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Science News Archive January 2018 - Page 18


Page 18 of 37

0.6 percent soy isoflavone in the diet decrease muscle atrophy

A study published in European Journal of Nutrition found that dietary isoflavone aglycone can reduce muscle atrophy by blocking the apoptosis-dependent pathway in muscle fibers. The researchers observed significantly thicker muscle fibers in mice fed with AglyMax supplement compared to those on a normal diet.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalEuropean Journal of Nutrition·DateJan 18, 2018

A novel method of isolating infecting organisms after joint replacement

Researchers developed a method using next-generation genomic sequencing to isolate infecting organisms after joint replacement surgery. The technique identified pathogens in over 80% of cases that previously went undetected, revolutionizing treatment for patients with joint-replacement infections.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateJan 18, 2018

Let's make a deal: Could AI compromise better than humans?

A recent study by Brigham Young University researchers found that machines trained with an algorithm called S# outperformed humans in finding compromises that benefit both parties. The machines were able to learn from 'cheap talk' phrases and maintain cooperation, often more effectively than humans.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 18, 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.

More genes are active in high-performance maize

Researchers found that hybrid offspring have significantly more active genes than their parent plants, leading to increased yield. This discovery may help breeders create even more productive maize varieties in the long term.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 18, 2018

Reviled animals could be our powerful allies

A study by University of Queensland researchers reveals that predators and scavengers can regulate diseases, improve agricultural productivity, and dispose of waste. These animals are often considered a threat to humans but may provide valuable services.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJan 18, 2018

A new, dynamic view of chromatin movements

The study observes actual chromatin motions using single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy approaches, revealing the internal structure and rapid dynamics of chromatin fibers. The researchers found that nucleosomes form short stacks that quickly fall apart and reform within milliseconds.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 18, 2018

Warming Arctic climate constrains life in cold-adapted mammals

A new study reveals the impact of warming Arctic temperatures on muskoxen populations, showing that rain-on-snow events and extreme weather are stressing mothers and young muskoxen. This is causing underdeveloped skeletal growth in juvenile muskoxen, leading to poorer health and fitness.

SourceColorado State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 18, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

From healthcare to warfare: How to regulate brain technology

Researchers call for regulations to protect human mental privacy and integrity in neurotechnology, citing concerns over dual-use applications. The University of Basel outlines a new framework concept aimed at preventing the weaponization of brain technology.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNeuron·DateJan 18, 2018

Hunter-gatherers have a special way with smells

A new study found that hunter-gatherer groups, such as the Semaq Beri, excel at naming odors with ease, while non-hunter-gatherer groups, like the Semelai, struggle. The researchers suggest that cultural practices may play a role in shaping olfactory cognition.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 18, 2018

Study examines employment trends among patients with kidney failure

A study examining employment trends among patients with kidney failure found that employment was low throughout the study period at 23-24%. Approximately 120,000 adults in the US develop kidney failure each year, a majority of whom undergo dialysis. The probability of employment in kidney failure patients increased slightly over time.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 18, 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.

2017 was the warmest year on record for the global ocean

According to an updated analysis from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics/Chinese Academy of Sciences, 2017 was the warmest year on record for the global ocean. The oceans accumulated 1.51 × 10^22 J of heat, surpassing the previous second-warmest year of 2015.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJan 18, 2018

Where are individual refugees most likely to succeed professionally?

A new algorithm developed by Kirk Bansak et al. uses machine learning and optimal matching to align refugees with suitable employment locations based on their individual skillsets. The results show that the algorithm boosts employment success in both the US and Switzerland, with gains of up to 71% compared to current practices.

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

NIH scientists find microbes on the skin of mice promote tissue healing, immunity

Researchers found that beneficial bacteria on mouse skin work with the immune system to defend against disease-causing microbes and accelerate wound healing. This study suggests untangling similar mechanisms in humans may improve approaches to managing skin wounds and treating other damaged tissues.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalCell·DateJan 18, 2018

Researchers discover new enzymes central to cell function

Researchers have discovered new enzymes that convert nitric oxide into stopgap molecules, modulating proteins and achieving diverse cellular functions. The newly found enzymes may serve as prime therapeutic targets for treating a range of diseases, including Alzheimer's, heart failure, cancer, asthma, and infection.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJan 18, 2018

Method uses DNA, nanoparticles and lithography to make optically active structures

Researchers at Northwestern University develop a technique to create new classes of optical materials with precise control over particle architectures. The method combines DNA-programmed self-assembly with top-down lithography, resulting in optically active superlattices that can exhibit almost any color across the visible spectrum.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateJan 18, 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.

Can mice really mirror humans when it comes to cancer?

A new Michigan State University study finds that mice can mimic human breast cancer tissue and genes, as well as other cancers including lung, oral, and esophagus. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments by identifying similarities between tumors.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJan 18, 2018

Polymers based on boron?

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have successfully funded a project to develop boron polymers with unique properties. The team, led by Holger Braunschweig, aims to create efficient synthetic strategies to form stable boron chains, paving the way for a new class of materials.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·DateJan 18, 2018

Low-income immigrants face barriers to US citizenship

A new Stanford University study found that low-income immigrants in New York struggle to become US citizens due to high application fees. The research highlights the need for cost-effective solutions to address this barrier, such as introducing a multi-tiered fee structure and local public-private funding.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 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.

The Pentagon built with mineralized microbes predating dinosaurs

A new study found that some building blocks of the Pentagon and Empire State Building were made by microbes up to 340 million years ago. The material, oolitic limestone, is composed of concentric layers of mineralized microbes debunking the popular snowball theory.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 18, 2018

NASA team studies middle-aged sun by tracking motion of Mercury

A NASA team studied the motion of Mercury to indirectly measure the Sun's mass loss and solar parameters. The research improved upon earlier predictions, reducing uncertainty and providing a more accurate estimate of the rate of solar mass loss.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 18, 2018
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.

Neutron-star merger yields new puzzle for astrophysicists

Astronomers studying the aftermath of a distant neutron-star merger are puzzled by the continued brightening of its afterglow, which defies initial expectations. New X-ray observations suggest a more complex emission process, potentially involving a hot 'cocoon' around a jet that shock-heated surrounding debris.

SourceMcGill University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJan 18, 2018

Using data mining to make sense of climate change

A new data mining methodology developed by Georgia Tech scientists can analyze millions of climate data points without relying on human expertise. The approach breaks down complex models into simpler components, allowing for more robust and transparent results in climate science research.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·DateJan 18, 2018

Research reveals atomic-level changes in ALS-linked protein

A team of researchers has described atom-by-atom changes in a family of proteins linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a group of brain disorders. The study suggests that small chemical changes can lead to big changes in assembly and disease-associated aggregation, offering new insights into disease mechanisms.

SourceBrown University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJan 18, 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.

APA releases new journal article reporting standards

The American Psychological Association has released new Journal Article Reporting Standards for researchers seeking to publish in scholarly journals. The standards aim to enhance the assessment of methodological integrity and provide guidelines on information needed to ensure comprehensibility and replicability. These updates are expec...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateJan 18, 2018

Statins to help prevent scar tissue in the eye?

A Finnish study found that statin medication reduces risk of repeated surgery after vitrectomy for retinal detachment, likely due to reduced inflammation and scar tissue formation. Statins show promise in preventing scar tissue in eye health, but further research is needed.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalActa Ophthalmologica·DateJan 18, 2018

Americans are getting more ZZZZs

According to a new Penn study, most Americans averaged an extra 7.5 hours of sleep each year between 2003 and 2016. The increase in sleep duration was mostly due to respondents turning in earlier at night and getting up later in the morning.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateJan 18, 2018

Babies' babbling betters brains, language

New research shows that babies' babbling has a significant impact on their language development, with mothers responding more often to speech-like sounds. The study found that infants who babble more effectively learn words and vocabulary earlier in life, highlighting the importance of social feedback in language acquisition.

SourceCornell University·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateJan 18, 2018
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.

Genetic sequencing points to endemic origin of monkeypox virus outbreak in Nigeria

A recent study by USAMRIID and collaborators found that the monkeypox virus outbreak in Nigeria likely originated from a local source, with one of the earliest cases dating back to 1971. The findings highlight the importance of local surveillance for early detection of viral spillovers.

SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateJan 18, 2018

New 'Buck' naked barley: Food, feed, brew

Researchers at Oregon State University developed a new 'Buck' naked barley variety with high yields and nutrition, making it suitable for human consumption, animal feed and brewing. The barley's unique characteristics enable it to thrive with less fertilizer and water.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Plant Registrations·DateJan 17, 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.

Researchers discover structure of anti-aging hormone

The study reveals how fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) signals to cells through its receptor and alpha-Klotho, reversing previous conjecture on alpha-Klotho's anti-aging role. The findings also shed light on kidney disease leading to heart hypertrophy.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateJan 17, 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.

Default setting in electronic medical records 'nudged' emergency department physicians to limit opioid prescriptions to 10 tablets

A new study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that implementing a default option for lower opioid tablet quantities in electronic medical records increased compliance with prescribing guidelines, resulting in fewer prescriptions written for larger quantities.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJan 17, 2018

Scientists shed light on a key molecular mechanism of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases

A study published in Immunity reveals that the immunomodulatory cytokine IL-23's pro-inflammatory activity critically depends on structural activation of the cytokine by its receptor, IL-23R. The findings provide new insights into autoimmune and inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn's disease.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalImmunity·DateJan 17, 2018

Scientists on the road to discovering impact of urban road dust

Scientists have found that urban road dust reacts with sunlight to produce singlet oxygen, a reactive form of oxygen that can influence other chemical reactions. The study aims to understand the impact of these reactions on human health and the environment.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateJan 17, 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.

Presurgical targeted therapy delays relapse of high-risk stage 3 melanoma

Researchers found that patients who received a combination of BRAF and MEK inhibitors before and after surgery had a six-fold increase in time to progression compared to standard-of-care surgery. The study suggests that presurgical targeted therapy may improve outcomes for patients with high-risk stage 3 melanoma.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJan 17, 2018

Novel chip-based gene expression tool analyzes RNA quickly and accurately

A novel chip-based gene expression tool has been developed to analyze RNA levels in cancerous tissue samples quickly and accurately, while preserving spatial information. The technique allows for the analysis of entire tissue samples and identification of cancer cells in under two hours.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 17, 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.

Magnetic liquids improve energy efficiency of buildings

Researchers at Friedrich Schiller University Jena developed smart windows that can change light permeability with a button press, while also harnessing solar heat. These 'large-area fluidic windows' offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional air conditioning systems and daylight regulation.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalAdvanced Sustainable Systems·DateJan 17, 2018

Study: Patients benefit from one-on-one PT education before joint replacement

A study at Hospital for Special Surgery found that patients who received one-on-one physical therapy education and access to a web-based microsite prior to joint replacement surgery achieved physical therapy goals more quickly. This personalized approach improved their outcomes, including reduced hospital stay and increased confidence.

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·JournalClinical Orthopaedics and Related Research·DateJan 17, 2018

Reducing sessions of trauma-focused psychotherapy does not affect effectiveness

A randomized controlled trial analyzed 126 adults with PTSD, concluding that trauma-focused therapy WET was just as effective as CPT in reducing symptoms. The findings have important implications for treating PTSD, addressing a significant barrier to care by identifying time-efficient treatment options.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJan 17, 2018

Scale-eating fish adopt clever parasitic methods to survive

Researchers studied four species of scale-eating fish, finding that each employed distinct strategies to pry scales off prey. The study highlights the diversity of life on Earth and sheds light on the evolution and behavior of these unusual carnivorous grazers.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJan 17, 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.