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Science News Archive January 2018 - Page 26


Page 26 of 37

Cuttlefish hear bow wave of looming danger

Researchers discovered that cuttlefish can detect low-frequency vibrations from approaching predators, allowing them to avoid capture by swimming in the same direction as the water flow. In a controlled experiment, cuttlefish were found to be aware of the disturbance and changed their skin patterns in response.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJan 11, 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.

MDI Biological Laboratory discovery could lead to new therapies for diabetics

Research identifies common molecular mechanism underlying diabetes-induced nerve damage, paving way for potential drug candidates. The study found that reactive oxygen species play a key role in the process and that pharmacological inhibition of ROS can prevent nerve damage.

SourceMDI Biological Laboratory·JournalJournal of Diabetes and its Complications·DateJan 11, 2018

NASA team first to demonstrate X-ray navigation in space

A NASA team has demonstrated fully autonomous X-ray navigation in space, utilizing millisecond pulsars to precisely determine the location of an object moving at thousands of miles per hour. This technology offers a new option for deep-space navigation that could work in concert with existing spacecraft-based radio and optical systems.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 11, 2018

New technology will create brain wiring diagrams

Researchers at Caltech developed TRACT, a method to visualize neural connections in real-time within living flies, enabling the creation of brain wiring diagrams. This technique could help scientists understand neurological and psychiatric conditions by monitoring neuronal connections in the brains of hundreds of flies daily.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·DateJan 11, 2018

The nanoscopic structure that locks up our genes

New research reveals heterochromatin is less dense than previously thought and features a velcro-like protein called HP1 that allows genes to be locked down. The study's findings have implications for understanding higher-order structures like nucleosome strings.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJan 11, 2018

Students more engaged and attentive following outdoor lesson in nature

A study found that outdoor lessons in nature increase student engagement and attention span, reducing the need for teacher redirection. Teachers can now teach uninterrupted for almost twice as long after an outdoor lesson, leading to potential improvements in academic achievement.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJan 11, 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.

Super-adsorbent MOF captures twice its weight in water

Researchers have developed a superporous solid that can absorb up to 200% of its own weight in atmospheric moisture, overcoming challenges of existing porous solids. The material, Cr- soc -MOF-1, maintains its structural integrity and performance over multiple water vapor adsorption-desorption cycles.

SourceCell Press·JournalChem·DateJan 11, 2018

Tracing how disaster impacts escalate will improve emergency responses

A team of researchers proposes a scenario mapping approach to test disaster preparedness and response to unknown, complex events. They found common vulnerabilities triggered similar cascading effects, suggesting that highly-developed countries are susceptible to M.OR.D.OR scenarios.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalSafety Science·DateJan 11, 2018

Tropical Cyclone Joyce soaking northwestern Australia coast

NASA's JPSS-1 satellite captured visible images of Tropical Cyclone Joyce as it moved south along the northwestern Australian coast on January 11. The cyclone had maximum sustained winds near 45 knots and was forecast to make landfall near Wallal Downs mid-day local time on January 12.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 11, 2018
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Pulses of light to encrypt data and protect security of cryptocurrencies

Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering developed a new, energy-efficient frequency comb that can be used to encrypt data and protect the security of cryptocurrencies. The comb requires 1000x less power than traditional combs, making it suitable for mobile applications.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 11, 2018

Are women really under-represented in clinical trials?

A recent review of US Food and Drug Administration registration data reveals that the proportion of women participating in clinical trials gradually increases from phase 1 to phase 2/3 trials. The analysis of 38 drugs with over 185,000 trial participants shows no systemic significant under-representation of women.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateJan 11, 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.

Clothes make the woman: Less empathy towards women showing more skin

Researchers found that altering the clothing worn by actresses affected empathic responses, with reduced feelings towards objectified women and reduced brain activity in empathy-related areas. The study suggests a link between objectification and diminished emotional understanding.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalCortex·DateJan 11, 2018

Researchers engineer ultra-sensitive temperature sensor

Developed in Brazil, the device measures temperatures in a wide band between 80-750 kelvin using spectroscopy and has applications in manufacturing and biological processes. It can be used in electronic equipment identification and detection of viral or bacterial infections.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 11, 2018

Hormone therapy may reduce eating disorder symptoms in transgender people

A study found that hormone therapy can alleviate eating disorder symptoms in transgender individuals, particularly those who identify as female. The research, which analyzed over 560 patients, suggests that hormone treatment improves body satisfaction and reduces perfectionism, anxiety, and depression.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalEuropean Eating Disorders Review·DateJan 11, 2018

Developing a secure, un-hackable net

A new method of securely communicating between multiple quantum devices has been developed, enabling a large-scale, un-hackable quantum network. The approach uses quantum laws to ensure security and can work for any device, regardless of manufacturer, bridging the gap between theory and practical implementation.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 11, 2018

All in the family: Focused genomic comparisons

A team of researchers sequenced and annotated the genomes of six Aspergillus species, identifying biosynthetic gene clusters for secondary metabolites of interest. The study highlights a new analysis method that pinpointed candidate genes for diverse compounds, providing potential tools for improving biofuel production.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 11, 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.

Undetectable=Untransmittable: Gay/bisexual men are skeptical but attitudes are on the rise

A study by Dr. Jonathon Rendina and Dr. Jeffrey Parsons found that 70% of HIV-positive and 36% of HIV-negative men perceive the 'Undetectable = Untransmittable' message as accurate, with rates increasing since earlier studies. Regular testing and PrEP use are associated with higher accuracy perceptions.

SourceThe City University of New York·JournalJournal of the International AIDS Society·DateJan 11, 2018

Nurse staffing levels linked to patient satisfaction

Hospital patients believe inadequate nursing staff negatively impact their care experience. The study highlights the importance of sufficient nurse-to-patient ratios in improving patient satisfaction and overall hospital quality.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalBMJ Open·DateJan 11, 2018

The Lancet Oncology: Survival for young women treated for breast cancer is the same whether or not they carry a BRCA mutation

A prospective cohort study found that young women diagnosed with breast cancer who carry a BRCA mutation have the same chances of survival as women without the mutation. After treatment, women with early breast cancer and BRCA mutations do not have a significant difference in overall survival compared to those without the mutation.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJan 11, 2018

GBT detection unlocks exploration of 'aromatic' interstellar chemistry

The discovery of benzonitrile marks a significant milestone in understanding the source of the Milky Way's mysterious infrared glow. The detection provides chemical breadcrumbs from simple molecules to larger PAHs, shedding light on their ubiquity in interstellar space.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalScience·DateJan 11, 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.

How the malarial parasite is evading our arsenal of drugs

Researchers identify hundreds of genetic changes that enable malaria parasite resistance to multiple drugs. The study provides insights into the development of drug-resistant strains, highlighting potential targets for novel treatment options.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 11, 2018

Cell biology: Positioning the cleavage furrow

Researchers from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München have identified a signaling pathway that restricts cleavage furrow formation to the mid-plane of the cell. This pathway involves the enzyme Aurora A, which is activated on astral microtubules and diffuses to the cell membrane at the poles to suppress contractile ring formation.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJan 11, 2018

Evolution acceptance in children linked to aptitude, not belief

UK schoolchildren's evolution acceptance is linked to their scientific aptitude, not psychological conflicts with belief systems. The study found that lower-aptitude students struggled to understand science concepts and responded poorly to teaching on both evolution and genetics.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJan 11, 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.

James N. Moum selected as Fellow of The Oceanography Society

Dr. James N. Moum selected as a Fellow of The Oceanography Society for his outstanding contributions to widely used observational techniques and understanding of ocean mixing over a broad range of processes and scales. His work has elucidated the impact of turbulence on various spatial and temporal scales.

SourceThe Oceanography Society·DateJan 11, 2018

Cycling does not damage men's sexual or urinary functions

A new study published in The Journal of Urology found that cycling does not negatively impact men's sexual and urinary health. Contrary to previous studies, recreational and intense cycling were shown to have no detrimental effects on erectile function or prostate health.

SourceElsevier·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateJan 11, 2018

Re-programming innate immune cells to fight tuberculosis

A team of Canadian researchers has discovered a way to re-program innate immune cells to kill tuberculosis. The innovative work aims to make vaccines more effective against TB and other infectious diseases like the flu. By targeting stem cells in the bone marrow, scientists were able to boost the killing efficiency of macrophages.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCell·DateJan 11, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Experts raise concerns over raw meat diets for cats and dogs

A study published in Veterinary Record found that commercial raw meat diets (RMDs) are contaminated with zoonotic bacteria and parasites, which can be transmitted to humans. The research highlights the need for pet owners to be aware of these risks and take proper hygiene measures to minimize exposure.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalVeterinary Record·DateJan 11, 2018

Older adult-friendly emergency department staff help reduce hospital admissions

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults who received transitional care nurse (TCN) services at emergency departments had lower rates of hospital admissions compared to those who did not receive such services. The GEDI WISE program, which includes TCNs, helps patients transition to the...

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 11, 2018

UCLA scientists make cells that enable the sense of touch

Researchers have successfully coaxed human stem cells into becoming sensory interneurons, responsible for relaying information from throughout the body to the central nervous system. This breakthrough could lead to a cell-based treatment that restores sensation in paralyzed people without immune suppression.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJan 11, 2018

Do less harm: E-cigarettes a safer option than smoking

A new study suggests that e-cigarettes can reduce premature deaths and life years lost compared to smoking, making them a promising alternative for smoking cessation. The authors argue that harm minimization is essential and that nicotine replacement therapies like gum or patches are more appealing but less effective.

SourceNew York University·JournalAnnual Review of Public Health·DateJan 11, 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.

Incorporating social media reviews can improve surveillance of restaurant health problems

A system tracking foodborne illness via online Yelp restaurant reviews helped identify 10 outbreaks of foodborne illness associated with NYC restaurants. The use of machine learning techniques improved the system's sensitivity and specificity, highlighting the potential for social media data in public health surveillance.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateJan 10, 2018

Biofilm buster treats drug-resistant infections

A team of scientists has developed SAAP-148, a compound that effectively targets and eliminates drug-resistant bacteria in biofilms. The peptide-based treatment shows promise in treating MRSA and Acinetobacter baumannii infections, with plans for a clinical trial in 2018.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 10, 2018

Fast radio burst source linked to 'extreme' environment

Astrophysicists have discovered that the only known repeating fast radio burst (FRB) source is in an extreme environment, with measurements suggesting it may be caused by a black hole or other extreme astrophysical circumstances. The new findings raise questions about whether FRBs are a product of their environment.

SourceCIFAR·JournalNature·DateJan 10, 2018

Factors affecting the success of grizzly bear translocations

The Journal of Wildlife Management study highlights the importance of timing and location in grizzly bear translocations. Researchers found that early spring releases in low-mortality-risk areas near rivers led to higher success rates, emphasizing the need for further scientific data collection and publication of translocation results.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateJan 10, 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.

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.

Worldwide importance of honey bees for natural habitats captured in new report

A new report synthesizes global data to identify honey bees as the world's most important single species of pollinator in natural ecosystems. They are recorded in 89% of pollination networks in their native range and 61% in introduced regions, contributing to 1 out of 8 interactions between non-agricultural plants and pollinators.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateJan 10, 2018

Unexpected undulations in biological membranes

A new study reveals that biological membranes display dynamic properties and exhibit unexpected undulations when embedded in polymer networks. The authors propose a theory elucidating the dynamics of such membranes and identify a new intermediate wavelength regime of membrane undulations.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJan 10, 2018

New oxide and semiconductor combination builds new device potential

Researchers integrated oxide two-dimensional electron gases with gallium arsenide, creating a promising material for new electronic devices. The new development could lead to the creation of transistors, superconducting switches, and gas sensors that interact with light.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJan 10, 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.

The atomic dynamics of rare everlasting electric fields

Researchers at Duke University confirm theoretical model by blasting yttrium manganite sample with neutrons at 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The study reveals the atomic mechanisms behind the material's rare electromagnetic properties, which could lead to breakthroughs in computing and sensor technology.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 10, 2018

Acetaminophen use during pregnancy associated with elevated rate of language delay in girls

A recent study discovered a significant association between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and an increased risk of language delay in girls. The research found that girls born to mothers who took more than six doses of acetaminophen were nearly six times more likely to experience language delays.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalEuropean Psychiatry·DateJan 10, 2018

Earthquakes as a driver for the deep-ocean carbon cycle

Researchers used new dating methods to study dynamic sediment remobilisation processes triggered by seismic activity in the Japan Trench. The methods enabled precise analysis of organic matter in individual sediment layers, revealing key findings about the history of earthquakes and the carbon cycle in the deep ocean.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 10, 2018

The LEC -- now an efficient and bright device

Researchers have developed LECs that emit bright light with a high brightness of 2,000 cd/m2 and an electron-to-photon efficiency of 27.5 percent, surpassing existing technologies like fluorescent tubes and LEDs. This breakthrough enables efficient and practical operation of LEC components in various fields.

SourceUmea University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 10, 2018
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.