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Science News Archive July 2018 - Page 24


Page 24 of 38

Machine learning helps to predict the treatment outcomes of schizophrenia

Researchers at the University of Alberta developed a machine-learning algorithm to analyze brain function images and predict schizophrenia diagnosis with 78% accuracy. The model also identified patients who would respond positively to antipsychotic treatment risperidone with 82% accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJul 12, 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.

Brain function partly replicated by nanomaterials

Scientists developed a neural network device using nanomaterials, generating spontaneous spikes similar to nerve impulses of neurons. The researchers replicated brain function by utilizing molecular junctions and negative differential resistance.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 12, 2018

In search of dark matter

A team of scientists, including a UC Riverside physicist, has imposed conditions on how dark matter interacts with ordinary matter. The study sets constraints that can aid in detecting the elusive dark matter particle and better understand its fundamental properties.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 12, 2018

Quantum dot white LEDs achieve record efficiency

Researchers have developed nanomaterial-based white LEDs with a record luminous efficiency of 105 lumens per watt, promising a promising energy-efficient lighting source for homes and offices. The new LEDs use commercially available blue LEDs combined with flexible lenses filled with quantum dots to create white light.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateJul 12, 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.

Solved protein puzzle opens door to new design for cancer drugs

Researchers at Oregon State University solved a longstanding puzzle concerning kinesins, tiny motors that interact with microtubules inside cells. By altering the design of these motor proteins, scientists can develop new cancer therapies by targeting specific waist regions.

SourceOregon State University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 12, 2018

Concussion may bring greater risks for athletes with ADHD

A study of NCAA Division I college athletes found that those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were more susceptible to experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety following a concussion. Athletes with ADHD and a history of concussion had significantly higher scores on tests measuring anxiety and depression.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateJul 12, 2018

Scientists find evidence of far-distant neutrino source

An international team of scientists has found evidence of a far-distant source of high-energy particles called neutrinos, an energetic galaxy about 4 billion light years from Earth. The discovery was made using the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and confirms that this galaxy is a cosmic ray accelerator.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScience·DateJul 12, 2018

UC Riverside psychologist receives high honor from NAACP

Carolyn B. Murray, a professor of psychology at UCR, has been awarded the 2018 Dr. William Montague Cobb award for her research and activism addressing health disparities in African American communities. She will receive the honor on July 16 at the Annual NAACP Convention.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateJul 12, 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.

NASA sees ex-Tropical Cyclone Beryl's remnants fighting for survival

The remnants of former Tropical Storm Beryl are still affecting the Bahamas before moving northeastward, with a low chance of re-formation over the next two days. Environmental conditions may favor some development by the weekend as the system interacts with a strong upper-level trough.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 12, 2018

NASA's GPM satellite examined Tropical Storm Chris' power

The Global Precipitation Measurement mission observed intense bands of precipitation wrapping around the eastern side of intensifying tropical storm Chris. Rainfall rates reached over 123 mm per hour in strong convective storms east of Chris' forming eye.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 12, 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.

The more you smoke, the greater your risk of a heart rhythm disorder

A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found a strong dose-response relationship between smoking and atrial fibrillation. Smoking five to ten cigarettes per day increased the risk by 9% to 32%, respectively. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce this risk, with former smokers experiencing a lower risk th...

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateJul 12, 2018

New perspective on tumor genome evolution

Researchers developed a method to detect genes under selection and found essential cancer genes and immune-exposed protein regions under significant negative selection. This challenges the exclusive role of positive selection in cancer evolution.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalGenome Biology·DateJul 12, 2018

Controlling the manufacture of stable aerogels

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a new approach to create soft, porous materials with controlled porosity. By controlling the self-assembly of molecules, they were able to form an ultralight aerogel with permanent porosity, opening up potential applications in building insulation, energy storage and aerospace technologies.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 12, 2018

UCLA researchers discover gene that controls bone-to-fat ratio in bone marrow

Researchers found that the PGC-1α gene controls the equilibrium of bone and fat in bone marrow and affects how stem cells differentiate into bone or fat cells. Increasing PGC-1α expression may slow down bone loss and decrease bone marrow fat, suggesting a protective role in maintaining the bone-to-fat balance.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 12, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists ID protein exploited by virus ravaging West Africa

A research team has identified DDX3, a protein involved in RNA metabolism, as a key factor promoting arenavirus multiplication. The study may pave the way to new therapeutic treatments for arenaviruses and hemorrhagic fever, which currently have no effective treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 12, 2018

Bioengineers create pathway to personalized medicine

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking method for producing complex proteins, known as glycoproteins, in a cell-free system. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize personalized medicine by allowing for rapid and sustainable production of tailored protein medicines. The new approach uses a simplified reaction scheme tha...

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 12, 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.

About half of parents use cell phones while driving with young children in the car

A new study from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that about half of parents talked on a cell phone while driving with their children between ages 4 and 10. The study also identified correlations between cell phone use and other risky driving behaviors, such as not wearing a seat belt or driving under the influence. Researcher...

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJul 12, 2018

Neutrino observation points to one source of high-energy cosmic rays

Researchers using NSF's IceCube Neutrino Observatory data confirmed a single neutrino's origin as a previously known blazar, providing the first definitive evidence of proton acceleration by black holes. This discovery sheds light on cosmic ray origins and supports multi-messenger astronomy.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateJul 12, 2018

Ant soldiers don't need big brains

A study published in BMC Zoology found that ant soldiers have smaller brain sizes than workers despite being larger, as their tasks place less cognitive demand. This suggests that investment in brain development may be reduced for individuals with simpler behaviors.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Zoology·DateJul 12, 2018
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Turbulence is good for the blood

A Kyoto University study reveals that turbulence enhances platelet generation in the blood, potentially resolving global shortages of these cells. The discovery could enable mass production of platelets using iPS cell technology.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCell·DateJul 12, 2018

New method reveals how well cancer drugs hit their targets

Researchers developed a technique to measure drug-target engagement in individual cancer cells, revealing variation in effectiveness between cells within a tumour. The findings could help clinicians choose the best course and delivery of treatment for cancer patients, improving treatment outcomes.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 12, 2018

WSU researchers use coal waste to create sustainable concrete

Researchers at Washington State University have developed a strong, durable concrete that uses fly ash as a binder and eliminates the use of environmentally intensive cement. This new concrete reduces energy demand and greenhouse emissions by utilizing coal waste and significantly lowering its environmental impact.

SourceWashington State University·JournalFuel·DateJul 12, 2018

Headers may cause balance issues

A new University of Delaware study examines the effect of repetitive head impacts on balance. The researchers found that players who headed the ball more frequently experienced subtle balance problems when tested with vestibular stimulation.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateJul 12, 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.

IceCube neutrinos point to long-sought cosmic ray accelerator

The discovery provides evidence for a known blazar as a source of high-energy neutrinos detected by the National Science Foundation-supported IceCube observatory. The observations resolve a century-old mystery about what creates and launches cosmic rays, which are highly energetic particles that continuously rain down on Earth from space.

SourceWisconsin IceCube Particle Astrophysics Center (WIPAC), University of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience·DateJul 12, 2018

Ferroelectric perovskites go organic

Researchers have developed a family of metal-free ferroelectric perovskites offering non-toxic and mechanically flexible properties for future soft robotic and biomedical devices. One organic compound exhibits ferroelectric traits similar to inorganic BTO, enabling environmentally friendly applications.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 12, 2018

Breakthrough in the search for cosmic particle accelerators

A breakthrough in the search for cosmic particle accelerators has been made by tracing a single neutrino back to a galaxy over three billion light years away. The discovery was made using an internationally organized astronomical dragnet and confirms that high-energy cosmic rays are produced in cosmic particle accelerators.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalScience·DateJul 12, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Study reveals opioid patients face multiple barriers to treatment

A new study by Vanderbilt University found that opioid treatment programs in Appalachian states have limited capacity, with only 50% accepting insurance. Pregnant women are particularly excluded, with shorter wait times only when accepted to treatment programs.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalSubstance Abuse·DateJul 12, 2018

More studies needed to determine impact of air pollution on gynecologic health

Recent studies suggest a potential relationship between air pollution and infertility, menstrual irregularity, uterine fibroids, and endometriosis. Researchers emphasize the need for further exploration of these findings to support policy guidelines on air pollution and human health.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalCurrent Epidemiology Reports·DateJul 12, 2018

Can ultrashort electron flashes help harvest nuclear energy?

Researchers have developed a theory to create electron flashes within zeptosecond timeframes, potentially increasing nuclear reaction energy yield. This breakthrough could advance fields like spectroscopy and quantum information processing.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 12, 2018

Time invested in the past dictates our willingness to wait for future rewards

A new study in mice, rats, and humans reveals that longer waiting periods for rewards strengthen a sunk cost bias, causing individuals to be less willing to give up pursuit of the reward. The researchers discuss three possible explanations for this phenomenon, which may help improve decision-making.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 12, 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.

Study finds potential link between alcohol and death rates

A study published in Clinical Nutrition found that heavy drinking causes uncontrolled iron absorption, leading to health issues like heart attacks and liver disease. Iron loading was significantly higher in drinkers than non-drinkers, predicting increased mortality rates.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalClinical Nutrition·DateJul 12, 2018

Guardian of the cell

Researchers identify structural and functional differences in human cGAS that set it apart from other mammals, enabling its unique immune-sensing capabilities. The discovery informs the design of precision cancer therapies by targeting the protein's specific structural features.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateJul 12, 2018

Citizen science supports tick-borne disease research

A nationwide investigation utilizing citizen science highlights the value of public participation in tick-borne disease research. The study found ticks capable of carrying Lyme and other diseases in 83 counties where they had not been previously recorded.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 12, 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.

An orange a day keeps macular degeneration away: 15-year study

A 15-year study found that people who eat at least one serving of oranges daily have a 60% reduced risk of developing late macular degeneration. Flavonoids in oranges appear to help prevent against the eye disease.

SourceWestmead Institute for Medical Research·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJul 12, 2018

Blazar accelerates cosmic neutrinos to highest energies

A research group led by IceCube scientist Elisa Resconi provides evidence that the particles detected by the IceCube neutrino telescope originate from a galaxy four billion light-years away. The team used open access archive data to examine a 1.33-degree sky region around the position of the high-energy neutrino, and found only one bla...

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScience·DateJul 12, 2018

IceCube neutrinos point to long-sought cosmic ray accelerator

Researchers at UMD developed an alert system that enabled telescopes worldwide to pinpoint the source of high-energy cosmic neutrinos. The evidence points to a supermassive black hole, dubbed a blazar, as the most likely accelerator of these particles.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience·DateJul 12, 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.

Geological records reveal sea-level rise threatens UK salt marshes, study says

An international study estimates that rising sea levels will endanger UK salt marshes by 2100, with southern and eastern England facing a high risk of loss by 2040. The study uses geological records to predict the vulnerability of these ecosystems, highlighting the urgent need for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 12, 2018

A gene required for addictive behavior

A study published in EMBO Reports reveals that the Maged1 gene plays a key role in controlling addictive behavior. Researchers found that mice lacking the gene are unresponsive to cocaine and exhibit reduced dopamine release, indicating a promising new entry point for understanding drug addiction mechanisms.

SourceUniversité libre de Bruxelles·JournalEMBO Reports·DateJul 12, 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.

Novel therapy delays muscle atrophy in Lou Gehrig's disease model

Researchers found that supplementing mitofusion 2 protein could prevent nerve degeneration, muscle atrophy, and paralysis in a mouse model of Lou Gehrig's disease. The study suggests this approach may be a novel therapeutic strategy for the disease.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 12, 2018

The secret life of lobster (trade): Could we be in hot water?

A recent study maps the global trade routes for lobster, revealing that a growing number of nations are acting as middlemen, making it difficult to trace seafood origins and anticipate market demand changes. The Asian market, particularly China, appears to be significantly larger than previously thought, putting Maine's industry at risk.

SourceUniversity of Maine·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateJul 11, 2018

Cleaning out pollen shells (video)

Researchers at Texas Tech University have created a simple method to clean out pollen grains, making them suitable for carrying medicines or vaccines. The new technique works on various types of pollen and can be used to deliver drugs or vaccines efficiently.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·DateJul 11, 2018

Eradicate rats to bolster coral reefs

New research highlights the critical impact of invasive rats on coral reef ecosystems, leading to severe ecological harm. Rat eradication is proposed as a high conservation priority to restore seabird-derived nutrient subsidies, benefiting terrestrial ecosystems and coral reefs.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNature·DateJul 11, 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.