Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive June 2018 - Page 15


Page 15 of 40

The seed that could bring clean water to millions

A new process using sand and plant materials from the Moringa oleifera tree could provide cheap and effective water filtration, eliminating bacteria and reducing turbidity. The key to its effectiveness lies in controlling the concentration of seed proteins, which can be reused after cleaning.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalLangmuir·DateJun 20, 2018

Life-saving stroke educational program goes global

A life-saving stroke educational program, Stroke 112, has been adopted globally to improve stroke recognition in non-English speaking countries. The program's use of a universal emergency phone number and simple warning signs has shown high acceptance rates, particularly in Taiwan.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalStroke·DateJun 20, 2018

Workplace health clinics can lower health care spending

A study by the RAND Corporation found that opening onsite health clinics in schools can lower healthcare costs by 15% and decrease teacher absenteeism. The clinics provided comprehensive primary care to teachers and their families, resulting in lower hospital admission rates and prescription costs.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJun 20, 2018
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.

Fetal T cells are first responders to infection in adults

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered that fetal T cells persist into adulthood and play a crucial role in fighting infection. These fast-acting immune cells can provide broad protection against pathogens and are activated faster than adult cells.

SourceCornell University·JournalCell·DateJun 20, 2018

Quantum step forward in protecting communications from hackers

Researchers at the University of York have developed a quantum-based method to distribute secure information along communication lines, potentially preventing serious security breaches. By using a detector-independent design, they reduced vulnerabilities in current systems and enabled secure information exchange across the internet.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 20, 2018

Daily cannabis use is on the rise in American adults

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found a steady increase in more frequent cannabis use among adults after 2007, particularly in middle-age and older age groups. This trend contrasts with stable prevalence before 2007 and decreases among adolescents.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateJun 20, 2018

Towards personalized medicine: One type of data is not enough

Researchers developed a computational method called Multi-Omics Factor Analysis (MOFA) to jointly analyze multiple molecular data types from patients, identifying molecular signatures that distinguish individuals. MOFA can help understand cancer development and inform personalized treatment.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory - European Bioinformatics Institute·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateJun 20, 2018
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Rethinking recycling

Scientists are developing new recycling technologies to break down plastics into reusable materials. Current methods use mechanical processes that partially degrade polymers, reducing product quality. Researchers are exploring alternative approaches, including chemical reactions and biological enzymes to speed up the process.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJun 20, 2018

MSU professor awarded grant to harvest medical isotopes at FRIB

A MSU chemistry professor has been awarded a $356,598 grant to develop new methods for gathering rare medical isotopes. The goal is to enable targeted alpha therapy for metastatic cancer and advance research in fields like astrophysics and biochemistry.

SourceMichigan State University Facility for Rare Isotope Beams·DateJun 20, 2018

New medicare model produces expert nurses to address shortage of primary care

A new Medicare model is producing expert nurses to address the shortage of primary care in the US. The University of Pennsylvania researchers' innovative model combines training capacities across health systems, hospitals, and universities to provide high-quality clinical training for advanced practice nurses.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 20, 2018

In mice, stem cells seem to work in fighting obesity! What about stem cells in humans?

A systematic review of animal studies found that adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) have a positive effect on obesity treatment in terms of body weight and related comorbidities. However, the authors caution that further well-designed human studies are needed to confirm these findings and understand the mechanism of action.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Stem Cell Research & Therapy·DateJun 20, 2018

Electron sandwich doubles thermoelectric performance

A new study published in Nature Communications has more than doubled the ability of a material to convert heat into electricity, a significant step towards reducing wasted fossil fuel. By significantly narrowing the space through which spread electrons move, researchers improved thermoelectric energy conversion rates.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 20, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Learning about the Himalayas using Mars technology

Researchers used Mars-inspired tools to map the Himalayas, revealing details about rock types and fault systems. The study used thermal infrared spectrum analysis to create colorful images of different rock types, providing new insights into the region's geology.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateJun 20, 2018

Alcohol and marijuana use may increase risk of condomless sex in young adults

Young adults who use alcohol and/or marijuana are more likely to engage in condomless sex, with women being at greater risk on days with substance use. The study found that women's risk of condomless sex increased by a factor of 2.12 on alcohol use days, while men's risk was only slightly higher on dual use days.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal on Addictions·DateJun 20, 2018
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.

IASLC issues statement paper on liquid biopsy for lung cancer

The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) has issued a statement paper on liquid biopsy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer, recommending its use for molecular analysis in guiding clinical management. The paper aims to provide general oncologists and clinicians with access to the latest information on liqui...

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateJun 20, 2018

Established medications combat lung cancer tumor growth

Researchers discovered that FDA-approved kinase inhibitors can curb lung tumor growth in mouse models, offering new therapeutic avenues for a hard-to-treat form of lung cancer. The findings highlight the potential of targeting ERBB receptor tyrosine kinases and EGFR signaling pathways to develop alternative treatment strategies.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 20, 2018

T. Rex couldn't stick out its tongue, new research shows

A new study challenges the classic image of dinosaurs, revealing that they couldn't stick out their tongues. Researchers compared hyoid bones of modern birds and crocodiles with those of extinct dinosaur relatives, finding that most dinosaurs had short, simple tongue bones anchored to the floor of their mouth.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 20, 2018
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.

Mega-cruises are becoming copies of the great Las Vegas resorts

Mega cruise ships are copying the great Las Vegas resorts, offering a similar experience with theme parks, casinos, and spectacular entertainment. This trend is driven by business concentration and oligopoly models, maximizing occupation and captive spending.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management·DateJun 20, 2018

Biologists discover how pancreatic tumors lead to weight loss

A new study from MIT and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that pancreatic tumors can cause weight loss due to reduced digestive enzymes, but treatment with enzyme replacement did not improve survival. The researchers suggest a potential protective mechanism underlying this process.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateJun 20, 2018

Double jeopardy: The high costs of living in Nairobi's slums

A new study from the University at Buffalo reveals that households in Nairobi's slums receive inferior household services and pay higher rent compared to formal settlements. The double-jeopardy situation highlights the need for significant public financing or combined public-private investments to address housing and infrastructure gaps.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalWorld Development·DateJun 20, 2018
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.

Robot bloodhound tracks odors on the ground

Researchers developed a robot that can rapidly detect odors from sources on the ground, including footprints. The robot uses a high-speed gas sensor to track invisible odor sources and read binary barcodes deposited on the surface.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sensors·DateJun 20, 2018

The world's tiniest first responders

Researchers at USC Dornsife have discovered how the cell's emergency response team, known as paramedics, uses walking molecules to transport damaged DNA to the nucleus for repair. This process is crucial for preventing cancer formation and has implications for human health and genome editing.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature·DateJun 20, 2018

Atomic-scale ping-pong

Scientists have observed anomalously high gas flow rates through angstrom-scale slit-like channels, defying classical Newtonian theory and highlighting quantum effects. The findings, published in Nature, suggest that surface scattering can significantly impact gas permeation rates.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature·DateJun 20, 2018

New 'e-dermis' brings sense of touch, pain to prosthetic hands

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed an electronic 'skin' called e-dermis that recreates a sense of touch through prosthetic fingertips. The device enables amputees to perceive sensations such as pain and sharpness, improving prosthetic limb functionality.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalScience Robotics·DateJun 20, 2018

Parent-child therapy helps young children with depression

A new study from WashU Medicine demonstrates that an interactive Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) can reduce depression rates and lower symptom severity in children as young as 3. The therapy program focuses on enhancing emotional development and also improves parent mental health.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJun 20, 2018
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.

Marine reserves are vital -- but under pressure

A massive study of tropical coral reefs found that marine reserves near heavily populated areas have only a quarter of the fish and are less likely to have top predators. Marine reserves with medium to high human pressure can still have five times more fish than openly fished reefs, offering a conservation benefit.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 20, 2018

Innovative autonomous system for identifying schools of fish

The SYMBIOSIS system integrates acoustic and optical technologies to monitor schools of fish in deep waters, providing reliable information on fish stocks and their movements. The system will inform fishing policy development and enhance protection of the marine environment.

SourceIMDEA Networks Institute·DateJun 20, 2018

New theory deepens understanding of Turing patterns in biology

Researchers at EMBL expand Alan Turing's theory to understand how biological patterns are created, introducing a topological approach that simplifies analysis and predicts properties of Turing systems. This new framework enables the design of networks that can produce desired patterns, with potential applications in tissue engineering.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review X·DateJun 20, 2018

Medicaid work requirements and health savings accounts may impact people's coverage

A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that Medicaid work requirements and health savings accounts can lead to confusing beneficiaries, dissuade some from enrolling, and create cost-related barriers to care. The study also revealed significant differences in health insurance coverage rates between states with ...

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJun 20, 2018

Should pharmacists be allowed to write prescriptions?

Allowing pharmacists to write prescriptions is associated with increased access to healthcare services, improved patient outcomes, and enhanced utilisation of their skills. Pharmacists' diagnosis skills were a primary concern among organisational issues.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateJun 20, 2018
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.

Report provides 24-hour view of cyberattacks in Florida, US

Researchers analyzed over 5 terabytes of internet-scale data to provide a unique 24-hour view of cyberattacks in Florida and the U.S., revealing top infected states, cities, and industries. The 'FloridaSOAR' program aims to detect compromises, remediate privacy issues, and provide resiliency to critical infrastructure.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·DateJun 20, 2018

A collaborative development of a dengue vaccine candidate

A collaborative development of a dengue vaccine candidate has been announced by Institut Pasteur, BioNet-Asia and In-Cell-Art. The project aims to develop a single injection containing diverse antigens that vary in key positions to induce immune responses with unprecedented breadth and potency.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·DateJun 20, 2018

No evidence that vitamin D protects against high blood pressure in pregnancy

Researchers found no evidence that vitamin D levels are associated with a reduced risk of gestational hypertension or pre-eclampsia. However, low vitamin D levels during pregnancy can increase the risk of these conditions by suppressing blood pressure-regulating hormones. Further studies are needed to confirm the findings.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJun 20, 2018
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.

A lightweight carbon nanofiber-based collector

Researchers have developed a lightweight carbon nanofiber-based collector that can restrain dendrite growth and achieve uniform lithium deposition. The collector, made with high nitrogen-doping levels, improves energy density by up to 2489.7 mAh/g, enabling the practical use of lithium metal anodes.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Materials·DateJun 20, 2018

Walking is more efficient than thought for threatened polar bears

Researchers measured polar and grizzly bears' oxygen consumption while walking on a treadmill, finding they consume the same amount of energy as similarly sized animals. This challenges previous ideas that polar bears burn more energy due to their environment.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJun 19, 2018

Rush hour metro crowd governed by people's eagerness to go home

A new model examines the relative role of random interactions between individuals in a crowd compared to interactions stemming from their eagerness to be on their way. The study reveals that internal interactions between pedestrians can be negligible, and external factors such as crowd pressure drive the flow of people toward exits.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·DateJun 19, 2018

Montana burial site answers questions about early humans

The Anzick site in Montana has been dated to between 12,725 and 12,900 years ago, based on specific amino acid radiocarbon dating of human remains. This confirms the contemporaneity of human remains and Clovis artifacts, resolving long-standing dating issues and providing new insights into early human habitation in North America.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 19, 2018

Lyme disease cases among children are on the rise in western Pennsylvania

Researchers found exponential growth in pediatric Lyme disease cases from 2003 to 2013 in western Pennsylvania, shifting from rural to non-rural areas. Children with Lyme disease were more likely to be seen by primary care providers for late-stage symptoms such as arthritis.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJun 19, 2018
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.

D for danger! Speech sounds convey emotions

Research by Zachary Estes and colleagues found that single speech sounds are statistically associated with negative or positive emotions in several languages. These associations aid survival by allowing quick reactions to vital objects.

SourceBocconi University·JournalCognition·DateJun 19, 2018

Sodium- and potassium-based batteries hold promise for cheap energy storage

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology found that sodium- and potassium-ion batteries can be more stable and have a longer life than previously thought. The study suggests that these batteries could be used in large-scale energy storage systems, such as smart grids, due to their potential for cost-effectiveness.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalJoule·DateJun 19, 2018

Futuristic data storage

A new model of nanometric square material's changing magnetic state could be the basis for future ultrahigh density data storage. By controlling the interactions between individual nanomagnets, researchers aim to improve data storage in electronic and medical applications.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateJun 19, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Is the sky the limit?

A novel theory explains how species adapt across their ranges, identifying a critical threshold that determines the success of expansion. The theory shows that dispersal can be beneficial for adaptation but also carries costs, such as reducing genetic diversity.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 19, 2018
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.

Could this material enable autonomous vehicles to come to market sooner?

Researchers have developed a new material with high birefringence properties that can improve infrared detection in dense fog and dark conditions. This technology may enable faster deployment of autonomous vehicles and create more efficient heat sensing tools for firefighters.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 19, 2018

Binge drinking during youth may impact future offspring

A recent rat model study found that preconception binge drinking can negatively affect future offspring's growth, social interactions, and pubertal development. The study also discovered that these effects can be passed down through generations, highlighting the importance of parental behavior in shaping offspring's traits.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateJun 19, 2018