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Science News Archive June 2018 - Page 9


Page 9 of 40

Fluorescent molecules reveal how cancer cells are inhibited

Lund University researchers have developed a fluorescent variant of salinomycin to understand its mechanism against cancer stem cells. The molecule rapidly passes through the outer cell membrane and acts as an ion transporter in the endoplasmic reticulum, leading to a reduction in cancer stem cells

SourceLund University·JournalACS Central Science·DateJun 25, 2018

Novel nuclear medicine approach shows promise for treating wide array of cancerous tumors

Researchers have developed a novel approach to pretargeted radioimmunotherapy, which has shown complete responses in several solid tumor types using the beta-emitting lutetium-177 and alpha-emitting actinium-225. The new approach offers greater versatility of treatment for various solid tumors and clinical situations.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 25, 2018

Dynamic ocean conditions and fisheries bycatch

A study evaluates ocean characteristics that influence fisheries bycatch on the US west coast, threatening ecological and economic sustainability. The analysis revealed an increased bycatch risk for protected species, including cetaceans and sea turtles, in areas with dynamic physical structures.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 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.

Why life on Earth first got big

Researchers found that early ocean organisms grew tall to disperse their offspring and colonize their surroundings. The study suggests that reproduction was the main reason life on Earth got big during the Ediacaran period.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJun 25, 2018

Closing the loop for robotic grasping

Researchers at QUT have developed a real-time, object-independent grasp synthesis method for closed-loop grasping that achieves high accuracy rates of up to 88% in dynamic environments. The approach uses a Generative Grasping Convolutional Neural Network to predict the quality and pose of a two-fingered grasp at every pixel.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateJun 25, 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.

Domestication and brain morphology

A study found domesticated rabbits have smaller amygdalas and larger medial prefrontal cortices, suggesting genetic changes may reduce fear processing. Reduced white matter anisotropy indicates compromised information processing, supporting the link between domestication and altered brain architecture.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 2018

How music lessons can improve language skills

A new study from MIT finds that piano lessons enhance word discrimination in kindergartners, particularly with consonants, without improving overall cognitive ability. The researchers suggest that music education is at least as beneficial for language skills and possibly more beneficial than additional reading instruction.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 2018

Creature feature: Twisting cracks impart superhero toughness to animals

A team of researchers from Purdue University has found that twisting cracks in certain animal materials make them incredibly strong and resistant to failure. This phenomenon, observed in the mantis shrimp's club, is now being replicated in new composite materials.

SourcePurdue University·JournalInternational Journal of Solids and Structures·DateJun 25, 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.

Pain relief at a lower opioid dose

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that combining chemical compounds to activate specific nerve cell receptors may reduce the risk of opioid tolerance and side effects by minimizing the amount of opioids needed. The study used mice models, suggesting that this approach could lead to a lower-risk pain treatment option.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Signaling·DateJun 25, 2018

Researchers discover a new type of lung cancer

Researchers have discovered a new type of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) with distinct biological signatures, paving the way for developing personalized treatments. The discovery involves a novel transcription factor called POU2F3, which is expressed in a specific subset of SCLC tumors and may be targeted by specific drugs.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateJun 25, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Efficient, eco-friendly production of fine chemicals

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a solid catalyst for a major chemical reaction, reducing waste and increasing efficiency by 20 times compared to traditional soluble catalysts. The new palladium-carbon-nitrogen material is more stable and cost-effective, making it suitable for commercial-scale production.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 25, 2018

Striking differences in brain morphology between wild and domestic rabbits

A study using high-resolution MRI found that domesticated rabbits have reduced amygdala size and enlarged medial prefrontal cortex compared to wild rabbits. This led to a diminished flight response and slower reaction time, as the brain's white matter structure was also compromised.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 2018

New study shows Transcendental Meditation reduces psychological distress in the workplace

A new study found that Transcendental Meditation significantly improves psychological distress and brain functioning in school administrators and staff, with enhanced performance and well-being. The study, published in Brain and Cognition, is the largest randomized control trial investigating the impact of TM on brain functioning.

SourceCenter for Wellness and Achievement in Education·JournalBrain and Cognition·DateJun 25, 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.

Long-lasting radionuclide therapy for advanced neuroendocrine tumors proves effective

A new long-lasting type of radionuclide therapy has been proven effective in treating advanced neuroendocrine tumors, with the treatment lasting up to 4 times longer than previous options. The therapy, Lutathera-177 (Lu-DOTA-EB-TATE), was well-tolerated and showed promising results in a Phase I trial.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 25, 2018

US flight crew have higher cancer rates than general population

A study of 5,366 US flight attendants found a higher lifetime prevalence of breast, melanoma, and non-melanoma skin cancers compared to the general population. The authors suggest that factors such as circadian rhythm disruption and exposure to cosmic ionizing radiation may contribute to these increased cancer rates.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalEnvironmental Health·DateJun 25, 2018

DOE funds field test of Rice's solar desalination technology

Rice University's NESMD technology uses nanoparticles and sunlight to desalinate water in one step, reducing energy costs compared to traditional methods. The technology has shown promising results in laboratory-scale tests, with the potential for further optimization and scaling up for field testing.

SourceRice University·DateJun 25, 2018

Nanoparticles' defects can be useful

Researchers at Ural Federal University have discovered that controlling intrinsic defects in nanoparticles can enhance their energy conversion capabilities. This breakthrough could lead to improved solar cell efficiency by up to 50%.

SourceUral Federal University·DateJun 25, 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.

Researchers find prostate cancer drug byproduct can fuel cancer cells

Researchers at Cleveland Clinic found that a common prostate cancer drug, abiraterone, yields high levels of a testosterone-like byproduct in men with advanced disease who have a specific genetic variant. This byproduct may trick androgen receptors into turning on pro-cancer pathways.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 25, 2018

New study explains Antarctica's coldest temperatures

Researchers found temperatures as low as -98 degrees Celsius in small valleys near the top of Antarctica's ice sheet, driven by persistent clear skies and extremely dry air. The study challenges current understanding of Earth's surface temperatures, suggesting a limit to how cold it can get.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 25, 2018

A multifunctional, multiscale, reconfigurable surface

A team of international researchers created a dynamic surface, FLIPS, that can sculpt and re-sculpt microscale to macroscale features, change friction and slipperiness based on magnetic fields. It has been shown to direct particle movement, remove biofilms, coat droplets, and act as an adhesive.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature·DateJun 25, 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.

Microbiologists and plant scientists find secret to tackling cholera

A team of microbiologists and plant scientists has identified a genetic weakness in the cholera pandemic that could lead to future treatments. The discovery reveals a new signaling network for cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) in the human cholera pathogen, which is responsible for the seventh pandemic's ability to thrive.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 2018

Surface clues to Jupiter's interior

A study suggests that Jupiter's surface jet streams could provide evidence for a rocky core at its center. Researchers used computer simulations to analyze data from NASA's Juno spacecraft, which found evidence of local variations in the planet's magnetic and gravity fields.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 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.

In melanoma, radiosurgery may combine well with immunotherapy, especially PD-1 inhibitors

A University of Colorado Cancer Center study shows that combining radiosurgery with immunotherapy, especially PD-1 inhibitors, can significantly improve cancer control and overall survival in melanoma patients. The study found that patients treated with anti-PD-1 therapies had a median brain metastasis-free survival of not reached, whe...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Neuro-Oncology·DateJun 25, 2018

CRISPR editing reduces repetitive behavior in mice with a form of autism

Researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to reduce repetitive behavior in mice with fragile X syndrome, a common cause of autism spectrum disorder. The technique successfully edited the receptor responsible for excessive signaling between neurons, leading to reduced repetitive behaviors such as digging and leaping.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 25, 2018

Looking to mosquitoes for a way to develop painless microneedles

A team of researchers at Ohio State University has developed a painless microneedle technology inspired by the mosquito's proboscis. The new design incorporates four key elements: a numbing agent, a serrated design, vibration during insertion, and a combination of soft and hard parts on the proboscis.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials·DateJun 25, 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.

Corporate interests may have influenced key public health declaration

A trio of leading academics warn that the Brussels Declaration, a key public health declaration, was developed with extensive involvement of tobacco and alcohol industry actors. This raises concerns about the potential for industry influence on policy-making and the advancement of corporate interests.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalTobacco Control·DateJun 25, 2018

Clostridium difficile infections have decreased 36 percent in Canadian hospitals

Researchers found a significant decrease in C. difficile infections across Canada, with the most common virulent strain, NAP1, associated with severe illness and deaths. Improved infection control practices, such as frequent handwashing and better cleaning, may have contributed to this decline.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 25, 2018

Medicare patients less likely to die in a hospital

A new study found that Medicare patients are more likely to die outside of acute-care hospitals, where they died at home or in assisted-living facilities. Since 2009, there has been a reduction in patient deaths within three days of hospital discharge, and ICU use during the last month of life has stabilized.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJun 25, 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.

Molecular basis of aggression

Researchers identified autoantibodies against adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in aggressive male prison inmates, showing altered cortisol secretion and decreased time to attack in mice. These findings suggest potential molecular mechanisms underlying human aggression and stress response.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 2018

Oral delivery of insulin

A new oral insulin formulation based on ionic liquids has been successfully developed, showing stability at room temperature and under refrigeration. The formulation significantly reduces blood glucose levels in rats, with up to 45% decrease observed after oral delivery.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 2018

Nicotine alters neurotransmission in habit-forming brain region

A study published in JNeurosci reveals how nicotine interacts with cells regulating the output of a brain region involved in habit formation. Nicotine reduces dorsal striatal output, an effect that persists even after the drug has been cleared from the brain, potentially underlining nicotine addiction.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateJun 25, 2018

A galactic test will clarify the existence of dark matter

Researchers use computer simulations to test dark matter's presence in satellite galaxies, finding a relationship that could clarify its existence. The study uses radial acceleration relation data from the Gaia spacecraft to make predictions about the behavior of dwarf galaxies.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 25, 2018

UK urban forest can store as much carbon as tropical rainforests

Researchers used LiDAR technology to map carbon storage in urban forests, finding areas like Hampstead Heath store up to 178 tonnes of carbon per hectare. This study highlights the value of urban trees for mitigating climate change and demonstrates their potential as a vital resource for cities.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCarbon Balance and Management·DateJun 25, 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.

'Embattled' breast cancer drugs could be revived by UCSF discovery

Researchers discover a protein that shields the PI3K pathway from targeted drugs, leading to improved efficacy with combination therapy. A new study reveals that blocking this protein restores cancer-killing potential in previously ineffective therapies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJun 25, 2018

Gender, surnames, and professional judgment

Researchers found that individuals are more than twice as likely to use surnames when referring to male versus female professionals. In multiple experiments involving nearly 500 participants each, scientists who were referred to by surname were perceived as more famous and deserving of career awards.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 2018

SBP researchers awarded 2018 Padres Pedal the Cause grants

Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute has received four Padres Pedal the Cause collaborative grants to fund research projects in cancer and immunology. The projects aim to develop new insights into developing drugs and treatments designed to attack and kill cancer cells.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·DateJun 25, 2018

Reducing CO2 with common elements and sunlight

A new photocatalyst composed of an organic semiconductor material and an iron complex selectively reduces CO2 to CO under visible light, converting the major factor of global warming into a valuable carbon resource. The efficiency of this process is comparable to that of precious metal or rare metal complexes.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 25, 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.

Clean power is not enough

International team of researchers warns that even with stringent climate policies, residual fossil fuel emissions could still cause CO2 emissions to endanger the climate targets agreed on by the international community. The study highlights the need for accelerated energy efficiency improvements and widespread electrification of energy...

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 25, 2018

Factors influencing citizens' acceptance of refugees

Experiments show that citizens provide less aid to refugees when it incurs a cost, but increase aid with higher prosocial orientation and greater refugee needs. The results suggest that factors such as costs and integration efforts play a significant role in shaping public attitudes towards refugees.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 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.

Photon loss won't hurt in quantum sampling, USTC researchers find

Boson sampling with photons faces major obstacle due to unavoidable photon loss, but researchers from USTC have confirmed experimentally that lost photons still produce useful output. This discovery allows for exponentially faster sampling rates and brings demonstration of quantum supremacy closer to reality.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 25, 2018

Structure of S. agalactiae toxin identified by USTC biologists

Researchers revealed the structural fold of S. agalactiae CAMP factor, composed of 5+3 helix bundles, with N-terminal bundle responsible for membrane permeabilization and C-terminal bundle for host receptor binding. The study clarifies the molecular mechanism of co-hemolytic activity.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJun 25, 2018

How your brain decides between knowledge and ignorance

Researchers found that brains selectively treat gaining knowledge about favorable outcomes as a reward, but not unfavorable ones. People tend to spend money on advance knowledge of good events and avoid information about bad ones.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 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.

Citizen scientists developing expertise on galaxy images

Volunteers in the Galaxy Zoo project develop extensive expertise about galaxy images and instruments, surprising researchers with their knowledge. Through online discussions, participants learn about artefacts and how to identify them, creating a culture of shared learning.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalSocial Studies of Science·DateJun 25, 2018