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Science News Archive March 2018 - Page 6


Page 6 of 41
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Founders of Global Burden of Disease study receive award for research excellence

The co-founders of the Global Burden of Disease study have been recognized for their groundbreaking work in measuring and analyzing the world's health issues. The award honors their pioneering efforts to improve health outcomes in developing countries, with the study providing critical intelligence for policy decisions.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·DateMar 27, 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.

Future electric cars could recharge wirelessly while you drive

University of Colorado Boulder engineers are developing a proof of concept for wireless power transfer that can transmit electrical energy through electric fields at high frequencies. This technology has the potential to enable electric vehicles to charge on the go, reducing the need for frequent charging stations and increasing drivin...

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateMar 27, 2018

From lullabies to live concerts: How music and rhythm shape our social brains

Research finds that lullabies soothe both mothers and babies simultaneously, while playful songs increase babies' attention and displays of positive emotion toward their mothers. Live concerts also trigger neural synchronization, creating a sense of community among concert-goers. These findings shed light on the universal power of musi...

SourceCognitive Neuroscience Society·DateMar 27, 2018

Putting quantum scientists in the driver's seat

Researchers at ORNL's Quantum Information Science Group have developed methods to control dissipative behavior in quantum systems, allowing for advancements in quantum computing and sensing. The studies aim to probe and control quantum coherent dynamics in materials at the nanoscale.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review B·DateMar 27, 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.

High doses of antiviral drug may be effective against Ebola

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that high doses of antiviral drug favipiravir extended survival in non-human primates infected with Ebola virus. The drug was shown to inhibit viral replication in a drug concentration-dependent manner, with animals treated at higher doses surviving longer than those treated at lower doses.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 27, 2018

Antibiotic use increases risk of severe viral disease in mice

A study found that antibiotic use can increase the risk of severe West Nile disease in mice by weakening their immune response. The research suggests that antibiotics can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, making it harder for the body to fight off viral infections.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 27, 2018

Hunting turns bear cubs into mama's boys (and girls)

Research shows that human hunting has changed the relationship between mother bears and their cubs, causing mothers to stay with them for an additional year. This shift is attributed to the increased killing of females without cubs, forcing them to prioritize cub survival over reproductive efforts.

SourceNorwegian University of Life Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 27, 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.

How do snakes eat live crabs? By being finicky diners

Three Asian water snake species use varying approaches to capture soft-shelled crabs, including Gerarda, which rips them into bite-sized pieces, and Fordonia, which targets tiny hard-shelled crabs. These adaptations enable the snakes to overcome prey size limitations.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalBiological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateMar 27, 2018

Tackling adherence to treatment on several fronts

A clinical trial, TAKE-IT, combines electronic medication monitoring and coaching to encourage adherence behavior in adolescent kidney transplant recipients. The study shows a 66% higher adherence rate among participants who used the digital health medication management solution with coaching.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateMar 27, 2018

Up to 38 percent of all annual childhood asthma cases in Bradford may be caused by air pollution

A new study suggests that air pollution from traffic-related emissions is a significant contributor to childhood asthma cases in Bradford, with up to 24% of annual cases potentially attributed to this factor. The research highlights the need for policies aimed at reducing traffic-related air pollution to mitigate its effects on childre...

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalEnvironment International·DateMar 27, 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.

New 'nanotweezers' open door to innovations in medicine, mobile tech

Researchers have developed opto-thermoelectric nanotweezers that can control particles at the nanoscale and analyze them in-situ. This technology has the potential to lead to new discoveries in nanotechnology, individual health monitoring, and biological systems.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Photonics·DateMar 27, 2018

Paper-folding art inspires better bandages

MIT engineers create kirigami-patterned adhesive films that stick to highly deformable regions of the body, such as knees and elbows, and maintain their hold even after 100 bending cycles. The films' slits open at the center of bending, releasing tension and improving grip.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalSoft Matter·DateMar 27, 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.

Strategic expression

A psychology professor's new paper suggests that facial expressions are used to achieve specific social outcomes, rather than revealing emotions. The study finds that certain expressions serve as 'social tools' in behavioral negotiation, and can be used to subdue or intimidate others.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateMar 27, 2018

New microsensor enables kidney dialysis to be customized

Researchers have developed a microsensor that can monitor and adjust the composition of kidney dialysis fluid in real-time, potentially alleviating serious side effects. The microsensor, made by Eindhoven University of Technology, measures sodium concentrations accurately and live.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·DateMar 27, 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.

Accurately identifying aggressive head and neck cancers

A research team at Case Western Reserve University is developing an AI-powered tool to analyze computerized images of tissue samples for patterns that can predict the risk of recurrence in oropharyngeal cancers. This could lead to more personalized treatment approaches for patients with these aggressive tumors.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateMar 27, 2018

Research hints at double the driving range for electric vehicles

Scientists at PNNL have developed an electrolyte solution that increases the charge/discharge cycles of lithium-metal batteries by up to seven times. This breakthrough enables electric vehicles to drive more than two times longer between charges.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 27, 2018

Abnormal brain connections seen in preschoolers with autism

Researchers found abnormal brain connectivity in preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder, which may underlie the disorder's abnormal development and contribute to its mechanisms. The study suggests that these altered patterns could be used as potential imaging biomarkers for early diagnosis.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateMar 27, 2018

Kent physiotherapist contributes to guidelines for knee cartilage treatment

A University of Kent physiotherapist contributed to updated international guidelines for managing meniscal and articular cartilage lesions. The guidelines include new recommendations for physical therapy management after knee cartilage surgery, aiming to improve patient outcomes and return to previous activities.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalJournal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy·DateMar 27, 2018

UMN Medical School study uncovers new findings on antimicrobial drug synergy

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School discovered an unrecognized cyclic pathway structure within the folate biosynthesis pathway, allowing each drug to enhance the activity of the other. This new mechanism has the potential to open doors for identification of other synergistic drug combinations.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 27, 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.

Marijuana may lead non-smokers to cigarettes

A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that cannabis use is associated with an increased initiation of cigarette smoking among non-cigarette smokers. Additionally, adults who smoke cigarettes and use cannabis are less likely to quit smoking than those who do not use cannabis.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateMar 27, 2018

Surgeons transform static 'Mona Lisa' smiles to joyous ones

Johns Hopkins surgeons develop a modified muscle transplant operation that restores wide and even smiles to selected patients with one-sided facial muscle paralysis. The procedure, published in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery, shows improvements in smile function, gum exposure, and eye wrinkles.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA Facial Plastic Surgery·DateMar 27, 2018

Research Brief: Older adults often prescribed meds linked to higher side effect risks

A study found that six percent of visits to physicians involve high-risk anticholinergic medications, commonly used for depression and gastrointestinal disorders. The prevalence varies by physician specialty and patient demographics, with women and those from the South being more likely to receive these prescriptions.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 27, 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.

Prosthetic memory system successful in humans, study finds

Researchers successfully implemented a prosthetic system that utilizes individual brain cell patterns to enhance memory encoding and recall. In a pilot study, participants showed significant improvements in episodic memory performance, with the most notable gain observed when stimulated with correct-answer codes.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateMar 27, 2018

Treating menopause symptoms reduces abdominal fat tissue

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that menopausal hormone therapy users tend to have less abdominal fat tissue than other menopausal women. The protective effect disappeared rapidly after treatment stopped.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMar 27, 2018

The clouds of spaghetti that keep DNA data safe

Researchers discovered a unique mechanism involving intrinsically disordered polypeptides in nuclear pore complexes that enable rapid recognition and binding of transport factors. This 'fuzzy' interaction allows for specific and speedy cell signaling, preventing DNA data breaches by viruses or faulty functioning.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 27, 2018

USDA invests in research on environmental benefits of woody fruit, nut crops

The USDA is funding a four-year research project to investigate the environmental benefits of woody polyculture systems for crop production. Led by University of Illinois scientists, the study aims to compare different farming practices and estimate their impact on soil health, insect diversity, pollination, and carbon sequestration.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateMar 27, 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.

CMU neuroscience and engineering team receives Chuck Noll Foundation grant

A Carnegie Mellon University team has received a three-year grant to refine a custom EEG system that can identify early markers for worsening brain injuries. The team will use the high-density EEG to detect cortical spreading depolarizations, or brain tsunamis, which are biomarkers for worsening brain injuries.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateMar 27, 2018

Molecular prison forces diatomic inmates to cell floor

A team of researchers has observed unexpected rotational motion of hydrogen molecules within a molecular cage, which could lead to breakthroughs in hydrogen storage materials. The study provides fundamental insights into the behavior of quantum-influenced particles trapped in well-defined spaces.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 27, 2018

Exploring the thermoelectric properties of tin selenide nanostructures

The study explores the thermoelectric properties of nanometer-thick tin selenide crafted in thin films of connected 'nanoflakes', achieving a significant power factor improvement through doping with silver. This material has potential for miniaturized, environmentally friendly, low-cost thermoelectric and cooling devices.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMar 27, 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.

New method speeds up 3-D printing of millimeter-sized imaging lenses

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new method to create high-quality imaging lenses quickly using a 3D printer. The customized optical component can be printed in about four hours and has smooth surface quality, paving the way for applications in optics, vision correction, and disease diagnosis.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 26, 2018

Sewage sludge leads to biofuels breakthrough

Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and JBEI have discovered a new enzyme that enables microbial production of toluene, an aromatic biofuel. The discovery is a major breakthrough in biotechnology, expanding the known catalytic range of glycyl radical enzymes and opening up new possibilities for renewable energy.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 26, 2018

Physicists measured the properties of ultrashort X-ray pulses

Researchers at Lomonosov Moscow State University and international colleagues determine ultrashort X-ray laser pulse energy and time characteristics using the angular streaking method. This allows for individual pulse measurement with high temporal resolution, opening up new avenues for studying ultra-fast molecular processes.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalNature Photonics·DateMar 26, 2018
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Jelawat not seen as a threat to the Philippines

A tropical cyclone in Western Micronesia is expected to strengthen into a storm but is too far away to affect the Philippines. The Suomi NPP satellite will monitor changes in vegetation productivity and track natural disasters from space.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 26, 2018

Elon Musk's vision to colonize Mars updated in New Space

Elon Musk presents an updated design for the Big Falcon Rocket, a powerful rocket intended to propel a space vehicle to the International Space Station and beyond. The BFR's updated design includes a huge carbon fiber tank and new fueling system to lower costs and achieve rendezvous and docking.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalNew Space·DateMar 26, 2018

North Atlantic iceberg discharge and South American monsoon

A study links North Atlantic iceberg discharge to increased South American monsoon precipitation, leading to higher global atmospheric methane levels. The research provides new insights into the tropical hydrologic cycle and its implications for climate change.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 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.

Hybrid chickadees found deficient at learning and memory

A new study reveals that hybrid chickadees have marked deficiencies in learning and memory compared to their pure species parents. This discovery provides a new mechanism by which hybrids can have low fitness, potentially leading to cascading effects on species apart.

SourceLehigh University·JournalEvolution·DateMar 26, 2018

Treating koalas for chlamydia alters gut microbes

A new study found that antibiotics used to treat Chlamydia in koalas can alter the balance of gut microbes necessary for digestion, according to researchers at UC Davis. The study suggests a need to develop antibiotic-free treatments, such as a vaccine, to address this issue.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPeerJ·DateMar 26, 2018

Consequences of voter referendums for marginalized groups

A study analyzing TV ad data from same-sex marriage referendums found increased stress among LGBTQ individuals with increased exposure, but also reported happiness in response to positive ads. The findings suggest that voter referendums can have both negative and positive effects on marginalized groups.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 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.