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Science News Archive January 2018 - Page 5


Page 5 of 37

Reach out and feed someone: Automated system finds rapid honey bee communication networks

Researchers developed an automated system to monitor honey bee interactions, revealing a network structure that facilitates fast information spread. The study found that the bees' social network exhibited a 'bursty' pattern similar to human networks, but with rapid information spreading.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2018

Researchers reverse symptoms in neurologic disease model

A recent study by Case Western Reserve University researchers has reversed symptoms of respiratory and cognitive abnormalities in a mouse model of Rett syndrome. The findings suggest that stimulating neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex could be therapeutic for Rett patients, potentially leading to improved breathing and cognitive f...

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournaleNeuro·DateJan 29, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Viruses that infect bacteria abound in bladder

Researchers found 457 novel phage sequences in bacterial genomes from the female urinary microbiome, suggesting a common set of phages that reside in the bladder. The study also indicates that phage may contribute to urinary health and offers potential alternative treatment for urinary tract infections.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateJan 29, 2018

Untangling the complex taxonomic history of a Neotropical liana genus

Scientists used integrative taxonomy to recognize five well-defined species in the genus, including a newly described species from Colombia and Venezuela. The study highlights the importance of accurate species recognition for conservation priorities, with lianas contributing significantly to tropical forest diversity.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalPhytoKeys·DateJan 29, 2018

Polio eradication and regional conflict

A recent study in northwest Pakistan found that high insecurity increases access issues for vaccinators and vaccination rates, leading to a higher incidence of polio. Regional conflict has been cited as a barrier to polio eradication, but this study provides strong evidence supporting the claim.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2018

USTC realizes strong indirect coupling in distant nanomechanical resonators

Scientists have successfully achieved strong coupling between distant phonon modes of graphene-based mechanical resonators using a phonon cavity mode. By tuning the resonant frequency of the phonon cavity mode, they can continuously tune the coupling strength between distant phonon modes.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 29, 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.

Ocean acidification and coral skeletal density

Researchers developed a model to explore the effect of ocean acidification on coral skeletal growth, finding that acidification influences skeletal density but not extension. The simulation predicted an average decline of around 12.4% in Porites skeletal density across global reef sites by the end of the 21st century.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2018

Coral lifestyles reflected in their genes

A comparative genome study between two corals, Stylophora pistillata and Acropora digitifera, reveals significant genetic disparities. The findings suggest that corals exhibit high levels of genetic variation within the same species, affecting their resilience to climate change.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 29, 2018

These carbon dioxide-sensing neurons wake up mice

A study published in JNeurosci found that stimulating carbon dioxide-sensing neurons in the midbrain of adult male mice awakened them without affecting breathing. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms underlying obstructive sleep apnea, sudden infant death syndrome, and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateJan 29, 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 do we trust, or not trust, strangers? The answer is Pavlovian

Researchers at New York University found that our brains use a Pavlovian learning mechanism to make judgments about strangers' trustworthiness based on past experiences. The study suggests that moral information encoded from previous encounters guides future choices, influencing how much we trust or distrust strangers.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2018

Walk in groups to keep exercise goals on track

A review of 18 studies found that group walking improves physical activity and quality of life. Walking in groups also boosts life satisfaction and social connectedness, helping individuals meet the World Health Organisation's recommended 150 minutes of moderate aerobic physical activity per week.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInternational Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care·DateJan 29, 2018

OHSU research provides new insight about antidepressants

Researchers at OHSU Vollum Institute discovered the atomic structure of the serotonin transporter bound to SSRIs, revealing a pathway for developing new therapeutic agents. The study provides insight into how chemically diverse antidepressants interact with the protein that transports serotonin in the brain.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJan 29, 2018

EPSRC gives £14 million to projects that take new approaches to data science

The EPSRC has awarded £14 million to five research projects that employ novel approaches to data science, involving universities and industry partners. The initiatives aim to develop new algorithms and mathematical tools to better understand large data sets and make informed decisions in various sectors.

SourceEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council·DateJan 29, 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.

Researchers gain new insight into how the intestine repairs itself

Researchers discovered that intestinal stem cells, previously thought to be essential only for normal turnover, play a crucial role in repairing epithelial cell damage caused by rotavirus. The study also found that WNT signaling molecules from epithelial cells are essential for triggering the repair response.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 29, 2018

Silencing is golden: Scientists image molecules vital for gene regulation

Researchers have gained insight into the structure and regulation of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2), a gene regulator that controls cell differentiation and cancer development. The study's findings hold promise for developing new therapies for cancer by targeting PRC2 dysfunction.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJan 29, 2018

Men hold secret to protect women from multiple sclerosis

Researchers identified a guardian molecule triggered by testosterone that protects males from disease. Treatment with the molecule eliminated symptoms in female mice, offering hope for new MS therapies.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2018

Calculating the CO2 emissions of biofuels is not enough

A new computer model developed by EPFL scientist Edgard Gnansounou can quantify the emissions of each product coming out of biorefineries, providing a more accurate assessment of biofuels' environmental impact. This could help policymakers set clear incentives for biorefineries to become economically viable.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalBioresource Technology·DateJan 29, 2018

Schools key to successful integration of child refugees, says study

A new study by psychologists at City, University of London reveals that schools can provide a safe environment for refugee children to develop meaningful connections with peers and teachers. The research emphasizes the importance of training teachers to support refugee children and counter discrimination and racism.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·DateJan 29, 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.

Astrochemists reveal the magnetic secrets of methanol

A team of scientists has solved a puzzle in astrochemistry by developing a way to measure magnetic fields in space using methanol. The new method, published in Nature Astronomy, gives astronomers a new tool to investigate how massive stars form.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJan 29, 2018

Blood clot in lungs rare in patients at emergency department after fainting

A recent study found that blood clots in the lungs are extremely rare in patients who experience fainting and visit the emergency department. The researchers analyzed data from over 1.6 million adults across four countries, revealing a surprisingly low frequency of pulmonary embolism among those with syncope.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 29, 2018

Medications to treat cardiovascular risk factors do not impact erectile function

A new study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology found that cholesterol-lowering statins and blood-pressure lowering candesartan/HCTZ medications do not affect erectile function. The study, which evaluated over 2,000 men, showed no significant change in erectile function between treatment groups and placebo groups.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·DateJan 29, 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.

Leading experts in high-risk pregnancy to gather in Dallas next week

More than 2,000 maternal-fetal medicine specialists will present research on preventing postpartum hemorrhage, reducing cesarean births, and treating opioid misuse during pregnancy. The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's annual meeting in Dallas aims to reduce high-risk pregnancy complications and promote public policy advancements.

SourceSociety for Maternal-Fetal Medicine·DateJan 29, 2018

To improve self-control, call weight loss what it is: Difficult

Researchers at Drexel University found that telling people weight loss is difficult can actually motivate them to shed more weight in the short-term. However, this approach did not lead to long-term changes in unhealthy foods at home. The study suggests that modifying the home food environment, rather than just providing diet advice, i...

SourceDrexel University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 29, 2018

Mind your speed: A magnetic brake on proton acceleration

Proton acceleration is hindered by magnetism, as electrons create a sheath field that accelerates protons at right-angles to the target. This effect, known as magnetic inhibition, progressively worsens at higher laser powers, reducing proton energies.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 29, 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.

Sixty-four percent of women suffer from insomnia in late pregnancy

A study published in the European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology reveals that 64% of pregnant women experience insomnia in the third trimester, with symptoms worsening throughout pregnancy. The research highlights the importance of addressing this issue to prevent related health problems.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalEuropean Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology·DateJan 29, 2018

Analysis looks at long-term risks of living kidney donation

A systematic review found that living kidney donors have higher diastolic blood pressure, poorer renal function, and increased risk of end-stage renal disease. Female donors are at increased risk for preeclampsia and pregnancy-related complications.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 29, 2018

High rates of diabetes, hypertension found in India

A nationally representative study of 1.3 million adults found high prevalence of diabetes and hypertension across all geographies and sociodemographic groups in India. The study highlights the need for urgent action to tackle these diseases, which are major killers in the country.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 29, 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.

Interstellar fullerenes may help find solutions for earthly matters

A team of astronomers found fullerenes in the interstellar medium using data from the VLT telescope. The discovery could lead to breakthroughs in producing these carbon nanostructures, which are currently expensive and produced in limited quantities.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 29, 2018

Uncovering the early origins of Huntington's disease

Scientists at Rockefeller University discovered early abnormalities in human embryonic stem cells with Huntington's disease, suggesting the disorder originates much earlier than previously thought. The study implies that existing treatments may do more harm than good and necessitates a new approach to treating the disease.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalDevelopment·DateJan 29, 2018

Life expectancy gains are slowing in both rich and poor countries

A study found life expectancy gains slowing globally since 1950, with the sharpest declines in low-lifespan countries. The slowdown, attributed to factors such as governance failure and inadequate public health measures, suggests that efforts to improve life expectancy must focus on promoting political will and social consensus.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalBMC Public Health·DateJan 29, 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.

Sex-specific immune response and autoimmune disease

Research reveals testosterone promotes a protective immune response in male mice by increasing IL-33 production, reversing symptoms in female mice with similar autoimmune disease. Sex differences in immune responses may underlie gender disparities in MS and other autoimmune diseases.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2018

E-cigarettes and DNA damage

Research reveals e-cigarettes deliver carcinogenic compounds to human cells, damaging DNA and reducing repair mechanisms. Mice exposed to e-cigarette smoke showed increased DNA damage in vital organs, mirroring effects seen in cultured human lung and bladder cells.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2018

NUS researchers develop wireless light switch for targeted cancer therapy

A team of scientists from the National University of Singapore has developed a way to wirelessly deliver light into deep regions of the body to activate light-sensitive drugs for photodynamic therapy (PDT). The technology enables PDT to be used on inner organs with fine control, potentially treating a wider range of cancers.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 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.

Coal phase-out: Announcing CO2-pricing triggers divestment

A new study finds that substantial carbon pricing can lead to substantial divestment from coal, resulting in reduced emissions. The 'green paradox' effect is overcome when investors anticipate strong future climate policies, suggesting a more effective strategy for reducing emissions.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 29, 2018

Novel technologies reveal key information about depleted East Pacific green sea turtles

Researchers used novel techniques to analyze sea turtle bones and uncover previously unknown information about their habitats, including their age when they move into nearshore habitats and how they use offshore waters for feeding. The study provides strong applications to the conservation and management of this endangered population.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateJan 29, 2018

Getting to zero deforestation

A Stanford-led synthesis paper reveals strengths and weaknesses of corporate environmental pledges, suggesting a range of public-private policy solutions to boost their impact. The study recommends complementing regulation with endorsement and reinforcement of company standards, sharing information, and covering compliance costs for sm...

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 29, 2018

Is a pear -- or apple-shape physique best for our brains?

Dr. Alexis M. Stranahan's study suggests that an apple-shaped physique, characterized by fat depositing around the abdominal cavity, may be worse for the brain than previously thought. Conversely, subcutaneous fat under the skin appears to protect the brain from cognitive decline.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateJan 29, 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.

Diamonds show promise for spintronic devices

Researchers have demonstrated the potential for diamond as a material for spintronics, with strong spin-orbit coupling and tunable magnetic field control. Diamond's ease of processing and fabrication make it an attractive alternative to traditional semiconductor materials.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 29, 2018

Updates on recovery attempts for NASA IMAGE mission

After an amateur astronomer recorded observations of a satellite in high Earth orbit on Jan. 20, 2018, NASA coordinated the use of five separate antennas to acquire radio frequency signals from the object. The signals matched the expected characteristics of the IMAGE mission, suggesting it could be the lost satellite.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 29, 2018

Mental images in nonhuman animals

Researchers discovered that Japanese tits show increased visual perception when exposed to specific alarm call playbacks, suggesting a visual search image of predators. The birds' behavior indicates that vocalization can evoke mental images of objects in nonhuman animals.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 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.

More than 100,000 switches

A research team led by Dr. Ralf Gilsbach and Prof. Dr. Lutz Hein from the University of Freiburg has mapped out the gene regulators in the DNA of human cardiac muscle cells for the first time. They discovered over 100,000 gene switches that control gene activity, providing insight into mechanisms misdirected in heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 29, 2018

Drug improves PTSD traits in rat model of explosive blasts

A new study published in eNeuro found that a drug currently being evaluated for depression and suicidal tendencies also alleviates anxiety, fearful behaviors, and memory deficits in rats exposed to blast injuries. The drug, BCI-838, promotes the generation of new brain cells in the hippocampus.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateJan 29, 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.