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Science News Archive June 2018 - Page 27


Page 27 of 40

Inequality: My unfair disadvantage, not your unearned privilege

A new study from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business found that how inequity is presented can influence individuals' willingness to rectify it. Participants were more likely to give up part of a bonus when told a specific black colleague was unfairly disadvantaged, rather than being told they had an unfair advantage.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateJun 12, 2018

International collaboration studies the predictability of earthquakes

A global collaboration, CSEP, has been studying earthquake forecast models to assess their performance and predict future seismic activity. The experiments have shed light on the predictability of earthquakes, with some models proving useful for real-time warnings during major earthquakes.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateJun 12, 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.

Researchers map the genome of testicular cancer

A collaborative effort has discovered molecular features of testicular germ cell cancers, identifying potential mutations and other molecular changes. The study found signs of duplicated DNA and defects in DNA methylation, which could inform future efforts to improve treatment decisions and help monitor patients for cancer recurrence.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 12, 2018

New GAIA data reveals mergers in Milky Way

Researchers found relics of merger events in the Milky Way halo using Gaia Data Release 2. Five small clusters and a large 'blob' of stars indicate massive and smaller merger events shaped the galaxy. This study provides insights into the Milky Way's evolution, with further analysis to reveal more about its formation.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 12, 2018

New optical sensor can determine if molecules are left or right 'handed'

A University of Central Florida team has designed a nanostructured optical sensor that can efficiently detect molecular chirality, a property defining biochemical properties. This technology has the potential to identify chiral drugs and proteins with high accuracy, revolutionizing drug development and understanding diseases.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 12, 2018

David vs. Goliath: How a small molecule can defeat asthma attacks

Researchers develop novel small molecule, PM-43I, that specifically targets STAT6 pathway, reversing preexisting allergic airway disease in mice. This breakthrough approach offers unique advantages over monoclonal antibodies, with potential benefits for patients who may not need steroid treatments.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJun 12, 2018

Graphene carpets: So neurons communicate better

Researchers at SISSA observed an increase in nerve cell activity on graphene carpets, attributed to ion 'trapping' that modulates its composition. This phenomenon enhances neuronal excitability, with specific effects depending on the graphene's support material.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 12, 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.

Scientists unravel molecular mechanisms of Parkinson's disease

A study published in Nature Communications has revealed how alpha-synuclein protein clumps cause neurons to die by damaging mitochondria and triggering a channel that leads to cell swelling and bursting. The findings were replicated in human brain cells generated from patient skin cells, providing valuable insights into neurodegeneration.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 12, 2018

Novel system mimics focus activity of the human eye

Researchers have developed Autofocals, a system that automatically corrects presbyopia by mimicking the natural accommodation response of the eye. Users experienced better visual acuity at nearer distances compared to monovision and progressive lenses methods.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateJun 12, 2018

Sea urchins see with their feet

Researchers at Lund University have found that sea urchins can perceive objects within a limited range of sizes, up to 30-70 degrees around them. This ability is sufficient for the animal's basic needs and behavior, despite having poor eyesight compared to humans.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJun 12, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mu­sic play­school en­hances chil­dren's lin­guistic skills

A low-cost music playschool significantly improved the development of children's phoneme processing and vocabulary skills compared to peers attending dance lessons or none. The study suggests regular music playschool lessons can positively impact preschoolers' linguistic abilities.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 11, 2018

Reporting and evaluating wait times for urgent hip fracture surgery in Ontario, Canada

A new study found that nearly two-thirds of patients admitted to Ontario hospitals with hip fractures did not receive surgery within the recommended 24-hour window. Hospital-level improvements are necessary to address these delays, with factors such as patient transfer and preoperative consultations contributing to wait times.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 11, 2018

Researchers identify new type of depression

A study by Hiroshima University found a link between the protein RGS8 and depression behaviors in mice. RGS8 may be a promising candidate for developing new antidepressant drugs.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalNeuroscience·DateJun 11, 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.

Adapting lifestyle habits can quickly lower blood pressure

A new program has been shown to lower blood pressure in just 14 days, with participants seeing an average drop of 19 points. The Weimer Institute Newstart Lifestyle program aims to modify lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise to achieve this result.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·DateJun 11, 2018

Further drivers of ocean deoxygenation identified

Previous ocean model calculations underestimated recent oxygen decline, with global warming as the main cause. The study identifies additional drivers, including changes in ocean circulation and biogeochemical processes, which were insufficiently represented in models.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 11, 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.

Squashing cyberbullying: New approach is fast, accurate

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have developed a new approach to detecting cyberbullying on social media networks like Instagram. The technique combines multiple computing tools to scan large amounts of data and send alerts to parents or administrators in real-time, with an accuracy rate of 70%.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateJun 11, 2018

Citizen science -- A powerful tool to combat invasive giant slugs

Researchers used citizen science to analyze slug appearances and complex weather patterns, revealing correlations between humidity, precipitation, and windspeed. This prediction method could inform targeted eradication policies against invasive species like the giant slug.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJun 11, 2018

Study points to possible treatment target for aggressive liver cancer in kids

A study published in Communications Biology has linked the protein PARP1 to an aggressive form of pediatric liver cancer called hepatoblastoma. Researchers found that inhibiting PARP1 slowed or stopped cancer progression in laboratory tests, providing a potential treatment target for this disease.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJun 11, 2018

What makes aggressive mice so violent

A study found that aggressive mice showed increased dominance and aggression when ΔFosB was overexpressed, suggesting a link between this protein and violent behavior. The research suggests targeting ΔFosB may reduce aggression by modifying the brain's reward system.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateJun 11, 2018
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.

Army scientists have a blast with aluminum nanoparticles

Researchers from the U.S. Army Research Laboratory and Texas Tech University demonstrated a 30-percent enhancement in TNT detonation velocity by adding novel aluminum nanoparticles. The AIH-coated nanoparticles showed improved reactivity due to their unique morphological feature, leading to enhanced explosive performance.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 11, 2018

Orange peels may hold secret to airborne medicine, safer bridges

Engineers at UCF have discovered a way to release fragrant oil from oranges, mimicking nature's mechanism to create microjets. This discovery may lead to less expensive and biodegradable methods for delivering medication, as well as innovative solutions for detecting bridge failures.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2018

Designing a better superconductor with geometric frustration

A new system discovered by Jankó and collaborators enables ongoing adjustments to the material's properties over time. This allows for multiple reversible spin cycle configurations for the vortices, which can be rearranged site by site.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 11, 2018

Interstellar dust and Solar System formation

Comet-derived IDPs contain presolar interstellar dust, such as GEMS, with organic carbon mantles that decompose at high temperatures. The results suggest that GEMS formed in a cold environment and represent surviving building blocks of the Solar System.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2018
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.

Algorithm predicts dangerous low blood pressure during surgery

A new algorithm developed by researchers at UCLA Medical Center can predict hypotension in surgical patients with high accuracy, enabling physicians to take proactive measures. The algorithm uses machine learning to analyze physiological data and identifies subtle signs of impending hypotension, reducing the risk of serious complications.

SourceAmerican Society of Anesthesiologists·JournalAnesthesiology·DateJun 11, 2018

Regenerative wound dressing for diabetic ulcers

Researchers developed a peptide-infused dressing that promotes dermal cell adhesion and proliferation, accelerating wound closure and tissue regeneration in diabetic mice. The dressing showed significant benefits compared to control treatments.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2018

How to slow down Ebola

Researchers created a genetic family tree of the Ebola epidemic, revealing its spread between 2013-2016. Closing international borders proved effective in slowing down the virus, while local measures had little impact.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 11, 2018
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.

Heritage science: Where the past looks to the future

A special issue of Angewandte Chemie explores the intersection of chemistry, conservation, and archaeology in preserving cultural heritage. Research articles examine methods for analyzing antiques, classifying plastic artifact degradation, and conserving cannonballs from shipwrecks.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 11, 2018

Fueling a deep-sea ecosystem

Microbes at deep-sea hot springs are surprisingly productive, generating more than 4,000 tons of organic carbon daily, equivalent to the amount in 200 blue whales. They convert chemicals into energy through chemosynthesis, serving as a crucial base for the food web.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2018

Evidence for a new property of quantum matter revealed

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have detected electrical dipole fluctuations in a quantum material at extremely low temperatures, revealing a new property of quantum matter. The study uses Raman spectroscopy to observe the irregular oscillations of tiny charged poles on the material.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalScience·DateJun 11, 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.

Climate change and food production shocks

Climate change could lead to increased global maize yield variability, particularly in the US, Europe, and Africa. Aggressive carbon dioxide emissions mitigation and heat-tolerant crop breeding are crucial to mitigate these effects.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2018

PARP inhibitor improves overall response rates in small cell lung cancer patients

A Phase II trial found that adding PARP inhibitor veliparib to standard chemotherapy improved overall response rates and progression-free survival in patients with small cell lung cancer. Researchers identified SLFN11 as a biomarker for patient selection, which may lead to new treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 11, 2018

New epigenetic drug against Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Researchers have developed a new epigenetic drug that slows down cell growth in Mantle Cell Lymphoma by inhibiting the HDAC6 gene. The substance shows high efficacy in cultured cells, murine studies and patient-derived cells with minimal toxicity to healthy cells.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalHaematologica·DateJun 11, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Regenerative bandage accelerates healing in diabetic wounds

A Northwestern University team developed a regenerative bandage that heals diabetic wounds 33% faster than current market products, leveraging the body's natural wound-healing process. The bandage uses an antioxidant hydrogel with a thermally responsive segment of laminin to facilitate tissue regeneration and counter inflammation.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2018

Scientists watch bacteria 'harpoon' DNA to speed their evolution

Researchers at Indiana University have made the first direct observation of bacteria using a 'DNA harpoon' process to rapidly evolve new traits, including antibiotic resistance. The study revealed that pili act like microscopic harpooners to cast their line through pores in the cell's wall and reel in DNA fragments.

SourceIndiana University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJun 11, 2018

Audio-motor learning during musical training

A study discovered rapid recruitment of auditory-to-motor cortical pathways when participants played or passively listened to learned melodies. Brain connectivity between motor and auditory areas was also associated with training success, suggesting potential implications for rehabilitation strategies based on audio-motor learning.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 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.

Artificial gene defect reveals target to fight genetic disease

A recent study published in Nature Communications reveals that the enzyme USP48 plays a crucial role in DNA repair and may hold promise as a therapeutic target for Fanconi Anemia. Inactivation of USP48 in FA-deficient cells restores nearly error-free repair of damaged DNA.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 11, 2018

Soil profile changes in urban areas

A study analyzed soil horizons in 11 US cities, finding approximately 50% fewer soil horizons than pre-urban soils. The researchers attributed changes to local management processes such as soil removal, mixing, and fill additions, leading to potential effects on ecosystem functioning.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2018

Improving electoral accountability

A study found that sending voters messages about district budget irregularities increased the likelihood of voting for incumbent councilors if corruption was low and reduced it when corruption was high. This method could empower voters and increase electoral accountability in some political offices.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2018

Stanford nectar research sheds light on ecological theory

A Stanford study using nectar-dwelling yeast found that relative nonlinearity is crucial for species coexistence, contradicting common assumptions among ecologists. The research used microcosms to gather data on the complex interactions between yeasts and environmental conditions.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 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.

Approaching an ideal amino acid synthesis using hydrogen

Osaka University researchers have developed a practical and environmentally innocuous method for functionalizing multiply substituted amines. Their reductive alkylation approach uses hydrogen directly, generating only water as a byproduct and efficiently synthesizing a wide variety of amines, including amino acids.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 11, 2018

1.45 million children's lives saved by HiB and pneumococcal vaccines since 2000

Since 2000, conjugate vaccines against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and Streptococcus pneumoniae have prevented a significant decline in child mortality from these bacterial infections, with estimated reductions of 90% and 51%, respectively. The introduction of these vaccines has been instrumental in reducing the global burden o...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateJun 11, 2018

Many at risk for HIV despite lifesaving pill

A new University of Michigan study reveals that high-risk individuals face multiple barriers to accessing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a lifesaving HIV drug. The researchers outline 31 potential solutions to overcome these barriers, which affect patient, provider, and health-system levels.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAIDS and Behavior·DateJun 11, 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.

Philosopher warns against 'drifting into state terrorism'

Philosopher Prof. Dr Michael Quante warns against 'drifting into state terrorism' due to modern weapon systems and ambiguity in the concept of peace. He advocates for honest discussion about war and peace, clearly naming interests pursued by warfare, and remembering the 'just war' doctrine.

SourceCluster of Excellence "Religion and Politics"·DateJun 11, 2018