Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive July 2018


Page 1 of 38

Optical fibers that can 'feel' the materials around them

Researchers at EPFL have developed a new method to identify the material surrounding an optical fiber by generating a sound wave within the fiber. This technique allows for non-invasive detection of changes in temperature and pressure, with potential applications in structures such as bridges and gas pipelines.

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.

Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy (ACGT) takes on solid tumor cancers

The Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy (ACGT) is funding innovative clinical approaches to find gene therapy treatments for solid cancers. Recipients of the 2018 research grants include a team working on a vaccine for melanoma, an injectable genetic agent to program T cell receptors, and CAR T cell therapy for brain cancer.

Red-blood-cell 'hitchhikers' offer new way to transport drugs to specific targets

A new drug-delivery technology called RBC-hitchhiking has been found to dramatically increase the concentration of drugs in specific organs, potentially decreasing side effects and improving efficacy. The technology uses red blood cells to transport nano-scale drug carriers, achieving a 40-fold increase in drug uptake in the lungs.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Heat therapy boosts mitochondrial function in muscles

A new study found that long-term heat therapy increases mitochondrial function in the muscles by an average of 28 percent. Heat therapy may provide a new treatment option for people with chronic illness or disease who cannot exercise regularly.

UTA technology could change way computers dissipate heat

Researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington have developed a novel cold electron transistor that drastically reduces energy consumption. This innovation could lead to huge energy savings for companies like Google and Amazon, as well as enhance soldiers' combat capabilities in military applications.

Clearer vision of the biochemical reaction that allows us to see

Researchers propose a refined approximation of the photo-excitation equation that describes the effect of photons on rhodopsin protein in eyes. The study has implications for other molecules, like azobenzene, and demonstrates tunnelling process to populate excited states.

Chinese scientists discover genomic key to plateau adaptation

Researchers identified 27 unique amino acid replacements in 27 different proteins of hot-spring snakes, which were associated with functions like immunity and DNA repair. These mutations enable the snakes to thrive under extreme conditions such as intense radiation and hypoxia.

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.

Father's genes can impact motherly love

Research in genetically altered mice reveals that paternal genes can affect the type of care a mother provides to her offspring both before and after birth. This study suggests that a father's genes can impact maternal behavior, potentially affecting the wellbeing of the new baby and their lifelong mental health.

Acidic pH: The weakness of cancer cells

A computational study has shown that cancer cells proliferate less and are more vulnerable to acidic conditions than initially thought. The researchers have identified potential therapeutic targets by analyzing how variations in pH affect metabolic enzyme activity, providing opportunities for new treatments.

Chinese researchers further develop adenine base editing system

Chinese researchers have improved the adenine base editing (ABE) system to generate mouse or rat models for human genetic disorders, such as DMD and Pompe disease. The ABE system allows for efficient alteration of genetic codes with minimal undesired outcomes, making it a promising technology for therapeutic applications.

New cell lines produce NIST monoclonal antibody for improved biologic drugs

Researchers at IBBR have engineered three mouse cell lines to produce nonproprietary versions of the NISTmAb, a well-characterized monoclonal antibody used in biopharmaceutical development. The new cell lines will provide a standardized model for monoclonal antibody biomanufacturing and enable innovation in mAb therapeutics.

Use of VA services impacted by external economic, policy changes

A new study found that VA healthcare utilization is influenced by external factors like unemployment, Medicaid eligibility, and housing costs. The study used VA data to analyze the impact of these factors on healthcare use among over 8 million Veterans between 2008-2014.

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.

NASA analyzes US east coast persistent rains

A stalled weather pattern led to significant rainfall and flood warnings along the eastern seaboard, with NASA utilizing satellite data to analyze rainfall totals. The heaviest accumulations were recorded in North Carolina, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New York, with some areas receiving over 7 inches of rain.

Single-cell RNA profiling

Researchers have developed a more sensitive single-cell RNA sequencing method, mcSCRB-seq, to analyze the functional state of individual cells. This technique provides a molecular fingerprint of each cell's mRNA population, revealing its protein-making capacity and gene regulation.

£2 million for sepsis research in Africa

A £2 million project, ARCS, aims to tackle sepsis in Africa by creating sustainable partnerships between research, clinical, and government organizations. The initiative focuses on delivering high-quality training, establishing care quality indicators, and testing innovative interventions.

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.

How chronic infections can outsmart the immune system

Scientists found that damage from chronic inflammation induces the death of white blood cells essential to eliminating the parasite, allowing it to sustain the infection. The findings may lead to possible treatment and shed light on a phenomenon shared by other chronic infections.

Astronomers assemble 'light-fingerprints' to unveil mysteries of the cosmos

Researchers have developed a reference catalog of light spectra and albedos for 19 solar system bodies. By comparing this catalog to exoplanet observations, scientists can characterize new worlds in reference to our own diverse planetary system. The catalog offers insights into the challenges of categorizing rocky and icy exoplanets.

Scientists uncover new facts concerning working memory in children

Researchers from the Higher School of Economics conducted a meta-analysis of neuroimaging studies on working memory in children, revealing concordance in frontoparietal regions and unexpected findings in the prefrontal cortex. The study sheds light on the complex role of the insula and its potential impact on learning.

NASA finds Tropical Storm Jongdari now comma shaped

Tropical Storm Jongdari has taken on a distinctive comma shape, suggesting increased organization and intensification potential. The storm's sea surface temperatures are warm enough to support further strengthening.

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.

Energy-intensive Bitcoin transactions pose a growing environmental threat

A new study assesses tax and regulatory options to incentivize the development of 'green' blockchain technologies and discourage polluting applications. The research recommends imposing levies to reduce energy consumption and offering financial rewards for innovators developing carbon-neutral blockchain designs.

Six proposals receive seed funds to develop medical devices for children

The Philadelphia Pediatric Medical Device Consortium has awarded seed grants to six companies developing medical devices for children, including an airway clearance system and a vision acuity test. These innovative devices aim to address unmet clinical needs in pediatric care, such as cystic fibrosis and urinary flow disorders.

Aphids manipulate their food

Scientists found aphids change the quality of plant sap depending on the infested plant part, benefiting from these changes. This 'niche construction' enables aphids to thrive on specific host plants.

Past experiences shape what we see more than what we are looking at now

Researchers found that brain activity patterns shift towards stored representations of clear images, suggesting that past experiences play a significant role in perception. The study used fMRI to analyze how the brain processes blurred images and found that higher-order circuits were more affected by clear image-induced shifts.

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.

Animal taxonomy: Outwardly identical, yet distinct

A team of researchers has discovered a new species of Placozoa, a phylum of simple multicellular animals, by analyzing its genetic makeup. The study, published in PLOS Biology, used taxogenomics to describe the new species, which was previously thought to be a single species, Trichoplax adhaerens.

Next-generation photodetector camera to deploy during demo mission

The Compact Thermal Imager (CTI) will measure fires, ice sheets, glaciers, and snow surface temperatures while also tracking water transfer from soil and plants into the atmosphere. The CTI's enabling technology, Strained-Layer Superlattice Technology, is 10 times more sensitive than its predecessor and operates at warmer temperatures.

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.

Real-time foot-and-mouth strategy to better fight disease

Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a new real-time strategy for controlling foot-and-mouth disease, finding that local targeted methods are the most effective in halting disease spread. The approach prioritizes surveillance and vaccination to quickly control outbreaks, even with minimal information.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

A colossal breakthrough for topological spintronics

Scientists have developed BiSb alloys with a colossal spin Hall effect and high electrical conductivity, making them suitable for ultra-low-power SOT-MRAM devices. The breakthrough could accelerate the development of non-volatile memories for IoT applications.

ERC Starting Grant for Clara Saraceno

The ERC grant will help Dr. Saraceno find new highly-efficient sources of light waves in the terahertz range, with potential applications in chemistry, physics and biology. The researchers aim to gain further insights into interactions between water molecules and substances dissolved in it.

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.

Researchers predict distribution of rat lungworm, now and into future

A recent study predicts the widespread presence of rat lungworm in Hawaii's islands and its expansion into higher elevations as climate warms. Researchers used molecular techniques to screen snails and slugs across the islands, finding the parasite in numerous species on five of six largest islands.

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.

Hate speech from women is judged harsher than that from men

A new study published in Springer's journal Sex Roles found that women who make hateful remarks on social media are more likely to be flagged and judged severely. Women's reactions to hate speech are also less accepted than those made by men, highlighting the need for online moderators to be sensitive to gender stereotypes.

Soccer heading worse for women's brains than for men's

A new study by researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that women's brains are five times more extensive in damaged tissue after repeated soccer heading compared to male players. The study suggests sex-specific guidelines may be necessary for preventing soccer-related head injuries.

Soccer heading may be riskier for female players

A new study published in the journal Radiology found that women soccer players exhibit more extensive changes to brain tissue after repetitive 'heading' of the soccer ball. Women showed lower fractional anisotropy values across a larger volume of brain tissue compared to men.

Mapping of magnetic particles in the human brain

A study led by LMU researchers confirms the presence of magnetic particles in human brains, with striking asymmetry in their distribution. The particles were primarily found in the cerebellum and brainstem, but their chemical nature remains unknown.

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.

British Journal of Cancer press notice

Scientists have found that internal mammary chain irradiation and anthracycline-based chemotherapy increase cardiovascular disease risks, while a new test may detect colorectal cancer in primary care. Researchers also discovered circulating tumor cell clusters in human glioblastoma, suggesting a new target for treatment

Flies meet gruesome end under influence of puppeteer fungus

A fungus called Entomophthora muscae has been found to control the behavior of fruit flies, infecting their nervous system and causing them to climb to high points. The fungus feeds on the fly's fat stores before altering its behavior, eventually leading to the fly's death.

Predicting heart attack, stroke risk just got easier

A new online tool, Astro-CHARM, has been developed to predict who is at the highest risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years. The calculator combines coronary artery calcium measurement with traditional risk factors like blood pressure and cholesterol.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Urban geophone array offers new look at northern Los Angeles basin

Researchers map San Gabriel and San Bernardino sedimentary basins in greater detail than previous studies, revealing the San Gabriel basin is deeper and has an irregular shape. The study provides new insights into the structure of these basins, which may act as a 'waveguide' to focus energy from earthquakes.

Heatwave deaths will rise steadily by 2080 as globe warms up

A new study predicts a significant increase in heatwave-related deaths globally, particularly in tropical and subtropical countries, with Australia, Europe, and the US expected to be among the hardest hit. The study suggests that if greenhouse gas emissions are not reduced, heatwaves will become more frequent, intense, and deadly.

Can seagrass help fight ocean acidification?

Researchers found that seagrass meadows can buffer ocean acidification in short-term periods, particularly during low tide and daylight hours. While limited, this effect could benefit marine life and aquaculture endeavors, but long-term solutions rely on reducing carbon emissions.

Do spiders have a favorite color?

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati studied wolf spiders' color vision, finding they are sensitive to green light but don't have a favorite color. Their eyes adapt to changing seasons, allowing them to see contrast against colored backgrounds.

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.