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Science News Archive January 2018


Page 28 of 37

SETI project homes in on strange 'fast radio bursts'

Recent observations of FRB 121102 provide new data about the source of fast radio bursts, which are nearly 100 percent linearly polarized and suggest a source embedded in strong magnetic fields. The team plans to observe at higher frequencies to narrow the range of possible sources.

Rare melanoma type highly responsive to immunotherapy

A study found that desmoplastic melanoma patients respond significantly to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies, with a 70% response rate. The tumors have high levels of DNA mutations and pre-existing immune cells necessary for an immune response.

Pancreatic cancer accelerated by stress, finds study

A new study published in Cancer Cell suggests that stress accelerates the development of pancreatic cancer by triggering the release of 'fight-or-flight' hormones. Beta-blockers, commonly used medications that inhibit these hormones, were found to increase survival in a mouse model of the disease.

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.

The complexities of clouds and the seeds that make them

Researchers analyzed three weather systems to understand how aerosols influence cloud formation and development. The study highlights the complexity of aerosol-cloud-precipitation-radiation interactions, which vary on a case-by-case basis.

New stellar streams confirm 'melting pot' history of the galaxy

The discovery of eleven new stellar streams in the Milky Way confirms its role as a cosmic melting pot, with stars originating from other galaxies. The Dark Energy Survey data, made publicly available, enabled the detection of these streams, which provide evidence for the galaxy's history of migration events.

Study finds body size of marine plankton, currents keys to dispersal in ocean

A new international study found that plankton's body size and ocean currents are crucial in determining their dispersal in the ocean. The larger the plankton, the smaller the connection between distant communities. Climate change is rapidly warming marine waters, making it essential to understand how this affects biological communities.

In India, subtle corruption robs villagers of roads

Researchers found that almost 500 roads were listed as completed but never built, linked to local politicians steering contracts to favored businesses in their social networks. The study suggests giving local politicians no formal role in road-building may exacerbate corruption.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A close-up look at an uncommon underwater eruption

A research team led by University of Tasmania and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution explored the Havre volcano using autonomous underwater vehicle and remotely operated vehicle. They found that the eruption was larger than expected, with more than 70% of volcanic activity occurring on the seafloor.

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.

Scaling to new heights with gecko-inspired adhesive

Scientists have developed a dry adhesive with ultra-sticky properties, comparable to that of a gecko's toe pads. The adhesive was made using a nanoimprinting technique and showed remarkable durability in repetitive attachment and detachment tests.

Job ads should be worded wisely to encourage women to apply

A recent study published in Springer's journal Sex Roles found that job ads intended to appeal to women can be flawed by stereotypical wording, discouraging them from applying. The researchers recommend using task-directed language to attract high-quality and gender-diverse applicants.

Astronomers detect 'whirlpool' movement in earliest galaxies

Researchers have discovered swirling gas motion in early galaxies, which spun like a whirlpool similar to the Milky Way. The galaxies, observed nearly 13 billion years ago, were found to be forming stars at a higher rate than expected, yet retaining order and appearing well-regulated despite their small size.

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.

Frozen embryos result in just as many live births in IVF

A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine has found that frozen embryos can lead to the same number of live births as fresh embryos in IVF. Researchers investigated 800 infertile women and found equivalent pregnancy and live birth rates between frozen and fresh embryo groups.

3-D printing creates super soft structures that replicate brain and lungs

Scientists at Imperial College London develop a new 3D printing technique that can replicate biological structures, paving the way for tissue regeneration and replica organs. The method uses cryogenics to create super soft scaffolds that mimic the mechanical properties of organs like the brain and lungs.

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.

Study finds strong support for ocean protection

A recent study found that 70% of respondents believe the marine environment is under threat from human activities, with pollution and fishing identified as top concerns. The public also strongly supports protection of marine areas through MPAs, but rules governing these areas vary widely.

Earliest fossil evidence of butterflies and moths

Researchers have uncovered the earliest known fossil evidence of insects from the order Lepidoptera, providing important insights into their evolutionary history. The fossils, mostly wing scales, suggest that lepidopterans likely depended first on gymnosperms before shifting to angiosperms as a primary food source.

CCNY leads four-nation NSF-funded complex fluids project

The City College of New York is leading a five-year research project on complex fluids funded by the National Science Foundation, which includes 11 partner institutions in France, Germany, and Norway. Possible outcomes include improvements in energy and process efficiency in industrial systems globally.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Dark energy survey publicly releases first three years of data

The Dark Energy Survey has publicly released its first three years of data, containing information on 400 million astronomical objects, including distant galaxies and stars in the Milky Way. The dataset also reveals 11 new stellar streams, remnants of smaller galaxies torn apart by the Milky Way.

Here's how stress may be making you sick

A recent study published in Journal of Leukocyte Biology found that stress receptors can control immune cells' defense mechanisms, leading to allergic diseases. Mice with disabled stress receptors showed reduced disease symptoms and were protected against stress-related illnesses.

Robotic implants spur tissue regeneration inside the body

Researchers developed an implanted robotic system that applies traction forces to stimulate tissue growth in stunted hollow organs. The device was tested on pigs and showed a 77% increase in esophagus length, promoting cell proliferation without disrupting organ function.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Black hole breakthrough: New insight into mysterious jets

Researchers gained new understanding of relativistic jets' behavior through advanced supercomputer simulations, revealing how space-time is dragged into the rotation of rotating black holes. The study confirms that tilted disks lead to precessing jets that periodically change their direction in the sky.

New options for more animal welfare

A BfR study reveals specific research fields in need of new alternative methods, such as investigating and treating human diseases like cancer and hypertension. The EU-wide solution aims to enhance transparency and promote the development of alternative methods for more animal welfare.

Mexican migrant health access much lower after US border crossing

A Drexel University public health study found that Mexican immigrant health access plummets after crossing into the US, and remains low even when returning to Mexico. The study revealed a significant drop in healthcare access, from 78% to 47-60%, among Mexican adults before and after migration.

Housework gender differences may affect health in elderly men and women

The study found that elderly men and women spent significant amounts of time on different types of housework activities. While engaging in some housework was beneficial to the health of older adults, long periods combined with too much or too little sleep were associated with poor health among elderly women. In contrast, elderly men wh...

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.

Robotic weeders: to a farm near you?

Robotic weeders are being increasingly adopted by farmers due to their ability to efficiently control weeds in specialty crops like lettuce, broccoli, and tomatoes. While they have limitations, the technology is improving with advancements in programming and sensor technology.

Changing how we view chlorine in soil

A recent study from Linköping University reveals that the supply of fresh organic compounds increases chlorination in soils, potentially changing our view on chlorine's significance. The discovery highlights new ecological functions of chloride and its potential impact on risk models for radioactive waste.

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.

Frogs reveal mechanism that determines viability of hybrids

The African and Western clawed frog hybrid crossbreeding reveals that a duplication of chromosomes can occur, allowing viable offspring. However, some hybrids are not viable due to dysfunctional separation of paternal chromosomes, leading to the death of early-stage embryos.

Retaliatory violence between police and citizens is primed by social media

A new study published in PLOS ONE found that social media coverage of fatal police-citizen incidents can act as a virtual contagion, leading to future violence against law enforcement. The research also suggests that an unexpected increase in officer line-of-duty deaths is associated with an increase in the number of minority citizens ...

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

What happens when your brain's support cells aren't so supportive?

Researchers at the Salk Institute discovered that genes that normally sever connections between neurons are reactivated in aging astrocytes, leading to reduced neuronal communication. This may explain age-related cognitive decline and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's and diabetes.

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.

Company-sponsored CRISPR clinical trials set to start in 2018

Three companies - Crispr Therapeutics, Intellia Therapeutics, and Editas Medicine - are launching clinical trials using CRISPR to boost healthy hemoglobin levels in patients with blood diseases. Researchers are also conducting extensive computer predictions and in vitro tests to minimize the risk of accidents.

Women survive crises better than men

Researchers found that women are more likely to survive crises like famines and epidemics due to biological factors, not behavioral differences. Newborn girls are particularly hardy, outliving newborn boys by up to 50%.

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.

Grocery store program improves farmers' adoption of environmental practices

A new study by Stanford researchers found that Woolworths' Farming for the Future program drove increased adoption of environmental practices among its large-scale fruit, vegetable and flower growers. The program combines annual auditor feedback with individual farmer needs, leading to significant shifts in farming practices.

Between the lines: Tree rings hold clues about a river's past

Researchers at Utah State University analyzed tree rings to reconstruct monthly streamflow trends for three rivers in Northern Utah. The study provides a new tool for understanding seasonal patterns and droughts, enabling more informed water use and management decisions.

Climate change drives collapse in marine food webs

A new study demonstrates how climate change can drive the collapse of marine food webs by altering trophic flows and promoting cyanobacterial proliferation. This can lead to reduced food availability for top predators, negatively impacting marine species diversity and fisheries productivity.

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.

PolyU develops rapid authentication method of Chinese medicines

A new authentication method using direct ionization mass spectrometry has been developed by PolyU to quickly identify genuine and counterfeit species of Lingzhi and Tianma. The method can differentiate between wild and cultivated types, as well as geographical origins.

Engineers grow functioning human muscle from skin cells

Duke researchers successfully grew functioning human skeletal muscle from induced pluripotent stem cells, offering a promising path for cellular therapies, drug discovery, and studying rare diseases. The technique allows for the growth of far more muscle cells and provides an easier route to genome editing and individualized models.

Headlines to cover at the AAAS Annual Meeting in Austin, Texas

The AAAS Annual Meeting will explore various scientific breakthroughs, such as regenerating organs for patient transplants and advances in immunotherapy treatments for cancer. The conference also features free public lectures on the International Space Station and science-informed responses to climate change.