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Science News Archive May 2018


Page 12 of 44

You are what your mother eats

Researchers at OHSU have identified the molecular basis linking a pregnant mother's nutrition to her child's growth. A key protein called DLX1 was found to impact GHRH and AgRP neuron development, affecting growth and metabolism in infants.

Researchers challenge genetic tests for guiding psychiatric treatment

The article highlights significant flaws in the design, implementation, and analysis of pharmacogenetic tests for treating major depressive disorder (MDD) and related psychiatric conditions. The researchers argue that these tests are not supported by robust evidence and may provide misleading information.

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.

Strain directs spin waves

Spin waves transmitted through a magnetic insulator film have the advantage that energy loss is small and long-distance transmission is possible. By studying the influence of stress magnitude on spin waves, researchers found that large stress can transmit spin waves even with weak permanent magnets attached.

Making massive leaps in electronics at nano-scale

Researchers have developed a way to control spin transport in networks of the smallest electrical conductor known to man. By attaching nano-particles of gadolinium to carbon nanotubes, they increased electrical conductivity and demonstrated the Spin Valve Effect, which can enhance electron transfer in devices.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

'Uniquely human' muscles have been discovered in apes

A recent study has found that 'uniquely human' muscles, such as those associated with bipedalism and facial expressions, are present in various ape species. Researchers have discovered that these muscles are not exclusive to humans, but are also found in bonobos and other apes, suggesting a more complex origin of human soft tissues.

Rice becomes less nutritious as CO2 levels rise

Research finds that rice grown under higher carbon dioxide concentrations has lower levels of iron, zinc, protein, and vitamins B1, B2, B5, and B9. This decrease may exacerbate malnutrition among populations relying heavily on rice as a staple food source.

Rice's nutritional value decreases in higher CO2 concentrations

A study found that rice grown under higher CO2 concentrations has lower nutritional value, particularly in protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B content. This decrease may have significant implications for the health of populations relying heavily on rice as a primary food source.

Earth's climate to increase by 4 degrees by 2084

A new analysis projects a 4°C temperature increase by 2084, more severe than the 2°C threshold set by the Paris Agreement. This would lead to extreme weather events, ecosystem disruption, and societal threats.

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.

Increasing CO2 levels reduce rice's nutritional value

A new study found that increased CO2 levels in rice can lead to lower levels of four key B vitamins and reduced protein, iron, and zinc. The nutritional deficits could have a disproportionate impact on health outcomes in the poorest rice-dependent countries.

Are you at risk for lung cancer?

A Norwegian-Greek study found that five traditional risk factors and two new ones can identify people at high risk of developing lung cancer. The research group created a risk calculator that can predict lung cancer with near-90% accuracy, reducing the need for unnecessary CT scans.

Boys continue to lag behind in reading

A study found that Norwegian boys continue to trail behind girls in reading skills, with 21% of 15-year-old boys unable to read well. The discrepancy persists despite instruction and suggests inadequate teaching practices.

Preserving a painter's legacy with nanomaterials

Researchers developed a nanomaterial treatment that strengthens aging canvas fibers and surface, increasing flexibility. This alternative method could replace conventional treatments, helping preserve iconic artworks like Van Gogh's paintings.

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.

Controlled nano-assembly

Scientists have introduced a universal pH-regulated assembly method for DNA nanostructures, using ethylenediamine to control self-directed cohesions. This method enables the formation of various geometries without specific base sequences, expanding dynamic DNA nanotechnology applications.

Rehabilitating lactate: From poison to cure

Researchers are reevaluating lactate's role in metabolism and its potential as a treatment for various diseases. Lactate supplementation has been shown to speed recovery after injury or illness and is being explored as a tool to control blood sugar, fuel the brain, and manage inflammation.

Are pain tolerance levels similar among groups of friends?

A recent study revealed that pain tolerance is strongly associated with friendships, particularly among males. The study found that friends tend to have similar pain tolerance levels, which may be due to social transmission or peer pressure.

Floridians could face far more frequent, intense heatwaves

Under projected high greenhouse gas levels, Floridians may face more extreme heatwaves with profound impacts on human health and the state's economy. Heatwaves lasting longer at night could exacerbate urban heat island effects, making cities like Miami and Orlando particularly vulnerable.

Time spent sitting at a screen matters less if you are fit and strong

A recent study published in BMC Medicine found that the negative effects of screen time on cardiovascular disease, cancer incidence, and mortality are more pronounced in people with lower levels of fitness and physical activity. Increasing strength and fitness may offset these risks, suggesting a targeted approach to reducing screen ti...

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.

In the beginning was the phase separation

A team at TUM has shown that phase separation is an efficient way of selecting and stabilizing chemical building blocks, allowing them to survive longer. This process can be used to create self-replicating information carriers with life-like properties.

Cigarette smoke directly damages muscles in the body

New research reveals that cigarette smoke directly damages muscles by reducing blood vessel numbers, impacting metabolism and activity levels. This muscle damage is a key risk factor for chronic diseases such as COPD and diabetes.

Poor seniors less likely to survive nursing home after ICU stay

A recent study by Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons found that poor older adults with Medicaid insurance who receive treatment for a critical illness in the ICU are more likely to die after hospital discharge compared to those with commercial insurance. The disparity is greatest among survivors of critical illness wi...

Fatty liver disease research set to benefit from stem cell advance

Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have developed a lab-based system for studying Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), the most common cause of liver disease in the developed world. The new tool enables researchers to investigate biological mechanisms and develop effective treatments.

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.

BU: Religious refusal laws harm sexual minority mental health

A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that US state laws permitting the denial of services to same-sex couples due to religious or moral beliefs harm the mental health of sexual minority adults. The research, which analyzed BRFSS data from 2014-2016, showed a significant increase in mental distress among gay, l...

UQ Zika detection breakthough a potential lifesaver

Researchers developed Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) to detect Zika virus in mosquitoes, outperforming current methods with 18x speed and 110x cost savings. The technology has shown a 94-99% accuracy rate under laboratory conditions and is being tested for detecting other diseases like dengue and malaria.

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.

Space-like gravity weakens biochemical signals in muscle formation

Researchers at Hiroshima University found that space-like gravity affects the process of gene expression in muscle cells, leading to slower muscle development. DNA methylation is a key player in regulating muscle cell differentiation, with potential targets for treating skeletal muscle atrophy identified.

Is topical rapamycin effective, safe to treat facial lesions?

A clinical trial of 179 patients found improvement in facial angiofibroma appearance with topical rapamycin treatment. The use of topical rapamycin is considered safe and effective for treating disfiguring growths in people with tuberous sclerosis complex.

Depression speeds up brain aging, find psychologists

A comprehensive study published in Psychological Medicine found a strong link between depression and cognitive decline in older adults. The research, which analyzed data from over 71,000 participants, revealed that people with depression experienced a greater decline in cognitive state than those without depression.

Complementing conventional antibiotics

Scientists at Goethe University Frankfurt reveal atomic details of Legionella's enzymatic weapon and develop the first inhibitor. The discovery has implications for tackling antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which threaten global health and economic stability.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Evening use of light-emitting tablets may disrupt healthy sleep

A study found that evening use of light-emitting tablets can delay desired bedtimes, suppress melatonin secretion, and impair next-morning alertness. Healthy adults who used tablets before bed reported later sleep onset and rated themselves as less sleepy the next morning.

A first look at the earliest decisions that shape a human embryo

A team of Rockefeller scientists has discovered the molecular signals that direct cell differentiation in human embryos, shedding light on the earliest stages of development. The findings have implications for regenerative medicine and could lead to new treatments for diseases such as cancer and diabetes.

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.

Brexit is bad for our health

Experts call on UK health professionals to support a 'people's vote' to protect public health as Brexit poses significant threats to the NHS, including reduced funding and access issues.

Helping dental retainers and aligners fight off bacteria

Researchers developed a film coating to prevent bacterial growth on dental retainers and aligners. The coated plastic showed improved durability and reduced bacterial growth by 75%, offering a potential solution for maintaining oral hygiene.

Change the face of nanoparticles and you'll rule chemistry!

Scientists create nanoparticles that can change their surface topography under light control, enabling precise control over chemical reactions. This breakthrough allows for more efficient and selective catalysis, with potential applications in multistage reactions and simplified post-reaction processing.

Social isolation plus heart failure could increase hospitalizations, deaths

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that social isolation in patients with heart failure can lead to a higher risk of death and hospitalization. The research, which surveyed over 1,600 patients with heart failure, revealed that those who reported high levels of social isolation were 3.7 times mo...

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

NIH begins testing Ebola treatment in early-stage trial

A Phase 1 clinical trial is evaluating the safety and tolerability of mAb114, a single monoclonal antibody developed from an Ebola survivor. The trial aims to enroll 18-30 healthy volunteers and will not expose participants to Ebola virus.

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.

Valves for tiny particles

The ETH Zurich researchers developed nanovalves that can control individual nanoparticles in liquids using electric forces. This technology enables sorting and manipulation of tiny particles such as metal, semiconductor, virus, liposomes, and antibodies.

Perceived socioeconomic status can affect how old we feel

A recent study found that how older adults perceive their relative socioeconomic status influences their feelings about growing older. The researchers conducted an online survey of 296 adults over 60 and found that the way people perceived their status made a significant difference in their aging attitudes.

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.

Whey protein supplements and exercise help women improve body composition

A systematic review by Purdue University experts reveals that whey protein supplements combined with physical activity can help women improve their body composition. The study found a modest increase in lean mass without influencing fat mass, supporting the use of whey protein as an effective strategy for achieving a leaner body type.

Cause of E. coli beach closings? Gulls

Researchers have identified gulls as the major source of E. coli beach closings on Lake Michigan beaches in Indiana. The team found that trained dogs patrolled beaches with a dog deterrence program reduced gull abundance by nearly 100% and beach closures, resulting in improved water quality.

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.

Seafood-rich diet may help couples get pregnant faster

A study published by The Endocrine Society found that couples who eat more seafood tend to get pregnant faster. Seafood consumption was associated with a higher frequency of sexual activity and shorter time to pregnancy, suggesting other biological factors may be at play.

Memory molecule limits plasticity by calibrating calcium

A new study reveals that the protein RGS14 functions as a molecular brake on learning and memory by regulating calcium levels in the hippocampus. The researchers found that RGS14 limits plasticity in CA2 neurons, which are less adaptable than neighboring CA1 neurons.