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Science News Archive January 2018


Page 2 of 37

A mutational timer is built into the chemistry of DNA

Researchers found a transient, shape-shifting mechanism in DNA that influences the frequency of spontaneous mutations, which can drive evolution and diseases like cancer. The study reveals that specific DNA sequences affect the rates of these errors.

Lab-on-a-chip for tracking single bacterial cells

Researchers used a novel lab-on-a-chip to study gene regulation in single E. coli bacteria under changing environmental conditions. The chip allows for the precise growth and behavior of individual bacteria to be tracked over several days, revealing new insights into bacterial adaptation strategies.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Kids born later in the year can still excel in sport

A new research from the University of Sydney suggests that athletes who delay specialising until later years may be more successful. The study found that younger swimmers were over-represented at lower age categories but relatively older swimmers excelled at higher levels.

Confirmed: Black holes regulate star formation in massive galaxies

An international team of researchers has confirmed that supermassive black holes in the centers of massive galaxies play a key role in regulating star formation. The study found that galaxies with more massive black holes form stars at a faster rate initially, but then experience slower star formation rates over time.

Lone star ticks not guilty in spread of Lyme disease

A comprehensive review of 30 years' worth of research concludes that lone star ticks do not transmit the bacteria that cause Lyme disease, but can transmit other human illnesses such as ehrlichiosis and red meat allergy. The evidence, based on over 60 published articles, shows that lone star tick saliva is a barrier against Lyme bacteria.

Skin-inspired coating that's as hard as teeth and can heal itself

Researchers have developed a smart coating that mimics the structure of human skin, offering a balance between strength and self-healing capabilities. The coating, composed of polyvinyl alcohol and tannic acid, can heal itself like skin when cut and also kill bacteria.

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.

Improving the sensitivity for ionic solutes analysis

Researchers from Kumamoto University developed a new electrodialytic ion transfer enrichment method to improve the sensitivity of analytical systems for various ionic solutes. This method enables fast and efficient detection in low-cost equipment, making it suitable for community health analysis in resource-limited areas.

UTA moves bioengineered REHEAL glove toward commercialization

The University of Texas at Arlington has received a $227,000 grant to develop the manufacturing process for the REHEAL glove, a bioengineered healing glove that delivers medicine to injured hands to speed up healing. The project aims to accelerate rehabilitation and improve patient care.

Smog-forming soils

Research found that fertilized soils in the Central Valley contribute up to 40 percent of California's NOx emissions. The study suggests potential solutions through improved fertilizer management and soil conservation techniques.

Materials research team lights the way for more efficient LEDs

Researchers at Naval Research Laboratory have discovered a new material that emits light much faster than conventional materials, enabling larger power, lower energy use, and faster switching for communication and sensors. The discovery could lead to 20 times more intense LEDs and lasers.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Small molecule plays a big role in reducing cancer's spread

Researchers discover that low levels of microRNA miR-125a-5p correlate with high levels of protein TIMP-1 in human lung cancer cells. Increasing miR-125a-5p levels reduces cancer spread and increases cell death. TIMP-1's role is also explored, revealing its dual function in promoting or inhibiting tumor growth.

Falling IQ scores in childhood may signal psychotic disorders in later life

Research found adults with psychotic disorders experience cognitive decline in early childhood and adolescence, suggesting potential for early intervention to prevent illness onset. The study tracked IQ scores and cognitive abilities throughout the first two decades of life among individuals who developed psychotic disorders in adulthood.

Coastal water absorbing more carbon dioxide

Research by University of Delaware oceanographer Wei-Jun Cai and colleagues reveals that coastal water is taking up a larger portion of atmospheric carbon dioxide. The study's findings, published in Nature Communications, may have important implications for understanding the global carbon budget and predicting greenhouse gas emissions.

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.

Dinosaur age meets the space age at NASA Goddard

A slab of sandstone at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center contains over 70 preserved tracks of mammals and dinosaurs, including small theropods and pterosaurs, providing a rare glimpse of their interaction. The discovery sheds light on ancient times on Earth and offers insights into prehistoric life.

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.

Colorado potato beetle genome gives insight into major agricultural pest

The Colorado potato beetle's genome provides insights into its ability to rapidly develop resistance to insecticides and spread to new climates. Researchers have discovered genes that enable the beetle to thrive on different plant hosts and tolerate toxins, but not new genes explaining rapid pesticide evolution.

CALIFA renews the classification of galaxies

A team of astrophysicists has created a map with 300 galaxies close to the Milky Way, classified based on stellar motion rather than morphological characteristics. The study reveals that circular orbits are common in lower mass galaxies, while 'hot orbits' are more frequent in higher mass galaxies.

Emission from the center of a galaxy has a serpentine shape

Researchers used over 40 telescopes to observe a rare event: the blazar CTA 102 increased its brightness by 3,500 times. The team found that the jet's radiation and particles emit in multiple frequencies from different zones, creating a serpentine shape. This discovery supports theoretical models of jet instability and propagation.

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.

Cancer patients: Web-based help improves quality of life

A new web-based stress management program has been shown to significantly improve the quality of life and reduce distress in newly diagnosed cancer patients. The online program, developed by researchers from the University of Basel, provides patients with information, exercises, and strategies to manage their condition.

Tasty and pink, sea urchin species may be a climate-tolerant food source

A new study found that pink sea urchin species are less vulnerable to climate change than other urchin species. The species is abundant at depths similar to spot prawn fishers and produces edible roe during winter. Legalizing fishing of pink sea urchin as bycatch could relieve pressure on vulnerable species.

Slow but steady: New study sheds light on the brain evolution of turtles

A new study on turtle brain evolution reveals that their brains have changed slowly and constantly over 210 million years, with modern turtles showing a wide variety of brain shapes and sizes. The first turtles with fully formed shells were likely living on land, contradicting previous hypotheses about their origins.

T cell therapy shows persistent benefits in young leukemia patients

A global clinical trial of CAR T-cell therapy tisagenlecleucel found that 61% of children and young adults achieved complete remission after treatment, with durable responses lasting months or years. Most side effects were short-lived and reversible, with overall survival rates exceeding 90% at six months.

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.

Trust is good, quantum trickery is better

Researchers prove the security of device-independent quantum cryptography using a new approach called entropy accumulation. This breakthrough paves the way for practical realization of such schemes with state-of-the-art quantum technology.

0.5 percent of the population suffer from severe psychological trauma

Researchers found that complex PTSD was most often present in people who had experienced childhood sexual abuse, while classic PTSD was more common among those who had serious accidents or witnessed traumatic events. Further research is needed to develop effective therapies for complex psychological trauma.

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.

Early access to palliative care associated with better quality of life

Research found that early access to palliative care significantly improves end-of-life quality indicators for patients with advanced cancer. Patients who received palliative care were more likely to die in a hospice or at home, rather than a hospital, and had better access to pain relief drugs.

News about Tabby's star, the most mysterious star of 2017

New observations of Tabby's Star by the Canary Island Observatories suggest that interstellar dust is causing the star's unusual brightness fluctuations, rather than an alien megastructure. The data, published in two articles, show that different colors in the star's light are being attenuated at varying rates.

Gene enhancers are important despite apparent redundancy

Researchers investigated ultraconserved elements and found that deleting individual enhancers does not cause major defects, but some subtle brain abnormalities persist. A second study on limb enhancers showed functional redundancy, highlighting the importance of these regulatory elements.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

The amazing flexibility of red blood cells

Scientists use super-resolution microscopy to reveal the fine detail of red blood cells' cellular mesh underlying the cell membrane. They discover that the mesh is a triangular structure composed of proteins, allowing for flexibility and elasticity in squeezing through narrow capillaries.

Balance exercises may help people with multiple sclerosis

A study published in the American Academy of Neurology found that balance and eye movement exercises can help people with multiple sclerosis (MS) improve their balance and reduce fatigue. The exercise program showed significant improvements in balance, fatigue, and dizziness scores compared to a control group.

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.

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.

NASA confirms re-discovered IMAGE satellite

The NASA Goddard Space Flight Center has confirmed that a satellite re-discovered on Jan. 20, 2018, is the Imager for Magnetopause-to-Aurora Global Exploration (IMAGE) satellite. The satellite was launched in 2000 and had been declared mission-ended after repeated failures.

Rutgers engineers 3-D print shape-shifting smart gel

Researchers at Rutgers University have created a 4D-printed shape-shifting smart gel that can morph over time and temperatures change. The gel can provide structural rigidity in organs like the lungs and create new applications in soft robotics, biomedical devices, and scaffolds for cell growth.

New universe simulation prompts breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics

A new universe simulation model, IllustrisTNG, provides fresh insights into how black holes influence dark matter distribution, heavy element production, and magnetic field origins. The simulation reveals a high degree of realism in predicting galaxy clustering patterns and the influence of supermassive black holes on the cosmos.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Stealth virus for cancer therapy

Researchers have created a stealth virus that effectively recognizes and infects tumor cells using adapter molecules. The virus is protected by a novel protein shield that prevents immune system elimination, opening up avenues for treating aggressive cancers.

Interstellar molecules inspire new transformations

Scientists at ICIQ discover a novel methodology to create carbynes using visible light and photocatalysts. They use these molecules to add chiral fragments to existing compounds, accelerating the drug discovery process.

In the pipeline: A solution to a 130-year-old problem

Researchers at OIST have discovered a simple solution to the mystery of transitional flow, a phenomenon that has puzzled engineers for over 130 years. By analyzing individual patches of smooth and chaotic flow, they found that the law of resistance can be applied using Reynolds's original laws.

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.

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.

Migraine linked to increased risk of cardiovascular problems

Research suggests that migraine is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases in both men and women. The study found a positive association between migraine and heart attack, stroke, blood clots, and irregular heart rate, particularly among women.

This is your brain -- this is your brain outdoors

Researchers recorded laboratory-quality brain activity measurements outdoors using portable equipment, revealing differences in brain processing stimuli compared to indoor conditions. The findings suggest the brain may be compensating for environmental distractions, which could inform the creation of safer public spaces.

Applying machine learning to the universe's mysteries

Researchers trained neural networks on thousands of images from simulated high-energy particle collisions to identify key features. The networks achieved up to a 95% success rate in this analysis. Machine learning algorithms will next be applied to actual experimental data to further advance our understanding of the universe's mysteries.