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Science News Archive March 2018 - Page 23


Page 23 of 41

Parasitic worms need their intestinal microflora too

Researchers found that whipworms have their own distinct gut flora, which helps them survive by reducing new egg hatching. This discovery could lead to more effective drug treatments for whipworm infections, which cause debilitating symptoms and are difficult to treat.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 14, 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.

Removing heavy metals from water

Researchers have developed a new method for removing heavy metals like lead and mercury from water using metal organic frameworks (MOFs). The MOF composite can quickly and selectively remove high amounts of toxic materials from real-world water samples, down to levels deemed drinkable by health organizations.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalACS Central Science·DateMar 14, 2018

ORNL researchers design novel method for energy-efficient deep neural networks

ORNL researchers design a novel method for energy-efficient deep neural networks, achieving nearly the same accuracy as original DNNs while consuming 38 times less energy. The approach uses 'deep spiking' neural networks with stochastic-based implementation, which overcomes tradeoff between energy efficiency and task performance.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateMar 14, 2018

Growing need for urban forests as urban land expands

A USDA Forest Service study projects that urban land will more than double between 2010 and 2060, affecting forest and agricultural lands. Urban forests are expected to provide billions of dollars in benefits through improved air quality, climate change mitigation, and reduced energy use.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Northern Research Station·JournalJournal of Forestry·DateMar 14, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nightmares are common but underreported in US military personnel

A new study reveals that nearly one in three military personnel meet criteria for nightmare disorder, with trauma-related nightmares occurring in 60% of them. Those with nightmare disorder had an increased risk of other sleep and mental health disorders, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateMar 14, 2018

Research team develops clinically validated 3-D printed stethoscope

A team of researchers has developed an open-source, clinically validated template for a 3D printed stethoscope that can be created using recycled plastic and costs less than $3 to produce. The device has been shown to have the same acoustic quality as premium brand stethoscopes.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 14, 2018

Artificial and biological cells work together as mini chemical factories

Researchers have successfully fused living and non-living cells to harness the natural ability of biological cells to process chemicals while protecting them from the environment. This system can lead to applications such as cellular 'batteries' powered by photosynthesis, synthesis of drugs inside the body, and biological sensors that ...

SourceImperial College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 14, 2018

Scientists work to protect obese, younger women from cardiovascular work

Researchers are exploring how obesity impacts cardiovascular health in premenopausal women, a population with heightened risk due to estrogen levels and hormone sensitivity. They aim to understand the underlying mechanisms and identify potential treatments to restore protection against cardiovascular disease.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateMar 14, 2018

Plastic fantastic -- researchers turn plastic pollution into cleaners

Scientists at the University of Bristol have developed a method to reuse plastic waste to remove carcinogenic synthetic dyes from wastewater. The process involves transforming polystyrene into a material that can support nanoparticles, which are then used to break down harmful dyes.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMar 14, 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.

WSU/UI team to lead national milk conference

Researchers from WSU and UI will lead a national conference on dairy foods, focusing on the compositions of bovine and human milk. The conference aims to improve concentrations in milk, leading to better health outcomes such as reduced inflammation and improved gastrointestinal health.

SourceWashington State University·DateMar 14, 2018

Army's brain-like computers moving closer to cracking codes

Researchers at U.S. Army Research Laboratory have developed a way to factor large composite integers using brain-inspired computer architectures, moving away from traditional computing methods. This breakthrough could break many modern-day internet security protocols, including public key encryption.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·DateMar 14, 2018

Novel use for drug reduces post-operative nausea and vomiting

A study published in Anesthesiology found that intravenous amisulpride significantly reduced post-operative nausea and vomiting in high-risk patients when used in combination with an anti-nausea treatment. Amisulpride showed a statistically significant reduction in PONV occurrence, without increasing the frequency of adverse events.

SourceAmerican Society of Anesthesiologists·JournalAnesthesiology·DateMar 14, 2018

Decreased oxygen levels could present hidden threat to marine species

A study by the University of Plymouth reveals that exposure to moderate hypoxia can have different effects on metabolic performance in animals bred under chronic hypoxic conditions. This could result in underestimated vulnerability of species, leading to reduced biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 14, 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 imaging approach offers unprecedented views of staph infection

Researchers created an integrated imaging approach that uses multiple techniques to study Staphylococcus aureus infections. This method revealed new insights into abscesses and the bacteria's response to their environment. The findings have implications for vaccine and therapeutic development, as well as culture-free diagnosis.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 14, 2018

Laser-heated nanowires produce micro-scale nuclear fusion

Researchers at Colorado State University have demonstrated micro-scale nuclear fusion using a compact laser, achieving record-setting efficiency for generating neutrons. This breakthrough could lead to advances in neutron-based imaging and materials science research.

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 14, 2018

Is your smile male or female?

Researchers at the University of Bradford have developed an AI system that can automatically assign gender based on a smile. The system uses dynamic movement analysis to distinguish between men and women, finding that women's smiles are more expansive than men's.

SourceUniversity of Bradford·JournalThe Visual Computer·DateMar 14, 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.

Educational success curbs effects of child abuse, neglect

A new study by researchers at the University of Michigan and University of Washington found that emotional and sexual abuse can lead to chronic criminal behaviors. However, achieving good grades and avoiding skipping school significantly reduces the likelihood of self-reported crime.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·DateMar 14, 2018

Placenta defects a factor in prenatal deaths

A new study reveals that 68% of genetic mutations causing fetal death affect the placenta, highlighting its critical role in development. Placental defects often occur alongside brain, heart, and circulation issues.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalNature·DateMar 14, 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.

The element of surprise

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have found that protactinium shares chemical similarities with both actinides and transition metals, revealing a unique intersection of their properties. This discovery could lead to novel applications for these elements and a deeper understanding of the periodic table.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 14, 2018

EDC4: New gene involved in familial breast cancer

Researchers have discovered a novel gene, EDC4, involved in familial breast cancer. The study found that mutations in EDC4 impair DNA repair mechanisms, making cells sensitive to PARP inhibitors.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 14, 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.

Are palaeontologists naming too many species?

A comprehensive study on Ichthyosaurus fossils suggests that palaeontologists may be naming too many species due to limited remains. The research team found variations in the hindfin of six known species, but determined that a single specimen alone could not define new species.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalGeological Journal·DateMar 14, 2018

Key biological mechanism is disrupted by ocean acidification

Researchers have found that ocean acidification impairs phytoplankton's access to iron, a crucial nutrient for growth. This discovery highlights the critical impact of rising CO2 levels on marine food webs and global carbon cycling.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateMar 14, 2018

Chain reaction of fast-draining lakes poses new risk for Greenland ice sheet

A growing network of fast-draining lakes on the Greenland ice sheet triggers a chain reaction that speeds up ice flow, posing a new risk for the ice sheet's long-term stability. The research, led by the University of Cambridge, reveals that these 'drainage events' can temporarily accelerate ice flow by as much as 400%.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 14, 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.

Study finds smokers at greater risk of hearing loss

A large study found that smoking is associated with an increased risk of hearing loss, particularly high-frequency hearing loss. The risk decreased after quitting smoking within 5 years. Researchers analyzed data from over 50,000 participants and adjusted for factors like occupational noise exposure.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateMar 14, 2018

Pairing mobile phone reminders with incentives to help prevent diseases

Researchers found that mobile phone reminders linked with incentives boosted immunization rates from 33% to 50% in a rural Indian village. The study used special software and GPS technology to track caregiver and child information, and delivered automated reminders to participants' mobile phones with incentives of free talk time minutes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMar 14, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Making new memories is a balancing act

Salk Institute scientists discover brain's memory storage is dynamic, with some synapses growing larger and others shrinking as a result of learning. This balance allows for increased overall storage capacity, enabling the brain to store more information.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2018

ANU scientists helping to improve understanding of plate tectonics

Researchers created synthetic specimens similar to upper mantle rocks and measured their rigidity under conditions simulating the Earth's mantle. This study challenges a long-held theory that defects involving water absorption in normally dry rocks control seismic wave speeds.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature·DateMar 14, 2018

Are sexual minority students less likely to persist in STEM degrees?

A new study suggests that sexual minority students are 8% less likely to persist in STEM degrees by their fourth year of college. Despite this, they were found to have participated in undergraduate research at higher rates than their heterosexual peers.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 14, 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.

Holberg Prize and Nils Klim Prize Laureates 2018 announced

Cass Sunstein has made significant contributions to research in constitutional law, democratic theory, and behavioral economics. He was awarded the Holberg Prize for his work, which has had a far-reaching impact on public policy. Meanwhile, Norwegian political scientist Francesca R. Jensenius received the Nils Klim Prize for her outsta...

SourceThe University of Bergen·DateMar 14, 2018

Scientists observe nanowires as they grow

Researchers successfully monitored gallium arsenide wire growth, providing insights into the VLS process and enabling approaches to customize nanowires with special properties. The study's findings have significant implications for applications in infrared remote controls, mobile phones, solar cells, and space technology.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 14, 2018

'Lazy lawn mowers' can help support suburban bee populations and diversity

Research suggests that taking a 'lazy lawn mower' approach by mowing every two weeks instead of weekly can encourage bee habitat in suburban lawns. This results in more lawn flowers blooming, which helps bees. The study found that lawns mowed every three weeks had the most lawn flowers and the highest diversity of 93 bee species.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalBiological Conservation·DateMar 14, 2018

Muscle vibrations improve control over prosthetic hands

A new study uses brain-computer interface to enhance prosthetic hand control with muscle vibrations, allowing amputees to better control the prosthetic and regain a sense of agency over their movements. The technology has the potential to improve quality of life for those with amputations.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 14, 2018

For nanomedicine, cell sex matters

Researchers at BWH discovered that cell sex influences nanoparticle uptake, response to reprogramming techniques, and paracrine factors. These findings may help develop sex-specific nanomedicines for targeted drug delivery applications.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 14, 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.

How accurate is your AI?

A new evaluation method for AI predictability has been developed by Kyoto University researchers, tackling issues of accuracy and bias in traditional metrics.

SourceKyoto University·JournalMolecular Informatics·DateMar 14, 2018

Quantum mechanics runs hot in a cold plasma: UBC research

Researchers have discovered a way to create an ultracold plasma that naturally forms a robust many-body localized state, enabling the spontaneous creation of quantum materials. This breakthrough could pave the way for more practical applications of quantum technology.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 14, 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.

Eastern Mediterranean summer will be two months longer by end of 21st century

The eastern Mediterranean region will experience a significant change in seasonal duration, with summer lasting six months and winter only two, by the end of this century. Climate changes are expected to cut winter by half, posing major challenges for regional ecosystems and human health.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalInternational Journal of Climatology·DateMar 14, 2018

Researchers say use of artificial intelligence in medicine raises ethical questions

The use of artificial intelligence in medicine raises important ethical questions, including bias in algorithms and the potential for data to replace human clinical experience. Researchers call for careful examination of these risks and for physicians to critically assess machine-learning tools and their limitations.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 14, 2018

Magnon spin currents can be controlled via spin valve structure

A team of physicists controlled magnon spin currents using a spin valve structure, allowing for the implementation of a switch-like device that suppresses or forwards magnon current as an electrical signal. The discovery enables wave-based computing and improved energy efficiency in data processing.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 14, 2018
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.

An eco-friendly alternative to recycling e-waste

Researchers have discovered an eco-friendly method for recovering valuable plastics from electronic waste using N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) as a solvent. This approach recovers up to 89% of polycarbonate from cell phone plastic and can be reused multiple times.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateMar 14, 2018

Zika: An accurate estimation of the neurological risks in unborn children

A recent study found that pregnant women infected with Zika virus experienced a significantly lower rate of congenital neurological abnormalities than initially thought. The study, which monitored over 2,000 women, revealed a 12.7% risk of complications when infected during the first trimester.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 14, 2018

Fast-tracking endocrine assays

The EPA has shifted focus to high-throughput computational models to quickly identify chemicals that require more scrutiny, following a slow start in its previous approach. Researchers have made significant progress, including the development of estrogen and androgen receptor models.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMar 14, 2018