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Science News Archive July 2018 - Page 15


Page 15 of 38

Four World Cup gold medals -- and a baby

Researcher Guro Strøm Solli studied Marit Bjørgen's pre- and post-pregnancy training regime, revealing how she trained at moderate intensity despite experiencing weight gain and physiological changes. Bjørgen's high-training volume during pregnancy was also remarkable, with 555 hours of training in 316 sessions.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateJul 19, 2018

Treating dementia with the healing waves of sound

Researchers at Tohoku University found that whole-brain low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) therapy improved cognitive dysfunction in mice with vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The treatment was shown to enhance blood vessel formation, nerve cell regeneration, and protein expression without serious side effects.

SourceTohoku University·JournalBrain Stimulation·DateJul 19, 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.

Plague vaccine bait -- look who's coming to dinner

A new study published in EcoHealth confirms that plague vaccine bait is safe for thousands of small rodents, including mice species, without apparent ill effects. The findings support the use of this vaccine bait to help recover endangered black-footed ferrets and protect prairie dog populations from plague.

SourceMorris Animal Foundation·JournalEcoHealth·DateJul 19, 2018

Aggressive immune cells aggravate Parkinson's disease

Researchers at FAU found that immune cells in Parkinson's patients, specifically T-cells, kill nerve cells producing dopamine. Antibodies blocking Th17 cells offer hope for new treatment methods.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 19, 2018

No refuge in the deep for shallow reef ecosystems

A new report suggests that deep water coral reefs are not refuges for shallow reef organisms and require protection. The study found that mesophotic coral reefs have their own independent communities with little species overlap between depth zones.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 19, 2018

New training platform for big data analysis

A new online training platform is being developed to address the lack of bioinformatics and statistics knowledge among researchers in the life sciences. The Galaxy Europe project aims to provide interactive tutorials using real datasets, aiming to improve data science methods use.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalCell Systems·DateJul 19, 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.

Most common shoulder operation is no more beneficial than placebo surgery

A new study published in The BMJ found that decompression surgery for shoulder impingement syndrome offers no greater relief from pain than placebo surgery. Two years after the procedure, patients in both groups experienced equally little shoulder pain and were equally satisfied with their situation.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalThe BMJ·DateJul 19, 2018

Disney Animation to premiere first VR short at SIGGRAPH 2018

Walt Disney Animation Studios premieres its first VR short film Cycles at SIGGRAPH 2018, exploring the true meaning of creating a home and the life within. The film utilizes innovative techniques such as Quill VR painting and motion capture to bring the story to life in immersive virtual reality.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateJul 19, 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.

Ohio Professor Hua earns prestigious NSF grant

Professor Hua's five-year $1.09 million grant will focus on F-box-mediated protein degradation in seed development, aiming to develop precision agriculture through manipulating the ubiquitin-26S proteasome system. The project also aims to promote computational thinking skills among underrepresented students.

SourceOhio University·DateJul 19, 2018

Neural inflammation plays critical role in stress-induced depression

Researchers found that neural inflammation caused by innate immune system triggers depressive behavior through activation of microglia and expression of inflammation-related cytokines. This discovery could lead to the development of new antidepressants targeting innate immune molecules.

SourceKobe University·JournalNeuron·DateJul 19, 2018

Learning from 'Little Monsters'

A recent study by UCSB researcher David Herbst explores the connection between benthic invertebrates and stream water flow. The research, published in Hydrobiologia, sheds light on how these organisms sort out and change with stream dynamics. This new understanding has significant implications for water quality monitoring programs.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalHydrobiologia·DateJul 19, 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.

Building blocks of life

Researchers at Shinshu University have developed proteins that can self-assemble into complex nanostructures, a breakthrough in biomolecular engineering and synthetic biology. The new protein complexes can be designed to produce various chain-like structures on demand, opening up possibilities for innovative applications in biotechnology.

SourceShinshu University·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateJul 19, 2018

New particles are formed also in the polluted air of major cities

Researchers discovered a mechanism for forming nanometre-sized ultrafine particles in polluted air, involving sulphuric acid and dimethylamine. The study, published in Science, uses advanced measuring equipment developed by the University of Helsinki's Atmospheric Science department.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScience·DateJul 19, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

In a warming climate, Arctic geese are rushing north

Barnacle geese accelerate their 3,000-kilometer migration in response to rising Arctic temperatures. However, the birds' early arrival is often offset by a recovery period that delays egg-laying, resulting in reduced gosling survival rates.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 19, 2018

Reversing cause and effect is no trouble for quantum computers

Researchers found that quantum models can entirely mitigate the memory overhead required to model data in reverse, outperforming classical models. This discovery has profound implications for our understanding of time and its arrow.

SourceCentre for Quantum Technologies at the National University of Singapore·JournalPhysical Review X·DateJul 19, 2018

Traveling to the sun: Why won't Parker Solar Probe melt?

The Parker Solar Probe will travel closer to the Sun than any mission before it, providing unprecedented observations of the corona. Despite temperatures exceeding a million degrees Fahrenheit, the spacecraft will withstand due to its custom heat shield and autonomous system.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 19, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Fruit fly species can learn each other's dialects

Researchers found that fruit fly species from different backgrounds can communicate more effectively when they cohabitate and learn each other's visual and scent cues. The study suggests that variation in communication ability between species may be analogous to dialects, which can be alleviated through socialization.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJul 19, 2018

Low-cost formulas in the manufacturing of non-stick food molds

A new technique has been developed to manufacture non-stick food molds at a lower cost and with ease. The method involves transforming metal sheets covered in teflon and PVC into the desired shape using a punch guided by a computer, resulting in functional molds.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalApplied Sciences·DateJul 19, 2018

Targeting headaches and tumors with nano-submarines

Scientists have developed a new method to attach drug-filled nanocarriers to immune cells, which can attack tumors, leading to improved targeted treatment. This breakthrough, published in Nature Nanotechnology, shows that the method is more efficient than traditional chemical bonding methods.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 19, 2018
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.

US opioid prescribing rates by congressional district

A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that congressional districts in the southeastern US and Appalachia have the highest opioid prescribing rates. These areas were followed closely by rural west states. On the other hand, districts near urban centers tend to have lower prescribing rates.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJul 19, 2018

Taking the lead toward witchweed control

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) have developed the first specific inhibitor for uncontrollable plant pest Striga hermonthica, a parasitic plant affecting global food security. The breakthrough discovery uses a binding molecule to inhibit seed germination.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalEMBO Reports·DateJul 19, 2018

Viruses cooperate to overcome immune defences of bacteria

Research reveals phages work together to overcome CRISPR-Cas, a key breakthrough for improving phage therapy to treat life-threatening bacterial infections. The study shows that a high number of viral particles can overwhelm bacterial defenses, leading to the establishment of an infection in bacterial populations.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCell·DateJul 19, 2018
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.

Oil biodegradation inhibited in deep-sea sediments

Degradation rates of oil were slower in the dark and cold waters of the Gulf of Mexico than at surface conditions. Oil biodegradation rates decreased by 4 percent for every 328 feet of increase in water depth, with complete degradation taking 42 days in sediments deeper than 3280 feet.

SourcePenn State·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 19, 2018

Analysis of prostate tumors reveals clues to cancer's aggressiveness

Scientists have identified genetic errors common in metastatic prostate tumors, including alterations in the androgen receptor region. The study found that about 80% of aggressive tumors had similar genetic changes, which could lead to new treatment options for patients with aggressive forms of prostate cancer.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell·DateJul 19, 2018

Chemists characterize the fatal fungus among us

Researchers at LSU have characterized the cell wall structure of Aspergillus fumigatus, a fatal fungus affecting over 200,000 people annually. The high-resolution architecture reveals a semi-waterproof core and sugar-protein mixture, providing molecular basis for engineering effective antifungal drugs.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 19, 2018

Relax, just break it

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory used novel tools to study local order in relaxor ferroelectrics, revealing a correlation between butterfly-shaped diffuse scattering and piezoelectric behavior. This discovery could lead to the development of non-lead-based materials with improved properties.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 19, 2018

Two faces offer limitless possibilities

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a new way to chemically deposit a second face on Janus membranes, resulting in more robust and precisely structured membranes. This breakthrough could help optimize or enable various industrial processes, including wastewater treatment and biofuel production.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateJul 19, 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.

Study: ADHD drugs do not improve cognition in healthy college students

A study by University of Rhode Island and Brown University researchers found that ADHD medications did not improve cognition in healthy college students, but instead impaired working memory. The medication did show attention and focus improvements, but these effects failed to translate to better performance on neurocognitive tasks.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalPharmacy·DateJul 19, 2018

Cold fronts may increase stroke mortality

A study in São Paulo City found that falling temperatures correlate with rising numbers of deaths from stroke, particularly among over-65s. Lower temperatures are a risk factor for hemorrhagic stroke, especially among women.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Biometeorology·DateJul 19, 2018
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.

App, brief intervention may be lifesaver for suicidal teens

A new app-based intervention has shown promising results in reducing suicidal attempts among teenagers after hospital discharge. The BRITE app, part of a brief three-hour program, prompts daily mood ratings and offers personalized recovery strategies to equip teens with coping skills.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJul 19, 2018

'Good cholesterol' may not always be good

A study of 1,138 postmenopausal women found that higher HDL cholesterol did not lower cardiovascular disease risk, but rather masked a significant heart disease risk. Small HDL particles were beneficial for these women, while large particles increased risk.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·DateJul 19, 2018

Mayo Clinic researchers uncover methods to quantify the yips and golfer's cramp

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have identified a neurological cause for the yips in golfers, which can be measured using quantitative methods. The study found that five out of 27 golfers had a neurologic cause for their condition, with greater acceleration of wrist and arm movement and more variability in wrist acceleration and rotation.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateJul 19, 2018
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.

Why does making new egg cells require so much cell death?

Researchers found that roundworms create oocytes with two nuclei but destroy them through apoptosis, recycling mitochondrial material into new eggs. This process helps understand why animals target so many cells for destruction during egg formation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJul 19, 2018

Robots working as a group are able to determine the optimal order of their tasks

Researchers at ULB's IRIDIA laboratory have shown that robots can emerge with the ability to correctly order tasks, enabling complex missions such as disaster rescue. This breakthrough demonstrates a complex cognitive skill emerging from group interactions, paving the way for autonomous robot swarms in various applications.

SourceUniversité libre de Bruxelles·JournalScience Robotics·DateJul 19, 2018

The puzzling problems of urban particle formation

Researchers in Shanghai discovered new particles formed in polluted air, defying expectations and highlighting the need for emission reductions to mitigate climate change. The study provides new insights into urban particle formation (NPF) and its role in affecting local and global air quality.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 19, 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.

Oregon researchers say sea pickles are adapting to the Pacific Northwest

Researchers discover pyrosomes, known as 'sea pickles,' are thriving in colder waters off the Oregon coast, potentially disrupting regional fishing operations and food webs. The invasive species may be capitalizing on nutrient-poor conditions to feed on plankton, leading to systemic changes in the ecosystem.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalEcology·DateJul 19, 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.