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Science News Archive March 2018 - Page 38


Page 38 of 41

UTSA researchers want to teach computers to learn like humans

The UTSA researchers have created a cloud-based learning platform for artificial intelligence that aims to teach machines to learn like humans. This platform can help AI agents automatically detect threats in network traffic and improve their performance in discovering and thwarting new attacks.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateMar 5, 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.

Fringe loan use linked to risk of poor health

A first-of-its-kind study links fringe loan use to a higher risk of poor health, with those using fringe services more likely to report fair or poor health. The study's findings have social policy implications for re-engineering safety nets for low-income populations.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMar 5, 2018

Plants share defensive proteins in evolutionary pick 'n' mix

A recent study has found that plants share defensive proteins through evolutionary pick 'n' mix, allowing them to respond effectively to emerging diseases. The research identified diverse groups of genes in various wild and domestic grasses, including wheat and barley, which can be used to engineer resistant crops.

SourceEarlham Institute·JournalGenome Biology·DateMar 5, 2018

How the diagnosing of lung diseases can be improved

A new computer program enables accurate pre-biopsy preparation for lung diseases by visualizing patient airways in 3D. Transbronchial biopsies have shown increased accuracy from 53% to 88% using this technology.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateMar 5, 2018

Researchers find algorithm for large-scale brain simulations

A new algorithm enables larger parts of the human brain to be represented using the same amount of computer memory, significantly reducing the memory required for simulations. This breakthrough allows researchers to simulate neuronal networks on the scale of the human brain for the first time, enabling studies of complex brain functions.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neuroinformatics·DateMar 5, 2018

Who makes the NCAA tournament? Researchers at the University of Illinois can help

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a decision-tree model to predict the NCAA tournament field, achieving 90% accuracy for bubble teams between 2012 and 2016. The model provides a data-driven foundation for selecting tournament teams based on publicized criteria.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalJournal of Sports Analytics·DateMar 5, 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.

One-month TB prophylaxis as effective as 9-month regimen for people living with HIV

A one-month antibiotic regimen was at least as safe and effective as the standard nine-month therapy for preventing active tuberculosis disease in people living with HIV. The study found that treatment adherence was significantly better for the shorter regimen, with nearly all participants completing the full course.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateMar 5, 2018

World's largest ivory burn delivered a strong message -- but who received it?

An international study examines the impact of the world's largest ivory burn in Kenya, finding 81% of online media coverage was produced in the US, with lesser coverage in China and other ivory-consuming countries. Experts suggest sustained media pressure and monitoring are needed to change attitudes and reduce ivory demand.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalConservation Biology·DateMar 5, 2018

Genes for age-linked brain deterioration identified

Researchers have identified over 250 genes involved in brain aging, including Dbx2, which can prematurely age stem cells. The study found that increasing the activity of Dbx2 in young brain stem cells slows their growth, causing them to behave more like older cells.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalAging Cell·DateMar 5, 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.

Polygenic risk score may identify alzheimer's risk in younger populations

Researchers have developed a polygenic risk score to identify adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in their 50s, who are at higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The score correctly identified individuals with MCI and showed that those with cognitive deficits other than memory problems were more likely to have diabetes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMar 5, 2018

Researchers in QUANTOX project developing quantum computer

The QUANTOX project aims to create a basic memory cell, Qubit, using topologically protected technology. The research team uses oxide interfaces with unique physical qualities to develop Quantum Topological systems that can be easily integrated within current technology.

SourceBar-Ilan University·DateMar 5, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

'Fighting my cancer as much as possible': Why many patients join phase 1 clinical trials

Research at the TAT International Congress 2018 found that patients participate in phase 1 clinical trials for access to innovative cancer treatments, including targeted therapies and immunotherapy. The studies suggest that this increased participation is driven by a growing awareness of treatment options beyond traditional chemotherapy.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateMar 5, 2018

How does resolving cannabis problems differ from problems with alcohol or other drugs?

A study published in the International Journal of Drug Policy found that individuals resolving cannabis problems do so at younger ages compared to those resolving problems with alcohol or other drugs. They also reported starting regular use at a younger age and were less likely to seek formal treatment, but more likely to participate i...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·DateMar 5, 2018

NCDR annual conference highlights the power of clinical data

The NCDR Annual Conference brings together registry professionals to share best practices and learn from leading experts. Attendees will receive updates on new registries, strategies for improving patient care, and how to use registry data for decision-making purposes.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 5, 2018

Scientists created multifunctional protein-polymer films

Researchers at Lomonosov Moscow State University have developed protein-dendrimer films with self-assembly properties, retaining enzyme activity and function. The films show promise as biosensor materials and bioactive dressings for medical applications.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalPolymer·DateMar 5, 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.

US healthcare system needs coordinated response to potential pediatric pandemics

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles identified gaps in the US healthcare system that make it inadequately prepared for a surge in pediatric patients during a pandemic. The study proposes a structured and coordinated response with specific protocols addressing children's unique needs.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalAmerican Journal of Disaster Medicine·DateMar 5, 2018

Ball or stuffed toy -- Do dogs 'know' what they're smelling?

A study published in the Journal of Comparative Psychology found that dogs create a mental representation of target objects while tracking scent trails. Dogs show hesitation when finding an unexpected toy and later retrieve it equally quickly regardless of initial expectation.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalJournal of Comparative Psychology·DateMar 5, 2018

Seeing sounds: Researchers uncover molecular clues for synesthesia

Scientists have identified genetic variants associated with synaesthesia, revealing a connection between genes involved in brain cell wiring and the condition. The study provides new insights into the biology of synaesthesia, a trait that runs in families and can manifest differently in each individual.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 5, 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.

The family-owned-franchise penalty

Researchers analyzed data from the US and South Korea to find that family franchisees generate lower sales per employee due to a focus on noneconomic goals. Franchisees with better benefits, such as health insurance, exhibit higher per capita sales figures.

SourceJournal of Retailing at New York University·JournalJournal of Retailing·DateMar 5, 2018

Restoring lipid synthesis could reduce lung fibrosis

Researchers have discovered that increasing lipid production in the lungs can reduce lung scarring by 70-80 percent. The study's findings suggest that failing to produce lipids due to injury or age-related metabolic changes may contribute to lung fibrosis development.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology·DateMar 5, 2018

JILA team invents new way to 'see' the quantum world

JILA scientists invent a novel imaging technique that combines spectroscopy and high-resolution microscopy to create rapid, precise measurements of quantum behavior. The technique produces detailed spatial maps of energy shifts among atoms in a three-dimensional lattice, providing information about each atom's location and energy level.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 5, 2018

Army scientists help robots understand humans with board game idea

Researchers created a method to formulate a sequence of yes/no questions that rapidly achieves the best answer, enabling robots to maintain continuous conversation with humans. The study's findings have potential applications in machine-machine questioning and human-robot teaming.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalIEEE Transactions on Information Theory·DateMar 5, 2018

Chaperones can hold protein in non-equilibrium states

Researchers have found that chaperones actively maintain proteins in a non-equilibrium but transiently stable state, even when thermodynamically unstable. This discovery challenges the long-held view that evolution has optimized protein function for thermodynamic stability.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 5, 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.

Culturing cheaper stem cells

Kyoto University scientists have created a more cost-effective culture system for human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), which can support their long-term renewal without expensive growth factors. The new 'AKIT' culture, using three chemical compounds, is five to ten times cheaper than existing methods.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateMar 5, 2018

Low blood sugar poses unaddressed threat to people with type 2 diabetes

A new analysis from the Endocrine Society finds that clinicians struggle to identify and manage patients at risk of hypoglycemia, a common but underappreciated threat among type 2 diabetes patients. The study suggests that improving clinical care for these individuals could help reduce hospital admissions and mortality.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMar 5, 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.

NASA sees powerful storms around Dumazile's eye

Tropical Cyclone Dumazile strengthened after being renamed from Tropical storm 11S, with powerful thunderstorms surrounding its eye. The storm is forecast to weaken but maintain hurricane intensity before encountering cooler waters and increased wind shear.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 5, 2018

Insulator or superconductor? Physicists find graphene is both

Researchers have found that graphene can be tuned to behave as an insulator or a superconductor, exhibiting unusual electronic properties. By creating a 'superlattice' of stacked graphene sheets, the team demonstrated intrinsic superconductivity in pure carbon-based material.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateMar 5, 2018

New national guideline sets out best practices for treating opioid addiction

The new Canadian guideline recommends opioid agonist treatment with buprenorphine-naloxone as the preferred first-line treatment to reduce risk of overdose and death. It also identifies common practices that should be avoided, such as withdrawal management alone without transition to long-term treatment.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 5, 2018

These tropical hummingbirds make cricket-like sounds other birds can't hear

Researchers have discovered that black jacobin hummingbirds produce vocalizations with an unusually high-frequency pitch, including components in the ultrasonic range. The findings suggest that these birds may rely on their unusual calls as a private channel of communication, given their diverse social environment.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 5, 2018
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Why US policies for dyslexia should be scrapped

Leading expert Julian Elliott argues that current US Federal and State dyslexia laws ignore scientific evidence and prioritize expensive diagnoses over early intervention. He advocates for a focus on identifying reading difficulties in children and providing targeted support, rather than pursuing a dubious diagnosis of dyslexia.

SourceDurham University·DateMar 5, 2018

Models show how to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C

The study explores the feasibility of achieving a 1.5°C warming limit by 2100 using six integrated assessment models. Successful scenarios require rapid shifts away from fossil fuels, lowered energy use, and CO2 removal. Inequities and poor climate policies hinder achievement.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 5, 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.

How the brain represents sound elevation

Researchers found that the brain's auditory cortex does not solely represent acoustic environments but also incorporates perception. Custom ear molds disrupted participants' elevation perception, revealing different responses to sounds between sessions, indicating a dynamic relationship between sensory encoding and perception.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateMar 5, 2018

TSRI researchers uncover culprit in Parkinson's brain cell die-off

Researchers at TSRI have discovered a toxic protein that travels to mitochondria, causing damage and leading to the loss of dopamine-producing neurons. This finding offers new insights into the mechanisms underlying Parkinson's disease.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 5, 2018

Comparison shows value of DNA barcoding in selecting nanoparticles

Researchers found that in vitro testing is no help in predicting which nanoparticles successfully enter cells in living animals. A new DNA barcoding technique allows testing of over 100 nanoparticles simultaneously in a single animal, accelerating the development of gene therapies.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateMar 4, 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.

Do racial and gender disparities exist in newer glaucoma treatments?

A new IRIS Registry-powered study explores racial and gender outcomes with minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, aiming to increase quality care for diverse patient groups. The research seeks to assess the real-world demographic differences in MIGS use, safety, and effectiveness.

SourceAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology·DateMar 2, 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.

Simplifying samples

Researchers at Washington University developed a novel, low-cost technique to preserve blood and urine samples without refrigeration. The method uses nanoporous materials to protect protein biomarkers, maintaining 95% purity and enabling efficient transportation and analysis.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateMar 2, 2018

New research showed better survival outcomes in one type of heart failure

A joint 7-year cohort study of 2039 patients in Singapore and New Zealand found that heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) have better survival rates and outcomes compared to those with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The study provides greater accuracy about the risk of dying from heart failure.

SourceNational University Health System·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateMar 2, 2018

New method identifies splicing biomarkers for liver cancer

Researchers have developed a method to identify splicing-based biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer. These biomarkers may help predict disease progression and are associated with poor patient survival.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateMar 2, 2018

New Emmy-Noether group in theoretical chemistry

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum aim to optimize the Density Matrix Renormalization Group method to predict properties of complex molecules. The goal is to tailor molecules for specific applications, enabling more accurate simulations and cost-effective synthesis.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·DateMar 2, 2018
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.