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Science News Archive January 2018 - Page 23


Page 23 of 37

Atmospheric rivers and storm prediction

Atmospheric rivers originating in three main clusters exhibit diverse track shapes, landfall regions, and precipitation anomalies. Improved understanding of these features can enhance storm prediction and preparation for their impacts on water supply maintenance.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 15, 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.

New blood test for diagnosing heart attacks: A 'big deal,' with caveats

A new high-sensitivity troponin (hsTn) assay can measure lower concentrations of troponin, allowing for earlier diagnosis of heart attacks. The test has shown a significant reduction in wait times for emergency department patients, as well as improved patient satisfaction and safety.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateJan 15, 2018

Novel 3-D printing technique yields high-performance composites

Researchers at Harvard developed a novel 3D printing method that enables control of short fibers in polymer matrices, resulting in enhanced strength, stiffness, and damage tolerance. This breakthrough has broad applications in materials engineering.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 15, 2018

New record at ultracold neutron source in Mainz

Scientists at Mainz University have increased the yield of their ultracold neutron source by a factor of 3.5, achieving 8.5 UCN per cubic centimeter. This improvement enables more sensitive measurements to determine the lifetime of free neutrons and is crucial for experiments in fundamental research.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalThe European Physical Journal A·DateJan 15, 2018

Rising obesity rates in south leading to rapid increase in diabetes cases

A new study found that risk of diabetes is double for black patients, with strongest rising risk trends seen among whites. Obesity prevalence was highest among black women, while socioeconomic status and physical activity levels also played a significant role in diabetes development.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 15, 2018

Policy proposals and response to immigration

Researchers found that state-level immigration policies positively impact Latino sense of belonging, especially with welcoming policies like bilingual documents and social services for noncitizens. White Americans also report increased belonging when considering welcoming immigrant policies, except for conservatives.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 15, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Robots aid better understanding of phytoplankton blooms

Researchers have developed biogeochemical profiling floats to collect data on phytoplankton blooms, identifying the starting point for explosive spring blooms. These robots provide unparalleled data on ocean conditions, including light intensity, suspended particles, and chlorophyll concentration.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 15, 2018

Possible cause of early colonial-era Mexican epidemic identified

Researchers from Max Planck Institute and Harvard University use ancient DNA analysis to uncover the possible cause of a devastating epidemic in Oaxaca, Mexico. The study found evidence of Salmonella enterica Paratyphi C, a pathogen that causes enteric fever, in skeletons of victims of the cocoliztli epidemic.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJan 15, 2018

Analysis shows lack of evidence that wearable biosensors improve patient outcomes

A study by Cedars-Sinai researchers found no statistically significant impact of wearable biosensors on clinical outcomes such as weight, blood pressure, and body mass index. Despite early promise for certain conditions like obstructive pulmonary disease and Parkinson's disease, the devices' effectiveness remains unproven.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·DateJan 15, 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.

Research will help protect military from hackers

A team of researchers led by Heng Yin at the University of California, Riverside, is working on a $4.68 million grant to develop methods for securing legacy systems used in government agencies, including the Department of Defense.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateJan 15, 2018

Naturalization barriers for low-income immigrants

A study found that US naturalization rates are lower compared to countries like Australia, Canada, and the UK. Low-income immigrant applicants often face challenges due to the high cost of naturalization fees, hindering their ability to become citizens.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 15, 2018

Potential brain-machine interface for hand paralysis

A brain-machine interface combining brain stimulation and robotic control increases neural signal strength, potentially benefiting stroke patients with hand paralysis. This technique harnesses additional neurons to enhance motor function.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateJan 15, 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.

New application for acoustics helps estimate marine life populations

Researchers used hydroacoustics to compare fish abundance within and outside Mexico's Cabo Pulmo National Park, finding a four-fold increase in protected areas. The study demonstrates a cost-effective method for assessing fish populations and highlights the importance of marine protected areas for maintaining sustainable fisheries.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 15, 2018

Teens likely to crave junk food after watching TV ads

A study by Cancer Research UK found that teens who watch TV with adverts are more likely to eat unhealthy foods like crisps, biscuits, and fizzy drinks, consuming up to 500 extra snacks a year. The report suggests that reducing junk food TV marketing could help halt the obesity crisis.

SourceCancer Research UK·DateJan 15, 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.

Improvements in mortality rates are slowed by rise in obesity in the United States

A recent study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that rising obesity in the US has slowed the improvement in mortality rates over the last three decades. By calculating lifetime maximum BMI, the team discovered that this measure better predicts mortality than traditional BMI measures.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 15, 2018

Brain connectivity and creativity

A study using functional MRI data from 163 participants found a functional brain network associated with creativity involving the default mode, executive, and salience networks. The strength of this network's connectivity was linked to an individual's creative ability score.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 15, 2018

HKBU scholars develop new technology to decode gene transcription

A research team from HKBU has developed a new technology to accurately establish a gene regulatory route for analyzing genetic function and understanding complex biological events. The 'LogicTRN' algorithm can help locate key regulatory routes for complicated diseases, facilitating targeted therapy drug development.

SourceHong Kong Baptist University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 15, 2018

War in Ukraine has escalated HIV spread in the country

A study published in PNAS found that conflict in Ukraine has increased the risk of HIV outbreaks due to displaced people moving from war-affected regions to areas with higher risk of transmission. The research suggests that harm reduction services should be scaled up and international support provided to prevent further transmission.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 15, 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.

Preterm babies may suffer setbacks in auditory brain development, speech

A new study found that preterm babies experience delays in auditory brain development, which are associated with speech and language impairments at age 2. The researchers used diffusion neuroimaging to track the development of the primary and nonprimary auditory cortex in the brains of preterm infants.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournaleNeuro·DateJan 15, 2018

Scientists home in on a potential Anthropocene 'Golden Spike'

A global reference section for the Anthropocene might be searched for in areas between 1952 to 1955 based on nuclear testing and fossil fuel burning signals. Continuous annually layered strata, such as those found in oxygen-starved seas, lakes, glacial ice, corals, and trees with seasonal growth rings, provide the best geological archive.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalEarth-Science Reviews·DateJan 15, 2018

Zoology: Luminescent lizards

Chameleons' bony tubercles on their heads emit blue fluorescent light when exposed to UV, creating distinct patterns that aid in species recognition. This phenomenon was previously unknown and is believed to play a role in mate attraction.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 15, 2018

Lifting barriers to citizenship for low-income immigrants

The study found that low-income immigrants are deterred from applying for US citizenship due to the high cost of the application process, with costs rising by 800% since 1985. A new public-private program, NaturalizeNY, offers vouchers covering the fee, doubling the application rate among recipients.

SourceStanford University - Immigration Policy Lab·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 15, 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.

Algorithm for predicting speech development

Researchers developed a machine learning algorithm using MRI data to predict speech development in children with cochlear implants. The study found that neural preservation underlies improved speech in young CI recipients.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 15, 2018

Confined movements: How cells form tubes in confined spaces

A team of scientists developed a novel platform to study lumen formation in epithelial tubes, which can lead to diseases like atherosclerosis and kidney failure. The 3D microtube setup allows cells to form tubes under different physical constraints, revealing the importance of mechanical forces in tissue development.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 15, 2018

Unexpected environmental source of methane discovered

Researchers uncover an enzymatic pathway in certain microorganisms that produces both ammonia and methane simultaneously. This previously unknown route for natural methane production has significant implications for understanding microbial interactions and the environment.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJan 15, 2018

New Carnegie Mellon dynamic statistical model follows gene expressions over time

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a new dynamic statistical model to visualize changing patterns in networks, including gene expression during developmental periods of the brain. The model, Persistent Communities by Eigenvector Smoothing (PisCES), combines information across multiple networks over time to identif...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 15, 2018

Rising obesity and mortality rates in the United States

Rising US obesity has been linked to exceptionally slow mortality rate improvements and increased life expectancy gaps with other wealthy countries. The study found that a 0.54% reduction in annual death rate gains was associated with the rise in maximum lifetime body mass index.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 15, 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.

Study: Pulsating dissolution found in crystals

German researchers observed pulses of dissolution in dissolving crystals, marked by waves spreading from etch pits and screw dislocations. These findings challenge the long-held assumption that dissolution is a continuous process.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 15, 2018

An emergency response to Canada's opioid overdose crisis

A commentary argues that Canada should develop a regulated program to distribute pharmaceutical-grade opioids to people at highest risk of overdose. This approach aims to provide safer alternatives to illegal sources of pain relief, reducing the protracted epidemic of overdose deaths.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 15, 2018

Armed conflict and HIV spread in Ukraine

Conflict-induced displacement of people in eastern Ukraine has been shown to drive the spread of HIV within the country. The largest exporters of viral lineages were regions of Donetsk and Lugansk, which then spread to central and southern regions, as well as cities like Kyiv and Odessa.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 15, 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.

Danish researchers reveal how the MRSA bacterium handles stress

Researchers at Aarhus University have determined a fundamental mechanism by which staphylococci bacteria handle stress when exposed to antibiotics. The discovery reveals that bacteria produce an enzyme capable of modifying DNA building blocks into signal molecules, allowing them to survive antibiotic treatment.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 15, 2018

An efficient approach of conjugated tetraenes from butadiene and alkynes

Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology have developed a one-pot approach to synthesizing conjugated tetraenes from inexpensive reagents, eliminating waste production and simplifying the process. The new method has potential applications in electronic materials, natural products, and pharmaceutical molecules.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalOrganometallics·DateJan 15, 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.

Mysteries of a promising spintronic material revealed

Researchers at UC Riverside used ultraviolet Raman spectroscopy to investigate the strength of electron spin interactions with phonons in antiferromagnetic nickel oxide crystals. The study sheds light on long-standing puzzles surrounding this material and has important implications for developing spintronic devices.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 15, 2018

NHS bowel scope uptake boosted by a fifth when patients sent reassuring reminders

The NHS bowel scope screening programme saw a significant increase in uptake when patients were sent additional reminders addressing common concerns, highlighting the importance of patient information and support., Bowel cancer is the 4th most common cancer in the UK, with over half of cases diagnosed at a late stage.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateJan 14, 2018

Mapping the social landscape

Scientists discovered a sub-population of neurons in bats' brains that encode the specific location of other bats nearby. These 'social place cells' support the idea that our brains create a cognitive map not just of our location, but also one that includes social mapping.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScience·DateJan 14, 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.

Surfers three times more likely to have antibiotic-resistant bacteria in guts

A new study by the University of Exeter found that regular surfers and bodyboarders are three times more likely to have antibiotic-resistant E. coli in their guts than non-surfers. The researchers discovered that surfers swallow ten times more seawater, increasing their risk of ingesting bacteria that can survive antibiotic treatment.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEnvironment International·DateJan 14, 2018

Species identification in the water bottle

Researchers at TUM investigated environmental factors affecting eDNA analysis, revealing that specific conditions can hinder detection success. Organic substances and algae were found to interfere with molecular analysis.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 12, 2018

Map of ionospheric disturbances to help improve radio network systems

Researchers have created a new map of medium-scale travelling ionospheric disturbances (MSTIDs) to better understand their impact on radio signal distribution. MSTIDs are huge wave perturbations that can interfere with radio signals, and this study provides valuable insights into their structure and behavior.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalAdvances in Space Research·DateJan 12, 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.

New warning system discovered in the immune defense

Researchers at Linköping University have discovered a previously unknown warning system in the immune defense that triggers an alarm, sending signals to surrounding cells. This process involves the release of mitochondrial DNA strands by white blood cells in response to infections like bacteria and viruses.

SourceLinköping University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 12, 2018

Surprising discovery could lead to better batteries

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory observed an unexpected phenomenon in lithium-ion batteries, where the concentration of lithium inside individual nanoparticles reverses. This discovery could help develop batteries that charge faster and last longer.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 12, 2018

Stingray soft robot could lead to bio-inspired robotics

Researchers developed a soft robot that mimics the stingray's flattened body shape and side fins, enabling the creation of bio-electromechanical systems. The robot features living heart cells, biomaterials, and flexible electrodes, allowing it to 'flap' its fins.

SourceUCLA Samueli School of Engineering·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 12, 2018

Print a 200-million-year-old dinosaur fossil in your own home

Researchers have made it possible to 3-D print and study a 200-million-year-old South African dinosaur skull, the Massospondylus. The digital reconstruction was created using CT scans, allowing for detailed analysis of its inner ear and brain structure.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalPeerJ·DateJan 12, 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.

Jet stream changes since 1960s linked to more extreme weather

Researchers found that increased fluctuations in the jet stream's path since the 1960s coincide with more extreme weather events, including heat waves, droughts, wildfires, and flooding. The study used tree ring data to reconstruct historical changes in the North Atlantic jet stream prior to the 20th century.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 12, 2018

Expert unlocks mechanics of how snakes move in a straight line

Researchers discovered snakes use unique skin movement to propel themselves forward in a straight line. This rectilinear locomotion gives them an advantage in confined spaces and could inform robotics for search-and-rescue operations and underwater inspections.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJan 12, 2018

Newborn immune activation may have long-term negative impact on brain function

A study by McLean Hospital neuroscientists reveals that brief immune system activation within days of birth can cause persistent changes in sleep patterns and epilepsy-like brain activity, common symptoms in autism spectrum disorder. The findings suggest that early postnatal immune activation can have long-term negative impacts on brai...

SourceMcLean Hospital·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateJan 12, 2018