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Science News Archive July 2018 - Page 28


Page 28 of 38

Biologists discover process that neutralizes tumors

Researchers identified a mechanism where tumor cells display both PD-L1 and PD-1 proteins, neutralizing the PD-L1 'brake' on T cells. This could explain why some patients don't respond to immunotherapy, suggesting alternative mechanisms may be employed by tumors.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 10, 2018

Individual characteristics that predict multiple chronic conditions are identified

A 10-year study found that age, low socioeconomic status, obesity, and low physical activity are positively associated with the risk of developing multimorbidity. Promoting healthy lifestyles and targeting an internal locus of control may help empower patients to achieve behavior change and reduce multimorbidity incidence.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 10, 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.

Mobile health devices diagnose hidden heart condition in at-risk populations

Wearable mobile health devices improved AFib diagnosis rates by almost threefold compared to usual care, enabling timely interventions and reducing strokes and deaths. The study, conducted in part by Scripps Research scientists, used digital medicine technologies to identify undiagnosed AFib in at-risk populations.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJAMA·DateJul 10, 2018

What is the role of the physician when a patient discloses intimate partner violence perpetration?

Researchers recommend that physicians assess lethality and readiness to change, as well as comorbid medical conditions. They should refer perpetrators to trained therapists and offer education on IPV's negative impact on victims and abusers. Regular follow-up is also necessary to support behavior change.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine·DateJul 10, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Bank network shifts signaled financial crisis -- and may prevent another

Researchers analyzed European interbank market behavior before, during, and after the 2008 financial crisis. They found correlation networks became increasingly interconnected during the crisis, while physical networks experienced a decline in internal connections. This study suggests using network analysis to predict future crises.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Financial Economics·DateJul 10, 2018

Contribution of MOTs to road safety

The study reveals that MOTs prevent 133 deaths, nearly 12,000 injuries, and at least 17,700 traffic accidents a year. Additionally, MOTs reduce exposure to atmospheric pollutants, resulting in around 406 premature deaths prevented every year.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·DateJul 10, 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.

Wetting of surfaces is surprisingly difficult to measure reliably

A group of researchers from Aalto University and Sun Yat-sen University present a rigorous methodology for measuring wetting, proposing a universal procedure for the research community. This approach allows comparison between research groups to promote the development of new wetting materials.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Protocols·DateJul 10, 2018

Diabetes diagnosis can improve health of the household

A new diabetes diagnosis can lead to higher rates of healthy behaviors among a patient's partner, including weight management and smoking cessation. Partners with newly diagnosed diabetics exhibited greater behavioral change even when clinicians didn't focus on them.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 10, 2018

Aspirin desensitization improves alcohol-induced allergies in patients with underlying respiratory disease

A new study led by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine finds that aspirin desensitization can also alleviate alcohol-induced allergies in patients with Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD). Following treatment, 86.5% of patients reported they could drink alcohol without experiencing symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalInternational Forum of Allergy & Rhinology·DateJul 10, 2018

California's cap-and-trade air quality benefits mostly go out of state

A new study led by San Francisco State University found that California's cap-and-trade program has not effectively improved air quality for the state's residents. The bulk of GHG reductions occurred outside of California, while in-state emissions increased by 52% between 2013 and 2015.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 10, 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.

Can nanoparticles be used to lower antibiotic resistance?

Engineers at the University of Houston are developing nanoparticles loaded with antibiotics to reduce dosages and prevent microbiome damage. The study, supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, aims to find alternative methods to combat antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateJul 10, 2018

Isolation and characterization of key enzyme for ephedrine production

Epimeron Inc. has isolated and characterized an enzyme from Ephedra sinica catalyzing a crucial step in ephedrine and pseudoephedrine production. The discovery paves the way for microbial fermentation-based production, offering a sustainable, secure, and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical processes.

SourceEpimeron Inc.·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 10, 2018

New approach to treating infectious diseases as an alternative to antibiotics

Researchers at Osaka University have discovered a new mechanism of attachment for ETEC bacteria, leading to the development of anti-adhesion agents that can prevent bacterial binding without destroying the bacteria. These agents offer a novel treatment approach that may serve as an alternative to antibiotics.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2018

Rudolf Grimm receives inaugural Faddeev Medal

Physicist Rudolf Grimm and colleague Vitali Efimov receive the inaugural Faddeev Medal for their work on Efimov quantum states, a phenomenon predicted to occur in three-body systems. The discovery was confirmed through experiments with ultracold quantum gases.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·DateJul 10, 2018

Physicians and patients perceive good communication differently

A study by Jenni Burt et al found that physicians rate their own communication skills lower than patients do, while trained raters assigned significantly lower scores, highlighting a need for external peer assessment and support training.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 10, 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.

Vitamin D no defense against dementia

Researchers from the University of Adelaide conducted a systematic review of over 70 studies on vitamin D's role in neurodegenerative diseases, including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest that vitamin D is unlikely to protect against these brain-related disorders.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNutritional Neuroscience·DateJul 10, 2018

Underlying mechanism discovered for magnetic effect in superconducting spintronics

A team of researchers has discovered a general mechanism for the long-range electromagnetic proximity effect in superconductor-ferromagnet structures. This finding explains how ferromagnetic films can transfer magnetic fields to their corresponding superconductors, contradicting previous experimental results.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 10, 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.

Primates adjust grooming to their social environment

Researchers found that primates choose grooming partners based on various factors, including reproductive state, social relationships, and dominance rank. They also consider the social environment, adapting their choice to maximize benefit. This study reveals impressive cognitive abilities in primates.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJul 10, 2018

An ATM that dispenses antioxidants

A recent study published in Science Signaling reveals that the ATM protein plays a dual role in sensing cellular threats and repairing damage. It forms dimers when exposed to ROS, triggering an increase in cellular antioxidant capacity through the pentose phosphate pathway.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience Signaling·DateJul 10, 2018

Towards winning the war on feral wild rabbits

Two biological control agents, myxoma and rabbit haemorrhagic disease viruses, have been found to work together to control feral rabbit populations in Australia. The study used data from the largest wild rabbit study in the world to show that both viruses are effective when acting together.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateJul 10, 2018

IBM-EPFL-NJIT team demonstrates novel synaptic architecture for brain inspired computing

The researchers developed a novel synaptic architecture that could lead to a new class of information processing systems inspired by the brain. Prototype chips containing over one million nanoscale memristive devices were used to implement a neural network for detecting hidden patterns and correlations in time-varying signals.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 10, 2018

Novel approach to making therapeutic proteins at point of care

A team of UMBC researchers has developed a novel approach to making therapeutic proteins available at the point of care, enabling faster drug development and more personalized medicines. The portable system, about the size of a suitcase, allows for rapid production without relying on manufacturing facilities or transport.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJul 10, 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.

Children with better coordination more likely to achieve at school

A study by researchers at the University of Leeds found that young children with better eye-to-hand coordination tended to have higher academic attainment in reading, writing, and maths. The research suggests that this skill may have provided the evolutionary foundations for mathematical thinking.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 10, 2018

Teen crash risk highest during first three months after getting driver's license

A study by the NIH found that teenage drivers are eight times more likely to be involved in a collision or near miss during their first three months of independent driving. During this period, teens also exhibit four times more risky behaviors, such as rapid acceleration and hard turns.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJul 10, 2018

NASA's GPM satellite obtains excellent views of Beryl's remnants

The Global Precipitation Measurement mission gathered important rainfall data on Hurricane Beryl's remnants as it passed through the Windward Islands and Puerto Rico. Strong convective storms were dropping rain at rates of over 75 mm per hour, with intense storms measured in a small area along Puerto Rico's southeastern coast.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 10, 2018

How Mycobacterium tuberculosis escapes death in macrophages

Researchers discovered that Mycobacterium tuberculosis uses a toxin to deplete NAD+ in macrophages, leading to necrotic cell death. Adding NAD+ replenishment or mitochondrial function protectants restricted bacterial growth and increased macrophage viability. These findings suggest patient-targeted therapies to treat tuberculosis.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 10, 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.

Strategy for 'no-mining zones' in the deep sea

Researchers develop comprehensive set of criteria to identify areas of environmental importance where no mining should occur. The guidelines, which include 18 quantitative metrics, aim to protect a wide range of habitats and species that might be harmed by mining activities.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 10, 2018

Researchers prevent, reverse renal injury by inhibiting immune-regulating molecule

Scientists led by George C. Tsokos discover that inhibiting CaMK4 can prevent podocyte damage in lupus-prone mice, reversing classical dogma on inflammation causing kidney damage. The finding opens doors to potential new therapies for autoimmune and non-autoimmune diseases impacting the kidneys.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 10, 2018

Tropical Storm Chris gives NASA satellite a signature 'C'

Tropical Storm Chris was imaged by NASA's Aqua satellite on July 10, showing a backwards 'C' or comma-shaped storm with cold cloud tops. The system has potential for heavy rainfall and is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane later today.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 10, 2018

Diagnosis is a collaborative process

Diagnosis is a collaborative process that involves patient participation and clinician inquiry. By allowing patients to describe their symptoms and concerns, physicians can gather valuable information and narrow down potential diagnoses.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 10, 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.

Revealing the mechanism behind animals' sixth sense

A team of researchers identified the gene 'TRP-1' and 'TRP-2', which enable balanced and smooth body movements in C. elegans, a simple nervous system model. The study suggests that TRP-1 and TRP-2 are proprioception sense receptors controlling neural activity and muscle movement.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 10, 2018

Apps portray mental health issues as commonplace and easy to manage

A study of 61 popular mental health apps found they predominantly addressed anxiety and stress, framing problems as psychological symptoms. The analysis suggests these apps may be misleadingly simplistic in their approach to mental health issues.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 10, 2018

Warm handoffs do not improve attendance at behavioral health intake appointments

Researchers at Boston Medical Center found that warm handoffs have no association with improved attendance at behavioral health intake appointments. The most significant predictor of attendance was time from referral until appointment, contradicting previous theories on the effectiveness of warm handoffs.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 10, 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.

Scribes may be more financially viable under capitated payment

Under fee-for-service, team documentation requires physicians to save time to pay for itself; in contrast, capitation-based systems require empaneling new patients to cover costs. Researchers found that scribes can add more visit slots per year than medical assistants under capitated payment

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 10, 2018

Brain metastases common and difficult to treat in ROS1 lung cancer

A University of Colorado Cancer Center study found that brain metastases are a common occurrence in stage IV ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer. The study also showed that patients with ROS1 mutations had similar progression-free survival rates as ALK patients when treated with crizotinib, but with a higher risk of brain metastas...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateJul 10, 2018

That sound makes me dizzy

University of Utah engineers uncover the reasons behind vertigo caused by specific sounds, linking it to a thinning of the bone enclosing the inner ear. The study reveals pathological fluid mechanical waves in the semicircular canals as the culprit, causing incorrect signals sent to the brain.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 10, 2018

Manipulating single atoms with an electron beam

Scientists at the University of Vienna have successfully manipulated individual silicon impurity atoms in graphene with atomic precision, recording nearly 300 controlled jumps. This achievement enables potential high-density data storage and demonstrates the control of single atoms in two-dimensional materials.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 9, 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.

Under pressure: The surgeon's conundrum in decision making

A small study of 20 surgeons found that most err on the side of operating despite perceived futility of treatment due to internal pride and pressure from patients' families. The researchers highlight the need for objective tools to assess risk and inform confident decision-making.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJul 9, 2018

Whooping cough vaccine: The power of first impressions

Researchers at La Jolla Institute found that the current whooping cough vaccine primes the immune system in a way that leaves it vulnerable to future infections. The study suggests that new vaccines could be developed to improve the vaccine's efficacy, potentially applicable to other vaccines.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 9, 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.

Grasslands more reliable carbon sink than trees

A University of California, Davis study found that grasslands are more resilient carbon sinks than forests in 21st century California, especially when considering the impacts of droughts and wildfires. Grasslands store most of their carbon underground, making them a viable option for carbon offset efforts.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 9, 2018

Why gold-palladium alloys are better than palladium for hydrogen storage

Researchers found that gold palladium alloys improve hydrogen storage rates by making the surface less stable for hydrogen atoms to chemisorb. This encourages atoms to penetrate deeper into the metal, increasing overall absorption efficiency.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 9, 2018

Generating electrical power from waste heat

Researchers from Sandia National Laboratories have developed a tiny silicon-based device that can harness waste heat and turn it into DC power. The device, called an infrared rectenna, has the potential to power compact devices in space missions and hybrid cars.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateJul 9, 2018

Oxygen levels on early Earth rose, fell several times before great oxidation event

Researchers found evidence of two transient oxygenation events on early Earth, with the first occurring around 2.66 billion years ago and the second around 50 million years later. These findings may help astronomers detect life on exoplanets by avoiding false negatives caused by undetectable oxygen levels.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 9, 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.

Intense conditions turn nitrogen metallic

Researchers confirm nitrogen becomes a metallic fluid when subjected to high pressures and temperatures, with implications for the Earth's deep nitrogen cycle. The findings could inform the creation of energetic nitrogen polymers and superconducting states.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 9, 2018