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Science News Archive July 2018


Page 25 of 38

The highly complex sugarcane genome has finally been sequenced

The sugarcane genome has been sequenced using a novel method that leverages colinearity with the sorghum genome, enabling molecular screening techniques for breeding and biomass production. The reference sequence obtained is of high quality, revolutionizing genomic and genetic approaches for sugarcane species.

University of Montana ecology professor helps map climate corridors

A University of Montana ecology professor and researchers have tracked shifting North American habitats to identify climate corridors. The study found routes along north-south trending passes and mountain ranges, which are often circuitous and poorly captured by existing conservation strategies.

Combination treatment fortifies the aging immune system

A combination treatment has safely enhanced the ability of the immune system to fight infections in the elderly, reducing their incidence by a year. The treatment, which inhibits TORC1 protein complex, showed improved immune response towards seasonal influenza vaccine, paving the way for therapies targeting infectious diseases.

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.

Giant, recently extinct seabird also inhabited Japan

Scientists discovered spectacled cormorant fossils in Japan dating back 120,000 years, indicating the bird's previously believed limited range was incorrect. Climate changes and human activity may have contributed to the species' extinction, with more research needed on its biological aspects.

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.

Tiny fern holds big environmental promise

Researchers have sequenced the genome of a tiny fern species, Azolla filiculoides, which has been found to have significant environmental applications. The fern's unique gene provides insect resistance and can be used as a sustainable fertilizer, while its symbiotic relationship with cyanobacteria allows for nitrogen fixation.

Snorts indicate positive emotions in horses

Snort production is significantly associated with positive situations and internal states in horses, suggesting a potential tool for improving animal welfare practices. Horses living in naturalistic conditions emit more snorts than those in restricted environments.

Using light for next-generation data storage

Tiny nano-sized crystals of salt can store digital information using light, offering a promising alternative to traditional magnetic and solid-state data storage. The technology demonstrates rewritable data storage in crystals that are hundreds of times smaller than visible to the human eye.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A step closer to single-atom data storage

EPFL researchers use Scanning Tunneling Microscopy to demonstrate the stability of a holmium single-atom magnet in extreme conditions. They achieve record-breaking coercivity and show that these atoms can withstand high temperatures without demagnetizing.

Study raises concern about flame-retardant metabolites in bald eagles

Researchers have discovered that chemicals used in flame retardants can be broken down into more toxic compounds in birds, including bald eagles. The study found that these metabolites can accumulate in the eggs of bald eagles, potentially affecting their reproduction and overall health.

Most black adults have high blood pressure before age 55

A recent study found that approximately 75% of black adults and 40% of white women are likely to develop high blood pressure by the age of 55. Lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthy diet and exercising regularly, can significantly reduce the risk of high blood pressure.

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.

Airbnb benefits white neighborhoods; not so for black and Hispanic areas

A study by Purdue University researchers found that Airbnb generates significant tourism activity in predominantly white neighborhoods, but has little impact on black and Hispanic areas. The study analyzed over 3.5 million Yelp reviews and employment data to determine the economic spillover effect of Airbnb on local restaurants.

Ebola survivors suffer from severe neurological problems

Researchers found Ebola survivors in Sierra Leone suffered from a range of neurological disorders, including migraines and stroke. The study suggests that these patients require specialist support and treatment to manage their symptoms.

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.

New guidelines label millions more people as having high blood pressure

The new guidelines will dramatically increase the number of people with hypertension, especially in China, where over half of those aged 45-75 years will be considered hypertensive. This could lead to a significant increase in treatment numbers, with up to 130 million untreated patients in China.

Hurricane Chris's eye stares at NASA's Aqua satellite

Hurricane Chris strengthened into a hurricane on July 10 with maximum sustained winds near 100 mph, bringing heavy rainfall to Newfoundland, Canada. The storm's eye was visible in an infrared image captured by NASA's Aqua satellite, revealing cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit.

Researchers clarify role of mutations in glioblastoma

A study published in PLOS ONE found that different mutations in the PIK3CA gene drive glioblastoma growth, but not a single targeted drug. However, combination therapies show promise, particularly with buparlisib and selumetinib.

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.

Centenary of cosmological constant lambda

The cosmological constant was first introduced by Einstein in 1917 to make the static universe model work. However, after the discovery of cosmic expansion, it became marginalized until recent observations and experiments revived its relevance as a key component of dark energy theory.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

New study: LDL quality is a novel, modifiable cardiovascular risk marker

A new study found that the quality of LDL particles is a significant cardiovascular risk factor, with aggregation-prone LDL linked to increased risk of death. Improvements in LDL quality have been shown to be possible through cholesterol-lowering medication or healthy diet, offering new hope for cardiovascular disease prevention.

New gears in your sleep clock

Researchers find two opposing kinases regulating circadian clock, one stabilizing key protein PER2 and the other promoting its degradation. This discovery provides new targets for treating circadian disorders.

Step-by-step account of systemic lupus erythematosus development revealed

A new study by Osaka University provides crucial evidence for the pathophysiology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disease. The research highlights the importance of type I interferon in SLE development and suggests that targeting this protein may lead to more effective treatments.

Reaching for tissues at the symphony? It's probably solo time

Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that solos are twice as likely to appear in sad songs, with legato articulation and quiet dynamics being key predictors of this occurrence. This finding provides insight into the creative choices composers make when crafting emotional music.

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.

Uncovering the evolutionary history of IBD-associated colorectal cancer

A study at Queen Mary University of London has identified genetic mutations that occur early in the development of bowel cancer in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). These mutations could form the basis of a simple diagnostic test for predicting who is at high risk of developing IBD-associated colorectal cancer.

Researchers couple artificial atom to acoustic resonator

The study demonstrates an interaction between a qubit and surface acoustic waves in the quantum regime, enabling an alternative approach to quantum computer design. This allows for smaller, more stable, and compact quantum computers without the limitations of microwave radiation.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Scoping magnetic fields out for prevention

Physicists develop mathematical formula to approximate magnetic field circulation around a closed path or loop, based on Biot-Savart's law. The study provides a new approach to evaluate the effects of magnetic fields on human health and prevent exposure.

Reining in soil's nitrogen chemistry

Researchers found that coating fertilizer with maleic-itaconic polymers (MIPs) slows down urease activity, improving nitrogen availability for plants. The study suggests farmers have a choice depending on their soil's acidity, offering a potential solution to increase crop yields and reduce environmental impact.

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.

Higher blood pressure may be linked to brain disease, Alzheimer's

A study published in Neurology found that higher blood pressure in later life is associated with signs of brain aging and brain lesions, including infarcts and tangles linked to Alzheimer's disease. The risk of brain lesions increases by 46% for those with one standard deviation above the average systolic blood pressure.

ASHG honors Sekar Kathiresan with 2018 Curt Stern Award

Sekar Kathiresan receives the 2018 Curt Stern Award for his groundbreaking work identifying genetic factors underlying cardiovascular disease risk. His research has led to the development of medicines that mimic protective mutations, reducing heart attack risk.

Footwear habits influence child and adolescent motor skill development

A new study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics found that habitually barefoot children are noticeably better at jumping and balancing compared to habitually shod children. The researchers also suggest that physical education classes and exercise programs could benefit from including barefoot activities.

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.

Healthy diet reduces asthma symptoms

A new study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that healthy diets with high consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain cereals are characterised by better asthma outcomes. Men who ate healthier diets had a 30% lower chance of experiencing asthma symptoms.

Drones survey African wildlife

Researchers use drones to remotely photograph wilderness areas, then analyze images using object recognition software and verified by humans. The AI system learns to distinguish wildlife from inanimate features, making it possible to cover vast areas economically.

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.

Organ regeneration is no longer a distant dream

Researchers at Osaka University have clarified the cellular mechanism behind left-right asymmetric organ morphogenesis using live imaging and computer simulations. The team discovered that 'cell sliding' is essential for this process, which may lead to breakthroughs in regenerating organs with tubular structures.

Engineered cancer cells can fight primary and metastatic cancer

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed engineered cancer cells that can home in on and destroy tumors using CRISPR technology. The treatment shows promise in preclinical models across multiple types of cancer, establishing a potential roadmap for clinical translation.

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.

Optimizing pulsed electric fields to target cancer with calcium ions

Researchers at Kumamoto University identified optimal PEF conditions for increasing cell membrane permeability to calcium. The study found that larger electric fields produced high calcium intake rates, while smaller fields showed undetectable intake rates initially followed by increased rates.

Preoperative opioid use by patients having surgery

A study of 34,000 patients found nearly 1 in 4 used preoperative opioids, linked to age, tobacco use, illicit drug use, pain severity and depression. Identifying these patients can inform effective pain management plans for complex patient populations.

High intensity exercise in teenagers could ward off heart disease

Teenagers who participate in high-intensity exercise have lower blood pressure, which may lead to a reduced risk of developing heart disease later in life. The study found that post-exercise hypotension was more pronounced in vigorous intensity exercise than moderate intensity exercise.