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Science News Archive June 2018


Page 4 of 40

Don't let depression keep you from exercising

A new study found that middle-aged individuals with high fitness are 56% less likely to die from heart disease after a depression diagnosis. Dr. Madhukar Trivedi recommends steps to boost exercise success, including consistency, tracking progress, and varying exercises.

Rough terrain? No problem for beaver-inspired autonomous robot

Researchers at University at Buffalo developed a system for autonomous robots to behave like beavers, using surroundings to build complex structures and overcome obstacles. The robot continuously monitors and modifies its environment to create ramps and overcome uneven terrain.

Nature: Tricky feat with stand-up molecule

The Forschungszentrum Jülich team successfully oriented a platelet-shaped PTCDA molecule as desired using a scanning probe microscope. The molecule is surprisingly stable in the upright orientation and can be used to create new electronic functionalities, such as logic and sensor circuits.

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.

A wakefulness molecule is abundant in the brains of heroin addicts

Researchers discovered heroin addicts have more hypocretin-producing neurons than controls, while morphine reversed cataplexy symptoms in narcoleptic mice. Increasing hypocretin levels may serve as a treatment strategy for narcolepsy and potentially combat opiate addiction.

New regulator of neuron formation identified

Researchers at IRB Barcelona have identified the NEK7 protein as a crucial regulator of neuron formation in the hippocampus, a region associated with memory. The study found that NEK7 is essential for dendrite growth and branching, and its deficiency leads to complex phenotypes in mice, suggesting broader roles for this protein.

Reproducibility matters in large-scale maize study

A large-scale field study identified 143 heritable microbes and a core rhizosphere microbiome consisting of seven operational taxonomic units within the Proteobacteria phylum. This study contributes to understanding the relative importance of plant genetics, environment, and time in shaping microbial communities.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Men with aggressive prostate cancer may get new powerful drug option

A new study finds that enzalutamide significantly lowers the risk of metastasis or death in men with non-metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer, delaying cancer re-appearance by almost two years. The drug also shows a 71% lower risk of metastasis or death compared to placebo.

OU research team identify genetic structure of Painted Bunting

The OU research team developed high-resolution markers to differentiate between individual birds breeding in different Oklahoma populations and across the United States. This genetic analysis can help conservation efforts by identifying declining Painted Bunting populations and informing management strategies for the species.

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.

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.

Beer. Soup. Barley's next great use? A medical imaging drink

Researchers at the University at Buffalo discovered barley as an ideal and safe contrast agent for diagnosing swallowing disorders. The grain's roasted version can illuminate the throat and gastrointestinal tract when struck by a laser beam, providing nuanced and real-time views inside the body.

New combined treatment shows promise in hepatocellular carcinoma

A new potential combined treatment for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) has shown positive results, increasing overall survival in tumor-bearing mice. Researchers found that the combination of mTOR inhibitors and Phenformin causes a metabolic shift to glycolysis, sensitizing liver tumors to dual inhibition of mTOR.

Teens with concussion may benefit from earlier physical therapy

A recent study found that starting physical therapy within three weeks of a concussion provides similar outcomes to waiting longer. The therapy, which included progressive exercise and vestibular training, led to reduced concussion-related symptoms in both early and late PT groups.

Marine protected areas often expensive and misplaced

International research found many marine protected areas inefficiently located and costly, failing to meet global targets. The study suggests a more strategic approach could reduce costs and improve conservation outcomes.

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.

When it comes to gonorrhea, gender matters

A recent NIH-funded pilot study found that men and women infected with gonorrhea have distinct gene expression profiles during active infection, with increased antibiotic resistance detected more frequently in males. The research highlights the need for gender-specific strategies to combat this increasingly resistant bacterial pathogen.

BNAs improve performance of Li-ion batteries

Researchers from Northeastern University developed hierarchical Bi2MoO6 nanosheet arrays (BNAs) on 3D Ni foam, which exhibit a super high reversible discharge capacity of 2311.7 μAh/cm² and excellent cycle stability. The BNAs-integrated electrodes improve the cycle stability and capacity of lithium-ion batteries.

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.

ESO's VLT sees `Oumuamua getting a boost

Researchers found that `Oumuamua is venting material from its surface due to solar heating, causing a tiny boost in speed. This outgassing behavior is typical for comets and contradicts the previous classification of `O'uamua as an interstellar asteroid.

The bizarre world of topological materials

Researchers are investigating topological materials for their potential to improve electronic performance and storage capacity. These materials display unusual stability even under extreme conditions.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Feds back study of congenital heart disease

A team led by Jane Grande-Allen and Dr. Sundeep Keswani will develop computer models to predict DSS lesions in the left ventricular outflow tract, aiming to prevent fibrotic lesions and treat other cardiovascular diseases associated with altered flow.

Bioanalysis publishes special focus issue on 'Biomarker Assay Validation'

The journal Bioanalysis has released a Special Focus Issue on biomarker assay validation (BAV), highlighting the evolution of regulatory activities and recent developments. The issue features expert opinions and scientific insights into BAV, including parallelism assessments and clinical biomarker validation.

Rethinking the orangutan

Orangutans were once widespread and abundant before humans arrived in Southeast Asia, with teeth found among common animal remains. Long-term interactions with humans may have shaped their behavior and ecology, and conservation efforts should consider this history.

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.

Is the interstellar asteroid really a comet?

A team of astronomers led by Marco Micheli and Karen Meech found that Oumuamua was not slowing down due to gravitational forces alone, pointing to non-gravitational perturbations similar to those experienced by comets. Despite initial classification as an asteroid, the object's trajectory and behavior are more consistent with a comet.

Breast cancer studies ignore race, socioeconomic factors

Breast cancer research has long neglected social factors like race and socioeconomic status, missing opportunities to understand and reduce disparities in risk and outcomes. Studies have shown that only a small percentage of clinical trials reported findings stratified by these factors.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Researchers identify key protein involved in triggering inflammation

A protein called TWIK2 is crucial for activating inflammation, presenting a new target for developing drugs that can restrain excessive inflammatory responses. The discovery opens up the possibility of targeted anti-inflammatory drugs to modify its function and reduce inflammation.

Oxide sintering by air pressure control

The study successfully uses an air-pressure control furnace to rapidly synthesize Li2O-Nb2O5-TiO2 solid solutions, achieving material synthesis in a shorter period than conventional electric furnaces. The researchers attribute this success to the oxygen diffusion mechanism involving interstitial oxygen.

What makes dogs man's best friend?

A recent study has identified 246 candidate genes involved in dog domestication, which influence brain function, development, and behavior. The research suggests that changes in these genes may have contributed to the evolution of dogs from wolves, making them more active during the day rather than at night.

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 findings on bacteria in female bladders

A new study has found that female bladders contain bacteria similar to those in the vagina, with beneficial microbes potentially providing protection against urinary infections. The research could lead to improved diagnostic tests and treatments for urinary tract disorders.

Rethinking the orangutan

Orangutans' evolution has been heavily influenced by humans over thousands of years. The critically endangered species can adapt to survive in human-dominated landscapes, expanding their habitat range.

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.

A milestone on the path towards efficient solar cells

Researchers at FAU and ANSER Center investigate singlet fission mechanism, gaining insights into its potential for increasing solar cell efficiency. They find that SF efficiency correlates with the coupling of molecular sub-units, providing a promising approach to boost performance.

Change in brain cells linked to opiate addiction, narcolepsy

Researchers found that people with heroin addiction have 54% more hypocretin-producing neurons than non-addicts. In mice, morphine restored missing hypocretin cells, reversing narcoleptic symptoms. Further study is needed to explore potential treatment for narcolepsy.

Thermal camouflage disguises hot and cold

A new thermal camouflage system has been developed by researchers, allowing it to rapidly adapt to different temperatures and become indistinguishable from its surroundings. The system, which contains layers of graphene and an ionic liquid, can be applied to a variety of surfaces and is thin, light, and flexible.

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.

Summer dead zones in Chesapeake Bay breaking up earlier

Scientists found that late-season replenishment of oxygen allows the Bay to clean itself, leading to smaller and shorter-lived dead zones. This natural response suggests progress in reducing eutrophication and improving water quality.

Hubble sees 'Oumuamua getting a boost

New Hubble data reveals `Oumuamua is most likely a comet, venting material from its surface due to solar heating. The boost in speed, detected by NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, suggests cometary outgassing.

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.

New mechanism involved in memory loss associated with aging discovered

Researchers identified a new mechanism involved in age-related memory loss, where specific changes in brain circuit signaling lead to abnormal neuron responses. The study found that an adenosine receptor, A2A, is concentrated in neurons and its overactivation leads to increased glutamate release.

Yosemite granite 'tells a different story' story about Earth's geologic history

A team of scientists has discovered that Yosemite granite minerals crystallized at lower temperatures than previously thought, challenging our understanding of how granites form and record the planet's history. This finding has significant implications for geoscientists studying the Earth's crust formation and volcanic processes.