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Science News Archive June 2018 - Page 6


Page 6 of 40

Baboons shed light on antimicrobial resistance

A study involving wild and captive baboons found evidence of antibiotic resistance in their gut microbiomes, even without human-produced antibiotic exposure. The researchers used functional metagenomics to identify resistance genes, revealing a surprising enrichment of Actinobacteria in wild baboon populations.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmSystems·DateJun 26, 2018

Women know what they want; men get pickier with age

A study of over 41,000 Australians found that women are more particular about the education level of their partners, especially under 40, while men become more selective after age 40. The research suggests that women's preferences for education level increase with age due to cultural associations between education and social status.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 26, 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.

Flu's response to new drug explored

Researchers at EMBL Grenoble investigate how Xofluza, a new anti-influenza drug, works and explore possible mechanisms for viral resistance. They found that a specific mutation in the virus's polymerase enzyme makes it less susceptible to the drug.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 26, 2018

Marshall School of Medicine research team defines possible anti-aging intervention

A study published in Scientific Reports reveals that the Na/K-ATPase oxidant amplification loop plays a key role in aging and may be targeted for anti-aging interventions. Researchers successfully demonstrated the therapeutic potential of pNaKtide, a synthetic peptide, in improving impaired physiological functions.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 26, 2018

Majority of teenagers need food safety education

A new study from the University of Waterloo found that fewer than 50% of recommended food-handling practices were followed by Ontario high school students. The researchers observed significant improvements in thermometer use after a training program, but many students continued to engage in risky behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Food Protection·DateJun 26, 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.

Zika in high resolution

Researchers have created the highest-resolution image yet of the Zika virus, providing a detailed atomic model that enables efficient vaccine and antiviral compound design. The discovery was made possible by the stability of the Zika virus compared to its flavivirus cousins.

SourceCell Press·JournalStructure·DateJun 26, 2018

Women TEDx speakers receive more polarized comments than men

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that female presenters receive more polarized comments on TEDx and TED-Ed videos than male presenters. The research team attributed this to historical gender norms and the online community's tendency to respond harshly to women in traditionally male fields.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 26, 2018

New regulatory axis revealed for the cancer relevant matrix metalloprotease MMP14

A new regulatory axis involving the transcription factor Prox1 has been revealed to negatively regulate MMP14 protein levels, which plays a significant role in cancer progression and metastasis. This discovery provides new insights into the mechanisms governing MMP14's function in physiological processes such as wound healing.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 26, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The audiovisual integration of material information in preverbal infants

Researchers found that infants aged 4- to 8-months hold a primary cerebral representation of audiovisual integration in their right hemisphere, with the number of processed materials increasing with experience. This study sheds light on the trajectory of acquiring general knowledge about objects.

SourceChuo University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 26, 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.

Defining the brain mosaic in fruit flies and humans

Researchers have identified a novel form of calcium signaling called store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) as the key to expressing specific proteins on individual neurons. This discovery has implications for understanding brain development, behavior, and disease, including neurodegenerative disorders such as spinocerebellar ataxia 15.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Molecular Neuroscience·DateJun 26, 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.

Relational mobility may influence your interpersonal behaviors

A large-scale analysis found higher relational mobility in North America, Europe, and Latin America compared to Asia and the Middle East, associated with increased personal self-esteem, closeness in friendship, and proactive behavior. Societal threats and subsistence style also influenced relational mobility scores.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2018

Research shows graphene forms electrically charged crinkles

Researchers at Brown University discovered that graphene forms sharp, saw-tooth kinks called quantum flexoelectric crinkles, which produce intense electrical charges. These charges can be used to direct nanoscale self-assembly and manipulate biomolecules like DNA.

SourceBrown University·DateJun 26, 2018

Twisted meta-molecules as they really are

Researchers have devised a highly sensitive method to test the chirality of materials, overcoming false positives from competing effects. By using twisted meta-molecules, they separated chirality from sources of error, allowing for accurate measurement and potential applications in fields like telecommunications and pharmaceuticals.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 26, 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.

What caused the mass extinction of Earth's first animals?

Researchers from Arizona State University study the Ediacaran-Cambrian transition and find a severe marine anoxic event coincided with the decline of early animals. The team integrated geochemical data and fossil records to precisely match evolutionary and environmental events, shedding light on this pivotal moment in Earth's history.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 26, 2018

Frankfurt physicists set limits on size of neutron stars

Researchers set limits on neutron star sizes by analyzing billions of theoretical models, refining estimates to within 1.5 kilometers. The study also explores the possibility of 'twin stars' with exotic properties, which are statistically rare and unlikely to be deformed during mergers.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 26, 2018

New diagnosis method could help spot head and neck cancers earlier

Researchers have developed a new method to diagnose oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) earlier, using the mechanical properties of cancer cells. By testing the relaxation behavior after stress release, they found that OSCC cells are 'softer' and exhibit faster contraction than benign cells.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalConvergent Science Physical Oncology·DateJun 26, 2018

Novel genetic method improves efficiency of enzyme

Researchers developed a new genetic engineering technique to improve an enzyme's ability to break down biomass. The EASy method enables accelerated evolution of desirable traits in microorganisms, leading to more efficient conversion of lignin into fuels and plastics.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 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.

The origins of fine-particle pollution in Guangzhou, China

Historical data analysis reveals significant differences in source region contributions to haze under unfavorable weather systems. Policymakers can develop more efficient control plans by incorporating weather system analysis when haze events occur.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJun 26, 2018

Chemotherapy-induced diarrhea traced to immune cells

Macrophage receptors trigger intestinal contractions, leading to severe diarrhea in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The discovery opens up new avenues for developing targeted treatments for this debilitating side effect.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalImmunity·DateJun 26, 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.

OU professor to study new possibilities in quantum networking

A University of Oklahoma physics professor is using a National Science Foundation grant to explore the potential of spatial degree of freedom in long-distance quantum communications and imaging. The research could bring about a revolution in quantum information science by enabling large-scale quantum information transmission.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateJun 26, 2018

Food insecurity has greater impact on disadvantaged children

A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that food insecurity has a greater impact on behavior problems and poor cognitive outcomes in vulnerable children, particularly those born to single mothers living in urban neighborhoods.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateJun 26, 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.

Scientists explore how high blood pressure hurts cognition

Scientists investigate how high blood pressure affects the balance between blood flow and neuron activity in the brain. High blood pressure can lead to increased calcium levels in astrocytes, which may trigger inflammation and alter protective mechanisms.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateJun 26, 2018

Gene editing curbs autism symptoms in mice

Researchers at UT Health San Antonio used gene editing to decrease repetitive behaviors in mice with fragile X syndrome, an inherited cause of autism spectrum disorders. The approach resulted in significant reduction of symptoms, including digging behavior slowed by 30 percent and leaping behavior reduced by 70 percent.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 26, 2018

Narcissistic adolescents may perform better at school -- Queen's University Belfast researcher

A study by Dr Kostas Papageorgiou at Queen's University Belfast found that adolescents with subclinical narcissism may be more mentally tough and perform better at school. The research suggests a positive correlation between narcissism and mental toughness, which can lead to improved academic achievement.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateJun 26, 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.

How family physicians are paid is linked to their rate of referral to specialists

Researchers found a significant increase in specialist referrals among family physicians switching to blended capitation models, highlighting unintended consequences of policy changes. The study's findings suggest that increased referrals may not be entirely necessary and could result in higher costs for the healthcare system.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalHealth Economics·DateJun 26, 2018

Texas A&M research opens doors to expanded DNA studies

Researchers at Texas A&M University have discovered how methylation affects DNA's mechanical properties, revealing new insights into how cells behave. The study opens doors to analyzing other types of DNA or RNA modifications and their behavior under different conditions.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJun 26, 2018

Early treatment of advanced prostate cancer with radioligand therapy prolongs life

A study presented at the SNMMI Annual Meeting found that early treatment of advanced prostate cancer with lutetium-177 radioligand therapy can significantly prolong life, with a median overall survival of 27 months. Patients who received first-line therapy also had the longest survival rates.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 26, 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.

A new link between cancer and aging

Hollings Cancer Center researchers discovered that cancer cells protect their telomeres from damage to prevent cell death, contributing to their long lifespan. By inhibiting this mechanism, the researchers hope to develop a new treatment for cancer and potentially delay aging.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJun 26, 2018

History of side-necked turtle diversification revealed

A new phylogeny of the Pleurodira suborder, including the Yellow-spotted Amazon River turtle, provides insights into the evolutionary history and biogeographical distribution of side-necked turtles. The study found that Pleurodira fossils are scattered across continents, with the oldest species dating back to 125 million years ago.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJun 26, 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.

New study links poor sleep quality to atrial fibrillation

A recent study has found that poor sleep quality is an independent risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF), which can lead to symptoms like heart palpitations and shortness of breath. The researchers also discovered that disruptions in sleep patterns, such as reduced REM sleep, predict a higher risk of AF.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeart Rhythm·DateJun 26, 2018

Of hearts and giants: Moving a cardiac regulatory protein to the right place

International researchers led by Tokyo Medical and Dental University investigated the RSRSP stretch of the regulatory protein RBM20, finding it essential for nuclear localization and splicing regulation. The study suggests that phosphorylation of specific serine residues in this region is crucial for RBM20's function.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 26, 2018

USC researchers find kids sneak smoking substitute into school

A new study by USC researchers found that high school, middle school, and elementary school students in the US are using JUUL vaporizers to get hooked on nicotine. The discreet devices are being used undetected on school grounds, with over 1 in 25 tweets mentioning their use.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateJun 26, 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.

Closing the gap: On the road to terahertz electronics

A team at TUM has succeeded in generating ultrashort electric pulses on a chip using tiny plasmonic antennas, operating above the surface and reading them in again. This breakthrough closes the terahertz gap, enabling frequencies up to 10 terahertz.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 26, 2018

High-strength MRI may release mercury from amalgam dental fillings

Researchers found that ultra-high-strength MRI releases high levels of mercury from amalgam fillings, but lower strength MRI does not cause significant leakage. The study suggests further research is needed to evaluate the relationship between high-field MRI and mercury release.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJun 26, 2018