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Science News Archive January 2018 - Page 13


Page 13 of 37

Scientists suggest way to predict the behavior of invasive weeds

Researchers at Cambridge University Press suggest a way to predict invasive weed behavior and development curve by analyzing herbarium records and data on past invaders. By understanding the variation in expansion phase length across species, they can identify traits linked to aggressive growth and expansion.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalInvasive Plant Science and Management·DateJan 23, 2018

Quantum control

Researchers have developed a quantum metamaterial composed of twin qubits, which can be used as a control element in superconducting electronic devices. The material exhibits unique properties that disappear when separated into its components, making it a promising candidate for future applications.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 23, 2018

Accurate estimation of biodiversity is now possible on a global scale

Researchers have developed a new method that can accurately estimate biodiversity at a global scale, up to 10 orders of magnitude. The study used the 1999 Great Britain Countryside Survey dataset and tested over a dozen methods, with one model providing estimates within 10% of the true value.

SourceStellenbosch University·JournalEcological Monographs·DateJan 23, 2018

A weak heart due to metabolic change

Researchers discovered that a shift from fatty acid to carbohydrate-based energy sources can lead to congestive heart failure. The study identified Notch-1 receptor as key player controlling transport of fatty acids into cardiac muscle tissue.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalCirculation·DateJan 23, 2018
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.

Large study finds higher rates of early substance use among children with ADHD

A large study found that children with ADHD engage in substance use at a younger age than those without ADHD, with a significantly higher prevalence of regular marijuana and cigarette use. The study also found a faster progression of substance use during childhood and adolescence.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateJan 23, 2018

New approach attacks 'undruggable' cancers from the outside in

Cancer researchers have developed a new approach to target 'undruggable' cancer-causing genes by attacking the proteins they produce on the cell surface. The study reveals that antibodies against specific proteins can deliver cytotoxic or immunotherapeutic compounds to Ras-mutant cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateJan 23, 2018

Civic engagement can help teens thrive later in life

A study by Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found that civic engagement in adolescence is associated with higher education levels and income as adults. Teens involved in volunteering, voting, or activism tend to perform better in health and mental well-being.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalChild Development·DateJan 23, 2018
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.

All the buzz -- bigger honeybee colonies have quieter combs

A recent study published in Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology found that bigger honeybee colonies have quieter combs than smaller ones. Bees actively reduce vibrations by grasping the comb, possibly through their posture, which helps them communicate with each other.

SourceCornell University·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateJan 23, 2018

C-sections linked to long-term risks and benefits

Research suggests that C-sections are associated with a decreased risk of urinary incontinence and pelvic prolapse, but an increased risk of asthma, obesity, and pregnancy complications. The study analyzed data from over 29 million participants and found mixed results on the long-term effects of C-sections.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 23, 2018

Genetic lung disease's molecular roots identified

Scientists have solved the puzzle of why some people with primary ciliary dyskinesia have non-functional cilia. Researchers found that mutations in non-motor proteins cause cilia to assemble incorrectly, leading to respiratory infections and other symptoms. The study offers new hope for treatment and potential screening for medications.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 23, 2018
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.

Taking control at the junction

KAUST researchers have created boron-nitride-based alloys with tunable polarization, a crucial property for computer memory. By varying the atomic composition, they can control the spontaneous polarization and piezoelectric constants of these materials.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 22, 2018

How centipedes slay giant prey

A golden head centipede can subdue a caged mouse in under 30 seconds by injecting an estimated 30 μl of crude venom containing SsTx. The peptide toxin strongly inhibits KCNQ4 channels, controlling pulmonary vascular tone and arterial tension, leading to vasoconstriction and cardiovascular effects.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 2018
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.

Improving vaccines for the elderly by blocking inflammation

A UCL-led research team found that an excessive inflammation reaction in older people can obstruct the immune system, leading to weaker immune responses. Blocking this inflammation with a short-term anti-inflammatory pill increased the immune system's effectiveness.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJan 22, 2018

Climate change, conservation, and fisheries

Researchers found a 515% increase in American lobster abundance in the Gulf of Maine from 1985 to 2014, while southern New England saw an 78% decline. Proactive fishery conservation measures may help mitigate climate change effects on commercial fisheries.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 2018

Phone-addicted teens are unhappy

A new study by SDSU professor Jean M. Twenge found that more screen time is associated with lower happiness in youths, with teens who spend more time on screens being markedly unhappier than those who engage in non-screen activities.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalEmotion·DateJan 22, 2018

Multifunctional platform for the delivery of gene therapeutics

Researchers have developed a multifunctional vehicle using gold nanoparticles to transport and release the CRISPR-Cas9 system for targeted gene editing in tumors. The platform combines hyperthermal cancer therapy with genetic modification, offering a promising approach for tumor therapy.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 22, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Microbiome predicts blood infections in pediatric cancer patients

A study found that pediatric cancer patients' microbiome diversity can predict the risk of developing blood infections, suggesting a link between gut health and bloodstream infections. The researchers argue that prevention and treatment strategies may depend on the source of infection, rather than relying solely on central line hygiene.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 22, 2018

Using social and risk networks helps identify people undiagnosed with HIV

Researchers found that conducting HIV testing among social and risk networks of those recently diagnosed with HIV can identify undiagnosed cases at higher rates and lower costs than other approaches. The study used a network-based recruiting, counseling, and HIV testing strategy, which was more effective in locating undiagnosed positives.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of the International AIDS Society·DateJan 22, 2018

A 'hot Jupiter' with unusual winds

Astronomers discovered a 'hot Jupiter' with westward winds, defying theory. The planet's atmosphere may interact with its magnetic field or be affected by clouds, raising new questions about the phenomenon.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJan 22, 2018
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.

People with prosthetic arms less affected by common illusion

Research conducted by the University of Exeter and University of Strathclyde found that people with prosthetic arms are less affected by the size-weight illusion. The study compared perception in amputees using prosthetics with those using their natural hands, finding a significant difference in illusion strength.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateJan 22, 2018

Hungry for solutions: New research tackles college hunger

A study led by Temple University and the University of Houston aims to boost academic performance and persistence in college among low-income students through a food scholarship program. The program, which provides direct access to food, has shown promise in improving student outcomes and closing the gap on college completion rates.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateJan 22, 2018
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.

'Hijacker' drives cancer in some patients with high-risk neuroblastoma

Researchers identified mechanisms driving 10% of high-risk neuroblastoma cases and showed c-MYC hijacks DNA to drive its own expression. The findings may help develop more effective therapies, including precision medicines. High-risk neuroblastoma has a poorer prognosis, but the study provides new insights into its development.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalCancer Discovery·DateJan 22, 2018

Want a healthier population? Spend less on health care and more on social services

A Canadian study found that increased social spending was associated with improved health outcomes, while increased healthcare spending had no similar effect. The researchers suggest that reallocating funds from healthcare to social services could lead to significant improvements in life expectancy and mortality rates.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 22, 2018

Dietary fiber protects against obesity and metabolic syndrome, study finds

A study led by Georgia State University found that dietary fiber inulin prevented metabolic syndrome by restoring gut microbiota levels, increasing intestinal epithelial cell production, and regulating interleukin-22 expression. This study suggests that fermentable fibers like inulin may promote better health by suppressing obesity and...

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJan 22, 2018
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.

How climate change weakens coral 'immune systems'

Researchers found that climate change destabilizes coral microbiomes, leading to an imbalance of beneficial and pathogenic bacteria. The study suggests that conserving coral populations requires consideration of their associated microbial communities.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 22, 2018

Urban emissions of volatile organic compounds

Researchers measured urban nonmethane volatile organic compound flux, finding oxygenated compounds account for a significant portion of unaccounted emissions. Current atmospheric chemistry and climate models may underestimate global anthropogenic NMVOC emissions due to this unexpected large proportion.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 2018

Finding unravels nature of cognitive inflexibility in Fragile X syndrome

Research by neuroscientists at New York University uncovers neural circuits that may be intact but improperly tuned, leading to inflexibility in learning new information. The study sheds light on the cognitive deficit characteristic of Fragile X syndrome, which impairs memory use in multiple ways.

SourceNew York University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 22, 2018

Forest fire risk assessment using hotspot analysis in GIS

The study uses Getis-Ord Gi* hotspot analysis to identify forest fire hotspots in Brunei-Muara District, highlighting the need for new fire stations. Site Suitability Analysis is conducted using local road networks to suggest suitable locations for new fire stations.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Civil Engineering Journal·DateJan 22, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Researchers use sound waves to advance optical communication

The researchers have developed a new device that uses sound waves to produce ultraminiature optical diodes, enabling nonreciprocal devices for photonic integrated circuits. These devices protect laser sources from back reflections and are necessary for routing light signals around optical networks.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Photonics·DateJan 22, 2018

FRAX intervention and assessment thresholds for seven Latin American countries

The International Osteoporosis Foundation has published country-specific FRAX-based intervention and assessment thresholds for seven Latin American countries, enhancing fracture risk assessment. The thresholds vary significantly across the countries, emphasizing the need for tailored prevention programs.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateJan 22, 2018

User experiment at BESSY II: Complex tessellations, extraordinary materials

An international team has developed a new approach to produce complex materials from simple organic building blocks through self-organization. The researchers successfully created a semiregular 3.4.6.4 tessellation with large hexagonal meshes, exhibiting unusual properties and potential applications.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJan 22, 2018
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.

Marine vegetation can mitigate ocean acidification, UCI study finds

A UCI study found that marine plants and seaweeds decrease acidity through photosynthesis, suggesting conservation efforts could preserve shellfish habitats. The research, spanning 1,000 miles of coastline, highlights the importance of marine life in driving local pH conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 22, 2018

Giving new medical tech a kickstart at University of Pittsburgh

The University of Pittsburgh's Center for Medical Innovation has awarded grants to five engineering and medicine groups to develop novel biomedical devices. The projects focus on treating conditions such as peripheral artery disease, pulmonary fibrosis, and improving auditory pathology detection.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateJan 22, 2018

Lab-made hormone may reveal secret lives of plants

Researchers at Howard Hughes Medical Institute have developed a synthetic version of the plant hormone auxin and an engineered receptor to recognize it, enabling precise control over plant growth and development. This breakthrough system, called

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJan 22, 2018
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.

Researchers reveal new insights into how your brain keeps its balance

An interdisciplinary team of scientists discovered that ATM and ATR regulate each other's levels in the brain to maintain a balance between excitation and inhibition. Regular brain activity also changes the levels of these proteins, creating a dynamic 'conversation' that helps keep the appropriate E/I balance.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 2018

How breast cancer survivors can increase their reduced life expectancy

A USC study suggests that regular exercise can lower breast cancer survivors' risk of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and breast cancer recurrence. Exercise helps reduce inflammation, improves heart health, and increases good cholesterol levels.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJan 22, 2018
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.

Optical nanoscope allows imaging of quantum dots

Physicists at the University of Basel developed an optical nanoscope that can image individual atoms and quantum dots with unprecedented resolution. The technique, which works with two-energy level systems, overcomes the wave nature of light limitations, releasing no heat in the process.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Photonics·DateJan 22, 2018

Anemia discovery offers new targets to treat fatigue in millions

Researchers at UVA School of Medicine have discovered a 'complicated symphony' controlling the production of oxygen-carrying red blood cells, shedding light on iron-restricted anemias and potential new treatments. The study identified key proteins and mechanisms involved in the development of anemia.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJan 22, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Virus shown to be likely cause of mystery polio-like illness

A major review by UNSW medical researchers has identified Enterovirus D68 as the likely cause of a mystery polio-like illness that paralysed children in the affected regions. The study used Bradfield Hill criteria to determine causality and found strong evidence linking EV-D68 to acute flaccid myelitis.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalEurosurveillance·DateJan 22, 2018

Feedback enhances brainwave control of a novel hand-exoskeleton

A novel hand-exoskeleton has been developed to help physically impaired individuals, and researchers have found that brainwave control can be improved with feedback. The device uses EEG headsets to measure brainwaves and provide motor control through a combination of user-driven brain-machine interface and proprioception-based feedback.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalIEEE Robotics and Automation Letters·DateJan 22, 2018

Clarifying the interplay between bone cells in bone remodeling

Researchers used intravital two-photon microscopy to visualize interactions between osteoblasts and osteoclasts in living bone tissue. They found that osteoblasts can inhibit bone resorption by direct contact with osteoclasts, demonstrating an important concept for regulating bone homeostasis.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 22, 2018