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Science News Archive March 2018 - Page 39


Page 39 of 41

How the brain makes predictions

Research by Professor Yee Lee Shing investigates how brain predicts environment, using EU-funded grant to explore internal models and cognitive processes. Long-term goal is to better understand clinical conditions like autism and schizophrenia.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·DateMar 2, 2018

Student-led depression awareness program boosts teens' understanding and help-seeking

A new study from the University of Michigan Depression Center finds that a student-led depression awareness program significantly boosts knowledge and attitudes among high school students. The manual for the program, called Peer-to-Peer Depression Awareness Program (P2P), is now available online for schools to use.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateMar 2, 2018

Enrichment program boosts STEM for black students but leaves Latinos behind

A study by Cornell sociologists found that MESA, a widely-established enrichment program, improved black students' high school STEM engagement but had little impact on Latino students' aspiration to major in a STEM field in college. The researchers suggest tying enrichment programs with social connections to amplify positive effects.

SourceCornell University·JournalResearch in Higher Education·DateMar 2, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

St. Michael's Hospital cardiology team reports a world first

The Pascal system uses a spacer to fill the gap between leaflets and clamp them onto the spacer, tailored for patients with complex anatomy. The procedure has shown improved quality of life and reduced hospitalizations for patients with tricuspid regurgitation, affecting about 5% of people over age 75.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateMar 2, 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.

Bubbles of life from the past

Researchers discovered 1.6 billion-year-old fossilized oxygen bubbles trapped in microbial mats, providing a signature for life. These ancient bubbles were created by cyanobacteria through photosynthesis and suggest a larger role for these microbes in shaping the Earth's ecosystem.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalGeobiology·DateMar 2, 2018

Antibiotics may impact cancer treatment efficacy

Researchers found that antibiotics can hinder the efficacy of some cancer treatments, particularly adoptive T-cell therapy, by impacting the gut microbiota. However, CAR T-cell therapy appears to be less affected by antibiotic use.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateMar 2, 2018

Mapping nanoscale chemical reactions inside batteries in 3-D

Scientists at University of Illinois Chicago and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed a technique to pinpoint chemical reactions inside lithium-ion batteries. This allows them to understand how batteries operate and identify ways to optimize performance.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 2, 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.

Virus-like particle could lead to new cancer vaccine

Researchers at Michigan State University are developing a new cancer vaccine using the virus-like particle Qβ, which generates anti-cancer immune responses. The vaccine aims to protect animals against cancerous cells and could translate to human use for spontaneously occurring cancers.

SourceMichigan State University·DateMar 2, 2018

The Lancet Planetary Heatlh: Globally, costs of the Paris Climate Agreement could be outweighed by health savings from reducing air pollution

A new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health finds that implementing the Paris Climate Agreement could lead to significant health savings due to reduced air pollution-related disease and death. Estimated costs range from 0.5-1% global GDP, while potential health benefits could be as high as 2.5 times greater than these costs.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateMar 2, 2018

Mining hardware helps scientists gain insight into silicon nanoparticles

Researchers created a 3D dynamic model of light-nanoparticle interactions using mining hardware, showing particles lose symmetry and optical properties become heterogeneous when exposed to short intense laser pulses. This finding could enable control of light on a nanoscale for ultrafast information processing devices.

SourceITMO University·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateMar 2, 2018

Dual frequency comb generated on a single chip using a single laser

Researchers miniaturized dual-frequency combs on a single chip using a single laser, enabling real-time sensing and spectroscopy in field environments. The device can detect a broad range of chemicals with high precision, paving the way for commercialization in the future.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 2, 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.

Deeper look at biopsy exposes mutation ready to ambush drug combination

Researchers at University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center discovered a rare pre-existing mutation in PIK3CA that causes rapid drug resistance in melanoma patients. The study found that this mutation was present in the tumor before treatment and rapidly expanded after treatment, leading to swift disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Discovery·DateMar 2, 2018

Vertical measurements of air pollutants in urban Beijing

Researchers used a container to measure light extinction coefficients, gaseous NO2, and black carbon from ground surface to 260m during daytime and nighttime. The study found temperature inversion and local emissions as major factors affecting vertical profiles of air pollutants.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateMar 2, 2018

Spring is springing earlier in polar regions than across the rest of earth

A recent study found that polar regions are experiencing earlier springs, with advances of up to 16 days earlier than a decade ago. This is attributed to rapid springtime warming at higher latitudes, which has significant implications for migratory bird species and their habitats.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 2, 2018

Thawing permafrost causing the 'browning' of northern lakes

Researchers found that thawing permafrost is increasing the concentration of organic matter in Arctic and subarctic ponds. This leads to oxygen depletion and cooler water at the bottom of the ponds, impacting microbial activity and greenhouse gas production.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalLimnology and Oceanography Letters·DateMar 2, 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.

Want more efficient simulators? Store time in a quantum superposition

Researchers propose storing time in a quantum superposition to reduce memory requirements for classical computer simulations. This allows for more efficient modeling of processes like traffic flow and neural firing without sacrificing predictive accuracy.

SourceCentre for Quantum Technologies at the National University of Singapore·Journalnpj Quantum Information·DateMar 2, 2018

Previously unknown 'supercolony' of Adélie penguins discovered in Antarctica

A new study led by researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution has discovered a supercolony of over 1.5 million Adélie penguins in the Danger Islands, off the Antarctic Peninsula's northern tip. The population appears to be resilient to climate change, providing valuable insights for future monitoring and conservation eff...

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 2, 2018

New study: Snowpack levels show dramatic decline in western states

A new study found that snowpack levels in the western United States have declined by 15-30% since 1915, with a significant impact on water storage and usage. The loss of water storage is comparable to Lake Mead, the West's largest manmade reservoir.

SourceOregon State University·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·DateMar 2, 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.

Backyard chickens need more regulation

A recent UC Davis study suggests that local ordinances for backyard poultry are inadequate, with laws not keeping pace with those for commercial growers. The study recommends stronger regulations on vaccinations, manure management, and general animal welfare in urban settings.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of Community Health·DateMar 2, 2018

New UTSA lab addresses pediatric feeding disorders

The UTSA lab conducts behavioral assessments and studies food preferences, finding that children with autism commonly reject vegetables and fruits while preferring high-carbohydrate foods. Researchers develop evidence-based practices to help health providers and parents address feeding challenges and promote healthier diets.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalReview Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateMar 2, 2018

Study shows improving pediatric asthma care is possible

A new study published in Hospital Pediatrics shows that improved pediatric asthma care can be achieved through the use of personalized inpatient assessments and streamlined patient care decision tools. The study found that clinicians who used these tools had a significant improvement in the accuracy of prescribed medication, with an in...

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalHospital Pediatrics·DateMar 2, 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.

JHU scientists discover how extremophiles flourish in stressful environments

Researchers discovered that small noncoding RNAs orchestrate the resilience of Haloarchaea to oxidative stress by degrading messenger RNA and silencing transposons. This finding could lead to a better understanding of how other species, like humans, resist damage from oxidative stress.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateMar 2, 2018

Unprecedentedly wide and sharp dark matter map

A team of researchers has created a comprehensive dark matter map, indicating inconsistent halos with the standard cosmological model. The findings could hold new clues to understanding the accelerating expansion of the Universe.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of Japan·DateMar 2, 2018

Fossilized plant leaf wax provides new tool for understanding ancient climates

Researchers have developed a new method to estimate ancient atmospheric water content based on fossil plant leaf waxes, which can help predict future climate changes. By studying the chemistry of these compounds in soils and sediments, scientists can reconstruct past climates and test their understanding of global warming.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 2, 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.

Capturing the balance of nature

A study spanning twelve years reveals that natural ecological communities are dynamic and influenced by species diversity and interactions. The researchers developed a method to calculate the fluctuating stability of a natural ecological community in Maizuru Bay, providing new methodologies for ecological and population research.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature·DateMar 2, 2018

Sedative may prevent delirium in the ICU

Researchers found that a low dose of dexmedetomidine at night significantly reduced the incidence of delirium and prolonged free periods without delirium in ICU patients. Additionally, patients receiving dexmedetomidine were less likely to experience severe pain if they were in pain, but sleep quality showed no significant improvement.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 2, 2018

Scientists use satellites and drones to discover Antarctic penguin 'super-colonies'

A recent expedition using satellite imagery and quadcopter-based aerial photography revealed the Danger Islands have over 751,527 pairs of Adélie penguins, making them the third and fourth largest colonies worldwide. The discovery sheds light on how climate change affects this species, with potential implications for conservation efforts.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 2, 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.

Two-year study of gun policy research finds gaps, proposes fixes

A two-year study by RAND Corporation found persuasive evidence for child access prevention laws and moderate evidence for background checks and mental illness-related prohibitions. The study identified gaps in evidence for most gun laws, but suggests areas for compromise and increased funding for gun research.

SourceRAND Corporation·DateMar 2, 2018

3-D-written model to provide better understanding of cancer spread

Researchers at Purdue University have created a lifelike cancer environment using polymer to better understand how drugs can stop its course. The 3D jet writer device produces polymer microtissues with pore sizes large enough for cells to enter, enabling the simulation of metastasis in mice.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 2, 2018

Study in six countries identifies groups that are vulnerable to severe mental illness

A study of six countries found that young men, ethnic minorities, and people living in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas are more likely to experience first-episode psychosis. The study also showed that environmental factors play a crucial role in the variation of incidence rates across urban and rural areas.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMar 2, 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.

Latino parents report high levels of psychological distress due to US immigration policies

A new study found that US immigration policies are causing significant psychological distress among Latino parents, with 64% reporting worries about family members getting separated. The researchers also found that these parents are more likely to avoid medical care, police help, and social services due to immigration news and policies.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateMar 1, 2018

New study confirms Cambodia's last leopards on brink of extinction

A new study has confirmed that Cambodia's last breeding population of leopards is at immediate risk of extinction due to increased poaching and habitat loss. The population has declined by 72% over the past five years, with only 20-30 reproductive individuals remaining in eastern Cambodia.

SourcePanthera·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMar 1, 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.

Inflammatory bowel disease increases likelihood of a heart attack

A study analyzing medical records from over 17.5 million patients found that people with inflammatory bowel disease are at elevated risk for a heart attack, regardless of traditional risk factors. Younger patients, especially those under 40 years old and females, face the highest risks.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 1, 2018

New research may explain the link between hemodialysis and brain function decline

A new study reveals that hemodialysis can decrease cerebral blood flow by 10% in older patients, affecting brain regions including frontal and temporal lobes. This finding may help explain previous studies' links between hemodialysis and worsening cognitive function in elderly patients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 1, 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.

Crowdlending: Anatomy of a successful strategy

A crowdlending pioneer developed a successful strategy by creating a niche market and collaborating with regulatory bodies. He achieved this through a 'coopetition' approach, combining competition and cooperation to bypass the banking monopoly and establish new regulations.

SourceCNRS·JournalAnnales des Mines - Gérer et comprendre·DateMar 1, 2018

Heart attacks often follow dramatic changes in outdoor temperature

A study found that large day-to-day swings in outdoor temperature are associated with a significantly increased risk of heart attacks. The researchers calculated the temperature fluctuation preceding each heart attack and found that a five-degree jump in temperature differential was linked to a 5% increase in heart attack rates.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 1, 2018

Caught on camera: Amazonian crop raiders

A new study reveals that collared peccaries, red brocket deer, paca, and agoutis are the most damaging crop-raiding animals in the Amazon. Crop raiding damages farmers' livelihoods by reducing crop yields and requiring costly protection.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateMar 1, 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.

They grin, you bear it -- research reveals physical impact of a smile

A study published in Scientific Reports found that smiles meant to convey dominance are associated with a spike in stress hormones, while reward smiles appear to physically buffer recipients against stress. This suggests that subtle differences in facial expressions can fundamentally change our experience and physiological response.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 1, 2018

A bird in the bush equals money in the hand

A new ecotourism strategy has been tested in Lao PDR, reducing illegal hunting and increasing wildlife sightings. The direct payment approach incentivizes local communities to conserve wildlife, resulting in a three-fold increase in non-tourism sector hunting signs and an overall increase in wildlife sightings.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 1, 2018

Researchers use cigarette smoking behavior to identify genes that regulate blood pressure

Researchers identified dozens of genetic variations affecting blood pressure by analyzing cigarette smoking behavior in a large cohort. The study confirms the role of known genes and identifies novel ones associated with blood pressure regulation, offering potential for individually targeted treatments.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMar 1, 2018