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Science News Archive May 2018


Page 28 of 44

Cross-species transmissibility of coronavirus

Researchers discovered that porcine deltacoronavirus can infect human cells by binding to aminopeptidase N, which is conserved across animal species; this suggests a possible mechanism of transmission from pigs to other animals and potentially humans.

'Universal antibodies' disarm various pathogens

Researchers have discovered universal antibodies that can recognize and neutralize a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, yeasts, and viruses. These breakthrough findings hold promise for developing new treatments for life-threatening infections, particularly in patients with weakened immune systems.

Aiming low: Landmark study optimizes steroid use in pregnancy

A recent study published in The American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology has found that the duration, not peak exposure, is key to maturing preterm lungs. This breakthrough could lead to safer and more effective antenatal steroid treatment, benefiting millions of families worldwide.

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.

Better equipped in the fight against lung cancer

Researchers at FAU have discovered a special mechanism that regulates tumour growth in lung cancer, opening up new possibilities in the treatment of lung cancer patients. The discovery reveals that lung tumours can reprogram the immune response, leading to the suppression of anti-tumour cells and promoting tumour growth.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Lead pollution in Greenland ice tracks historical events

Researchers analyzed precisely dated measurements of lead pollution in Greenland ice cores to uncover links between estimated lead emissions and historical events. The study found that lead pollution increased during periods of prosperity, such as the Phoenician expansion, and peaked under the Roman Empire.

New approach to cancer research aims to accelerate studies and reduce cost

The new model allows researchers to conduct multiple clinical trials across several cancer types, lessen expenses, and increase the likelihood of finding medical solutions. This approach has already led to a new standard of care for chronic myeloid leukemia treatment and expanded program opportunities.

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.

The evolution of language? There's an app for that

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History launched the Color Game, an app designed to study language evolution by having players communicate specific colors using a series of black and white symbols. The game allows large numbers of participants to interact freely and build shared visual languages.

High-sensitivity microsensors on the horizon

Researchers at ASRC developed a new technique using PTX symmetry to design ultra-sensitive radio-frequency sensors. The method allows for high-quality readings in a miniaturized footprint, improving data gathering from hard-to-monitor environments.

Job strain linked to onset of common mental illness

New research finds high job strain associated with increased risk of developing depression and anxiety in middle-aged workers. Workplaces can adopt measures to reduce job strain, including increasing worker control, to prevent up to 14% of common mental illness cases.

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.

Volatile skin emissions as potential malaria biomarkers

Distinct profiles of volatile skin emissions were found in malaria-infected individuals compared to uninfected ones. Machine learning models successfully identified asymptomatic infections based on skin volatile profiles, even at low parasite loads undetectable by microscopy.

Deeper understanding of quantum chaos may be the key to quantum computers

A new theory explains the behavior of individual atoms in a recent experiment, revealing the existence of 'quantum many-body scars' that could help create robust quantum dynamics. This phenomenon is crucial for keeping atoms in a quantum state, which is necessary for processing and storing information in quantum computers.

High levels of workplace exercise linked to early death

A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that men with highly physical jobs have an 18% higher risk of early death compared to those with inactive work. The analysis controlled for leisure time physical activity and found no such association among women.

American tropics, Amazon origins

A recent study suggests that plants and animals in Latin America originated from the Amazon, highlighting a dynamic process of colonization and speciation. The research found that natural dispersal events played a crucial role in shaping the American tropics' exceptional biodiversity.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Study reveals how the brain decides to make an effort

A new study published in PNAS found that the brain's ventromedial prefrontal cortex plays a key role in forming expectations underlying effort-based choices. The study used fMRI to model neural computations for effort and reward, revealing a clear role for three brain regions: the vmPFC, dACC, and aI.

Research examines wing shapes to reduce vortex and wake

New research at the University of Illinois reveals that wing geometrics can be designed to reduce or eliminate wingtip vortices almost entirely. The study simulated flow about three classic wing configurations, finding that Jones and Prandtl wing designs had weaker wakes. The findings hold implications for aircraft design, flight safet...

Astronomical cycles and evolutionary rates on Earth

Graptoloids' species evolution and extinction rates exhibit multimillion-year rhythms linked to periodic astronomical oscillations. Astronomical processes likely shaped the evolution of early complex life on Earth.

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.

New pig virus found to be a potential threat to humans

A new pig virus, porcine deltacoronavirus, has been found to be transmitted to humans and other species through cellular receptors. Researchers have confirmed the virus's ability to bind to cells in pigs and other animals, raising concerns about its potential to cause disease.

UTIA researcher named Fulbright scholar

Seong-Hoon Cho, a UTIA researcher, will spend six months in South Korea designing the country's framework for forest carbon sequestration payments. The project aims to optimize risk/reward trade-offs and encourage forest carbon sequestration through innovative economics and finance modeling.

Stress regulates self-harm in rats

Researchers manipulated brain activity and stress hormone levels to control self-inflicted bite wounds in rats, identifying key brain regions involved in self-injurious behavior. The study provides new insights into the regulation of compulsive self-biting and its relationship with stress and reward processing.

Study shows yogurt may dampen chronic inflammation linked to multiple diseases

A recent study found that yogurt consumption can improve the integrity of the intestinal lining and reduce pro-inflammatory molecules, thereby reducing chronic inflammation. The study enrolled 120 premenopausal women who consumed either low-fat yogurt or non-dairy pudding for nine weeks, showing significant improvements in certain key ...

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.

Study suggests relationship between socioeconomic status and adult brain

A new study from the University of Texas at Dallas found a relationship between socioeconomic status and brain function in adults, with higher SES associated with more organized brain networks and thicker cortex. This suggests that socioeconomic factors may impact brain health even in middle age.

Burnout and scope of practice in new family physicians

Early career family physicians with broader scopes of practice report lower burnout rates, particularly in obstetrics and inpatient medicine. This association may inform policy levers and incentives for improving healthcare systems and physician wellness.

European cities soon to be ready for autonomous vehicles

The AVENUE project, led by the University of Geneva, aims to develop and test autonomous vehicle services in European cities. The project will focus on optimizing itineraries, in- and out-of-vehicle services, and addressing security concerns. Geneva is one of the pilot sites for the large-scale tests.

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.

Research leads to medication reduction in aged care facilities

A new study published in the Medical Journal of Australia found that a multi-strategic intervention called RedUSe significantly reduced psychotropic medication use in Australian residential aged care facilities. The intervention, which included education and drug audits, resulted in a 40% reduction in antipsychotic or benzodiazepine me...

A clearer future for underwater exploration

A new underwater wireless optical communication system has been developed, allowing for high-quality live video transmission and real-time feedback. The system uses a bidirectional design to adapt to changing underwater environments, ensuring optimized power and transmission rates.

Could a multiverse be hospitable to life?

New research suggests that life could be common throughout the multiverse due to dark energy's impact on star and planet formation. The findings contradict the long-held notion that a specific amount of dark energy is necessary for life to emerge, raising questions about the multiverse theory's ability to explain cosmic origins.

Mapping movements of ocean creatures great and small

Researchers compiled a massive dataset of movement data for diverse marine megafauna, including whales, turtles, sharks, and birds. The study found that species-specific movement patterns are influenced by habitat, with open-ocean animals moving in straighter lines and coastal animals exhibiting more erratic behavior.

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.

Genome surgery for eye disease moves closer to reality

Researchers have developed a CRISPR-based treatment that can restore retinal function in mice afflicted with retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease. The 'ablate-and-replace' strategy allows for the precise removal and replacement of the faulty gene, enabling faster and less expensive treatment options for dominant disorders.

Trial shows chemotherapy is helping kids live with pulmonary vein stenosis

A clinical trial conducted by Boston Children's Hospital has shown that adding chemotherapy to a treatment regimen including catheterization and surgery can deter abnormal cellular growth in children with pulmonary vein stenosis. The approach led to the stabilization of PVS progression and prevention of further lung damage in 31% of pa...

Mimicking a sweet solution to mop up pollution

Scientists at KAUST have created a 3D porous material with repeating patterns of interconnected pores using a simple method. The film, made from polystyrene-b-poly(tertbutyl acrylate), shows promise for applications such as virus filtration and biological scaffolds.

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.

Opening a new door to immunity

Researchers uncover clue to disease process development by identifying novel way to control innate immune response, which may translate to treatments for conditions such as atherosclerosis, autoimmunity, and heart failure. Animal studies support finding, showing mice with mutated sNASP proteins are more susceptible to septic infection.

Many patients with rectal cancer may not need chemoradiotherapy

A new study found that patients with low risk of local recurrence can safely undergo surgery alone without receiving chemoradiotherapy. This strategy could reduce the number of patients who receive chemoradiotherapy by half, with minimal risk of undertreatment.

Jurassic fossil tail tells of missing link in crocodile family tree

A newly discovered 180-million-year-old Jurassic fossil has identified a missing link between two distinct families of prehistoric crocodiles. The Magyarosuchus fitosi specimen, featuring a large portion of its backbone, suggests that it is an intermediate form between the armoured and unarmoured groups.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Do we subconsciously judge face-likeness?

Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology have discovered that face-likeness is judged by early visual processing, occurring within 100ms of viewing an object. This finding suggests that face-likeness recognition is a fundamental cognitive process, separate from traditional notions of pareidolia.

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.

Where are HIV diagnoses made?

A study found that late HIV diagnoses remain high, prompting the need for expanded testing. HIV diagnoses are increasingly being made outside of traditional sexual health clinics.

Taurine deficiency in sperm causes male infertility, study finds

A Japan-US research collaboration found that taurine absorption by sperm cells helps regulate osmotic stress during fertilization. The study, published in FEBS Journal, revealed that taurine deficiency leads to increased male infertility rates and altered sperm shape.

Clouds like a semi-transparent parasol

Dr. Anna Possner will join the Goethe University in Frankfurt to investigate the impact of low-level clouds on Earth's surface temperature. Her research focuses on semi-transparent parasols that reflect sunlight but have a minimal effect on heat emission, and she aims to improve understanding of their influence.

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.