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Science News Archive March 2018 - Page 14


Page 14 of 41

Live 3-D printing of osteogenic scaffolds into bone defects

A team of researchers has successfully developed a novel method for live 3D printing osteogenic scaffolds into bone defects. The method uses nanobiosilica-based scaffolds with adequate 3D printing properties to improve implantability and rapid bone healing capability, resulting in nearly 55% bone defect healing after four weeks.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateMar 21, 2018

Transforming oral health through science and evidence-based practice

The American Dental Association sponsored a symposium on transforming oral health through science and evidence-based practice. The event aimed to build research capacity, improve treatment outcomes, and address key oral diseases such as dental caries and periodontal disease.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·DateMar 21, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Online tech is changing the dynamics of gift-giving

A new study by Cornell University researchers found that social networking sites create awareness for gift-worthy occasions and inspire people to give more gifts. Online gift exchanges on Facebook were found to be reciprocal, with most givers reporting having received a gift in the past.

SourceCornell University·DateMar 21, 2018

Hunting squid slowed by rising carbon levels

Scientists have found that high carbon dioxide levels cause squid to bungle attacks on their prey, leading to a 20% decrease in successful hunts. This effect is observed across two cephalopod orders, suggesting that many species may be impacted by rising CO2 levels in the oceans.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateMar 21, 2018

Medicating for mental health

A University of Guelph study found that intense exercise before taking a daily dose of olanzapine can reduce the risk of weight gain and Type 2 diabetes. The researchers discovered that moderate exercise did not have the same effect, highlighting the importance of intense physical activity in mitigating medication side effects.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 21, 2018

Pregnancy and motherhood during surgical training: Results of a nationwide survey

The study found significant cultural challenges and infrastructure shortcomings that led to concerns about leaving residency, with 39% of respondents considering quitting. The survey also revealed a lingering negative stigma surrounding pregnancy, with 75% witnessing or experiencing negative comments from colleagues.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateMar 21, 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.

Elephant and cow manure for making paper sustainably

Researchers have found a way to upcycle animal dung into paper products using cellulose, which could provide an alternative to traditional wood-based methods. The process involves treating the manure with sodium hydroxide and then bleaching it to produce purified cellulose nanofibers.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 21, 2018

'We're sleepwalking into a mass extinction' say scientists

A study by UK scientists reveals that species living in symbiosis with others may be the most vulnerable to extinction, with rising sea levels threatening freshwater habitats. The research suggests that these ecosystems are delicately balanced and threatened, making them prone to extinctions.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalCommunications Biology·DateMar 21, 2018

Make way for the mini flying machines

Researchers developed a new marriage of materials, combining ultrathin 2-D electronics with miniature particles to create microscopic machines. The devices have simple computing functions and can float in the air, allowing them to access environments they otherwise could not reach.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 21, 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.

Islet transplantation improves QoL for people with hard-to-control type 1 diabetes

A Phase 3 clinical trial funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases found consistent and dramatic improvements in quality of life among participants with type 1 diabetes who had frequent severe hypoglycemia. Islet recipients also reported better overall health status despite needing lifelong treatment.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalDiabetes Care·DateMar 21, 2018

New design produces true lithium-air battery

Researchers at UIC and Argonne National Laboratory designed a new lithium-air battery that can operate in a natural-air environment without oxidation or buildup of undesirable byproducts. The battery achieved record-breaking 750 charge/discharge cycles, surpassing previous experimental designs.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature·DateMar 21, 2018

Bioengineered tooth bud model functionalized with decellularized tooth bud ECM

Researchers created a 3D bioengineered tooth bud model using Gelatin Methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogel and postnatal dental stem cells. Decellularized tooth bud extracellular matrix (dTB ECM) was introduced to enhance dental stem cell differentiation, resulting in whole tooth structures upon in vivo implantation

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateMar 21, 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.

New technologies and computing power to help strengthen population data

Researchers at the University of Southampton are using satellite imagery, geolocation technology, and small area surveys to create high-resolution national population estimates. These approaches have already helped combat the spread of malaria and assist in disaster relief planning in countries such as Nepal and Haiti.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 21, 2018

Protein nutrition for cells and organisms: Can we use it to treat diseases?

Amino acid transporters are essential for capturing nutrients from blood vessels, which can be blocked by specific inhibitors to treat diseases. Blocking these functions can also enhance inhibition or excitation in the brain, a strategy used to treat chronic pain and possibly schizophrenia.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS DISCOVERY·DateMar 21, 2018

Flood protection is everyone's responsibility

A mathematical economist has developed conceptual models to describe economic decisions for long-term flood protection strategies. The study highlights the importance of central government investment in infrastructure and private sector responsibility, with calculations showing that government investment is better than direct subsidies.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalCentral European Journal of Operations Research·DateMar 21, 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.

Researchers discover new anti-cancer protein

Researchers have identified a new anti-cancer protein called LHPP, which prevents uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells in the liver. The discovery offers potential as a biomarker for diagnosing and predicting liver cancer outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature·DateMar 21, 2018

Immune cells in the retina can spontaneously regenerate

Researchers found that microglia in the retina can repopulate themselves and re-establish their normal organization and function after being nearly eliminated. The discovery could lead to new therapies for controlling inflammation and slowing progression of rare retinal diseases.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 21, 2018

NASA finds major Tropical Cyclone Marcus getting stronger

Tropical Cyclone Marcus has intensified into a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds reaching 149.6 mph, according to NASA's Terra satellite analysis. The system continues to strengthen due to favorable environmental conditions, including low vertical wind shear and warm sea surface temperatures.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 21, 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.

The curse of zombie fossils

Researchers followed decomposing carcasses to better understand fossil formation, revealing incomplete remains and distorted life histories. This study helps create accurate pictures of ancient animals and ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalPalaeontology·DateMar 21, 2018
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.

New brain scanner allows patients to move freely for the first time

A new generation of brain scanner, weighing just a few grams, can be worn like a helmet and measures brain activity while patients make natural movements. This innovation could revolutionize human brain imaging for young children with epilepsy or patients with neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalNature·DateMar 21, 2018

Automated notification system improves follow-up of actionable tests pending at discharge

A new study by researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital demonstrates that implementing an automated notification system can improve the follow-up of actionable tests pending at discharge. The system significantly improved the time to documented action for these tests, with patients receiving follow-up on their results much faster.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMar 21, 2018

Study evaluates connection between drug, alcohol use and infant abdominal malformation

A study published in the Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine found a significant link between mother's alcohol use one month prior to or early in pregnancy and an increased risk of gastroschisis. The condition occurs when an infant's intestines form outside the abdomen, posing risks for other organ system anomalies.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine·DateMar 21, 2018
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Three-dimensional printing and bioprinting for tissue engineering

The symposium reviewed current developments and challenges in 3D printing and bioprinting for regenerating complex dental, craniofacial, and oral tissues. Researchers showcased their work on guided self-assembly, 3D-printed constructs, and geometric controls of periodontal tissue regeneration.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·DateMar 21, 2018

Evidence for a giant flood in the central Mediterranean Sea

An international team of geoscientists has discovered an extensive buried mass of material on the seafloor, thought to have been eroded by the Zanclean flood. The mass covers an area equivalent to the island of Crete and is up to 900m thick in places.

SourceUniversity of Malta·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 21, 2018

Neglect common in English care homes

A recent study found that neglectful behaviors are widespread among English care home staff, despite efforts to provide person-centered care. The survey of 1,544 staff revealed that many witnessed residents being left waiting for care or having insufficient time for food.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 21, 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.

Seismologists introduce new measure of earthquake ruptures

Researchers developed a new measurement called Radiated Energy Enhancement Factor (REEF) to capture variations in earthquake rupture complexity, revealing regional patterns and differences in fault properties. This improvement could help seismologists better understand earthquake mechanics and hazards.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 21, 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.

Freezing hunger-signaling nerve may help ignite weight loss

A pilot study demonstrates the safety and feasibility of freezing the posterior vagal trunk nerve, which carries hunger signals to the brain, resulting in significant weight loss. The procedure, known as cryovagotomy, showed a 3.6% average weight loss and nearly 14% decline in excess BMI.

SourceSociety of Interventional Radiology·DateMar 21, 2018

Potassium gives perovskite-based solar cells an efficiency boost

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered a simple potassium solution that can boost the efficiency of next-generation solar cells by up to 21.5%. The addition of potassium iodide 'heals' defects and immobilises ion movement, making the material more stable and efficient at converting sunlight into electricity.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateMar 21, 2018

Middle-aged tooth loss linked to increased coronary heart disease risk

Research presented at the American Heart Association's Epidemiology and Prevention | Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health Scientific Sessions 2018 found that middle-aged adults with two or more teeth lost have a 23% increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that tooth loss in middle age is related to inflammation and...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMar 21, 2018

New 4-D printer could reshape the world we live in

Researchers have developed a powerful new 4-D printer that can create self-assembling structures with unprecedented flexibility and speed. The printer uses multiple printing techniques to integrate materials, conductive wiring, and grayscale lighting for advanced shape changes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 21, 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.

New ALS gene points to common role of cytoskeleton in disease

Researchers identify KIF5A as a new gene associated with ALS, implicating the role of cytoskeletal defects in axon communication. The discovery suggests the cytoskeleton as a potential target for new drug development and may lead to improved treatments for familial and sporadic ALS.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalNeuron·DateMar 21, 2018

First 'non-gene' mutations behind neurodevelopmental disorders discovered

Researchers found that genetic changes outside of genes, specifically regulatory elements, can cause rare developmental disorders. This discovery is a positive step towards providing an explanation for children with undiagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders, and could lead to diagnoses and treatment options for thousands of families.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature·DateMar 21, 2018

Scientists control molecular alignment on a graphene surface

Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a method to construct perfectly aligned molecular assembly structures on graphenes. The technique relies on atomic force microscopy (AFM) and induces symmetry breaking in molecular patterns, enabling precise control over molecular alignment.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 21, 2018
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.

New insights into the late history of Neandertals

The study of five late Neandertals' genomes provides evidence for a turnover in the Neandertal population towards the end of their history. The genomes also show that Neandertals were more similar to modern humans outside Africa than an older Neandertal from Siberia.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalNature·DateMar 21, 2018

Flu and pneumonia infections increase risk of having a heart attack and stroke

Research published in the European Respiratory Journal found that people who have had flu or pneumonia are six times more likely to suffer from a heart attack or stroke in the days following infection. The study highlights the importance of vaccination against these two infections in preventing cardiovascular complications.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateMar 21, 2018

Does menopausal hormone therapy maintain the brain?

A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that estradiol therapy via skin patches maintained brain volume and reduced amyloid plaque deposits in women. Meanwhile, estrogen pills caused greater structural changes in the brain, which stopped once treatment was stopped.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMar 21, 2018

The search for dark matter widens

Astronomers have discovered a new material that could directly detect dark matter particles, expanding the search scope to unexplored mass ranges. The material detects electrons recoiling from collisions with dark matter particles and operates near absolute zero.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMar 20, 2018
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

New study brings us one step closer to understanding how tidal clocks tick

A recent study by researchers at Bar-Ilan University has made significant progress in understanding the molecular basis of tidal rhythmicity in intertidal limpets. The findings indicate that these organisms have a robust tidal rhythmicity, but only exhibit circadian behavior during one particular time of the year.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 20, 2018