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Science News Archive January 2018 - Page 6


Page 6 of 37

Weak hydrogen bonds key to strong, tough infrastructure

Researchers discovered that a specific mix of hydrogen bonds is critical to making strong and ductile infrastructure materials. The optimal overlap of oxygen and hydrogen atoms forms a network of weak hydrogen bonds that connects soft and hard layers.

SourceRice University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 29, 2018

Rotavirus vaccine could reduce UK health inequalities, new study suggests

A new study published in BMC Medicine found that the rotavirus vaccine has a disproportionate impact on reducing gastrointestinal disease in the UK's most deprived communities. The vaccine has been shown to decrease hospitalisations and attendances by up to 80% and 32%, respectively, among these populations.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalBMC Medicine·DateJan 29, 2018

Body clock disruptions occur years before memory loss in Alzheimer's

A new study reveals that people with preclinical Alzheimer's disease experience significant disruptions in their internal body clocks, even after controlling for other factors. These circadian rhythm disruptions are linked to increased risk of developing the disorder and may serve as a biomarker for early detection.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateJan 29, 2018

Americans are spending more time at home, and it's saving a lot of energy

A study found that Americans spent more time at home in 2012, saving 1,700 trillion BTU in energy consumption. This increase was driven by decreased travel and non-residential space use, resulting in a net 1.8% national energy savings. The research highlights the impact of advances in information technology on American lifestyle patterns.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·DateJan 29, 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.

Changing the color of 3-D printed objects

Researchers from MIT's CSAIL present ColorFab, a method for repeatedly changing the colors of 3-D printed objects after fabrication using custom ink and UV light. The system can recolor a multi-colored object in under 20 minutes, with the goal of reducing waste and increasing customization.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, CSAIL·DateJan 29, 2018

New Egyptian dinosaur reveals ancient link between Africa and Europe

The discovery of Mansourasaurus shahinae, a long-necked plant-eater with bony plates, fills gaps in Africa's Late Cretaceous fossil record. The species helps answer questions about Africa's connections to Europe and the degree to which its animals evolved independently.

SourceOhio University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJan 29, 2018

Study shows wetlands provide landscape-scale reduction in nitrogen pollution

A recent study published in Nature Geoscience reveals that wetland complexes can significantly reduce nitrate levels in rivers and streams. Retaining or restoring wetlands in intensively managed agricultural watersheds can improve local water quality while reducing nitrate exports to the Gulf of Mexico dead zone.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 29, 2018

Boosting Sirt4 gene activity extends healthy lifespan in fruit flies

A new study found that boosting Sirt4 gene activity extends healthy lifespan in fruit flies, with a 20% increase in longevity seen in modified flies. The researchers also discovered that Sirt4 plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism and fasting responses.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

Model predicts scenarios for energy generation using nuclear fusion

A Brazilian researcher's study has elucidated the conditions necessary for self-sustaining nuclear fusion in tokamaks. The findings provide crucial information for the successful operation of ITER, a fusion reactor prototype designed to reproduce the sun's energy generation process.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateJan 29, 2018

Through the looking glass: New mirror-image molecules could lead to better medicines

Researchers at University of Toronto have developed technology for creating durable disease-fighting molecules that can last longer in the body, reducing frequent drug injections. Mirror-image versions of existing drugs, such as GLP1 and PTH, have been created using computational approach, showing longer-lasting effects on cells.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2018

Cystic fibrosis and microbiome

Researchers found that E. coli from cystic fibrosis patients grew faster on glycerol compared to healthy controls. The study suggests a link between increased intestinal fat in CF patients and the selection of specific microorganisms.

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

'Chemical net' could be key to capturing pure hydrogen

Researchers have discovered that MXene nanosheets can be used to construct laminated membranes for efficient gas separation, outperforming top-of-the-line membrane materials in permeability and selectivity. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new gas separation applications and expand the use of membrane technology.

SourceDrexel University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 29, 2018

Outpatient clinic reduces no-shows by 34 percent amid 13 percent patient visit increase

A study published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that implementing a program to understand and address patient no-shows led to a significant decrease in no-show rates at Elmont Teaching Health Center. Patient visits increased by 13%, underscoring the effectiveness of the interventions.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateJan 29, 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.

Psychiatric medications are not overprescribed for kids, finds study

A new study at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that some psychiatric medications may be underprescribed in children and adolescents. The study analyzed prescription rates with prevalence rates for ADHD, anxiety disorders, and depression, and discovered no significant overprescription.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology·DateJan 29, 2018

Solar heat could make power + water for Namibia: Study

A study suggests a 100 MW CSP+desalination plant could be financially viable for Namibia, generating both electricity and water with relatively little added cost. The system would provide dispatchable solar energy to supply 15% of Namibia's peak demand, reducing the country's carbon footprint and meeting its 2030 renewable energy target.

SourceSolarPACES·JournalRenewable Energy·DateJan 28, 2018

New, low cost alternative for ethylene production

Scientists at Waseda University have developed a novel reaction mechanism for the oxidative coupling of methane, enabling the efficient synthesis of ethylene at a lower temperature. This breakthrough could significantly reduce production costs and make the process more accessible to small-scale manufacturers.

SourceWaseda University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateJan 28, 2018

KAIST team develops flexible vertical micro LED

The KAIST research team has developed flexible vertical micro LEDs (f-VLEDs) with high optical power density, improving thermal reliability and lifetime. These f-VLEDs can be used for optogenetics to control animal behavior and are suitable for biomedical applications.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNano Energy·DateJan 28, 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.

Menopause found to worsen symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

A recent study published in Rheumatology found that menopause worsens physical function and functional decline in women with rheumatoid arthritis, leading to a significant impact on quality of life. Women experience rheumatoid arthritis at a rate three times greater than men, with more severe declines and increased disability.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalRheumatology·DateJan 28, 2018

New clinical trial using water to treat polycystic kidney disease

Researchers at Westmead Institute for Medical Research are conducting a new clinical trial using water to treat polycystic kidney disease. The PREVENT-ADPKD trial aims to investigate whether drinking the right amount of water can prevent adult polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) from progressing to kidney failure.

SourceWestmead Institute for Medical Research·JournalBMJ Open·DateJan 28, 2018

'Sodium-scooter' delivers

Researchers developed a low-temperature reaction to replace sulfur with tellurium in MoS2, creating new properties in the 2D material. The 'sodium-scooter' catalyst enables conversion at 525°C, lower than previous temperatures.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 28, 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.

Paleontology: The eleventh Archaeopteryx

The geologically oldest fossil of the genus Archaeopteryx, dating back 150 million years, has been found in Northern Bavaria. The new specimen exhibits unique features that differentiate it from other known specimens, providing a reliable diagnosis for distinguishing Archaeopteryx from its closest relatives.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPeerJ·DateJan 26, 2018

Potential enzyme as therapeutic target for diabetes

A team of Japanese researchers has identified Sirt2 as a key player in regulating hepatic glucose uptake, which is impaired in obesity and type 2 diabetes. The study found that Sirt2 regulates the dissociation of glucokinase from its regulatory protein, GKRP, through post-translational modifications.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 26, 2018

Choose Omega-3s from fish over flax for cancer prevention, study finds

A University of Guelph study found that omega-3s from fish are eight times more effective at inhibiting tumour development and growth compared to plant-based options. The research suggests that marine-derived omega-3s can significantly reduce breast cancer risk, particularly in aggressive forms.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalThe Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry·DateJan 26, 2018

Research finds link between rainfall and ocean circulation in past and present

A study published in Nature Communications finds a correlation between Atlantic Ocean surface currents and rainfall patterns in the Western Hemisphere, both in the past and present. The research suggests that changes in ocean currents can influence global climate and may have far-reaching impacts on future climate change.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 26, 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.

UA earthquake engineers conduct NSF-funded research on steel collectors

Researchers at the University of Arizona and partnering universities are working on a NSF-funded project to develop buildings that won't collapse under major earthquakes. The focus is on lateral force transfer through steel collectors, which horizontally transmit earthquake forces.

SourceUniversity of Arizona College of Engineering·DateJan 26, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NIST's superconducting synapse may be missing piece for 'artificial brains'

Researchers at NIST have built a superconducting switch that learns like a biological system, connecting processors and storing memories in future computers operating like the human brain. The synapse can process incoming electrical spikes to customize spiking output signals, using less energy than the human brain.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 26, 2018

Trauma support for welfare recipients helps them earn more

A new study led by Drexel's Center for Hunger-Free Communities found that trauma support could be key to success in the population who receives welfare. Trauma-informed peer support improved income and mental health for caregivers, while also reducing symptoms of depression.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Child and Family Studies·DateJan 26, 2018

Botulinum-type toxins jump to a new kind of bacteria

Scientists have isolated a new botulinum neurotoxin, BoNT/En, from a strain of Enterococcus, sparking concern over the potential for multi-drug resistance. The toxin, found in cow feces, was unexpectedly discovered to resemble the toxin that causes botulism, with experts warning of its potentially deadly consequences.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJan 26, 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.

Polio labs equipped to study rare tropical diseases

Researchers from LSTM are utilizing the Polio network of labs to study neglected tropical diseases affecting over a billion people. The Ghana GPLN lab successfully tested for helminths in a pilot study, identifying a prevalence of 22%, while also detecting Strongyloides infections with no surveillance system.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJan 26, 2018

What are memories made of?

Researchers have discovered that three distinct varieties of the protein AKT play different roles in brain health, with AKT2 targeting brain cancer and AKT1 promoting memory formation. The study's findings hold promise for developing targeted therapies for conditions like Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateJan 26, 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.

Aerobic exercise may mildly delay, slightly improve Alzheimer's symptoms

A meta-analysis found that aerobic exercise delays and improves Alzheimer's symptoms, with a three times greater improvement compared to combined exercise. The study confirms the American Geriatrics Society's recommendations for exercise duration and frequency.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 26, 2018

Cancer patients less likely to receive clot-busting drugs after stroke

A recent study presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference found that cancer patients with stroke are less likely to receive standard clot-busting medication compared to those without a malignancy. The use of newer procedures to mechanically remove clots, however, shows a similar trend in both groups.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJan 26, 2018

UNIST researchers develop highly stretchable aqueous batteries

Researchers at UNIST have developed a highly stretchable rechargeable lithium-ion battery based on aqueous electrolytes, using a simple and cost-effective solution process. The breakthrough involves a bioinspired Jabuticaba-like hybrid carbon/polymer composite that retains its electrical conductivity under high strain rates.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJan 26, 2018
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

The sugar-attaching enzyme that defines colon cancer

Researchers identified an enzyme that is absent in healthy colon tissue but abundant in colon cancer cells. The enzyme, GalNAc-T6, attaches sugar molecules to proteins, affecting cell-cell adhesion and leading to abnormal tissue formation. This discovery may lead to new therapies for colon cancer.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 26, 2018

Nearly one out of five NSAID users exceed daily limit

Researchers found that 15% of adult ibuprofen users exceed the maximum recommended dose in a one-week period. Those who do tend to have medical factors such as chronic pain and poor physical state, attitudes conducive to ignoring label recommendations, and poor knowledge of those recommendations.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalPharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety·DateJan 26, 2018

Research boosts efficiency and stability of optical rectennas

Researchers have improved optical rectenna efficiency by two-fold, using air-stable diode materials. The devices can convert electromagnetic fields at optical frequencies to electrical current, enabling low-power applications like temperature sensors.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·DateJan 26, 2018

Health visitors use of video helps vulnerable families

A new study from Aarhus University found that health visitors using video feedback with the Marte Meo method can improve early mother-child relationships in vulnerable families. The research involved 69 families who received extra visits with video clips, showing a significant improvement compared to a control group.

SourceAarhus University·JournalBMC Pregnancy and Childbirth·DateJan 26, 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.

Stenting system shown to benefit certain stroke patients

A specialized stenting system has been shown to benefit certain stroke patients by reducing the risk of complications. The Wingspan Stent System Post-Market Surveillance Study found a complication rate of just 2.6 percent among patients with intracranial stenosis due to cholesterol plaque.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·DateJan 26, 2018

X-ray experiments suggest high tunability of 2-D material

Researchers used a new platform, MAESTRO, to observe the electronic structure of a 2-D semiconductor material, tungsten disulfide (WS2), at microscale resolution. The study suggests that WS2 may be highly tunable, with possible applications for spintronics and electronics.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateJan 26, 2018

Swallowed button batteries add to safety concerns about 'fidget spinners'

Two cases of young children with severe esophageal injuries caused by swallowed lithium batteries from fidget spinners have been reported. The incidents highlight the potential danger of button batteries in children's toys, particularly those not specifically designed for kids.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition·DateJan 26, 2018
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Tiny particles have outsized impact on storm clouds and precipitation

Researchers found that ultrafine aerosol particles can have a stronger impact on storm clouds and precipitation than previously thought. In the Amazon rainforest, these tiny particles can intensify storms and cause more rain due to their ability to form many small droplets that draw excess water vapor from the atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience·DateJan 26, 2018

Scientists have discovered a new type of Botox

Researchers identify a new source of botulinum toxin in Enterococcus faecium bacteria, which can be transferred between species and has implications for protein therapeutics and monitoring emerging pathogens.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJan 26, 2018

Quality of children's sleep may affect eating habits and weight

A study found that poor sleep quality in children is associated with higher body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference, indicating a link between sleep patterns and weight gain. The researchers suggest that examining markers of sleep quality may be useful in designing childhood obesity prevention strategies.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateJan 26, 2018

New marking technique could halt counterfeit goods

The University of Copenhagen has developed a new marking technique that uses randomness and rare earths to create an un-hackable authentication system. The system can be used to identify genuine products and prevent counterfeiting, with the potential to save industries millions in lost revenue.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 26, 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.