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Science News Archive July 2018 - Page 5


Page 5 of 38

New algorithm could help find new physics

A new algorithm developed by University of Illinois researchers enables condensed matter physicists to find interesting properties in materials. The algorithm starts with the desired type of physics and works backward to generate Hamiltonians, which can predict or explain material behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalPhysical Review X·DateJul 27, 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.

Novel genome-wide association study risk loci for nonsyndromic orofacial clefts

A genome-wide association study identified novel risk loci for non-syndromic orofacial clefts in an African population, refining the genetic architecture of the condition. The study also revealed new genetic associations with cleft lip and palate sub-phenotypes.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateJul 27, 2018

Deglacial changes in western Atlantic Ocean circulation

Researchers analyzed ocean sediments to understand Atlantic Ocean circulation changes, finding two episodes of ice melting linked to slow-downs in ocean circulation. The findings have implications for future long-term changes in Earth systems with global climate change.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 27, 2018

Obstacles limiting the preservation of global heritage by UNESCO revealed

A Kanazawa University researcher identifies features limiting UNESCO's Memory of the World program, focusing on disagreement between China and Japan over Nanjing Massacre documents. The professor proposes alleviating tension through state participation and transparency in the nomination process.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalContemporary Politics·DateJul 27, 2018

Benjamin Fingerhut receives the ERC Starting Grant

Benjamin Fingerhut, a junior group leader at the Max Born Institute, has been awarded the prestigious ERC Starting Grant to study ultrafast biomolecular dynamics. The project aims to elucidate fundamental processes in biological systems using innovative non-adiabatic approaches.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·DateJul 27, 2018

Luxembourgish researchers predict cell conversion factors

Researchers developed a computational method to accurately predict cell subpopulation conversions, enabling potential applications in regenerative medicine. The platform, TransSyn, identifies subtle genetic differences between cell subtypes, allowing for targeted gene expression alteration and cell reprogramming.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 27, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Genetic basis of heart rhythms explored in large population study

Researchers discovered 44 chromosomal regions linked to abnormal heart rhythms, including atrial fibrillation and heart block. The study's findings could lead to better treatments and a greater understanding of the heart's electrical activity.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 27, 2018

The best spies in the skies analyze Mellaria

The Upper Guadiato Archaeological Ager Mellariensis project has analyzed 49 km2 of the territory containing ancient Roman city Mellaria using the COSMO-SkyMed constellation. The satellite technology has revealed invisible moist and floodable areas, groundwater flow, and lost medieval roads.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalArchaeological Prospection·DateJul 27, 2018

Why US universities need better policies against workplace bullying

A new study found that US universities lack effective policies against workplace bullying, with most faculty codes of conduct failing to address the issue. The authors argue that policies can be crafted to balance First Amendment rights with the need to protect employees from a hostile work environment.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalFirst Amendment Studies·DateJul 27, 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.

UMass Amherst Astronomer heading to Chile on 'astronomical pilgrimmage'

Astronomer Daniel Wang will collaborate with Jorge Cuadra in Chile to study the massive black hole at the center of the Milky Way, aiming to understand its interactions with the galactic ecosystem. This research has significant implications for our understanding of galaxy-wide properties and astrophysical processes.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateJul 27, 2018

Scientists create 'impossible' materials in simple way

Researchers successfully created nitrides, a previously considered impossible material, using a direct synthesis method under ultra-high pressure. The development of these materials could lead to improved cutting tools and innovative applications in electronics.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 27, 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.

Reducing the uncertainty of climate projections

Researchers argue that CO2's role in radiative forcing can be calculated with less uncertainty than current models suggest. The study suggests that incorporating line-by-line (LBL) calculations into climate models could reduce uncertainty in climate projections.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 26, 2018

Extinct vegetarian cave bear diet mystery unravelled

A recent study reveals that the direct ancestor of the cave bear had a similar diet to its descendant, suggesting a dietary specialization in vegetal matter. The researchers used geometric morphometrics and micro-CT scanning to analyze ancient fossils, providing new insights into the evolution of Europe's iconic species.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalHistorical Biology·DateJul 26, 2018

Ant study sheds light on the evolution of workers and queens

A new study sheds light on the evolution of workers and queens in ants by identifying a key gene involved in regulating reproduction. Researchers found that a gene coding for an insulin-like peptide, ILP2, promotes and suppresses reproduction in ants.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalScience·DateJul 26, 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.

Unusual rare earth compound opens doorway to new class of functional materials

Scientists at Ames Laboratory have discovered a rare-earth intermetallic with an unusual magnetoelastic transition that displays a sharp magnetic phase change, giant magnetocaloric effect, and no hysteresis. This discovery has the potential to lead to the development of new materials for applications like magnetic refrigeration.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 26, 2018

New technique offers faster, safer way to optimize industrial chemical reactions

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a flow-based high-throughput screening technology for optimizing hydroformylation reactions. The new technique significantly reduces testing time to about 30 minutes, while also minimizing human interaction with toxic gases and saving money.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalChemical Communications·DateJul 26, 2018

Researchers identify new arthritis severity gene

Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital discovered a new gene, HIP1, linked to disease severity in rheumatoid arthritis. The study found that knocking out the gene reduced synovial fibroblast invasiveness and protected against arthritis progression.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJul 26, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Role of oral microbiota in the severity of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis

Researchers found that germ-free mice exhibited reduced inflammation and atrophy compared to specific pathogen free mice, while probiotic administration improved epithelial thickness. Probiotics also reduced the severity of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis in mice.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateJul 26, 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.

Google unveils new virtual reality experience at ACM SIGGRAPH 2018

The Google team developed a comprehensive system for capturing and rendering high-quality spherical light field still images from footage captured in the real world. The processing pipeline uses computer vision to place the images in 3D and generate depth maps, resulting in a truly immersive experience with unmatched realism.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateJul 26, 2018

Aging overweight scuba divers at risk of underwater heart attack

Older, overweight scuba divers are at increased risk of dying due to cardiac issues. The study found that one-third of scuba divers are aged 50 years or older, with a significantly greater proportion having smoked cigarettes and high blood pressure.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateJul 26, 2018

Neurobiology: Finding one's way home

Researchers discovered that afferent nerves from transplanted otic placodes form functional connections with the brainstem, allowing them to reach their target cells. The study found that these neurons rely on diffusible molecules and other guidance mechanisms to navigate the hindbrain.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalDevelopmental Neurobiology·DateJul 26, 2018

The last wild ocean

A new study finds that the ocean has lost most of its untouched areas, leaving only 13% classified as wilderness due to human activity such as fishing and shipping fleets. The authors call for conservation policies to protect marine wilderness, which is home to high levels of species diversity.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 26, 2018
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Fertilizer destroys plant microbiome's ability to protect against disease

A new study reveals that fertilizing plants can destroy the beneficial microbiomes on their leaves, making them more susceptible to disease. Researchers found that low doses of beneficial microbes are often more effective in protecting plants from infection than higher doses.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 26, 2018

Adherence to healthy diets associated with lower cancer risk

A study found that a diet discouraging alcohol consumption and promoting healthy eating was associated with reduced overall and breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer risks. Adherence to the WCRF/AICR score had the strongest association with reduced risk.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateJul 26, 2018

DEEP study: Modelling persistent orofacial pain management's costs and benefits

The DEEP study examined the costs and quality-of-life of individuals with persistent orofacial pain (POFP) and estimated outcomes from pain onset. The results showed that high pain levels led to increased healthcare costs and decreased quality-of-life, highlighting the burden of POFP on health.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateJul 26, 2018

Surrey develops ground-breaking flexible X-ray detector

Researchers at University of Surrey develop ground-breaking flexible X-ray detector, overcoming rigid detector limitations. The new technology achieves high sensitivity levels while operating at low voltages, enabling real-time imaging and border security monitoring.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 26, 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.

New two-dimensional material could revolutionize solar fuel generation

Researchers have synthesized a new 2D material called hematene from iron ore, which exhibits enhanced photocatalytic properties. Hematene's ability to split water into hydrogen and oxygen makes it an efficient candidate for generating electricity.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 26, 2018

First mapping of global marine wilderness shows just how little remains

Researchers mapped global marine wilderness, finding only 13% of the world's ocean can still be classified as wilderness. The remaining areas are mostly located in remote regions, such as Arctic and Pacific Island nations, while coastal regions have almost no wilderness left. Protecting what remains is crucial to preserve biodiversity.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 26, 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.

Specialized approach to open heart surgery saves lives

A specialized heart bypass program with a dedicated team may result in faster operations and improved patient survival. The study found lower rates of blood transfusions and complications such as stroke during the specialized era.

SourceElsevier·JournalThe Annals of Thoracic Surgery·DateJul 26, 2018

World's marine wilderness is dwindling

A study by University of Queensland scientists reveals that only 13% of the ocean can be classified as wilderness, leaving it vulnerable to loss. Marine areas devoid of intense human impacts are being protected, but most remaining wilderness is located in remote regions and is unprotected.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 26, 2018

Fat production and burning are synchronized in livers of mice with obesity

Researchers found that mice with obesity develop new liver circadian rhythms that impact fat accumulation and burning, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for treating obesity-related liver diseases. Administering drugs at specific times when PPAR-alpha is most active could enhance effectiveness and reduce toxicity.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCell·DateJul 26, 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.

A spin trio for strong coupling

A team of scientists at ETH Zurich have found a way to avoid disturbances in qubit operations by coupling a microwave photon to a spin qubit. The researchers created a 'spin trio' consisting of three quantum dots and demonstrated strong coupling between the spin qubits and a microwave photon.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateJul 26, 2018

How do jumping genes cause disease, drive evolution?

Researchers found that jumping genes use nurse cells to produce virus-like particles, which then integrate into the genome of developing egg cells. This process can lead to genetic disorders and cancer. The study provides new insights into how parasitic genetic elements manipulate their environment to drive evolutionary change.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalCell·DateJul 26, 2018

Solution to medical mystery may help some children avoid bone marrow transplantation

A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and UCSF identified germline mutations in the genes SAMD9 or SAMD9L as responsible for a rare bone marrow disorder, myelodysplasia and leukemia syndrome with monosomy 7. The research found that some children with these mutations can spontaneously recover normal bone marrow function witho...

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJCI Insight·DateJul 26, 2018

One gene to rule them all: Regulating eusociality in ants

A single gene, insulin-like peptide 2 (ilp2), regulates eusociality in ants by influencing reproductive cycles and division of labor. High expression of ilp2 in reproductive ants suggests a key role in the development of complex societies.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 26, 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.

Electricity sparks neuronal diversity during brain development

UNIGE researchers found that bioelectrical potential is a driving force for stem cells to generate different types of neurons during embryogenesis. This discovery reveals an unexpected role for electrical charge in generating neuronal diversity, which could help explain how neurological disorders affect brain development.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCell·DateJul 26, 2018

Soundwave-surfing droplets leave no traces

Researchers create a digital microfluidics platform using soundwaves and oil to avoid contamination for reusable lab-on-a-chip devices. The technology enables programmable, rewritable biomedical chips with exponentially increased combinations of reagent inputs.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 26, 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.

Engineers use Tiki torches in study of soot, diesel filters

A team of engineers at the University of Notre Dame is using Tiki torches to simulate real-world driving conditions for testing diesel particulate filters. They aim to develop a low-cost catalyst that can reduce soot oxidation temperatures, improving efficiency and reducing emissions.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalCatalysts·DateJul 26, 2018

A calmer horse is just a sniff away

Researchers at the University of Arizona found that horses experience significant stress reduction when inhaled lavender from a diffuser, as measured by heart rate variability. The data showed a significant increase in relaxation signals such as neck lowering and licking, indicating a calming effect on the horses.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Equine Veterinary Science·DateJul 26, 2018