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Science News Archive March 2018


Page 26 of 41

Oseltamivir does not increase risk of suicide in children

A new study analyzed 21,047 children and found no association between oseltamivir use and increased risk of suicide. The research used a novel study design to reduce statistical concerns and concluded that oseltamivir does not increase the risk of suicide in pediatric patients.

Scientists create hybrid nanomaterials in fight against cancer and bacteria

Researchers have created BN/Ag hybrid nanomaterials that demonstrate effectiveness as catalysts, antibacterial agents, and drug delivery systems for treating oncological diseases. The hybrids show high potential for cancer therapy and water disinfection, offering a new approach to combatting these threats.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Team discovers that wind moves microinvertebrates across desert

Researchers from University of Texas at El Paso discover that high desert winds disperse small invertebrates and colonize hydrologically disconnected basins. The findings have large implications for understanding the wind-aided dispersal of freshwater organisms, which are crucial to the food web.

Multifunctional metalens unlocks with light

Researchers at Harvard SEAS developed a flat metalens that can resolve details smaller than a wavelength of light, generate optical vortices and holograms, and exhibit achromatic behavior in multiple colors.

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.

Using whole genome analysis to home in on racing pigeon performance

Researchers identified new genetic clues for enhanced racing pigeon performance through whole genome sequencing and gene expression analysis. They found a polygenic basis for the birds' adaptations, with key genes involved in athletic performance such as CASK, SIK1, and PTPRD.

Sensor City awarded £3.5 million for 5G health and social care project

Sensor City, a joint venture between University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University, has been awarded £3.5m to investigate 5G community Wi-Fi in health and social care. The project aims to reduce the digital divide and measure its impact on patient monitoring, loneliness, and communication between hospitals and communities.

Lopsided ear function can lead to lopsided brain development

Researchers found that lopsided ear function can lead to asymmetric brain development, causing differences in motor behavior. They used mice with a genetic defect to demonstrate the link between inner ear function and brain asymmetry, which was also observed in humans with normal ear function.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Technique developed to improve appendicitis care for pediatric patients

Researchers have created a new tool to help clinicians diagnose appendicitis in children, reducing the use of CT scans and healthcare expenditures. The calculator uses data from ten pediatric emergency departments and independently validated results using data from a single children's hospital.

Ultra-white coating modelled on beetle scales

A team of scientists at the University of Cambridge has created a super-thin, non-toxic, lightweight, edible ultra-white coating that mimics the structure of beetle scales. The material scatters light extremely efficiently, producing bright white colours without the need for pigments.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Mending broken hearts with cardiomyocyte molds

A team of researchers at Michigan Technological University has created 3D substrates that mimic the natural heart environment, enabling cardiomyocytes to mature more quickly and have improved functionality. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatment options for individuals with heart injuries.

Emotional suppression reduces memory of negative events

A study published in Neuropsychologia found that both conscious and unconscious emotional suppression reduce participants' memory of negative images. However, explicit emotional suppression has a greater impact on reducing negative emotions associated with the images.

Field-data study finds no evidence of racial bias in predictive policing

A field-data study in Los Angeles found that predictive policing did not result in biased arrests, with arrest rates by ethnic group showing no statistically significant difference. However, the researchers noted that higher crime rates and proportionally higher arrest rates were observed in algorithmically selected areas.

What do spacecraft, newborns and endangered shellfish have in common?

Researchers developed a microbial detection technique that can reveal previously undetectable bacteria in various environments. KatharoSeq detected bacteria on surfaces at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a neonatal intensive care unit, and an endangered abalone rearing center, revealing new insights for improving environmental health.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Toilet-to-tap: Gross to think about, but how does it taste?

A study published in Appetite found that people prefer the taste of ID-treated wastewater to traditional tap water. The researchers also discovered that women are more likely to prefer bottled water than men and that marketing efforts should focus on similarities between ID and bottled water.

Compassion helped Neanderthals to survive, new study reveals

New research reveals Neanderthal healthcare was widespread and effective, with a focus on caring for injured peers. Despite severe injuries, individuals remained part of the group, highlighting the social significance of healthcare in Neanderthal society.

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.

March/April 2018 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

A randomized controlled trial found that mindfulness meditation training reduced the incidence of major depressive disorder by 11% compared to usual care, while also improving depression symptoms. Additionally, comprehensive asthma management tools improved asthma control and reduced hospital visits in primary care practices.

Mowing the lawn less often improves bee habitat

A study by the USDA Forest Service found that mowing lawns less frequently can significantly improve pollinator habitat, increasing flower growth and diversity of bee species. This practice is estimated to benefit an estimated 40 million acres of lawn in the US, promoting native bee populations.

Genetic prehistory of Iberia differs from central and northern Europe

A recent study published in PNAS reveals that Iberian populations have a unique genetic makeup, tracing most of their ancestry to the first Neolithic migrants. The research also found that early farming practices had a homogenous diet, with little genetic influx from hunter-gatherer groups over time.

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.

How the color-changing hogfish 'sees' with its skin

Researchers at Duke University discovered that hogfish sense light with their skin, which differs from eye-based vision. The skin's unique ability allows it to detect changes in brightness or wavelength, such as moving shadows or light fluctuations, enabling the fish to adapt its color pattern accordingly.

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.

Canakinumab doesn't prevent prediabetes from progressing to diabetes

Research presented at the American College of Cardiology's 67th Annual Scientific Session found that canakinumab had no effect on rates of newly diagnosed diabetes in people with prediabetes. Despite cardiovascular benefits, the drug did not slow or prevent the progression from prediabetes to diabetes.

The changing voices of North Atlantic right whales

A study published in Animal Behaviour examined the acoustic behavior of North Atlantic right whales, finding that their calls change as individuals age. Similar to human infants, younger whale calls are shorter and less structured, but develop into clearer sounds with better defined structure as they mature.

Human health and the Great Recession

The Great Recession of 2008 was associated with significant increases in blood pressure and fasting blood glucose levels, especially among vulnerable populations. Stress and medication use changes during the recession likely contributed to these health effects.

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.

Female researchers publish childcare recommendations for conference organizers

A group of women in science, including Dr. Patricia C. Lopes, have published recommendations for conferences to better accommodate parents with young children. The suggestions include financial support, flexible registration options, and inclusive policies to reduce the 'baby penalty' on female researchers' career mobility.

Early warning system for deadly amphibian pathogen

Researchers detect Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis fungus in environmental DNA samples from lakes in California, providing an early signal of potential outbreaks and offering a non-invasive method to screen for the pathogen. The discovery could help save amphibian species around the world from extinction.

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.

Holography approach improves heads up displays for planes and cars

Researchers developed a holographic heads-up display that increases the size of the displayed image, allowing drivers and pilots to see information without shifting their gaze. The technology uses holographic optical elements to redirect light and create a larger eye box, making it easier to view critical data.

Keeping GPUs young

TU Wien and UC Irvine's chip management method improves GPU performance by slowing down the aging process in more than 95% of cases. The technique distributes tasks among cores to minimize physical stress, increasing overall system speed.

'Haa haa haa': Raven food calls disclose their age and sex

Researchers found that common ravens use food calls to convey age and sex information, allowing individuals to assess competition and decision-making processes. This cognitive ability enables ravens to extract useful data from these vocal signals, which may aid in foraging success.

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.

Four kinds of algal toxins found in San Francisco Bay shellfish

A study by UC Santa Cruz researchers has found that 99% of mussels collected from San Francisco Bay were contaminated with at least one algal toxin, and 37% contained four distinct kinds of toxins. The contamination exceeded regulatory guidelines for multiple toxins in previous years.

Computers discover compounds that could reduce Listeria's virulence

Researchers from North Carolina State University have identified potential compounds that could inhibit the virulence of Listeria by targeting an enzyme involved in bacterial cell surface modifications. Inhibiting this enzyme renders Listeria less virulent, making it a promising approach for combating severe food poisoning and listerio...

Why some older people are rejecting digital technologies

A new study reveals that older adults' resistance to digital technologies stems from personal values, societal concerns, and fears. The study suggests that designers of online services must offer better safety nets and reassurance to attract older users. Social isolation and a desire for face-to-face interaction also contribute to this...

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

More homes built near wild lands leading to greater wildfire risk

Research from the University of Wisconsin-Madison shows that homebuilding near wild areas since 1990 has greatly increased homes at risk from wildfires, leading to higher costs in fighting fires. The study found that the wildland-urban interface, where homes and wild vegetation meet, has grown rapidly across the US.

Will run for meth

Researchers found that mice increased their running on a wheel two hours before the door to the nebulizing chamber was open. The activated brain regions included those implicated in reward processing and craving: the orbitofrontal cortex, dorsomedial hypothalamus, and lateral septum.

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.

Study finds early signatures of the social brain

A new study from MIT found that children as young as 3 have a brain network devoted to interpreting thoughts of other people. The researchers scanned the brains of 122 children aged 3-12 and found early signatures of this theory-of-mind network being wired up.

Great Recession still plagues workers with lower lifetime wages

Workers who lost their jobs during the Great Recession continued to earn lower lifetime wages, even after re-entering the workforce. About 45% of these losses resulted from reduced work hours and 55% from lower hourly wages. Effective reemployment services could help workers recover by re-establishing a good job match.