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Science News for March 9, 2018


Unique diamond impurities indicate water deep in Earth's mantle

Researchers found unique diamond impurities containing Ice-VII, a naturally occurring aqueous fluid from the deep mantle. This discovery provides evidence of water-rich regions deep below the Earth's crust and has significant implications for understanding the planet's inner workings.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalScience·DateMar 9, 2018
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.

Most patients comfortable with sexual orientation and gender identity questions

New Mayo Clinic research reveals that a significant majority of patients are receptive to asking about sexual orientation and gender identity, dispelling long-held concerns among healthcare providers. The study aims to improve health disparities among LGBTI patients by encouraging providers to ask these questions.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalHealth Services Research·DateMar 9, 2018

ZMapp antibody delivered by viral vector protects against Ebola infection

A new study using recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) delivery vectors found that ZMapp antibodies administered to mice resulted in 100% protection against Ebola infection. The study also compared different doses and routes of administration, with the best results achieved using a single rAAV-delivered antibody.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateMar 9, 2018

Intravenous arginine benefits children after acute metabolic strokes

A retrospective study found that intravenous arginine treatment led to clinical improvements and no adverse effects in children with mitochondrial disease after acute metabolic strokes. The treatment resulted in partial or complete reversal of symptoms such as seizures, paralysis, and low muscle tone in 47% of patients.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalMolecular Genetics and Metabolism·DateMar 9, 2018
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.

NIH experts call for transformative research approach to end tuberculosis

TB, a bacterial infection that infects the lungs, is a leading cause of death worldwide. The NIH calls for modernized TB research using new diagnostic and vaccine approaches to cure people infected with any strain of Mtb.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateMar 9, 2018

Defect in cells' antenna linked to deformed organs in zebrafish

Researchers discover protein CEP128 regulates critical cellular processes, including heart development, and its inactivity causes severe malformations in zebrafish. Human cells also show similar effect, providing potential insights into treatments for birth defects and diseases.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 9, 2018

ANU research reveals genetic timeline of early Pacific settlers

Researchers from ANU have created a comprehensive study on the origins of people in Vanuatu, using DNA analyses and archaeological evidence. The results confirm that Vanuatu's first people arrived 3,000 years ago from South East Asia, with Papuan arrivals following shortly after.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 9, 2018
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.

Tokyo Tech's six-legged robots get closer to nature

The study proposes a biologically-inspired controller that uses non-linear oscillators to generate diverse gaits and postures. The system can adapt to different walking speeds and is controlled by high-level parameters, enabling real-time adjustments using brain-computer interfaces.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Access·DateMar 9, 2018

Can't sleep? Could be down to genetics

A large-scale genome-wide association study found that insomnia has a partially heritable basis and a strong genetic link to type 2 diabetes. The study also identified specific gene variants on chromosomes 7 and 9 associated with insomnia.

SourceSpringer·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMar 9, 2018
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.

Meal times may be key to managing malaria, parasite study shows

A new study suggests that managing eating habits, particularly meal times, could help control malaria infections. Researchers found that malaria parasites in infected mice timed their daily multiplication and invasion of red blood cells to match the animal's feeding schedule.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMar 9, 2018

Blood donors' leftover immune cells reveal secrets of antibody affinity

Scientists at Iowa State University have used leftover blood donor cells to gain insights into how natural killer cells interact with antibodies. They found that the carbohydrate modifications on these cells result in higher affinity, potentially leading to improved antibody therapies.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 9, 2018

Modulation of Fgf21 gene in early-life ameliorates adulthood diet-induced obesity

Research by Tokyo Medical and Dental University reveals that early-life Fgf21 gene demethylation reduces diet-induced obesity in adulthood. The study, published in Nature Communications, demonstrates the persistence of this epigenetic change into adulthood and its potential role in metabolic disease prevention.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 9, 2018

Flat gallium joins roster of new 2-D materials

Researchers successfully exfoliated gallenene onto various substrates, demonstrating its potential as an efficient metal contact in two-dimensional electronic devices. The method used to create the flat gallium could be explored for other metals and compounds with low melting points.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 9, 2018
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.

Trauma and dementia patients given hope by 'flashbulb memory' breakthrough

Researchers at the University of Sussex have identified a specific molecule that plays a key role in forming long-term memories. By controlling this molecule, a drug could be developed to relieve the block on new memories in dementia patients and help repress painful memories in post-traumatic stress disorder sufferers.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 9, 2018

New method increases life span of donated brain tissue

Researchers at Lund University have developed a new method that extends the viability of donated brain tissue from people with epilepsy to 48 hours. This allows them to study gene therapy treatment and acquire more data from a small number of patients, bringing treatments closer to the patient without direct testing.

SourceLund University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 9, 2018

Could living at high altitude increase suicide risk? Evidence suggests possible treatments, reports Harvard Review of Psychiatry

A review of research evidence suggests that living at high altitude may increase suicide risk, with studies linking higher altitudes to stronger associations with suicide. Possible treatments for reducing the effects of low blood oxygen on mood and suicidal thoughts are proposed, including supplemental serotonin precursors and creatinine.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalHarvard Review of Psychiatry·DateMar 9, 2018
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.

Mastering metastable matter

Researchers created metastable states in an artificial quantum many-body system, observing the switching dynamics between two states. They found that thousands of atoms move through quantum tunnelling during the process.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2018

New blood pressure app and hardware rivals arm cuff accuracy

A new app and hardware for smartphones measures blood pressure with accuracy rivaling arm-cuff devices, according to Michigan State University scientists. The technology uses a fingertip measurement point and includes a discovery of a more convenient measurement location.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 9, 2018

A model for autoignition in turbulent jets

Researchers present a mathematical model for autoignition in free round turbulent jets, enabling more efficient supercritical water oxidation technology. The model simplifies complex dynamics into one differential equation, allowing for sharp characterization of autoignition events.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Applied Mathematics·DateMar 9, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Locked in a forest

A new study finds that reforested areas in the US can absorb significant amounts of carbon, with existing forests capable of sequestering an additional 1-2 billion tons of carbon over 100 years. Researchers analyzed soil profile observations and remote sensing data to determine the rate at which soils absorb carbon.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2018

A highly sensitive and multi-analytical system for hereditary kidney disease

Researchers from Kumamoto University have established a highly sensitive system to assess Col4 functionality, enabling the screening of therapeutic drug candidates. The detection system reduces labor and time costs compared to conventional methods, making it possible to analyze multiple compounds simultaneously.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateMar 9, 2018

Study: Absence of key protein, TTP, rapidly turns young bones old

A University at Buffalo study found that the absence of protein tristetraprolin (TTP) leads to rapid bone loss in mice, with oral bone loss increasing by nearly 20% over nine months. Overexpressing TTP reduced bone turnover by 13%. The research has implications for managing bone health in the elderly.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateMar 9, 2018
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.

2016 Brexit/Trump election results driven by fear and loathing

A world-first study reveals that regions with psychological hardship responded to populist campaigns based on fear, contributing to the UK's Brexit vote and Donald Trump's election. The research found that neurotic personality traits, including anxiety and depression, played a significant role in shaping voting behaviour.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateMar 9, 2018

Mandatory flu vaccines for health care workers improve rates, reduce absenteeism

A multi-institutional study found that mandatory flu vaccines for health care workers increase participation by up to 30% and reduce absenteeism during critical patient surges. Vaccinated health care workers had a 30% reduction in absenteeism compared to non-vaccinated workers.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateMar 9, 2018

A compass in the dark

Researchers found adult fish change swimming trajectories in response to a change in the Earth magnetic field, even without visible light. They identified a candidate region in the brain that could lead to the discovery of magnetic receptor cells.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 9, 2018
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.

Experiment sheds new light on prehistoric ocean conditions

A new experiment by Iowa State University's Elizabeth Swanner simulated prehistoric oceans and found that much of the iron was reduced again into its dissolved form despite oxygenation by cyanobacteria. This unexpected result challenges traditional assumptions about how iron-rich sedimentary rocks are formed from ancient oceans.

SourceIowa State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 9, 2018

West Coast waters returning to normal but salmon catches lagging

Ocean conditions off the US West Coast are returning to average after a marine heat wave, but salmon catches remain depressed. Feeding conditions have improved for sea lions and seabirds, while plankton species have shifted back towards fat-rich, cool-water species beneficial for fish growth.

SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·DateMar 9, 2018

Antigen study supports new approach to vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus

Researchers at UC Santa Cruz have identified a promising route for designing an effective vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The study focused on the RSV G glycoprotein and found that protective antibodies target specific sites on the protein, which can induce an immune response.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalScience Immunology·DateMar 9, 2018

Metal-organic compounds produces new class of glass

A team of researchers has developed a new class of glass based on metals and organic compounds, with improved glass-forming ability and pliability compared to traditional silica glass. The new metal-organic compound glass, ZIF-62, exhibits superior mechanical properties and optical transmission.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 9, 2018
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.

Spotlight on quantum computing at SXSW 2018

Experts on quantum computing, including Antia Lamas-Linares, discussed the field's potential and applications at SXSW 2018. They focused on topics such as secure time synchronization and GPS protection, highlighting the importance of these areas in the future development of quantum technologies.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateMar 9, 2018

Novel technology for anticancer drug delivery on demand

Researchers developed light-responsive vesicles that can deliver anticancer drugs at precise timing and location. The technology uses a near-infrared laser to break the vesicles apart, releasing the drug only in targeted areas, reducing damage to healthy tissue.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 9, 2018

Evading in-flight lightning strikes

Electrically charging a plane could significantly reduce its risk of being struck by lightning, according to MIT researchers. The proposed system would charge the aircraft to a negative level to dampen the more highly charged positive end, preventing it from reaching a critical level and initiating a lightning strike.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMar 9, 2018
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.

Plant-derived volatiles may serve as future antifungals

Researchers have identified plant-derived volatiles with potent vapour-phase-mediated anti-Candida activity, offering a potential solution to the growing problem of drug resistance. Approximately half of the tested essential oils and their components showed activity against the most drug-resistant type of Candida.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 9, 2018

Scientists honored with Kappa Delta awards for advancing orthopaedic research

Researchers Nelly Andarawis-Puri and Johnny Huard received Kappa Delta Awards for their work on tendon healing and remodeling, and the use of adult stem cells in musculoskeletal tissue repair. Their research has led to a better understanding of how tendons heal and how to develop more effective treatments for musculoskeletal injuries.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMar 9, 2018

Majority of mining-related injuries and illness in Illinois go unreported

A new study reveals that the majority of mining-related injuries and illnesses in Illinois go unreported to the federal agency responsible for tracking these events. Researchers found that only 34% of cases were captured by the Part 50 program, highlighting the need for improved reporting rates.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAmerican Journal of Industrial Medicine·DateMar 9, 2018

UTA startup AbeXXa Biologics, reimagining cancer immunotherapy

AbeXXa Biologics has partnered with global pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim to develop a novel approach to cancer immunotherapy. The partnership aims to create personalized therapies tailored to each patient's tumor using atypical HLAs, which have less variability than classical HLAs.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateMar 9, 2018
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.

Three NASA satellites recreate solar eruption in 3-D

Scientists used data from three NASA satellites to create a 3D model of coronal mass ejections and their associated shocks, confirming long-held theoretical predictions. The new models provide detailed information on shock density, speed, and strength, essential for assessing the danger CMEs pose to astronauts and spacecraft.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalJournal of Space Weather and Space Climate·DateMar 9, 2018

Blood samples can soon reveal your lifestyle

A study from Umea University found that people who use moist snuff have significantly higher levels of protein cornulin in their blood. Lifestyle factors can influence background levels, and the researchers hope to find disease-detecting proteins in the future.

SourceUmea University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 9, 2018

Emotional support is key for stroke patients, research suggests

A study by the University of Edinburgh found that nearly half of stroke patients die within six months of admission. Healthcare staff should address emotional needs and prepare families for the possibility of death or disability.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 9, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Liver study offers insights into hard-to-treat diseases

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have identified a cell process called senescence as a contributing factor to bile duct disease and liver failure. The study found that blocking chemical messages sent by cells during senescence restores liver function in mice, pointing towards new treatment targets.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 9, 2018
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture invests in exploratory research

The USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture has awarded grants totaling $2.6 million to support innovative ideas in agriculture and food production through the Exploratory Research Grants (ERG) program. The grants aim to develop proof of concept for untested ideas that will lead to positive disruption of the agricultural norm.

SourceNational Institute of Food and Agriculture·DateMar 9, 2018

When the doctor's away

Patients who receive treatment during periods when interventional cardiologists are away at academic conferences experience a substantial increase in survival rates compared to those treated on matched days. The improvement is primarily driven by a group of patients with a specific type of heart attack that does not require immediate s...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMar 9, 2018

NASA's Webb Telescope to make a splash in search for interstellar water

The James Webb Space Telescope will study the chemical complexity of molecular clouds to understand the origin and evolution of water and other key molecules. By observing icy layers, protoplanetary disks, and individual stars, scientists aim to determine whether life-building blocks exist in every star system.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 9, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Sustainable embedded wireless systems reduce environmental impact of ICT

Researchers present sustainable embedded wireless systems that minimize carbon footprint and energy consumption in IoT devices and applications. The conference covers topics such as reliability, security, emerging networking paradigms and protocols, and proposals for increasing energy efficiency in smart homes and cities.

SourceIMDEA Networks Institute·DateMar 9, 2018

Increasing tree mortality in a warming world

Rising temperatures and carbon dioxide levels drive tree mortality in the tropics, with nearly all factors contributing to the decline. Trees face two main phenomena: carbon starvation from lack of food and hydraulic failure due to water scarcity.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNew Phytologist·DateMar 9, 2018