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Science News Archive June 2018 - Page 36


Page 36 of 40

Rigorous study finds widely used treatment for infection fails young cancer patients

A rigorous study found that ethanol-lock therapy, widely used to reduce bloodstream infections, was ineffective in preventing new or recurring infections in young cancer patients with central venous catheters. The treatment was associated with increased complications, including catheter blockages and hospitalization.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateJun 5, 2018

Rules about technology use can undermine academic achievement

A study by Eszter Hargittai and Drew Cingel found that parents' rules on technology use can have unintended adverse consequences on their children's academic performance in college. Students whose parents justified restrictions due to homework time actually performed worse, while those with health-related reasons did better.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalThe Communication Review·DateJun 5, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Data discrepancies may affect understanding of the universe

Researchers at UT Dallas developed a tool to identify inconsistencies in cosmological data, revealing potential errors in current models. The findings suggest that either systematic errors need to be removed or the underlying model is incomplete, leading to questions about Albert Einstein's theory of gravity.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalPhysical Review D·DateJun 5, 2018

A better statistical estimation of known Syrian war victims

Researchers from Rice University and Duke University developed a new method to accurately estimate the number of identified victims killed in the Syrian civil war. Using 'hashing with statistical estimation,' they produced real-time estimates with a lower margin of error than existing methods.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Annals of Applied Statistics·DateJun 5, 2018

Engineers solve excessive heat removal from NASA's Webb Telescope

The James Webb Space Telescope's instruments are shielded from excessive heat using specially designed baffles that reflect infrared radiation outward. The baffles, coated with gold to maximize reflectivity, are reinstalled before the observatory's integration at Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 5, 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.

Tax hurts investment in medical device research and development

A new study by Iowa State University researchers found that a tax on medical devices significantly reduced R&D investment, sales revenue, and earnings. The tax, part of the Affordable Care Act, affected operating and marketing costs as well, but firms diversified their customer base and increased global market sales to offset the impact.

SourceIowa State University·JournalResearch Policy·DateJun 5, 2018

What effect does transcranial magnetic stimulation have on the brain?

Researchers found that TMS facilitates the reorganization of neuronal connections in the visual cortex, which could be beneficial for therapies. A short visual training after TMS treatment can remodel the maps and incorporate biases in information content.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 5, 2018

Thousands of turtles netted off South America

New research reveals tens of thousands of sea turtles are caught each year by small-scale fishers off South America's Pacific coast, with over 16,000 killed. The study highlights Ecuador and Peru as key places to tackle this issue, which threatens critically endangered species like leatherbacks and hawksbills.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFisheries Research·DateJun 5, 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.

Childhood cancer: The four survival strategies of tumor cells

Researchers identified four survival strategies in childhood cancer cells: tolerance, coexistence, competition, and chaos. These strategies are associated with varying outcomes, with increased risk of relapse seen in competition and chaos variants.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 4, 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.

Resolving molecule information in dynamic lipid membrane with metasurfaces

Researchers developed a mid-infrared biosensor that distinguishes multiple biomolecules in heterogeneous biological samples without labeling. The sensor can resolve protein-lipid interactions and monitor dynamics of vesicular cargo release, inaccessible to standard label-free techniques.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 4, 2018

MIT researchers devise new way to make light interact with matter

Researchers at MIT have devised a new method for enhancing the interaction between light and matter, which could lead to more efficient solar cells that collect a wider range of light wavelengths. By slowing down light and controlling its frequency, they can also create tunable color LEDs with fully tunable emissions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 4, 2018

On the origins of agriculture, researchers uncover new clues

Agriculture arose from moments of environmental surplus and improving conditions, where populations lived in greater densities. The study, published in Nature Human Behaviour, reveals common patterns across 12 centers of origin, with maps predicting global population densities dating back thousands of years.

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateJun 4, 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.

High schoolers who use heroin commonly use multiple other drugs

A study by NYU's Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research found that high school seniors using heroin also commonly use multiple other drugs, with an average of five others. The researchers discovered a link between frequent heroin use and increased use of opioids and benzodiazepines.

SourceNew York University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateJun 4, 2018

New approach to immunotherapy leads to complete response in breast cancer patient

Researchers at NCI developed a high-throughput method to identify mutations recognized by the immune system, leading to a complete response in a breast cancer patient. The treatment used tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes that specifically target tumor cell mutations, showing promise for treating common epithelial cancers.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalNature Medicine·DateJun 4, 2018

Wireless system can power devices inside the body

Researchers developed a wireless system to power implants deep within human body, eliminating battery limitations. The technology uses radio waves to supply energy to devices, enabling remote control of medical applications such as drug delivery and sensing.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJun 4, 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.

Blood formation: Researchers engineer human bone marrow tissue

Scientists from the University of Basel and ETH Zurich have developed an artificial bone marrow niche that mimics natural biological properties, allowing hematopoietic stem cells to multiply for several days. This breakthrough could lead to personalized research models for blood diseases like leukemia and drug screening.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 4, 2018

Interglacial summer warming in Greenland

A lake sediment record near the Greenland Ice Sheet margin preserves sediments from past interglacial periods, including the Early Holocene and Last Interglacial Period. July air temperatures during these periods were estimated to be significantly warmer than modern temperatures.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 4, 2018

Cod harvesting and habitat shifts

Researchers used population dynamics modeling to assess the effects of size-specific and age-specific harvesting of Atlantic cod on the eastern Scotian Shelf, Canada. Fishing practices were found to drive a significant increase in cod habitat deepening, with depths of up to 120m accounting for nearly 100% of observed changes.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 4, 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.

Does increased supervision of resident physicians reduce medical errors?

A randomized clinical trial found that increased supervision by attending physicians did not significantly reduce the rate of medical errors. However, residents reported a decrease in autonomy during rounds. The study suggests that residency training programs should balance patient safety with resident learning and autonomy.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 4, 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.

Beyond conventional solution-process for 2D heterostructure

Researchers have developed a facile wet-chemical method to directly grow organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite nanocrystals on dispersible MoS2 nanosheets. This enables the scalable production of solution-processible heterostructures, which exhibit improved light absorption and energy transfer due to their epitaxial interface. The use of...

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Materials·DateJun 4, 2018

The role of cohesin in genome 3D structure helps for a better understanding of tumor cells

Scientists discovered that altered cohesin SA2 variant influences gene expression and favours loss of differentiation in tumour cells. The two cohesin variants have distinct functions, with SA1 involved in topological domains and SA2 regulating gene expression through local chromatin loops.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJun 4, 2018

Spironolactone may be an alternative to antibiotics in women's acne treatment

Researchers at Penn Medicine found spironolactone as effective as antibiotics in treating women's acne, with similar patient switching rates. The study suggests spironolactone could be a safer and more cost-effective option, reducing antibiotic resistance concerns.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Drugs in Dermatology·DateJun 4, 2018
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Easter Islanders used rope, ramps to put giant hats on famous statues

The ancient Rapa Nui people used a parbuckling technique to transport massive stone hats (pukao) onto statues, weighing up to 12 metric tons. The analysis of pukao shapes reveals physical constraints associated with transport, supporting the idea that Rapa Nui people were ingenious in their use of resources.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateJun 4, 2018

Improving patient transfer from ICU to ward: Resources, communication and culture

A new study identifies resource availability, communication, and institutional culture as key factors to improve patient transfers from ICU to hospital wards. The research suggests standardized discharge tools, open communication, and coordinated care procedures can reduce breakdowns and errors.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 4, 2018

'Carbon bubble' coming that could wipe trillions from the global economy

A 'carbon bubble' is forming as global demand for fossil fuels declines, with major macroeconomic and geopolitical consequences. The study models the impact of declining demand on national economies, predicting that producer countries like the USA and Russia will lose GDP growth, while importing countries like China and the EU will gain.

SourceRadboud University Nijmegen·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 4, 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.

Guppies change their eye color to deter rivals

Researchers found guppies rapidly turn their eyes black to warn rivals, making their eyes more conspicuous as an honest signal of aggression. This behavior is seen in larger guppies dominating smaller ones, but not the other way around.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 4, 2018

Increased follow-up does not benefit colorectal cancer patients

A new study published in JAMA found that increased follow-up testing of colorectal cancer patients does not improve survival rates. The study showed that patients who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer experienced the same five-year survival rate regardless of whether they received two or five follow-up tests.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJAMA·DateJun 4, 2018

Measuring metabolites in algae one cell at a time

Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology have developed a novel method to detect specific metabolites in microalgae cells. By combining fluorogenic aptamers with femtosecond laser photoporation, scientists can identify efficient cells for metabolic engineering applications.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 4, 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.

High-sensitivity troponin test reduces risk of future heart attack

A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that patients diagnosed with high-sensitivity troponin test had a lower risk of future heart attacks, with no difference in mortality one year after the heart attack. The test also led to more coronary angiography and balloon angioplasty procedures.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJun 4, 2018

Commensal rats record Polynesian resource shifts

A study of ancient rat remains from Polynesia finds that isotopic trends reflect resource depression and reshaping of nutrient flows by early human settlers. The declines may be due to changes in food sources, such as a shift from slash-and-burn agriculture to agroforestry and nearshore fishing.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 4, 2018

Gut microbiota and gastrointestinal maturation

Researchers found that gut microbiota regulates adult enteric nervous system maturation through serotonin networks, potentially impacting gastrointestinal disorders. The study used germ-free mice colonized with normal microbiota to demonstrate this link.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 4, 2018

NOvA experiment sees strong evidence for antineutrino oscillation

The NOvA collaboration has observed strong evidence of muon antineutrinos oscillating into electron antineutrinos, a phenomenon that has never been unambiguously seen. This result comes from the first run with antineutrinos and provides insights into the properties of neutrinos and antineutrinos.

SourceDOE/Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory·DateJun 4, 2018

First study of neoadjuvant use of PARP inhibitor shows promise for early-stage, BRCA+ breast cancer patients

A Phase II study found that over half of women with early-stage BRCA+ breast cancer who took talazoparib once daily prior to surgery had no evidence of disease at the time of surgery. The oral medication showed high response rates and manageable toxicities, offering an alternative to chemotherapy for this patient population.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateJun 4, 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.

The Haas School of Business partners with Ripple to speed innovation in blockchain and cryptocurrency

The Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley is partnering with Ripple to develop a comprehensive program focused on blockchain, cryptocurrency, and digital payments. The initiative will support academic research, technical development, and innovation in these areas, with a focus on reducing poverty and enhancing the greater good.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·DateJun 4, 2018

HIV study reveals new group of men at risk of infection

A new study has identified a distinct group of men who may be underestimating their HIV risk due to fear of stigma and rejection. These men, including bisexual and non-gay-identified individuals, tend to mix with each other and acquire infection from within their own networks, rather than openly gay men or heterosexual women.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalThe Lancet HIV·DateJun 4, 2018

Mixed signals from poisonous moths

Scientists studied six-spot burnet moths to examine if natural variation in wing markings indicates toxicity levels. Smaller red forewing markings were associated with more cyanide in females but not males. The study suggests evolutionary pressures may be complex and drive colors beyond matching toxicity levels.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEvolution·DateJun 4, 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.

New mechanisms discovered to separate air

Scientists from Shinshu University and PSL University have theoretically proved a new mechanism for separating air molecules using nanowindows in graphene. The study shows that the atomic vibration of the nanowindow-rim changes the effective nanowidow size, selectively allowing oxygen from air to pass through, with separation efficienc...

SourceShinshu University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 4, 2018

Thank the moon for Earth's lengthening day

Scientists reconstruct Earth's history with a new method that links astronomical theory to geological observation, enabling the analysis of ancient climate change. The study reveals days on Earth were over 18 hours long 1.4 billion years ago, and the moon's movement away contributed to the lengthening day.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 4, 2018

Researchers study aquatic beetles native only to central Wyoming

A team of researchers studied the narrow-footed Hygrotus diving beetle native only to central Wyoming, discovering its unique habitat in small streams with high salt concentrations. The study found that maintaining hydrologic integrity of prairie streams is vital for the conservation of this rare species.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalJournal of Fish and Wildlife Management·DateJun 4, 2018

Cervical cancer may be driven by imbalance in vaginal bacteria, UA research finds

A study by the University of Arizona Cancer Center found that women with cervical cancer have different communities of vaginal bacteria than those without. The 'good' bacteria, such as lactobacilli, promote a healthy environment and protect against HPV infection and cancer, while 'bad' bacteria like Sneathia increase cancer risk. Hispa...

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 4, 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.