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Science News Archive March 2018


Page 22 of 41

Rutgers student on front lines of orangutan conservation, research

Didik Prasetyo, a Rutgers doctoral student, is dedicated to understanding and protecting endangered great apes through his research. His recent study estimates that over 100,000 Bornean orangutans have been lost between 1999 and 2015, highlighting the urgent need for conservation action.

Ultrashort laser pulses make greenhouse gas reactive

Researchers at the University of Bonn used ultrashort laser pulses to create a highly reactive variant of carbon dioxide, which can form new bonds with other molecules. This breakthrough has the potential to change ideas about extracting and using greenhouse gases for chemical industry.

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.

Infants can't talk, but they know how to reason

A study shows preverbal infants can make logical deductions by conducting process of elimination, as seen in toddlers. Infants stare longer at unexpected outcomes and their pupils dilate when watching movies requiring rational thinking.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Medicinal cannabis is safe and effective -- it's time to reboot research

A new special issue of the European Journal of Internal Medicine presents a comprehensive overview of current evidence for medical cannabis and derived products. The studies highlight its effectiveness in pain relief and potential benefits for elderly patients, calling for further research to improve the evidence base.

Study shows shorter hepatitis C regimen effective in black patients

A new study by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute found that an eight-week treatment regimen for hepatitis C may be just as effective as a 12-week course in black patients. The study suggests that more people could take advantage of the shorter treatment duration, benefiting access and reducing costs.

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.

Study addresses barriers to kidney disease screening among black Americans

A study of Black Americans found that participant factors such as knowledge of kidney disease and spiritual/religious beliefs, as well as logistical factors like convenience and awareness of scheduling, were identified as barriers to screening. The research aims to guide efforts to address important kidney-related disparities in the US.

How fungi grow: A movie from inside the cell

Researchers at KIT used high-resolution microscopy to observe the growth of mold fungi in living cells, gaining a comprehensive model for directed cell growth. The study reveals the role of vesicle transport in polar growth and has implications for understanding fungal growth and its applications.

Improved capture of cancer cells in blood could help track disease

Improved methods for capturing circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in blood have been developed, enabling the accurate tracking of treatment response and potential screening for cancer. Researchers were able to identify large numbers of CTCs in cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.

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.

A certain type of neurons is more energy efficient than previously assumed

A team of researchers at IST Austria found that the specialized ion channels in PV+-BCs neurons are gated to optimize both fast signalling and energy efficiency. This discovery resolves a major contradiction about how these neurons generate signals, finding that they are more energy-efficient than previously thought.

'Frequency combs' ID chemicals within the mid-infrared spectral region

A team of researchers at NIST developed a new laser source, called frequency combs, to detect chemicals with greater sensitivity. These lasers can pass through samples without direct contact, enabling remote spectroscopy and high-sensitivity measurements for applications such as breath analyzers, cancer detection, and explosives tracking.

Potential RNA Markers of abnormal heart rhythms identified in circulating blood

A study published in Circulation Journal identified four microRNA molecules in the bloodstream that could predict the onset of atrial fibrillation. The researchers found that these microRNAs were significantly upregulated in the serum of patients with AF and diseased mice, suggesting their potential use as biomarkers for disease.

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.

A new use for graphene: Making better hair dyes

Researchers have developed a graphene-based hair dye that adheres to the surface of hair, forming a coating resistant to at least 30 washes without chemicals. This coating also dissipates static electricity, eliminating flyaways.

Getting lost: Why older people might lose their way

Researchers at DZNE found unstable activity in a key spatial navigation area of older adults' brains, leading to navigational difficulties. This may open up new ways for detecting Alzheimer's disease and designing therapies against age-related cognitive decline.

Early puberty linked with increased risk of obesity for women

Research from Imperial College London found that girls who start puberty earlier are more likely to be overweight as adults. The study used genetic variants to investigate the causal link between early puberty and body mass index (BMI) in women, suggesting that early puberty itself is a risk factor for obesity.

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.

Potential new way to limit antibiotic resistance spreading

Researchers at EMBL have unraveled the molecular basis of a major antibiotic resistance transfer mechanism and developed molecules to block its movement. This could help control the spread of antibiotic resistance genes in bacteria, including those that are part of our normal microbiome.

Major study shows x5 greater suicide rate in patients with urological cancers

Patients with urological cancers, such as prostate and bladder cancer, are five times more likely to commit suicide than the general population. The study found that severe psychological stress is a major side-effect of cancer diagnosis and treatment, leading to higher rates of depression, PTSD, and suicidal intent in this patient group.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Half a degree more global warming could flood out 5 million more people

A study published in Environmental Research Letters found that a 1.5C temperature increase could lead to the permanent inundation of lands home to about 5 million people by 2150. The research team used global tide gauges and sea level projection frameworks to explore differences in storm surge events across three scenarios.

Reducing collateral damage

A new UC Santa Barbara-led study found that ending overfishing can promote population recoveries for many endangered species caught incidentally as bycatch. In about half the cases, overexploiting these mammals, turtles and birds occurs because we're also overexploiting the target species.

Cell therapy could improve brain function for Alzheimer's disease

Researchers found that genetically improving inhibitory interneurons and transplanting them into the brain of a mouse model with Alzheimer's disease can restore brain rhythms and cognition. This approach could lead to new treatment options for patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Well-child visits are effective time to help moms, study shows

Researchers found that new mothers attended 92.7% of their babies' appointments, creating a significant window to discuss maternal health. The IMPLICIT ICC model screened for tobacco use, depression, contraception use, and multivitamin use, with notable intervention rates.

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.

Higher doses of radiation don't improve survival in prostate cancer

A new study published in JAMA Oncology found that higher doses of radiation therapy did not improve survival rates for patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer. However, the study did show lower rates of recurrence and tumor growth in the group receiving the higher dose, which could lead to better quality of life.

New model links yellow fever in Africa to climate, environment

Researchers developed a new model that quantifies yellow fever dynamics across Africa using seasonal climatic measures, confirming the risk varies throughout the year. The model accurately captured geographic and temporal heterogeneities in transmission and offers insights for early interventions.

Study suggests that cancer survivors are more easily fatigued

A study found that adults with a history of cancer treatment exhibit higher levels of fatigue and reduced endurance compared to those without a cancer history. The researchers discovered a significant association between a history of cancer treatment and increased fatigability, particularly in older adults.

Childhood aggression linked to deficits in executive function

Primary school children with lower executive function skills are more likely to show increased aggression in middle childhood, including physical and relational types. The study suggests that improving executive function could reduce aggression, and training programs may be effective in achieving this.

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.

Topsy-turvy currents key to removing nitrate from streams, UCI-led study finds

A new study calculates a 'speed limit' for nitrate removal in streams, allowing for tailored restoration efforts to maximize its removal and protect ecosystems. The researchers found that the rate of nitrate transport by turbulence controls its removal in pristine streams, but processes within sediment prevail in polluted ones.

How cells protect themselves against mechanical stress

Researchers have discovered that Piezo channels are highly sensitive to changes in membrane voltage, which helps cells protect themselves from mechanical overstimulation. This mechanism has been found to exist in humans, mice, flies, and fish, and is even more pronounced in older species.

New automatic methods for generating and classifying music

Researchers at the UPV/EHU develop two new methods for generating and classifying music, one based on genre classification using similar bertso melodies. These methods also enable the automatic generation of new melodies in various styles.

Blunt products more popular in states where marijuana is legal

Cigars used for blunt-making dominate the marketplace in states where recreational marijuana is legal, with fruit-flavored and small pack sizes being particularly popular. This finding highlights the need for stricter regulations on tobacco products to reduce public health risks associated with their use.

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.

Clearing clumps of protein in aging neural stem cells boosts their activity

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have found that young neural stem cells store large protein aggregates in lysosomes. Clearing these aggregates rejuvenates the cells' ability to activate and makes new neurons. The study highlights the importance of maintaining precise control over protein production and disposal.

UH scientists investigating mysterious dark matter

Researchers at University of Houston are working with DarkSide program to detect dark matter using weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) and liquid argon technology. The team has improved the sensitivity of their detector, DarkSide-50, by switching to low-radioactivity liquid argon.

H7N9 influenza vaccine clinical trials begin

Two new clinical trials are enrolling volunteers to test an experimental H7N9 influenza vaccine candidate in the US. The Phase 2 studies will evaluate different dosages and vaccination schedules of the inactivated vaccine, as well as an adjuvant to boost immune responses.

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.

A brewer's tale of proteins and beer

Scientists used mass spectrometry to analyze proteins in beer at three stages of production, revealing over 200 unique proteins from barley and yeast. The study aims to understand how these proteins control beer's properties and potentially improve brewing techniques.

Large numbers of students skipping breakfast

A study from the University of Waterloo found that 39% of students in Alberta and Ontario eat breakfast fewer than three days a week, with 48.5% skipping breakfast nationwide. The study highlights the need for improved social awareness and economic support for breakfast programs to reach their full potential.

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.

NIH scientists search for the clocks behind aging brain disorders

Researchers found that altering Cdk5 activity made the brains of flies appear genetically older and their bodies to be about 20 days old. The study suggests that neurodegenerative disorders may accelerate the aging process, leading to earlier death and cognitive decline in affected individuals.

Elevated lead in private wells could pose health risks

A recent study by researchers sheds light on the hidden health risks of elevated lead levels in private wells. The team found that even newer, 'lead-free' pipes can contain a small amount of lead that leaches into water, posing a risk to those consuming it.

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.

Area surrounding a tumor impacts how breast cancer cells grow

Researchers at OHSU discovered the tumor microenvironment's impact on breast cancer cell growth and response to treatment. The study found that targeting resistance factors from the microenvironment could improve clinical outcomes for patients treated with HER2-targeted drugs.

Study reveals vision's role in vowel perception

Researchers found that people closely watch lip movement and shape when perceiving speech, with subtle distinctions between vowel sounds suffering without these cues. The study's findings have implications for designing more intelligible avatars and improving communication devices for the hearing impaired.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

One in four Americans suffer when exposed to common chemicals

A University of Melbourne study reveals that one in four Americans report chemical sensitivity, with nearly half experiencing severe health problems. The research found a significant increase in diagnosed cases of Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, affecting an estimated 55 million adults.