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Science News Archive June 2018 - Page 18


Page 18 of 40

Rising sea temperatures threaten survival of juvenile albatross

Researchers found that changes in sea surface temperature during late winter have a significant impact on juvenile survival, with reduced food availability due to warmer waters. The study suggests that climate change will lead to a faster decline in albatross populations.

SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateJun 18, 2018

Groundwater methane and hydraulic fracturing

Methane levels in groundwater were found to be mostly unaffected by hydraulic fracturing operations, with concentrations rarely exceeding regulatory action levels. Groundwater salinity and isotopic data suggest natural shifts in aquifer recharge may have contributed to increased methane concentrations.

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

Faster, cheaper, better: A new way to synthesize DNA

Researchers have developed a new way to synthesize DNA sequences using enzymes, promising to accelerate the pace of science. The innovative approach uses TdT enzyme to add nucleotides in a controlled manner, eliminating drawbacks of existing methods and enabling faster, cheaper and more accurate synthesis.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 18, 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.

Electrical wire properties of DNA linked to cancer

A new study reveals that a DNA repair protein associated with cancer can disrupt electron transport through DNA, leading to mutations. The researchers found that a specific mutation in the MUTYH protein causes the iron-sulfur cluster to degrade when exposed to oxygen.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 18, 2018

Local interventions boost coral's resilience to bleaching

Researchers found that removing coral-eating snails significantly boosted corals' resilience to bleaching, with only 50% of corals experiencing bleaching when snails were removed. In contrast, corals with high snail densities experienced near 100% bleaching.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJun 18, 2018

Trojan Horse: How a killer fungus unleashes meningitis and brain infection

Researchers discovered a two-step invasion process mediated by the immune system, which paradoxically promotes infection and meningitis in Cryptococcus neoformans. Monocytes act as transport vehicles for the fungus to cross into the brain, causing tumor-like lesions and meningitis.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJun 18, 2018

Scripps graduate student discovers world's first known manta ray nursery

A Scripps graduate student has identified the world's first known manta ray nursery in the Gulf of Mexico. The juvenile manta habitat at Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary is crucial for understanding the species' life cycle and informing conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMarine Biology·DateJun 18, 2018
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.

Brain stimulation and connectivity in mice

Researchers used laser stimulation to increase oligodendrocyte proliferation and alter myelination in the mouse brain, highlighting potential mechanisms underlying brain stimulation and connectivity. These findings suggest a new avenue for exploring the neural basis of brain stimulation therapies.

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

Keyhole may trump robotic surgery for mitral valve repair

Research comparing keyhole, robotic, and conventional mitral valve repair surgeries found that keyhole surgery had higher success rates and fewer complications, including lower rates of subsequent heart flutter and blood transfusions. Robotic surgery required more blood transfusions but still provided excellent outcomes.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalHeart·DateJun 18, 2018

Deaths from cardiac arrest are misclassified, overestimated

A study found that nearly half of deaths attributed to cardiac arrest were not sudden or unexpected, and a significant portion were not arrhythmic. In San Francisco, nearly 1 in 7 deaths from apparent out-of-hospital cardiac arrests were due to hidden drug overdoses.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCirculation·DateJun 18, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Fish harvest estimates using household surveys

A study using household surveys estimated that 9.26 million metric tons of wild-caught freshwater fish were consumed in low-income and middle-income countries, compared to the reported 5.6 metric tons. This represents a significant underreporting of global freshwater fish catches, with potential implications for food security and susta...

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

Everything big data claims to know about you could be wrong

Researchers suggest studying individuals, not groups, to understand human health and behavior, as averaging out data from a large group can offer only a snapshot of individual differences. The findings have implications for customizing health therapies and analyzing mental and physical disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2018

Graphic warning labels linked to reduced sugary drink purchases

Researchers found graphic warning labels reduced sugary beverage purchases, while text labels and calorie information had no effect. The study suggests graphic warning labels can empower consumers with salient information to make healthier choices.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalPsychological Science·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.

Sources of aerosols in the Himalayan atmosphere

Researchers analyzed a 200-year sediment core from a Himalayan lake, finding increased sulfate concentrations starting at the end of the Second Industrial Revolution. The findings suggest that atmospheric sulfur isotope ratios in the region were influenced by pre-industrial biomass burning and post-1930 anthropogenic dust emissions.

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

Diagnosing Diabetes from a single blood sample

Researchers found that positive results for glucose and HbA1c in one blood sample are a highly accurate predictor of diabetes and major complications. The study suggests a single blood sample may be sufficient to diagnose diabetes, potentially reducing the need for repeat tests.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 18, 2018

Researchers find a promising new approach for treating liver cirrhosis

A new approach for treating liver cirrhosis has been found with aleglitazar, which reduces inflammation and portal hypertension in rats with cirrhosis. Aleglitazar suppresses inflammation, vasoconstriction, angiogenesis, and tumor necrosis factor overproduction in cirrhotic rats.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJun 18, 2018

Two new creatures discovered from dawn of animal life

Two new Ediacaran era fossil animals, Obamus coronatus and Attenborites janeae, have been discovered by a UC Riverside-led team. These soft-bodied creatures represent the dawn of animal life and were named after President Barack Obama and Sir David Attenborough, respectively.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalAustralian Journal of Earth Sciences·DateJun 18, 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.

Bolder targets needed to protect nature for people's sake

University of Queensland researchers recommend diverse, ambitious and area-specific conservation targets to support critical services that nature provides. The current 17% target is insufficient to protect all species and provide benefits to humanity.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJun 18, 2018

How to track and trace a protein: Nanosensors monitor intracellular deliveries

Scientists have developed a method to track protein movement using nanosensors, allowing for the observation of protein distribution and transport within cells. The technique uses genetically altered nanobodies that can fluoresce, enabling researchers to follow protein pathways in living cells.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2018

Heart disease sufferers not exercising enough

A study of 3000 people in South Australia and Brazil found that nearly 70% with heart conditions or risk factors do not follow recommended exercise plans. This under-reported issue affects long-term quality of life, despite advances in treatment.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 18, 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.

Bolder targets needed to protect nature for people's sake

Researchers argue that current conservation targets are insufficient to support critical ecosystem services. They propose area-specific targets for retaining important natural systems to safeguard humanity.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJun 18, 2018

BPA can induce multigenerational effects on ability to communicate

Researchers found that BPA exposure in grandparents of mice led to altered vocalization patterns in their offspring, potentially affecting parental care. The study suggests multigenerational effects of BPA on communication deficits in humans with autism or neurobehavioral disorders.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 18, 2018

Study finds 'hidden harvest' in world's inland fisheries

A new study estimates that 65% of global freshwater fish catch is underreported, with millions of people relying on these 'hidden harvests' for protein. Inland fisheries play a crucial role in food security, especially in low-income countries where they are dispersed across the landscape.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2018
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.

Cementless fly ash binder makes concrete 'green'

Researchers create environmentally friendly composite binder using fly ash, reducing carbon dioxide emissions and the need for sodium-based activators. The new binder replaces Portland cement in concrete production with minimal impact on compressive strength.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Ceramic Society·DateJun 18, 2018

UNH researcher captures best ever evidence of rare black hole

Researchers capture strong evidence for intermediate-mass black holes using satellite imaging and multiwavelength radiation flares. The discovery provides insight into the nature of these elusive objects and their potential prevalence in galaxy peripheries.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJun 18, 2018

Algorithm speeds up process for analyzing 3D medical images

Researchers developed an algorithm that accelerates the registration of 3D medical images by learning from previous registrations, reducing processing time to minutes or seconds. The 'VoxelMorph' algorithm uses convolutional neural networks and achieves comparable accuracy to state-of-the-art systems.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·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.

Scientists create continuously emitting microlasers with nanoparticle-coated beads

Researchers have found a way to convert nanoparticle-coated microscopic beads into lasers smaller than red blood cells. These microlasers can constantly and stably emit light for hours at a time, even when submerged in biological fluids. The innovation opens up the possibility for imaging or controlling biological activity with infrare...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 18, 2018

Neuroscientists map brain's response to cold touch

Researchers have mapped the feeling of cool touch to the brain's insula in a mouse model, providing an experimental model for studying conditions like pain and hypersensitivity. The study found that the region was activated in mice with functional TrpM8 receptors, suggesting a highly specific response to cold exposure.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of Comparative Neurology·DateJun 18, 2018

Overuse of agricultural chemicals on China's small farms harms health and environment

A new study found that small farm size strongly affects the use and intensity of agricultural chemicals in China. The research suggests that addressing this issue is critical to sustainable development in Chinese agriculture. If left unaddressed, other less-developed countries may face similar health and environmental problems.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2018

Farm size and agricultural chemical use in China

Increasing farm size in China is associated with lower fertilizer and pesticide use per hectare, yet yields remain relatively stable. Removing policies constraining land-use rights could significantly reduce chemical usage while doubling farmers' incomes.

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

Bees love blue fluorescent light, and not just any wavelength will do

Researchers at Oregon State University discovered that bees are attracted to blue fluorescent light, particularly within a specific wavelength range of 430-480 nanometers. This finding has significant implications for bee population assessment and manipulation, such as attracting large numbers of bees for crop pollination.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Comparative Physiology A·DateJun 18, 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.

Observation of anisotropic magneto-Peltier effect

Researchers at NIMS and Tohoku University observed an anisotropic magneto-Peltier effect, a phenomenon that manipulates the temperature of magnetic materials through simple redirection of charge current. This discovery has the potential to develop thermal management technologies for energy-efficient electronic devices.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalNature·DateJun 18, 2018

Silence is golden when it comes to how our brains work

Researchers have discovered that neurons use the duration of silence between electrical pulses to encode information. This breakthrough, known as Neural Self-Information Theory, suggests that groups of neurons work together to enable real-time thinking and action despite ongoing variability in their responses.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateJun 18, 2018

Organic crystals twist, bend, and heal

Scientists have engineered a molecular soft cocrystalline structure that exhibits reversible twisting upon heating, elastic bending under mechanical force, rapid reversible bending under UV light, and self-healing properties. This multifunctional quality makes it an attractive candidate for advanced materials in electronics and optics.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 18, 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.

New material for splitting water

Researchers have discovered a new class of materials that can harness sunlight to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. Cs2BiAgCl6 and Cs2BiAgBr6 are promising photocatalytic materials due to their ability to absorb visible light and generate sufficient energy to split water.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 18, 2018

Risky opioid prescriptions linked to higher chance of death

A recent study by RAND Corporation found that more than 6 percent of Massachusetts adults received risky opioid prescriptions over a five-year period, increasing their chances of death. The study identified six types of risky prescribing practices linked to fatal opioid overdoses and other causes of mortality.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·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.

Study finds reduction in sulfur emissions from power plants in China

A new study found that China's sulfur emissions from coal-fired power plants decreased by 13.9% after implementing a law requiring significant reductions, but compliance varied widely among regions. The research used satellite data and on-the-ground emissions monitoring systems to pinpoint discrepancies and suggest policy lessons.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2018

Devastating plant virus is revealed in atomic detail

Researchers at the University of Leeds have revealed the 3D structure of a deadly plant virus in unprecedented detail using cryo-electron microscopy. The discovery could help virologists and molecular biologists develop new ways to stop the spread of these viruses and the diseases they cause.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 18, 2018

Study finds a pesticide-free way to combat mosquitos and West Nile

Researchers have discovered a pesticide-free way to limit mosquito populations by introducing hungry minnows into breeding areas. The study found that this method can reduce adult mosquito numbers capable of carrying the disease, providing a low-maintenance and cost-effective alternative.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 18, 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.

Dietary supplement use in children, adolescents

A study of US children and adolescents found nearly a third use dietary supplements, including multivitamins. Many commonly used supplements are implicated in preventable adverse drug events in this population.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJun 18, 2018

Coral reef 'oases' offer glimmer of hope

Researchers identified small coral 'oases' thriving against the odds, with some areas rebounding from devastation. These 'escape', 'resist', and 'rebound' oases offer insights into why some ecosystems are more resilient to climate change and local impacts.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJun 18, 2018
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

AcuraStem receives fast-track SBIR grant

AcuraStem has been awarded a $3.7 million SBIR grant to continue research on a small molecule therapeutic for ALS, utilizing induced motor neuron cellular models and precision platform iNeuroRx°. The grant supports the development of AS2015, targeting expansion repeats in the C9ORF72 gene.

SourceAcuraStem, Inc.·DateJun 18, 2018