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Science News Archive July 2018 - Page 20


Page 20 of 38

Mobile coupons can increase revenue both during and after a promotion

New research from Binghamton University found that mobile coupons can increase both short-term and long-term sales goals. Targeting customers with the right type of mobile coupon, such as free-sample coupons, can boost revenue beyond the promotion period.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalInternational Journal of Research in Marketing·DateJul 16, 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.

Public attention on cognitive evaluation test used on President Trump

A new study found that approximately half of news articles about the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in relation to President Trump embedded or hyperlinked to parts of the questionnaire. This has raised concerns among researchers about patients' prior exposure to the test, potentially affecting its validity.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateJul 16, 2018

Researchers engineer bacteria to create fertilizer out of thin air

Scientists have engineered a bacterium that can fix nitrogen from the air, paving the way for nitrogen-fixing plants that could reduce fertilizer usage and increase crop yields. The breakthrough could benefit billions of people worldwide, particularly subsistence farmers.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalmBio·DateJul 16, 2018

Plant mothers talk to their embryos via the hormone auxin

Researchers find that a plant hormone called auxin from the mother plays a crucial role in regulating early embryo development in plants. The study, published in Nature Plants, reveals that increased maternal auxin production is necessary for normal embryo development and that auxin from the mother is essential for correct embryo growth.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Plants·DateJul 16, 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.

Reactivation of Rett syndrome gene

A study on Rett syndrome found that small molecule inhibitors reactivated the inactive X-linked MECP2 gene, rectifying morphological defects in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons. The treatment has potential therapeutic applications for the neurodevelopmental disorder.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 16, 2018

Olfactory receptors have more functions than merely smell perception

Research highlights the physiological and pathophysiological functions of olfactory receptors in human tissues, including their potential applications in cancer diagnosis and therapy. The receptors also regulate skin regeneration, intestinal digestion, and hair growth.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPhysiological Reviews·DateJul 16, 2018

Getting to know the microbes that drive climate change

A new understanding of thawing permafrost in Sweden could improve predictions and guide efforts to slow climate damage. Scientists have identified more than 1,500 microbial genomes and 1,900 new viral populations, shedding light on the role of microbes in methane production.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJul 16, 2018

New development in 3D super-resolution imaging gives insight on Alzheimer's disease

Researchers developed a 3D super-resolution nanoscope that provides unprecedented detail of brain molecules, shedding light on Alzheimer's disease progression. The instrument helped understand the structure of amyloid plaques, pinpointing their characteristics responsible for damage, and revealed their interactions with surrounding cells.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Methods·DateJul 16, 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.

The origins of pottery linked with intensified fishing in the post-glacial period

A three-year study by researchers at BioArCh, the University of York, suggests that ceramic vessels were used by early hunter-gatherer ancestors to store and process fish, with an association remaining stable even after climate warming. The study reveals new insights into prehistoric food processing habits during the post-glacial period.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 16, 2018

High-stakes cellular process critical to small intestine development

A new study reveals that rapid cell division powers the growth of the small intestine, a critical discovery for understanding congenital short bowel syndrome. Researchers witnessed an intricate cellular dance, where cells must navigate to maintain proper length and prevent deadly conditions.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 16, 2018

Researchers crack the code of the final blood group system

Researchers at Lund University have solved the mystery of the Xg blood group system by identifying a small variation near the XG gene that prevents the expression of the protein in red blood cells. This breakthrough enables DNA-based typing for Xga blood type, which affects one-third of men and one-tenth of women.

SourceLund University·JournalBlood·DateJul 16, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study of high-energy neutrinos again proves Einstein right

A team of MIT scientists analyzed two years of data from the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and found no evidence of Lorentz violation in high-energy neutrinos. The results establish the most stringent limits to date on the existence of Lorentz violation in neutrinos, confirming Einstein's theory.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 16, 2018

Researchers map 'family trees' of acute myeloid leukemia

A team of international researchers has mapped the family trees of cancer cells in AML to understand its response to enasidenib and how it can be combined with other anti-cancer drugs. The study provides clues about how AML cells become resistant to therapy and may help design future therapy trials.

SourceComprehensive Cancer Centre Gustave Roussy·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 16, 2018

Surveys of patients about health care providers are likely of little use

A newly developed questionnaire measures two aspects of patient experience: alliance and confusion, offering a more nuanced understanding of doctor-patient relationships. The study supports the validity of the new instrument, which allows for better assessment of patient experiences beyond just identifying dissatisfied patients.

SourceBaylor University·JournalPsychological Assessment·DateJul 16, 2018

India's deadly monsoon rainfall measured with NASA's IMERG

The study analyzed data from NASA's Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) to estimate rainfall accumulation during the week from July 9 to 13, 2018. Heavy monsoon rainfall was reported along India's Arabian Sea Coast and in large areas of north-central India, with at least 525 mm of rain recorded in Mumbai.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 16, 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.

Death rates from heart failure higher for women than men

A study of over 90,000 patients found women's heart failure mortality is higher and hospitalization rates have increased in women compared to men. The research highlights sex differences in heart failure outcomes, care delivery, and access in Ontario.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 16, 2018

Astronomers find a famous exoplanet's doppelganger

Scientists have found a new exoplanet, 2MASS 0249 c, that is nearly identical to the well-studied gas-giant planet beta Pictoris b. The two planets share similar mass, brightness, and spectrum but differ in their formation environments, with one orbiting a bright star and the other a pair of faint brown dwarfs.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·DateJul 16, 2018
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.

Early pottery use by Japanese hunter-gatherers

A study analyzing Japanese pottery samples reveals that nearly half of vessels contained fatty acids from aquatic foods, suggesting increased inshore fishing and shellfish gathering. Environmental changes at the beginning of the Holocene may have driven this shift in pottery usage.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 16, 2018

Researchers find hidden signals in RNAs that regulate protein synthesis

Scientists have found a mechanism that explains how the protein-making machinery chooses which alternative start sites to use for protein synthesis. The discovery reveals that RNA structure plays a crucial role in determining these start sites, and could lead to new therapies or medications for diseases such as cancer.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature·DateJul 16, 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.

Pre-agricultural origins of bread in the Near East

Researchers found charred food fragments at a Natufian site in northeastern Jordan dating back to 14,600 years ago, exhibiting characteristics of bread-like products. The discovery suggests that bread was made 4,000 years before the emergence of agriculture, but noncereal foods remained a staple during the Natufian period.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 16, 2018

How our cells build different antennae to sense the world around us

Researchers have discovered that cells use diverse building materials and proportions to create structurally different antennae with unique functions. This study sheds light on genetic diseases associated with cilia, explaining why some patients exhibit only one type of symptom.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJul 16, 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.

New platform discovered at City of Hope poised to be next generation of genetic medicines

A new gene-editing technology has been discovered by City of Hope scientist Saswati Chatterjee, which can efficiently correct genetic defects in human blood cells. The platform uses adeno-associated viruses to deliver corrective DNA sequences, offering a promising approach for treating diseases such as sickle cell disease and hemophilia.

SourceCity of Hope·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 16, 2018

In borophene, boundaries are no barrier

Researchers at Rice and Northwestern universities discovered how different lattice arrangements of borophene can combine into new crystal-like forms, exhibiting metallic properties and unique electronic structure. The findings suggest potential applications in flexible and transparent electronic interconnects, electrodes, and displays.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 16, 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.

OSU researchers determine why pulsed sparks make for better ignition

Researchers from Oregon State University have identified the mechanisms behind improved ignition using pulsed sparks, leading to better performance in combustion systems. The study found that higher spark frequencies result in increased kernel temperatures and growth rates, essential for successful ignition and combustion.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the Combustion Institute·DateJul 16, 2018

More data needed to determine safety of probiotics and prebiotics

A recent study found that only 2% of trials assessing the safety or efficacy of probiotics, prebiotics, or synbiotics adequately reported key safety components. The researchers concluded that the lack of safety data makes it challenging to accurately determine their safety profile and make informed decisions for patients.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 16, 2018

A scientist's final paper looks toward Earth's future climate

The paper highlights the importance of accurately measuring greenhouse gases and their role in determining Earth's future climate. Researchers propose a new space-based observing system to improve our understanding of carbon cycle feedbacks and predict climate change.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 16, 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.

Professor Sarah Kang awarded with Kamide Award

Professor Sarah Kang receives the 2018 Kamide Award for her pioneering contributions to atmospheric sciences, identifying mechanisms of high-latitude climate change on tropical precipitation. Her work blazed a trail in climate dynamics, revealing correlations between high and low latitude zones.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·DateJul 16, 2018

Plant-based products are not lowering blood pressure

Researchers at UH College of Pharmacy discovered that Angiotensin 1-7, a peptide found in humans, can relieve oxidative stress and reduce blood pressure. This finding offers a potential alternative to current medication with fewer side effects.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateJul 16, 2018

Missing bones and our understanding of ancient biodiversity

Researchers analyzed over 4,000 mosasaur fossil specimens to determine if quality impacts our understanding of past biodiversity. The study found that the rich fossil record provides an accurate picture of mosasaur diversity and evolutionary history despite variable completeness.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPalaeontology·DateJul 16, 2018

Microscopic trampoline may help create networks of quantum computers

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder and NIST have developed a device that converts microwave energy into laser light, crucial for sending quantum signals. The team's innovation could one day enable huge networks of quantum computers to communicate efficiently.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 16, 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.

Climate response of Greenland glaciers

A study on Greenland's tidewater outlet glaciers reveals that ocean warming and meltwater runoff contribute significantly to glacier retreat. The research found that these factors account for up to 76% of individual glacier retreat and 54% of variation across the glaciers.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 16, 2018

Scientists to tap data networks' hidden powers

Researchers Ang Chen and Eugene Ng aim to optimize components along data streams to analyze big data efficiently. They plan to intelligently process and reduce data before it reaches servers, potentially generating partial answers.

SourceRice University·DateJul 16, 2018

Archaeologists discover bread that predates agriculture by 4,000 years

Researchers found charred remains of flatbread baked by hunter-gatherers 14,400 years ago, suggesting that bread production may have driven the agricultural revolution. The discovery provides earliest empirical evidence for bread production and sheds light on early food practices.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Humanities·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 16, 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.

Study: Reducing carbon emissions will limit sea level rise

A new study shows a correlation between cumulative carbon emissions and future sea level rise, with even optimistic scenarios predicting several meters of rise over thousands of years. The researchers warn that limiting sea level rise to 3-9 meters is unlikely without drastic action to reach zero emissions.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJul 16, 2018

New tool to calculate 'nitrogen footprint' offers guide to pollution reduction

The University of Melbourne researchers have created a tool to calculate the 'nitrogen footprint' of an organization, providing a guide to reduce daily activities' impact on pollution. The study found that institutions can significantly contribute to nitrogen pollution but also have potential for reduction by up to 60%.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateJul 16, 2018
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.

Inhibiting bacterial virulence

Researchers identified M21 as a compound that inhibits virulence factors in S. aureus via ClpP inhibition, reducing bacteria and abscesses in infected mice with improved survival rates. The findings suggest a potential alternative to antibiotics for treating drug-resistant S. aureus infections.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 16, 2018

'Concussion pill' shows promise in pre-clinical pilot study

A pre-clinical pilot study found that a combination therapy of CBD and an NMDA antagonist improved cognitive functions and showed no adverse effects in animals. Researchers believe this treatment could reduce symptoms associated with concussion, traumatic brain injury, and post-injury brain cell inflammation.

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·DateJul 16, 2018

Forget joysticks, use your torso to pilot drones

Researchers at EPFL designed a new method of drone piloting using only torso movements, which was found to be more immersive and effective than traditional joystick control. The study, published in PNAS, reveals that only four markers on the torso are needed to pilot drones through obstacles effectively.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 16, 2018