Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive May 2018 - Page 15


Page 15 of 44

Embryonic gene regulation through mechanical forces

Researchers found that mechanical cues contribute to the regulation of gene expression during early development. External pressure can activate or restore the expression of a crucial developmental regulator gene, brachyury. This mechanism is conserved across species, including zebrafish and fruitflies.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 22, 2018
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: Ancient mound builders carefully timed their occupation of coastal Louisiana site

Researchers studied the Grand Caillou mound in coastal Louisiana, uncovering a timeline of natural and human events that shaped its construction and abandonment. The study provides insights into how Native peoples selected their villages' locations, using methods such as sediment coring and radiocarbon dating.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalThe Journal of Island and Coastal Archaeology·DateMay 22, 2018

New study sheds light on the opioid epidemic and challenges prevailing views about this public health crisis

A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that fatal drug overdoses among young non-Hispanic white adults accounted for 62% of mortality rate growth between 1999 and 2015. The study highlights the rapid rise in lost life years and mortality rates for this population, particularly those aged 22-39 years.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMay 22, 2018

Under age 13, suicide rates are roughly double for black children vs. white children

A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics reveals that racial disparities in childhood suicide rates are age-related, with black children under 13 facing twice the risk as their white counterparts. The study analyzed data from 2001-2015 and found a significant age-related difference in suicide rates among black and white youth.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMay 22, 2018

How wheat can root out the take-all fungus

A team of scientists from Rothamsted Research has found that certain commercial cereal varieties can support beneficial fungi that suppress the take-all fungus, a devastating disease in wheat crops worldwide. This could provide a potential biological management strategy to control the disease.

SourceRothamsted Research·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·DateMay 22, 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.

Young toddlers may learn more from interactive than noninteractive media

Research suggests that younger toddlers benefit more from interactive digital media than traditional TV and videos. Interactive features help children connect screen experiences to real-world interactions. However, not all types of interactivity are beneficial, and individual differences play a significant role in learning outcomes.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development Perspectives·DateMay 22, 2018

New network is installed to investigate space weather over South America

A new magnetometer network has been installed across South America to study magnetic field disturbances and their potential impact on electronic appliances and power grids. The project aims to improve the understanding of space weather effects on the continent, which could help mitigate damage caused by solar eruptions.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalRadio Science·DateMay 22, 2018

IUPUI study finds missing link between blow flies and possible pathogen transmission

A recent IUPUI study has made a groundbreaking discovery in understanding the role of blow flies in transmitting pathogens. Researchers found that analysis of blow fly digestive tracts can detect fecal metabolites, providing valuable insights into pathogen transmission and conservation.

SourceIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science·JournalEnvironmental Entomology·DateMay 22, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Research reveals how order first appears in liquid crystals

Chemists at Brown University have developed a method to detect the intermediate state in liquid crystals, where order starts to form in discrete patches. This breakthrough could provide insights into slow molecular motion in various natural phenomena, such as Alzheimer's disease and protein tangles.

SourceBrown University·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateMay 22, 2018

MIT study helps driverless cars change lanes more like humans do

A new lane-change algorithm developed by MIT allows autonomous vehicles to model an entire range of driving styles, from conservative to aggressive, with safety guarantees. The system computes buffer zones on the fly and ensures collision avoidance within a given time frame.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMay 22, 2018
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Digging into new ethical issues around stem cells

A special section in Perspectives in Biology and Medicine examines the newest and most complex issues surrounding stem cells. The issue includes essays on the potential impacts of using a person's own stem cells on patients, health-care systems, and the public trust in science and medicine.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPerspectives in Biology and Medicine·DateMay 22, 2018

Decoding digital ownership: Why your e-book might not feel like 'yours'

A new study by the University of Arizona found that young people and adults across all age groups perceive ownership of e-books differently than physical books. Psychological ownership is affected by control, identity, and belonging, with digital books feeling less valuable as possessions.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalElectronic Markets·DateMay 22, 2018
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.

In brain stimulation therapy less might be more

Researchers have found that faster brain stimulation can lead to neuronal response failures, suggesting a 'less is more' approach for optimal therapy. This discovery challenges traditional intuition and highlights the importance of optimizing stimulation scheduling.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateMay 22, 2018
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.

Malaria-causing parasite manipulates liver cells to survive

A new study reveals that a malaria parasite manipulates liver cells to survive and reproduce, building strength before invading red blood cells. Disrupting this process by targeting the aquaporin-3 protein may lead to new treatments for malaria before symptoms appear.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 22, 2018

Adoption of 'healthier' Mediterranean-style diet varies considerably across US states

The adoption of the Mediterranean-style diet varies significantly across US states, with Western and Northeastern coastal areas showing highest adherence. The study found that socioeconomically disadvantaged rural minority neighborhoods have lowest adherence rates, while factors such as education, income, and physical activity levels a...

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·DateMay 22, 2018

Tunable diamond string may hold key to quantum memory

Harvard researchers engineered diamond strings that can quiet a qubit's environment and improve memory from tens to several hundred nanoseconds, enough time for many operations on a quantum chip. This breakthrough could serve as the backbone of a future quantum internet.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 22, 2018

Worst form of black lung disease appears resurgent among coal miners

A recent study found that progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) cases among former US coal miners increased by 50% since 2000, with the highest rates in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania. The researchers attribute this trend to inadequate dust control measures, longer working hours, and higher silica exposure levels.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 22, 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.

Tianjin University makes breakthrough in synthetic genome rearrangement

Researchers at Tianjin University develop precise control of SCRaMbLE, a system for generating genotype diversity, allowing for increased production of bio-based chemicals and improved genome evolution. The team reports significant breakthroughs in using SCRaMbLE to drive phenotype evolution in heterozygous and interspecies hybrid stra...

SourceTianjin University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 22, 2018

Study finds popular 'growth mindset' educational interventions aren't very effective

A study by Michigan State University and Case Western Reserve University found that growth mindset interventions have little to no effect on academic achievement for typical students. The researchers suggest that the benefits of these interventions are overstated and that something other than mindset is causing the observed effects.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 22, 2018

From a model of fluids to the birth of a new field in computational physics

Computational statistical mechanics was born from numerical models of fluids developed in the 1950s, initially as a pet project by physicists. These Monte Carlo and Molecular Dynamics simulations were later confirmed through clever applications of importance sampling, proving reliable evidence for describing matter.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal H·DateMay 22, 2018
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.

Posttraumatic stress affects academics

A new Penn State research study found that posttraumatic stress symptoms increase risks for academic difficulties in student veterans. Partnered women were particularly affected due to relationship problems impacting their academic functioning.

SourcePenn State·DateMay 22, 2018

Designer cells: Artificial enzyme can activate a gene switch

Researchers developed an artificial metalloenzyme that can penetrate a mammalian cell and accelerate hormone release, activating a gene switch to create a fluorescent protein. This breakthrough enables the modification of cell functions on a genetic level or the creation of drugs from harmless precursors.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 22, 2018

Hepatitis C infections resulting from medical treatment occur despite clear guidelines

A study published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that 63% of Hepatitis C infections resulting from medical treatment were discovered after patients became acutely ill. Researchers highlight the importance of proactive reporting and proper infection control practices to prevent such incidents.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateMay 22, 2018

Power to the people

The University of Utah's Masood Parvania is developing microgrid controllers that can distribute electrical power more efficiently and securely in case of a power outage. His team will test these technologies on a new laboratory setup, also aiming to educate the next generation of power engineers.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateMay 22, 2018
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.

As harmful as dehydration?

A study by McGill University Health Centre researchers has uncovered the mechanisms of overhydration leading to hyponatremia, a common condition in patients with traumatic brain injuries. The study reveals that glial cells detect overhydration and trigger the release of taurine, which inhibits hydration sensing neurons.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 22, 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.

New brain development disorder identified by scientists

Researchers have identified a new inherited neurodevelopmental disease caused by a recessive mutation in the CAMK2A gene, leading to slow growth, seizures, and learning difficulties. The disorder is also linked to other neurological conditions such as epilepsy and autism.

SourceeLife·DateMay 22, 2018

Students taught by highly qualified teachers more likely to obtain bachelor's degree

A study by Se Woong Lee found that students taught by successive teachers with expertise in the subject they're learning are more likely to succeed both short-term and long-term. This suggests that schools can increase student success by prioritizing teacher qualifications and collaboration among educators.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·DateMay 22, 2018

Lead exposure found to affect fertility rates

A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that exposure to lead in the air and topsoil is associated with lower fertility rates among US women and men. The study analyzed data from the 1970s to 2000s and found that reduced airborne lead levels boosted fertility, while higher levels of lead in soil decreased it.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateMay 22, 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.

How coyotes conquered the continent

Researchers mapped coyote range expansion from ancient fossils to modern museum specimens, correcting misconceptions of their original range. Their findings indicate coyotes had a broader geographic distribution than previously thought, with significant expansions into taiga forests, deciduous forests, and tropical rainforests.

SourceNorth Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences·JournalZooKeys·DateMay 22, 2018

Early physical therapy benefits low-back pain patients

A study of 150,000 insurance claims found that patients who saw a physical therapist first had significantly lower rates of opioid prescriptions, advanced imaging services, and emergency department visits. They also had lower out-of-pocket costs and a higher probability of hospitalization in some cases.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalHealth Services Research·DateMay 22, 2018

NASA measures heavy US rainfall from space

NASA analyzed satellite data to measure heavy US rainfall, finding record amounts in the Mid-Atlantic region. The extreme precipitation led to severe flooding along several rivers, including Washington D.C.'s Potomac River.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 22, 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.

Recombinant E. Coli As a biofactory for the biosynthesis of diverse nanomaterials

A recombinant E. coli strain has been developed to biosynthesize 60 different nanomaterials covering 35 elements on the periodic table. The team successfully synthesized 33 novel nanomaterials for the first time, advancing the design of nanomaterials through biosynthesis.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 22, 2018

'Virtual safe space' to help bumblebees

The Bumble-BEEHAVE model predicts individual and interacting effects of stressors on bumblebee survival and informs management recommendations. The tool aids in designing field experiments, risk assessments, and assigning bespoke management advice.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateMay 22, 2018

Link between tuberculosis and Parkinson's disease discovered

Researchers have discovered a potential link between tuberculosis and Parkinson's disease, suggesting that drugs designed to treat Parkinson's may also work for TB. The study found that LRRK2 protein prevents immune cells from clearing bacteria, leading to build-up of protein in neurons that disrupts their function.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateMay 22, 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.

A hidden world of communication, chemical warfare, beneath the soil

Researchers have discovered that soil microbes use chemical signals to defend against each other and devastating crop diseases. The study found that certain bacteria can induce fungi to produce protective compounds, while the fungus's own defense mechanisms are triggered by the bacterial invasion.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalmBio·DateMay 22, 2018

Amazonian 'lookout' birds help other species live in dangerous neighborhoods

A new study by San Francisco State University researchers finds that alarm-calling bird species promote the ability of other species to use risky parts of the forest, bringing together species that normally flock on their own. By creating a safe zone from predators, these birds maintain biodiversity in the rainforest.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalEcology·DateMay 22, 2018
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.