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Science News Archive July 2018 - Page 13


Page 13 of 38

Study shows how the brain controls food cravings

A study from the University of Waterloo found that suppressing brain activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex increases desire for high-calorie foods. Participants who underwent transcranial magnetic stimulation showed stronger urges and consumption of such foods after a placebo stimulation.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalNeuroImage·DateJul 23, 2018

Protease inhibitors may increase risk of death in people with HIV and heart failure

Patients taking ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitors may experience worsening heart failure and cardiovascular death compared to those on non-protease-inhibitor regimens. The study found a doubled risk of hospital readmission within 30 days and increased cardiovascular death within two years.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJul 23, 2018

Ocean acidification a challenge for science, governments & communities

Researchers have found that ocean surface pH has fallen ten times faster than in the past 300 million years, impacting ecosystems, economies, and communities globally. The economic cost of Ocean Acidification is projected to reach over $300 billion annually, highlighting the need for international collaboration and adaptation.

SourceUniversity of Tasmania·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJul 23, 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.

Managerial support for depressed employees linked to fewer days off work

An international survey of 16,000 employees and managers in 15 countries found that managerial support for depression is associated with lower rates of workplace absenteeism. Managers who offered help and support had employees take fewer days off work, while those who avoided discussing the issue led to more absences.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateJul 23, 2018

Honeybee pheromones safely repel elephants, study finds

A study conducted at Kruger park in South Africa found that honeybee pheromones safely repel elephants, showing promise for a safe elephant management tool. The pheromone-laden socks were effective in deterring elephants from approaching water holes, with 25 of 29 elephants moving away after getting close enough to smell the formulation.

SourceISCA, Inc.·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 23, 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.

Cognitive consequences of age-related increase in brain activity

A study published in JNeurosci found that increased frontal brain activity in healthy older adults is associated with reduced cognitive efficiency, not compensation for age-related decline. The research suggests that the extent to which an older brain operates like a younger one is a key determinant of cognitive function in old age.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateJul 23, 2018

Humans, climate, and fire regimes

A study analyzed prairie fire charcoal deposits to examine fire activity over the last millennium in Montana, revealing high activity during 1100-1650 CE and a strong link between humans and climate on fire regimes. Climate records showed that more than half of the fire deposits coincided with modest or short wet periods.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 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.

NIST unblinded me with science: New application of blue light sees through fire

Researchers at NIST demonstrate a new method for visualizing objects engulfed by large gas fires using ordinary blue light. This technique improves the accuracy of material testing by reducing image distortion and enhancing signal clarity. The study has potential applications in fire-resistance standards testing and could lead to more ...

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalFire Technology·DateJul 23, 2018

Alarming error common in survey analyses

A recent study found that many researchers overlook the importance of weighting and sample design in survey data, leading to incorrect estimates. The American Statistical Association has identified this issue as a systemic problem, with only half of secondary analyses accounting for weighting.

SourceAmerican Statistical Association·DateJul 23, 2018

Two quality improvement programs lead to fewer postoperative complications

The Strong for Surgery program improved glycemic control among diabetic patients, with 97.31% achieving proper blood sugar levels after six months. The program also increased smoking cessation rates, with 10.5% of tobacco users quitting before operations. An enhanced recovery approach reduced hospital length of stay and costs.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·DateJul 23, 2018

Fluctuations in early Earth oxygen levels

Researchers found low oxygen levels in early Earth rocks, indicating significant atmospheric variations during early life development. Oxygen concentrations were around 0.1% of present levels, affecting the evolution of complex organisms.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Overnight brain stimulation improves memory

Researchers have found that non-invasive brain stimulation during sleep can improve memory consolidation and generalization. The study used a closed-loop transcranial alternating current stimulation system to synchronize brain activity during slow-wave oscillations, leading to enhanced performance in detecting targets in novel situations.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateJul 23, 2018

Largest genetic database on Alzheimer's disease now re-open for business

The National Institute on Aging Genetics of Alzheimer's Disease Data Storage Site (NIAGADS) has made large-scale DNA sequence data available to researchers. The database includes whole-genome sequence data from 5,000 subjects with Alzheimer's disease and cognitively normal controls from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateJul 23, 2018
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.

The short, tumultuous working life of a major league baseball pitcher

Researchers used cohort change ratios to estimate working life expectancies in MLB pitchers, revealing that most careers are much shorter than the few stars who stick around. This method could be applied to other sports, like American football and basketball, where contact is more prevalent.

SourceAmerican Statistical Association·DateJul 22, 2018

Women under-treated for heart attacks die at twice the rate of men

A study published in the Medical Journal of Australia found that women under-treated for heart attacks die at twice the rate of men. The study adjusted for confounding factors and analyzed data from 41 hospitals across Australia, revealing significant disparities in treatment outcomes between men and women.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalThe Medical Journal of Australia·DateJul 22, 2018

First dementia prevalence data in lesbian, gay and bisexual older adults

The study found significant rates of depression, hypertension, stroke, and cardiovascular disease among sexual minority older adults, contributing to the level of dementia. The prevalence of dementia increases with age, even in 'oldest old', and survival time for people with dementia is six years regardless of age.

SourceAlzheimer's Association·DateJul 22, 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.

Saliva test could improve diabetes control and treatment

Researchers found that proteins in saliva reflect high blood sugar levels in young patients with type 1 diabetes, allowing for early prediction of complications. A potential new preventive treatment has been identified using gene database searching.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateJul 22, 2018
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

A molecular key for delaying the progression of multiple sclerosis is found

Researchers identified a molecular key, P2X4 receptor, that delays Multiple Sclerosis (MS) progression by reducing chronic inflammation and promoting repair responses in the nervous tissue. The study found that activating this receptor improves symptoms during the disease's chronic phase.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateJul 20, 2018

Wearable device from Stanford measures cortisol in sweat

A Stanford University team has created a stretchy patch that measures cortisol levels in sweat, offering non-invasive and continuous monitoring of physiological conditions. The device, which uses a membrane bound to cortisol, detects charged ions in sweat and provides results in seconds.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 20, 2018
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.

The genes are not to blame

A systematic literature analysis by TUM researchers found no evidence for genetic factors affecting total calorie, carbohydrate, or fat consumption. However, genes like FTO and MC4R were linked to energy intake in some studies, but the findings were inconsistent.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAdvances in Nutrition·DateJul 20, 2018

Texas A&M study: Sahara dust may make you cough, but it's a storm killer

A study published by Texas A&M University found that Saharan dust suppresses cloud formation and decreases the occurrence of hurricanes over the Gulf of Mexico region. The research suggests that dust can reduce the sea surface temperature, leading to more stable atmospheric conditions unfavorable for storm formation.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Climate·DateJul 20, 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.

Eagle-eyed machine learning algorithm outdoes human experts

Researchers trained a machine learning algorithm to analyze microscopic radiation damage, achieving an accuracy of 86% compared to humans. The algorithm can process images faster and more efficiently than humans, making it a promising tool for developing safe nuclear materials.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·Journalnpj Computational Materials·DateJul 20, 2018

Action on Hearing Loss UK awards NCBS scientist

Dr. Raj Ladher of NCBS receives grant to study protein protocadherin-15 and its role in hearing loss. The funds will aid in understanding how modified protocadherin-15 affects hair cell response to sound, which could lead to treatment development for hearing loss.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·DateJul 20, 2018

New study shows video games can improve health in children with obesity

A new study from Louisiana State University found that video games, combined with fitness coaching and a step tracker, helped overweight children reduce their body mass index, cholesterol levels, and increase physical activity. Children who played video games also showed increased self-efficacy towards physical activity.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalPediatric Obesity·DateJul 20, 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.

Doctors rely on more than just data for medical decision making

A new study from MIT found that doctors' written notes reveal their 'gut feelings' play a significant role in determining how many tests they order for patients, beyond just analyzing symptoms and medical data. The researchers used sentiment analysis to uncover this correlation, which was strongest at the beginning of a patient's hospi...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJul 20, 2018

Deep learning cracks the code of messenger RNAs and protein-coding potential

Researchers at Oregon State University developed a gated recurrent neural network to decipher RNA's connections to human health and disease. The model, called mRNN, outperformed existing methods in predicting protein-coding potential and identified special codons that indicate protein synthesis.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJul 20, 2018

The need for speed: Why malaria parasites are faster than human immune cells

Scientists found that malaria parasites are ten times nimbler than the fastest of our immune cells and literally outrun our immune defences. This difference is due to a key issue in how actin filaments are formed and broken down, which could lead to new drugs targeting parasite actin.

SourceHeidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS)·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 20, 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.

ASHG honors Eric S. Lander with William Allan Award

Eric S. Lander, a pioneer in the study of the human genome and Human Genome Project, has been honored with the William Allan Award for his substantial and far-reaching scientific contributions to human genetics. The award recognizes his work on genetic mapping, genome-wide association studies, and cancer genomics.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·DateJul 20, 2018

Parakeet pecking orders, basketball match-ups, and the tenure-track

Researchers from the Santa Fe Institute developed a new algorithm called SpringRank that analyzes wins and losses in networks to predict outcomes. The algorithm outperformed others in efficiency and accuracy, even when applied to diverse datasets such as NCAA basketball teams and animal social behaviors.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 20, 2018

Supplemental oxygen eliminates morning blood pressure rise in sleep apnea patients

A new study published by the American Thoracic Society found that supplemental oxygen eliminated the rise in morning blood pressure experienced by OSA patients who stopped using CPAP. The study suggests that intermittent hypoxia is the dominant cause of daytime increase in blood pressure in OSA.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJul 20, 2018

Wave energy converters are not geared towards the increase in energy over the last century

Researchers found that wave energy converters did not take full advantage of available energy, especially during extreme events, and their design needs to be adapted to handle increasing ocean activity. The study suggests a 40% increase in marine energy over the last century, with the largest increase occurring in the last 20 years.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalApplied Energy·DateJul 20, 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.

Can greening vacant urban land improve mental health?

A cluster randomized trial in Philadelphia found that greening vacant urban land improved self-reported mental health, with participants experiencing less depression and anxiety after the intervention. The study's results suggest that investing in green spaces can have a positive impact on mental wellbeing in urban areas.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 20, 2018
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.

People love to hate on do-gooders, especially at work

A recent study published in Psychological Science found that cooperative individuals are more likely to face social punishment in competitive environments, even if it harms the entire group. In egalitarian societies, this dynamic has prevented dominant individuals from dominating the group.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 20, 2018

Current noises of Majorana fermions

Majorana fermions, which are self-antiparticles, can be detected using current noise in a topological Josephson junction. The study found that the non-equilibrium current noises exhibit peaks at specific frequencies, indicating the presence of these particles. This method provides a direct detection method for Majorana fermions.

SourceScience China Press·DateJul 20, 2018

Urgent change needed to regulate the environmental impacts of chemicals

The research identifies 22 key questions to address the most pressing knowledge gaps in chemical regulation, including identifying hotspots of contaminants and developing methods to protect biodiversity. Scientists emphasize the need for a holistic approach to assessing the effects of combinations of chemicals on ecological communities.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateJul 20, 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.