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Science News Archive July 2018 - Page 30


Page 30 of 38

Genome's gyrations fit right into Rice University model

Researchers at Rice University have developed an energy landscape model that details the combination of forces driving nuclear motion in cells. The model, based on a protein folding algorithm, reveals the presence of dynamically associated domains and phase separation in chromatin segments.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 9, 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.

Seeing yourself as Einstein may change the way you think

A virtual reality simulation of Albert Einstein's body reduces age stereotypes and enhances cognitive performance in those with low self-esteem. Participants with low self-esteem who experienced the virtual Einstein body performed better on cognitive tasks and showed reduced implicit bias against older people.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJul 9, 2018

Where river meets ocean

A recent study by Nick Nidzieko reveals that larger estuarine systems are less productive per unit size than smaller ones, challenging the long-held 'larger-is-more-efficient' concept. This finding has significant implications for understanding carbon and nutrient cycling in coastal zones.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 9, 2018

Vaginal microbiome may influence stress levels of offspring

A new study by researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine found that exposing newborn mice to vaginal microbes from stressed female mice can transfer the effects of stress to the newborns. The study indicates that maternal stress affects brain development in offspring and may be influenced by the vaginal microbiota.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 9, 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.

Biosensor chip detects single nucleotide polymorphism wirelessly, with higher sensitivity

A team at the University of California San Diego has developed a wireless chip that can detect genetic mutations, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), in real-time. The chip is at least 1,000 times more sensitive than current technology and could lead to cheaper, faster, and portable biosensors for early disease detection.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 9, 2018

Environmental impact passed on to offspring

Research shows that ambient temperature before conception influences offspring's brown adipose tissue activity and protection against excess weight and metabolic disorders. This epigenetic mechanism may explain why people in cold regions have higher levels of brown fat.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 9, 2018

Mitochondrial DNA in exosomes is the alarm that initiates the antiviral response

Researchers found that mitochondrial DNA in exosomes triggers an antiviral genetic program, protecting against viral infection. Exosomes produced by T lymphocytes are taken up by dendritic cells via intercellular contacts and trigger alterations in gene expression.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 9, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Transmission of NDM bacteria between dogs and humans established

A recent study published in Eurosurveillance confirms that NDM bacteria can be transmitted between dogs and humans, with the owner of two Finnish dogs also carrying the bacterium. The transmission was established through genome analysis, which revealed identical bacterial isolates from dogs and humans.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalEurosurveillance·DateJul 9, 2018

Birds eat 400 to 500 million tonnes of insects annually

Insectivorous birds consume between 400 and 500 million metric tonnes of insects per year, mainly beetles, flies, and other arthropods. This helps keep plant-eating insect populations under control, supporting forest ecosystems.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe Science of Nature·DateJul 9, 2018

Bale monkeys living in different areas have very different DNA

A study published in BMC Evolutionary Biology found that Bale monkeys living in different habitats have distinct mitochondrial DNA profiles. The researchers discovered that populations from fragmented forests were more closely related to vervet and grivet monkeys than those from continuous forests, suggesting hybridization had occurred.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateJul 9, 2018

It takes a village...

Researchers identify myofibroblasts as key players in activating nucleus movement, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies for muscle disorders. The discovery could improve understanding of muscle differentiation, functionality, and regeneration.

SourceInstituto de Medicina Molecular·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 9, 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.

Hospital quality improves over time with EHRs, study finds

A study by UCSF researchers found that hospitals adopting electronic health records (EHRs) initially experienced higher mortality rates, but these improved over time as they learned to work with the technology and adopted new capabilities. The benefits of EHR adoption were most pronounced in smaller and non-teaching hospitals.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJul 9, 2018

National school food policies have potential to improve health now and later

A new study estimates that implementing national food policies in schools could lead to a 17-25% increase in fruit consumption, a 15-27% decrease in sugary drink consumption, and a significant impact on long-term health outcomes. The policies are expected to prevent thousands of deaths per year.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 9, 2018

BU and Ohio University researchers awarded NIH grant

Researchers are investigating the relationship between obesity-induced changes in fat tissue metabolism and vascular disease. The study aims to characterize the role of protein FSP27 in the pathogenesis of obesity-related vascular disease.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateJul 9, 2018

Stronger west winds blow ill wind for climate change

Researchers found that stronger westerly winds near Antarctica led to massive CO2 releases in the past, similar to current human-caused climate change. This contraction and strengthening of winds can significantly impact atmospheric CO2 concentrations and future climate.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 9, 2018

Pay less, take more: Success in getting patients to take their medicine

Research shows patients are more likely to fill prescriptions when they pay less for high-value medications, which can prevent costly health issues. This approach, called value-based insurance design, also leads to decreased spending elsewhere in the healthcare system.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJul 9, 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.

Human clinical trial reveals verapamil as an effective type 1 diabetes therapy

A human clinical trial revealed verapamil as a safe and effective therapy to reduce insulin requirements and hypoglycemic episodes in adult subjects with recent onset Type 1 diabetes. The study found that regular oral administration of verapamil enabled patients to produce higher levels of their own insulin.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 9, 2018

Breakthrough discovery will change treatment for COPD patients

Researchers found that even mild COPD patients have lost over 40% of their small airways, suggesting early intervention is crucial. The study's findings could lead to the development of new drugs to treat patients with COPD at earlier stages.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateJul 9, 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.

New patch boosts brightness in medical diagnostic tests

A new patch developed at Washington University in St. Louis increases fluorescence intensity by 100 times, making it easier to visualize and diagnose low-abundance analytes. The plasmonic patch is a cheap fix that can be applied to existing diagnostic tests without requiring any protocol changes.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateJul 9, 2018

Can we get the immune system to tolerate organ transplants?

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have discovered a new way to enhance the immune system's tolerance for organ transplants. By increasing the activity of a regulatory protein called DEPTOR in immune cells, heart transplants were able to survive for an average of 35 days, compared to just 7 days without immunosuppressive drugs.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateJul 9, 2018

Farming fish alter 'cropping' strategies under high CO2

Researchers at the University of Adelaide found that fish alter their cropping practices under high CO2 conditions, leading to faster growth rates of algae and increased territory occupation. This adaptation could benefit fisheries stocks.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 9, 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.

Scientists create a complete atlas of lung tumor cells

Researchers have identified 52 distinct cell types in lung tumors, far more than previously thought, offering new avenues for treatment and research. The study's findings will help develop strategies to fight tumor growth and test new immunotherapy targets.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 9, 2018

The ideal of equality makes opera thrive in Finland

The Finnish opera scene is experiencing a surge in diversity and creativity, thanks to its emphasis on equality and inclusivity. Over 300 operas have been composed in Finland between 1990 and 2017, with the number of new works increasing significantly in the 21st century.

SourceUniversity of the Arts Helsinki·DateJul 9, 2018

Pancreatic cancer: Mutable cancer cells are more dangerous

Researchers discovered that pancreatic cancer cells' ability to alter their characteristics and shape affects where metastases form. The presence of E-cadherin protein controls this process, with its absence leading to lung metastases but not liver metastases.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 9, 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.

Research brief: Human rights in a changing sociopolitical climate

The US refugee resettlement program is struggling to cope with a changing sociopolitical climate, particularly with regards to Syrians. Researchers found that organizations are struggling to obtain basic resources for refugees upon arrival, including housing and job placement.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalInternational Migration·DateJul 9, 2018

Plasma-spewing quasar shines light on universe's youth, early galaxy formation

Astronomers have found a quasar with the brightest radio emission ever observed in the early universe, providing unprecedented insight into the universe's youth. The discovery allows researchers to study the early galaxy formation process, which is crucial for understanding the evolution of the cosmos.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateJul 9, 2018

Fluorescent fish genes light path to neuroblastoma

A Rice University neurobiologist and cancer researcher has created a new type of zebrafish that produces fluorescent tags in migratory embryonic nerve precursor cells. The goal is to find the origins of neuroblastoma, which could potentially lead to treatments for cancers where SOX proteins play a role.

SourceRice University·Journalgenesis·DateJul 9, 2018

Insectivorous birds consume annually as much energy as the city of New York

The world's insectivorous birds consume a significant amount of energy annually, estimated to be comparable to that of the city of New York. Forest birds play a crucial role in suppressing pest insects, with their annual food intake being around three-quarters of the global prey biomass gathered by insectivorous birds.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalThe Science of Nature·DateJul 9, 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.

Gene-editing technique cures genetic disorder in utero

Researchers used a peptide nucleic acid-based gene editing technique to successfully cure a genetic condition in mice. The treatment corrected 6% of mutations and caused dramatic improvements in symptoms, suggesting a promising new approach for treating genetic disorders during early stages of development.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 9, 2018

Qubits as valves: Controlling quantum heat engines

A team from Aalto University creates a miniature 'heat valve' in a quantum system, enabling the controlled exchange of energy with external surroundings. This breakthrough aims to improve the efficiency of quantum heat engines and refrigerators.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 9, 2018

Evolution of melanoma reveals opportunities for intervention

UCSF researchers identified key genetic changes that transform benign moles into malignant melanoma, including mutations in DNA regulatory genes. They used CRISPR to recreate the steps of melanoma evolution in lab cells, revealing new biomarkers and potential targeted therapies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCancer Cell·DateJul 9, 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.

Space: Tribology's final frontier

A team led by Lehigh University's Brandon Krick is using a Molybdenum Disulphide (MoS2) coating to reduce friction in space, addressing the challenges of high-temperature and corrosive environments. The research aims to improve satellite performance and reduce energy loss.

SourceLehigh University·DateJul 9, 2018

Alarming trend shows first-time smoking among young adults

Research reveals that young adults are more likely to start smoking and using e-cigarettes than adolescents, challenging traditional social norms. This trend has significant health implications, as young adults are less monitored and more independent, making them prone to carrying on smoking.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJul 9, 2018

Majority of drivers don't believe texting while driving is dangerous

A new study reveals that many drivers do not perceive texting and driving as dangerous, despite being six times more likely to be involved in a car crash. The study found that factors such as fear of missing out and separation anxiety contribute to this behavior.

SourceSociety for Risk Analysis·JournalRisk Analysis·DateJul 9, 2018

Following the fresh water

A research team from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution found the fingerprint of a massive flood of fresh water in the western Arctic, which is believed to have caused an ancient cold snap around 13,000 years ago. The cause of this event, known as the Younger Dryas, has remained a mystery for decades.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 9, 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.

WSU study reveals how shift work disrupts metabolism

A WSU study using metabolomics found that shift work schedules alter 24-hour rhythms in digestive organs, disrupting metabolism and increasing the risk of obesity and diabetes. The study suggests that separate biological clocks in the liver, gut, and pancreas play a key role in this disruption.

SourceWashington State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 9, 2018

Altitude sickness drug appears to slow progression of glioblastoma

A study published in Science Translational Medicine found that acetazolamide increases sensitivity to treatment and enhances survival in mice with glioblastoma. The drug, which is also used to treat altitude sickness, was able to restore the effectiveness of chemotherapy by blocking a protein called BCL-3.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 9, 2018

New way to regenerate hearts after a heart attack

Researchers have identified how a new treatment in mice can regenerate the heart after a heart attack by promoting growth of lymphatic vessels and clearing immune cells. This approach showed significant reduction in damaged heart muscle and improved recovery of pumping function.

SourceBritish Heart Foundation·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 9, 2018

Charcoal: Major missing piece in the global carbon cycle

Researchers at the University of Zurich discovered that black carbon can age for millennia on land and in rivers before being exported to the ocean, forming a major long-term sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide. This finding adds a significant piece to the puzzle of understanding the global carbon cycle.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 9, 2018

NASA satellite tracking remnants of ex-Tropical Cyclone Beryl

NASA's Aqua satellite detected two areas of strong thunderstorms with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit, capable of generating heavy rainfall. The remnants of Tropical Storm Beryl are expected to pass over the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico today, producing locally heavy rainfall and strong gusty winds.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 9, 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.

In responding to predation risk, secondhand experience can be as good as new

A study found that stickleback fish respond similarly to predation risk regardless of parental or personal experience, with similar molecular and developmental responses. This challenges traditional models assuming additive effects from different sources.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 9, 2018

Cross-sex hormone therapy raises risk for vascular events in transgender women

A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine has found that cross-sex hormone therapy may increase the risk for certain vascular events among transgender women. The researchers compared the incidence rates of acute cardiovascular events in a large cohort of transgender persons with those observed in age-, race-, site-, and m...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 9, 2018

UAB researchers cure type 2 diabetes and obesity in mice using gene therapy

Researchers from UAB successfully used gene therapy to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity in mice by inducing the production of FGF21, a hormone that maintains correct energy metabolism. The treatment led to weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity, reducing the risk of related comorbidities.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateJul 9, 2018

Novel PET imaging method more fully evaluates extent of rheumatoid arthritis inflammation

A new PET imaging method evaluates the extent of rheumatoid arthritis inflammation by targeting translocator protein (TSPO) expression in joint lining tissue. The study demonstrates that TSPO PET can image not only synovial macrophages but also activated synovial fibroblasts, a critical process in RA pathogenesis.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJul 9, 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.