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Science News for May 18, 2018


NBA stars on losing teams follow fewer teammates on social media

A study by University of Cincinnati professor Jeremy Koster found that NBA stars on losing teams are less likely to follow teammates on Twitter compared to those on winning teams. This suggests that elite performers may distance themselves from their teammates in an attempt to escape responsibility for poor performance.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 18, 2018

Variations in placental microbiota appear related to premature birth

A study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology found a surplus of pathogenic bacteria in placentas from premature births, supporting the hypothesis that maternal infection may cause preterm birth. The research also discovered evidence of placental bacteria in healthy pregnancies, challenging conventional wisdom.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMay 18, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Asian tiger mosquito on the move

Scientists warn of increased infectious diseases transmitted through vectors in the coming decades. The Asian tiger mosquito, introduced via trade and tourism, has not yet filled its ecological niche globally, posing a threat to regional health.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 18, 2018

Using Tinder doesn't result in more casual sex

A new study published in Personality and Individual Differences found that users of picture-based mobile dating apps like Tinder do not have more casual sex partners than non-users with the same preference. Instead, these apps have become a new way to meet up, with men and women using them differently.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateMay 18, 2018

Matabele ants: Travelling faster with detours

The Matabele ant, a species of termite-eating ant, uses detours to increase its speed while traveling back to the nest. By taking the quickest route rather than the shortest one, they reduce their travel time by an average of 35%. This navigational skill is unique to this species and allows individual ants to make decisions independently.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMay 18, 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.

Dogs born in the summertime more likely to suffer heart disease

A recent study from the University of Pennsylvania found that dogs born between June and August are at higher risk of heart disease. The research suggests that exposure to fine air particulates during pregnancy may play a role in later development of heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 18, 2018

Developmental psychotherapy for antisocial adolescents

This approach aims to help antisocial young people become responsible adults by considering their values, goals, and maladaptive responses to age-related psychological tasks. It incorporates a combination of psychoanalytic and developmental understanding to promote behavioral change and control.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalAdolescent Psychiatry·DateMay 18, 2018

Ammunition with risks and side effects

A study by researchers at Technical University of Munich found that alternative shotgun ammunition materials containing copper and zinc can be highly toxic to water organisms, potentially threatening environmental protection. The study suggests a ban on these materials may be necessary to replace lead shot.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalKnowledge and Management of Aquatic Ecosystems·DateMay 18, 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.

Drug used to treat daytime sleepiness does not appear to improve driving in those with sleep apnea

A study found that armodafinil did not improve driving performance or reduce daytime sleepiness in individuals with moderate to severe sleep apnea. However, participants taking the drug lost more body fat than those receiving a placebo, suggesting potential benefits for weight loss.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMay 18, 2018

UNC researchers discover how body temperature wrecks potential dengue, Zika vaccine

Researchers from UNC School of Medicine found that natural body temperature affects the stability of a promising vaccine component, potentially rendering it ineffective against dengue and Zika viruses. The study suggests that stabilizing the pairing propensity of this component is critical to creating an effective vaccine.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 18, 2018

Women sometimes feel regret after electing to freeze their eggs

A study by UC San Francisco found that one in six women who underwent elective egg freezing experienced regret, despite being empowered by the procedure. Women with lower egg yields and inadequate information about the process were more likely to express regret.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateMay 18, 2018

Natural antioxidant bilirubin may improve cardiovascular health

Higher levels of bilirubin in the blood are associated with lower rates of heart failure, heart attack, and stroke, even in people without liver disease. The study suggests that bilirubin may have beneficial effects as an antioxidant, potentially reducing chronic disease morbidity risk.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·DateMay 18, 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.

Flow of cerebrospinal fluid regulates neural stem cell division

Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München discovered that cerebrospinal fluid flow stimulates neural stem cell division through ENaC channel protein. The study highlights a new mechanism controlling neural stem cell proliferation and has implications for brain function and treatment.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMay 18, 2018

Simplifying skin disease diagnosis with topical nanotechnology

Researchers use NanoFlare to enable biodefree disease diagnosis and progression monitoring, reducing scarring and infection risks. The method provides timely feedback on treatment efficacy, improving accessibility to disease diagnosis.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS TECHNOLOGY·DateMay 18, 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.

New mechanism essential for eye lens development identified

Researchers at the University of Delaware have discovered a protein, Celf1, that triggers degradation in the eye lens, allowing clear vision. The study reveals the molecular mechanism behind this complex process, shedding light on how cells degrade their own nuclei and DNA without killing themselves.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMay 18, 2018

Optimum shade for cocoa

Researchers found that a shade-tree cover of approximately 30% has a predominantly positive effect on cocoa plants, maintaining maximum soil moisture and keeping pests and diseases in check. This amount of shade also increases animal and plant species, carbon sequestration, and cooling effects on temperature.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMay 18, 2018

Cannabis: It matters how young you start

A new study by Université de Montréal researchers found that boys who start smoking marijuana at the start of their teens are 68% more likely to have a drug abuse problem by age 28, compared to those who start between 15 and 17. The study also found that frequent cannabis use increases the risk of addiction.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalThe Canadian Journal of Psychiatry·DateMay 18, 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.

Genome editing method targets AIDS virus

A Japanese research group has developed a CRISPR/Cas9 system to target and block HIV-1 production in infected cells. By targeting two regulatory genes tat and rev, they were able to significantly lower the expression and functions of both genes.

SourceKobe University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 18, 2018

The dark side of our genes -- healthy aging in modern times

A study found that genes beneficial in youth but detrimental in old age may contribute to the rise of chronic diseases in modern societies. The review suggests that natural selection may be changing course, but more research is needed to fully understand its impact on human health.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalNature Reviews Genetics·DateMay 18, 2018

Giraffes surprise biologists yet again

A new study by University of Bristol PhD student Zoe Muller found that giraffe group sizes are not influenced by predation risk, contradicting a long-held assumption. Giraffe groups were smaller when adult females had calves, highlighting the complexity of their behavior and ecology.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Zoology·DateMay 18, 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.

Safety program for surgical patients sharply drops surgical site infections

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found a 61.7 percent reduction in colorectal surgical site infections in Hawaii's 15-hospital collaborative using AHRQ's Safety Program for Surgery. The program also improved hospital safety culture, with 10 out of 12 categories showing significant improvements.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMay 18, 2018

Research offers new insights into malaria parasite

Researchers have discovered that various stages of the malaria parasite's life cycle are connected to epigenetic features and chromatin structure. The study provides insights into the connection between genome organization, epigenetics, and stage-specific gene expression in the malaria parasite.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 18, 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.

Using virtual biopsies to improve melanoma detection

Researchers aim to develop a virtual biopsy tool that can guide patient care without the need for invasive skin cuts. The technology uses multiphoton microscopy and machine learning techniques to provide high-quality images of melanin, enabling doctors to diagnose melanoma more accurately.

SourceColorado State University·DateMay 18, 2018

Particle shows promise for treating the deadliest type of breast cancer

USC researchers have identified a remedy to prevent lung metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer, which is the deadliest form of breast cancer. A novel solution uses a nanoparticle to deliver a medication directly to tumors, reducing toxic side effects.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 18, 2018

New 3D printer can create complex biological tissues

A UCLA-led team developed a new 3D printer to create complex artificial tissues from multiple materials. The printer uses stereolithography and a custom-built microfluidic chip, enabling the creation of biocompatible structures with different properties.

SourceUCLA Samueli School of Engineering·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 18, 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.

Label-free method for rapid cancer diagnosis

Researchers at Ruhr-Universität Bochum have developed a label-free method for rapid cancer diagnosis using infrared imaging, which can perform analysis in just a few minutes. The technique, combined with bioinformatical image analysis, shows promising results with 97% accuracy compared to traditional histopathological analyses.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 18, 2018

Gay male teens use adult hookup apps to find friends, partners

A Northwestern University study found that over 50% of sexually active gay and bisexual teen boys aged 14-17 used adult hookup apps like Grindr and Scruff. These teens also used the apps to connect with friends and find new partners, highlighting the importance of sex education and HIV prevention tailored to their needs.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateMay 18, 2018

'Love displaces violence'

Researchers analyze the historical use of symbols like the dove and rainbow in artistic depictions of peace. From ancient theatre to modern media motifs, these depictions highlight the power of love displacing violence in conveying a message of peace.

SourceCluster of Excellence "Religion and Politics"·DateMay 18, 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.

Researchers operate lab-grown heart cells by remote control

Scientists at University of California San Diego School of Medicine developed a method to control human heart cells growing in a dish on command by shining light and varying its intensity. The graphene surface converts light into electricity, providing a more realistic environment than standard laboratory dishes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 18, 2018

Where GM meets GE

Rothamsted Research will conduct a field trial of genome-edited (GE) Camelina, a genetically modified crop that accumulates omega-3 fatty acids, alongside a traditional GM version. The trials aim to investigate the efficiency of genetic engineering in developing plants with desired traits, such as improved nutrition and sustainability.

SourceRothamsted Research·DateMay 18, 2018

UTA industrial engineering team partners with Foxconn to improve automation

The UTA industrial engineering team partnered with Foxconn to develop data analytics and smart manufacturing solutions for improving efficiency in large-scale cell phone manufacturing processes. The partnership resulted in the development of automated systems to detect fake parts, reduce human inspection time, and increase output.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateMay 18, 2018

Effective methods for automated design of complex technical objects and systems

Researchers at Lobachevsky University have proposed a two-fold approach to overcome the computational complexity of multicriteria problems. By re-using search information and using effective global search algorithms, they aim to find multiple compromise options that cannot be improved simultaneously with respect to all partial criteria.

SourceLobachevsky University·JournalJournal of Global Optimization·DateMay 18, 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.

Can a quantum drum vibrate and stand still at the same time?

A team of researchers has successfully created a microscopic drum that can simultaneously vibrate and stand still, a phenomenon known as quantum superposition. This breakthrough is expected to enable the development of ultra-precise sensors and new types of transducers.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateMay 18, 2018

Experimental MERS treatments enter clinical trial

A new clinical trial is underway to test two human monoclonal antibodies designed to treat MERS-CoV infection. The study will enroll 48 healthy adults and administer escalating doses of the experimental antibodies.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateMay 18, 2018

Gene therapy that restores vision in dogs may help humans, too

Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a gene therapy that restored vision in dogs with progressive retinal atrophy, a condition similar to human retinitis pigmentosa. The treatment has shown a 100% success rate and is now being advanced for human use with a $8.2 million grant.

SourceMichigan State University·DateMay 18, 2018

A new Achilles' heel of blood cancer

Researchers have identified SETD2 as a critical effector protein in MLL-fusion proteins, driving oncogenesis in AML. This finding paves the way for a more effective therapy using a combination of compounds.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 18, 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.

A new map for a birthplace of stars

A new map for a birthplace of stars provides unprecedented detail of the structure of the Orion A molecular cloud. The maps will help researchers calibrate star formation models for extragalactic studies and better understand how fast and efficiently stars form in the region.

SourceYale University·DateMay 18, 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.

Fingerprints in birefringence

Researchers discovered that supercharged polypeptide fluids can form ordered phases in response to physical forces, resembling fingerprint patterns. The persisted order was detected using polarized optical microscopy, opening possibilities for biometric fingerprint detection.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 18, 2018

Simpler scan still effective in deciding stroke treatment

A study by UTHealth found that simple imaging on a non-contrast CT scan can be sufficient to determine thrombectomy treatment in stroke patients, achieving identical clinical outcomes as advanced imaging. This basic technique may broaden access to life-saving surgery for more patients, especially in remote areas.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateMay 18, 2018