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Science News Archive March 2018


Page 36 of 41

The body's 'glucostat' identified

The study found that pancreatic islets, particularly human cells releasing glucagon, play a crucial role in regulating insulin-producing cells and blood glucose levels. This discovery has important implications for diabetes treatment and transplantation using stem cell technology.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A new tactic for eczema?

Researchers discovered that retinoid-related orphan receptor alpha (RORα) in skin Tregs regulates immune response. Removing RORα from Tregs led to an increase in inflammatory cells and worsened eczema symptoms. The study suggests boosting RORα or targeting related pathways may be effective treatments.

Running on renewables: How sure can we be about the future?

Researchers at Imperial College London caution against relying on over-optimistic renewable energy models that predict whole systems can run on near-100% renewables by 2050. Despite increasing UK energy production from renewables, the lack of firm and dispatchable backup energy systems poses reliability issues.

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.

Study advances research in pelvic organ prolapse among women

A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine provides a long-awaited baseline measure of the rate of progression of pelvic organ prolapse. The research found that pelvic organ prolapse progresses slowly, with women who gave birth vaginally being about five years ahead in progression compared to those who delivered by Caesarean section.

Brown fat flexes its muscle to burn energy

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, found that brown fat cells can be activated to burn calories when stimulated, similar to how muscle cells work. The team identified a potential pathway to trigger this activation and hopes to develop drugs to stimulate brown fat function.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Glaciers provide clues to combat desertification

Researchers analyzed bacterial content of Svalbard glacier soil, revealing microbes trigger soil formation under extreme conditions. The study provides clues for combating desertification in hot arid environments.

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.

Teachers, pedagogical skills, and the obstacle of intuition

Teachers often rely on intuitive knowledge when students struggle with math problems. However, research by UNIGE shows that this can lead to misconceptions and hinder effective teaching. Training teachers to recognize the limitations of intuition is crucial for improving pupil outcomes.

Where fresh is cool in Bay of Bengal

A new study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution researchers found that the Bay of Bengal's monsoon runoff generates a layer of fresh water on its surface, suppressing nutrient mixing and preventing upwelling. This phenomenon can lead to colder waters in winter, contrary to expectations.

A simple trick for modeling calcium

Researchers have developed a straightforward modification to computer models of calcium ions that leads to highly accurate simulations. The new model can simulate calcium interactions with proteins and other molecules, providing powerful tools for studying biological processes.

Preventing exhaustion in immune cells boosts immunotherapy in mice

Research from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine discovered that preventing T-cell exhaustion with targeted therapies enhances immunotherapy outcomes. Activating a protein called 41BB on the surface of T-cells improves energy reserves and prolongs their ability to attack cancer cells.

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.

Return to play for soccer athletes and risk for future injury

A new study found that soccer athletes who returned to play after ACL reconstruction had a lower success rate than those who underwent primary ACL reconstruction. Female athletes faced a higher risk of additional knee surgery, with about one in five needing further surgery, compared to one in twenty for males.

Study shows cycling as number one cause of cervical fractures in men

Research reveals cycling as the leading cause of cervical fractures in men, with a significant increase in injuries over the past two decades. The study analyzed 50,000 patient cases and found that football was the most common cause of neck sprains in women, while horseback riding caused the most cervical fractures in females.

Teaching computers to guide science: Machine learning method sees forests and trees

Researchers at Berkeley Lab and UC Berkeley have developed a novel machine learning method called 'iterative Random Forests,' which can identify high-order interactions in complex systems. This approach enables scientists to gain radically richer information than traditional methods, with applications in biology, precision medicine, ma...

Green spaces in cities help control floods, store carbon

A study by Carly Ziter found that urban green spaces provide significant ecosystem services such as carbon storage, water quality regulation, and flood mitigation. These services can be fostered through small interactions like gardening or walking in nature, promoting physical health and mental well-being.

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.

Neuroprotective mechanisms of gene and cell therapy of spinal cord injuries

Researchers at Kazan Federal University used gene and cell therapy to treat spinal cord injuries, improving motor functions and tissue structure. The approach, which uses umbilical cord blood cells to transport therapeutic genes, has potential applications for other demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis.

Why the latest shingles vaccine is more than 90 percent effective

The new Shingrix vaccine has been shown to be more than 90% effective in protecting against the herpes zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles. The vaccine stimulates production of immune memory cells, generating a strong and sustained protection against the virus.

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.

Scientists developed a material for the new type of liquid crystal displays

Researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University and their international colleagues created a ferroelectric liquid crystal material that outperforms traditional LCDs in terms of speed, stability, and color accuracy. This breakthrough enables faster and more efficient displays with improved resolution and reduced energy consumption.

Social status influences infection risk and disease-induced mortality

High-ranking mothers' cubs have lower CDV infection probability and reduced mortality, while high-ranking adults are more likely to be infected but experience similar mortality rates. The study highlights the impact of social status on immune processes and disease transmission in a wildlife population.

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.

One-off PSA screening for prostate cancer does not save lives

A recent trial found that a one-off PSA test does not save lives in asymptomatic men, highlighting the need for more accurate ways to diagnose aggressive prostate cancers. The study of over 400,000 men aged 50-69 showed no significant difference in mortality rates between those who were screened and those who were not.

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.

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.

Historian wins national prize for text/documentary submission

Historian Joe Hopkinson has won a prestigious national award for his innovative text and documentary film on the controversial approach to educating immigrants in Huddersfield. His project explores how immigrant children were 'bussed' to schools in the 1960s-70s under a now-discredited policy.

The 'robot harvest' -- technology to transform the future of produce growing

Researchers at University of Plymouth are developing robots to work alongside farmers in Cornwall, ensuring availability gaps are filled and reducing manual labor costs. The 'ABC project' aims to create small, mobile machines that can perform tasks like harvesting, weeding, and pesticide application with increased efficiency and accuracy.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Fish 'super power' may offer clues about biodiversity evolution

Researchers have found that a roundnose grenadier fish species can adapt to changing environmental conditions based on its genetic code. The study, published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, reveals that the fish's genotype varies with depth, allowing it to thrive in vast ocean habitats.

Researchers convert CO to CO2 with a single metal atom

Scientists at Washington State University and Tufts University have demonstrated that a single metal atom can act as a catalyst in converting carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and cost-effective catalytic converters, essential for reducing harmful emissions from car exhaust.

Massive astrophysical objects governed by subatomic equation

A Caltech researcher has found that the Schrödinger Equation governs the evolution of massive astrophysical disks. The equation, typically used for subatomic systems, describes how warps and distortions emerge in these disks over millions of years. This surprising discovery could provide new insights into complex astronomical phenomena.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Modified, 3-D printable alloy shows promise for flexible electronics, soft robots

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a 3D printable alloy that enables the rapid manufacture of flexible computer screens, bendable displays, and soft robots. The new alloy, created by adding nickel nanoparticles to galinstan, can be layered into tall structures with good conductivity and self-healing properties.

Stem cell 'twins' to study disease

Researchers at Kyoto University developed a gene editing method called MhAX, which creates genetically matched stem cell 'twins' for studying disease-related mutations. The technique guides the cell's own repair mechanisms and allows for precise removal of reporter genes, leaving only the modified SNP behind.

127-million-year-old baby bird fossil sheds light on avian evolution

A nearly complete skeleton of a 250-65 million year old chick fossil provides insight into the bone development and evolutionary diversification of birds. The study suggests that early bird developmental strategies may have been more diverse than previously thought, with some species relying heavily on parental care.

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.

Breast cancer care in US territories lags behind care in states

Women living in US territories receive less comprehensive breast cancer care compared to their continental US counterparts, including delayed surgical treatments and radiation therapy. The study highlights the importance of addressing healthcare disparities in these underserved populations.