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Science News Archive July 2018


Page 30 of 38

Genome's gyrations fit right into Rice University model

Researchers at Rice University have developed an energy landscape model that details the combination of forces driving nuclear motion in cells. The model, based on a protein folding algorithm, reveals the presence of dynamically associated domains and phase separation in chromatin segments.

Seeing yourself as Einstein may change the way you think

A virtual reality simulation of Albert Einstein's body reduces age stereotypes and enhances cognitive performance in those with low self-esteem. Participants with low self-esteem who experienced the virtual Einstein body performed better on cognitive tasks and showed reduced implicit bias against older people.

Where river meets ocean

A recent study by Nick Nidzieko reveals that larger estuarine systems are less productive per unit size than smaller ones, challenging the long-held 'larger-is-more-efficient' concept. This finding has significant implications for understanding carbon and nutrient cycling in coastal zones.

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.

Vaginal microbiome may influence stress levels of offspring

A new study by researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine found that exposing newborn mice to vaginal microbes from stressed female mice can transfer the effects of stress to the newborns. The study indicates that maternal stress affects brain development in offspring and may be influenced by the vaginal microbiota.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Environmental impact passed on to offspring

Research shows that ambient temperature before conception influences offspring's brown adipose tissue activity and protection against excess weight and metabolic disorders. This epigenetic mechanism may explain why people in cold regions have higher levels of brown fat.

Transmission of NDM bacteria between dogs and humans established

A recent study published in Eurosurveillance confirms that NDM bacteria can be transmitted between dogs and humans, with the owner of two Finnish dogs also carrying the bacterium. The transmission was established through genome analysis, which revealed identical bacterial isolates from dogs and humans.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Birds eat 400 to 500 million tonnes of insects annually

Insectivorous birds consume between 400 and 500 million metric tonnes of insects per year, mainly beetles, flies, and other arthropods. This helps keep plant-eating insect populations under control, supporting forest ecosystems.

Bale monkeys living in different areas have very different DNA

A study published in BMC Evolutionary Biology found that Bale monkeys living in different habitats have distinct mitochondrial DNA profiles. The researchers discovered that populations from fragmented forests were more closely related to vervet and grivet monkeys than those from continuous forests, suggesting hybridization had occurred.

It takes a village...

Researchers identify myofibroblasts as key players in activating nucleus movement, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies for muscle disorders. The discovery could improve understanding of muscle differentiation, functionality, and regeneration.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Hospital quality improves over time with EHRs, study finds

A study by UCSF researchers found that hospitals adopting electronic health records (EHRs) initially experienced higher mortality rates, but these improved over time as they learned to work with the technology and adopted new capabilities. The benefits of EHR adoption were most pronounced in smaller and non-teaching hospitals.

BU and Ohio University researchers awarded NIH grant

Researchers are investigating the relationship between obesity-induced changes in fat tissue metabolism and vascular disease. The study aims to characterize the role of protein FSP27 in the pathogenesis of obesity-related vascular disease.

Stronger west winds blow ill wind for climate change

Researchers found that stronger westerly winds near Antarctica led to massive CO2 releases in the past, similar to current human-caused climate change. This contraction and strengthening of winds can significantly impact atmospheric CO2 concentrations and future climate.

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.

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.

New patch boosts brightness in medical diagnostic tests

A new patch developed at Washington University in St. Louis increases fluorescence intensity by 100 times, making it easier to visualize and diagnose low-abundance analytes. The plasmonic patch is a cheap fix that can be applied to existing diagnostic tests without requiring any protocol changes.

Can we get the immune system to tolerate organ transplants?

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have discovered a new way to enhance the immune system's tolerance for organ transplants. By increasing the activity of a regulatory protein called DEPTOR in immune cells, heart transplants were able to survive for an average of 35 days, compared to just 7 days without immunosuppressive drugs.

Farming fish alter 'cropping' strategies under high CO2

Researchers at the University of Adelaide found that fish alter their cropping practices under high CO2 conditions, leading to faster growth rates of algae and increased territory occupation. This adaptation could benefit fisheries stocks.

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.

Scientists create a complete atlas of lung tumor cells

Researchers have identified 52 distinct cell types in lung tumors, far more than previously thought, offering new avenues for treatment and research. The study's findings will help develop strategies to fight tumor growth and test new immunotherapy targets.

The ideal of equality makes opera thrive in Finland

The Finnish opera scene is experiencing a surge in diversity and creativity, thanks to its emphasis on equality and inclusivity. Over 300 operas have been composed in Finland between 1990 and 2017, with the number of new works increasing significantly in the 21st century.

Pancreatic cancer: Mutable cancer cells are more dangerous

Researchers discovered that pancreatic cancer cells' ability to alter their characteristics and shape affects where metastases form. The presence of E-cadherin protein controls this process, with its absence leading to lung metastases but not liver metastases.

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.

Research brief: Human rights in a changing sociopolitical climate

The US refugee resettlement program is struggling to cope with a changing sociopolitical climate, particularly with regards to Syrians. Researchers found that organizations are struggling to obtain basic resources for refugees upon arrival, including housing and job placement.

Fluorescent fish genes light path to neuroblastoma

A Rice University neurobiologist and cancer researcher has created a new type of zebrafish that produces fluorescent tags in migratory embryonic nerve precursor cells. The goal is to find the origins of neuroblastoma, which could potentially lead to treatments for cancers where SOX proteins play a role.

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.

Insectivorous birds consume annually as much energy as the city of New York

The world's insectivorous birds consume a significant amount of energy annually, estimated to be comparable to that of the city of New York. Forest birds play a crucial role in suppressing pest insects, with their annual food intake being around three-quarters of the global prey biomass gathered by insectivorous birds.

Gene-editing technique cures genetic disorder in utero

Researchers used a peptide nucleic acid-based gene editing technique to successfully cure a genetic condition in mice. The treatment corrected 6% of mutations and caused dramatic improvements in symptoms, suggesting a promising new approach for treating genetic disorders during early stages of development.

Qubits as valves: Controlling quantum heat engines

A team from Aalto University creates a miniature 'heat valve' in a quantum system, enabling the controlled exchange of energy with external surroundings. This breakthrough aims to improve the efficiency of quantum heat engines and refrigerators.

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.

Evolution of melanoma reveals opportunities for intervention

UCSF researchers identified key genetic changes that transform benign moles into malignant melanoma, including mutations in DNA regulatory genes. They used CRISPR to recreate the steps of melanoma evolution in lab cells, revealing new biomarkers and potential targeted therapies.

Space: Tribology's final frontier

A team led by Lehigh University's Brandon Krick is using a Molybdenum Disulphide (MoS2) coating to reduce friction in space, addressing the challenges of high-temperature and corrosive environments. The research aims to improve satellite performance and reduce energy loss.

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.

Alarming trend shows first-time smoking among young adults

Research reveals that young adults are more likely to start smoking and using e-cigarettes than adolescents, challenging traditional social norms. This trend has significant health implications, as young adults are less monitored and more independent, making them prone to carrying on smoking.

Following the fresh water

A research team from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution found the fingerprint of a massive flood of fresh water in the western Arctic, which is believed to have caused an ancient cold snap around 13,000 years ago. The cause of this event, known as the Younger Dryas, has remained a mystery for decades.

WSU study reveals how shift work disrupts metabolism

A WSU study using metabolomics found that shift work schedules alter 24-hour rhythms in digestive organs, disrupting metabolism and increasing the risk of obesity and diabetes. The study suggests that separate biological clocks in the liver, gut, and pancreas play a key role in this disruption.

Altitude sickness drug appears to slow progression of glioblastoma

A study published in Science Translational Medicine found that acetazolamide increases sensitivity to treatment and enhances survival in mice with glioblastoma. The drug, which is also used to treat altitude sickness, was able to restore the effectiveness of chemotherapy by blocking a protein called BCL-3.

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.

New way to regenerate hearts after a heart attack

Researchers have identified how a new treatment in mice can regenerate the heart after a heart attack by promoting growth of lymphatic vessels and clearing immune cells. This approach showed significant reduction in damaged heart muscle and improved recovery of pumping function.

Charcoal: Major missing piece in the global carbon cycle

Researchers at the University of Zurich discovered that black carbon can age for millennia on land and in rivers before being exported to the ocean, forming a major long-term sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide. This finding adds a significant piece to the puzzle of understanding the global carbon cycle.

NASA satellite tracking remnants of ex-Tropical Cyclone Beryl

NASA's Aqua satellite detected two areas of strong thunderstorms with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit, capable of generating heavy rainfall. The remnants of Tropical Storm Beryl are expected to pass over the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico today, producing locally heavy rainfall and strong gusty winds.

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.

Cross-sex hormone therapy raises risk for vascular events in transgender women

A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine has found that cross-sex hormone therapy may increase the risk for certain vascular events among transgender women. The researchers compared the incidence rates of acute cardiovascular events in a large cohort of transgender persons with those observed in age-, race-, site-, and m...