Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive March 2018


Page 40 of 41

Study looks to help more new mothers with postpartum depression

A new study led by Michigan State University aims to scale up a preventative program that has already shown it can cut postpartum depression rates among low-income women in half. The ROSE program teaches pregnant women to recognize signs of depression and reduce stress through social support and seeking help.

Nature can reduce pesticide use, environment impact

Researchers found that attracting birds and other vertebrates to agricultural areas reduces pest damage and increases crop yields. Studies show that these natural pest control methods can be effective in reducing pesticide use and improving the environment.

DNA scissors can cut RNA, too

Scientists have discovered that the CRISPR-Cas9 protein can also cut RNA, expanding its potential uses in gene editing and virus detection. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for genetic diseases and improved food and energy crops.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Music boosts exercise time during cardiac stress testing

A study by the American College of Cardiology found that listening to music during a standard cardiac stress test can prolong activity and participation. On average, participants who listened to music exercised for almost one minute longer than those without music.

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.

Unlocking a cell's potential to regenerate the heart

Researchers identify four genes that enable adult cardiomyocytes to divide and multiply, regenerating heart tissue in animal models. The technique could also be used to coax other types of adult cells to divide again, potentially treating brain damage, diabetes, hearing loss, and blindness.

Practical spin wave transistor one step closer

Researchers at the University of Groningen have successfully controlled spin waves in a magnet using an electrical current. This achievement is a significant step towards developing spintronics, which could lead to faster and more energy-efficient computers.

A near-universal way to measure enzyme inhibition

Researchers at McGill University have developed a new technique for measuring enzyme inhibition, offering a universal approach to drug discovery. The method uses isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) to measure heat generated by enzyme activity, providing a direct window into the mechanisms of enzyme inhibition.

Here's how viruses inactivate the immune system, causing cancer

Researchers found that viruses use epigenetic regulation to mute the immune system, causing cancer cells to proliferate. By demethylating specific gene promoter regions, it may be possible to revive an immune system muted by cancer-causing viruses and increase the effectiveness of immune-based therapies.

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.

Researchers discover mitochondria-to-nucleus messenger protein

A new messenger protein named GPS2 enables mitochondrial stress signals to reach the nucleus, affecting cell survival and metabolism. The discovery holds promise for understanding and treating mitochondrial diseases, as well as improving insulin sensitivity and combating obesity.

Arthritis drug can lower sugar levels in diabetes

A common rheumatoid arthritis treatment, lefluonamide, lowered blood glucose levels and reversed insulin resistance in mouse models of type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that this therapy could be repurposed as an effective antidiabetic treatment for patients with both diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.

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.

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.

Great mystery unravelled: Most viruses and bacteria fall from the sky

A recent study reveals that almost one billion viruses and more than twenty million bacteria are deposited daily in high-mountain areas via atmospheric rain washout and gravity sedimentation. The research finds that viruses tend to adhere to smaller organic particles, while bacteria stick to mineral particles from the Sahara Desert.

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.

Researchers from MIPT study a nanoscaffold for heart cells

Researchers from MIPT studied a nanofibrous scaffold's interaction with rat cardiac cells, finding cardiomyocytes envelop fibers on all sides, while fibroblasts only touch one side. This study contributes to heart tissue regeneration and regenerative medicine.

NIH pilot project will match researchers to genes, gene variants of interest

The Genomic Ascertainment Cohort (TGAC) will allow researchers to recall genotyped individuals and investigate the influence of their genes and gene variants on phenotypes. The NIH will establish a new database of 10,000 human genomes and exomes, enabling predictions of conditions caused by specific genes or variants.

How are hadrons born at the huge energies available in the LHC?

Researchers analyzed unique data from high-energy proton collisions to understand the mechanism of hadronization. They found evidence of a quark-gluon plasma exhibiting liquid-like properties, which can help improve our understanding of particle physics and the universe's early moments.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Diversity of cortical neurons captured in comprehensive computer models

Researchers have developed comprehensive computer models of cortical neurons that accurately replicate their activity. These models can be used to understand how different cell types differ from one another and may eventually be applied to model neurological disorders such as epilepsy or Alzheimer's disease.

Mass media exposure increases demand for vaccinations

Researchers found that constant media coverage increased vaccinations by 79% in the Jewish population and 71% among high socio-economic subgroups. Positive media sentiments also prompted an increase in polio vaccines, while negative sentiments had no noticeable effect.

Estrogen suspected, examined as cause of cervical cancer

Two University of Houston researchers are investigating estrogen's potential as a cause of cervical cancer. Using CPRIT funding, Sanghyuk Chung is examining the role of estrogen receptor alpha in stromal cells surrounding cancer cells, which may lead to a targeted therapy for cervical cancer treatment.

Plants fix DNA differently from animals

A new study led by researchers at the Nara Institute of Science and Technology found that plants use SOG1 to repair DNA damage, but unlike p53 in animals, SOG1 targets genes involved in immune response only to fungal infections.

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.

Memory overload? That's when the eyes step in eyes

Researchers discovered that older adults naturally tap into this strategy to bolster memory when remembering becomes difficult. They unknowingly move their eyes in the same pattern over and over again, even when looking at a blank screen.

Leishmaniasis strain in Iraq outbreak identified

Researchers studied Leishmania species and strains in Iraq's hot border region, finding most cases match an Iranian strain. The study highlights the need for control programs to stop the spread of leishmaniasis, a disease that infects millions worldwide.

Eating fish may be tied to a reduced risk of MS

A study suggests that consuming fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and sardines, may lower the risk of multiple sclerosis. Researchers found a 45% reduced risk of MS among those with high fish intake compared to those with low or no fish consumption.

A power boost for mobile technologies

A new startup, Borês Technologies, is working on low-power-consumption electronics that will enable the haptic revolution in mobile technologies. The technology has the potential to change the way people interact with their electronic devices and with each other remotely.

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.

Converting CO2 into usable energy

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have identified a new electrocatalyst that efficiently converts carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide, a highly energetic molecule. Single nickel atoms were found to catalyze the reaction with up to 97% efficiency, paving the way for recycling CO2 for usable energy and chemicals.

Retraining the brain's vision center to take action

Researchers trained visual neurons to control a computer-generated tone and a robotic arm using neuroplasticity. The connections from the cortex to the striatum were key to this learning, representing a feedback loop that may be essential for learning and memory throughout the brain.

Rooting sedimentary rock with terrestrial plants

Researchers analyzed sediment data to find that mudrock is rare in the first 3 billion-year record of sediments but common after the middle Paleozoic era. The steady increase of mudrock suggests a relationship between its emergence and that of plants.

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.

Insights from putting science under the microscope

Rare scientific discoveries and inventions garner higher citation rates through exploratory research, suggesting reallocation of funding to risky projects. Collaboration enhances novelty, with teams being 38% more likely than solo authors to bring new ideas into familiar domains.

Study shows smartphones and data centers harm the environment

A new study from McMaster University suggests that smartphones and data centers will be the most damaging information and communications technologies to the environment by 2040. The research highlights the significant emissions impact of the ICT industry, driven primarily by production and operation.

Moms-to-be can exercise in warm weather and use saunas without getting too hot

A review of available evidence found that pregnant women can safely engage in up to 35 minutes of high-intensity aerobic exercise at air temperatures of up to 25°C and 45% relative humidity. They can also participate in hot baths or saunas for up to 20 minutes without reaching the recommended core temperature limit of 39°C.

Paradigm shift in the diagnosis of diabetes

A new classification of diabetes has been discovered, which can predict the risk of serious complications and provide tailored treatment suggestions. The study, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, reveals that type 2 diabetes consists of several subgroups, each with unique characteristics.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Certain smiles aren't all they're cracked up to be

A new study found that 'dominance' smiles, which signal disapproval, increase physical stress and challenge social standing. In contrast, 'reward' and 'affiliation' smiles, which reinforce behavior, facilitate or maintain social bonds.

Hormones may affect girls' interests, but not their gender identity or playmates

Researchers found that prenatal exposure to androgens had no significant association with girls' time spent with either boys or girls. However, girls with classical CAH spent more time in male-typical activities and less time in female-typical activities. This study suggests that gender development is a complex process influenced by bo...

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.

Durable wood 'sponges' act as green sensors of mechanical strain

Researchers created a sustainable wood carbon sponge material by treating balsa wood, making it highly compressible and suitable for strain sensing and various applications. The material's unique structure provides exceptional mechanical and fatigue resistance, outperforming most reported compressible carbonaceous materials.

Promising therapeutic approach for spinal cord injuries

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet identified a mechanism that blocks nerve fiber regeneration in spinal cord injuries, leading to permanent functional deficits. By inhibiting scar formation, they found improved functional recovery in mice, offering new hope for treating this devastating condition.

KAIST finds the principle of electric wind in plasma

Researchers at KAIST identified the basic principle of electric wind in plasma, a phenomenon that can create air movement without mechanical movement. The team found that space charge drift following streamer propagation is the main cause of electric wind, with electrons playing a key role in certain plasmas.

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.

New in the Hastings Center Report: January-February 2018

The Hastings Center Report has published a new article examining the ethics of rationing healthcare resources through inconvenience. The authors argue that under certain conditions, this approach can be ethical and even preferable to direct rationing. Meanwhile, another author highlights the potential downsides of this practice, includ...

More diversity needed in medical school textbooks: Study

Research suggests that medical school textbooks widely used in North America contribute to racial bias through underrepresentation of dark skin tones. The study analyzed over 4,000 human images and found that only a few percent of photos featured dark skin tones.

Fixing damaged ecosystems: How much does restoration help?

A new study found that while ecosystems can bounce back from large-scale disturbances, complete recovery is elusive. Passive recovery, which involves halting damaging practices, may be a more effective strategy than active restoration, especially for systems that don't require significant added help.

Mothers need better safe infant feeding support post-disaster, UGA study finds

A new study from the University of Georgia highlights the need for humanitarian aid groups to be trained in safe infant and young child feeding protocols following natural disasters. Exclusive breast-feeding is recognized as the safest form of infant feeding, but alternative formula feeding can be dangerous due to contamination risks.

Networks of brain activity predict vulnerability to depression

A new study by Duke University neuroscientists used electrical brain activity to predict depression vulnerability in mice, finding different networks of brain activity were linked to depression-like symptoms. The results may lead to a predictive test for mental illnesses like depression and could inform treatment strategies.

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.