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Science News Archive July 2018


Page 38 of 38

Pregnancy loss occurs in 26 percent of Zika-infected monkeys

A new study found that Zika virus-infected monkeys experienced a 26% fetal death rate, which could indicate more severe outcomes in human pregnancies. The research used data from six National Primate Research Centers and tracked fetal development in infected macaques.

Metformin reverses established lung fibrosis

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have shown that metformin can reverse established lung fibrosis using a drug treatment targeting cell metabolism. The study used human lung fibroblasts and a mouse model of lung fibrosis, finding that metformin accelerated the resolution of well-established fibrosis.

How mangroves help keep the planet cool

A new study published in Nature Climate Change found that mangroves store significantly more carbon than previously estimated, with blue carbon levels underestimated by up to 50 percent and overestimated by up to 86 percent. The research provides a higher quality dataset for tropical countries to mitigate carbon enrichment.

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.

Owls see as humans do

Researchers studied barn owls' brain and behavior while tracking dark dots on a screen, finding evidence of perceptual grouping. This ability, crucial for vision-based species, was previously only studied in primates.

Braille-like system for mechanical memory

Scientists encode information on a cylindrical elastic shell with stable dimples, enabling reprogrammable storage and erasure. The system could serve as the basis for small-scale mechanical memories.

Study shows machine learning can improve catalytic design

A new study shows that combining machine learning and quantum chemistry can help chemical engineers at Rice University and Penn State find fundamental correlations in large amounts of data. This allows them to narrow down their search and design more efficient catalysts, which can translate into millions of dollars for companies.

When mentors do this one thing, it can help reduce teen delinquency

A new study led by a University of Kansas researcher reveals that non-family adults in mentoring youth relationships can significantly reduce delinquency and destructive behavior. The study found that teachers or coaches at school had a positive impact on increasing matters and reducing danger, suggesting that making kids feel apprecia...

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.

Koala genome cracked Down Under to help save species

The koala's complete genome has been sequenced, offering unprecedented insights into its unique biology and potential health solutions. The research provides a springboard for conservation efforts and may lead to the discovery of new anti-microbial genes with human health applications.

Deaths tied to viral videos inspire prevention research

A new study aims to analyze the content and potential harm posed by social media challenges, including a series of tasks that ends with suicide. Researchers will investigate the characteristics that contribute to their viral spread and develop ways to prevent these phenomenon in the future.

Undetected Zika infections may be triggering miscarriages and stillbirths

A collaborative study between six National Primate Research Centers found that 26% of female nonhuman primates infected with Zika virus experienced miscarriage or stillbirth despite few clinical signs of infection. The study suggests that Zika-associated pregnancy loss in humans may be more frequent than currently thought.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Experimental drug stops Parkinson's disease progression in mice

Researchers develop experimental drug NLY01 that slows Parkinson's disease progression in mice by blocking degradation of brain cells and protecting nerve cells. The drug, similar to diabetes treatments, may offer a new treatment option for the progressive disorder.

What people want from a trip to the ER

ER patients often want more than just a diagnosis; they seek reassurance, symptom management guidance, and navigation of the healthcare system. Research reveals that addressing these concrete needs can improve patient care outcomes.

Research shows plants in Africa 'green up' ahead of rainy season

Researchers found that over 80% of natural vegetation began growing in response to pre-rain green-up signals, with woodlands leading the way. The study challenges traditional assumptions about rainfall's role in African plant growth and highlights the need for further research into environmental cues driving this phenomenon.

Discovering 'virtual' resources in the national food system

Pitt researchers create a network model to analyze the interconnectivity of US food, energy, and water resources. The study aims to identify 'virtual' resources consumed in production but not intended for direct use, and provide solutions to minimize environmental impact.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Can doctors identify older patients at risk of medication harm?

A new study found that doctors' predictions of medication-related harm (MRH) in older adults are not reliable. Despite clinical experience and confidence influencing accuracy, predictions were no more accurate than chance. New approaches to identify high-risk individuals are needed to mitigate serious consequences.

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.

Treating Alzheimer's with aspirin

Research suggests that low-dose aspirin regimens could decrease amyloid plaque pathology in mice by stimulating lysosomes. Activating cellular waste removal mechanisms is a promising strategy for slowing disease progression.

New cancer immunotherapy shows promise in early tests

Researchers develop a two-part 'punch' to re-educate macrophages and enhance their capacity to eat tumor cells, leading to complete inhibition of tumor growth. The therapy, tested in melanoma and breast cancer preclinical models, shows promise as a complementary treatment option.

Computer algorithm maps cancer resistance to drugs, therapy

A new computer algorithm developed by Johns Hopkins researchers can predict when cancer cells will develop resistance to treatment. The Coordinate Gene Activity in Pattern Sets (CoGAPS) algorithm uses in vitro cell models and computational analysis to track molecular changes over time.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

The vanishing nuclear industry

The US nuclear power sector is expected to vanish in the next few decades due to the aging of large light water reactors and competition from low-cost natural gas. Advanced reactor designs and small modular reactors may not play a significant role in US energy markets either.

Fern-tastic! Crowdfunded fern genomes published in Nature Plants

Researchers sequenced the first fern genome, enabling insights into land plant evolution and cyanobacterial symbioses. The study revealed genes specific to Azolla's interaction with Nostoc, a cyanobiont, and an important insecticidal gene that provides protection against insect pests.

Loss of cilia leads to melanoma

Research reveals epigenetic factors, including EZH2 protein, play a crucial role in melanoma formation. The loss of cilia in pigment cells activates carcinogenic signaling pathways, leading to aggressive melanoma.

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.

Making opaque materials totally transparent

Scientists at EPFL have developed a system that allows sound waves to travel across opaque materials without distortion. The tiny speakers can be controlled to amplify or attenuate the sound waves, offsetting the diffusion caused by obstacles and reproducing the original sound exactly on the other side. This technology has potential ap...

Timely interventions help spot signs of teen dating violence

A therapist-based intervention significantly reduced dating violence perpetration and depression symptoms in teens. The study found a 47% lower rate of self-reported dating violence among participants who received the intervention compared to those without one.

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.

Mutation and 3D modeling reveal new structure to cell division process

Researchers at OIST Graduate University challenge cohesin's ring-shaped model by demonstrating that a mutation can't break down the complex, suggesting it may have a different structure. A new hold-and-release model proposes cohesin is like a jaw that holds chromatids in place and then opens to allow chromatin to move.

Computer graphics research team to present new tool for sketching faces

A research team has developed a new sketch-based editing framework called FaceShop that uses machine-learning techniques to enable users to edit their photos by 'sketching' a few strokes on top of them. The system allows untrained users to perform complex edits within minutes using an intuitive interface.

Prospective teachers more likely to view black faces than white faces as angry

A preliminary study by North Carolina State University researchers found that prospective teachers are more likely to perceive Black faces as angry and judge the behavior of Black children as more hostile. This cultural disconnect may contribute to the disproportionate number of Black students facing disciplinary actions.

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.

Electrical disorder acts like a traffic light for a biological gate

A new study reveals how proteins with mixed electrical charges influence membrane crossing, shedding light on their multiple functions and disease mechanisms. The research focuses on Intrinsically Disordered Proteins, which can take on various shapes due to electric charge disorder.

Greenhouse gases were the main driver of climate change in the deep past

Researchers found that ancient greenhouse gases were the main driver of climate change during the Eocene period, providing insight into long-term climate drivers. The study used climate models and proxy data to reconstruct temperature trends and found that polar amplification was caused by greenhouse gas forcing.

The increasingly efficient teenage brain

Researchers found that some brain networks become more densely connected during adolescence, while others become less so. These changes may underlie the refinement of cognitive abilities that develop during the teenage years.

Does a full hospital mean higher infection risk?

Researchers found that hospital occupancy levels, particularly in the middle range, were associated with a lower risk of C. diff infections. When the hospital was between 25 percent and 75 percent full, the risk of infection was more than three times higher compared to less than 25 percent or more than 75 percent occupancy.

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.

Gene discovery unlocks mysteries to our immunity

A team of researchers from CSIRO Australia has identified a new gene called C6 that regulates the body's immune response to infection and disease. The discovery could lead to targeted therapies for various diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and inflammatory disorders.

Mindfulness is key to tinnitus relief research reveals

Researchers found Mindfulness based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) significantly reduces tinnitus severity compared to relaxation-based treatments. MBCT teaches patients to 'allow' and 'accept' tinnitus, leading to a less intrusive experience.

Predicting bad side effects

Researchers developed a DNA sequencing kit that identifies variations in the NUDT15 gene, allowing for accurate predictions of adverse reactions. The test has been approved for clinical use in Japan and holds promise for reducing severe side effects in East Asian patients.

$20 blood test could help diagnose hepatitis B patients across Africa

Researchers developed an accurate diagnostic score that uses two simple blood tests to identify patients in need of treatment against the deadly hepatitis B virus. The test was found to be as accurate as existing methods but at a fraction of the cost, making it accessible for sub-Saharan Africa's poorest regions.

Cost-effective universal screening for hepatitis C in France

A mathematical model developed by Sylvie Deuffic-Burban assesses the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of different screening strategies, including universal screening. The results show that universal screening is associated with better life expectancy adjusted for quality of life than other strategies.

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.