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Science News Archive May 2018 - Page 16


Page 16 of 44

Study finds boys' fitness has declined over past 20 years

Research shows that even healthy-weight boys have become less fit over the past 20 years. The study measured aerobic fitness in 11-year-old boys and found a decline in heart rate recovery, indicating poorer cardiovascular health.

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

UNH researchers find invasive seaweed makes fish change their behavior

Researchers at UNH found that fish prefer kelp habitats over invasive seaweed species, but the shift may leave them with less refuge and protection. The study suggests that continued reduction in available kelp cover could have cascading effects on cunner populations and other ecosystem members.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalJournal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology·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.

New tech may make prosthetic hands easier for patients to use

Researchers developed a user-generic musculoskeletal model that translates neuromuscular signals into commands for prosthetic devices. The technology has shown promising results in early testing with able-bodied and amputee volunteers, potentially paving the way for more intuitive and reliable prosthetic control.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·DateMay 22, 2018

The case for not taxing multinationals

A new study by Nicolai Foss and colleagues argues that taxing Multinational Enterprises (MNEs)' profits is inefficient and detrimental to global welfare. The authors propose replacing corporate tax with a hike in taxes on dividends and sales, claiming this would be more effective and harmonize easier.

SourceBocconi University·JournalJournal of International Business Studies·DateMay 22, 2018

Married couples share risk of developing diabetes

Researchers discovered that a person's risk of developing type 2 diabetes can be predicted based on their partner's BMI. The study, published in Diabetologia, found that women have a heightened risk due to their husband's BMI, regardless of the woman's own weight.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalDiabetologia·DateMay 22, 2018

More frequent checks control MRSA in newborns, but can hospitals afford them?

Researchers found that more frequent MRSA surveillance in newborns can significantly reduce infections, with weekly checks lowering colonization rates by 80% and hospital stays by 61 hours. However, the study suggests that daily surveillance may be too costly and could disrupt care practices, highlighting the need for balanced infectio...

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Hospital Infection·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.

Building a brain, cell by cell: Researchers make a mini neuron network (of two)

Researchers at The University of Tokyo Institute of Industrial Science describe a new method for creating one mini neuron network model, using microscopic plates to connect neurons together one cell at a time. This approach guides neurons to grow in a defined way and form functional communication hubs.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalMicromachines·DateMay 22, 2018

Transgender brains are more like their desired gender from an early age

A study found that brain activity and structure in transgender adolescents are more similar to their desired gender than their assigned biological sex. This suggests that differences in brain function may occur early in development, making brain imaging a useful tool for earlier identification of transgenderism in young people.

SourceEuropean Society of Endocrinology·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.

Science in the palm of your hand: How citizen science transforms passive learners

A study by UC Davis researchers explores how citizen science activities support youth learning and agency in environmental science. Youth participants collected data on bird populations, butterfly life cycles, water quality, and land use, developing skills in data analysis, evaluation, and communication.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience and Children·DateMay 22, 2018

Remote control of transport through nanopores

Scientists have developed a way to alter external factors like voltage to control the transport of molecules through biological channels. The study, published in EPJ E, shows that applying an electric current can overcome energy barriers and facilitate molecule transfer.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·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.

Protected areas and elevational gradients

Researchers analyzed over 40,000 protected areas worldwide to determine areas needing further protection. The analysis found that nearly half of mountain ranges lacked stringent PAs and failed to meet biodiversity conservation goals.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2018

Soft machines

Researchers at UCSB have created a new type of actuator that combines speed and softness, enabling faster and more versatile soft robotic systems. The actuator, made from liquid-metal alloy conductors and magnetized polymer composites, allows for fast and low-voltage movement in various applications.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMay 21, 2018

Children understand plant-animal interdependence by the age of eight

Research by the University of the Basque Country found that children as young as eight can correctly associate plants with animals in their drawings. This suggests that they are developing an understanding of ecological connections and natural phenomena from a young age.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalSustainability·DateMay 21, 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.

Single 'clock' syncs action and perception

A new study published in eNeuro provides evidence for the link between the motor system and our sense of time. Participants in the research task showed synchronization between action preparation and perception, demonstrating that the brain operates at different speeds.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateMay 21, 2018

Personalizing therapeutic brain stimulation

A study on epilepsy patients has shown that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can be used to predict which brain regions will be affected by the treatment. This research could lead to individualized stimulation protocols, improving treatment outcomes for conditions like depression.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateMay 21, 2018

Turning entanglement upside down

Physicists develop novel strategy to probe entanglement Hamiltonian, providing direct access to entanglement spectrum and facilitating investigation of complex many-particle systems. This approach enables concrete statements about entanglement properties, overcoming the challenges posed by classical computers.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 21, 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.

New technique reveals 3D shape of nanostructure's polariton interaction

Researchers at Lehigh University have developed a new technique called peak force scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy (PF-SNOM) that reveals the 3D shape of polariton interaction around nanostructures with improved spatial resolution. The technique enables direct sectioning of vertical near-field signals for both thr...

SourceLehigh University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 21, 2018

Chemists synthesize millions of proteins not found in nature

Researchers have devised a way to rapidly synthesize and screen millions of novel proteins that could be used as drugs against Ebola and other viruses. These 'xenoproteins' offer advantages over naturally occurring proteins, including increased stability and potential for better immune response.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2018

The vessel not taken: Understanding disproportionate blood flow

Researchers developed a new computer model predicting blood flow through capillaries, finding that vessels can switch between even and uneven flow. This study has significant implications for understanding healthy and disease states, and may lead to better prediction of drug transport in microvascular networks.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMay 21, 2018
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.

Pregnant smokers may reduce harm done to baby's lungs by taking vitamin C

A recent study has found that pregnant smokers who take daily vitamin C supplements may have babies with improved lung function and reduced risk of wheeze. The researchers measured forced expiratory flows in infants born to mothers who smoked, and found significant differences in lung function at three months and one year.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 21, 2018

New hope for women with fistula injuries

A new scoring system, known as the Panzi Score, has been developed to assess and treat fistula injuries in women. The tool helps physicians predict surgical success and guides treatment decisions.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalInternational Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics·DateMay 21, 2018

Clues found to early lung transplant failure

A recent study has identified monocytes as key instigators of early lung transplant failure, leading to organ rejection and death. The researchers hope their findings will lead to new therapies targeting inflammatory cells.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 21, 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.

Cell types underlying schizophrenia identified

Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have identified the cell types underlying schizophrenia, providing a roadmap for developing new therapies. The findings suggest that certain cell types contribute to the disorder and may require separate treatments.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 21, 2018

To establish a timescale for more than 10 million years ago

A research team in China has established a Chinese Neogene chronostratigraphic sequence with accurate geological ages. The development of a uniform Neogene biostratigraphic framework for China will help to improve the division and correlation of Neogene strata.

SourceScience China Press·DateMay 21, 2018

Major fossil study sheds new light on emergence of early animal life 540 million years ago

A comprehensive analysis of fossil euarthropods suggests the 'Cambrian Explosion' was a gradual process, with the origin of animals dating back to around 550 million years ago. The study challenges two competing hypotheses on early animal evolution, presenting a middle-ground between slow and rapid evolution.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2018

Graphene paves the way to faster high-speed optical communications

Researchers created a technology that boosts graphene's non-linear optical effects using electrical fields, leading to faster and more reliable ultra-broad bandwidth transfers. This breakthrough could enable larger volumes of information to be processed or transmitted.

SourceGraphene Flagship·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 21, 2018
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.

International award for QUT Head of Nursing

Professor Yates received the prestigious Distinguished Researcher award from the international Oncology Nursing Society for her research on managing common problems experienced by cancer patients. The award recognizes her contributions to enhancing the science and practice of oncology nursing, particularly in Australia.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateMay 21, 2018

Leading UK scientist reveals likely cause of childhood leukaemia

A landmark paper sets out a unified theory for the cause of childhood leukaemia, revealing it may be preventable with treatments to prime the immune system in infancy. The disease is triggered by exposure to infection in children who experienced clean childhoods, highlighting the paradox of progress in modern societies.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalNature Reviews Cancer·DateMay 21, 2018

Age-related racial disparity in suicide rates among US youth

A recent study found that suicide rates among US youth vary significantly by race, with black children aged 5-12 experiencing a nearly two-fold higher risk of suicide compared to white children of the same age group. The researchers highlight the need for further research into contributing factors and targeted interventions.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMay 21, 2018
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.

Ocean anoxia in Late Ordovician mass extinction

Researchers found a prolonged ocean anoxic event worldwide during the Late Ordovician mass extinction, coinciding with peak glaciation and suggesting global cooling may have driven ocean anoxia. This finding could support the theory that global cooling played a role in triggering the LOME.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2018

New PSU study shows higher formaldehyde risk in e-cigarettes than previously thought

Researchers revisited a 2015 study finding e-cigarette vapor contains new forms of formaldehyde, which are bound to particulates and deposited deeper in the lungs, posing higher risks than previously known. The study found both gaseous and new formaldehyde compounds exceeding OSHA workplace limits even at lower heat settings.

SourcePortland State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 21, 2018

Leading edge energy storage technology concept

The FLASC prototype is a world-first offshore renewable energy TLP with integrated energy storage. It stores energy generated by wind turbines, solar PV, and other sources using pressurised seawater and compressed air.

SourceUniversity of Malta·DateMay 21, 2018

Deadly malaria's evolution revealed

A study revealed that Plasmodium falciparum emerged as a human-specific parasite species around 3,000 to 4,000 years ago. The researchers sequenced the genomes of all known malaria parasites and discovered a chain of events leading to its emergence.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMay 21, 2018
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Daily egg consumption may reduce cardiovascular disease

A recent study found that daily egg consumption is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and specific types of stroke. The research, conducted in China, involved over half a million adults aged 30 to 79 and followed them for an average of 8.9 years.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalHeart·DateMay 21, 2018

Single-administration polio vaccine

Researchers developed a single-administration vaccine strategy using an injectable microsphere bearing inactivated polio vaccine, which releases stable antigen over time. The study found that injecting the microspheres into rats elicited a strong immune response against all three IPV antigens.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2018

Patients with high lipoprotein(a) levels may benefit from taking PCSK9 inhibitors

Evolocumab treatment has been shown to effectively reduce lipoprotein(a) levels and decrease the risk of cardiovascular events. Patients with higher baseline lipoprotein(a) levels derived greater absolute benefit from evolocumab treatment, with a 24% decrease in risk of heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 21, 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.

Immune cells hold promise in slowing down ALS

Researchers found that infusions of properly functioning Tregs significantly slowed ALS disease progression in patients. The treatment increased Treg levels by 30-40% and showed promise as a potential treatment for the debilitating disease.

SourceHouston Methodist·DateMay 21, 2018

Women with pregnancy-related diabetes may be at risk for chronic kidney disease

Research suggests that women who have had gestational diabetes may benefit from periodic checkups to detect early-stage kidney damage. The study found a link between high glomerular filtration rates and pre-diabetes, indicating a potential risk for chronic kidney disease.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalDiabetes Care·DateMay 21, 2018

Ice cream funds research showing new strategy against thyroid cancer

Researchers discovered a new strategy against anaplastic thyroid cancer using stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), which showed better results than conventional radiotherapy. The study was made possible by a patient's donation of $10,000 to fund research.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalThyroid·DateMay 21, 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.

Don't wait for a unicorn: Investing in low-carbon tech now will save money

Researchers from Imperial College London found that investing in existing low-carbon energy technologies now can save 61% of future costs compared to waiting for a mythical future technology. Delaying investment can lead to grossly oversized and underutilized power systems, or those that are far from being decarbonised by 2050.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Energy·DateMay 21, 2018

Antique Italian violins mimic human voice

Researchers found that antique Italian violins, such as those by Andrea Amati and Gasparo da Salo, can produce formants similar to the human singing voice. The study suggests that master violin-makers may have designed violins to emulate male voices, which could account for their storied tonal quality.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2018

Mediterranean diet may blunt air pollution's ill health effects

A study found that adhering to a Mediterranean diet can blunt the association between long-term exposure to air pollution and increased risk of deaths from all causes, cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular diseases. However, adherence did not protect against ozone's harmful effects on cardiac health.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 21, 2018