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Science News Archive June 2018


Page 27 of 40

Inequality: My unfair disadvantage, not your unearned privilege

A new study from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business found that how inequity is presented can influence individuals' willingness to rectify it. Participants were more likely to give up part of a bonus when told a specific black colleague was unfairly disadvantaged, rather than being told they had an unfair advantage.

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.

International collaboration studies the predictability of earthquakes

A global collaboration, CSEP, has been studying earthquake forecast models to assess their performance and predict future seismic activity. The experiments have shed light on the predictability of earthquakes, with some models proving useful for real-time warnings during major earthquakes.

Researchers map the genome of testicular cancer

A collaborative effort has discovered molecular features of testicular germ cell cancers, identifying potential mutations and other molecular changes. The study found signs of duplicated DNA and defects in DNA methylation, which could inform future efforts to improve treatment decisions and help monitor patients for cancer recurrence.

New GAIA data reveals mergers in Milky Way

Researchers found relics of merger events in the Milky Way halo using Gaia Data Release 2. Five small clusters and a large 'blob' of stars indicate massive and smaller merger events shaped the galaxy. This study provides insights into the Milky Way's evolution, with further analysis to reveal more about its formation.

New optical sensor can determine if molecules are left or right 'handed'

A University of Central Florida team has designed a nanostructured optical sensor that can efficiently detect molecular chirality, a property defining biochemical properties. This technology has the potential to identify chiral drugs and proteins with high accuracy, revolutionizing drug development and understanding diseases.

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.

David vs. Goliath: How a small molecule can defeat asthma attacks

Researchers develop novel small molecule, PM-43I, that specifically targets STAT6 pathway, reversing preexisting allergic airway disease in mice. This breakthrough approach offers unique advantages over monoclonal antibodies, with potential benefits for patients who may not need steroid treatments.

Graphene carpets: So neurons communicate better

Researchers at SISSA observed an increase in nerve cell activity on graphene carpets, attributed to ion 'trapping' that modulates its composition. This phenomenon enhances neuronal excitability, with specific effects depending on the graphene's support material.

Scientists unravel molecular mechanisms of Parkinson's disease

A study published in Nature Communications has revealed how alpha-synuclein protein clumps cause neurons to die by damaging mitochondria and triggering a channel that leads to cell swelling and bursting. The findings were replicated in human brain cells generated from patient skin cells, providing valuable insights into neurodegeneration.

Novel system mimics focus activity of the human eye

Researchers have developed Autofocals, a system that automatically corrects presbyopia by mimicking the natural accommodation response of the eye. Users experienced better visual acuity at nearer distances compared to monovision and progressive lenses methods.

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.

Sea urchins see with their feet

Researchers at Lund University have found that sea urchins can perceive objects within a limited range of sizes, up to 30-70 degrees around them. This ability is sufficient for the animal's basic needs and behavior, despite having poor eyesight compared to humans.

Mu­sic play­school en­hances chil­dren's lin­guistic skills

A low-cost music playschool significantly improved the development of children's phoneme processing and vocabulary skills compared to peers attending dance lessons or none. The study suggests regular music playschool lessons can positively impact preschoolers' linguistic abilities.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Adapting lifestyle habits can quickly lower blood pressure

A new program has been shown to lower blood pressure in just 14 days, with participants seeing an average drop of 19 points. The Weimer Institute Newstart Lifestyle program aims to modify lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise to achieve this result.

Further drivers of ocean deoxygenation identified

Previous ocean model calculations underestimated recent oxygen decline, with global warming as the main cause. The study identifies additional drivers, including changes in ocean circulation and biogeochemical processes, which were insufficiently represented in models.

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.

Squashing cyberbullying: New approach is fast, accurate

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have developed a new approach to detecting cyberbullying on social media networks like Instagram. The technique combines multiple computing tools to scan large amounts of data and send alerts to parents or administrators in real-time, with an accuracy rate of 70%.

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.

Citizen science -- A powerful tool to combat invasive giant slugs

Researchers used citizen science to analyze slug appearances and complex weather patterns, revealing correlations between humidity, precipitation, and windspeed. This prediction method could inform targeted eradication policies against invasive species like the giant slug.

What makes aggressive mice so violent

A study found that aggressive mice showed increased dominance and aggression when ΔFosB was overexpressed, suggesting a link between this protein and violent behavior. The research suggests targeting ΔFosB may reduce aggression by modifying the brain's reward system.

Army scientists have a blast with aluminum nanoparticles

Researchers from the U.S. Army Research Laboratory and Texas Tech University demonstrated a 30-percent enhancement in TNT detonation velocity by adding novel aluminum nanoparticles. The AIH-coated nanoparticles showed improved reactivity due to their unique morphological feature, leading to enhanced explosive performance.

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.

Orange peels may hold secret to airborne medicine, safer bridges

Engineers at UCF have discovered a way to release fragrant oil from oranges, mimicking nature's mechanism to create microjets. This discovery may lead to less expensive and biodegradable methods for delivering medication, as well as innovative solutions for detecting bridge failures.

Interstellar dust and Solar System formation

Comet-derived IDPs contain presolar interstellar dust, such as GEMS, with organic carbon mantles that decompose at high temperatures. The results suggest that GEMS formed in a cold environment and represent surviving building blocks of the Solar System.

Algorithm predicts dangerous low blood pressure during surgery

A new algorithm developed by researchers at UCLA Medical Center can predict hypotension in surgical patients with high accuracy, enabling physicians to take proactive measures. The algorithm uses machine learning to analyze physiological data and identifies subtle signs of impending hypotension, reducing the risk of serious complications.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Regenerative wound dressing for diabetic ulcers

Researchers developed a peptide-infused dressing that promotes dermal cell adhesion and proliferation, accelerating wound closure and tissue regeneration in diabetic mice. The dressing showed significant benefits compared to control treatments.

How to slow down Ebola

Researchers created a genetic family tree of the Ebola epidemic, revealing its spread between 2013-2016. Closing international borders proved effective in slowing down the virus, while local measures had little impact.

Heritage science: Where the past looks to the future

A special issue of Angewandte Chemie explores the intersection of chemistry, conservation, and archaeology in preserving cultural heritage. Research articles examine methods for analyzing antiques, classifying plastic artifact degradation, and conserving cannonballs from shipwrecks.

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.

Fueling a deep-sea ecosystem

Microbes at deep-sea hot springs are surprisingly productive, generating more than 4,000 tons of organic carbon daily, equivalent to the amount in 200 blue whales. They convert chemicals into energy through chemosynthesis, serving as a crucial base for the food web.

Evidence for a new property of quantum matter revealed

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have detected electrical dipole fluctuations in a quantum material at extremely low temperatures, revealing a new property of quantum matter. The study uses Raman spectroscopy to observe the irregular oscillations of tiny charged poles on the material.

Climate change and food production shocks

Climate change could lead to increased global maize yield variability, particularly in the US, Europe, and Africa. Aggressive carbon dioxide emissions mitigation and heat-tolerant crop breeding are crucial to mitigate these effects.

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.

New epigenetic drug against Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Researchers have developed a new epigenetic drug that slows down cell growth in Mantle Cell Lymphoma by inhibiting the HDAC6 gene. The substance shows high efficacy in cultured cells, murine studies and patient-derived cells with minimal toxicity to healthy cells.

Regenerative bandage accelerates healing in diabetic wounds

A Northwestern University team developed a regenerative bandage that heals diabetic wounds 33% faster than current market products, leveraging the body's natural wound-healing process. The bandage uses an antioxidant hydrogel with a thermally responsive segment of laminin to facilitate tissue regeneration and counter inflammation.

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.

Scientists watch bacteria 'harpoon' DNA to speed their evolution

Researchers at Indiana University have made the first direct observation of bacteria using a 'DNA harpoon' process to rapidly evolve new traits, including antibiotic resistance. The study revealed that pili act like microscopic harpooners to cast their line through pores in the cell's wall and reel in DNA fragments.

Audio-motor learning during musical training

A study discovered rapid recruitment of auditory-to-motor cortical pathways when participants played or passively listened to learned melodies. Brain connectivity between motor and auditory areas was also associated with training success, suggesting potential implications for rehabilitation strategies based on audio-motor learning.

Artificial gene defect reveals target to fight genetic disease

A recent study published in Nature Communications reveals that the enzyme USP48 plays a crucial role in DNA repair and may hold promise as a therapeutic target for Fanconi Anemia. Inactivation of USP48 in FA-deficient cells restores nearly error-free repair of damaged DNA.

Soil profile changes in urban areas

A study analyzed soil horizons in 11 US cities, finding approximately 50% fewer soil horizons than pre-urban soils. The researchers attributed changes to local management processes such as soil removal, mixing, and fill additions, leading to potential effects on ecosystem functioning.

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.

Improving electoral accountability

A study found that sending voters messages about district budget irregularities increased the likelihood of voting for incumbent councilors if corruption was low and reduced it when corruption was high. This method could empower voters and increase electoral accountability in some political offices.

Stanford nectar research sheds light on ecological theory

A Stanford study using nectar-dwelling yeast found that relative nonlinearity is crucial for species coexistence, contradicting common assumptions among ecologists. The research used microcosms to gather data on the complex interactions between yeasts and environmental conditions.

Approaching an ideal amino acid synthesis using hydrogen

Osaka University researchers have developed a practical and environmentally innocuous method for functionalizing multiply substituted amines. Their reductive alkylation approach uses hydrogen directly, generating only water as a byproduct and efficiently synthesizing a wide variety of amines, including amino acids.

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.

1.45 million children's lives saved by HiB and pneumococcal vaccines since 2000

Since 2000, conjugate vaccines against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and Streptococcus pneumoniae have prevented a significant decline in child mortality from these bacterial infections, with estimated reductions of 90% and 51%, respectively. The introduction of these vaccines has been instrumental in reducing the global burden o...

Many at risk for HIV despite lifesaving pill

A new University of Michigan study reveals that high-risk individuals face multiple barriers to accessing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a lifesaving HIV drug. The researchers outline 31 potential solutions to overcome these barriers, which affect patient, provider, and health-system levels.

Philosopher warns against 'drifting into state terrorism'

Philosopher Prof. Dr Michael Quante warns against 'drifting into state terrorism' due to modern weapon systems and ambiguity in the concept of peace. He advocates for honest discussion about war and peace, clearly naming interests pursued by warfare, and remembering the 'just war' doctrine.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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