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Science News Archive March 2018 - Page 9


Page 9 of 41

Underground neutrino experiment sets the stage for deep discovery about matter

The MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR experiment has successfully shielded a sensitive detector array from background radioactivity, critical to developing a future ton-scale experiment. This achievement aims to study the nature of neutrinos and their role in explaining the universe's matter-antimatter imbalance.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 26, 2018

Vampire bat immunity and infection risk respond to livestock rearing

Research reveals that vampire bats in areas with high livestock abundance have different immune profiles, investing more in adaptive immunity to fight infections. The study's findings also suggest a higher risk of virus transmission to humans through cross-species contact, highlighting the importance of sustainable farming practices.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateMar 26, 2018

Trends in antibiotic consumption

Antibiotic use surged globally between 2000 and 2015, with defined daily doses increasing by 65% and the consumption rate rising by 39%. The trend was most pronounced in low- and middle-income countries, where antibiotic use rose by 114% and the consumption rate increased by 77%.

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

MSU-based scientists described the collision of a shock wave and a 'star cradle'

Researchers used a high-resolution 3D calculation program to study the interaction between a shock wave and molecular clouds in interstellar space. The results show that filament formation and density irregularities depend on cloud compression under the impact of the shock wave, with three phases of collision identified.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalComputers & Fluids·DateMar 26, 2018

Machine learning model provides rapid prediction of C. difficile infection risk

A machine learning model has been developed to predict C. difficile infection risk, analyzing entire electronic health records and accommodating institutional differences. The model can identify patients at greatest risk, allowing for targeted prevention methods and improved patient outcomes.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateMar 26, 2018

Study suggests uncertainty in e-cigarettes' usefulness for quitting smoking

Researchers found that smokers who used e-cigarettes were less likely to quit, but only if they used them regularly. The study suggests that e-cigarettes may not be as useful for quitting smoking as previously thought, and recommends FDA-approved nicotine replacement products instead.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 26, 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.

Cancer patients' pain eased by simple bedside chart, study shows

A pen and paper chart, EPAT, helps doctors regularly record pain levels using a traffic light system, leading to reduced pain in cancer patients, and improved monitoring of medications and side effects. The study suggests this simple approach can put pain management at the forefront of routine care, with potential benefits for patients.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 26, 2018

Neural fingerprints of altruism

Research elucidates the neural basis of complex altruistic behavior, discovering two brain circuits that govern moral decisions in war veterans. The study used CT scans and an altruistic decision task to map brain damage and behavior, finding correlations between specific brain areas and punishment or donation behaviors.

SourceD'Or Institute for Research and Education·JournalBrain·DateMar 26, 2018

Antibody removes Alzheimer's plaques, in mice

Researchers at WashU Medicine have developed an antibody that targets APOE protein, leading to the removal of amyloid plaques from mouse brains. This breakthrough could potentially halt brain damage triggered by plaques in early stages of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 26, 2018

Study links climate policy, carbon emissions from permafrost

A new study published in PNAS suggests that controlling greenhouse gas emissions could substantially reduce the consequences of permafrost thawing, but failing to do so would result in significant carbon releases. The research found that even with low emission scenarios, permafrost loss and soil carbon changes are still substantial.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 2018

'Phubbing' can threaten our basic human needs, research shows

Research shows phubbing can negatively affect relationships by threatening people's fundamental need to belong. The study found that increased phubbing significantly impacted communication quality and relationship satisfaction.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalJournal of Applied Social Psychology·DateMar 26, 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.

Lightweight metal foam blocks blastwave, debris from high-explosive rounds

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new material, stainless steel composite metal foam (CMF), that offers much more protection than existing armor materials while lowering the weight remarkably. The CMF can block blast pressure and fragmentation from high-explosive incendiary rounds with minimal weight loss.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of the Korean Society for Advanced Composite Structures·DateMar 26, 2018

Let them eat xylose: Yeast engineered to grow efficiently on novel nutrients

Researchers at Tufts University created a genetically modified yeast that can efficiently consume xylose, enabling faster growth and higher cell densities. The new synthetic regulon, dubbed XYL, preserved a natural interaction between feeding and survival genes, leading to improved survival of the xylose-eating yeast organism.

SourceTufts University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 26, 2018

Food production under plant-based and animal-based diets

A study by Ron Milo and colleagues reveals that plant-based diets offer a significant reduction in food loss and an increase in food production. Replacing animal-based products with plant-based alternatives could produce up to 20-fold more protein per acre, enough to feed approximately 350 million additional people.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 2018

Prenatal stress changes brain connectivity in-utero

New findings from fetal brain scans reveal that mothers' stress during pregnancy changes neural connectivity in their developing child's brain. The cerebellum plays a key role in this effect, which may be linked to future human health and development.

SourceCognitive Neuroscience Society·DateMar 26, 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.

Smaller and faster: The terahertz computer chip is now within reach

Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem have created a terahertz microchip that enables computers to run 100 times faster through optic communications. The new integrated circuit uses flash memory technology and has overcome major challenges of overheating and scalability.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·DateMar 25, 2018

Associations between longitudinal beverage intakes and adolescent caries

Research reveals strong connections between longitudinal beverage intakes and adolescent caries experience, with higher sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and lower fluoride intakes leading to increased caries risk. The study emphasizes the importance of adjusting for preventive factors such as brushing frequency in future studies.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateMar 24, 2018

The novel insights of proteoglycans in mineralized tissues

Recent discoveries on proteoglycan roles in bone and tooth development have been made, challenging previously held views of their structural function. The symposium aims to provide an update on these findings, which have significant implications for mineralized tissue biology and craniofacial development.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateMar 24, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study suggests vaping does not stain teeth

A recent study published by British American Tobacco found that vaping does not cause the same level of tooth discoloration as smoking. The research used cow's teeth to test the impact of e-cigarette vapour and tobacco-heated products on tooth colour, with surprising results.

SourceR&D at British American Tobacco·DateMar 24, 2018

New climate model developed by Russian and German scientists

A new climate model, POEM, has been developed by Russian and German scientists to accelerate research in climate science. The model addresses complex tasks such as ice age periodization and climate forecasting, providing a more efficient alternative to existing models.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalGeoscientific Model Development·DateMar 24, 2018

E-cigarette aerosol exposure causes craniofacial abnormalities in mice

Researchers found that e-cigarette aerosol exposure causes shape changes and narrowing of the orofacial area in developing murine embryos. Flavored e-cigAMs showed greater detrimental effects than plain e-cigAMs, highlighting a potential risk to fetal development.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateMar 23, 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.

Effect of an opioid prescribing protocol on provider prescribing behavior

A study at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry found a significant decrease in opioid prescriptions after implementing an opioid prescribing protocol. The analysis showed a 47.1% reduction in total opioid prescriptions and tablets per prescription written.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateMar 23, 2018

Diagnosing breast cancer using red light

The new instrument increases the sensitivity of optical mammography by up to 1000-fold, allowing for earlier detection of breast cancer. This advancement offers a safer and more gentle alternative to traditional X-ray imaging, which is often limited by patient age, weight, or other factors.

SourceOptica·DateMar 23, 2018

Gas hydrate research: Advanced knowledge and new technologies

The SUGAR project has expanded knowledge of gas hydrates in the seafloor and developed technologies for environmental monitoring. Companies from Germany have successfully tested methane extraction from submarine hydrate deposits, with interest from Asian countries like Japan and China.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·DateMar 23, 2018

Care providers' understanding of obesity treatment is limited

A study found that most healthcare professionals lack knowledge and understanding of recommended obesity treatments, including behavioral counseling and pharmacotherapy. The results suggest that additional obesity training is needed among health care professionals to improve patient care management, communication, and behavior change.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalObesity·DateMar 23, 2018

Paleontologists put the bite on an ancient reptile from New England

Researchers have identified a new species of ancient reptile, Colobops noviportensis, with unusually developed jaw muscles, revealing insights into prehistoric environments and animal adaptations. The discovery sheds light on the origins of modern vertebrates in a world already inhabited by diverse physical extremes.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 23, 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.

Radiologist uses virtual reality as powerful training tool

A radiologist at the University of Virginia Health System has created a virtual reality teaching tool that puts viewers in the midst of complex procedures, revolutionizing medical education. The tool allows physicians and trainees to experience intricate procedures like an 'interventional radiology heptathlon' with unparalleled clarity.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateMar 23, 2018

Laser-based sensing system can detect methane leaks from miles away

A new field instrument can quantify methane leaks as tiny as one-quarter of a human exhalation from nearly a mile away. The revamped laser technology provides game-changing information for safe industry operations and controlling harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalOptica·DateMar 23, 2018

Helping prevent falls in older adults with dementia

Research identifies poor attention and decision-making skills as linked to walking slowly and experiencing falls in older adults with dementia. Certain brain training methods may help improve mobility and prevent falls by addressing cognitive function issues.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 23, 2018

Germany was covered by glaciers 450,000 years ago

New research pushes back the first glaciation and early human appearance in central Germany by 100,000 years. The study used luminescence dating to determine the age of river deposits containing Lower- and Middle Paleolithic stone artefacts.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 23, 2018

New accreditation program sets framework for rectal cancer care in the US

A new quality improvement initiative, NAPRC, aims to improve US rectal cancer care by adopting a multidisciplinary team approach. The program's proposed quality measures and process indicators were analyzed, revealing varying completion rates among hospitals.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMar 23, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Different neural strategies for junior high school male and female English learners

The study found that more proficient boys showed increased activation in parts of the brain associated with grammatical rules, while girls used a wider range of language information, including speech sounds and meaning of words and sentences. This discovery may help optimize teaching methods for both genders.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateMar 23, 2018

Gene boosts rice growth and yield in salty soil

A team of scientists discovered a gene that helps rice plants grow in salty soil. The gene, STRK1, increases the plant's tolerance to salt stress by reducing reactive oxygen species.

SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMar 23, 2018

Brain's tiniest blood vessels trigger spinal motor neurons to develop

Researchers have found that the human brain's tiny blood vessels can trigger the growth of spinal motor neurons, which control muscles, during early development. This discovery could provide insights into diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateMar 23, 2018

Team discovers a significant role for nitrate in the Arctic landscape

Researchers found that plants in northern Alaska's tussock tundra took up nitrate at comparable rates to vegetation in nitrate-rich ecosystems. This discovery has important implications for predicting which arctic plant species will dominate as the climate warms, and how much carbon tundra ecosystems can store.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 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.

Older adults who have slower walking speeds may have increased risk for dementia

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults with slower walking speeds may be at increased risk for developing dementia. The research examined data from nearly 4,000 participants and discovered a strong link between slower walking speed and higher risk of dementia.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 23, 2018

Helping older adults discontinue using sedatives

A pilot study found that an educational brochure and support from healthcare personnel helped 64% of hospitalized older adults stop taking sedatives. Participants reported no significant change in sleep problems after stopping sedatives, highlighting the potential benefits of reducing polypharmacy.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 23, 2018

Monitor climate change, not predators, to protect lake diversity: Study

A new study from the University of Guelph finds that climate change and environmental factors are more threatening to fish diversity than predators in freshwater lakes. The research highlights the importance of monitoring lake conditions, including warming temperatures and water quality impacts, to protect species diversity.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 23, 2018

Opioid prescribing patterns of oral and maxillofacial surgeons: A nationwide survey

A nationwide survey found that oral and maxillofacial surgeons prescribed more opioids after hydrocodone-containing products were rescheduled in 2014. The study also showed a significant reduction in phone calls requesting refill authorizations after switching to more potent pain medications.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateMar 23, 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.

Access and utilization of dental services for Medicaid children 2013-2015

A study found that access to dental services increased for Medicaid children between 2013-2015, with 77% utilizing Type I services and 21% using Type II services. Sealant access rates improved, but sealant utilization remained low, particularly among older children.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateMar 23, 2018

Research discovers how some cancers resist treatment

Researchers identified new genetic mutations in cancer cells that promote survival and resistance to treatment. The study found that no two cancers were genetically identical, even among those with similar characteristics.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 23, 2018

Dental oral craniofacial tissue regeneration consortia: A new paradigm

The National Institutes of Health (NIDCR) established the DOCTRC Program to develop resources and strategies for regenerating dental, oral, and craniofacial tissues. Two national resource centers were established: The Michigan-Pittsburgh-Wyss Resource Center and the Center for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Tissue and Organ Regeneration.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateMar 23, 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.

Growing and surviving: How proteins regulate the cell cycle

Researchers at MLU describe how proteins change structure in response to kinases, enabling cell cycle progression and inhibiting blocked kinases. This mechanism is thought to be the basis of many cellular signal pathways.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2018

For patients with drug-resistant infections, infectious diseases experts may be lifesaving

A study published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases found that patients with drug-resistant infections who received consultation from ID specialists had a 50% lower 30-day mortality rate. ID consultation was also associated with reduced mortality and hospital readmissions for certain types of resistant bacteria.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalOpen Forum Infectious Diseases·DateMar 23, 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.

Is knee pain linked to depression?

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that knee pain is associated with an increased risk of depression in older adults. The research team developed a new screening tool based on questions about knee pain at night, which may help identify individuals at risk for developing depressive symptoms.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 23, 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.

Opioid abuse/dependence in those hospitalized due to periapical abscess

A study analyzing hospital data from 2012-2014 found that 1.5% of patients hospitalized for periapical abscess had opioid abuse/dependence, with certain demographics showing increased risk, including younger adults and those without private insurance.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateMar 23, 2018