kidney disease leading to heart hypertrophy.

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.

Ultra-thin optical fibers offer new way to 3-D print microstructures

The new technique enables the creation of microstructures with high resolution, potentially paving the way for endoscopic printing in people. Researchers are working to develop biocompatible photopolymers and a compact delivery system before the technique can be used clinically.

Groundbreaking experiment will test the limits of quantum theory

Researchers will test the quantum superposition principle (QSP) in a microscopic system, exploring its validity at larger scales. If successful, this could lead to robust quantum technology for daily applications, enabling faster data processing and transmission.

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.

Presurgical targeted therapy delays relapse of high-risk stage 3 melanoma

Researchers found that patients who received a combination of BRAF and MEK inhibitors before and after surgery had a six-fold increase in time to progression compared to standard-of-care surgery. The study suggests that presurgical targeted therapy may improve outcomes for patients with high-risk stage 3 melanoma.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Magnetic liquids improve energy efficiency of buildings

Researchers at Friedrich Schiller University Jena developed smart windows that can change light permeability with a button press, while also harnessing solar heat. These 'large-area fluidic windows' offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional air conditioning systems and daylight regulation.

Study: Patients benefit from one-on-one PT education before joint replacement

A study at Hospital for Special Surgery found that patients who received one-on-one physical therapy education and access to a web-based microsite prior to joint replacement surgery achieved physical therapy goals more quickly. This personalized approach improved their outcomes, including reduced hospital stay and increased confidence.

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.

Scale-eating fish adopt clever parasitic methods to survive

Researchers studied four species of scale-eating fish, finding that each employed distinct strategies to pry scales off prey. The study highlights the diversity of life on Earth and sheds light on the evolution and behavior of these unusual carnivorous grazers.