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Science News Archive January 2018 - Page 15


Page 15 of 37

New metal-semiconductor interface for brain-inspired computing

Researchers at the University of Groningen have developed a new metal-semiconductor interface that combines storage, memory and processing in one unit, paving the way for brain-inspired computing architectures. The device uses a spin-memristor with tunability, enabling non-volatile storage and operation at room temperature.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 22, 2018

Better predicting mountains' flora and fauna in a changing world

Researchers used a combination of conventional and remotely-sensed climate measurements to model the future distributions of bamboo species in southwestern China. This approach increased confidence in model results, providing valuable guidance for conservation planning and nuanced decision-making.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 22, 2018

Digging deep into distinctly different DNA

The study found that mitochondrial DNA mutation rates differ across various tissues, particularly in reproductive cells, which could lead to devastating diseases if passed to future offspring. Researchers used a novel method to isolate mitochondria from specific cells, shedding light on the mechanisms regulating gene mutations.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Cell Biology·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.

Boosting cancer therapy with cross-dressed immune cells

Researchers developed artificial receptors called EVIR that enable dendritic cells to capture antigens from the patient's tumor, amplifying the immune response against cancer. The EVIR technology exploits pro-tumoral exosomes as selective nanocarriers of tumor antigens.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Methods·DateJan 22, 2018

BU: Marijuana use does not lower chances of getting pregnant

A new study published in Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that marijuana use among couples does not lower their chances of getting pregnant. The researchers surveyed over 4,000 women and their male partners, finding that conception probabilities were similar between those who used marijuana and those who did not.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateJan 22, 2018

How very low birth weight affects brain development

A long-term study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology researchers has shed new light on the consequences of very low birth weights on cognitive development. The study found that individuals born with very low birth weights have difficulties with cognitive control, including proactive and reactive systems.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNeuroImage·DateJan 22, 2018

Crows 'hooked' on fast food

New Caledonian crows manufacture hooked stick tools to outsmart hidden food, extracting it 2-10 times faster with improved efficiency. The study reveals that even small tool design changes can significantly boost foraging performance.

SourceUniversity of St. Andrews·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·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.

Not just a stem cell marker

A recent study by KAUST researchers reveals that CD34, a protein used to identify blood-forming cells, also binds adhesion molecules in the bone marrow. This binding aids in proper engraftment of blood-forming stem and progenitor cells following transplantation.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalBlood Advances·DateJan 22, 2018

Climate change and snowmelt -- turn up the heat, but what about humidity?

Researchers found that changes in humidity determine how much snowpack contributes to streams, lakes, and groundwater as the climate warms. Cloudy, humid winter days cause snowpack to warm faster, increasing melt during winter months. In contrast, clear skies and low humidity preserve the snowpack until spring. The study highlights the...

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 2018

Use of dirty heating oil in NYC concentrated uptown

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that despite the Clean Heat Program, many buildings continued to burn residual diesel fuel oil, releasing high levels of particulate matter and linked health problems. The researchers recommend new incentives and a building energy rating system to encourage conversion.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateJan 22, 2018

'Depression education' effective for some teens

The Adolescent Depression Awareness Program (ADAP) achieved its intended effect of encouraging teenagers to speak up and seek adult help for themselves or a peer. More than 54% of students were depression-literate four months after the curriculum, compared with 36% of students who weren't exposed.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJan 22, 2018

Assay for HIV antibody screening

A new assay has been developed to detect HIV antibodies in oral fluid, showing high sensitivity and specificity. This assay may enable early diagnosis of HIV infection in populations at risk, potentially improving public health efforts.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

Algorithm identifies 10 times more naturally occurring antibiotics

A new algorithm, VarQuest, has been developed to identify naturally occurring antibiotics, revealing an order of magnitude more compounds than previous studies. This breakthrough could lead to the discovery of new medicines and help combat rising antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJan 22, 2018

Overall in-hospital cardiac arrest survival improves, lower survival on nights, weekends

Survival rates for in-hospital cardiac arrests have improved over the past 15 years, with a significant increase in both on-hours and off-hours groups. However, patients who experience cardiac arrest during nights or weekends continue to face lower survival rates compared to those who arrest during daytime hours.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJan 22, 2018

Heat loss from the Earth triggers ice sheet slide towards the sea

Researchers have measured a significant increase in heat loss from the Earth's interior, warming deep water in northeast Greenland fjords and melting glaciers. This heat triggers ice sheet sliding towards the sea, with the potential to improve models of ice sheet dynamics and global water rise predictions.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 22, 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.

Seabed mining could destroy ecosystems

A new study warns of long-lasting consequences from seabed mining, which could destroy deep-sea ecosystems and affect marine life globally. The research highlights the need for precautions and alternative approaches to mitigate potential harm.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateJan 22, 2018

Researchers borrow from AIDS playbook to tackle rheumatic heart disease

Researchers adapt HIV/AIDS treatment-cascade model to combat rheumatic heart disease in sub-Saharan Africa, finding that patients facing distance barriers have lower continuation rates. The study shows that decentralizing care and providing more staff, funding, and resources per capita at regional sites can increase patient retention.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateJan 22, 2018

Cavity prevention approach effectively reduces tooth decay

A scientifically based CAMBRA model, including risk assessment and aggressive preventive measures, dramatically reduces tooth decay in community dental practices. The study's findings support earlier research and have potential to transform dental care for high-risk patients at lower costs.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAdvances in Dental Research·DateJan 22, 2018

New NOAA research holds promise of predicting snowpack even before the snow falls

New NOAA research predicts snowpack levels in the West 8 months in advance, providing crucial information for farmers and urban water managers. The accurate predictions can be made on a mountain range scale, helping to improve regional water forecasts and inform decisions on water supply, wildfire risk, ecology, and agriculture.

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

Small hydroelectric dams increase globally with little research, regulations

A global assessment of small hydropower dams highlights their potential for growth, but lacks scientific studies on their environmental impact. Researchers estimate that nearly 83,000 small dams are operating or under construction in 150 countries, with the number potentially tripling if all capacity were developed.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateJan 22, 2018

Blavatnik Family Foundation provides $10 million to promote engineering innovations in health

The Blavatnik Family Foundation is providing a $10 million grant to Columbia University's Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. The gift will support the Blavatnik Fund for Engineering Innovations in Health, which aims to attract graduate student talent and promote early-stage research across disciplines.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateJan 22, 2018

Study to determine which stool test is best for colorectal cancer detection

A recent study by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso aims to identify the most accurate stool test for detecting colorectal cancer. The research consortium will compare four different fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) to determine their effectiveness in detecting blood in the stool, a common early sign of cancer.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso·DateJan 22, 2018

Kicking an old can of worms -- the origin of the head in annelids

A new 508-million-year-old bristle worm species from the Burgess Shale has provided key insights into the origin of the head in annelids. The fossil discovery reveals that the annelid head evolved from posterior body segments with pair bundles of hair-sized bristles, a hypothesis supported by developmental biology.

SourceRoyal Ontario Museum·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 22, 2018
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.

Eocene sea surface temperature estimates

Researchers estimate Eocene sea surface temperatures to be 30-36 °C, significantly warmer than present. The study provides insight into possible future climate change due to higher atmospheric CO2 levels during the Eocene epoch.

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

What effect did the ACA have on out-of-pocket and premium spending?

The Affordable Care Act was associated with decreased out-of-pocket spending among low-income Americans due to cost-sharing and premium subsidies. However, premium spending increased mainly among higher-income individuals, while combined spending decreased only in the lowest-income group.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 22, 2018

Human smugglers operate as 'independent traders,' study finds

Research reveals human smugglers operate in a highly segmented market, with each stage a competitive marketplace for 'independent and autonomous' smugglers. Successful smugglers rely on reputation among migrants to maintain their business, and removing one smuggler can lead to rivals seizing their market share.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalEuropean Journal of Criminology·DateJan 21, 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.

Alcohol consumption in late teens can lead to liver problems in adulthood

A major new study confirms that drinking during late adolescence can predict the risk of developing liver disease later in life. The study found that even low levels of daily alcohol consumption can lead to severe liver disease in men, suggesting that current guidelines for safe drinking may need to be revised.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateJan 21, 2018

Epilepsy linked to brain volume and thickness differences

A large-scale study found subtle brain abnormalities in people with epilepsy, even in those with typical seizures under control. The researchers identified reduced grey matter thickness and volume in various brain regions, including the cortex and thalamus, associated with longer duration of epilepsy.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBrain·DateJan 21, 2018

USDA's NIFA invests in fighting citrus greening disease

The US Department of Agriculture's NIFA has awarded $17 million to research and extension programs aimed at combating citrus greening disease in Florida. Researchers are developing detection systems, hydroponics, and biocontrol methods to address the devastating impact of the disease on the state's $1.5 billion citrus industry.

SourceNational Institute of Food and Agriculture·DateJan 19, 2018
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.

The Down syndrome 'super genome'

A study by UNIGE and UNIL researchers found that individuals with Down syndrome have an excellent genome, better than the average genome of people without the genetic abnormality. This high-quality genome may compensate for the disabilities caused by the extra chromosome 21, enabling some fetuses to reach full term and grow up to old age.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalGenome Research·DateJan 19, 2018

Radioactivity from oil and gas wastewater persists in Pennsylvania stream sediments

A new Duke University study finds that radioactivity in sediments at three disposal sites is 650 times higher than normal, with conventional oil and gas wastewater contributing to the contamination. The study confirms that radionuclide accumulation occurs after 2011, when authorities limited fracking wastewater disposal.

SourceDuke University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJan 19, 2018

On the rebound

Palladium nanoparticles have been shown to repair atomic dislocations in their crystal structure after experiencing intense strain. Researchers discovered that these nanoparticles function like the human body healing from an injury, allowing them to mend and regain their original state.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 19, 2018

New technique for finding life on Mars

Researchers from McGill University develop a miniature life detection platform to identify and analyze microorganisms in extreme environments, providing proof-of-concept for direct life detection on Mars and other planets. The technique has potential applications on Earth, including detecting pathogens during epidemics in remote areas.

SourceMcGill University·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJan 19, 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.

Study ends debate over role of steroids in treating septic shock

A large-scale study has shown that steroid treatment can reduce the duration of septic shock and time spent on life support therapy, but not necessarily lead to fewer deaths. The trial involved 3800 patients across five countries and found that steroids led to a more rapid resolution of shock and earlier discharge from intensive care.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 19, 2018

Mice immunized with synthetic horsepox protected against vaccinia virus

Researchers successfully created a synthetic horsepox vaccine that offers protection against the vaccinia virus, which is associated with serious side effects. Mice immunized with the chimeric HPXV developed similar levels of protective antibodies as those inoculated with VACV, but had less severe reactions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 19, 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.

Have Brexit and the US presidential election made you more radical?

A recent study suggests that disillusionment with Brexit and the US presidential election leads to a shift towards more extreme political attitudes. Disillusioned individuals often question their understanding of society and strive for a sense of orientation through endorsing radicalized views, warns the research.

SourceUniversity of Limerick·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJan 19, 2018

National school lunch program aces safety test

The National School Lunch Program's zero-tolerance policy for Salmonella and E. coli bacteria has led to highly effective food safety standards, with 99% of shipments being Salmonella-free. This effective program is critical for child nutrition policy and anti-poverty measures.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·DateJan 19, 2018

Virtual reality goes magnetic

An international research team created an ultrathin electronic magnetic sensor that can be worn on skin, enabling a touchless manipulation of virtual and physical objects. The device uses magnetic fields to detect body motion and translate it into the virtual world.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 19, 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.

Mortality of surgery vs. targeted radiation in early lung cancer patients

A University of Colorado Cancer Center study found low post-treatment mortality rates for both surgery and targeted radiation in early-stage lung cancer patients. Patients over 80 years old showed significantly higher mortality rates with surgery compared to targeted radiation.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJan 19, 2018

Early Trump support climbed in areas with recent Latino population growth

Research finds that Trump's use of inflammatory language activated latent support among Republican voters in areas experiencing Latino population growth. The study used geocoded surveys to track changes in voter sentiment before and after Trump's campaign announcement and infamous statements.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPublic Opinion Quarterly·DateJan 19, 2018

Piecework at the nano assembly line

Researchers at TUM have developed a novel electric propulsion technology for nanorobots, allowing them to move at speeds 100,000 times faster than traditional biochemical processes. This breakthrough enables the creation of molecular assembly lines, paving the way for future nanotechnology applications.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScience·DateJan 19, 2018

Cystic fibrosis bacterial burden begins during first years of life

Researchers found that lung bacterial infections and inflammation in cystic fibrosis patients start much earlier than expected in childhood. Therapies to break up mucus may offer the best route to a longer life for CF patients, as early intervention could dramatically increase quality of life.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJan 19, 2018
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.

Conserving our biodiversity: Priorities for well-connected protected areas

Only one-third of countries meet global targets for protected area connectivity, with EU Member States averaging 18.9% connected land coverage. The study recommends designating new PAs in strategic locations to enhance connectivity and support biodiversity conservation.

SourceEuropean Commission Joint Research Centre·JournalBiological Conservation·DateJan 19, 2018

'Programmable droplets' could enable high-volume biology experiments

Researchers at MIT have developed a system that uses electric fields to manipulate droplets of chemical or biological solutions on a surface. This new approach enables parallel testing of thousands of reactions and could revolutionize the field of biological research.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMRS Advances·DateJan 19, 2018

Hedgehog signaling proteins keep cancer stem cells alive

Researchers found that Hedgehog signaling proteins keep cancer stem cells alive and are required for their survival. The study suggests targeting the Hedgehog pathway could eliminate cancer stem cells and prevent recurrence.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 19, 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.