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Science News Archive May 2018


Page 26 of 44

Otago study shows 'giant' problem looms for aging population

A University of Otago study found that New Zealanders with dementia and older men have poorer oral health, with dirtier and more decayed teeth. The researchers emphasize the need for improved oral care in aged residential care, citing higher rates of cognitive and physical impairments as a major challenge.

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.

Scientists find missing factor in gene activation

A team of scientists discovered a key factor that unravels nucleosomes, allowing genes to activate. This finding provides new insights into the regulation of genes and has implications for understanding human diseases such as cancer.

What financial markets, cancer cells, and global warming have in common

A team of biophysicists from FAU presents a mathematically concise method for comparing different pricing models, predicting more accurately how parameters such as volatility change over time. This method enables researchers to identify triggering events in real-time and pinpoint invasive cancer cells.

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.

Simple equation directs creation of clean-energy catalysts

Nebraska researchers have identified a simple equation to design less costly and more efficient catalysts for producing renewable hydrogen fuel. The team found that surrounding certain transition metals with specific environments can elevate their performance, making them viable alternatives to precious metals.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Motivation to move may start with being mindful

A new study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that a mindfulness-based stress reduction program was as effective as structured exercise programs in increasing physical activity and extending life expectancy. The program involved 2.5 hours of meditation, self-awareness, and breathing exercises per week.

Brain activity alternates while stepping

Researchers studied Parkinson's patients with deep brain stimulation and found that brain activity alternates between the left and right sides of the brain while stepping. The introduction of a metronome improved accuracy and enhanced beta activity.

Email encryption standards hacked

Researchers demonstrated that two common email encryption standards are vulnerable to attacks, compromising secure communication. The S/MIME standard is not suitable for secure communication due to outdated cryptography, while OpenPGP can be configured securely but often isn't.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Salmon abundance and short-tailed shearwaters

Research highlights transhemispheric ecosystem link spanning Pacific Ocean between pink salmon abundance and short-tailed shearwater populations. Declining short-tailed shearwater productivity linked to increasing pink salmon abundance in North Pacific Ocean.

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.

Rhino horn used to comfort the terminally ill in Vietnam

A new Danish-Vietnamese study has found that Vietnamese consumers buy rhino horn for symbolic gestures to console terminally ill family members, rather than traditional medical reasons. The study suggests that a legal trade of farmed rhino horn is unlikely to reduce poaching, and that other strategies are needed to address the problem.

Socioeconomic status and brain network organization

Middle-aged adults with lower socioeconomic status exhibit less organized functional brain networks and reduced cortical gray matter thickness compared to those with higher SES. The study suggests that SES influences brain anatomy and network organization across adulthood, playing a role in age-related brain decline.

Robot teaches itself how to dress people

A robot at Georgia Tech has learned to dress people by analyzing simulated examples of dressing a human. The robot uses its sense of touch to guide the garment onto a person's arm and predict the consequences of different motions.

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.

Screening for impaired vision in older adults: New Canadian guideline

The new Canadian guideline recommends against routine screening for visual impairment in older adults living independently, as it does not prevent limitations on daily living. Instead, patients should make their own appointments for regular vision screening or seek help if they suspect visual problems.

A micro-thermometer to record tiny temperature changes

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have created a micrometer-wide thermometer that can measure small and rapid temperature changes in real time. The device is sensitive to heat generated by optical and electron beams, enabling its use in various fields such as photo-thermal cancer treatment and advanced research on crystals.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Even low concentrations of silver can foil wastewater treatment

Research at Oregon State University found that silver nanoparticles can inhibit beneficial bacteria in wastewater treatment plants, leading to excessive nutrient levels and eutrophication. The study suggests that short-term exposure studies may underestimate the potential toxicity of long-term, low-concentration exposure situations.

Understanding steam burns

Researchers have solved the mystery of steam burns, revealing that water vapour penetrates skin pores to cause second-degree burns. The epidermis cannot protect against steam, which condenses in the lower dermal layer, releasing thermal energy and triggering damage. To minimize damage, cooling is essential for a long time.

May/June 2018 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

A simple visual screening tool can identify older adults at increased risk for dementia after a minor decline on the Mini-Mental-State-Examination. Early career family physicians with a broader scope of practice report lower burnout rates, while resilience training alone may not be enough to address burnout.

Lignin -- A supergreen fuel for fuel cells

Researchers at Linköping University have developed a lignin-based fuel cell that converts the chemical energy of forest fuels into electricity without emitting carbon dioxide. The use of conducting polymer PEDOT:PSS as both electrode and proton conductor enables efficient proton-coupled electron transfer reactions.

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.

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.

Homeless veterans at increased risk of hospital readmission after surgery

A study published in Medical Care found that homeless veterans are more likely to experience unplanned hospital readmissions after surgery, particularly those discharged to nursing homes. Homeless veterans were younger and had lower rates of medical diseases but higher rates of mental health problems, contributing to the increased risk.

Keto diet protects optic nerve in glaucoma mouse model

A ketogenic diet has been found to protect retinal cells from degeneration in a mouse model of glaucoma, increasing energy availability. The study suggests that a ketogenic diet may help maintain vision in patients with glaucoma.

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.

CAMH study shows details of brain networks in autism

A CAMH study analyzed over 1,000 brain scans to provide new insights into brain networks in people with autism. The personalized brain mapping approach showed that each person's brain has unique differences in network functioning despite sharing the same diagnosis.

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.

Feeding schedule maintains normal food intake in obese mice

A mouse study found that time-restricted feeding maintains normal food intake and reduces weight gain in obese mice. The researchers discovered that restricting food availability to one half of the day resets the normal timing of satiety signals, leading to less weight gain.

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.

Spread of neotropical biodiversity

Researchers studied 4,450 species in American tropics, finding Amazonia as primary source of diversity, with over 2,800 lineages. The study highlights the role of dispersal in assembling regional biotas across Mesoamerica and northern South America.

A new drug shows preclinical efficacy in Rett syndrome

A new drug has been found to reduce symptoms and activate dormant neurons in preclinical models of Rett syndrome, a genetic disorder causing intellectual disability. The treatment, SB216763, also shows promise in improving quality of life by lengthening lifespan and reducing tremors and breathing difficulties.

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.

Hungry, hungry hippos

A new study by UC Santa Barbara community ecologist Keenan Stears examines how hippos shape the ecology of freshwater ecosystems. The research found that high-density hippo pools with excess nutrients cause dissolved oxygen levels to decline, leading to a decline in fish diversity and abundance.

A theoretical model to alleviate primary care strain

A new co-management model between nurse practitioners and physicians reduces primary care clinician workload, alleviating burnout and fatigue. The effective model requires three core attributes: communication, mutual respect, and a shared philosophy of care.