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Science News Archive June 2018


Page 13 of 40

Army study quantifies changes in stress after meditation

Researchers developed a new data processing technique to monitor brain state using heart rate variability, revealing that yoga is more effective than Chi meditation in reducing stress. The study also found that long-term meditation practice can make permanent changes and improve executive control.

Envisioning a future where all the trees in Europe disappear

A regional climate model found that deforestation could lead to a slight annual cooling overall, but with big differences locally. Northern and eastern Europe cooled while western and central Europe warmed. Deforestation also increased summer temperature extremes.

Synthetic peptides enhance antibiotic attack of skin infections in mice

Researchers found that combining antibiotics with synthetic peptides can significantly reduce the number of infecting bacteria and the size of abscesses in mouse models. The peptides disrupt the bacterial response to stressors like antibiotics, amplifying their uptake and increasing treatment efficacy.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Using fragment-based approaches to discover new antibiotics

Fragment-based lead discovery (FBLD) increases the chances of finding hit compounds and delivers results without high-throughput screening investment. FBLD starts by identifying low molecular weight fragments that bind to protein targets, then grows them into potent drug candidates.

The psychobiology of online gaming

A recent study published in the American Journal of Human Biology found that healthy gaming experiences are linked to favorable gene expression profiles. The research, led by Dr. Jeffrey Snodgrass, highlights the importance of social connectedness in mitigating negative effects of online gaming.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A mechanism behind choosing alcohol over healthy rewards is found

Researchers found that rats who chose alcohol showed similarities to human alcohol addiction diagnostic criteria, including continued use despite negative consequences. The study identified a gene expression change in the amygdala region of the brain as key to understanding this behavior.

New funding to UC Riverside to significantly boost cancer, ALS research

Professor Maurizio Pellecchia has received $2.5 million in funding from the National Academy of Sciences and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke to study the EphA3 receptor's role in cancer and ALS. His research aims to develop therapeutic agents that target this receptor, which is overexpressed in cancer cells.

Improved CPR training could save more lives, research finds

Research suggests that standardized online and in-person courses are falling short and need improvement to optimize retention and mastery. The American Heart Association recommends adopting best practices in education, such as mastery learning, spaced practice, and feedback, to enhance CPR skills.

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.

Penn geneticist receives 2018 Gotto Prize

Dr. Daniel J. Rader, a renowned expert in heart disease prevention and treatment, has received the 2018 Gotto Prize for his pioneering work on lipoprotein metabolism. His research has significantly impacted current strategies to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease.

First ancient syphilis genomes decoded

Researchers have recovered ancient syphilis genomes from skeletal remains in Mexico, distinguishing between the subspecies that cause syphilis and yaws. The findings shed new light on the evolutionary history of syphilis, suggesting a complex history that challenges previous hypotheses.

Psychiatric disorders share an underlying genetic basis

A new study found that psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder have similar genetic patterns, which may not be reflected in current diagnostic categories. The research suggests that a single mechanism regulating concentration could drive both ADHD and schizophrenia.

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.

'Exam Roulette' could quell essay-induced anxiety

A new assessment called Exam Roulette uses a game of chance to increase student preparation and motivation for essay tests. Students can preview potential questions, ask clarifying questions, but not receive specific content information, reducing anxiety and stress.

Exposure to fracking chemicals and wastewater spurs fat cell development

Researchers found that exposure to fracking chemicals and wastewater at diluted concentrations spurred fat cell development, with effects seen even when samples were diluted 1,000-fold. The study used laboratory models and observed significant increases in fat cell proliferation and lipid accumulation.

The role of vitamin D in a healthy pregnancy

A new review suggests that vitamin D may play an integral part in the induction and regulation of critical immune tolerance in early pregnancy. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to increased risk of recurrent pregnancy loss.

Guidelines address self-management of hospitalized diabetes patients

The new guidelines emphasize the importance of involving patients with diabetes in their care plans and provide guidance on how to implement effective self-management strategies. By empowering patients to take an active role in their treatment, these guidelines aim to improve safety and outcomes for hospitalized diabetes patients.

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.

Dry landscapes can increase disease transmission

In water-limited landscapes, sick animals may have more contact with others due to lethargy, leading to faster pathogen transmission. The study suggests that understanding sickness behavior can help predict and control disease transmission in wildlife and domestic animals.

Crumple up this keyboard and stick it in your pocket

Researchers developed a portable keyboard using soft Ecoflex silicone rubber with conductive carbon nanotubes that can withstand bending and crumpling. The device is thin, flexible, and inexpensive, costing only $1, making it suitable for everyday life.

Neonics are being ingested by free-ranging animals, U of G study finds

A University of Guelph study found residues of neonicotinoids in the livers of nearly 10% of wild turkey carcasses, suggesting that free-ranging animals are ingesting these insecticides. The researchers also discovered corn and soybean seeds coated with neonicotinoids in some birds' digestive systems.

Cooler computing through statistical physics?

A team of researchers from the Santa Fe Institute has published a paper on the thermodynamics of computation, which involves elements of statistical physics, computer science, cellular biology, and neurobiology. The study aims to understand how computers process information and reduce energy waste by optimizing computational processes.

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.

Tumor suppressor protein plays key role in suppressing infections

A tumor suppressor protein called Arl11 has been found to play a crucial role in the functioning of the immune system, particularly in detecting and destroying pathogens. By initiating a signaling cascade, Arl11 helps macrophages to engulf bacteria and release signaling molecules that activate other immune cells.

New tool using Facebook data shows worldwide gender gap

Researchers developed a metric called the Facebook Gender Divide based on aggregate statistics from 1.5 billion users across 217 countries. The study found that countries with lower Facebook Gender Divide are rapidly approaching economic gender equality.

Reading risk behavior in the brain

Researchers have successfully measured participants' risk behavior while observing their brain activity using electroencephalography (EEG), revealing a key link between anxiety and decision-making. High anxious participants chose the low-risk option more often, and specific brain activity was associated with heightened cognitive control.

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.

Rhesus macaque model offers route to study Zika brain pathology

Researchers have developed a rhesus macaque model to study Zika brain pathology, revealing similar brain lesions as in human infants with congenital Zika syndrome. The findings suggest that therapies can be tested using fewer animals, providing hope for the development of new treatments.

Coconut oil prolongs life in peroxisomal disorders

Researchers at the University of Bonn found that coconut oil diet significantly increases vitality and lifespan of fruit flies with peroxisomal disorder. The diet dampened cell damage caused by lipase 3 activity.

Substance in hair may be a marker for alcohol consumption

A new study found that measuring ethyl sulphate in hair can assess alcohol consumption and detect a wider time frame of drinking behavior. Researchers successfully applied this method to patients with alcohol use disorders, highlighting the potential of hair as a non-invasive testing matrix.

New drug halves hearing loss in children following cancer treatment

Researchers have found that giving sodium thiosulphate after chemotherapy reduces hearing loss in children treated for hepatoblastoma, a childhood liver cancer, by nearly 50%. The treatment is a major step forward in minimizing long-term side effects and offers hope to families affected by the debilitating condition.

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.

Lonely and prolonged struggle for people with severe obesity

People with severe obesity report using various weight loss methods, but none prove more effective than maintaining lower caloric intake. Weight loss surgery is a proven method for reducing weight in the long term and lowering disease risk, but not suitable for everyone.

Why 9 to 5 isn't the only shift that can work for busy families

A new study from the University of Washington found that consistent hours, regardless of time of day, can give families flexibility and in some cases, improve children's behavior. The study examined two-parent households with one parent working nonstandard shifts and found that rotating or split shifts were associated with more behavio...

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.

A case of 'kiss and tell': Chromosomal kissing gets less elusive

A study by Philipp Maass and Anja Weise found that chromosomes 12 and 17 frequently interact with each other across different individuals, resulting in recurrent patterns. This interaction is linked to a human genetic condition, brachydactyly, where the deletion of a specific gene alters chromosomal arrangements and disturbs interactions.

Compound made inside human body stops viruses from replicating

Researchers discovered a naturally occurring enzyme called viperin that produces the molecule ddhCTP, which prevents viruses from copying their genetic material. The compound shows promising antiviral effects against flaviviruses, including Zika and West Nile viruses, but not picornaviruses.

Whether wheat weathers heat waves

Researchers created computer models to understand how wheat responds to heat stress, including timing, intensity, and duration. The models predict the impact of heat waves on wheat yields and grain size, providing valuable insights for farmers to mitigate losses.

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.

Gene-edited pigs are resistant to billion dollar virus, study finds

Scientists have created gene-edited pigs that resist Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) by removing a section of the CD163 receptor. The research shows that these pigs do not become infected with the virus, which causes significant economic losses in the pig industry.

Asylum seekers are not a 'burden' for European economies

Economists estimate that asylum seekers have a positive impact on the economy of host countries after becoming permanent residents. The study analyzed 30 years of data from 15 Western European countries and found that an increase in migration flows produces positive effects on GDP per capita, unemployment rate, and public finances.

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.

Simple sugar delays neurodegeneration caused by enzyme deficiency

Researchers discovered that trehalose increases cellular waste disposal and improves neurological symptoms in MPS IIIB mice. The study found that trehalose delayed retinal degeneration, vision loss, and improved lifespan by activating a master regulator of the lysosomal system.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Controlling robots with brainwaves and hand gestures

Researchers at MIT's CSAIL have developed a system that allows people to control robots using brainwaves and hand gestures. The system uses EEG and EMG feedback to detect errors and correct robot mistakes on multi-choice problems, enabling more natural human-robot interactions.

Putting the brakes on metastatic cancer

University of Alberta researchers discovered 11 genes that play essential roles in cancer cell metastasis, enabling the blockage of over 99.5% of cancer metastasis in living cells. The study suggests potential therapeutic targets for preventing cancer spread.

Researchers find last of universe's missing ordinary matter

A team of researchers has discovered the last reservoir of ordinary matter hiding in the universe, located in the space between galaxies. The finding is significant as it fills in the gap of about 30% of missing baryons predicted by theorists.

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.

Fossils show ancient primates had grooming claws as well as nails

New fossil evidence suggests that ancient primates, including Teilhardina brandti, had specialized grooming claws as well as nails. This finding overturns the prevailing assumption that the earliest primates had nails on all their digits and provides crucial insights into their daily behavior and evolutionary story.

Encrypted messages in biological processes

A study by a Danish-German research team reveals that modified RNA bases play a crucial role in controlling gene expression from DNA to functional RNA. The researchers used a newly developed technique to label newly made RNA with the m6A modification, demonstrating its impact on RNA maturation and splicing efficiency.

Democracy in decline for one-third of the world

A new study found that 24 countries, including the USA and India, experienced a decline in democratic qualities between 2017 and 2023. Non-electoral aspects of democracy, such as media freedom and freedom of expression, are under increasing threat.

The sounds of climate change

Scientists use AI-powered tool to track songbirds' arrival patterns in Alaska's North Slope, providing insights into their adaptation to hotter temperatures and more erratic weather. The study's findings suggest that birds may time their migrations to local conditions, including day length, rather than just temperature.