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Science News Archive May 2018


Page 3 of 44

A new understanding of how glucose makes you fat

A recent study by UT Southwestern researchers reveals that the NAD+ molecule plays a crucial role in controlling genes essential for fat cell differentiation and cancer growth. The findings suggest that compartmentalized synthesis of NAD+ integrates cellular information to control gene expression, maintaining metabolic health.

More important for heart patients to be active than thin

A Norwegian University of Science and Technology study found that individuals with coronary heart disease who are physically active live longer, regardless of their weight. The study revealed that even slight physical activity is better than none at all, but sustained high-intensity exercise is crucial for reaping benefits.

Scientists reveal the secrets behind Pluto's dunes

Researchers discovered Pluto's dunes on the boundary of a major mountain range, likely formed by methane ice grain sublimation and transported by moderate winds. The unique features suggest recent formation within the last 500,000 years.

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.

With supercomputing power, scientists solve a next-generation physics problem

Researchers calculate fundamental property of protons and neutrons with unprecedented 1 percent precision, matching long-standing experimental results. The new calculation provides a critical benchmark for applying lattice QCD to nuclear physics problems, which could aid in dark matter searches and answer outstanding questions about th...

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Breaking good -- Key discovery made for battling opioid epidemic

A novel gene encoding the enzyme thebaine synthase has been isolated from the opium poppy, enabling the commercial production of non-plant based biosynthetic manufacturing systems for active opioid agents and intermediates. This breakthrough opens the door to creating new opioid molecules with reduced addictiveness.

Older men with higher levels of sex hormones could be less religious

A new study found that men with higher levels of testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) had weaker religious ties. The research analyzed data from over 1000 men and suggests that physiological factors, such as hormones, may play a role in shaping religiosity later in life.

New research predicts likelihood that one will believe conspiracy theories

New social psychology studies predict the likelihood of believing conspiracy theories, finding that people with high confidence in their politics understanding are more likely to endorse conspiracies. Researchers suggest that challenging one's assumptions and seeking credible perspectives can lead to more informed opinions.

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.

Using telemedicine to bring genetic counseling to community cancer care

A randomized, controlled trial found that 77% of patients who received remote phone or video counseling sessions underwent genetic testing, compared to just six percent in the usual care group. The study also highlights the importance of addressing disparities in genetic testing and knowledge among community practice patients.

Is a common antimicrobial harmful to gut health?

Researchers found that triclosan causes colon inflammation and worsens colon cancer in mice, raising concerns about its safety for human consumption. The study suggests that individuals with inflammatory bowel disease or colon cancer may be more vulnerable to the chemical's adverse effects.

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.

Free tax services in pediatrics clinics yield high returns

A free tax preparation program in pediatric clinics helped over 753 clients receive $1.6 million in federal tax returns, with a significant improvement in tax filings and client knowledge about the EITC. The program also reduced financial stress for low-income families and maximized their tax refunds.

Italy's oldest olive oil discovered in peculiar pot

Researchers from University of South Florida have identified oleic and linoleic acids in ancient pottery from Sicily, dating back to the Early Bronze Age. The discovery confirms olive oil existed in Italy hundreds of years earlier than previously recorded.

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.

Magic in metal could help put excess carbon dioxide to good use

Researchers have discovered a way to harness bismuth's unique property, called catalytic plasticity, to convert carbon dioxide into liquid fuels and industrial chemicals. This approach could potentially provide sustainable routes to making fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Insomnia is a likely long-term side effect of stroke

Researchers found stroke patients took longer to fall asleep, had poorer sleep efficiency, and were more prone to errors during the day. The study suggests sleep problems in stroke patients are due to psychological strain, pain, and reduced physical activity, highlighting the importance of good sleep for recovery.

The smallest biggest theropod dinosaur

A new Spinosaurus fossil from Africa is reported to be the smallest known individual of this giant, sail-backed theropod. The tiny claw phalanx found in Cretaceous-aged sandstones retains the same locomotor adaptations as larger adults.

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.

Study examines tax compliance behavior in small business owners

A new study surveyed 330 UK micro-business owners, finding that internalised motivation (fair fiscal system) and extrinsic motivation (severe penalties) predict self-reported tax compliance. Internalised motivation but not extrinsic motivation predicts tax compliance when considered together.

Global warming hits poorest hardest, new research shows

New research reveals that global warming hits poorest regions hardest, with temperate nations like the UK being less affected than tropical countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo. The study found that as average temperatures rise to 1.5°C or 2°C, wealthy areas will experience fewer climate changes compared to poor nations.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Growth of Greenlandic children is no longer stunted

A recent study published in Acta Paediatrica reveals that Greenlandic children are growing taller than ever before, with average heights now comparable to those of Danish children. This shift is attributed to a combination of genetic factors and improved maternal health, particularly among mothers who are obese.

A novel data-driven method to personalize cancer treatment

A novel data-driven approach called PanDrugs prioritizes cancer treatments based on patient genetic alterations. The method integrates pathway context and collective gene impact to provide therapeutic options for patients with limited druggable genes.

ASCO to honor Ludwig scientists at 2018 Annual Meeting

Ludwig scientist Ralph Weichselbaum receives the David A. Karnofsky Memorial Award and Lecture for his discoveries in basic mechanisms of signal transduction and gene expression following radiation exposure. Jedd Wolchok, another Ludwig researcher, is named a 2018 ASCO Fellow for his work on harnessing the immune system to treat cancer.

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.

Creating an automated high-throughput flow cytometry system

Researchers from the Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation developed a fully automated screening system that solves the slow and low-throughput problem of high-throughput screening in flow cytometry. The system achieves a throughput of 50,000 wells per day, enabling robust phenotypic drug discovery.

Powered by citizen volunteers, air pollution study gets $1.6 million

The Citizen-Enabled Aerosol Measurements for Satellites project deploys 250 air samplers across Colorado and the Northwest, collecting precise measurements of air quality. The study aims to improve satellite-derived pollution estimates and better understand where air pollution is dirtiest.

Huddling for survival: monkeys with more social partners can winter

Wild Barbary macaques that have more social partners tend to form larger huddles at night, allowing them to conserve energy and reduce environmental stress. This social thermoregulation behavior is linked to higher fitness levels, as it enables monkeys to better cope with adverse weather conditions.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Teaching chores to an AI

Researchers at MIT's CSAIL have developed a system called VirtualHome that can simulate detailed household tasks and train artificial agents to execute them. The system uses natural language descriptions of activities, such as making coffee or setting the table, to instruct robots on how to complete tasks.

After 40 years in limbo: Styrene is probably carcinogenic

A recent study by Aarhus University found a fivefold risk of nasal cancer following styrene exposure. The researchers also discovered that styrene doubles the risk of acute myeloid leukemia in workers exposed to high levels of styrene. These findings, combined with animal evidence and epidemiological studies, led WHO to classify styren...

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.

Having an abortion does not lead to depression

A new study analyzing data from Danish women found that taking antidepressants did not change significantly before or after an abortion, and actually decreased over time. The research supports recent reports concluding that abortion does not cause depression, anxiety, or PTSD.

Getting conservationists and fishers on the same page

A new online tool, EcoCast, provides fishermen with computer-generated maps to target productive fishing spots while avoiding protected species. By predicting where different marine species are likely to be found under various ocean conditions, EcoCast aims to improve the economic and environmental sustainability of fisheries.

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.

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.

Seismometer readings could offer debris flow early warning

Researchers deciphered seismometer readings from a 2017 Montecito landslide to determine the disaster's scale and location. The findings suggest that seismometers can be used to provide an early warning of incoming debris flows, potentially saving lives.

NCI-MATCH precision medicine trial reaches milestone

The NCI-MATCH trial has released findings from three treatment arms, offering hope for targeted therapies in patients with specific gene abnormalities. The trial's results could aid in identifying effective treatments for various cancers, paving the way for future research.

Igniting the rheumatoid arthritis flame through a cellular cascade

Researchers at Osaka University identified a cellular network involving Th17 cells and stromal cells that secretes inflammatory cytokines to initiate and maintain rheumatoid arthritis. By targeting this network, a novel immunotherapeutic approach has been proposed to reduce chronic joint inflammation.

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.