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Science News Archive June 2018 - Page 17


Page 17 of 40

How vaping helps even hardened smokers quit

A study by University of East Anglia found that vaping supports long-term smoking abstinence and even encourages those who don't want to quit. Vapers reported improved respiratory function, taste, and smell after switching from cigarettes.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalHarm Reduction Journal·DateJun 19, 2018

Machine learning may be a game-changer for climate prediction

Researchers used machine learning to improve cloud representation in climate models, which is crucial for predicting global warming and greenhouse gas concentrations. The approach, called Cloud Brain, demonstrates promising results in fully coupled climate models.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 19, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Long-term estrogen therapy changes microbial activity in the gut, study finds

Researchers found that estrogen therapy changes microbial composition and activity in the gut, affecting how estrogens are metabolized. Probiotics may be used to manipulate the gut biome to improve estrogen-replacement therapy's benefits without increasing cancer risks.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 19, 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.

Can psychological stress cause vision loss?

A comprehensive analysis of research and clinical reports reveals that psychological stress contributes to vision loss and disease progression. A holistic treatment approach combining stress management, patient education, and vision recovery techniques may be effective in interrupting this cycle.

SourceUniversitätsklinikum A.ö.R., Institute for Medical Psychology·JournalThe EPMA Journal·DateJun 19, 2018

Spintronics: Controlling magnetic spin with electric fields

Researchers at EPFL demonstrated electric field control of spin in germanium telluride and multiferroic semiconductors using SARPES technique. This breakthrough enables programmable semiconductor-based spintronics with reduced energy consumption.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalPhysical Review X·DateJun 19, 2018

Toothpaste and hand wash are causing antibiotic resistance

Researchers at the University of Queensland found that triclosan can induce antibiotic resistance by accelerating the spread of multi-drug resistant bacteria. The study suggests that high residual levels of triclosan in everyday environments are contributing to the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalEnvironment International·DateJun 19, 2018

Say cheese! Why a toothy smile makes it easier for you to be identified

A study by researchers at the University of York found that smiling images are more easily matched to other images of the same person and distinguished from similar-looking identities. The team's research suggests replacing neutral expressions with open mouth smiles can improve face matching accuracy.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalBritish Journal of Psychology·DateJun 19, 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.

Study: Climate action can limit Asia's growing water shortages

A new study led by MIT researchers found that taking modest climate action could prevent extreme water-shortage scenarios in Asia by 2050. The study simulated various economic and climate pathways for the continent, revealing a 50% chance of increased water stress in southern and eastern Asia.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 19, 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.

When photons spice up the energy levels of quantum particles

A team of mathematical physicists has developed a new theoretical calculation that predicts new possible states for quantum particles that have received a photon. These states are distinct from conventional coherent states and can be applied to various models satisfying shape-invariance conditions.

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

Teachers view immigrant, minority parents as less involved in their children's education

Research from the University of Pennsylvania and New York University found that teachers perceive immigrant and minority parents as less involved in their children's education. This perception affects students' grades and academic honors. The study analyzed data from the Education Longitudinal Study of 2002, revealing a disparity betwe...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalSocial Science Research·DateJun 19, 2018
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.

Responses of the tropical atmospheric circulation to climate change

Climate change-induced tropical circulation slowdowns are linked to poleward Hadley cell expansion and intertropical convergence zone shifts. Regional precipitation redistribution involves complex thermodynamic and dynamical processes, including surface warming effects over oceans and land.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAnnual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences·DateJun 19, 2018

Political leaning influences city water policies as strongly as climate

A new study by Vanderbilt University researchers reveals that urban water conservation policies are closely tied to a city's political leaning, with left-leaning cities adopting stronger water-saving measures. This finding suggests that water conservation may be more politicized than previously thought, and could have important implica...

SourceVanderbilt University·DateJun 19, 2018

Researchers gain insight into infant handling by young bonobos

A study of young bonobos in captivity reveals that immature females prepare for motherhood by helping mothers care for infants and forge alliances with them. This behavior is linked to increased oxytocin production, associated with complex social behaviors and maternal activities.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalPhysiology & Behavior·DateJun 19, 2018
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.

Daily fasting works for weight loss

Researchers found that participants who followed a 16:8 diet consumed fewer calories, lost weight, and had improvements in blood pressure. The study suggests that daily fasting is an effective tool for weight loss in obese adults.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNutrition and Healthy Aging·DateJun 18, 2018

Why being left-handed matters for mental health treatment

A study by Daniel Casasanto at Cornell University reveals that left-handed individuals' emotions are housed in the right side of their brains, contradicting traditional models. This suggests a revised approach to treating anxiety and depression, with strong left-handers potentially benefiting from an opposite treatment.

SourceCornell University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateJun 18, 2018

Rewiring plant defence genes to reduce crop waste

A new defensive feedback control system has been developed to enable plants to strengthen their defenses against deadly pathogens, reducing crop waste globally. The system mimics an aircraft autopilot, detecting pathogen attacks and preventing weakening of the plant's immune response.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateJun 18, 2018

Human impacts and coral reef conservation

A study evaluating human pressures on coral reefs found that high human pressure decreases effectiveness of conservation strategies, while low pressure preserves fish biomass and top predator populations. Conservation gains were highest in areas with moderate human pressure, highlighting the need for targeted management approaches.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Scripps Research chemists design 'miniecosystems' to test drug function

Researchers use droplet-sized miniecosystems to simultaneously test antibody binding affinity and cell function, reducing the drug discovery process. The new method enables scientists to select functional antibodies directly with phage display.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2018

Lots of news and lots of contacts at ZPID Twin Conference

The ZPID Twin Conference brought together over 150 participants to discuss Big Data in Psychology and Research Synthesis. Keynote speakers highlighted the importance of psychology's theoretical strength in addressing big data challenges, while also emphasizing the need for innovative methods and tools for research synthesis.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Psychology Information (ZPID)·DateJun 18, 2018
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.

Use of alternative medicines has doubled among kids, especially teens

A new study reveals that supplement use among children has doubled since 2003, with adolescents using alternative medicines to treat health conditions or side effects of prescription medications. The prevalence of supplement use varies by gender, reflecting other health issues such as depression and insomnia.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJun 18, 2018

Hunting molecules to find new planets

An international team of astronomers detected molecules on an exoplanet, allowing it to be visualized. The technique reveals the planet's surface composition and temperature, providing new insights into planetary atmospheres. Future spectrographs will enhance this method, enabling more accurate characterization of planets.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateJun 18, 2018

Nature programs could put a spring in your step

A new study by Anglia Ruskin University finds that watching short films set in natural environments can improve body appreciation, while urban settings have no effect. This suggests a potential low-cost solution for promoting healthier body image, especially for those with limited access to real natural environments.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalBody Image·DateJun 18, 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.

Chemists achieve major milestone of synthesis: Remote chiral induction

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute invent a novel method for remote chiral induction, allowing the creation of pure quantities of desired enantiomers. This breakthrough enables the synthesis of complex chiral molecules that were previously difficult or impossible to produce.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature·DateJun 18, 2018

Constructing new tissue shapes with light

EMBL researchers used optogenetics to reconstruct epithelial folding in cells that normally don't undergo the process. This allowed them to build tissues in customized shapes without affecting cell function. The technique has implications for regenerative medicine and ex vivo stem cell culture systems.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 18, 2018

Odors are perceived the same way by hunter-gatherers and Westerners

A recent study found that Jahai speakers and Dutch individuals have similar emotional responses to odors, indicating universal perception. Despite their distinct vocabularies for smelling, both groups showed the same facial reactions to unpleasant smells, highlighting the universality of olfactory experience.

SourceRadboud University Nijmegen·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateJun 18, 2018

Scientists find potential disease-fighting 'warheads' hidden in bacteria

A new study by Scripps Research reveals that bacteria-derived molecules called thiocarboxylic acids have potential as warheads and could be used to create more effective drugs. The discovery was made after researchers found that these natural products can bind to biological targets better than lab-made molecules.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 18, 2018

Valuing gluten-free foods relates to health behaviors in young adults

A new study found that individuals valuing gluten-free foods tend to engage in healthier eating habits, including a balanced diet with more fruits and vegetables. However, they are also more likely to have unhealthy weight control behaviors, such as smoking or using diet pills.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateJun 18, 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.

When consumers don't want to talk about what they bought

A study by Ohio State University found that when consumers feel financially constrained, they are less likely to discuss their purchases with others. This holds true regardless of income level or type of purchase. Researchers suggest this may be because discussing purchases reinforces negative feelings about one's financial situation.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJun 18, 2018

New method to preserve boy cancer patient fertility being developed at Ben-gurion U.

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have developed a cell culture system that can change testicular stem cells into sperm-like cells, potentially enabling future fertility for boys with prepubertal cancer. The study found that biologically active spermatogonial cells can develop in vitro to different stages of spermatogen...

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateJun 18, 2018

Researchers create novel combination as potential therapy for high-risk neuroblastoma

A novel combination of an epigenetic drug and a BCL-2 inhibitor has been identified as a promising target to reverse the development of high-risk neuroblastoma. The study found that this combination increases cell differentiation, allowing cancer cells to mature normally, making them more vulnerable to treatment.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 18, 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.

360 degrees, 180 seconds: Technique speeds analysis of crop traits

Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have developed a 360-degree LiDAR technique to automatically collect millions of 3-D coordinates about plant traits. This approach improves accuracy and speed in collecting phenotypic data, which is essential for breeding crops that produce more food.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalSensors·DateJun 18, 2018

Scientists learn more about how gene linked to autism affects brain

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have uncovered the biological role of the CHD8 gene in developing oligodendrocytes, cells that form a protective insulation around nerves. Modulating CHD8 activity may help restore neuronal connections and reduce symptoms in people with autism spectrum disorder.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJun 18, 2018

Diabetes may be an early manifestation of pancreatic cancer

A new study suggests that recent-onset type 2 diabetes may be an early manifestation of pancreatic cancer. The research found a two-fold increased risk of pancreatic cancer among individuals with recent-onset diabetes compared to those with long-standing diabetes, particularly in African Americans and Latinos.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 18, 2018

Addgene keeps flow of CRISPR plasmids fast and affordable

Addgene has made over 100,000 CRISPR plasmids available to laboratories worldwide, democratizing genome editing research. This global access has enabled the advancement and flourishing of CRISPR technology.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe CRISPR Journal·DateJun 18, 2018

In the gaping mouth of ancient crocodiles

A new study explores the mouth of ancient crocodilians, shedding light on their evolution and behavior. The discovery of a closed secondary palate in early shartegosuchids, a group thought to be extinct, has significant implications for understanding the purpose of this feature in modern crocodiles.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalAmerican Museum Novitates·DateJun 18, 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.

Study suggests well-known growth suppressor actually fuels lethal brain cancers

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that a protein called AMPK drives aggressive and deadly brain cancers like glioblastoma. Blocking AMPK may produce therapeutic benefit for patients with few treatment options. Additional research is needed to translate the findings into patient care.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJun 18, 2018

Mechanical logic for soft robots

Soft robots are enabled by origami mechanisms that transform environmental stimuli into mechanical signals, allowing for basic Boolean logic operations and locomotion. The design uses a polymer actuator that changes shape in response to humidity, paving the way for environmentally responsive soft robotics.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2018

First delivery episiotomies may require repeat procedures -- Ben-Gurion U. researchers

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University found that mothers who have an episiotomy during their first delivery are more likely to require the procedure in subsequent deliveries. The study of over 43,000 deliveries found a higher likelihood of perineal tissue tears and repeat procedures among women who had an episiotomy.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalArchives of Gynecology and Obstetrics·DateJun 18, 2018
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Blue gene regulation helps plants respond properly to light

Scientists at RIKEN have identified a key mechanism by which plant genes are regulated in response to light. The research found that blue light triggers a shift in the start site of gene expression, allowing plants to carry out photosynthesis and grow.

SourceRIKEN·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2018