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Science News Archive July 2018 - Page 33


Page 33 of 38

Data-sharing website may speed the response to new illegal drugs

The NPS Data Hub allows experts to collaborate and share data on new drug variants, enabling faster identification of emerging threats. By facilitating real-time discussion and collaboration, the Data Hub aims to shorten the time lag between discovery of a new drug and its distribution in law enforcement databases.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalForensic Chemistry·DateJul 5, 2018

Cultural practices may cause dermatologic side effects and complications

Boston University researchers identified risks associated with various cultural practices, including acupuncture, cupping, and moxibustion. Dermatologists need to be aware of these potential complications to provide effective care across diverse cultures.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateJul 5, 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.

Complex brain circuitry revealed using new single-cell sequencing technology

Researchers at TGen and Circuit Therapeutics have developed new methods to examine medium spiny neurons in the striatum, a structure crucial for movement, decision-making, and action initiation. They identified Chrm4 as a potential therapeutic drug target, shedding light on how MSN cells contribute to neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalFrontiers in Cellular Neuroscience·DateJul 5, 2018

Expansion of agricultural land reduces CO2 absorption

Changes in land use significantly impact CO2 storage in vegetation and atmospheric concentration. Deforestation can lead to reduced capacity for plants and soil to absorb CO2.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 5, 2018

NASA's Terra satellite apots second Atlantic Tropical Depression

Tropical Depression Two formed in the Central Atlantic Ocean on July 5, 2018, with maximum sustained winds of near 35 mph. The system is forecast to potentially strengthen into a tropical storm and then degenerate into an open trough east of the Lesser Antilles over the weekend.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 5, 2018

Study examines salmon poisoning disease in grizzly bears

A new study examines the impact of salmon poisoning disease on grizzly bears in the North Cascades and central Idaho. The research suggests that using bears with no history of salmon consumption may not be effective due to their sensitivity to the disease, complicating recovery plans.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Wildlife Management·DateJul 5, 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.

Potential new drug for two life-threatening diseases

Researchers at Cardiff University have developed a potential new treatment for schistosomiasis and fascioliasis, two devastating tropical diseases. The goji berry-derived drug compound shows promise in combating the parasites that cause these conditions.

SourceCardiff University·JournalEuropean Journal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateJul 5, 2018

'Molecular movie' captures chemical reaction on atomic scale

A team of physicists has captured the behavior of a five-atom molecule's atomic nuclei and chemical bonds in response to a laser, revealing the clearest glimpse yet of a photochemical reaction. The study marks a significant advancement in understanding these light-fueled molecular transformations.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalScience·DateJul 5, 2018

Opioid epidemic responses overlook gender

Current opioid epidemic responses neglect to account for gender-specific factors, including pain sensitivity and treatment outcomes. Women are disproportionately affected by opioid addiction, with increased risk of overdose deaths and limited access to effective treatment options.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 5, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UV narrow-band photodetector based on indium oxide nanocrystals

Researchers from Russia and India have developed a narrow-band UV photodetector based on indium oxide nanocrystals embedded in aluminum oxide. The device shows record values of responsivity and external quantum efficiency, making it suitable for applications such as fluorescence detection and UV phototherapy.

SourceLobachevsky University·JournalNanotechnology·DateJul 5, 2018

Genetic trails of the New World's oldest dogs and Near East goat domestication

A genetic study uncovers that pre-contact American dogs originated from Siberian ancestors, not native wolves, and were introduced to the region through Beringia. Meanwhile, ancient goat domestication in the Near East involved multiple wild sources and selective breeding for traits like color.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 5, 2018

Spiders go ballooning on electric fields

Scientists from the University of Bristol have discovered that spiders can become airborne in the absence of wind when subjected to electric fields, defying current theories on aerodynamic drag. The researchers believe that electric fields trigger ballooning and provide lift, revolutionizing our understanding of spider dispersal.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 5, 2018

Immunotherapy for deadly bacteria shows early promise

Researchers at Lehigh University have designed a small-molecule compound to decorate the surface of Gram-negative bacteria and trigger an immunological response. The compound targets pathogenic bacteria in two distinct ways, generating a promising lead for immunotherapeutic agents against deadly, antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

SourceLehigh University·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateJul 5, 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.

Machine learning to assist in building muscle

Researchers developed a deep-learning model to predict biological age of muscles and estimate the importance of genetic and epigenetic factors driving muscle aging. The study identified tissue-specific biomarkers of aging, which can be used to track the effectiveness of interventions.

SourceInSilico Medicine·JournalFrontiers in Genetics·DateJul 5, 2018

How to start a nanomotor?

A research team at TUM has reconstructed the protein complex responsible for transport within cilia, crucial for cellular movement and organ development. The study reveals a minimal combination of four proteins that start the engine of intraflagellar transport.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature·DateJul 5, 2018

Synthesis of tetrapeptides and screening of their antioxidant properties

Researchers synthesized tetrapeptide PAGY and its analogues using solid phase peptide synthesis, screening their antioxidant properties. The results showed that PSGY exhibited the highest DPPH inhibition activity, while modifications in amino acid sequences increased or decreased antioxidant activity.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Bioactive Compounds·DateJul 5, 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.

Spleen microbes of wild animals change with tick-borne illness

Researchers discovered that Anaplasma bacteria alter the microbiota of mouse and shrew spleens, changing bacterial compositions. The study highlights wild animals as potential reservoirs for tick-borne diseases with public health importance.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJul 5, 2018

Vitamin D deficiency affects many pregnant women

A major study found that one in three pregnant women in Norway has a vitamin D deficiency at the end of their pregnancy. Low levels can affect bone health and increase the risk of asthma in children. The study suggests that small measures, such as taking supplements and eating fish, can have positive effects on vitamin D levels.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 5, 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.

Abnormal branched-chain amino acid breakdown may raise diabetes risk

A study suggests that abnormal metabolism of three essential amino acids may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes in women who have a history of gestational diabetes. Women with a history of gestational diabetes had higher levels of branched-chain amino acids in their blood, regardless of their dietary intake.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalClinical Chemistry·DateJul 5, 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.

NNSA awards $10 million center grant to Texas A&M-led consortium

A Texas A&M University-led consortium has been awarded a five-year, $10 million grant to establish the Center for Excellence in Nuclear Training And University-based Research (CENTAUR). The center aims to develop next-generation leaders in low-energy nuclear science. CENTAUR will pursue basic research using accelerators at various inst...

SourceTexas A&M University·DateJul 5, 2018

Oxygen therapy could help combat dementia in individuals with lung disease

Research suggests that oxygen therapy can improve the function of blood vessels in the brains of individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a common cause of dementia. This study found that delivering additional oxygen increased blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain, matching its demands during activity.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalExperimental Physiology·DateJul 5, 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.

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.

NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP sees Typhoon Maria affecting Guam

Typhoon Maria brought heavy rain to Guam, with the National Weather Service issuing a Flash Flood Watch and Small Craft Advisory. The storm is forecast to continue intensifying over the next 24 hours, posing a threat of excessive rainfall and flash flooding.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 5, 2018

Researchers detect Higgs boson coupling with top quark

The Higgs boson-top quark coupling has been observed at the LHC, confirming theoretical predictions of the Standard Model. The detection was made possible by an increase in the collider's energy, allowing for the distinction between two points as small as 10-18 m apart.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 5, 2018

High-power electronics keep their cool with new heat-conducting crystals

Researchers at the University of Illinois and Texas have optimized boron arsenide crystal growth to create materials with excellent thermal properties. The new material can effectively dissipate heat, outperforming existing heat spreaders three times over.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience·DateJul 5, 2018
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Exposure of hummingbirds and bumble bees to pesticides

Researchers detected pesticides in hummingbird cloacal fluid and fecal pellets, as well as in bumble bee pollen and blueberry flowers. The findings suggest pesticide exposure may impact the health and ecosystem services of these pollinators

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateJul 5, 2018

Bacteria-powered solar cell converts light to energy, even under overcast skies

Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed a cheap and sustainable way to build solar cells using bacteria that convert light to energy. The cell generated a current stronger than any previously recorded and worked efficiently in dim light, offering a promising solution for regions with frequent overcast skies.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalSmall·DateJul 5, 2018

Hungry? A newly discovered neural circuit may be the cause

A newly discovered neural circuit in mice regulates feeding behavior, with SST neurons playing a central role. The study reveals that activating these neurons increases eating behavior, while inhibiting them reduces it.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 5, 2018

Non-opioid drug relieves pain in mice, targets immune cells

Researchers have found a non-opioid drug that targets immune cells to relieve pain, providing an alternative to addictive opioid drugs. The investigational drug, EMA401, inhibits the angiotensin II type 2 receptor on macrophages, leading to pain signal transmission.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateJul 5, 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.

Gonorrhea researchers identify novel route to vaccine, new antibiotic

Gonorrhea researchers have identified a novel protein that powers the virulence of the bacteria causing gonorrhea, opening the possibility of a new target for antibiotics. The discovery could lead to the development of a vaccine and improved treatment options for the highly damaging disease.

SourceOregon State University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 5, 2018

'Skinny fat' in older adults may predict dementia, Alzheimer's risk

A new study found that 'skinny fat,' a combination of low muscle mass and high fat mass, may predict cognitive decline in older adults. Sarcopenic obesity was associated with the lowest performance on global cognition tests, followed by sarcopenia alone and then obesity alone.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalClinical Interventions in Aging·DateJul 5, 2018

The tricks to playing extra time in the World Cup

A study by University of Huddersfield researchers suggests that carbohydrate gels and caffeine-infused chewing gum can help teams perform better in extra time. The five-minute window before extra time begins is crucial, but teams may also need to develop better nutritional strategies.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateJul 5, 2018

Researchers develop gene therapy method to target kidney cells

Researchers have successfully used viral vectors to deliver genetic material to kidney cells, paving the way for new treatments for chronic kidney disease. The discovery could lead to gene therapies that slow or reverse the growth of cells contributing to CKD.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 5, 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.

High rate of nearsightedness among children in China

Researchers found a significant rise in myopia rates among Chinese schoolchildren, with some studies suggesting an annual incidence rate of up to 30%. This could be attributed to increased screen time and sedentary lifestyles, prompting recommendations for outdoor playtime and other interventions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateJul 5, 2018

Urban greenways can reduce neighborhood carbon emissions

A new study by UBC researchers reveals that urban greenways can significantly reduce daily car travel distances and resulting carbon emissions. Participants living within 300 meters of Vancouver's Comox-Helmcken Greenway showed an 18% decrease in car travel, while those farther away experienced increased motorized travel.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalTransportation Research Part D Transport and Environment·DateJul 5, 2018

Progress in addressing a severe skin disease that affects dogs and humans

A new study led by University of Pennsylvania researchers has discovered the underlying factors causing ichthyosis, a skin barrier disorder that leads to thick layers of scales. The team developed a topical therapy using a lotion that restored the skin's natural lipid envelope, improving symptoms in affected dogs.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJul 5, 2018

'Blind' Cheetah 3 robot can climb stairs littered with obstacles

The Cheetah 3 robot can navigate staircases littered with debris and recover its balance when yanked or shoved, thanks to two new algorithms developed by MIT engineers. The contact detection algorithm helps the robot determine the best time for a leg to switch from swinging in the air to stepping on the ground.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJul 5, 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.

Photonic capsules for injectable laser resonators

The KAIST research group created photonic capsules that can be injected into any target volume, exhibiting omnidirectional laser emissions. The capsules contain cholesteric liquid crystals (CLCs) with helical nanostructures, which reflect circularly-polarized light and enable wavelength-tunable lasing.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 5, 2018

Investigative report on FDA advisory panels from Science's news department

Investigative report finds 40 physician advisors took over $10,000 from drug makers after reviewing drugs, while 26 received more than $100,000 in post-hoc earnings. The FDA's honor system for disclosing financial interests may be ineffective in detecting conflicts of interest.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 5, 2018