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Science News Archive June 2018


Page 10 of 40

New nuclear medicine technique could help tackle brain disease

A new molecular imaging method allows early assessment of gene therapy success, potentially improving treatment for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. The PET reporter gene/probe system enables noninvasive monitoring of gene expression in all brain areas.

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.

A new way to improve automated systems

Researchers from Zhejiang University developed a new way to improve automated systems, such as energy plants and airplanes, using polyhedral feasible set computation. This method efficiently analyzes current behaviors and time frames to predict the best next steps for optimal performance.

How do tropical cyclones affect the air quality of Hong Kong?

The study found that pollution levels in Hong Kong are mainly determined by tropical cyclone locations, with different impacts on PM10 and ozone levels. Tropical cyclones bring high concentrations of pollutants when located east or southeast of Hong Kong.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Novel PET tracer successfully images cardiovascular infections

A novel PET tracer has been developed to accurately image cardiovascular infections, which are extremely dangerous and have a high fatality rate. The tracer, called 6'-[18F]Fluoromaltotriose, is transported into bacterial cells by a membrane transport system exclusive to bacteria, allowing for specific imaging of bacterial infections.

Risk of autism increased in children of mothers with diabetes

A recent study has linked increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children born to mothers with the three main types of diabetes. The research, published in JAMA Network, suggests a higher risk for children exposed in utero to maternal preexisting type 1 diabetes and gestational diabetes diagnosed by 26 weeks.

Three Argonne scientists receive DOE early career awards

Three researchers at Argonne National Laboratory, Prasanna Balaprakash, Karen Mulfort, and Zhang Jiang, have earned the DOE's Early Career Research Program awards. They will receive funding to advance their research in machine learning, molecular interactions, and advanced materials imaging.

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.

Health insurance plans may be fueling opioid epidemic

A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that health insurers have not done enough to combat the opioid epidemic. The researchers analyzed coverage policies for drugs to treat chronic lower-back pain and concluded that these policies missed opportunities to steer patients towards safer treatments.

Overdose risk quintuples with opioid and benzodiazepine use

A new study from the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy found that concurrent opioid and benzodiazepine use increases the risk of opioid-related overdose by five-fold compared to opioid-only use. The risk decreases after 180 days of concurrent use, but is still elevated compared to opioid-only use.

UC Riverside chemist receives Department of Energy award

Assistant professor Ming Lee Tang at UC Riverside has received a $750,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop hybrid organic-inorganic nanocrystal-based materials for biomedical imaging and solar energy applications.

The photoelectric effect in stereo

A team of physicists has measured a tiny time difference in the ejection of an electron from a molecule depending on its position. The researchers used attosecond laser pulses to study the photoelectric effect in carbon monoxide molecules, achieving precise measurements of the Wigner time delay and electron localization.

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.

Men tolerate stress incontinence years before seeking help

A new study from UT Southwestern researchers highlights the importance of diagnosing and treating stress urinary incontinence in men, who often wait years before seeking help. The study recommends a standing cough test as a routine part of male patients' physicals to accurately diagnose and treat this condition.

Innovation leaps to fast-track

Rothamsted Research has launched a collaborative program, AgRIA, to accelerate innovation in the agricultural sector. The program aims to develop research ideas from agri-tech into new industries through short-leap projects, entrepreneurial studentships, and longer leap-of-faith projects.

Broken shuttle may interfere with learning in major brain disorders

A study led by NYU School of Medicine researchers found that mice genetically engineered to lack the gamma-CaMKII shuttle protein took twice as long to form a memory needed to complete a simple task. The team restored learning ability by re-inserting the human version of the shuttle protein into mice.

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 research on avian response to wildfires

The study found that wildfire had a strong effect on the density of many bird species, with some reaching maximum densities after high-severity fires. The researchers also discovered complex patterns in species' responses to fire severity and time since burning, highlighting the dynamic nature of avian communities after fires.

Low-cost plastic sensors could monitor a range of health conditions

Researchers developed a low-cost sensor made from semiconducting plastic that can measure critical metabolites in sweat, tears, saliva, or blood. The sensor offers higher sensitivity compared to traditional metal electrodes and can be easily modified to detect various metabolites.

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.

Challenging our understanding of how platelets are made

Researchers used intravital correlative light-electron microscopy to visualize platelet production in vivo. They found that megakaryocytes form large protrusions rather than extruding fine proplatelet extensions, revising the understanding of fundamental biology of platelet formation.

Office of Naval Research invests in Purdue battery safety technology

Purdue researchers have developed methods to make batteries safer, which could be scaled up for larger batteries used in naval strategic systems. The project aims to incorporate these safety measures into lithium-sulfur technology, potentially increasing energy density and reducing overheating.

Dynamic modeling helps predict the behaviors of gut microbes

A new study from Ophelia Venturelli and her team at the University of Wisconsin-Madison uses dynamic modeling to predict gut microbiome behaviors, reducing the need for laborious lab experiments. The model also reveals a balance between positive and negative interactions between microbes.

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.

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.

Detecting metabolites at close range

Researchers at KAUST have developed a novel biosensor that can detect metabolites like lactate with high efficiency. This device combines an electron transporting polymer with lactate oxidase to realize efficient electron transfer, promoting electrical communication between the sensing electrode and enzyme.

When low batteries are a good thing

Researchers discovered that the mitochondria of gut-resident white blood cells have a different composition that reduces their energy production, keeping them in a controlled activated state. This knowledge can lead to new diagnostic markers and treatments for conditions like gut inflammations and infections.

The FASEB Journal: Gender-specific differences in intestinal lining

Researchers found that female participants had stronger intestinal barriers and greater diversity of microbes, leading to a healthier environment. The study also showed that males were more sensitive to indomethacin disruption and demonstrated changes in stool microbial populations.

Western-led research team uncovers lost images from the 19th century

A team of scientists, led by Madalena Kozachuk, has recovered two previously hidden daguerreotype images from the National Gallery of Canada's photography research unit. The images, taken possibly as early as 1850, were damaged due to tarnish and other degradation, but were restored using synchrotron technology.

Origin Quantum Company and LQCC have successfully simulated a 64-qubit circuit

The researchers achieved a significant breakthrough in quantum computing by simulating a 64-qubit circuit using a novel partitioning scheme. This method reduces the computational complexity of quantum algorithms, enabling faster simulations and paving the way for future advancements in quantum machine learning and unsupervised learning.

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.

Digitalization meets the Middle Ages

A 1,200-year-old parchment fragment from the 'Admonter Abrogans' is being presented in a special exhibition at Admont Abbey, featuring high-resolution images and translations. The MEETeUX project aims to develop digital forms of exhibition design for accessible user experience, utilizing smartphones, touch screens, and virtual reality.

Sex, drugs, and heart failure

Women are largely underrepresented in clinical trials of heart failure medications, with limited evidence on their efficacy. Precision medicine may lead to more effective medications by incorporating sex-aware randomized clinical trials.

Superconducting vortices quantize ordinary metal

Scientists have observed superconducting vortices in an ordinary metal when it is brought into contact with a superconductor, demonstrating the existence of induced quantum coherence. This discovery enables a better understanding of the processes occurring at the interface between superconducting and normal phases.

Repurposing promising cancer drugs may lead to a new approach to treating TB

Researchers at Texas Biomedical Research Institute have repurposed promising cancer chemotherapy drugs to target tuberculosis (TB), a deadly disease that kills four people every minute. The study found that these experimental drugs can reduce TB growth by 80% and also decrease inflammation and damage to the lungs.

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.

Coral reef scientist receives royal honor

Distinguished Professor Terry Hughes has been honored by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation for his climate change research on coral reefs. His work recognizes the influence of rapid climate change on world's coral reefs.

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.

Tiny jumping roundworm undergoes unusual sexual development

Scientists have discovered significant differences in gonad development between Steinernema carpocapsae and C. elegans, highlighting the diversity of neuronal anatomy across nematode species. This research has practical applications for commercializing biocontrol products and advancing our understanding of genetic processes.

£2.9 million awarded to tackling antibacterial resistance in Thailand

A new study aims to identify drivers of antibacterial resistance in Thailand, focusing on two species of bacteria: Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. The researchers will investigate how farm management practices, chemical pollution, and human behaviors influence transmission of these bacteria.

Miniature testing of drug pairs on tumor biopsies

Researchers at EMBL screened over 1100 treatment conditions using a novel microfluidic device, discovering individualized cancer therapies for each patient. The device was tested on four patient biopsies, showing highly reproducible results and potential for personalized medicine.

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.

First step to lasting wheat health

Rothamsted Research has developed a new approach to protecting wheat crops from the devastating take-all root fungus, by carefully selecting the first wheat variety in a cropping cycle. This reduces the disease's severity and increases yields in subsequent crop varieties.

Using tree-fall patterns to calculate tornado wind speed

Using tree-fall patterns, researchers estimated the near-surface wind speeds of an actual tornado event in Naplate, IL, with results compared to wind speeds from residential houses and damaged infrastructure. The method also applied to crops damaged by tornadoes, providing a new approach to estimating tornado intensity.

Blood test predicts spastic cerebral palsy

A Delaware team has developed a blood test that can identify spastic cerebral palsy (CP) patients with 73% accuracy, using DNA patterns in circulating blood cells. The study's findings have significant implications for early diagnosis and intervention.

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.