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Science News Archive March 2018


Page 7 of 41

The structure is decisive

A Master's student at FAU has developed a method to assign blue-green algae fossils to specific species using crystallography. By comparing fossil structures with microfossils, researchers found that blue-green algae have a less structured pattern with many misorientations in crystals.

Obesity is shifting cancer to young adults

A meta-analysis by Case Western Reserve University researcher Nathan Berger reveals that obesity increases risk of 13 different cancers in young adults, with certain cancers now reported in people under 50. Obesity can alter cellular mechanisms promoting cancer and increase cancer rates as it rises among younger demographics.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Improve your information security by giving employees more options

A recent study suggests that information security managers can motivate employees to act more securely by providing relatable messages and offering options. Employees may not realize they're putting company data at risk, but giving them choices can encourage better behavior.

How to make a good impression when saying hello

A computer program called CLEESE enables researchers to visualize the mental representations of others' personalities according to acoustic qualities of their voices. The study found that a descending pitch with emphasis on the second syllable makes a hello sound sincere, while a rising pitch inspires trust.

In laboratory, SLU scientist turns off chemo pain

Researchers at Saint Louis University discovered a method to block chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain by supplementing a key signaling pathway. The study found that oxaliplatin, a widely used cancer drug, causes debilitating side effects due to increased adenosine kinase expression in astrocytes.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

First IVF bison calf joins NoCo herd

The Laramie Foothills Bison Conservation Herd has welcomed its first IVF-calved female, conceived using eggs and sperm from Yellowstone genetics. The breakthrough could provide a solution for conserving endangered species like the Northern white rhinoceros.

Study offers pearls of wisdom in contested New York oyster restoration

A new study in the Hudson-Raritan Estuary found that support for oyster restoration is linked to perceived risks to public health and the economy, rather than group membership. The research suggests that both conservationists and industry members may be receptive to similar appeals for oyster restoration projects.

New laser technique may help detect chemical warfare in atmosphere

A new laser technique can detect even trace amounts of chemicals in the air, making it possible to alert communities to biological or chemical attacks. The technology is accurate and sensitive enough to determine if there is a molecule of any chemical present at concentrations as low as one part per billion.

Why are whales so big?

Stanford researchers found that aquatic mammal size is bounded by the need to retain heat and difficulties getting enough food. The group analyzed body masses for over 3,800 species and found a convergent evolution toward around 1,000 pounds.

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.

Light is enough to peer through a mouse skull

Researchers have developed a novel technique that enables them to visualize biological targets in deep tissues without damaging tissues or labeling with fluorescent molecules. The method, which uses selectively guided light waves, overcomes the limitations of current optical imaging techniques.

Study: More people rely on government catastrophic drug plans

A study published in CMAJ Open found that use of the program increased three-fold and total government spending rose by 735 percent, with a significant increase in biologic drug claims. The rise in high-cost medications, including biologics, is seen as a major factor contributing to the growth of the program.

Half of vision impairment in first world is preventable

A study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology reveals that around half of vision impairment in Western Europe is preventable. The UK has a relatively low prevalence of blindness, but higher rates of moderate to severe vision impairment compared to some non-EU countries.

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.

New targeted therapy schedule could keep melanoma at bay

Researchers found that changing the scheduling of drug administration can improve outcomes in mouse models of melanoma, leading to more complete responses. A combination of MEK inhibitor given continuously with intermittent CDK4/6 inhibitor was the most effective schedule in mice.

Study uncovers the intricacies of the pursuit of higher self-control

Research from Bar-Ilan University suggests that excessive focus on self-control can lead to inflexible behavioral patterns, over-emphasis on norm-adherence, and strict rational thinking. This can result in problems with information processing, decision-making, and social behavior.

Synchronized fluctuation-type art illumination developed, a world first!

Researchers at Osaka University have created a new form of art illumination that uses synchronized fluctuations in light to mimic natural rhythms, creating a unique and cozy setting. This technology has the potential to enhance quality of life by providing a more human-friendly and nature-inspired lighting solution.

Increase in number of places for local medical students

Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry has been allocated additional 32 new places for local medical students, providing opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds. This expansion aims to increase the number of primary care staff in the area following graduation.

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.

Understanding gravity: The nanoscale search for extra dimensions

A team of researchers has successfully extended the search range of an exotic gravity to short distances, demonstrating the highest sensitivity reported to date. The study uses a high-intensity pulsed neutron beam at the J-PARC facility, allowing for precise measurements of gravitational interactions.

Finnish drivers use WhatsApp, PokémonGo and Tinder while driving

A study by the University of Jyväskylä found that Finnish drivers use their smartphones extensively while driving, with WhatsApp being the most heavily used app. Heavier users even increase their phone use in dense traffic, highlighting a lack of moderation among some drivers.

Superconductivity in an alloy with quasicrystal structure

A team of researchers from Nagoya University has discovered superconductivity in a quasicrystal alloy, which challenges conventional theories. The alloy's properties were found to be similar to those of weak-coupling superconductors, ruling out the role of critical eigenstates.

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.

What three feet of seawater could mean for the world's turtles

A study found that 90% of coastal freshwater turtle species will be affected by sea level rise by 2100, with some species losing up to 30% of their range. Researchers warn that turtles may not be able to adapt quickly enough to changing environments, threatening their survival.

ELCC 2018: Heine H. Hansen award given to Fabrice Barlesi

Fabrice Barresi has been awarded the Heine H. Hansen Award by European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) and International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC). This award is presented annually at the European Lung Cancer Congress to a lung cancer investigator who has made a special contribution to this field.

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.

A new way to find better battery materials

Researchers at MIT have developed a new approach to designing battery materials that could lead to improved ion mobility and reduced reactivity. By analyzing the lattice properties of solid materials, they found a correlation between vibrational frequency and conductivity, allowing for accurate predictions of material properties.

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.

Breakthrough in battle against rice blast

A team of scientists has found a way to trap the rice blast fungus within a single plant cell, stopping its spread. The breakthrough discovery reveals how the fungus manipulates natural channels to evade the plant's immune system.

New method speeds up development of medication

A new method has been developed to determine the crystal structures of organic salts, significantly speeding up the development of medications. This breakthrough is expected to reduce the time and cost associated with screening organic salts, leading to a faster discovery of effective pharmaceutical ingredients.

Chance is a factor in the survival of species

A recent study by Lund University found that chance plays a significant role in local species survival, sometimes overriding conservation initiatives. The researchers also discovered negative frequency-dependence, which counteracts the role of chance and helps rare species recover.

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.

Blowin' in the wind -- A source of energy?

Scientists at Linköping University have developed a method to generate electricity from the natural fluctuations in temperature caused by sunlight and shade. By combining plasmonic antennas with pyroelectric materials, they can harness energy from light fluctuations. This innovative technology has the potential to be used in various ap...

Edges and corners increase efficiency of catalytic converters

Researchers at DESY's NanoLab found that nanoparticles with a large number of edges are more efficient in catalytic reactions. The study revealed that the different facets of the nanoparticles become inactive due to growing oxide islands, leaving active sites for the reaction.

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.

New UK Centre for Research on Energy Demand announced by EPSRC and ESRC

The UK Centre for Research on Energy Demand (UKCRED) will focus on systemic and socio-technical perspectives to develop internationally leading research on energy demand. Led by Professor Nick Eyre at the University of Oxford, the centre aims to reduce energy demand, decarbonize it, and make it more flexible.

Canada-US Free Trade Agreement (CUSFTA) increased caloric intake in Canada

A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that the CUSFTA led to an increase in caloric availability of approximately 170 kilocalories per person per day in Canada. This rise coincided with a US$1.82 billion increase in US investment in the Canadian food and beverage industry.

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.

Vocalization in nonhuman primates

Research on marmoset monkeys found that both internal states, such as arousal levels, and external factors, like timing of another monkey's vocalizations, impact vocalization changes. The study suggests a complex relationship between vocal production in nonhuman primates, with potential implications for understanding human communication.

Tetrahedrality is key to the uniqueness of water

Researchers from The University of Tokyo's Institute of Industrial Science discovered that water's tetrahedral structure is key to its unique properties. The study found that the delicate balance between order and disorder in water allows it to exhibit high structural flexibility, resulting in unusual behavior such as expansion upon fr...

Rapid adaptation

A new study by UC Santa Barbara marine biologists shows that female purple sea urchins can condition their offspring to withstand stress induced by low pH levels, commonly caused by ocean acidification. The researchers found that the females' exposure to stressful conditions resulted in harder and larger offspring.

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.

Body size in aquatic mammals

A study of aquatic mammal body size evolution found that environments constrain body size more than terrestrial habitats do. The analysis suggested that thermoregulation and metabolism force aquatic mammals to grow larger than their terrestrial counterparts.

Caribou drone study finds 'enormous variation' within herd

A new study using drones to track caribou movement found significant variation in sociality within herds, challenging the classic assumption of uniform behavior among group members. The research also showed that caribou follow isotropic interaction rules, with individuals influenced more by those in front of them than beside them.

Promising drug may stop cancer-causing gene in its tracks

Scientists at Michigan State University have discovered a promising new drug that targets the c-Myc gene, which is linked to obesity and various cancers. The drug, I-BET-762, delays the development of existing cancers by inhibiting critical proteins involved in cancer cell growth.

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.

Drug-related mortality rates are not randomly distributed across the US

A new study reveals that US drug-related mortality rates are not randomly distributed across the country, but rather are influenced by economic and social factors. The research found significant geographic differences in overdose rates, with some regions bearing heavier burdens than others.

Remake, refill, reuse: Recycling at the synapse revealed

A recent study published in Cell Reports sheds light on the poorly-understood part of vesicle recycling at synapses. The researchers found that refilling vesicles with neurotransmitters like GABA takes longer than reforming them, and this process is crucial for maintaining important brain functions.

Turning polymer films into self-sensing high-tech actuators

Researchers at Saarland University develop a new generation of electroactive polymers, which can act as sensors and actuators, requiring minimal energy and resources. The technology has potential applications in various industries, including self-metering valves, motorless pumps, and tactile aids for touchscreens.