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Science News Archive March 2018 - Page 30


Page 30 of 41

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
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

Surprise finding could lead to new MS treatments

Researchers identified an overabundance of calnexin protein in MS brain tissues, leading to resistance in mice models. This finding offers a promising target for developing new therapies to combat the disease.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalJCI Insight·DateMar 8, 2018

Study sheds light on the genetic origins of the two sexes

A new study has identified the earliest stages of evolution where distinct sperm and egg cell types first emerged from a simpler ancestral mating system. The research found that the sex-determining region associated with male-female differentiation in algae is surprisingly small, consisting of only one gene called MID.

SourceDonald Danforth Plant Science Center·JournalCommunications Biology·DateMar 8, 2018

Social stress leads to changes in gut bacteria, study finds

A new study by Georgia State University found that social stress causes changes in gut bacteria in Syrian hamsters, regardless of who wins or loses. The researchers discovered that even a single exposure to social stress leads to changes in the gut microbiota, similar to what is seen following other physical stressors.

SourceGeorgia State University·DateMar 8, 2018

Women regret sex less when they take the initiative

A Norwegian University of Science and Technology study found that women who initiate sex are less likely to regret it due to their ability to make autonomous decisions. The researchers also discovered that quality matters, with women feeling less regret if the partner is skilled and they feel sexually satisfied.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateMar 8, 2018

UCLA researchers develop a new class of two-dimensional materials

A UCLA research team has developed a method to create artificial superlattices comprising ultra-thin two-dimensional sheets with drastically different atomic structures. This allows for the confinement of electronic and optical properties to single active layers, enabling faster and more efficient semiconductors and advanced LEDs.

SourceUCLA Samueli School of Engineering·JournalNature·DateMar 8, 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.

Neuroticism could be 'sleeper effect' in Trump and Brexit campaigns

Researchers analyzed personality traits of over 3 million US and 417,000 UK voters to find that regions with higher neuroticism traits voted more for Trump or Brexit. Education levels also played a role in mitigating the impact of fear-mongering campaigns.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateMar 8, 2018

Serotonin promotes perseverance

A new study suggests that serotonin enhances active persistence in a task, even in the face of uncertainty. This challenges previous ideas about serotonin's role in behavior and may help understand depression treatment.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 8, 2018

Study finds mandatory flu vaccines for healthcare workers reduce absenteeism

A multi-institutional study found that mandatory flu vaccines for healthcare workers increased vaccination rates by up to 30% and reduced absenteeism by about 6%. Vaccinated healthcare workers had a 30% lower rate of absenteeism compared to non-vaccinated colleagues.

SourceChildren's Hospital Colorado·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateMar 8, 2018

Once degraded, Brazilian savanna does not regenerate naturally

The Brazilian savanna has significant natural regeneration potential, but its resilience is limited to tree regrowth. Human management, including exotic grass eradication and native plant reintroduction, is necessary to restore degraded areas to typical Cerrado with rich biodiversity.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateMar 8, 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.

So much depends on the velocity of tiny droplets cast upward

Researchers have created a model predicting the velocity and height of jet aerosols produced by bubbles in seawater and sparkling wine. The study found that viscosity is crucial in determining aerosol production, with optimal bubble sizes ranging from 10-20 microns.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalPhysical Review Fluids·DateMar 8, 2018

Criminologist, student team build database on US school shootings

A team of researchers is creating a comprehensive database on US school shootings, tracking incidents since 1990. The National Institute of Justice project will help law enforcement and school administrators understand the causes of K-12 school violence and inform effective prevention strategies.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·DateMar 8, 2018

Study says Mekong River dams could disrupt lives, environment

A new study warns that Mekong River dams could cause irreversible ecological damage and force the resettlement of millions of people. The dams would affect the seasonal pulse of the river, change fish diversity and abundance, and impact downstream water flows.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Soil and Water Conservation·DateMar 8, 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.

Scientists develop new tool for imprinting biochips

Researchers at ASRC create a new, efficient method for printing biochips using microfluidic techniques and beam-pen lithography. This technique allows for more probes to be imprinted onto a single chip, improving the understanding of biological pathways and reducing costs.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalChem·DateMar 8, 2018

Vitamin D may help prevent heart failure after heart attack

New research suggests that vitamin D may protect heart tissue and reduce the risk of heart failure after a heart attack. The study found that vitamin D prevents excessive scarring and thickening of heart tissue following a heart attack, which can lead to heart failure.

SourceWestmead Institute for Medical Research·JournalHeart Lung and Circulation·DateMar 8, 2018

Menopausal hormone therapy linked to having a healthier heart

A study published in PLOS ONE found that menopausal hormone therapy is not associated with adverse changes in cardiac structure and function, but may be linked to some healthier heart characteristics. The research examined 1,604 post-menopausal women and found significantly smaller left ventricular and left atrial chamber volumes.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 8, 2018

Fast, high capacity fiber transmission gets real for data centers

Engineers at Nokia successfully transmitted 78 interleaved 400 Gb/s channels with a 31.2 Tb/s fiber capacity in real-time bidirectional transmission, surpassing previous demonstrations. The setup utilized commercially available transponders and standard fibers to achieve high spectral efficiency.

SourceOptica·DateMar 8, 2018

Free 'nutrition guide for clinicians' app covers 100 medical conditions

The Physicians Committee's new app provides comprehensive nutrition information for nearly 100 medical conditions, addressing key issues like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Developed in partnership with Unbound Medicine, the app is designed to support clinicians in their daily practice.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·DateMar 8, 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.

Researchers sew atomic lattices seamlessly together

A team of scientists from Cornell University and the University of Chicago has successfully created atomically thin fabrics by stitching different materials together. The resulting single-layer materials exhibit perfectly aligned crystals with minimal defects, opening up possibilities for flexible LEDs and new electronic devices.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateMar 8, 2018

Troubling trend in antibiotic prescriptions in the outpatient setting

Current initiatives to improve antibiotic use in outpatient settings may be insufficient, researchers say. A study found that antibiotics are prescribed at alarming rates in these locations, with seasonal variation in prescribing rates observed.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateMar 8, 2018

Got the message? Your brainwaves will tell

Neuroscientists at KU Leuven developed an EEG-based method to objectively and automatically assess speech understanding. The technique, which uses 64 electrodes, can measure brainwaves while a person listens to a sentence and determine whether they have understood it.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalJournal of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology·DateMar 8, 2018

Rick D. Wilkerson, D.O., receives AAOS' Humanitarian Award

Rick D. Wilkerson, DO is the recipient of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) 2018 Humanitarian Award for his humanitarian efforts abroad. He has made significant contributions to orthopaedic care in countries such as Haiti, Iraq, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Libya, and Uganda.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMar 8, 2018

Air pollution linked to brain alterations and cognitive impairment in children

A study found exposure to fine particles during fetal life may cause permanent brain damage and contribute to impaired cognitive function in school-age children. Brain abnormalities, including a thinner outer layer of the brain cortex, were linked to difficulty with inhibitory control and related mental health problems.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 8, 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.

How the brain might compensate stress during learning

A study found that stressed individuals performed equally well as relaxed individuals in a categorization task, but their brains showed increased activity and used additional brain regions. The researchers believe this compensation mechanism allows for good performance despite stress.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Cognitive Neuroscience·DateMar 8, 2018

Teen gamers have as many friends as non-gamers

Research from Uppsala University suggests that digital gaming has no impact on social connections among teens. Teenagers who identify as gamers tend to form close relationships with peers sharing similar interests.

SourceUppsala University·DateMar 8, 2018

A research study analyzes the mental health care community model

A study using digital games with 270 participants found that individuals with mental health problems contribute to the common good, but are also vulnerable. The results highlight the importance of social capital and cooperation among caregivers and professionals for community integration and recovery.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 8, 2018