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Science News Archive July 2018 - Page 36


Page 36 of 38

TV coverage of cycling races can help document the effects of climate change

Researchers analyzed nearly four decades of TV footage from the Tour of Flanders and found that trees were advancing their leafing and flowering in response to warmer temperatures. This phenomenon, known as phenology, can have significant impacts on ecosystems, affecting animal habitats and plant species.

SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateJul 3, 2018

High performance nitride semiconductor for environmentally friendly photovoltaics

Researchers have developed copper nitride semiconductors that can replace toxic materials in photovoltaic cells, offering a brighter future for solar energy. The unique nitriding technique and fluorine doping enable efficient p-type and n-type conduction, promising scalable and low-cost manufacturing routes.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 3, 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.

A first look at interstitial fluid flow in the brain

A team of researchers has developed a new method to measure and reconstruct interstitial fluid flow velocities in the brain. The technique reveals high variability in flow rates and magnitudes, contradicting the classical idea of a uniform flow rate. This discovery could potentially help predict tumor growth and improve cancer treatments.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Bioengineering·DateJul 3, 2018

Pelvic exams do not help diagnose STDs in adolescent girls, study says

A new study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that pelvic exams lack reliability and provide little new information for diagnosing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in adolescent females. The study's authors argue that rapid urine STD testing provides a more accurate and less invasive way to diagnose these diseases.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateJul 3, 2018

Boosting testosterone makes men prefer higher-status products

A new study led by Gideon Nave found that giving men a single dose of testosterone increased their preference for higher-status goods. The study measured participants' preferences and positive attitudes about products, serving as a foundation for forecasting consumer behavior.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 3, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Can parents of juvenile offenders still dream?

A new study reveals that mothers of juvenile offenders maintain high aspirations for their sons, but lower expectations due to continued delinquency. Lower-income mothers tend to have higher aspirations for upward mobility.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Research on Adolescence·DateJul 3, 2018

Energizing eggs with a patient's own mitochondria offers no benefit in assisted reproduction

A randomized trial tested the effectiveness of energizing eggs with a patient's own mitochondria in assisted reproduction. The procedure was found to have no impact on pregnancy or live birth rates, contradicting previous claims. The study suggests that the technique is not beneficial for patients with a poor prognosis for success.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJul 3, 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.

'Find your passion' may not be the best advice after all

A new study suggests that fixed theories of interest may prevent people from exploring new topics, leading to a limitation in their academic pursuits. The researchers argue that adopting a growth theory can encourage individuals to develop their passion and be more open to new experiences.

SourceYale-NUS College·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 3, 2018

Study: Small talk not as bad as previously thought

Researchers confirm that quality conversations are linked to greater happiness, but find small talk has no relationship with happiness. The study's results hold true for both introverts and extroverts, contradicting previous findings.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 3, 2018

Cardiac hybrid imaging an effective tool for predicting heart attacks

A study published in Radiology found that cardiac hybrid imaging, combining CT and nuclear stress testing, is an excellent long-term predictor of adverse cardiac events. The imaging approach helps identify stenosis and perfusion, providing critical information for treatment decisions.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJul 3, 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.

New form of wound healing revealed by parasitic gut worms

Researchers found that adult stem cells in the intestines are replaced by fetal growth genes after parasite injury, enabling rapid wound repair. This discovery could lead to new treatments for internal wounds and improve understanding of mammalian body repair mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature·DateJul 3, 2018

Building trees: The protein controlling neuron branch growth

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered that MTSS1 controls the branching of neurons by activating one pathway and inhibiting another. This protein plays a dual role, regulating actin filaments to facilitate efficient and uniform coverage of the surrounding environment.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 3, 2018

Deadly amphibian fungus has its origins in East Asia

A recent study has traced the origins of deadly chytrid fungus to East Asia, highlighting the need for increased biosafety guidelines and trade regulations to prevent its spread. The researchers sequenced pathogen samples from around the world and identified four main genetic lineages of the fungus, including one found only in Korea.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalScience·DateJul 3, 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.

How our brains learn to control and remember walking

A UMass Amherst researcher is using a five-year NSF grant to investigate how the brain learns to control and remember walking. Her study aims to understand motor learning processes in healthy people and those with neurological disorders, with the goal of developing new treatments to improve walking function.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateJul 3, 2018

Scientists pump up chances for quantum computing

The team's device can produce one billion electrons per second and uses quantum mechanics to control them. This breakthrough paves the way for future quantum information processing applications, including defence, cybersecurity and encryption.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 3, 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.

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.

Gulf Stream eddies as a source of iron

Researchers from ETH Zurich have found that cold, iron-rich seawater from the North American continental slope is captured by meanders of the Gulf Stream and carried out to the North Atlantic Gyre, enriching it with iron. The study suggests that this source may deliver up to 15% of the iron delivered by Saharan dust.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 3, 2018

Illinois child care providers need resources to serve children with disabilities

A recent statewide survey of Illinois child care providers and early interventionists reveals that many struggle to accommodate infants and toddlers with disabilities in their settings. The study highlights the need for training and resources to support caregivers in identifying and supporting children with disabilities. The findings e...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalEarly Childhood Education Journal·DateJul 3, 2018

How targeting metabolism can defeat cancer stem cells

Researchers have found that cancer stem cells exist in multiple states and can change form, making them resistant to treatment. By targeting cell metabolism, they may be able to kill these stem cells, potentially opening up a new approach to cancer therapy.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 3, 2018

Putting a quantum gas through its phases

Scientists at ETH Zurich develop a controlled quantum system with two coupled order parameters, enabling the creation of diverse phase diagrams and exploring complex interactions. The platform provides a unique tool for studying technologically relevant materials and simulating their properties.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 2, 2018

World's first animals caused global warming

Researchers found that early animals caused a decrease in oxygen levels and increase in carbon dioxide, leading to global warming. This process had a massive impact on the environment, contributing to mass extinctions during animal evolution's first 100 million years.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 2, 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.

Study: Zika could cause more miscarriages than we realize

A collaborative study published in Nature Medicine found that 26 percent of nonhuman primates infected with Zika during early stages of pregnancy experienced miscarriage or stillbirth. This is the first time such a finding has been demonstrated, highlighting the importance of understanding how the Zika virus damages the placenta.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 2, 2018

Supplemental antioxidants may reduce exacerbations in cystic fibrosis

A randomized, controlled trial found that supplemental antioxidants decreased the risk of time to first exacerbation requiring antibiotics in patients with CF. The study also showed increased circulating antioxidant concentrations and transiently decreased inflammation in the antioxidant-treated group.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJul 2, 2018

Ancient viral sequences and virus evolution

Researchers isolated ancient viral sequences from human remains and found a common pathogen associated with humans for over 6,900 years. The study reveals the pathogen evolved significantly slower than previously thought, showcasing the utility of ancient viral sequences in studying virus evolution.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2018

Water compresses under a high gradient electric field

Scientists at University of Illinois discovered that water molecules can be compressed by 3% under a high-gradient electric field, which may be useful for precise filtering of biomolecules. The compression occurs because the charges on water molecules align with the electric field, and the membrane's thinness focuses the force.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 2, 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.

Teamwork between cells fuels aggressive childhood brain tumor

Researchers discovered that cancerous cells in an aggressive type of childhood brain tumour work together to infiltrate the brain. The study found that DIPG cells can exert a profound influence on each other, leading to tumour growth and spread.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 2, 2018

China's emissions reversal cause for 'cautious optimism' says study

A new study suggests that China's decline in carbon emissions is likely to be sustained due to changes in industrial structure and energy efficiency. The country's emissions have been declining since 2014, with a 4.2% decrease from 2016, primarily driven by reductions in coal use and energy intensity.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 2, 2018

Study identifies which marine mammals are most at risk from increased Arctic ship traffic

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that narwhals, beluga, and bowhead whales are most vulnerable to vessel traffic in the Arctic. The researchers identified two 'pinch points' where ships and animals are most likely to intersect, including the Bering Strait and Lancaster Sound.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2018

Utah soil's slippery grip on nutrients

Researchers found that lawns in Salt Lake Valley up to 100 years old show no signs of being saturated with fertilizer nutrient nitrogen, contradicting previous studies. The study suggests that natural processes may account for the unusual pattern, including storage in the soil and losses through groundwater leaching.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalOecologia·DateJul 2, 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.

Hope for new catalysts with high activity

Researchers at Osaka University have elucidated the activation mechanism of nanoporous gold catalysts, making poisonous CO gas harmless. The study used atomic-scale resolution environmental transmission electron microscopy and computer simulations to reveal the role of residual impurities in catalyzing chemical reactions.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 2, 2018

Study reveals secret origins of asteroids and meteorites

A new study found that most asteroids in the inner asteroid belt originate from five or six ancient minor planets, with at least 85% of them tracing their origins to these primordial bodies. This discovery provides a more robust understanding of the evolutionary history of asteroids and the materials that form them.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJul 2, 2018

Declining nuclear power in the United States

Nuclear power's contribution to US energy is expected to decline over several decades due to a lack of advanced reactor designs and economically viable small modular reactors. Researchers warn that decarbonization efforts will be hindered without significant policy changes.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 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.

Diesel doesn't float this boat

A zero-emissions marine research vessel, nicknamed the Zero-V, is technically and economically feasible to build using hydrogen fuel cells. The project aims to reduce air and ocean pollution while providing a stable platform for scientists to conduct research in sensitive ecological areas.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateJul 2, 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.

Is drinking more coffee associated with lower risk of death?

A new study of nearly half a million people in the UK found that heavy coffee drinking was associated with a lower risk of death, regardless of genetic variations or caffeine metabolism. The results suggest a potential health benefit from moderate to high coffee consumption.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 2, 2018

New IR instrument searches for habitable planets

Researchers have developed a new IR instrument to search for potentially habitable planets around small red dwarf stars. The instrument, IRD, uses advanced technology to measure the line-of-sight movement of stars and detect planets with high accuracy.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·DateJul 2, 2018

Scientists visualize the connections between eye and brain

Researchers developed a means of tracking retinal neuron activity as it delivers visual information to the thalamus, revealing organized clusters and shared sensitivities among different types of neurons. This finding suggests the retina's version of Pointillism, where nearby dots fuse together to create diverse colors.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalCell·DateJul 2, 2018

'Cataclysmic' collision shaped Uranus' evolution

Researchers at Durham University found that a massive collision with an object twice the size of Earth likely tilted Uranus on its side. The impact may have trapped heat, explaining the planet's extremely cold temperature. Simulations also suggest this event could have formed Uranus' rings and moons.

SourceDurham University·DateJul 2, 2018

A refined magnetic sense

Researchers have developed a refined magnetic sense using algorithms and hardware from quantum computation, achieving six times higher sensitivity than classical methods. The transmon qubit-based magnetometer uses adaptive phase-estimation schemes to measure the strength of external magnetic fields.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·Journalnpj Quantum Information·DateJul 2, 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.

Neandertals practiced close-range hunting 120,000 years ago

A team of researchers discovered hunting lesions on fallow deer skeletons dating back 120,000 years to Neandertal hunting methods. The findings suggest a confrontational way of hunting requiring careful planning and close cooperation.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 2, 2018

Study reveals how polymers relax after stressful processing

A new study reveals that entangled, long-chain polymers in solutions relax at two different rates, marking an advancement in fundamental polymer physics. The findings will provide a better understanding of the physical properties of polymeric materials and individual polymer molecule behavior under high-stress processing conditions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 2, 2018

Alzheimer's in mini format: A novel tool to study disease mechanisms and possible remedies

A novel stem cell-based model system mimics human brain tissue and reproduces features of Alzheimer's disease, indicating that modulating the immune system can trigger neuronal repair processes. The study suggests a potential approach to therapy by unlocking the potential of neural stem cells to build new neurons.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 2, 2018