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Science News Archive June 2018


Page 34 of 40

Wellcome Sanger Institute sequences reference genomes of 3,000 dangerous bacteria

The Wellcome Sanger Institute has sequenced the genomes of over 3,000 bacteria, including some of the world's most dangerous pathogens. This collection will help researchers better understand antibiotic resistance and develop new diagnostic tests, vaccines, or treatments for deadly diseases such as tuberculosis, gonorrhoea, and cholera.

Sensor detects whiff of bad breath

Researchers developed a sensor that can detect halitosis with high sensitivity and portability, providing doctors with a convenient test for diagnosing the condition. The sensor uses a color-changing chemical reaction to detect traces of hydrogen sulfide gas in breath samples.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Inside the brains of killer bees

Researchers examined neuropeptide changes in aggressive and non-aggressive Africanized honeybees, finding that specific peptides can trigger aggression. The study provides new insights into the neurological basis for honeybee behavior, highlighting the complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors.

Older breast cancer patients in England less likely to survive

Breast cancer patients aged 70 and over in England have a higher risk of mortality due to reduced surgical intervention compared to other countries. Patients with stage three breast cancer in England are also more likely to not receive surgery, which has been linked to poorer survival rates.

Scientists create 'genetic atlas' of proteins in human blood

Researchers have created a comprehensive genetic atlas of human plasma proteins, identifying nearly 2,000 genetic associations with almost 1,500 proteins. This discovery promises to aid in the development of new drugs and enhance our understanding of various diseases.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Combination drug therapy effectively treats male infertility

A new study found that combination CC+AZ therapy is safe and effective for patients with elevated estradiol or low testosterone/estradiol ratios. The treatment improves testosterone levels and reduces estradiol levels by lowering conversion of testosterone to estradiol.

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.

Bioengineers identify safer way to make rugby tackles

Researchers have identified a safer way to make rugby tackles by reducing the impact on the head. The recommended techniques include tackling at the lower trunk and avoiding high-impact tackles to the upper trunk. These strategies aim to minimize the risk of concussions and other head injuries.

Lab-grown neurons improve breathing in rodents after spinal cord injury

Researchers at Drexel University successfully transplanted V2a interneurons into injured rodent spinal cords, improving respiratory function and demonstrating potential for future treatment of paralyzed patients. The study capitalizes on previous findings that these cells contribute to plasticity and self-repair in the spinal cord.

Organic insect deterrent for agriculture

Researchers at TUM have developed a biodegradable insect deterrent that repels pests without poisoning them, potentially saving bees and other beneficial insects. The new product is produced by bacteria that use terpenoid-based compounds to protect themselves from pests, offering an alternative to traditional synthetic pesticides.

Study examines how pathogens affect bird migration

Researchers found that haemosporidians impede migratory performance in infected birds, causing them to arrive later at breeding grounds. Infected individuals have elevated white blood cell counts, indicating an immune response that may divert resources from migration.

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.

Single molecular insulator pushes boundaries of current state of the art

Researchers at Columbia University have developed a single molecular insulator that can effectively block leakage current in transistors, paving the way for smaller and more efficient devices. The breakthrough uses quantum interference-based approach to create a novel technique for blocking tunnelling conduction at the nanoscale.

Risk assessment tools may increase incarcerations rates

A new study by Rice University sociologist Robert Werth suggests that risk assessment tools in the US parole system contribute to higher incarceration rates. The study found that these tools consider everyone a risk, leading to an environment where most people are supervised closely.

New research identifies how blind cavefish lose their eyes

A new study led by the NIH identified roles for over two dozen genes shared with humans, many linked to human eye disorders, in causing cavefish blindness. Epigenetic regulation mechanisms have been found to play a key role in this process.

Social media images of culture can predict economic trends in cities

Researchers used social media images of cultural events to create a model that predicts neighborhoods with high wellbeing and gentrification. The study found a correlation between cultural capital and neighborhood growth, providing insights for city planners to prevent displacement.

As solar wind blows, our heliosphere balloons

The solar wind pressure increase in 2014 led to a change in the shape of our heliosphere. The boundaries of the heliosphere expanded outward as particles rebounded off their edges. This expansion can be seen in the increased density of energetic neutral atoms detected by IBEX, which have been traveling through space and returned to Earth.

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.

Teenage girls are more impacted by sleepiness than teen boys are

A recent study found that teenage girls reported a higher degree of interference of daytime sleepiness on multiple aspects of their school and personal activities compared to boys. The study also showed that girls were more likely to miss school due to tiredness and felt less motivated in school because of poor sleep quality.

Simpler model gets to the point with proteins

Rice University researchers develop a molecular modeling framework that combines experimental data with coarse-grained simulations, enabling more accurate protein dynamics modeling. The technique reveals unanticipated molecular properties and can be scaled up to larger systems, reducing simulation time by hours.

Early indicators of bone loss after hip replacement discovered

Researchers at Rush University Medical Center identified two biomarkers that indicate patients likely to develop osteolysis, a condition causing joint loosening and potential revision surgery. These biomarkers can be detected up to six years before diagnosis.

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.

New tools reveal prelude to chaos

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis developed mathematical tools that determine when randomness emerges in stochastic systems, describing the kinetics before dissolving into randomness. The tools have potential to predict onset of chaos in nanoparticles to checking accounts.

Mangos help promote gut health

A new study suggests that eating mangos may be more effective than taking a comparable amount of fiber in relieving constipation. The research found that mango polyphenols helped improve gut health by reducing markers of inflammation and changing the microbiome.

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.

Transferring quantum information using sound

A team of researchers has found a way to couple and precisely control quantum systems using phonons, the smallest units of sound waves. This allows for the creation of a scalable quantum network, enabling new technological breakthroughs.

Putting lungs under less stress

Researchers have identified a new less-invasive treatment option for patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), using ultra-protective mechanical ventilation. This approach may mitigate further lung injury and improve outcomes without requiring extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal.

Sleep disturbances more common for immigrants than non-immigrants

A recent study found that immigrants in Switzerland are more likely to experience sleep disorders due to high levels of emotional distress. The study analyzed data from 17,968 participants and found that immigrants reported higher levels of trouble falling asleep, disrupted sleep, and early morning awakenings.

Using envy as a marketing tool can backfire

A recent study found that employing envy in marketing can boost brands but also completely backfire, depending on a consumer's self-esteem. People with high self-worth are more likely to want the envied brand and stay motivated to attain it.

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 algorithm keeps data fresh in wireless networks

Researchers at MIT developed an algorithm to prioritize and transmit data from sensors in real-time, ensuring the freshest possible data is received by a network. The algorithm calculates an 'index' based on data age, channel reliability, and node priority, guaranteeing optimal decision-making without overloading wireless channels.

Fungi-produced pigment shows promise as semiconductor material

Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a fungus-produced pigment, xylindein, that could become a sustainable alternative to silicon in electronic applications. The pigment, found in infected wood, has high durability and stability, making it suitable for wearable electronics.

New method enables high quality speech separation

Researchers have developed a novel audio-visual model that can isolate and enhance speech in videos, even in challenging real-world scenarios. The model uses both visual cues, such as lip movements, and auditory signals to focus on the speaker's voice and improve speech quality.

One in four Americans develop insomnia each year

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that about 25% of Americans experience acute insomnia annually, but 75% recover normal sleep within a year. The study tracked 1,435 adults nationwide and found no significant differences in recovery rates among racial, ethnic, or gender lines.

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.

Yellowstone study explores park's geothermal system

Researchers used deuterium to estimate heat flow in Yellowstone hot springs, accounting for both visible and subsurface water flows. The new method provides an important step towards understanding the complex processes driving Yellowstone's volcano and geothermal features.

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.

Russian and Georgian universities unite to study properties of solitons

Researchers from Kazan Federal University and Tbilisi State University investigate conditions for soliton formation in the solar corona and Earth's ionosphere. They successfully mathematically prove the possibility of soliton emergence, with significant implications for space navigation and safety.

Why are migraine patients skipping effective behavioral treatments?

A new study found that only half of migraine patients referred for behavioral treatment made an appointment, citing lack of time, cost concerns, and skepticism as barriers. Despite being first-line, safe, and effective treatments, many patients are not accessing these therapies due to perceived barriers.

Nutrient pollution makes ocean acidification worse for coral reefs

A recent study by researchers from the University of Hawaii at Manoa found that nutrient pollution accelerates ocean acidification's negative impacts on coral reefs. This increases calcification rates, disrupts natural chemical dynamics, and promotes seaweed growth over corals.

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.

NASA funds Rutgers scientists' pursuit of the origins of life

A Rutgers-led ENIGMA team will investigate the evolution of protein nanomachines, which may have arisen before life began, using a $6 million NASA grant. The team aims to understand the earliest processes that support life, including the movement of electrons and hydrogen atoms.

Cornell research illuminates inaccuracies in radiocarbon dating

New research from Cornell University challenges widely accepted radiocarbon dating standards, potentially altering historical timelines for the southern Levant region. The study reveals variations in the radiocarbon cycle, causing offsets of up to 20 years in calibration, which could be related to climatic conditions.

Detecting the birth and death of a phonon

Researchers create method to detect individual phonons, enabling study of phonon decay and its implications for quantum technologies. The technique uses ultra-short laser pulses to excite and probe phonons in diamond crystals.

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.

Cedars-Sinai research identifies gut gas linked to diarrhea

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai have identified a link between the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas in the gut and diarrhea in patients with small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A new four-gas breath test device is being developed to improve diagnosis and treatment for these conditions.

Computer simulations identify chemical key to diabetes drug alternatives

Researchers discovered a chemical compound that lowers sugar levels as effectively as metformin but with a 30-times lower dose, providing an alternative treatment option for patients unresponsive to the current medication. The study published in PLOS One could lead to the development of a new and effective drug to fight diabetes.

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.

Mandatory bundled-payment Medicare programs should stay, Penn study suggests

A new study from researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that hospitals receiving bundled payments for joint replacements either voluntarily or through Medicare's mandatory programs vary in size and volume but not in spending or quality. The authors suggest both programs are needed to engage more hospitals.