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Science News Archive March 2018 - Page 17


Page 17 of 41

'Oumuamua likely came from a binary star system

New research confirms that 'Oumuamua, the first confirmed interstellar asteroid, originated from a binary star system. The study found that rocky objects like 'Oumuamua are far more likely to come from binary systems than single star systems.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 19, 2018
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Evolution of complex human societies

A study finds that intensive agriculture facilitates sociopolitical hierarchy in cultural evolution. The results suggest a reciprocal relationship between the two traits, with each facilitating development of the other to a comparable extent.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 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.

Rheumatoid arthritis meets precision medicine

Researchers used joint tissue biopsy to identify genes linked to disease progression and response to treatment in rheumatoid arthritis patients. This new technique holds promise for personalized therapy and improved patient outcomes.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateMar 19, 2018

Tooth health may indicate diabetes risk

A new study suggests that poor dental health may be a sign of increased risk for diabetes. The research found a progressive positive relationship between worsening glucose tolerance and the number of missing teeth among adults in the US.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateMar 19, 2018

Programming DNA to deliver cancer drugs

A research team at the University of Delaware has developed technology to program strands of DNA into switches that turn proteins on and off. The technology could lead to the development of new cancer therapies and other drugs by activating non-toxic cancer prodrugs into their therapeutic forms.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMar 19, 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.

'New life form' answers question about evolution of cells

Researchers from University of Groningen and Wageningen University created a micro-organism with a mixed membrane, contradicting the idea that this was an unstable mixture of lipids. The new life form was stable and grew at normal speed, supporting the hypothesis that a mixed membrane can be stable.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 2018

Environmentally friendly cattle production (really)

A Michigan State University study evaluated adaptive multi-paddock, or AMP, grass-fed operations and found that they can potentially offset greenhouse gas emissions. The research also showed that the finishing phase of beef production could be a net carbon sink, with carbon levels staying in the green rather than in the red.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAgricultural Systems·DateMar 19, 2018

Eliminating injustice imposed by the death penalty

The Black Lives Matter movement argues that capital punishment is a racist practice that devalues Black Lives. Research shows that Black Americans are disproportionately impacted by the death penalty, with specific racial biases affecting jury perceptions and decisions.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalEthics·DateMar 19, 2018

Measuring neutrophil motility could lead to accurate sepsis diagnosis

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed a microfluidic device that measures neutrophil motility to accurately diagnose sepsis. The device achieved more than 95% accuracy in distinguishing patients with sepsis from those without, offering a promising new approach to timely treatment.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateMar 19, 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.

Making intricate images with bacterial communities

Researchers from Stanford University have developed a technique called biofilm lithography to create intricate designs with bacterial communities. The method involves shining blue light on bacteria that secrete a sticky protein, resulting in sharp images of patterns such as polka dots and circuits.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 2018

What is the cost of interrupting a radiologist?

A study finds that interrupting radiologists does not reduce diagnostic accuracy but changes their focus and increases time spent on cases, with more time spent on dictation screens.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Medical Imaging·DateMar 19, 2018

Spread of agriculture into central Anatolia

Archaeological evidence from P?narba?? and Boncuklu in Turkey suggests indigenous people adopted agriculture on a small scale, possibly for non-economic reasons. The findings indicate the spread of agriculture was not uniform throughout central Anatolia.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 2018

Few young patients with severe obesity undergo weight loss surgery

A new study finds that only 0.7% of teenagers and young adults with severe obesity undergo weight loss surgery, a stark contrast to the effectiveness of this treatment modality. The lack of education and awareness among healthcare providers and the public contributes to underutilization of weight loss surgery in this age group.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateMar 19, 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.

Scientists discover new causes of cellular decline in prematurely aging kids

Researchers at Saint Louis University have uncovered new answers about why cells rapidly age in children with a rare disease called Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome. The team found that cellular replication stress and a mistaken innate immune response are culprits, and successfully blocked these processes with vitamin D.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 19, 2018

A reference catalog for the rumen microbiome

The study presents a reference catalog of rumen microbial genomes and isolates, targeting economically and environmentally relevant microbes. The collection contains nearly 33,000 degradative Carbohydrate-Active Enzymes that can break down plant cell walls.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 19, 2018

Deeper insight into viral infections

A new bioinformatics analysis method has been developed to study viral infections, revealing over 500 different proteins and peptides, including 200 previously unknown to science. This discovery improves the identification of translation events and opens up new possibilities to understand the effects of viral infections on the organism.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 19, 2018

Historians to climate researchers: Let's talk

A Princeton University historian team analyzed four case studies to understand how societies coped with natural stresses, revealing socioeconomic factors often played a more significant role than environmental changes. Historians' nuanced interpretation adds context to past events, helping policymakers prepare for global climate change.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Visual recognition: Seeing the world through the eyes of rodents

A new study reveals that rodents possess advanced object recognition strategies, comparable to those of primates. The research demonstrates the existence of rodent-specific recognition methods based on specific features and their spatial relationships.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 19, 2018

How allergens trigger asthma attacks

A team of scientists has identified a human protein called interleukin-33 (IL-33) that reacts to various environmental allergens, including mold, pollen, and cockroaches. This discovery establishes a direct link between genetics and the environment, and offers new potential targets for treatment of allergic diseases.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Immunology·DateMar 19, 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.

Tiny implants for cells are functional in vivo

Artificial organelles have been integrated into the cells of living zebrafish embryos, enabling controlled release of pharmaceutical compounds. This innovative approach shows promise for treating diseases and reducing side effects.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 19, 2018

Wolovick: Geoengineering polar glaciers to slow sea-level rise

Researchers propose targeting geoengineering at specific negative consequences of climate change, slowing sea-level rise by preserving continental ice sheets. The engineering costs and scales of these projects are comparable to today's large civil engineering projects, but with extra challenges due to the remote polar environment.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·DateMar 19, 2018

Certain antidepressants more effective in treating youth anxiety disorder, analysis shows

A meta-analysis of nine randomized controlled trials found that SSRIs were more effective in treating youth anxiety disorder than SNRIs. Patients started to see improvements from medication around two weeks, with the most significant improvement occurring in the fourth week of treatment.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateMar 19, 2018

Thawing permafrost produces more methane than expected

Researchers have found that water-saturated permafrost soils can produce twice as much methane as dry soils without oxygen, significantly underestimating its role in the climate. The study's findings suggest that thawing permafrost could produce up to 1 gigaton of methane by 2100.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 19, 2018

Robocalls improve diabetes eye screening among low-income minorities

A new study found that automated reminder calls improved diabetic eye disease screening rates among low-income minority patients, particularly African Americans. The study showed a significant increase in retinal screenings after receiving robocall reminders, with show rates of 51.6% for African Americans and 61% for Latinos.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateMar 19, 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.

Young at wrong end of deprivation gap, finds study

A study by the University of Manchester found that relative deprivation increased among young adults aged 30-59 and infants aged 0-4, while the over-60s experienced a decrease. The researchers attribute this to government policies, education funding, and housing costs increasing relative to real wages.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateMar 19, 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.

Women with food insecurity less likely to breastfeed: U of T study

Researchers at University of Toronto found that women with food insecurity are less able to sustain breastfeeding than those who are food-secure. By the age of two months, half of the food-insecure women had stopped breastfeeding exclusively, compared to most food-secure women who continued for four months or longer.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 19, 2018

Designing diamonds for medical imaging technologies

Japanese researchers have optimized laboratory-grown diamond structures to detect magnetic fields, enabling new biosensing applications. The design uses nitrogen-vacancy centers with stable negative charge states, reducing noise and increasing detection accuracy.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 19, 2018

Type 2 Diabetes research held back by animal models

The use of animal models in type 2 diabetes research is limited by interspecies differences and has proven inadequate to impact disease course, outcomes, and spread. Human-relevant research methods are increasingly being used, including imaging techniques, biological testing, and innovative approaches.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalAlternatives to Laboratory Animals·DateMar 19, 2018

Amazon deforestation is close to tipping point

Scientists warn that Amazon deforestation rates between 20% and 25% could irreversibly alter the region's hydrological cycle, leading to degraded savannas and low biodiversity. Researchers advocate for a safety margin of less than 20% deforestation to prevent this tipping point.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 19, 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.

Quintupling inhaler medication may not prevent asthma attacks in children

A clinical trial found that increasing inhaled steroids at the first signs of an asthma attack does not prevent attacks in children with mild to moderate asthma. Children in the high-dose group experienced slower growth rates compared to those on low-dose medication.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 19, 2018

A future colorfully lit by mystifying physics of paint-on semiconductors

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have discovered a new class of semiconductors, known as hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites (HOIPs), that can emit light with nuanced colors. The materials are energy-efficient, easy to process and stable at room temperature, making them potentially useful for various applications.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Materials·DateMar 19, 2018

Social, public health services crucial in fight against HIV/AIDS

A new University of Michigan study highlights the critical role of social and public health services in helping patients access lifesaving HIV services. Providers who offer behavioral interventions are more likely to link patients to testing and care.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalHealth Education & Behavior·DateMar 19, 2018

Don't blame adolescent social behavior on hormones

Researchers have discovered that changes in social behavior during adolescence are not triggered by pubertal hormones. Using Siberian hamsters as a model, the team found that behavioral shifts, such as play-fighting to social dominance, occur at the same time regardless of puberty timing.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 19, 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.

Interest rate hikes 'pose mental health threat to people in debt'

A new study by University of Stirling experts reveals that interest rate hikes can negatively impact the mental health of individuals heavily in debt. The research found a significant increase in mental health issues among those with high debt levels, resulting in an estimated £156 million cost to society.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateMar 19, 2018

New research into letter-spacing could help improve children's reading

A new study by Elizabeth Sacchi from Binghamton University has found that increasing the space between letters in words can improve reading speed. The researchers measured brain activity while participants read and found that this effect was most pronounced for real words, suggesting a specific role during reading.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalBrain Research·DateMar 19, 2018
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.

UC Santa Cruz research signals arrival of a complete human genome

Scientists have used nanopore long-read sequencing to generate the first complete and accurate linear map of a human Y chromosome centromere. This milestone marks the beginning of a new era in human genetics and genomics, where gaps in the genome reference will no longer be tolerated.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 19, 2018

Cosmologists create largest simulation of galaxy formation, break their own record

Researchers from multiple institutions developed the largest-ever hydrological simulation of galaxy formation, expanding on their 2015 'Illustris' simulation. The new model includes a more precise accounting for magnetic fields and improves understanding of black hole physics, shedding light on star formation limits.

SourceGauss Centre for Supercomputing·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 19, 2018

Early Maya animal rearing and trade

Researchers analyzed ancient animal remains from Ceibal, Guatemala, revealing widespread Maya animal management earlier than thought. The findings suggest that captive animals played a significant role in the development of state society among the Maya.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 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.

Climate change threatens world's largest seagrass carbon stores

Researchers estimate that Shark Bay has the largest carbon stores reported for a seagrass ecosystem, containing up to 1.3 percent of the total carbon stored in seagrass soils worldwide. The loss of seagrass at Shark Bay after the 2010-2011 marine heat wave released up to 9 million metric tons of CO2 into the atmosphere.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 19, 2018