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Science News Archive January 2018 - Page 27


Page 27 of 37

Giant extinct burrowing bat discovered in New Zealand

A team of scientists has discovered a new species of giant extinct burrowing bat in New Zealand, dating back to the Miocene era. The fossilized remains of Vulcanops jennyworthyae were found near St Bathans, with estimates suggesting it was three times the size of an average bat today.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 10, 2018

Bridging tumor moats with potent drug delivery particles

Scientists create nanoparticles that can penetrate extracellular matrix surrounding tumors, delivering chemotherapies specifically to cancer cells. The 'protocell' nanoparticle overcomes previous limitations by carving through the matrix and releasing drugs in acidic cell interiors, showing promise for treating solid tumors.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateJan 10, 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.

The origin of flower-making genes

Research reveals that MADS-box genes in moss control sperm motility and cell division, critical for fertilization. The findings suggest that these genes may have been reused by flowering plants to evolve new functions.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Plants·DateJan 10, 2018

Extremely bright and fast light emission

Researchers discovered that caesium lead halide nanocrystals emit light at room temperature after just one nanosecond, making them faster and brighter than other quantum dots. This is due to their unique excited energy state, which allows for immediate light emission, unlike traditional quantum dots that rely on a dark state.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateJan 10, 2018

Large-scale study to pinpoint genes linked to obesity

A large-scale study published in Nature Genetics identified 13 genes associated with body mass index (BMI) and obesity. The study found that genetic variations in these genes can affect the function of the genes and their proteins, leading to weight gain or loss. The researchers hope that this discovery will lead to personalized treatm...

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 10, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New discovery may explain winter weight gain

A breakthrough study by University of Alberta researchers found that fat cells near the skin shrink when exposed to blue light from the sun, reducing fat storage. This discovery may contribute to a new understanding of how our bodies regulate fat production and metabolism.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 10, 2018

Could melatonin be the key to healthy aging?

Research suggests that melatonin treatments can improve sleep quality, physical health, and mental well-being in older adults. Melatonin deficiency is associated with decreased circadian system robustness and increased risks of age-related diseases.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateJan 10, 2018

Health Department IDs 10 outbreaks of foodborne illness using Yelp reviews since 2012

The NYC Health Department has identified 10 outbreaks of foodborne illness through a computer system developed with Columbia University, tracking keywords in Yelp reviews to detect incidents. The system helps identify approximately 1,500 complaints annually, improving outbreak detection and prevention.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateJan 10, 2018

Older adults with metabolic syndrome may be more resistant to depression treatments

Researchers found that individuals with Metabolic Syndrome were more likely to experience chronic and severe depression symptoms, requiring longer treatment response times. The study emphasizes the importance of healthcare providers closely monitoring older adults with Metabolic Syndrome when screening for and treating depression.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 10, 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.

Transitional care nurses in the geriatric emergency department reduce risk of inpatient admissions

A study conducted at Mount Sinai Hospital found that transitional care nurses can significantly reduce the risk of inpatient admissions for geriatric patients. The program, which includes assessments for cognitive function and caregiver strain, led to a 10% lower chance of hospitalization for those treated by a transitional care nurse.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 10, 2018

The future of grocery shopping: Faster, cheaper, smaller

A study by Case Western Reserve University reveals Aldi's success lies in limiting product choice and targeting price-conscious consumers with a single supplier for most products, resulting in higher sales growth (15%) compared to Walmart (2%)

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalStrategy and Leadership·DateJan 10, 2018

Junk food tax is legally and administratively viable, finds new analysis

Researchers at NYU College of Global Public Health and Tufts' Friedman School examine options for categorizing and taxing junk food. A federal excise tax on manufacturers appears feasible, with potential benefits in reducing disease burden from unhealthy food consumption.

SourceNew York University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJan 10, 2018

Webb Telescope's Houston highlights

The James Webb Space Telescope underwent critical cryogenic testing inside Chamber A at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, ensuring it will safely reach its orbit and perform its science mission. The telescope was subjected to a range of tests, including alignment checks and simulations of starlight detection.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 10, 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.

Making the Internet of Things possible with a new breed of 'memristors'

Researchers at Aalto University have developed a new breed of 'memristors' that can store data for more than 10 years without power and work with low voltages. These ferroelectric tunnel junctions have the potential to revolutionize neuromorphic computing and enable efficient IoT processing.

SourceAalto University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJan 10, 2018

With these special bacteria, a broccoli a day can keep the cancer doctor away

Researchers have engineered probiotics that can target and kill colorectal cancer cells using a substance found in broccoli. The mixture killed over 95% of colorectal cancer cells in a dish and reduced tumour numbers by 75% in mice with colorectal cancer.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJan 10, 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.

Intoxicatingly light sensitive

Scientists at ETH Zurich have synthesised four variants of THC that can be altered with light, offering a potential tool for controlling and influencing CB1 receptors. These light-sensitive THC derivatives were tested in living cell cultures and found to activate and deactivate the receptors using specific wavelengths of light.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 10, 2018

New research improves our understanding of cancer cell regulation

A team of cancer researchers has made a significant contribution to our understanding of cancer cell regulation, which could lead to improved cancer treatments. The study focuses on kinases, proteins that influence cancer cell growth and development, and identifies new strategies for killing cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalCancer Research·DateJan 10, 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.

ASU astronomers to build space telescope to explore nearby stars

The Star-Planet Activity Research CubeSat (SPARCS) mission aims to monitor the flares and sunspots of small, cool stars, known as M dwarfs, to assess their habitability for planets. The spacecraft will use ultraviolet-sensitive detectors to study how stellar activity affects planetary environments.

SourceArizona State University·DateJan 10, 2018

Cancer patients given fluids live longer

A recent study has found that cancer patients given fluids at the end-of-life stage live significantly longer than those who don't receive such treatment. This results in an average of one-and-a-half more days of life, as well as better symptom control and minimal side effects.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalJournal of Palliative Medicine·DateJan 10, 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.

Two simple tests could help to pinpoint cause of stroke

Researchers developed a new approach to detecting the cause of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), the deadliest form of stroke. Combining a blood test with a brain scan can accurately spot cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), a condition linked to ICH and increased risk of further strokes and dementia.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateJan 10, 2018

New app motivates type 2 diabetes patients to be more active

A new app developed by researchers at University of Utah Health aims to motivate type 2 diabetes patients to increase physical activity. The interactive simulation tool helps patients understand the impact of exercise on blood sugar levels, leading to increased motivation and plans for more exercise.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateJan 10, 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.

Light activity measured with fitness tracker linked to lower mortality in older women

A study of 6,489 female participants found that those with higher levels of light-intensity physical activity were less likely to die than those with lower activity levels. The researchers concluded that encouraging older women to increase their daily light-intensity activity could lead to better health outcomes.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 10, 2018

'Sniffing' out counterfeit liquors

A portable device can identify liquors and determine if they've been altered, offering a strategy for liquor quality assurance. The device uses an advanced sensor array that can detect various scotch whiskies, bourbon, rye, brandy and vodka with greater than 99 percent accuracy.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sensors·DateJan 10, 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.

NASA's newly renamed Swift Mission spies a comet slowdown

The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory has detected a comet's rotation period slow by more than 10 times in just 60 days, revealing light variations associated with material recently ejected into the coma. The comet's small size and high water production suggest that more than half of its surface area contains sunlight-activated jets.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature·DateJan 10, 2018

Study provides insights on links between childhood abuse and later depression

A study published in International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry suggests that smaller social networks and feelings of loneliness are significant risk factors for late-life depression. The findings also emphasize the need to detect childhood abuse in adults with depression and consider it in treatment planning.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateJan 10, 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.

New depth limit for deep-sea marine burrows

Scientists discovered fossil evidence of deep-sea marine life burrowing up to eight meters below the seabed, which is four times deeper than previously thought. The findings suggest that deep-sea burrowing marine life may be more abundant than previously considered.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 10, 2018

Adaptation now: River flood risks increase around the globe under future warming

Scientists warn of increased river flood risks worldwide due to global warming, with the need for adaptation greatest in the US, parts of India and Africa. The study finds that without additional measures, millions will be exposed to severe flooding, with devastating impacts on communities.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 10, 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.

New HSS study finds hope in understanding and better treating scleroderma

A new study by Hospital for Special Surgery researchers suggests that plasmacytoid dendritic cells play a key role in causing fibrosis and inflammation in scleroderma patients. The study's findings, published in Science Translational Medicine, also identify a potential target for treatment: the TLR8 receptor on the surface of these cells.

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 10, 2018

The ecological costs of war: Conflict a consistent killer of African megafauna

A recent study found that conflict in Africa's protected areas has led to a consistent decline in large mammal populations. Despite severe impacts, these populations rarely collapse and can recover with the right policies and resources. The research suggests that avoiding even low-level conflicts is crucial for conservation efforts.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·DateJan 10, 2018

Lifestyle biomarkers investigated in prostate cancer survivors

A clinical trial investigates whether dietary and exercise interventions can decrease AGEs, which have been linked to cancer, in prostate cancer survivors. Preliminary data suggest that AGEs may be a better biomarker for lifestyle changes than previously used markers.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·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.

Higher-ranked colleges don't necessarily provide a better educational experience

A recent study published in The Review of Higher Education reveals that institutional rankings have little to no relationship with student engagement, a key indicator of collegiate quality. Despite their high ranks, students at higher-profile institutions reported fewer interactions with faculty and lower levels of engagement.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalThe Review of Higher Education·DateJan 10, 2018

More dentists to discuss risks of HPV-related cancers with their patients

A study highlights the need for better training and education in the dental community to discuss HPV prevention methods with patients. Most dentists don't address HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers due to lack of knowledge and communication skills.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·DateJan 10, 2018

Stigma continues to hamper response to opioid epidemic

The American health care system must address the stigma associated with opioid use disorder to effectively treat the nation's opioid epidemic. Opioid prevention and treatment efforts remain hindered by federal restrictions, addiction stigma, and chronic pain management limitations.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalAnnual Review of Public Health·DateJan 10, 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.