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Science News Archive March 2018


Page 31 of 41

New record set for carbon-carbon single bond length

Researchers at Hokkaido University have synthesized an organic compound with a record-long C-C bond of 1.806 angstroms, surpassing previously reported world records. The novel polycyclic hydrocarbon named 10c is stable and exhibits unique properties due to its extended C-C bond length.

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.

JHU performs first laboratory simulation of exoplanet atmospheric chemistry

Scientists at Johns Hopkins University conducted the first laboratory simulations of exoplanet atmospheres to understand haze formation and its impact on habitability. The study found that certain gas combinations produce more haze particles, which can affect atmospheric temperature structures and potentially shield life.

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.

Uncovering the genetics of skeletal muscle growth and regeneration

Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that zebrafish larvae with a mutation in DDX27 showed reduced muscle growth and impaired regeneration. The study provides specificity to the processes controlling protein synthesis in muscles, which will hopefully allow for targeted treatments for skeletal muscle diseases.

Researchers sew atomic lattices seamlessly together

Scientists create atomically-thin fabrics by stitching different crystals together in a single session, resulting in the most perfectly aligned materials ever grown. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for electronics, including flexible LEDs and strain-sensing fabrics.

Deep-sea observatories to offer new view of seabed earthquakes

A mission is underway to lower sub-seafloor observatories into the Hikurangi subduction zone off New Zealand. This expedition aims to understand why destructive tsunamis occur after shallow earthquakes and underwater landslides, shedding light on New Zealand's largest earthquake and tsunami hazard.

How does the brain's spatial map change when we change the shape of the room?

A new study explores how our cognitive maps adapt to changing environments and reveals distinct connections between grid cells, place cells, and border cells. Researchers found that grid cells closer to the changing walls shift more than those further away, suggesting a non-homogeneous rescaling of the spatial metric.

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.

Fiber-fermenting bacteria improve health of type 2 diabetes patients

A high-fiber diet promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria that improve blood glucose control and reduce inflammation in people with type 2 diabetes. The study found that only 15 strains of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria are driven by a fiber-rich diet, leading to better insulin production and weight loss.

On Twitter, false news travels faster than true stories

A new MIT study found that false news travels more rapidly and deeply on Twitter than real news, with false statements retweeted up to 70% more often. Researchers attribute the phenomenon to human psychology, suggesting that novelty drives the spread of falsity.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists discover a key function of ALS-linked protein

Researchers discover FUS plays a crucial role in the microRNA-mediated gene silencing system, which regulates cellular activity. Disruption of this system may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and FTD. The study suggests that FUS facilitates guiding and targeting of messenger-RNAs by microRNAs.

Commercial pesticides: Not as safe as they seem

A comprehensive review of gaps in risk assessments for adjuvants in commercial pesticides highlights the need for new regulations to protect people and the environment. The review found that exposure to environmental levels of some adjuvant mixtures can affect non-target organisms and even cause chronic human disease.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Fishery yields will be dramatically reduced by 2300, study sugges

A new modeling study predicts that climate change will dramatically reduce global fishery yields, with declines of up to 20% globally and 60% in the North Atlantic by 2300. The study attributes these declines to a lack of ocean mixing, which would drive a decline in fish populations near the surface.

Haphazard cholesterol checks put Australians at risk of heart disease

A recent study found that 49% of patients on cholesterol medications did not receive the recommended annual HDL-C test, while 19% received more tests than needed. The study estimates that this leads to a yearly expenditure of A$4.3 million due to overutilisation and A$11.3 million in cost savings from underutilisation.

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.

Scientists show how the brain may be wired for drinking fluids

Researchers created a detailed diagram of the brain circuits behind thirst and satiety in mice, showing that opposing lines of communication play critical roles. The study provides insights into the rules governing the brain's response to dehydration and may shed light on appetite regulation.

Research reveals a mechanism that drives ataxia type 1

A study has identified a critical protein interaction that triggers the development of spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1), a rare neurodegenerative disease. The researchers found that polyQ-ATAXIN1 forms a complex with capicua, which disrupts gene expression and leads to neurodegeneration.

NSF support helps advance research in geography and spatial science

The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded over $10 million to fund 64 projects advancing geographic patterns, human-environmental interactions, and spatial dynamics. These research projects address critical questions of societal significance in fields such as land use, technology, social networks, and environmental sustainability.

Supply bottleneck impairs nerve function

A recent study published in PNAS found that disrupted mRNA transport into axons leads to impaired nerve function and cell death, exacerbating conditions like ALS and spinal muscular atrophy. The researchers identified a noncoding RNA, 7SK, as playing a crucial role in these transport complexes.

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.

Bullying based on stigma has especially damaging effects

A recent study by University of Delaware professors found that while interventions for stigma-based bullying have increased, their implementation and evaluation need improvement. The researchers suggest increasing the capacity of school health professionals to address LGBTQ bullying and developing strategies to reduce stereotypes and p...

TSRI scientists zero in on treatment for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

Researchers at TSRI have discovered a path to treating Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease subtype CMT2D by restoring normal protein function in the nervous system using a small molecule. The study reveals that mutant protein interactions with HDAC6 are responsible for nerve damage, and blocking this interaction can restore proper nerve function.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

No progress seen in reducing antibiotics among outpatients

A new study found that antibiotic prescriptions continue to be prescribed at high rates in outpatient settings, contributing to drug-resistant infections and excess healthcare costs. The researchers analyzed data from Express Scripts Holding Co. and found no decline in overall antibiotic prescription rates over a three-year period.

Inherited mutation leads to overproduction of EPO

Researchers discover first mutation in EPO gene causing increased production of EPO hormone, leading to abnormally high red blood cell mass. The mutation reprograms a second mRNA in the EPO gene, resulting in biologically active EPO production and increased symptoms.

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.

Best practices lacking for managing traumatic brain injury in geriatric patients

A recent review article emphasizes the urgent need for more clinical research, data, and prognostic models on traumatic brain injury in older adults. The lack of geriatric-specific TBI guidelines presents barriers to optimal care, and the authors discuss issues related to neurocritical care, neurosurgical management, and rehabilitation.

Study shows bowel care is top concern for those with spinal cord injury

A study by Victoria Claydon found that bowel care is the top concern for individuals with spinal cord injuries, followed by sexual function, bladder function, and pain. The research highlights the need for holistic solutions to address the complex bodily system impacts of spinal cord injury.

Unveiling the depths of Jupiter's winds

Researchers used NASA's Juno spacecraft data to reveal that Jupiter's colorful bands are not just surface phenomena, but significant strata extending 3,000 km deep. The analysis shows that Jupiter's atmosphere is only 1% of its total mass, a surprising discovery.

Engineered cartilage template to heal broken bones

Researchers at UConn Health developed a novel hybrid hydrogel system to promote endochondral ossification, a process critical for long bone formation. The system uses fibrin and hyaluronan to guide the growth of cartilage templates, which release factors that initiate vascularized bone formation.

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.

Prosthetic limbs represented like hands in brain

A new UCL-led study found that people with one hand can recognize a prosthetic limb as their real hand, particularly those who use a prosthesis regularly. This adaptation allows the brain to compensate for the missing limb, enabling more comfortable and easier-to-use prosthetics.

False news spreads widely and easily

A new MIT study found that false news spreads widely and easily on Twitter, traveling farther and faster than the truth. Contrary to conventional wisdom, humans play a key role in spreading false news, with falsehoods being 70% more likely to be retweeted.

Nanostructures made of previously impossible material

Researchers at TU Wien create nanostructures made of previously impossible material by incorporating high proportions of foreign atoms into crystals. This results in new materials with significantly altered properties, including potential applications in optoelectronics and microelectronics.

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.

A lifetime of regular exercise slows down aging, study finds

Researchers found that regular exercise can slow down muscle mass loss, body fat, cholesterol levels, and immune system decline with age. The study of amateur cyclists aged 55-79 showed no signs of aging in their muscles, bodies, or immune systems.

New research boosts precision of T cell immunotherapies

Researchers have developed novel T cell immunotherapies using custom-made receptors called synNotch that can precisely target cancer and autoimmune diseases. The technology has the potential to overcome major hurdles in T cell immunotherapies, leading to more favorable treatment outcomes for patients.

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.

Is your stress changing my brain?

Researchers at the University of Calgary discovered that stress transmitted from others can change the brain in mice, altering CRH neurons that control the brain's response to stress. In females, these effects are reversed after a social interaction, while males do not exhibit this reversal.

How common is food insecurity among older adults?

A study found that food insecurity occurs in 9.2% of older adults, with higher rates among women, people without a spouse, and those with certain health conditions. The researchers highlight the need for combined methods to identify food insecurity and connect older adults with community-based resources.

Improving birth outcomes one amino acid at a time

Researchers found that L-arginine supplementation increased blood vessel development in the placenta and reduced low birth weight/preterm birth and stillbirth. The study suggests that L-arginine may be a critical component in regulating blood vessel development, with implications for other conditions linked to poor birth outcomes.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

New way to fight sepsis: Rev up patients' immune systems

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have discovered a new way to fight sepsis by boosting the immune system with a drug that increases key immune cells. The approach has shown significant and lasting improvements in patients, offering hope for improved survival rates.

Marine charities net more than iconic fishery: Massachusetts

A study by a team of economists and marine experts found that protecting marine coastlines contributes $179 million to the state's economy, more than finfish landings and whale-watching. Coastal conservation groups support activities such as beach cleanup and education campaigns.

Early-killed rye shows promise in edamame

A University of Illinois study found that early-killed cereal rye reduces weed density by 20% and suppresses early-season weed growth by 85%. The cover crop management system also promotes easy edamame emergence, which is notoriously challenging for the soybean variety.