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Science News Archive January 2018 - Page 16


Page 16 of 37

Adaptive immune response: New cofactor of roquin identified

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have discovered a new cofactor, NUFIP2, that works with Roquin to regulate the immune response. This cooperative regulation helps limit immune responses to specific reactions and prevents inflammatory reactions.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 19, 2018

BTI Institute, SE Texas group team up for terrorist response

A collaboration between BTI Institute and the South East Texas Regional Planning Commission aims to identify current gaps in terrorist response plans and create a unified regional plan. The project will also provide templates and recommendations for nationwide use.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateJan 19, 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.

Real-world intercontinental quantum communications enabled by the Micius satellite

A cross-disciplinary team developed a satellite, Micius, to facilitate secure quantum key distribution globally. The system has achieved significant milestones, including decoy-state QKD with kHz rates over 1200 km distances, demonstrating the potential for an ultra-long-distance global quantum network.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 19, 2018

Older hospitalized adults are infrequently tested for influenza

A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older hospitalized adults are less likely to have provider-ordered influenza testing than younger patients. The study included 1422 adults with symptoms of acute respiratory illness or non-localizing fever and found that only 28% were tested for influenza.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 19, 2018

Bio-renewable process could help 'green' plastic

Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed an economical and high-yielding way to produce furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), a critical chemical for making renewable plastics.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 19, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Factor that doubles the risk of death from breast cancer identified

A study published in The Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that patients with high intra-tumour heterogeneity of the oestrogen receptor are twice as likely to die from breast cancer over a span of 25 years. This risk holds true for Luminal A breast cancer subtype, which is generally considered to have a good prognosis.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 19, 2018

Thanks for the memory: NIST takes a deep look at memristors

Researchers at NIST have identified a toolset to study memristors, leading to deeper understanding of their operation and potential for more efficient devices. The team found that reducing the size of a memristor can minimize unwanted current pathways, suggesting ways to engineer better performance.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 19, 2018

Fanconi anemia: Insight from a green plant

A model plant study reveals a previously unknown pathway for genetic material exchange in germ cells, crucial for understanding Fanconi anemia disease. The study identifies the key protein FANCD2's important function in meiotic crossover formation.

SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateJan 19, 2018
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Essential oil inhaler changes dynamics for pain

The patented AromaStick inhaler enhances pain management by changing pain dynamics and improving relief. In two field studies, participants experienced increased mood and well-being when using the inhaler.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Psychopharmacology·DateJan 19, 2018

How metal scaffolds enhance the bone healing process

Researchers develop optimized titanium-mesh scaffolds that promote faster and more effective bone regeneration. The study found that softer implants enhanced healing, with results applicable to various types of bone defects.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 19, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Novel genomic tools provide new insight into human immune system

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology identified a hitherto unknown precursor for a poorly understood subgroup of killer T cells. Single-cell transcriptome analysis revealed an unprecedented level of heterogeneity among immune cells, upending the traditional view of immune cells as unvarying entities.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience Immunology·DateJan 19, 2018

Breakthrough study shows how plants sense the world

Researchers created the first network map for 200 plant sensing proteins, revealing unknown interactions and key proteins that act as master nodes. The map could lead to ways to increase plant resistance to pathogens, heat, drought, salinity, or cold shock.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNature·DateJan 19, 2018
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.

City lights setting traps for migrating birds

Researchers found that city lights in metropolitan areas like Boston, New York, and Philadelphia attract large densities of migratory birds, even from far away. This can lead to increased mortality risks from collisions with buildings, vehicles, and predators like domestic cats, as well as resource depletion.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalEcology Letters·DateJan 19, 2018

Beyond drugs for IBD: Improving the overall health of IBD patients

Research presented at the Crohn's & Colitis Congress provides guidance for physicians to enhance IBD patient care. Studies show that better management of anemia improves overall outcomes, while IBD patients need better understanding of CRC screening intervals.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateJan 19, 2018

A nanophenomenon that triggers the bone-repair process

Scientists at ICN2 have found that bone's mineral component exhibits flexoelectricity, which triggers the bone repair process. This effect is localized to the tip of microfractures and signals to osteoblasts where damage needs repair.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 19, 2018

Length of opioid prescription spell highest risk for misuse after surgery

A new study published in The BMJ suggests that the duration of opioid treatment is a more potent predictor of abuse and overdose than dosage among patients with no history of recent or chronic opioid use. Longer treatment spells increase the risk of dependence, abuse, or overdose by up to 20% each additional week.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalThe BMJ·DateJan 19, 2018

New drugs for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Researchers have made breakthroughs in IBD treatment with the approval of a new antibiotic and the use of Janus kinase inhibitors. These advancements aim to improve outcomes for patients who currently lack effective treatment options.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateJan 19, 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.

Prescription drug labels provide scant dosing guidance for obese kids

A recent study found that none of the 89 approved pediatric drug products include dosing information for obese kids. Obesity affects how the body takes up medicine, where it retains it and how quickly it is excreted. More efforts are needed to provide safe dosing guidelines for children with obesity.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateJan 19, 2018

Thorium reactors may dispose of enormous amounts of weapons-grade plutonium

Scientists from Tomsk Polytechnic University are developing a technology to burn weapons-grade plutonium in high-temperature gas-cool low-power reactors, converting it into power and thermal energy. The process also enables the desalination of water, making it suitable for areas without large water bodies.

SourceTomsk Polytechnic University·JournalAnnals of Nuclear Energy·DateJan 19, 2018

Scientists discover how treating eczema could also alleviate asthma

Researchers have discovered a potential new therapy for eczema that also reduces asthma severity, offering hope for effective treatments for both conditions. The study found that alleviating skin inflammation can significantly reduce asthma symptoms.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateJan 19, 2018

Algorithm increases employment opportunities for refugees

A new algorithm developed by ETH Zurich and Stanford University aims to increase employment opportunities for refugees in Switzerland by up to 73%. By analyzing data on refugees' characteristics and labor market conditions, the algorithm provides a tailored recommendation for which canton each refugee is most likely to find work.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateJan 19, 2018

Artificial agent designs quantum experiments

Researchers from Innsbruck and Vienna teams used artificial intelligence to design new quantum experiments, leveraging a projective simulation model and reinforcement learning. The AI-agent performed tens of thousands of experiments, discovering novel structures that could be tested in the lab.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

Cells lacking nuclei struggle to move in 3-D environments

Researchers discovered that nuclei play a crucial role in cell movement, particularly in 3D environments. Cells lacking nuclei or disconnected from the cytoskeleton exhibit reduced mobility on soft surfaces and fail to move in three-dimensional matrices.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·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.

Charge order and electron localization in a molecule-based solid

A team of scientists reports a Verwey-type charge ordering transition in Cs4O6, where molecular O2- entities form well-defined singly charged superoxide and doubly charged peroxide anions. The study sheds light on the mechanism of Verwey-type charge ordering phenomena in mixed-valence compounds.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 19, 2018

Hunting dogs as possible vectors for the infectious disease tularaemia

Researchers found seven percent of Austrian hunting dogs tested positive for the disease, highlighting a potential new vector for tularaemia transmission. The study suggests that asymptomatic dogs may pose an additional risk of infection for people.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalVector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases·DateJan 19, 2018

New robot can help treat rare birth defect

Researchers created a robot to aid in treating babies with oesophageal atresia, a rare genetic disease that affects the infant's oesophagus. The robot stimulates cells by gently pulling on tissue using sensors.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalScience Robotics·DateJan 18, 2018

A handful of bacteria dominate the Earth's soil globally

A comprehensive study has identified just a handful of bacterial taxa that dominate the Earth's soil globally. These abundant bacteria can be grouped based on five key environmental preferences, providing new insights into their roles in regulating nutrient cycles, plant productivity, and terrestrial carbon dynamics.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 18, 2018

Crystal clear

The KAUST team has developed a methodology for acquiring atomic-resolution images of beam-sensitive materials, such as metal organic frameworks, using transmission electron microscopy. This enables the precise alignment and determination of defocus values, reducing the procedure to a near-routine process.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScience·DateJan 18, 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.

Using Hawkeye from the Avengers to communicate on the eye

Hawkeye's advanced eyesight can be used to explain the physiology of the human eye and its limitations. This can lead to discussions on genetic engineering, wearable technologies, and responsible innovation in genetics. The article suggests using Hawkeye as a tool for engaging students in scientific communication and outreach.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalAJP Advances in Physiology Education·DateJan 18, 2018

Temporary 'bathtub drains' in the ocean concentrate flotsam

A new study published in PNAS shows that ocean currents can concentrate marine debris, known as flotsam, into small areas. This phenomenon has implications for ocean cleanup projects and could help predict where concentrations will occur.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 2018

USC stem cell scientists chew on the mysteries of jaw development

Researchers identified two related genes, Nr2f2 and Nr2f5, that pattern the jaw by regulating stem cell generation of skeletal cells. This study offers clues for understanding craniofacial anomalies in humans, where equivalent gene mutations are present.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJan 18, 2018
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.

Army researchers make explosive discovery

US Army Research Laboratory scientists improved chemical yield of diaminoglyoxime (DAG) synthesis by 80%, increasing material production per reaction. The new method reduces heat release, minimizing explosion and combustion hazards.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalOrganic Process Research & Development·DateJan 18, 2018

Researchers find first evidence of sub-Saharan Africa glassmaking

Archaeologists at Rice University have discovered glass production in sub-Saharan Africa, challenging previous theories about the origins of glass technology. The findings suggest that glass was widely traded across West Africa and had a significant impact on regional dynamics.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateJan 18, 2018

Root discovery may lead to crops that need less fertilizer

Researchers have discovered a way for plants to acquire phosphorus more efficiently by suppressing secondary root growth in favor of primary root growth. This trait allows plants to explore a greater volume of soil and acquire more phosphorus, making it beneficial for farmers growing in nutrient-poor soils.

SourcePenn State·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateJan 18, 2018

Researchers create first stem cells using CRISPR genome activation

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have successfully created induced pluripotent stem cells using CRISPR technology, simplifying a key step in the process. This breakthrough offers new possibilities for treating currently incurable conditions and studying diseases.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJan 18, 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.

Key to willpower lies in believing you have it in abundance

A new study suggests that people who perceive their willpower as limited are more likely to feel exhausted and need breaks between mentally taxing activities. In contrast, those who view their willpower as limitless tend to feel energized and ready to tackle the next challenge.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPsychological Assessment·DateJan 18, 2018

Packing a genome, step-by-step

Researchers have solved a biological mystery by detailing the step-by-step process of genome folding, which involves coiling up long chromosome tangles and twisting them into spiral staircase structures. The study provides an efficient packing strategy that explains how cells can reliably bundle their chromosomes during cell division.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateJan 18, 2018

New study suggests coastal and deep ocean sharks have different feeding patterns

Researchers used carbon isotopes to track shark feeding habits, finding that coastal sharks forage in a range of coastal food webs, while deeper ocean sharks rely on specific areas of colder water. The findings may help conservationists design more effective protection strategies for declining shark populations.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJan 18, 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.

Why some of your old work commitments never seem to go away

Research reveals that past work commitments can still affect employees negatively, hindering their ability to fully commit to new projects and supervisors. The study identifies common reasons for the end of these commitments, including changes in work circumstances and over-commitment.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAcademy of Management Discoveries·DateJan 18, 2018

Researchers find post-fire logging harms spotted owls

Researchers have found that post-fire logging operations are responsible for declines in spotted owl territory occupancy, contradicting previous reports of large forest fires. The study suggests that preserving natural processes and reducing human disturbance can help protect this imperiled species.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNature Conservation·DateJan 18, 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.

Hold the salt: Gut reaction may impair the brains of mice

A new mouse study suggests that a high-salt diet can impair blood flow in the brain, leading to cognitive dysfunction. The researchers found that changes in the gut caused by a high-salt diet led to reduced blood flow and dementia-like symptoms in mice.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJan 18, 2018

Portland State study shows pitfalls of using the term middle class

A recent Portland State University study shows that the term middle class is too simplistic to describe economic status across different countries and cultures. The study found that increases in income did not necessarily translate to reduced structural inequality in Brazil.

SourcePortland State University·JournalEconomic Anthropology·DateJan 18, 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.