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Science News Archive January 2018


Page 22 of 37

Want people to work together? Familiarity, ability to pick partners could be key

Researchers found that participants were more likely to collaborate when they could alter the structure of a network and had a pattern of relationships with multiple connections. This study aims to better explain the drivers of collaboration and has implications for various settings, including the workplace and the battlefield.

X-rays reveal 'handedness' in swirling electric vortices

Scientists at Berkeley Lab study exotic material's properties, revealing chirality in polar vortices. This property could enable new forms of data storage by controlling left- or right-handedness in materials, similar to magnetic materials storing data as ones or zeros.

'Magic pools' approach can hurry studies of novel bacteria

Researchers use a new method called magic pools to study hundreds of transposon systems in parallel, speeding up the process of identifying functional transposons. This approach enables scientists to test multiple genetic variants simultaneously, reducing the trial and error process and accelerating the development of new genetic tools.

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.

European Capitals of Culture: Building bridges or a marketing ploy?

Researchers from FAU are studying German cities' bids for European Capital of Culture to understand the impact on EU culture and identity. Initial findings suggest that cities prioritize cooperation over competition, highlighting the initiative's potential as a counter-balance to EU politics.

Drones confirm importance of Costa Rican waters for sea turtles

Researchers used drones to count olive ridley sea turtles in Costa Rican waters, estimating densities of up to 2,086 animals per square kilometer. This method provides a safe and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods, revealing crucial insights for conservation and research.

New CONIX Research Center to HQ at Carnegie Mellon University

CONIX Research Center aims to develop novel architectures for large-scale, distributed computing systems with implications for social interaction, smart buildings and infrastructure. The center will create a substrate for networked computing that connects edge devices to the cloud, enabling performance, security, and privacy guarantees.

More evidence of link between severe gum disease and cancer risk

A large study has found a significant link between severe gum disease and an increased risk of cancer, particularly lung and colorectal cancer. The study, which used data from over 7,400 participants, found that those with advanced gum disease were 24% more likely to develop cancer than those without.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Memory gene goes viral

Scientists have discovered that a gene crucial for learning, called Arc, can send its genetic material from one neuron to another by employing a strategy commonly used by viruses. This new process may allow the toxic proteins responsible for Alzheimer's disease to spread through the brain.

Clockwork under the microscope

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have discovered how honeybees manage to visit flowers at the right time and communicate this information to other bees. The study found that a specific peptide called PDF plays a central role in regulating circadian clocks, transferring day-night information to brain areas that control complex ...

Key player in cell metabolism identified

Researchers have identified EXD2 as a critical regulator of mitochondrial protein production, which is essential for energy generation and maintaining cellular homeostasis. The study found that EXD2 targets messenger RNA to facilitate the maturation of the mitochondrial ribosome, leading to increased protein production.

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.

Study advances gene therapy for glaucoma

Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed an improved gene delivery tactic for treating glaucoma, a leading blinding disease. The new method doubles the transfer of genes entering target cells and spreads them more uniformly across the trabecular meshwork tissue.

Researchers offer new model for uncovering true HIV mortality rates in Zambia

A new study published in PLOS Medicine provides a more accurate representation of site- and regional-level mortality among people on HIV therapy in Zambia. The research found that mortality is substantially underreported in routine provincial program data, leading to a change in the ranking of provinces by mortality rates.

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.

Bile acids fire up fat burning

A new study suggests that specific bile acids can turn white fat cells into beige fat cells, which burn energy and help maintain body temperature. The discovery provides a potential new therapeutic intervention for obese individuals, bypassing the need for invasive treatments.

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.

Weather anomalies accelerate the melting of sea ice

Researchers at ETH Zurich investigate extreme winter weather events that led to unprecedented sea ice melting. A unique combination of air currents and high-pressure systems accelerated the melting, reducing sea ice thickness by 30 centimeters in some areas.

Groundbreaking experiment will test the limits of quantum theory

A consortium of UK and European universities will test the validity of quantum superposition principle using a tiny glass particle levitated in a vacuum. The experiment aims to determine if quantum mechanics apply at larger scales, with implications for quantum technology applications.

Study shows how Olympic Games affect the stock market

A study by University of East Anglia and Nottingham Trent University found that Olympic success leads to decreased trading volumes in major economies. However, stock market returns remain largely unaffected. The researchers suggest that investors' distraction is the primary reason for this decrease.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

'Rainbow' dinosaur had iridescent feathers like a hummingbird

The newly discovered species of dinosaur, Caihong juji, had rainbow-colored feathers that shimmered and shifted in the light. Its unique feather structure was matched to modern birds with similarly shaped melanosomes, indicating a prehistoric version of a peacock's iridescent tail.

The innate immune system can also be trained

Scientists discover that training precursor cells in the bone marrow with beta-glucan leads to a sustained positive response of the hematopoietic system. This effect could help accelerate the formation of new white blood cells, which are vital during chemotherapy.

Insulating with microscopic bubbles

Researchers from Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) have developed a new insulating material using microscopic bubbles, creating an ultra-insulating brick called Aerobrick. This innovation outperforms traditional insulation methods by up to 35%.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Math can predict how cancer cells evolve

Researchers used evolutionary dynamics to analyze malignant mutations in colorectal and intestinal cancers, finding that cancer stem cells can produce substantially different daughter cells with potential positive or negative impacts on cancer progression.

New study shows producers where and how to grow cellulosic biofuel crops

A new multi-institution report offers agronomic data for five cellulosic feedstocks, including switchgrass, Miscanthus, and sorghum. The study provides yield potential maps across the US, highlighting areas with high yield potential, but also notes limitations due to droughts and fertilizer application.

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.

Is it time for a new financial services tribunal?

A new financial services tribunal is proposed to fill the gap in resolving mid-market disputes between financial institutions and small and medium-sized enterprises. The tribunal could increase international demand for English credit, reduce compliance costs, and improve innovation and growth.

Are amoebae safe harbors for plague?

Plague bacteria survive and replicate for up to 48 hours inside an amoeba, replicating and thriving in a way most bacteria do not. The discovery sheds new light on the persistence of plague outbreaks, which can smolder for years before re-emerging with a vengeance.

Stop the clots, spare the coagulation

Researchers discovered synthetic APC-mimicking small molecules called 'parmodulins' provide anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic protection on par with APC, but without interfering with blood clotting. Parmodulins activate PAR1, triggering protective pathways in endothelial cells.

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.

How flotsam converges and disperses in oceans

A study of ocean flotsam dispersion reveals that floating objects form submesoscale clusters before spreading apart. The findings could help estimate the impacts of ocean flotsam and aid the recovery of lost objects.

Cellular seismology: Putting vibrations on the map

Researchers develop ultrafast imaging method to map cell elasticity, revealing mechanical properties of cells and tissues. The technology has potential applications in cancer, pathogen-induced infection, scarring, and tissue engineering.

Research uncovers new link between head trauma, CTE and Lou Gehrig's disease

Researchers at Western University have discovered a unique neurobiological pathway triggered by head trauma that underlies both Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and Lou Gehrig's disease. The study, published in the January 2018 issue of Neurology, identifies a common link between CTE and ALS-related cognitive impairment.

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.

Exploring the neuroscience of behavioral therapy in rats

A study on rats exposed to chronic stress found that cognitive behavioral therapy increases activity in the medial prefrontal cortex, a brain region linked to improved treatment outcomes. The research provides insight into how behavioral therapy can be targeted to improve its effectiveness.

Researchers develop a remote-controlled cancer immunotherapy system

A team of researchers has developed an innovative approach to remotely control genetic processes in live immune T cells, enabling them to recognize and kill cancer cells. The system uses mechanogenetics to convert mechanical signals into genetic control, with potential to increase precision and efficiency in CAR-T cell immunotherapy.

How incurable mitochondrial diseases strike previously unaffected families

Healthy people carry mutations in their mitochondrial DNA, which can appear unexpectedly in previously unaffected families due to a bottleneck effect where only healthy mitochondria survive. The study reveals that every developing egg cell may carry faulty mitochondria, which can cause severe diseases if they repopulate the egg.

Flawed research methods exaggerate the prevalence of depression

Studies relying on patient self-report screening questionnaires exaggerate the prevalence of depression due to inaccurate assessments. Researchers often opt for these methods because diagnostic interviews are time-consuming and expensive, leading to inflated results that attract more attention.

Brain imaging predicts language learning in deaf children

A novel machine learning algorithm using brain scans predicts language ability in deaf children after cochlear implant surgery. This study has broad implications for children with developmental challenges, enabling clinicians and educators to intervene with therapy to maximize language learning.

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.

Perovskite solar cells: Perfection not required

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin discover why perovskite solar cells function despite numerous holes. The thin layer built up in the film prevents short circuits by recombination barrier and electron transport layer separation.

Power stations in cells may protect brain against Parkinson's

A new study from the University of Bergen shows that impairment in mitochondria may actually protect the brain in Parkinson's disease. Brain cells with decreased complex I levels are less likely to contain Lewy bodies, abnormal protein-aggregates that characterize Parkinson's disease.

Survival strategies for women in a youth-centric world

Researchers found that most women struggle to understand how to handle the processes of ageing, often relying on dieting as a tool to lose weight. Women also feel pressured to conform to capitalist beauty standards, leading to contradictions in their pursuit of self-care and social acceptance.

Normal tissue BRCA1 methylation associated with risk for high-grade ovarian cancer

Researchers found that normal tissue BRCA1 methylation is associated with an increased risk of high-grade ovarian cancer, which may occur as a prenatal event. The study analyzed white blood cells from patients and healthy controls and discovered that elevated BRCA1 methylation was confined to those diagnosed with high-grade serous tumors.

How preterm birth may impact language development

A brain imaging study found that preterm infants with developmental disturbances in the Heschl's gyrus, a part of the brain involved in speech and language, exhibit reduced expressive language ability. The study suggests that preterm birth may impact language development due to altered auditory cortex maturation.

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.

Fast-tracking T cell therapies with immune-mimicking biomaterials

Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute have developed an immune-mimicking biomaterial that can amplify patient-specific T cells outside the body, increasing efficiency of cancer immunotherapies. The new approach mimics the process by which antigen-presenting cells stimulate T cells to expand and stay alive.

The more competitive, the more passionate in romantic relationships

A study by Hokkaido University researchers suggests that Americans are more passionate in their romantic relationships due to societal factors allowing for greater freedom and replacement options. In contrast, Japanese people experience less anxiety and risk of being cheated on, making passionate behavior less relevant.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

The Fields Medal fallacy: Why this math prize should return to its roots

The Fields Medal is shifting focus from established mathematicians to those with untapped potential. Research reveals early committees prioritized recognizing emerging talent over established figures. This change aligns with the medal's original purpose, promoting math advancement and public good.

Long-term health conditions drive A&E visits, not lack of GP services

A recent study published in the British Journal of General Practice found that patients with multiple long-term health conditions are more likely to attend emergency departments. The study analyzed data from over 800,000 patients in east London and found a significant link between socioeconomic deprivation and ED attendance rates.