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Science News Archive May 2018


Page 23 of 44

NASA satellites reveal major shifts in global freshwater

Scientists combined NASA satellite observations with data on human activities to map freshwater changes globally. Freshwater is getting wetter in high latitudes and tropics while drying up in between regions, with some areas experiencing groundwater depletion.

Beef peptides block bitter tastes

Researchers have discovered that beef peptides can block bitter taste receptors on the tongue, potentially leading to improved flavors in food and medicine. The most effective peptides were produced through enzymatic hydrolysis using trypsin and pepsin enzymes.

Colon cancer -- Targeting tumor cell plasticity

Early-stage colon cancers can be surgically removed but later stages require targeted treatments. Researchers discovered that colon cancers are composed of two different cell types with the ability to replace each other after one is killed.

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.

ALMA finds oxygen 13.28 billion light-years away

Astronomers detected a faint signal of oxygen 13.28 billion light-years away using ALMA, indicating mature star formation in a young galaxy. The observation suggests stars formed 250 million years after the Big Bang.

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.

What we inherited from our bug-eating ancestors

Scientists analyzed 107 mammal genomes to find genes that allowed early ancestors to digest insects. They discovered nearly all mammals have remnants of these genes, suggesting a shared insectivorous diet with our distant ancestors.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Whole-tree logging may not hinder plant biodiversity

Research by Michigan Technological University found that harvesting whole trees has no significant impact on plant diversity. In fact, removing only the logs led to increased diversity in understory plants. The study also revealed a negative effect of a logging technique on aspen regeneration.

Hippo waste causes fish kills in Africa's Mara River

A study published in Nature Communications reveals that hippo waste can cause fish kills in Africa's Mara River due to depleted oxygen and nutrient levels. The research monitored water chemistry and flow downstream from 171 hippo pools over three years, finding that flushing flows can reduce dissolved oxygen concentrations.

MN childcare programs focused on nutrition and physical activities, study finds

A University of Minnesota Medical School study found that existing childcare programs in MN increased healthy food access and reduced screen time, improving children's well-being. The 'Healthy Start, Healthy State' initiatives, such as Farm to Childcare and Let's Move! Child Care, were instrumental in driving these improvements.

Less water, same Texas cotton

Researchers identify best irrigation methods for cotton in water-limited situations, challenging common assumption that producers should irrigate early and often. By reducing watering after plant emergence, yields and fiber quality can be maintained or even improved.

Mechanism underlying malformation associated with severe epilepsy is revealed

Researchers identified dysregulation of the gene NEUROG2 as a key factor in the development of focal cortical dysplasia, a common cause of drug-resistant epilepsy. The study found that overexpression of NEUROG2 was linked to reduced expression of microRNA hsa-miR-34a, leading to nerve cell differentiation failure.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Quarks feel the pressure in the proton

Scientists at Jefferson Lab measured the pressure distribution inside a proton for the first time, revealing a pressure cooker environment. The results show that quarks are subjected to a high outward-directed pressure near the center of the proton.

RIT faculty wins NSF award for research on novel ultraviolet photonic

Rochester Institute of Technology faculty Jing Zhang has received a CAREER award from the National Science Foundation to develop high-efficiency ultraviolet light sources. Her research could advance applications in photolithography, 3D printing, environmental purification systems and chemical sensing.

Greater burden of atrial fibrillation linked to higher stroke risk

A Kaiser Permanente study found that patients with intermittently recurring atrial fibrillation who experience longer periods of abnormal heart rhythms are three times more likely to have strokes or blood clots. Continuous heart monitoring may help physicians identify high-risk patients and tailor treatments.

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.

Diabetes drugs show promise to treat symptoms of Alzheimer's disease

Research by Dr. Fernanda De Felice reveals a disease mechanism common to Alzheimer's disease and Type 2 diabetes, leading to new strategies for preserving brain health. The discovery identifies a pathway causing inflammation in the brain, affecting insulin signaling and endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Study shows increase in youth suicide attempts

A new Vanderbilt-led study published in Pediatrics found that hospitalizations for suicidal thoughts or attempts among school-age children have increased by over 100% since 2008. The study, which analyzed data from U.S. children's hospitals, also revealed seasonal trends in encounters, with peaks during the fall and spring months.

Climate change in Quebec equals a much greater diversity of species?

Climate change in Quebec could lead to a greater diversity of species in national and provincial parks. By 2100, up to half of the protected regions may see an increase in species turnover of over 80%. The researchers suggest rethinking conservation strategies to prioritize site resilience and connectivity.

New views of sun: 2 missions will go closer to our star than ever before

The Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter missions will take us closer than ever before to the Sun, providing a comprehensive understanding of its inner workings and shedding light on space weather events that can disrupt technology and power grids. The missions aim to clarify the coronal heating problem and study the solar wind's inter...

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.

Photosynthesis involves a protein 'piston'

Researchers discovered a protein 'piston' that facilitates rapid electron transfer in photosynthesis. The piston-like motion of PSI subunit is thought to stimulate electron transfer and provide insights into artificial photosynthesis.

How the gut influences neurologic disease

A study published in Nature sheds light on the connection between the gut and brain, revealing a new pathway that may help guide therapies for multiple sclerosis and other neurologic diseases. Researchers found that compounds produced by gut microbes can limit inflammation in the brain through their influence on microglia.

Cellular valve structure opens up potential novel therapies

Researchers at the University of Zurich have discovered the molecular structure of a cellular valve, which plays a crucial role in regulating cell volume. The study reveals potential approaches for treating conditions such as cerebral ischemia, stroke, and cancer by targeting this protein.

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.

ACHILLES program makes plans for more resilient infrastructure

A new £4.8 million engineering research programme, ACHILLES, will examine how to maintain and monitor linear infrastructure assets to improve resilience. The project involves experts from seven universities and aims to develop deterioration models and sensors for better maintenance and safety.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Diagnosing breast cancer with an imaging pill

Researchers developed a pill that can detect breast cancer in mice using near-infrared light, reducing the need for mammograms and minimizing radiation exposure. The imaging agent was found to bind specifically to cancer cells with high accuracy, paving the way for potential future applications.

Researchers find clues to treating psychoses in mental health patients

Boosting learning from positive and negative feedback may prevent psychosis, according to researchers at the University of Missouri. Brain scans using functional magnetic resonance imaging can also identify markers for psychosis risk, helping mental health professionals better treat patients with psychoses.

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.

Moving away from plastics: The case of solid body wash

While solid body wash is seen as a more eco-friendly option than wrapped and bottled soaps, studies on its environmental impact are still lacking. Experts recommend that consumers learn more about ingredients and packaging-reduction initiatives to make informed choices.

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.

Quartet of NFCR scientists publishes papers in immediate succession

A quartet of NFCR scientists publishes papers on possible bases for brain cancer treatments and insight into somatic mutations, advancing understanding of glioblastoma multiforme and its resistance to anti-angiogenesis drugs. The findings also identify a potential therapeutic strategy using MDA-9/Syntenin.

Researchers identify gene that helps prevent brain disease

The researchers have identified a gene called Ankrd16 that prevents the production of harmful protein aggregates in neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Elevating levels of Ankrd16 protects specific neurons from dying, while removing it leads to widespread buildup of abnormal proteins.

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.

Glass-forming ability: fundamental understanding leading to smart design

A team of researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science at The University of Tokyo investigated glass-forming behavior by simulating two model systems. Their findings reveal that a single parameter governs the process, allowing for potential applications in various fields, including materials science and engineering.

Mechanical force controls the speed of protein synthesis

Researchers discovered that mechanical forces control protein synthesis speeds by influencing ribosome tunnel geometry and protein segment movement. This finding may lead to a better understanding of disease mechanisms linked to defective protein synthesis.

Why chikungunya, other arthritis-causing viruses target joints

Scientists have identified a molecular handle that chikungunya virus uses to get inside cells, which could lead to ways to prevent or treat disease caused by the virus. The researchers found that blocking this handle reduces chikungunya infection and signs of arthritis.

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.

New study reveals how electronic health records can benefit clinical trials

A new Swansea University study finds that using anonymised routinely collected electronic health records can help track trial participants over long-term periods, providing more complete results. The use of these records reduces volunteer bias, increases reliability, and provides new insights into population health.

UMBC ecologist and colleagues expose bias in forest restoration studies

Recent research suggested natural regeneration is superior to tree-planting, but a new study criticizes the sites chosen for evaluation, citing apples-to-oranges comparisons. The authors argue that natural regeneration isn't always successful and recommend giving it a chance before intervening with human aid.

Petry finds missing ingredient to spark the fireworks of life

Sabine Petry and her team used novel imaging technique to show that XMAP215 works with gamma-tubulin ring complex to create microtubule nuclei. They found that XMAP215 promotes efficient microtubule nucleation, resolving a long-standing puzzle in cell biology.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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