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Science News Archive March 2018


Page 27 of 41

Marine exploration sensing with light and sound

Researchers at KAUST are designing hybrid optical-acoustic sensors to collect high-quality data while minimizing noise pollution. The new system uses acoustic and optical signals for communication, allowing accurate location tracking and reducing energy consumption.

Managing blood pressure in barbershops yields substantial improvements

A study presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session found that African-American men who received frequent monitoring and medication management from a specially-trained pharmacist in their barbershop saw a marked drop in blood pressure, with systolic blood pressure dropping by an average of 21 mm Hg. The ...

Digging up the Precambrian

Fossilized burrows from the late Ediacaran period show earlier origins of animal behavior, challenging previous theories. The discovery of large-sized, penetrative trace fossils indicates a radical transformation in marine ecosystems during this time.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mexico well ahead of US in LGBT rights

A new study by University of Vermont professor Caroline Beer reveals that Mexico is more progressive than the US when it comes to LGBT rights. In contrast to the US, where religion suppresses LGBT rights, Mexico sees a positive correlation between liberal governance and increased LGBT-friendly legislation.

Researchers identify key step in viral replication

A study published in Nature Microbiology reveals how reovirus hijacks the host cell's TRiC protein to assemble new viruses, shedding light on a poorly understood process. This discovery could lead to new therapeutics and contribute to understanding protein-misfolding diseases like Alzheimer's and Huntington's.

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.

Elephant declines imperil Africa's forests

A Duke University study found that reduced forest elephant populations will lead to significant changes in tree species composition and structure, as well as understory density and nutrient availability. Without intervention, up to 96% of Central Africa's forests may undergo major transformations.

Study finds flatfoot reconstruction effective for older patients

A new study from Hospital for Special Surgery finds that flatfoot reconstruction is a viable option for older patients, providing better long-term outcomes and mobility compared to foot fusions. The research, which evaluated over 130 patients aged 65 and older, showed consistent positive surgical outcomes across all age groups.

What if we could predict when an athlete was going to be injured?

Researchers developed a framework to measure an athlete's risk of injury using IoT technology, combining data from smartphones, devices, and injury surveillance. The study found that athletes who played at least eight games had more than three times greater odds of injury occurrence.

Negative-emissions technology in the United States

Researchers evaluate bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) in the US, finding that approximately 30% of biomass is suitable for near-term deployment. The study suggests BECCS could provide up to 100-110 megatonnes of negative emissions per year by 2020 and 360-630 megatonnes by 2040.

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.

Neolithic migration and diet in Iberian Peninsula

A study on Neolithic migration in the Iberian Peninsula reveals a distinct population with persistent genetic characteristics. The population's diet remained constant across space and time, dominated by terrestrial food sources.

Plants overcome hunger with the aid of autophagy

Researchers at Tohoku University discovered that plants activate autophagy in leaf cells to derive essential amino acids during periods of low sunlight. This process allows plants to survive and grow under conditions of energy scarcity, enabling them to adapt to environmental challenges.

Childhood trauma link offers treatment hope for people with schizophrenia

Researchers have established a link between childhood trauma and severe hallucinations in schizophrenia, offering new treatment hope. The study found that childhood trauma was associated with hallucinations and delusions, and may help empower young patients to make informed decisions about their mental health.

Response of new cotton variety (rassafa) to nitrogen fertilizer

A field experiment was conducted over two years to evaluate the effects of different nitrogen levels and drip irrigation modes on seed cotton yield, dry matter, and water productivity. Results showed that Rassafa cotton cultivar is responsive to nitrogen fertilizer and drip irrigation modes.

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.

Polymer nanoparticle shows ability to locate and treat breast tumors

Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have developed a fluorescing nanoparticle that can find tumors and generate heat to destroy cancer cells. The nanoparticles, called Hybrid Donor-Acceptor Polymer Particles (H-DAPPs), successfully localized and killed breast cancer in mice, showing potential for future human trials.

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.

Female migration in Medieval Bavaria

Genomic analyses of fossil remains from 5th and 6th century AD sites in southern Germany uncover evidence of female-biased immigration in Early Medieval Bavaria. Women with artificial cranial deformation (ACD) show predominantly Southeast European ancestry, while one individual exhibits East Asian genetic markers.

Can pursuing happiness make you unhappy?

A study published in Psychonomic Bulletin & Review found that people who pursue happiness often feel like they do not have enough time, which paradoxically makes them feel unhappy. This effect is due to the pursuit of happiness causing participants to think of time as scarce.

Riding the (quantum magnetic) wave

Scientists have successfully converted quantum waves into electrical current using an organic-based magnet, paving the way for faster and more efficient electronics. The breakthrough, achieved by researchers at the University of Utah, could lead to new generations of electronic systems that use magnons instead of electrons.

Large-scale genetic study provides new insight into the causes of stroke

A large international study has identified 22 new genetic risk factors for stroke, contributing to a better understanding of the disease's molecular mechanisms. The findings highlight the importance of genetics in identifying novel drug targets and may lead to personalized treatments for this complex disease.

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.

Two behaviors linked to high school dropout rates

A new study from the University of Georgia finds that aggression and weak study skills are strongly linked to high school dropout rates. The study tracked over 620 students for seven years, revealing a 50% dropout rate among those with high aggression and low study skills.

Glass matters

The chemical topology of silica surfaces can significantly impact the effectiveness of various chemical processes, including catalysis, filtration, and nanofabrication. Researchers found that hydrophilic silanol groups attract water molecules, forming a barrier that reactants must overcome to proceed with the desired process.

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.

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.

A robust method to study cancer heterogeneity in liquid biopsy

A new liquid biopsy method has been developed to detect cancer heterogeneity with high accuracy and reduced cost. The approach uses a streamlined protocol to profile single circulating tumor cells from a simple blood test, enabling genome-driven targeted therapy selection and monitoring of disease progression.

Mexico's 2017 earthquake emerged from a growing risk zone

Researchers identified a bending fault line in the Pacific Ocean as the likely cause of the 7.1 magnitude Puebla earthquake, which caused significant damage in Mexico City. The study suggests that earthquakes like this one may be more common than previously thought in a region southeast of Mexico City.

Trial bolsters evidence in favor of closing hole in heart after stroke

A study found that patients with a high-risk PFO who received a medical device to close the hole in their heart after a stroke fared better than those who received medications alone. The trial suggested that closure can help prevent subsequent strokes and related problems, particularly in those with a high-risk PFO.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

University education makes students more agreeable, conscientiousness

A recent study found that university education has a dramatic positive effect on non-cognitive skills like conscientiousness, extraversion, and agreeableness. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds experience significant improvements in these traits, narrowing the initial gap with their more privileged peers.

A game changer: Metagenomic clustering powered by supercomputers

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory developed HipMCL, an algorithm that can cluster large biological networks containing millions of nodes and edges. The new method allows biologists to make sense of big science data using massively parallel supercomputers.

Dengue fever linked to increased risk of stroke

A new study found that people with dengue fever have a higher risk of stroke, with the incidence being 5.33 per 1000 person-years. The risk of stroke is as high as 2.49 times in the first 2 months following infection.

Mutating Ebola's key protein may stop replication

Researchers at Purdue University may have discovered a way to stop Ebola virus replication by mutating its most important protein, VP40. The study found that altering the amino acid sequence of VP40 reduces lipid binding and prevents viral budding, offering new targets for therapeutics.

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.

Plants faring worse than monkeys in increasingly patchy forests of Costa Rica

A study published in the journal Primates shows that while plants growing near the edges of cleared regions are negatively impacted by human activity, monkeys sharing the same habitat do not fare as poorly. The researchers found less diversity of tree species at the forest edge compared to the interior, and noted that these trees were ...

The Great Recession took a toll on public health, study finds

A new UCLA-led study finds that the Great Recession was associated with increased blood pressure and glucose levels, particularly among older homeowners and those still in the workforce. The study analyzed data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis and suggests that economic crises can have measurable effects on public health.

Reproducibility in scientific research

The series discusses historical context, spin in scientific publications, and media narratives about science, highlighting the need for accurate reflection of the scientific process. Proposed remedies include improving data sharing, open materials, and reducing bias in research reporting.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Study tackles neuroscience claims to have disproved 'free will'

A new analysis of neuroscience studies on free will found significant variability across studies, with some concluding that human actions are driven by external stimuli while others found conflicting results. The researchers argue that neuroscientists should critically examine their methods to avoid promoting unsubstantiated beliefs.

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.

Drug stops dangerous bleeding in patients taking factor Xa inhibitors

The experimental drug andexanet has been shown to control serious bleeding in patients taking Factor Xa inhibitors. The study found that andexanet rapidly reversed the anticoagulant effect of these drugs without significant safety problems, achieving clinical hemostasis in 83% of patients.

In the eye of the medulloblastoma

Researchers from CNRS and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified a gene cluster involved in medulloblastoma tumour development. They found that genes normally expressed only in the eye can be activated in brain tumors, promoting cell proliferation and inhibiting cell death.

Ratings rise over time because they feel easier to make

Researchers found that increased experience with ratings makes the process easier, resulting in upward trends and rating inflation. This effect emerges across different tasks, including grading, dancing, and evaluating photos or short stories.

Housing trends in the wildland-urban interface

The study found that WUI area in the coterminous US grew by 33% between 1990 and 2010, with a 41% increase in houses. The areas experiencing wildfires had fewer homes in 1990 compared to 2010, highlighting the growing wildfire risk.

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.

Treating hereditary retinal degeneration

A new treatment approach uses a cGMP analogue in a drug delivery system to protect photoreceptors and restore retinal function in rodent models of the disease. The study shows promising results in reducing photoreceptor loss and restoring vision.